Later that afternoon, Richie, Potsie, and Ralph and the rest of the choir arrived at Jefferson High School.
"That was a fun trip, guys. Maybe in the summer, we can go back to Chicago and do all of those other fun things we didn't get to see," Ralph Malph said.
"We'll see, Ralph. It's not even summer yet," Potsie reminded their friend.
"I know that, Potsie! I was just thinking when the time comes for summer vacation," Ralph told Potsie as he stuck his tongue out.
Richie didn't say anything at all yet. Before Richie could say a word, their choir master spoke up.
"Now we're back here in Milwaukee, you all can call your folks and let them know we made it back safely," he told the class.
Richie thought to himself, 'I was going to suggest the same thing to the guys. At least he beat me to it.'
"Cunningham," the choir master said.
Richie shook his head so he would be paying attention.
"Yes, sir?" he asked.
"You are the first one to make that one telephone call to your parents."
"Thank you, sir."
The rest of the class watched as Richie took some coins out of his shirt pocket. He dialed his house number. He listened as the telephone rang a few times. He heard Marion pick up.
"Hello?" Marion said.
"Hi, Mom," Richie greeted his mother.
"Richard! How was your trip to Chicago?" Marion asked.
"It went fine, Mom. I was calling for somebody to pick me up."
"I'll send your father out right away. We all want to hear about your trip to Chicago."
"You will, Mom."
Richie saw as the choir master signaled to him his time was up.
"Mom, I have to go now. Could you tell Dad we are at the high school?"
"Yes, dear. See you in a while," Marion said as Richie disconnected.
Richie watched as the choir master told the next person she could make her call to let her parents know she made it safely. By then, the twelfth classmate made his telephone call when Richie, Ralph, and Potsie watched as Howard drove up.
"Hello, fellas. Richie, your mother gave me your message," Howard said to his son.
"I figured she would," Richie said.
When he finished saying that sentence, he finally said, "Guys, do you want to come with me and Dad?"
"Sure, Rich," Ralph said.
Potsie and Ralph told the choir master they were going with Richie and Howard.
"All right," he said.
Howard helped the three teenagers carry the suitcases and put them in the trunk. Richie took the passenger's seat while Potsie and Ralph took the backseat as usual.
"I hope you fellas didn't get into any trouble while you were in Chicago," Howard began.
Potsie and Ralph looked at one another. Ralph gave a silent look with his eyes, saying, 'How did Mr. C figure this out one so fast?' Potsie knew what Ralph's comment was. He answered back, shrugging his shoulders. 'I guess that's how parents are.' Ralph returned with, I guess you're right, Pots. My parents wouldn't be happy either when I told them about our nightclub visit.' 'I understand, Ralphie. My parents wouldn't be happy with that story, either.'
Richie didn't bother turning his head back to figure out why his friends were still silent. He didn't seem to care one way or the other.
"Oh, Dad, that was one thing I wanted to tell you about, but Mom and Joanie don't need to hear this."
"All right. When we're done eating dinner, both of us will have to talk in your room," Howard told him.
"Don't get mad at us when Richie tells you about the weekend we had in Chicago," Ralph spoke up.
"It depends what Richie will say," Howard said once he parked in Potsie's driveway.
"Does that mean I have to tell my parents, too, Mr. C? I don't want them to yell at me," Potsie said.
"That is up to you to tell your parents, Potsie. If you'd rather do this, I could tell them for you instead."
"Thanks, Mr. C. You're the greatest," Potsie said as he picked up his suitcase and Richie, Ralph, and Howard watched as Potsie slammed the front door shut.
"Dad, what happened in Chicago Mom and Joanie don't need to know what I'm about to tell you," he told Howard.
"I understand, Richie. I could tell your mother at a perfect time when Joanie isn't around," Howard told Richie.
"Sounds like a good idea," Richie said.
"Hey, Mr. C, what you told Potsie, would you tell my parents as well? I might not find the right words to explain," Ralph spoke up.
"I'll tell them, Ralph. Since your father is in the lodge with me, I'll tell him at our next lodge meeting."
"Thanks, Mr. C. I really appreciate it," Ralph said as Howard pulled into the Malphs' driveway.