Hello, It's Me ? Steven Hyde

It was a few days after Red's insistence on cracking down, and Liz was spending her night in by talking to Jake on the phone. She giggled, twirling the cord around on her finger, as he updated her on all the late night happenings.

"So, uh... when do you think your dad's gonna let up on your strict curfew?" He finally decided to ask.

"Uh, I don't know," she admitted, glancing around the kitchen. She would've been inclined to explain more, but with her mom present, she figured it wasn't wise. "It's hard to tell. I hope it's soon."

Jake let out an audible sigh. "Yeah, I hope so too. I miss you, Liz."

"I miss you, too," she replied softly.

Across the room, sitting at the counter, Hyde rolled his eyes.

"Maybe I can..."

Liz's attention was drawn away from what Jake was saying as Red entered from the living room, eyes scanning the kitchen before landing on her. To her dismay, he turned towards her.

"Sorry, sweetheart," Red apologized with a tight jaw. He then glanced down at his watch. "Curfew is up. Better say your goodbyes for the night."

Liz shoved her hand over the transmitter, whispering out, "Oh, Daddy, just five more minutes, please?"

"Elizabeth," he said in a stern voice.

"Okay..." she breathed out in defeat. Holding in a sigh, she removed her hand from the phone. "Hey, Jake? Sorry, but I have to get going."

"Already?" Jake sounded surprised.

Liz turned towards the wall, suddenly aware of everyone's eyes on her. "I know, I know. I'm sorry. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

Red turned away from her, and his jaw tightened even more when he glanced out the sliding door. Out in the driveway, Eric still sat in the Cruiser with Donna. "Now, what is that dumbass doing? Doesn't he ever learn to keep his eye on the clock?"

"Now, wait, Red, hold on—" Kitty tried, but ended up flinching when he slammed the door shut on his way out. In a low voice, she muttered, "Oh, my. Well, now, isn't this just dandy?"

Jake hesitated on the phone, waiting for their murmuring to stop before continuing. "Okay. Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow. Night, Liz."

"Goodnight." With a frown, she hung up the phone.

Kitty shot her youngest a sympathetic smile. "Now, see? You got off just in time for some dessert."

"Yeah, I guess so," Liz mumbled, going over to sit down at the table across from her sister.

"Geez, I wish I had a quarter for every time I caught you making out with the neighbor girl," Red huffed, storming back into the kitchen with Eric at his heels.

"I don't think I'd wish that on myself," Liz muttered, shooting a look up towards her brother. "I mean, I'd definitely be rich, but... it's not worth it."

Laurie pulled a face. "Ew."

Eric glared at the back of his father's head. "I wish I had a quarter for every time you embarrassed me."

"I wish you did, too," Red said, turning back to face him, "'Cause then you'd be a millionaire and you could find someplace else to live."

"What, and leave all this?" Eric snapped, glancing around at everyone.

Kitty sighed, picking up a plate of fresh brownies before things could get worse. "Okay, fellas. Who wants brownies and a nice glass of milk?"

"Oh, geez." Red rolled his eyes before going to sit down at the table.