Hello 1980!

Part 4 - Pesky Little Problem

January 25, 1980

Donna's dorm room

2:00pm

"And then, he bought me the most gorgeous earrings. They're emeralds and they..." Jackie jabbers.

"Uh huh," Donna says. The phone sits on her desk next to her book as she copies communications theories. As long as she throws in a few "uh huhs" every now and then, Jackie will keep talking and leave her alone. Donna's glad things are going well with Fez, but Jackie can go on and on and on. This call has lasted over an hour already.

"Donna, are you even listening to me?" Jackie sounds annoyed.

"Uh huh," Donna says as she scribbles away.

Jackie scoffs. "Fine then, I'll talk to you later."

"Uh huh," Donna says, "wait, do you mean tomorrow later or later tonight?"

Jackie laughs, "You're so funny, Donna. Bye!"

Donna hangs up and rubs her forehead. Hopefully Jackie doesn't call until tomorrow. She can't have any more distractions.

The phone rings. Donna sighs and answers. "Hello?"

"Donna, honey, hi!" says Kitty.

"Hey, Mrs. Forman, how are you?" Donna asks, pleasantly surprised.

"I'm just fine. I just wanted to know if you're coming home this weekend. Steven is moving into his new place and we could sure use those strong arms of yours."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Forman, but I have to stay and study."

"Oh. Well, I guess the boys will have to make do without you then."

"They sure will. Goodbye Mrs. Forman," Donna says.

Donna takes a deep breath and continues with her work.

Less than five minutes pass before the phone rings again. Donna rolls her eyes and answers. "Hello?"

"Hey beautiful!" says Eric, his boyish grin apparent even over the phone.

"Not now, Eric, I have to study," Donna says.

"Oh, okay. So, later then?" Eric sounds so disappointed.

"Later," Donna confirms, then hangs up. Finally, peace and quiet!

The phone rings. Donna throws her head back and huffs.

"Hello?" she answers. Upon hearing the voice on the other end, she rolls her eyes. "Hi, Dad."

So much for getting any work done.

-----------

Jackie sits alone on the couch, rubbing the earrings Fez gave her between her fingers. They are beautiful, but they do nothing to fill the void in her heart. She has given it her all this past week. She laughs at all his jokes, kisses him constantly, and talks about him every chance she gets. He is wonderful, but she still does not love him. . She feels so guilty that she doesn't feel for him the way he does for her. The worst part is she cares about him too much to break his heart.

"Jackie!" Fez says as he bursts through the door, "I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise? For me?" Jackie smiles and feigns surprise. Fez surprises her with something every other day. It is getting old.

"You remember Christine St. George?"

"The bitch who fired me? Yeah," Jackie says.

"Yes, well, she came into the salon today and she hired me as her own, personal stylist!" Fez says.