The Summer The Price Was Right

Jackie-The First Time

August 15, 1978

Three Hours Later

My life is picking up. Mom is back early (who knows how long that'll last, but still this is a first), cheer practice is starting up again soon, and...tonight's the night with Steven. If this is anything like our first kiss, I'm in for a treat. We've decided to wait until after dinner so he can go back to the Formans' first, since he thought it'd be more convincing that he just dropped me off at home that way. Also, even though he'd never say it I think secretly he feels a little bad for ditching Eric. I've never really understood that Star Wars-loving dork, but it's cute how secretly close he and Steven are. Donna told me that Eric was the one to convince Mr. and Mrs. Forman to let him live with them. I guess I'll have to like more Eric too if I'm gonna keep fooling around with Steven. Ew. (But while I can say it, I miss her and all but thank god my giant lumberjack of a best friend came to her senses for once and ditched him for the beaches of California, at least for the summer).

Each minute feels like an hour as I wait for him to come over. With Michael, I was focused on it being perfect, all banners and rose petals shouting our "love" from the rooftops, but with Steven, I only need like half that stuff to know it'll be amazing. Carla didn't tell me that the first time is disappointing, and the moment didn't live up to what I'd always dreamed of. At all. Michael and I had some good moments making love, but it was never like the fairy tale nights of love I deserve. With Steven, though, it is only the beginning of our story.

"Hey" Steven mutters as I open the door. I'm casually dressed in a soft pink slip, my dark hair falling in loose waves around my chest. "Wow" he adds softly, staring at me intensely up and down.

"Aw, you're complimenting me!" I tease.

"No I'm not" he stammers. I snicker at him.

Suddenly I remember something terrible, snapping me out of my fantasy. "Oh my god!" I shout.

"What?"

"I just remembered! My mother's going out tomorrow, not tonight! She'll be home in five minutes! Steven, what are we going to do?

"Relax, let's just go to my place" he replies like it's nothing.

"Your holding cell bedroom? But Steven, I already lit the sea of rose-scented candles".

"Quit assuming I'm gonna be on board with your girly fantasies. And anyway, your mom's gonna walk in on us" he says, scowling. Well, this isn't starting off like I hoped. I guess I could have thought about him a little more when decorating my room for tonight, or at least asked or something because let's face it, I need roses to make love.

"Alright, but you better lock the door! I don't want Fez there watching our every move"

"Of course" he reassures, his face twisting with disgust. I reluctantly make my way upstairs to put out the candles, grabbing one to take to the Formans' house.

"Jackie, we're doing it, not going to a vigil" he says when I get downstairs with the candle.

"Steven, if I'm gonna make love on that cot, I need at least one romantic memento with me". He rolls his eyes, but doesn't protest.

On the car ride there, I can only feel my anticipation growing. I stop minding the fact that I have to do it in his dirty room, since this only highlights how different the experience will be from all the times I did it with Michael. I just hope tonight lives up to my expectations, that this truly is the most romantic night of my life. I want to give Danny and Sandy from Grease a run for their money. I sneak a glance over at him. He's so effortlessly sexy in his slightly torn dark green T shirt, sunglasses slightly sliding down his nose, downshifting the El Camino like it is nothing. So dirty, so wrong and so right. The urge to have him now goes stronger and stronger, and suddenly I can't take it. Can't wait anymore. Who cares where we are. "Pull over" I command, giving him the most lusty look of my life.