Now and Then

Eric Forman never imagined his junior year would be anything other than the usual-lazy days with his friends, way too much homework, and hanging out in the basement. But when Beverly Sinclair, the girl he's known since childhood, comes back to Point Place, everything changes. There's something different about her now. She's not the same girl Eric used to know-she's more confident, more radiant, and suddenly, Eric realizes that maybe he's always had feelings for her... feelings he never really let himself acknowledge before.

Beverly's return stirs up old memories and new emotions, and Eric finds himself quietly caught in a mix of nostalgia and desire. But there's one problem: Steven Hyde, his best friend. The two of them have always been close, and while Eric never thought of Beverly as anything more than a friend, he can't deny the growing tension in his chest as Hyde and Beverly seem to naturally click. They're laughing together, sharing stories, and Eric starts to notice the way Beverly looks at Hyde-the same way he's been looking at her for years.

It's not full-blown jealousy, but it's enough to make Eric uneasy. He can't help but feel a little left out when Beverly and Hyde bond over their shared sense of humor, or when they spend late nights talking in the driveway. Eric tries to brush it off, telling himself it's no big deal-he's known Beverly forever, and she's free to do whatever she wants. But deep down, he can't ignore the quiet jealousy creeping in.

Eric tries to brush off the jealousy, reminding himself that Beverly has every right to be close to whoever she wants. He doesn't want to ruin his friendship with Hyde, or his relationship with Beverly. But it's hard to ignore the growing tension in his chest as Beverly becomes more of a part of his life than he ever expected.