Chapter one

"I said I can't wait to see you." Epstein looked at his siblings in frustration. "Hold on, Jackie." He covered the mouth piece of the receiver with his hand. "Wouldya guys get outta here? I'm on an important phone call."

Rolling his eyes, he then shoved one of his brothers away from him, who was currently teasing him with kissing sounds and calling his name in a sexual, feminine tone. He then uncovered the mouth piece, putting the receiver back to his ear.

"Jackie?"

"What's going on?" Jackie asked, confused. "Does your family have a party line or something?"

"Nah. I just have siblings. Be glad you're an only child."

"Can't you go in another room so we can talk privately?"

Epstein laughed. "Clearly you ain't ever been to my house. I'm one of ten kids. Nobody gets any privacy, even in the bathroom."

She tried not to laugh. "I'm so sorry."

"Eh you get used to it."

"So what were you saying before?"

"I said I can't wait to see you." He grinned, playing with the phone cord. "Plan on leaving tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" She asked, shocked. "Juan! I can't believe you! Do your parents know?"

"Not in details. Far as they know I'm going on a class trip."

"But what about school?"

"Don't worry. I got that covered."

"Juan are you sure you know what you're doing? This whole thing is crazy! You're coming to Wisconsin!"

"Sure sure! I know it's crazy. But I gotta do it, Jackie. I love you."

Her face brightened with a smile. "Oh Juan! I love you too! Now, Juan, when you get here, you're going to have to clean yourself up a bit. Trim down that afro, that bandanna's got to go. And your clothes, we'll have to do something about them because I can't have you looking like a hobo. Oh! I can take you shopping!" She finished with a giggle.

"Jackie…" He shook his head. "Look, I ain't doin' that. You take me as I am or not at all."

"I love when you talk to me like that. So manly. But we're still going shopping when you get here. I'll pay."

"Fine fine! But that's it. I ain't letting you treat me like some kind of fashion doll, fixing me into something I ain't. If you're going to be with me, then be with me. Not just the parts you like best."

"Ok Juan." She laughed. "I'm sorry. So when do you think you'll get here?"

"Well if I leave early tomorrow, and things go well with bus schedules, and traffic… probably late tomorrow night."

"Yay! Juan I can't believe this is happening. You're actually coming to see me!"

"I know." He grinned. "I can't wait. Well I better go pack some things. I'll try to call you along the way. See you soon, Jackie. I love you."

"I love you too, Juan. I'll be counting the hours until you arrive."

"See you soon. Goodbye."

Epstein hung up the phone and then leaned against the wall. He let out a small, happy sigh and then headed upstairs to his room while he thought about his plan.

…

The next morning came and the school bells rang to begin class. As usual, the students were late entering Gabe's class. A few minutes after the bell rang, and most of the other students were already in their seats, Vinnie came strolling in, last to arrive. He started to walk past Gabe's desk, backtracked, and then handed Gabe a piece of paper.

"Here Mr. Kotter."

"What's this, Vinnie?" Gabe asked, waving the paper a little.

"Oh, it's a note from Epstein. He asked me to give it to you."

Vinnie casually went to his desk and sat down. Gabe waved him back over to him.

"Vinnie, since when does Epstein give other people excuse notes to turn in for him? Where is he anyway?"

Vinnie shrugged. "I dunno, Mr. Kotter. I guess the explanation is in the note." He went back to his desk and sat down again.

"In the note." Gabe said. "Well I guess I better read it then." He unfolded the note and then began reading it aloud. "Dear Mr. Kotter…" He looked up towards the class with a slight grin. "I don't feel right reading one of his notes without him reading along with me."

Horshack's arm flew up fast. "Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! Mr. Kotter!"

"What do you want, Arnold?"

Horshack lowered his arm. "Can I read the note with you?"

"I don't know, Arnold." Gabe snickered. "Do you think you can handle such a difficult task? After all, Epstein has had a lot of practice over the years with these notes."

"Right you are Mr. Kotter!" Horshack said with vigor. "But how hard can it be? I've seen Juan do it a million times. It doesn't really seem too hard to mouth the words signed Epstein's mother."

Gabe laughed. "Ok, Arnold. Give it a shot."

Horshack jumped out of his seat and then practically skipped over to where Gabe was standing, and stood next to him. He showed Gabe that he was ready and eager to read along with the note. Gabe cleared his throat and then began reading the note with Horshack filling in nicely for Epstein.

"Dear Mr. Kotter. Please excuse me from your class." He looked up with a grin. "Apparently his mother didn't write this one."

Horshack laughed, causing Gabe to give him an annoyed look. Then Gabe continued reading the note with Horshack mouthing the words along with him perfectly.

"I'm sorry to say I won't be coming in for a while as I will be visiting my girlfriend in-" His and Horshack's eyes widened as they read the final word together in shock. "Wisconsin?!"

The class repeated the word, just as shocked. Gabe and Horshack then looked at the rest of the class. Stunned, nobody was able to say a word or move for a moment. It was as though time had frozen in just a brief period until the initial shock could wear off. But even then, nobody knew what to say.