Two Paths, Your Choice

Synopsis: Eric's guardian angel shows him a vision of what life with Jackie would be like, before his first date with Donna.

A/N: Combines It's A Wonderful Life and First Date into AU JE goodness. Formerly titled A Twisted 70's Show. I know that because the show has been off the air this fandom in general isn't as popular as it once was, but give it a chance. Spread the word. As always, read, enjoy and review.

Date: Feb 14, 1977, Midnight

It's midnight in Point Place, no cars or people roamed the streets, no were shops open, nothing but the soothing sound of crickets filled the air. And here at the Forman house, everyone was tucked away in their beds, Kitty and Red sound asleep in their bed, Hyde snoring and mumbling "Damn government" in his, and in Eric's bed the youngest Forman, is dreaming, dreaming about his upcoming date with Donna.

How perfect it'll be, she in a dress that actually made her look feminine, and he in a sports jacket that gave the illusion of shoulders, they would make their way to The Hub, which he requested for the night and share a romantic turkey dinner with stolen glances and subtle flirting which would lead to a kiss that'll official begin their relationship.

Eric sighed contently into his pillow, sinking in deeper, until he felt a tap on his shoulder, he stirred but didn't get up. The tapping became more aggressive, which finally caused him to turn, open his eyes and scream. There was a man in his room, dressed in white.

"Wh, who are you?" Eric stammered, but clearly wide awake.

"I'm your guardian angel," the man replied serenely.

"My what? Man, I need to stop hitting the stash before bed."

"I'm your guardian angel, I'm here to show you two paths that will affect your entire life, come with me Eric Forman, we must make haste."

"Dude are you coming onto me, and come you're not an angel you don't even float."

Exasperated, the man huffed, and his voice changed into a more gruff tone, "Fine."

Suddenly light radiated around him and he was floating while a heavenly chorus vocalized.

"There happy? Can we go now, I have a schedule to keep, I have go tell Reagan he'll win the 1980 election not the 1976 one, that man wants the White House so bad," the man shook his head.

"Okay," Eric said warily, but got out of bed anyway.

"Now take my hand, and let us begin your journey of enlightenment," the angel said voice soft and serene once more

"Okay, you're not going to talk like that the whole time are you?"

"I have to union rules," he said in the gruff tone.

As he take a hold of Eric's wrist, the room was engulfed in a blinding white light and suddenly they were gone.

(***)

They were transported back to the night of the Todd Rundgren concert, with Donna and another Eric presumably his past self or alternate universe self on the hood of the Vista Cruiser.

"I'm gonna call it a night," Donna said as she leapt of and his other self moved over to her spot.

Seconds later she came back kissed him and left again.

"I already know this why show me his again?" Eric asked.

"Because it was because this kiss that has led you to where you are today."

"What you mean our first date? Of course, but I've always liked Donna."

The angel turned to him, "Are you sure?"

"What? YES! She's all I've been thinking about since I was 6."

The angel then rested his hand on Eric's forehead and closed his eyes, opening them seconds later. "Let's move on," he said simply. Although he knew Eric had been dreaming and thinking of another girl as well.

Another flash of light and they were back witnessing the car hood scene again. Only this time Donna didn't come back to kiss his AU-self. Instead, after waiting several more minutes, Jackie came by.

"Thanks Eric."

His other self lifted himself and looked at her.

"For what?"

"For giving up your ticket and spending the night with me."

"No problem, cheerleader," he ribbed with a smile on his face.

"Well good night, scrawny neighbor boy," she ribbed back, with a laugh.

The two stared at each other before, closing the distance between them and let their lips touch just slightly before she pulled back with a shocked look on her face. He in turn leapt off the car and closed the distance between them once more, lifting her chin and following through with the kiss they started. It was everything he thought it would be, her lips fitting perfectly between his and the softness of her lips providing the encouragement he needed to deepen it. For her, it was a pleasant surprise, for a boy that she perceived to be inexperienced and a lousy kisser, this is the best kiss she's ever had. What really stood out to her was how he took control, how he dictated her movements not the other way around. When they broke away, she was left wanting more, while he was smiling.

"Well good night Eric," Jackie said and left quickly.

"Right, like I'm gonna sleep tonight," he said to no one and climbed back onto the hood.

Looking at the scene before him, present day Eric turned to his guardian angel, scowled and said, "What was...THAT?! I would never kiss Jackie I can hardly stand being in the same room, let alone having our mouths wrestle. And besides Donna already kissed him on the Vista Cruiser we can't change that."

Calmly his angel said, "I realize that however this is a vision of what could have been and although you say that about Jackie, but you don't mean it. I saw your mind and heart's true desire, that is why I'm showing you this."

Taking in the angel's words, Eric thought about how Jackie, was the perfect fit for him, she is loyal; he is loyal, she, other than being a cheerleader wasn't overly athletic; neither was he, he was an overly romantic person; she liked overly romantic gestures, the more he thought about him and Jackie together the more visible a slight smile became. However, shaking free of his fantasies, he turn to his guardian angel and said, "Look, even if that's true, Donna and I get along better, Jackie and I never got along even as kids. Plus, there's no guarantee she feels the same way."

"That's why this is your choice to make, the path with Donna is familiar and welcoming, but the path with Jackie may be just as rewarding, if you get past your insecurities about it. Come, I have one more vision I must show you."

A grab of Eric's wrist and another flash of light and they were off.

They were now in a gym auditorium. Eric looked around, a banner read, 'Welcome Class of 1978, 10th Year Reunion'.

"My 10th year high school graduation?"

"Indeed."

"Where are the rest of the gang?" As he said that he spotted Fez at the front on turntables and a keyboard. He hadn't gotten rid of his accent, but his hair certainly changed.

He then spotted Hyde and Donna together, Hyde had cut his hair into a respectable crop, was clean-shaven but still hadn't gotten rid of his trademark aviators, Donna was in a blue loose dress accentuated by the bump on her stomach.

He then spotted Kelso, not much changed with him looks-wise but he was in a suit and seemed more aware and grown-up, if that was even possible for him.

Soon, his AU-self walked in with Jackie on his arm. God, she looked gorgeous, long straight hair, modest make-up but enough to bring out her eyes and cheeks, dressed in a knee-length semi-formal "Little Black Dress" with a U.S. flag pinned to one of her straps. He was in a black executive business suit, with an identical flag pin looped through his lapel.

"Okay what's with the flag pins?" Present Eric asked.

"You're a junior Congressman for Wisconsin's 2nd District."

"What? How?"

"You went to Marquette University following graduation then received a law degree from Cornell University in New York after that. Jackie's father helped you during your campaign as your campaign manager."

"And Jackie?" He asked, still not believing that not only did he go to Marquette but also an Ivy League school.

"When she graduated she followed you to Marquette, she's now a Fashion Editor for Vogue magazine."

"How long have we been together?"

"Since February 14, 1976, you proposed to her on New Year's 1980."

"Wait February 14, 1976, that's today," Eric says freaking out a little.

"Nothing gets past you," the angel said in the gruff voice once more.

"Do we have kids?" He asked cautiously

"Two, a boy, 4, and a girl, age 2."

"Oh my god, oh my god," he started to hyperventilate.

"Calm down, this is a vision of what could be, nothing is set in stone, it is still your life to live."

Eric calmed a bit at those words. "Okay, I think I'm better now. Can you give the run-down on the rest?"

"Hyde and Donna got together shortly after you started dating Jackie, with her urging and pressure from your parents he went to UW-Madison with her and is now a businessman opening FotoHut locations across the Midwest after Leo left it to him. Donna is a nurse, she was inspired by your mother after Bob had a heart attack."

"Is Bob okay?"

"It was mild one, he survived."

"Kelso is now Cedar Rapids number #1 news anchor at 10. At one point he was competing with Peter Jennings to be the solo anchor for ABC World News. Fez is a DJ at radio station in Kenosha under the name 'Funny Fez.'"

"Wow, so I guess everyone's lives worked out."

"Yes, and the trigger for that is you and Jackie getting together."

"Okay, although everyone's futures turned out okay, I'm not convinced. Me and Jackie? Come on...," he drifted.

The angel looked at him with an exasperated expression.

"Can't you give me something that'll make my decision easier?"

"I cannot reveal to much of a person's life to them, but I will say this, Donna makes you happy and safe because she's familiar, but ultimately you don't change much in personality, Jackie, meanwhile makes you challenge her and together the two of you change for the better," the angel looked at his watch, "Come we must leave."

(***)

They arrived back in Eric's bedroom with Eric back in bed, the angel leaves with one final warning, "However you choose and whomever you choose, remember the visions tonight are of things that may happen, you cannot live your life thinking that regardless of what you do it will still turn out that way, you are still free of will and mind to make decisions that will ultimately affect you." With a final flash of light he was gone.

Eric looks at his radio alarm clock, "12:05" it read. All that took just five minutes.

Eric shook his head trying the clear it and to comprehend what the hell just happened. Was it a dream, a supernatural revelation or after-effects of the stash? He settled in bed again trying to regain sleep, only he couldn't. He tossed and turned and was uncomfortable regardless of the position he was in. He sighed, sleep was not going to come easy for him tonight, so he resigned his mind to thinking; thinking about who means more to him, Donna - the girl next door or Jackie - the popular one he never really got to know.

He sat up in bed, and really focused, thinking about Donna. Donna has always been there for him, she's always been the one that had him laugh, always been the one who made him feel wanted. And while she did flirt and mention that she liked him, it was odd that even now she fought with him playfully as if they were still kids, this always made him wonder if she was going to ever be serious about a relationship between them. Some of the playful fights resulted in them being in compromising positions, but Donna always seemed to hesitate to act on whatever was there, and would quickly laugh it off which, at least now he thought was a bit off-putting.

Aesthetically, he had always thought she was beautiful in a tomboy-ish kind of way. It was rare for her to wear anything feminine, and when she did, she felt a bit self-conscious he always thought. Because she would never show herself to others, it was always family or close friends (i.e. his family or the gang).

Furthermore, she hated romantic gestures, he remembered one time in 5th grade he made her a rose out of pipe cleaners and she looked at it like he had given her a worm. She held onto it, and thanked him but it wasn't sincere. But despite all that she is his first love. Or is she just a crush? A crush he's had for 10 years, he couldn't really tell at this point, not after what he saw tonight.

(***)

His mind started to drift to Jackie, the she-devil. For as long as he could remember, that's what she was to him, but he still couldn't shake the words the angel said to him, 'I saw your mind and heart's true desire, that is why I'm showing you this,' he pondered those words he continued to to think about the possibility of him and Jackie, together. He remembered when they became "friends". She had just moved to Point Place and was sitting on the swings at the park he and his mother frequented. As Kitty let him go over to the playground, he made a bee-line for her since he hadn't seen her around before.

"Hi," seven-year-old Eric greeted her brightly.

"Hi," five-year-old Jackie replied shyly swinging her feet looking at her white sneakers.

"Are you new?"

"Hmm-hmm," she replied still not looking up at him.

"My name's Eric Forman. What's yours?"

"Jackie Burkhart."

"Why do you look so sad?"

"Because I don't have any friends," she said on the verge of tears.

"Well, I'll be your friend."

She looked up at him a small smile shown through, "Really?"

"Sure."

"But I heard boys and girls can't be friends, they say it's against the rules."

"Well I'm kinda friends with another girl and she's mean but nothing's happened yet."

"Oh," Jackie perked up, "Okay."

"Do you want a push?"

"Hmm-hmm."

Snapping out of his flashback, he chuckled, that was probably the last time he and Jackie were on good terms. She eventually started liking Kelso, even as kids and up until a few months ago, they were together. She broke up with him after Fez let it slip that he was dumping her.

Trying to refocus, Eric thought what about Jackie would make her "the One" for him. She was bossy, annoying and loud. The more he thought about it the more it seems that Jackie wasn't the one he should pick.

Then he thought about how she shared his affinity for the romantic gesture; she was always telling Kelso he should be more romantic.

He continued to think about how loyal she is; despite Kelso kissing Pam Macy behind the bleachers on several occasions she still stayed and forgave him.

He thought about how she didn't partake in any of the group's vices; when they drank beer, she drank a pop; when they went for the stash, she always left. He admired the fact that she was clean.

He thought about how feminine she is, taking pride in her appearance, a little vanity never hurt. And he would be lying if he hadn't dreamt of kissing her. He imagined it would be amazing, since her features seemingly looked as if they were made for his.

Shaking his head clear again, he wondered, even if he did like her, would she return the sentiment? That was the "X-Factor", with Donna there was no mistake or grey area as to whether she liked him, it was simply a matter of whether she was serious about being in a relationship with him. Jackie was a complete mystery, he may or may not like her, but what were her feelings towards him. As he pondered this his eyes began to get heavy, he could feel sleep trying to reign him in, so it let it, no use in fighting it. He'll sort out the rest tomorrow.

(***)

Eric woke up without the aid of his alarm clock and despite how early it was he was smiling. He had too much to think about especially after the angel's visit, something he still contends was because of the stash, but moreover it was because the dream he had after he fell asleep again.

This time it was Jackie, that he was on a date with, and to his surprise it was going incredibly well, it ended in a long goodnight kiss and a promise of a second date. Then his mind set itself on fast-forward showing him scenes that, he remembered smiling at in his sleep. Such as him giving Jackie a promise ring and seeing her smiling face as he slipped it on her. Their prom night, where she looked amazing in a white satin dress. Her crying when he made good on his promise ring and proposed to her, on Valentine's Day during her Sophomore and his Senior year at Marquette. She in a hospital bed resting, after delivery of their son.

It was eerily similar to the vision the angel showed him. And although he enjoyed the dream it doesn't mean Jackie was the one for him or that it'll turn out that way. Does it? Shaking his head clear for nth time since last night, he got up and got ready for school.

(***)

As he walked out to the Vista Cruiser, he was met by a 'Hey' from Donna. He greeted her in turn. As they stood there awkwardly, he finally spoke, "So... do you want a ride?"

"Yeah, sure," she replied sheepishly.

The silence filled the cabin until Donna spoke, "Eric, about tonight," she hesitated a bit before continuing, "I can't go with you."

The news caused a rush of something to wash over Eric; it wasn't panic, more relief, if he had to describe it.

"Oh really?" His voice was surprisingly calm for someone who just got blown off.

"Yeah, I had this dream last night and well... let's just say we weren't a match."

"Oh, I see," he feigned hurt a little, but inside he was actually a bit glad, he neglected to say anything about his own dreams or the vision.

"I'm really sorry."

"Donna don't be, although I think it's a bit weird for you to put so much weight on one dream, it might be for the best."

She slightly taken back by his answer and back-handed acceptance, she had expected him to go ballistic and yell and demand more of an explanation, but he didn't. She was quietly thankful for it.

"So, can I ask someone else then?" He asked suddenly.

"Yeah Eric, I shouldn't stop you from enjoying Valentine's. And just so you know, just because it didn't work out with us, doesn't mean I consider you any less of a friend. you'll always be my best friend just, you know, not in that way."

"Wow, golly gee thanks Donna you're swell," he sarcastically teased her with a smile.

"Shut up," she smiled.

Well, he did ask for something to make his decision easier last night, maybe this was it, he thought. Now all he had to do was find out Jackie's feelings, he thought as he pulled up to the school.

(***)

It was about lunch time when Eric decided to find Jackie, he knew where she was, he just didn't want to make it obvious that he was talking to her, for her sake. She is a cheerleader after all and it would not be advantageous for her to be seen with him. Luckily, he found her alone practicing near the bleachers.

Her hair was tied in a ponytail and she was wearing green spandex pants, a white long sleeve with the initials 'PP' on the left chest and white tennis shoes, her practice uniform he figured. He paused to watch her, one, to make sure no one saw him; two, to work up the courage to speak to her, because standing here right here watching her he started to feel butterflies, either that or the cafeteria's mystery meat on Monday's didn't agree with him. He took a deep breath, scanning the area again for any prying or gossiping eyes, and walked over to her.

As he was walking over, he saw her do toe touches, he forgot you had to be flexible and athletic to be a cheerleader because usually he would see her in a slight puffy jacket, bell bottoms or a denim dress, here though she looked completely in her element and if he had to admit it she looked hot and incredibly cute all at the same time. The butterflies were back.

As she landed, he reached her.

"Hey," he said nervously.

Jackie looked up, "Eric, what are you doing here?" Her tone was more out of curiosity than annoyance. Since he never really sought her out except for the occasional class project.

"Hey, um, can we talk?"

"About?" She crossed her arms defensively.

"Well come here and I'll explain."

She shrugged but followed him to the bleachers, and as he looked around before sitting so did she.

"What's this about, Eric?"

His mind suddenly drew a blank, how to start a conversation with someone you barely got along with and with the purpose of finding out if she liked you or not. He was in deep sh-.

His reverie was broken when she snapped at him. "Eric!"

"Huh? Oh right sorry," he apologized. She was now getting impatient crossing her leg and shaking it.

He took a deep breath, "Jackie, do you still have feelings for Kelso?"

She was not expecting that. "No...," she said tentatively.

"Are you sure?"

Why was Eric Forman suddenly asking about whether she still has feelings for Michael? Did Michael want to get back together and sent Eric as a proxy? Or was it something else.

"Why are you asking me this?" Her voice soft and quiet.

"Because," he took another deep breath, "I need to know." His voice gaining confidence and he wasn't as nervous now.

"Did Michael send you?" Another soft question escaped her.

"No."

So, Michael didn't want to get back together, so why was Eric here?

She looked at him trying to see if she could read him, she couldn't, but she did see his green eyes. They were mesmerizing, she couldn't tear her eyes away when she finally said in an almost dream-like state, "Yes, yes I'm sure."

"Good, because I was wondering if you wanted to be my Valentine?"

"Uh-huh...," she said dreamily, before snapping out of whatever it was his beautiful green orbs sucked her into. "Wait, what?"

He chuckled, "I was asking if you would be my Valentine, Miss Burkhart."

She giggled, but quickly recovered, "What about Donna, I thought she was your Valentine, plus, you had this big first date tonight?"

"Yep, had. Keyword there is 'had', she told me this morning that she had a dream and that in that dream we weren't a match. I didn't really ask for specifics."

"So why me?"

Crap, million-dollar question time. "Because I think I can make you happy, much happier than you were when you were with Kelso. I think we would make a great couple. I've been thinking about you more often than Donna and despite her being my best friend, she always seemed to be just that. She told Kelso she liked me, but she never really followed through with it."

Jackie sat there and listened to him, taking in his words, they were sincere, just like he was, she always admired his loyalty, she knew he wouldn't be asking her or telling her any of this if Donna was still in play. She was just like him in many ways, they both were quick with wits, something Red referred to as being a smart-mouth; both were definitely loyal, she didn't have to question his and he certainly didn't need to question hers; they were utter romantics, plain and simple; both wanted to be happy, she knows she does after all of Michael's transgressions.

And while she won't admit this to anyone but herself, she had been thinking about Eric a lot lately too, thinking about him and being with him made her feel safe and wanted. It began after she broke up with Michael, she envisioned Eric being the one who held her in bed, she dreamt that he was the one who kissed her, and more importantly he was the one whom she gave herself to, however those were merely dreams, they would never happened, right?

"What makes you so sure that I feel the same way?" She didn't want it to sound bitchy or defensive because she might be setting herself up for a major burn, she could never be too careful.

But that's how he perceived it, and was crestfallen. "Jackie... I, yeah, sorry, I should go."

He got up and started to walk away, hands in his pockets, head down, kicking the track field dirt. She watched him take a few more steps and guilt started to flood over her, he came here on his own, it wasn't some elaborate burn setup. "Eric wait!" She ran over to him, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to come out that way," she looked up at him. He still looked dejected.

She had to bite the bullet, she sighed, "If you tell anyone about what I'm about to tell you, I'll hunt you down and tear off your nads."

He smiled at her overly aggressive threat, but allowed her to continue without protest.

"Ever since I broke up with Michael, I thought about how you would make me feel. I envied Donna because you treated her like any woman wanted to be treated, you made her feel wanted and safe, I wanted that so much, I knew Michael wouldn't give that sense of security to me. Almost every night, I dreamt about what it would be like if it was you; what it would be like if you were the one that held me, kissed me, made love to me," she paused to catch her breath but also to blink back some tears, "Now I have the opportunity to find out," she finished with a tender smile.

Eric's expression brightened significantly and he rewarded Jackie with smile of his own.

"Does that mean?" He took her hand, forgetting where they were.

"Yes, Eric," she beamed and leapt into his arms wrapping hers around his neck. He placed one hand at the small of her back and another near her shoulder blades to steady them both. She leaned in and placed her head on his shoulders, he took in the smell of vanilla in her hair and slowly let her down. When he did, she was still beaming, the smile on her face and the brightness in her eyes never dissipated as she hooked her arm around him and leaned on his shoulder.

They then heard the bell, "Walk me to homeroom?"

"Absolutely, m'lady," he said with a smile.

As they walked, Eric finally asked what had been planning, "Jackie, do you want to go out tonight?"

"As what?" She half-teased. She didn't really know where she stood with him; what she was to him.

"My Valentine and my girlfriend," he said simply, but the sincerity in his voice told her he was serious, he wanted a relationship with her, he wasn't just feeding her lines because Donna blew him off.

She squeezed his waist tighter and leaned in closer, "Yes," she whispered.

"I'll pick up at 7?"

She nodded as they reached her homeroom, "See you then," she tip-toed and kissed his cheek before heading in.

He walked to to homeroom with an extra spring in his step. As he thought about all the craziness of the past 12 hours. It was either a visit by an angel or it was an after-effect of the stash he still wasn't sure, either way, Donna told him they would always be friends (and he didn't get mad), just not together and he got not only a confession from Jackie but also got her to agree to a date and the prospect of a long-term relationship.

(***)

As soon as he got home, he went straight to Red. Red was in the living room watching TV, so he figured no time like the present.

"Uh, hey Dad," he started tentatively, Red looked at him, "Do you think you could do me a favor?"

A favor, what am I, one of his dopey friends? Red thought, but relented, "What is it boy?"

Holy crap it might happen, okay, steady Forman. "Um, do you think I could borrow that Navy suit Mom bought you and 50 bucks?"

Red leered at him, "Why?"

"Because I have a date tonight and I want to impress her, and you always taught me, the worth of a man is in the clothes he wore."

Red smiled, maybe his son wasn't a dumbass after all.

"Who are you tying to impress, son?"

"Umm, Jackie...," he waited for the hammer to come down.

And he thought it was when Red stood up, "Jackie? You mean the little annoying girl? What happened to Donna?"

"She just wants to stay friends," Eric said sheepishly.

"Ha, oh well, at least you made the right choice. Here's a 50." Red pulled out a 50 and gave it to his son.

"Thank you, sir. Wait, you're okay with me and Jackie? You're not mad about Donna?"

"Why would I be mad, she said 'no' to you, besides I like Jackie, she's one the few friends you have that is actually useful. And you need a girl that'll keep you in line, Jackie will do that."

Eric knew he was pushing his luck but it had to be asked, "Wait, and you think Donna can't?"

Red heaved a sigh, slapped a hand on Eric's shoulder and said, "Now I never said that, but ever since you two were kids you've always been too comfortable around each other, and it might cause you to do, well, more stupid things than you already do."

"Aww, gee thanks Dad," he thanked sardonically.

"Well have a good time," Red said as he headed into the kitchen for a beer.

Maybe his Dad was right, he needs a girl who will push him, not one that'll go with the flow. As he thought about Red's words he went and grabbed the Navy suit and nice tie from his parents' closet.

Eric got some homework done then started to get ready at 5:30. Jackie's house wasn't too far away so he figured he'd be there by 6:50, since he wanted to get her a present along the way.

He showered, shaved the few hairs that did grow on his face, got dressed, and put on a touch of Colorado Sage cologne, his favorite. It actually gave him a fresh, manly scent.

He headed downstairs at 6:00, and was immediately caught by his mother in the living room.

"Oooh, look at you, where are you going looking all fancy-manshy," she ended with her trademark laugh.

"Uh, a date."

"Oh, a date," she emphasized 'date' with another laugh, this time shorter, "So who's the lucky lady?"

"Aww, Mom can we please not do this?" he begged.

"Well, just tell me her name and I'll send you on your way, how's that?"

Eric acquiesced, "Fine," he sighed, "It's Jackie, 'kay, bye," he said quickly, kissed his mother's cheek and headed for the kitchen as quickly as he could, only to be stopped by a 'Hold it' from Kitty and he turned back.

"What happened to Donna?"

"She told me this morning she thinks we'd be better off as friends."

"Oh honey, I'm so sorry," she went to embrace him.

"Mom, mom," he tried to pry her away, "You're wrinkling the suit," he finally said and she released.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, as it turns out I think Jackie might be a better fit for me, even Dad thinks so."

"Okay, well, I'm just worried about you."

"I know, but I need to go," He gave his mother another goodbye kiss and left.

(***)

Eric arrived at Jackie's around 6:45 after buying a corsage from Fenton Jewelers, it's a simple gift but he hoped it'll be the first of many, eventually a wedding ring if that was in the cards.

He stood outside Burkhart Estates, readying himself for the night to come. Other than an ill-fated party, Eric had never really been here before, as he really looked at the massive house behind 10-foot iron gates he wondered which one of those rooms was Jackie's. Taking a deep breath, he buzzed the gate.

"Yes?" Came a feminine voice from inside

"Hi, I'm Eric Forman, I'm here for Jackie."

"Oh yes, Eric, Jackie is very excited, one second, sweetie."

A few seconds later, he heard a click and opened the gate, making his long trek up to the porch. When he reached the front door he was let in by the maid, he assumed, and was immediately enveloped in a hug by a tall, tanned, statuesque woman.

When she released him, she gave him the once over and introduced herself.

"I'm Pam, Jackie's mother. My, don't you look handsome. It's so nice to see Jackie dating someone a clear head on their shoulders."

He smiled inward. Guess Kelso never got along with Jackie's parents. "Umm, thank you."

"My husband Jack is away on business, you'll meet him some other time. Come in to the living room," Pam led Eric to the living room where during the party he had sang to Donna on top of the grand piano. "Can I get you anything?"

"Oh, no thank you, Mrs. Burkhart."

"Please, call me Pam."

"Will do...uh, Pam," he said nervously.

"Well make yourself comfortable I'll go see what's keeping Jackie."

"Thank you."

As Pam left, Eric blew out a breath. It's really happening, he thought. Ten minutes, later Jackie came down in a white satin dress with matching white heels, her long hair down and done in beach curls, her angelic face shimmered with sparkling lip gloss, and her eyes, oh God, those eyes, were accentuated with the perfect amount of liner and a hint of smokey eye shadow. God, she looked amazing. No, amazing didn't do her justice, drop-dead gorgeous, maybe? No. She was simply breathtaking.

"You look...," he tugged at his dress shirt a little then tried again. "You look..."

Jackie giggled, "Thank you, Eric."

He presented her with the corsage. "Here this is for you."

"Oh my god, it's beautiful," she slipped it on her wrist.

"Compared to you it isn't."

Pam, have stood there watching the entire exchange, interjected, "Okay you kids, hurry up or you'll be late."

"Oh right. We should go," he offered Jackie he arm, she took it and looped hers into his.

"You kids have fun now!" Pam called as the pair made it down the driveway.

"Thanks Mom," Jackie turned and replied

"Thank you, Mrs..Pam." Eric corrected.

They reached the Cruiser and drove off.

Curious, Jackie spoke after a few minutes of silence, "So, where are you taking me?"

"Huh? Oh, Fatso Burger," he said nonchalantly, never taking his eyes off the road.

Jackie's eyes bulged and her voice rose, "What? I got all dressed up for Fatso Burger? Take me home."

What she didn't hear during her mini rage-outburst was Eric snickering. It wasn't until he let out a full-out gut laugh that she glared at him, "Oh ha-ha, very funny Eric," she pouted, "Now where are you taking me, really?"

"The Vineyard."

An excited gasp escaped her throat and her eyes brightened from their dark menacing look a few seconds early.

E/N: To be continued...