Four months ago, the family had lost their patriarch Danny Tanner very unexpectedly. Every family members world was shaken to the core when this happened, but everybody was now at a point where they were figuring out how to move forward. For Joey, it was important to him that he kept the family laughing to try to keep their spirits up. Today was a different day though. He and his wife Ginger were being called in to a parent/teacher conference regarding their daughter Phyllis, and he knew it wasn't good news. Between being involved with bullying and bad grades, this was a challenging year for her. He was beyond overwhelmed when it came to dealing with it, and Ginger didn't seem to be much better.
Joey and Ginger sat on chairs outside the classroom waiting for the teacher to be ready to chat. Joey's leg bounced up and down nervously as he tried to guess what was going on now.
"Here we are, back in the chair of shame," Joey groaned. "They must think we're the worst parents. What is this the fourth time we've been here this year?"
Ginger tried to think positively. "Hey, we don't know that. They could be letting us know she's doing much better."
Joey sighed. "Come on honey. If it were that they would have called us on the phone."
"Even if it's not what we want to hear, Lewis has really pulled it together this year compared to last year. We haven't completely failed our kids," Ginger reminded him. "She just needs a bit more help."
The long brown-haired, heavy set female teacher opened her door and invited the two of them in. They pulled up two chairs by the teachers desk and they sat and chatted. After brief 'how are you's' were exchanged, Joey got to the point.
"Please rip off the band aid," Joey said defeated.
"The reason I've called you in is because I caught her throwing paper balls at a female student while we were having a math test today," the teacher informed. "She was sent to the office, and then she and I had a chat. We've agreed since we're near the end of the school year she will be spending the rest of the year in after school detention. I have already let her know that I would be calling you in for this meeting.
Joey felt like he was at a loss for words. "I don't know why she keeps doing this. We've told her to stop."
"From what I've witnessed, I think there's another classmate she's trying to impress who isn't the best influence. I also wanted to talk to you about her grades. She's barely going to skate by this year, but the course load is going to be heavier next year and she's going to need to step it up. I wanted to suggest some summer courses for you that we offer for students who need the help," the teacher offered.
Ginger frantically looked at Joey. "Our trip to Florida!"
Joey ran his hand through his hair and looked down. "We can get the girls or Jesse and Becky to watch her that week. We need to do what's best for her. She's not going this summer."
The teacher nodded. "I think that's a good choice, Mr. Gladstone."
The teacher talked to them some more about the same topic and then they came straight home. Phyllis was waiting in the living room ready to explain, knowing she was in trouble. They came inside and Joey looked directly at her. You could see the disappointment on his face as he shook his head.
Phyllis stood up. "Dad. I'm sorry, I…"
Joey didn't give her a chance to say anything. He bolted right past her and went straight to the bedroom he shared with his wife. Both Ginger and Phyllis stood there with their mouth wide open as they had never seen that reaction from Joey before. Ginger came to their room and saw Joey putting a few clothing items in a bag frantically.
Ginger looked concerned. "Honey, what are you doing?"
"I can't… I need to get out of this house," Joey's voice shook. "I need time to think. I'll be home in a few hours, okay? Don't worry."
"Okay," Ginger said softly. "We can deal with this when you get back."
When ten o'clock hit and Joey wasn't home yet, Ginger decided to call Jesse. She explained what had happened that day and that Joey's emotional reaction was worrying her. That was immediately concerning to Jesse as well, and he began starting to get a hold of Joey. Lucky for him, Joey made it easy and picked up the phone when he dialed.
Jesse heard a lot of loud music in the background and had no idea where he was. "What are you doing? Where are you?"
"I've had too much to drink," Joey sounded tired. "I can't drive."
"I'll come to you," Jesse offered. "Where are you?"
"The bar by D.J.'s clinic," Joey answered. "You don't have to come though Jess. I'm a loser for getting this wasted. You should just leave me here."
"Don't be stupid. I'm coming. Stay there," Jesse insisted.
Jesse came in and spotted Joey with his head down on the table and three empty glasses. It was a sad sight to see, but the way things have been lately he didn't blame him. He asked the bartender what Joey owed and then paid for the drinks.
"Joey, wake up," Jesse shook him. Joey looked at him and then Jesse helped him stand up and walked him to his car.
"What happened today?" Jesse asked with concern. "I can't remember ever seeing you like this."
Joey sat quiet for a second. Jesse could see he was tearing up. "Joey, what's going on?"
"I can't control my child," Joey wiped his eyes with his arm. "I need Danny now more than ever. I miss him so much."
"I do too. Every minute of every day," Jesse spoke sadly. "You have me. You know you have me. We need to lean on each other through this. You should've called me."
"I know, we're brothers for life. I just feel in over my head right now. I didn't want to bring you down with me," Joey explained.
"I'd be surprised if you weren't overwhelmed sometimes. Your kids can be a handful," Jesse said bluntly. "You're a great father though, Joey. Remember when Alex shoplifted with his buddies when he was fourteen and I had to go pick him up at mall security? I felt like a complete failure as a father then, but they turned out okay. All of your kids will be okay too. I know you struggle to be harsh, but in situations like this you need to be tough with them."
Joey listened. "It was easier with the girls because all the hard stuff was Danny's job."
"Hey, we get some credit there too. We've had our fair share of difficult moments with them," Jesse acknowledged.
"Yeah, well if my kids could turn out as great as D.J., Steph and Michelle turned out to be, I'd be the happiest dad in the world," Joey admitted. He was still a bit tearful and shaky. "It's still unreal to me that he's not here to help me with this. This hurts all the time. You have to promise not to leave for a long time, Jess. I can't do this again."
"I think this whole experience has taught us nothing is guaranteed," Jesse replied. "I have no plans to go anywhere anytime soon though."
"So, what now?" Joey asked.
"Well, you have a worried wife at home right now so I think you should talk to her, and then in the morning once you are sober, I think the two of you should talk to your daughter and lay down the law. Let her know she jipped herself out of going to Florida and will be staying with Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky that week and don't give in when she cries," Jesse advised.
"That's fine, but can we get food on the way back? I haven't eaten dinner and if I don't I might not be in great shape in the morning," Joey requested.
"Sure," Jesse agreed. He leaned in and gave Joey a hug. "I love you man. I wish I had said it to Danny more."
Joey reciprocated. "Love you too, Jess. Thanks for coming to get me."
"Anytime," Jesse said.
