Eric got Red the car of his dreams, and Jackie is hard at work. As the gang surprise each other, no one would expect one event to occur

Chapter 10: Life's Ugly Head

February 4th, 2000

"Floor it Red" Kitty said, as Red merged on to highway 41. Red and Kitty had decided to go to Green Bay as a little get away, celebrating the Doctors report that so far, the medical trial seems to be working. But there was one other stop they planned to make in Green Bay. Red looked at his wife, 'But Kitty, we are in a '56 corvette. Capable of some very high speeds" he said, looking back at the road. 'Red I don't care. We never know when my last ride is going to be, and I wanna feel the rush of racing down highway 41 in the passenger seat of a corvette" Kitty pleaded. Red nodded, as he floored the corvette, pulling into the fast lane.

Point Place High conference room #3

"Oh thank you for bringing that Olivia" Jackie said, as Olivia set her transcripts on the table next to Jackie. Olivia then walked around and took a seat in a chair opposite of Jackie, looking at Jackie very nervously. As she reached for the transcripts, Jackie could sense the nervousness. As she sat back in her chair, Jackie smiled. "Now Olivia, why are you so nervous?" Jackie asked. "Well, first, because my Dad set this up. I don't know if he has expectations or not on this. And, this is the first meeting I've had with a college that has any chance of me being a cheerleader in college. Butler turned me down because my GPA was better than the cheer team average, and they said I was too pretty to compete." Olivia answered, trying to push away the nerves. Jackie bounced her pen off her cheeks after she heard what Olivia said. 'Interesting " Jackie began. Looking at Olivia, she asked "Do you mind if I take a few moments to examine your records". Olivia shook her head. 'Oh not at all. Take your time" she said, leaning back in her chair. Smiling, Jackie leaned forward and grabbed the rest of Olivia's transcript.

Leaning back in her chair, Jackie examined Olivia's records. Olivia has a 3.96 cumulative GPA, member of the National Honor society, ranked number 2 in her class. 'I like what I see here' Jackie thought, setting the records back on the table. Looking at Olivia, 'So Olivia, tell me about your cheer team experience and how that has helped you in life' Jackie said, taking out a pen and notepad. Olivia didn't notice, but looked happily at Jackie "Well for starters I have on varsity cheer for 4 years now. I was named Captain my junior year. I believe that this experience has helped me in life because I have to deal with so many different kinds of people. To keep the team together, I have had to effectively communicate with them as well as acting as moderator when disagreements arise. I have learned patience when under pressure, and I learned to never panic when things don't go perfect" she said, as Jackie jotted some notes down, smiling. Looking back at Olivia, Jackie couldn't stop smiling. "Ok" Jackie began "I have been scouting you at some of these recent home games. You seemed to have the team under control. I did notice that none of the team flipped out when one of your routines went wrong and your flier dislocated her shoulder." Nodding at Olivia, Jackie continued "I have to say, I'm very impressed by what I see here. I am taking a copy of your files with me to the University tomorrow when I meet with some people. I think you are an excellent example of what we are looking for at the University. I will be in touch to check up on you and to set up a follow up meeting to I can tell you what I've been able to do. How does that sound?" She asked, as she stood up and extended her hand. Olivia stood up and shook her hand, smiling "Sounds Good Mrs. Burkhart-Forman. I look forward to hearing from you" "Me too" Jackie smiled as she looked at the clock "Oh dear, you better get going, you have practice in 15 minutes" Jackie said, as Olivia scurried out the door. Jackie smiled as she packed up her copies of Olivia's files.

Suddenly, Jackie heard a tapping at the door. Looking up, she saw Brooke standing there smiling. "Brooke, what are you doing here?" Jackie asked as she gave Brooke a hug. "Well Michael is here giving a presentation on the dangers of reckless driving. And I heard a rumor that you were here having some meetings with potential cheerleaders for the University and decided to poke me head in" Brooke replied. Jackie nodded. "So how's Sheboygan?" Jackie asked as her and Brooke sat down. 'Really great actually' Brooke began 'Michael was recognized for the decrease in the county teen crime rate. And I was named literary consultant to the Sheboygan school board." "Good for both of you" Jackie said, patting Brooke on the back. "Ya it is. How's everything been here in Point place?" Brooke asked. 'Oh interesting if you can believe that' Jackie began 'First, the Forman's signed the house and property over to us. So we now own both houses. Kitty signed up for a clinical trial as a tester for a new treatment they came up with for her disease. Eric bought Red a '56 corvette so Red has been happy as clam" Jackie said, noticing the surprise on Brooke's face. Smiling, Jackie continued with the story as broke looked on in interest.

Point Place Elementary

"Ok Class, show me your best Packers creation." Eric said, as all the students put down their crayons and glue. Walking around the room, Eric nodded in amazement at all the creativity in his students. Stopping in the front of the room, 'Ok class, there is only one way to judge who has the best one' Eric began, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Turning, Eric was greeted by Fez, pockets stuffed with small piece of Candy. 'Fez' Eric exclaimed as he hugged him. 'Can I borrow some of that candy for the class?" Eric asked quietly. Fez nodded as Eric turned around toward the class. 'Class, why don't you say hi to an old friend of mine, Fez' Eric said, pointing to Fez. "What does he do?" the class asked. "Well, my friend is a real life guy who works for the front office, of the Packers" Eric said. "Cool, can we touch him?" The students asked as they all rushed Fez. "After a bit" Fez began, "First I want to give you all a present and see your Packer creations" Fez said, as all the kids scurried back to their spots. "First off, my friend has been kind enough to give you all some candy" Eric said, smiling as the kids greedily reached out for a piece of candy. Fez couldn't help but laugh as he saw their eyes at the mention of Candy.
As Fez finished handing out candy, the bell rang for recess, and the kids were gone in a flash. 'So what brings you by man? Eric asked. "Well I had a PR stop at the coffee shop this morning, and I figured why not drop by and see Eric while I'm in town" Fez said smiling. "Well thank you Fez. Would you mind staying long enough to be the guest judge for best Packer creation?" Eric asked. "Oh I would be glad to" Fez said. Turning towards Eric, "You really have done a wonderful job with those kids. They are so well behaved, and they weren't pushy. They didn't screech and you aren't pulling your hair out" Fez said as both he and Eric chuckled.

'Ya I know, all my students love me, the parents love me, the principal loves me. I keep the kids in tow with the good ole rewards system. They don't always get a reward, but they know that if they behave, sooner or later it gets them a reward" Eric said smiling. Fez nodded. "Ya I heard some rumors in Green Bay that you are one of the finalists in the running for Elementary School Teacher of the Year, and Wisconsin's Board of Education Excellence in Teaching Award" Fez said, as Eric sat back in his chair surprised. "Cool" Eric said, nodding. "It'd be cool if I win. But if I don't nothing changes here" He said smiling as Fez joined in on the smile. As the quieter bell rung, Eric turned to Fez.

"Here they come, they are so excited to have a guest today" he said patting Fez on the back. After the students all took their seats, Eric went back to the front of the room. "Ok class, before we start the judging, there is a slight change of plans. Our guest from the Packers front office has volunteered to be the judge" Eric said, as the whole class smiled. Fez smiled as he began looking at all the creations.

Green Bay

"No thank you sir" Donna yelled, slamming the phone down. Donna had been fighting with the contractors all day about what kind of flooring they were supposed to be putting in, as the contractor insisted they said laminate, but Fez and Donna had said Oak wood floors. Donna was ready to punch a wall, but was interrupted by a horn she hadn't heard in years. Stepping outside, Donna could see a 56 corvette pulling. Running to the car, Donna could see Kitty and Red sitting there laughing. As Kitty got out, Donna hugged her. 'Kitty, Red. What brings you guys by?" Donna asked. "Well we were going shopping, and we were wondering if we could bring Lucy with" Kitty explained. Donna nodded, "Oh this is perfect. Me and Ricardo were planning on going to the go kart track but Lucy didn't want to come. Hang on a sec, I'll go get her" Donna said, as she ran back in the house. Moments later, she emerged with a smiling Lucy in tow. Without Second thought, Lucy hopped in the corvette as red started the engine. Donna waved, 'You guys be safe, we'll see you later" she said, as the car pulled out of the driveway.

Eric's house 8:45PM

"So Kelso was giving a presentation against reckless driving?" Eric asked, as Jackie nodded., neither one of them able to contain their laughter. "So what was Kelso supposed to do after the presentation?" Eric asked. "Oh he went back on duty as soon as he got back to Sheboygan." She said, as her and Eric finished putting away the clean dishes. Eric smiled as Jackie went into the living room and settled in for their weekly couples movie night. Eric poured 2 glasses of wine, and entered the living room. As he handed one to Jackie, they were interrupted by a ringing noise. Looking at the table, Eric could see it was his cell phone. Groaning, Eric reached over and picked it up. "Hello" he said, as Jackie moved closer to listen in. "Hello is this Eric Forman?" a male voice asked, as Eric replied "Yes it is". "Hi Eric, this is Tom from St. Nick Hospital in Sheboygan. I'm calling to inform you about one Michael Kelso. " The man said, as Eric and Jackie froze. "This evening, there was a shootout at a local movie theater. Michael was one of the first on scene. Michael was shot 6 times and remains in Critical condition. His wife has asked me to have you come up to the hospital" the man finished. Jackie looked at Eric with wide eyes but nodded. "Ya I'll be there as soon as I can" Eric replied, hanging up the phone. Looking back at Jackie, he gave her a peck on the cheek before darting out the door.

Jackie took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen, hoping to make a small snack, but yet another phone ringing interrupted her. 'Ugh' She thought as she walked over an picked it up. "Hello?" a female voice said on the other end. "Kat?" Jackie replied 'What's wrong?". "It's Steven and our daughter Brooke" she said, her voice slightly cracking. "What's wrong with them?" Jackie asked. "They were supposed to be home an hour ago" Kat replied. "Where were they coming from?" Jackie asked. "They said they went to Minneapolis for some records convention." Kat said. "Have you tried calling him?" Jackie asked. "Yes. But he hasn't picked up. What If something happened to them Jackie?" Kat asked, worry crossing her voice. Sitting at the table, Jackie took a deep breath 'Ok Kat, calm down." Jackie began "Don't always think the worst in times like this. I know there are areas between Madison and Minneapolis that have no cell service. I also heard there were long construction delays just inside the Wisconsin border, within a dead zone. So Kat. Take a deep breath and calm down. They will be home. And Kat, if they aren't home by you should worry. And that's when you call me back" Jackie said, slightly annoyed. "Ok thank you Jackie" Kat said hanging up the phone. Setting the phone on the table, Jackie groaned. While she liked how protective Kat was, she hated how panicked she would get over little things. 'I've got so much else to worry about. But I'll stop while I'm in Madison tomorrow" Jackie said, as she got up to finish making her snack.

Kelso was injured in a police shootout at a movie theater and Eric is on his way to see him. Jackie has assured Kat that Hyde will show up. But does he? Or does Jackie have to go to Madison 6 hours earlier than expected?

Stay tuned.