Note: My Cutie Pie universe follows a singular storyline. Each of the previous stories I've written featuring this character have been written in order according to the progression of Epstein and Cutie Pie's (Susie) relationship. Before reading this story it is best that you have read the previous ones. Those stories include in order: Cutie Pie, The Courtship of Juan, Shall We Dance? Emotional, and Tupelo Honey. While you would be able to follow this story without reading those, it would make certain parts easier to understand if you knew the background behind what was happening in this story.

Prologue:

Epstein waited anxiously outside the science lab, for the arrival of his new fiancé. Lots of rumors had been going around the school the last few weeks, pertaining to their engagement. Some students were working hard to convince others that their high school engagement meant that a little Epstein was on the way. These rumors had a viciousness surrounding them. This caused quite the bit of ill treatment of Cutie Pie. It was to the point where she would cry on his shoulder everyday about how she was going to drop out of school so she wouldn't have to deal with everything anymore.

He tried his hardest to convince her she should stay in school and forget the rumors. Even though they knew the truth behind their high school engagement, and had the support of their friends, the rumors still got to her. Epstein finally convinced her that by dropping out of school. It was allowing the others to win. Everyone would have even more reason to beehive the rumors were true. She needed to stay to help keep her good name.

But, still, the rumors upset her. He hated seeing her so upset, so he thought he should do something to help cheer her up. But he wasn't sure what would cheer her up. And buying her a present was out of the question since he didn't have the money. He knew that whatever he did for her, had to come from the heart. It only took him hearing one of their special songs on the radio when he realized the perfect gift for her. He had worked hard to pull this off and he never been prouder of his efforts.

"Hey Susie." He said, lightly grabbing her by the hand as she left the lab. "I've been waitin' for you to come out." He kissed her.

"Hey Juan." She smiled, until she saw the nearest clock. "How long have you been waiting for me?"

He shrugged "Only about fifteen minutes."

"What?"' She asked surprised. "Didn't you have a class?"

"I did. But I skipped out early. Was falling asleep in there anyway. Not like I'm passin' that class."

She frowned at him. "Juan. You promised you would pass your classes."

"Yeah yeah. I'll get there. Don't worry."

"Just make sure of it. I want to graduate with you."

"Hey are you my mother? Don't worry."

"Ok Juan."

She took his hand and then they started walking down the hall. He would sometimes give other students threatening looks or gestures if they ever looked like they were thinking about the rumors. Attitudes changed quickly as the other students got the message loud and clear. They hurried past the couple, trying their best to avoid Epstein.

Cutie Pie sighed, which drew his attention onto her. He looked at her, a bit concerned.

"Hey, honey, what's the matter?"

"I just… it's tough, Juan. I try not to let the other students bother me. But there's only so much I can do to get through the day."

"I know, honey. I really wish you wouldn't worry so much about everybody else. We know the truth." He kissed her cheek. "Listen, I don't like seein' you so down all the time. So I thought I'd do something special to cheer you up."

"Oh yeah?" She blushed a little. "What's this something special you have planned?"

"I can't tell ya here. Ah, come to my house with me after school."

She grinned intrigued. "Alright. What for?"

"So I can properly give you the surprise. I worked hard on it and I want to present it just the right way."

"Ok." Her grin grew some. "I'll go with you. Though it's going to make me wonder all the rest of the day what this surprise is."

"Good." He smiled and then kissed her. They reached the doorway to her next class. "Ok honey, here's your stop. I'll see you later." He kissed her again. "Bye honey."

"Bye, Juan."

They parted ways, him leaving her incredibly curious. His surprise was all either of them could think about during their final classes of the day.

…

Cutie Pie sat on Epstein's bed. She watched in all curiosity as he searched for something in the room. When he found what he was looking for, he brought it over to her on the bed.

"Susie," he sat next to her. "I worked real hard on this. And I wanted to present it to you right. And, just so you know, I have a story for everything."

"Juan I know you're not proposing because you already did that."

He grinned "I know. But this is a special gift. And one hundred percent from the heart." He stood up. "Hold on. I can't give this to you yet." He slipped the present into his pocket. "I have to get something. Hold tight." He turned and then quickly left the room.

"Juan wait!" She called after him.

She sat back, confused, wondering what this surprise could have been. As she waited for Epstein to return, she heard him arguing with his sister over something in the next room. Though not mad, he shouted a bit at her, trying to speak over her incessantly rising voice. He kept assuring his sister, saying repeatedly, "I'll give it back." Finally, he returned to the room seeming as though he had just came back from the battle field. In his hands, he held a cassette player. He looked at Cutie Pie and simply shook his head.

"Sisters are crazy. Try an' borrow one thing and she jumps all over ya."

"Why was she so upset?"

"Ah, who knows? Something about something I took from her once and returned completely destroyed." He rolled his eyes. "I ain't the one who threw it off the overpass. That was Pedro." He started to set up the cassette player. "You sure you wanna be part of this family?

She laughed "Juan I knew what I'd be getting into when I accepted your proposal."

He smiled and finished setting up. Then he moved closer to her and sat down. "Susie, like I said, everything here has a story behind it." He pulled the present out of his pocket and handed it to her.

"You got me a cassette tape?" She asked, confused.

"No. It's a mixtape. I put it together myself. See?" He showed her the handwritten label which read "From Juan to Susie." A list of songs was included on either side of the tape.

"You made me a mixtape?" She asked, grinning a little. "That's so sweet!"

"Thought you'd like it. I put a lot of thought into it. Picked each of these songs special, because, they have followed our relationship for one reason or another. Check it out." He pointed at some of the songs.

"Wow. This is incredible. I love it."

"You ain't even listened to it yet."

He took the cassette from her and placed it into the player. He took it out just to be sure it was on the right side before putting it back in.

"Before I play it, I just want to explain each song… well they all have their stories like I said. And I want to share them with you as each song plays."

He pressed "play" on the tape player. The music started playing and Cutie Pie listened in confusion.

"Is this… Spill the Wine?"

"Yes." He said with a small laugh.

"What's this have to do with our relationship?"

"It does in a way. See, well it's more about me than us. This is a song that had followed me for a while. And well let's listen to it."

"Ok." She grinned.

They listened to the song, letting the music surround them. As they did, he started telling her more in detail about why he chose the song.