Chapter Five
"I don't understand Aunt Marion.if Chachi didn't actually hit Joanie, then why did Richie attack him?" Roger Phillips sat at the Cunningham's kitchen table, drinking hot chocolate while his aunt fed her granddaughter a lunch of mashed bananas. He had taken a long lunch break at the request of his aunt, who had sounded quite distressed on the phone. Now, she was only slightly more relaxed.
Mrs. C paused, spoon mere inches away from Elizabeth's face. The poor baby strained to reach the food to no avail. "I don't know. No matter how many times we question Joanie she keeps saying she's not ready to talk about it, and we haven't seen Arthur for days." She sighed emotionally and dropped her head down onto her arm. Elizabeth kept her mouth open, waiting for more banana, while Marion unknowingly held the spoon just far enough to taunt the child.
Roger couldn't watch anymore, and took the spoon away from Marion. "Here.let me feed her." Elizabeth giggled gratefully, and Roger fed her as he continued to ask questions. "Now.I'm confused. What does Fonzie have to do with this?"
"We're not sure. But according to Chachi, Arthur did something to make him not trust him.and so did Joanie, but we don't know what. And Richie.oh.Richie's been gone for three days! This just isn't like him! I just don't know what's going on with my children! Nothing is making sense anymore!" Marion was near tears as she quickly stood and began excitedly folding and unfolding the dishcloth hanging by the sink.
"I know this may come as a shock, but have you considered the possibility that." Roger wasn't sure if he should finish his sentence, but Marion looked so hopeful about the possibility of an explanation that he felt obligated to continue. "Maybe Joanie and Fonzie."
"What?" Marion asked.
"Maybe Joanie and Fonzie were having an affair."
"What? Oh Roger, that's ridiculous!" Marion laughed self-consciously. "No daughter of mine would have an.an."
"Affair?" Roger finished.
"Shhhh!" Marion covered Elizabeth's ears. "Stop saying that in front of the baby!"
"I'm just saying it's a possibility. Why else would Fonzie disappear like this? It's not like him to stay away when you need him most. Isn't he the one usually dealing with these kinds of situations?" Roger wiped mashed banana off of his tie.
Marion sat back down at the table. "But that's just it Roger. Nothing like this has ever happened to us before."
"Well, you know I'm always here to help. Let me know if there's anything I can do." Roger began to stand up. "But right now I've really got to get back to school. The cheerleading squad is out on parole today and I have a feeling they're going to be armed with more than pom poms."
"Wait!" Marion grabbed Roger's arm. "There is something you can do. You can find Richie!"
"Find Richie? Where do you suppose I look? Besides, I have responsibilities." Roger met Marion's sad gaze and realized that his family was more important than any old job. "Well.I do have some time off I could use. They awarded me an extra week after I caught Tommy Baxter slipping Ex- Lax into the teachers' coffee urn." Roger shuddered at the memory. "I'll need someone to come with me. And I still have no idea where I should look."
"Oh Roger!" Marion jumped up and hugged her nephew. "Thank you so much. Oh, I know you'll find him! You've just got to!"
Roger sighed. I hope so.
Under normal circumstances, Howard Cunningham could tolerate Potsie Webber in four-hour increments, which was convenient since his eight-hour workday was divided in half by a lunch break. Howard could usually find an excuse to leave the hardware store during his break, sometimes saying he had to make deliveries, or sometimes just sneaking out the back door while Potsie was waiting on a customer. In any case, these were anything but normal circumstances. Howard tried to maintain his usual self-assured façade, but inside he was reeling with fear about the welfare of his two children. As if the family hadn't been devastated enough when Lori Beth died, now Joanie's marriage was suffering, and to make matters worse, she refused to talk to anyone. Then, or course, there was the fact that Richie never came home from his walk three days earlier. Howard had debated calling the police, but deep down he knew Richie wasn't in any immediate danger, and he was afraid that getting the police involved would do more harm than good. And so Howard went through the motions of another workday, keeping his conversations with Potsie limited, lest he find himself unable to control his own temper. Potsie seemed to understand, and steered clear of Howard as well.
The silence, interrupted only by the occasional customer, didn't ease Howard's mind. If anything, it made the situation worse. And watching Potsie's gingerly attempts to stay out of his way only reminded Howard that this day was not business as usual. Finally, it became too much. When Potsie came back in from taking out the trash, Howard finally spoke.
"I'm sorry, Potsie. I know things are uncomfortable here. In fact, if you want to take off early today, you can." Howard leaned against the counter, letting his forehead wearily rest in his hands.
Potsie slowly replaced the broom that he had just picked up by the back door, and approached the counter. "If that's what you want Mr. C.I can leave if you'd rather be alone," he quietly spoke.
Howard didn't speak right away. He sighed. "I don't know."
"I really don't mind staying. It's not so bad. I'm used to being ignored. In fact, I was almost eleven before my dad even noticed I was there."
Howard raised an eyebrow.
"In fact." Potsie continued. "I think if I were in Richie's shoes, my parents wouldn't even care. I really wish there was something I could do to help you out, Mr. C. I feel awful."
"So do I, Potsie. So do I."
The front door jingled as it opened, and Roger stepped in, carrying a Tupperware container. "Hi Uncle Howard, hi Potsie. Aunt Marion sent along some lunch for you. It's leftover meatloaf."
"Oh.thanks Roger." Howard took the container but didn't open it. "I'm not that hungry right now."
Roger and Potsie exchanged shocked looks, but both knew it was wiser to keep their comments about Howard's lack of appetite to themselves. Instead, Roger excused himself from his uncle, and took Potsie aside. "Potsie, I need to ask for your help."
"Sure, go right ahead," Potsie said.
Roger gave Potsie a double take, then continued on. "Aunt Marion wants me to find Richie, and I have no idea where to begin. You know him about as well as anyone, so I thought maybe you'd have some ideas."
Potsie shook his head matter-of-factly. "Couldn't find Fonzie, huh?"
"Actually, no. No one has seen him for three days. He won't even answer his phone. It's almost as if he's in hiding."
"Why don't you just go to his place? He's got to be there. He couldn't have just taken off, not with Danny in school."
Roger considered that. "Wow, Potsie. You've got a point." Roger could hardly believe it. "But I'm not sure if it's such a good idea to just barge in on Fonzie like that. We've got enough problems to deal with.angering him would just aggravate the situation." He thought for a moment. "Fonzie is obviously hiding something. That's why he hasn't been around. Aunt Marion said that Fonzie had something to do with Joanie and Chachi's breakup. I bet he's having guilt issues."
"I'd be guilty too if I treated my wife the way he treated Joanie! Man, I'd just love to get my hands on Chachi." Potsie rubbed his fist.
"I was talking about Fonzie, not Chachi. Something doesn't add up here, Pots. Fonzie doesn't skip out on his friends when they need him the most.especially not Aunt Marion and Uncle Howard. We've got to get to the bottom of this. Maybe we should go talk to Fonzie."
"We?" Potsie asked nervously. "Why do I have to go? I'm not exactly Fonzie's favorite person. And when I make him mad, he likes me even less."
"There's strength in numbers. Besides, Richie needs us. I have a feeling that the reason he left wasn't a simple case of mourning. This is all connected somehow. If we can get to the bottom of this, I suspect we'll be able to help Richie and Joanie."
Roger and Potsie pulled up in front of Fonzie's house, scanning the area for signs of life inside. Sure enough, Fonzie's bike and his vintage Mustang, acquired after Danny's adoption, were both parked in the driveway. The duo sat in Roger's car, unsure of their next move. "Well," Roger said, "we know he's here." "Yeah. Or at least, his bike and his car are." Potsie replied. Roger sighed. "I think it's pretty safe to assume that Fonzie didn't get far without them." "Not necessarily," Potsie answered back. "He could've hitched aboard a steamer ship." "But he would've had to drive to the - never mind. He's here. Let's go." Roger made a move to open the car door, but Potsie stopped him. "What are we going to do?" he asked. "I don't know yet. Just follow my lead." "Great! I love games!" Roger paused, rolled his eyes, and got out of the car.
Fonzie watched through the gauzy yellow curtain hanging in his front window as his two friends made their way up the walk. He had half been expecting them for days now, knowing that whatever information circulating throughout the Cunningham family about what had happened would eventually make its way to the outer reaches of the family, namely Roger and Potsie. Fonzie knew he would be a fool to think he could just fade into oblivion.to hide from the very family he'd just helped to destroy, at least in his own eyes. When the doorbell rang, Fonz debated ignoring it, but realized that no matter how long he hid, the problem would never go away. Reluctantly, he twisted the doorknob and pulled, motioning his visitors inside with a disinterested "What?" "Fonz!" Roger put on an air of false joviality to mask the tension he could feel creeping up inside him. "How are you buddy?" "Peachy," Fonzie said as pulled his plaid bathrobe over his jeans and t- shirt, and tied the belt. "How are you?" "Can't complain." Roger glanced toward Potsie, who wisely stayed silent. "Do you mind if we sit down?" "Knock yourselves out." Fonzie cleared some loose leaf paper and hot rod coloring books off the sofa and waved the men over. Then he took a seat in his reclining chair, all the while being careful to avoid eye contact. "Thanks." Roger took a seat and carefully contemplated what he was going to say. "Fonz.we need your help." "You need my help?" Fonzie echoed. "Of course you need my help. All anyone ever needs is my help." He stood up and shuddered, remembering leaving Joanie's diary out in plain view for Chachi to see. "I think I've helped enough." "Fonz." Roger began. "You have to help us!" Potsie stood up, surprising both Fonzie and Roger. "Look, we're not stupid. We know you had something to do with Joanie and Chachi breaking up." Fonzie tensed, his fists clenching. ".but this is more important than that! You've got to help us find Richie before it's too late!" Fonz relaxed slightly, his fingers uncurling a bit. "What do you mean find Richie? Where is he?" "We don't know," Roger broke in. "No one knows. The day of the.um.fight, he never came home." "That was three days ago. Why didn't anyone tell me?" "Aunt Marion has been calling here night and day, Fonz. You never answer your phone anymore." Roger gently chided. Fonzie ignored Roger's condescending tone. "So what am I supposed to do?" "Give us some ideas.something. Where could he have gone? We've got to find him Fonz. Everyone's a wreck. Aunt Marion, Uncle Howard." "Joanie?" Fonzie quietly asked. "I haven't seen her, actually. She won't leave her room." Roger said. The idea of Shortcake hiding away in her room broke Fonzie's heart, but he tried not to show it. As guilt threatened to consume him once more, he stifled it down into the pit of his stomach. There was no time for guilt now. Not when his family needed him. "Richie may be hurt, Fonz." Roger gently prodded. "Think. Where would he have gone?" Fonzie was silent for a moment, then spoke up. "The only place I can think of is back home. California." Roger clapped his hands together. "Of course! But.I've never been to California. I'd have no idea where to begin." "That's why I'm going with you." Fonzie stood up and threw off his robe, grabbing his leather jacket from the rack by the door. "What about Danny?" Potsie piped up. "What about Danny?" Fonzie repeated, feeling defeated. "Damn! What am I going to do?" "I could stay here and watch him. I'm great with kids!" Potsie grinned. Fonzie looked at Roger, who stared back. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Sure! I baby-sit for my nieces and nephews all the time! Haven't lost a kid yet. Except for that one time when I took them camping. Who knew bears were so easily aggravated?" Potsie asked, puzzled. "Forget it," Fonzie said. "There's got to be someone else." "There isn't anyone else!" Roger stood up. "Fonzie.we've got to find Richie! If Social Services finds out that he abandoned his children - " Fonzie held up his hand and abruptly silenced Roger. "Richie did NOT abandon them!" He turned to Potsie. "Fine, you stay here with Danny. But if anything - I repeat - ANYTHING goes wrong, you call Mrs. C pronto! You got that?" "Sure thing, Fonz!" Potsie answered. "Alright, Roger, let's go!" Roger and Fonzie headed for the front door. Fonzie paused before leaving the house, and stuck his head back in the door. "Webber!" "Yeah Fonz?" Potsie asked. "Do me a favor. You call Mrs. C and apologize for me, okay?" "Okay." "And tell her one more thing." "Yeah Fonz?" "You tell her we're gonna bring her boy home! Whoa!"
"I don't understand Aunt Marion.if Chachi didn't actually hit Joanie, then why did Richie attack him?" Roger Phillips sat at the Cunningham's kitchen table, drinking hot chocolate while his aunt fed her granddaughter a lunch of mashed bananas. He had taken a long lunch break at the request of his aunt, who had sounded quite distressed on the phone. Now, she was only slightly more relaxed.
Mrs. C paused, spoon mere inches away from Elizabeth's face. The poor baby strained to reach the food to no avail. "I don't know. No matter how many times we question Joanie she keeps saying she's not ready to talk about it, and we haven't seen Arthur for days." She sighed emotionally and dropped her head down onto her arm. Elizabeth kept her mouth open, waiting for more banana, while Marion unknowingly held the spoon just far enough to taunt the child.
Roger couldn't watch anymore, and took the spoon away from Marion. "Here.let me feed her." Elizabeth giggled gratefully, and Roger fed her as he continued to ask questions. "Now.I'm confused. What does Fonzie have to do with this?"
"We're not sure. But according to Chachi, Arthur did something to make him not trust him.and so did Joanie, but we don't know what. And Richie.oh.Richie's been gone for three days! This just isn't like him! I just don't know what's going on with my children! Nothing is making sense anymore!" Marion was near tears as she quickly stood and began excitedly folding and unfolding the dishcloth hanging by the sink.
"I know this may come as a shock, but have you considered the possibility that." Roger wasn't sure if he should finish his sentence, but Marion looked so hopeful about the possibility of an explanation that he felt obligated to continue. "Maybe Joanie and Fonzie."
"What?" Marion asked.
"Maybe Joanie and Fonzie were having an affair."
"What? Oh Roger, that's ridiculous!" Marion laughed self-consciously. "No daughter of mine would have an.an."
"Affair?" Roger finished.
"Shhhh!" Marion covered Elizabeth's ears. "Stop saying that in front of the baby!"
"I'm just saying it's a possibility. Why else would Fonzie disappear like this? It's not like him to stay away when you need him most. Isn't he the one usually dealing with these kinds of situations?" Roger wiped mashed banana off of his tie.
Marion sat back down at the table. "But that's just it Roger. Nothing like this has ever happened to us before."
"Well, you know I'm always here to help. Let me know if there's anything I can do." Roger began to stand up. "But right now I've really got to get back to school. The cheerleading squad is out on parole today and I have a feeling they're going to be armed with more than pom poms."
"Wait!" Marion grabbed Roger's arm. "There is something you can do. You can find Richie!"
"Find Richie? Where do you suppose I look? Besides, I have responsibilities." Roger met Marion's sad gaze and realized that his family was more important than any old job. "Well.I do have some time off I could use. They awarded me an extra week after I caught Tommy Baxter slipping Ex- Lax into the teachers' coffee urn." Roger shuddered at the memory. "I'll need someone to come with me. And I still have no idea where I should look."
"Oh Roger!" Marion jumped up and hugged her nephew. "Thank you so much. Oh, I know you'll find him! You've just got to!"
Roger sighed. I hope so.
Under normal circumstances, Howard Cunningham could tolerate Potsie Webber in four-hour increments, which was convenient since his eight-hour workday was divided in half by a lunch break. Howard could usually find an excuse to leave the hardware store during his break, sometimes saying he had to make deliveries, or sometimes just sneaking out the back door while Potsie was waiting on a customer. In any case, these were anything but normal circumstances. Howard tried to maintain his usual self-assured façade, but inside he was reeling with fear about the welfare of his two children. As if the family hadn't been devastated enough when Lori Beth died, now Joanie's marriage was suffering, and to make matters worse, she refused to talk to anyone. Then, or course, there was the fact that Richie never came home from his walk three days earlier. Howard had debated calling the police, but deep down he knew Richie wasn't in any immediate danger, and he was afraid that getting the police involved would do more harm than good. And so Howard went through the motions of another workday, keeping his conversations with Potsie limited, lest he find himself unable to control his own temper. Potsie seemed to understand, and steered clear of Howard as well.
The silence, interrupted only by the occasional customer, didn't ease Howard's mind. If anything, it made the situation worse. And watching Potsie's gingerly attempts to stay out of his way only reminded Howard that this day was not business as usual. Finally, it became too much. When Potsie came back in from taking out the trash, Howard finally spoke.
"I'm sorry, Potsie. I know things are uncomfortable here. In fact, if you want to take off early today, you can." Howard leaned against the counter, letting his forehead wearily rest in his hands.
Potsie slowly replaced the broom that he had just picked up by the back door, and approached the counter. "If that's what you want Mr. C.I can leave if you'd rather be alone," he quietly spoke.
Howard didn't speak right away. He sighed. "I don't know."
"I really don't mind staying. It's not so bad. I'm used to being ignored. In fact, I was almost eleven before my dad even noticed I was there."
Howard raised an eyebrow.
"In fact." Potsie continued. "I think if I were in Richie's shoes, my parents wouldn't even care. I really wish there was something I could do to help you out, Mr. C. I feel awful."
"So do I, Potsie. So do I."
The front door jingled as it opened, and Roger stepped in, carrying a Tupperware container. "Hi Uncle Howard, hi Potsie. Aunt Marion sent along some lunch for you. It's leftover meatloaf."
"Oh.thanks Roger." Howard took the container but didn't open it. "I'm not that hungry right now."
Roger and Potsie exchanged shocked looks, but both knew it was wiser to keep their comments about Howard's lack of appetite to themselves. Instead, Roger excused himself from his uncle, and took Potsie aside. "Potsie, I need to ask for your help."
"Sure, go right ahead," Potsie said.
Roger gave Potsie a double take, then continued on. "Aunt Marion wants me to find Richie, and I have no idea where to begin. You know him about as well as anyone, so I thought maybe you'd have some ideas."
Potsie shook his head matter-of-factly. "Couldn't find Fonzie, huh?"
"Actually, no. No one has seen him for three days. He won't even answer his phone. It's almost as if he's in hiding."
"Why don't you just go to his place? He's got to be there. He couldn't have just taken off, not with Danny in school."
Roger considered that. "Wow, Potsie. You've got a point." Roger could hardly believe it. "But I'm not sure if it's such a good idea to just barge in on Fonzie like that. We've got enough problems to deal with.angering him would just aggravate the situation." He thought for a moment. "Fonzie is obviously hiding something. That's why he hasn't been around. Aunt Marion said that Fonzie had something to do with Joanie and Chachi's breakup. I bet he's having guilt issues."
"I'd be guilty too if I treated my wife the way he treated Joanie! Man, I'd just love to get my hands on Chachi." Potsie rubbed his fist.
"I was talking about Fonzie, not Chachi. Something doesn't add up here, Pots. Fonzie doesn't skip out on his friends when they need him the most.especially not Aunt Marion and Uncle Howard. We've got to get to the bottom of this. Maybe we should go talk to Fonzie."
"We?" Potsie asked nervously. "Why do I have to go? I'm not exactly Fonzie's favorite person. And when I make him mad, he likes me even less."
"There's strength in numbers. Besides, Richie needs us. I have a feeling that the reason he left wasn't a simple case of mourning. This is all connected somehow. If we can get to the bottom of this, I suspect we'll be able to help Richie and Joanie."
Roger and Potsie pulled up in front of Fonzie's house, scanning the area for signs of life inside. Sure enough, Fonzie's bike and his vintage Mustang, acquired after Danny's adoption, were both parked in the driveway. The duo sat in Roger's car, unsure of their next move. "Well," Roger said, "we know he's here." "Yeah. Or at least, his bike and his car are." Potsie replied. Roger sighed. "I think it's pretty safe to assume that Fonzie didn't get far without them." "Not necessarily," Potsie answered back. "He could've hitched aboard a steamer ship." "But he would've had to drive to the - never mind. He's here. Let's go." Roger made a move to open the car door, but Potsie stopped him. "What are we going to do?" he asked. "I don't know yet. Just follow my lead." "Great! I love games!" Roger paused, rolled his eyes, and got out of the car.
Fonzie watched through the gauzy yellow curtain hanging in his front window as his two friends made their way up the walk. He had half been expecting them for days now, knowing that whatever information circulating throughout the Cunningham family about what had happened would eventually make its way to the outer reaches of the family, namely Roger and Potsie. Fonzie knew he would be a fool to think he could just fade into oblivion.to hide from the very family he'd just helped to destroy, at least in his own eyes. When the doorbell rang, Fonz debated ignoring it, but realized that no matter how long he hid, the problem would never go away. Reluctantly, he twisted the doorknob and pulled, motioning his visitors inside with a disinterested "What?" "Fonz!" Roger put on an air of false joviality to mask the tension he could feel creeping up inside him. "How are you buddy?" "Peachy," Fonzie said as pulled his plaid bathrobe over his jeans and t- shirt, and tied the belt. "How are you?" "Can't complain." Roger glanced toward Potsie, who wisely stayed silent. "Do you mind if we sit down?" "Knock yourselves out." Fonzie cleared some loose leaf paper and hot rod coloring books off the sofa and waved the men over. Then he took a seat in his reclining chair, all the while being careful to avoid eye contact. "Thanks." Roger took a seat and carefully contemplated what he was going to say. "Fonz.we need your help." "You need my help?" Fonzie echoed. "Of course you need my help. All anyone ever needs is my help." He stood up and shuddered, remembering leaving Joanie's diary out in plain view for Chachi to see. "I think I've helped enough." "Fonz." Roger began. "You have to help us!" Potsie stood up, surprising both Fonzie and Roger. "Look, we're not stupid. We know you had something to do with Joanie and Chachi breaking up." Fonzie tensed, his fists clenching. ".but this is more important than that! You've got to help us find Richie before it's too late!" Fonz relaxed slightly, his fingers uncurling a bit. "What do you mean find Richie? Where is he?" "We don't know," Roger broke in. "No one knows. The day of the.um.fight, he never came home." "That was three days ago. Why didn't anyone tell me?" "Aunt Marion has been calling here night and day, Fonz. You never answer your phone anymore." Roger gently chided. Fonzie ignored Roger's condescending tone. "So what am I supposed to do?" "Give us some ideas.something. Where could he have gone? We've got to find him Fonz. Everyone's a wreck. Aunt Marion, Uncle Howard." "Joanie?" Fonzie quietly asked. "I haven't seen her, actually. She won't leave her room." Roger said. The idea of Shortcake hiding away in her room broke Fonzie's heart, but he tried not to show it. As guilt threatened to consume him once more, he stifled it down into the pit of his stomach. There was no time for guilt now. Not when his family needed him. "Richie may be hurt, Fonz." Roger gently prodded. "Think. Where would he have gone?" Fonzie was silent for a moment, then spoke up. "The only place I can think of is back home. California." Roger clapped his hands together. "Of course! But.I've never been to California. I'd have no idea where to begin." "That's why I'm going with you." Fonzie stood up and threw off his robe, grabbing his leather jacket from the rack by the door. "What about Danny?" Potsie piped up. "What about Danny?" Fonzie repeated, feeling defeated. "Damn! What am I going to do?" "I could stay here and watch him. I'm great with kids!" Potsie grinned. Fonzie looked at Roger, who stared back. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Sure! I baby-sit for my nieces and nephews all the time! Haven't lost a kid yet. Except for that one time when I took them camping. Who knew bears were so easily aggravated?" Potsie asked, puzzled. "Forget it," Fonzie said. "There's got to be someone else." "There isn't anyone else!" Roger stood up. "Fonzie.we've got to find Richie! If Social Services finds out that he abandoned his children - " Fonzie held up his hand and abruptly silenced Roger. "Richie did NOT abandon them!" He turned to Potsie. "Fine, you stay here with Danny. But if anything - I repeat - ANYTHING goes wrong, you call Mrs. C pronto! You got that?" "Sure thing, Fonz!" Potsie answered. "Alright, Roger, let's go!" Roger and Fonzie headed for the front door. Fonzie paused before leaving the house, and stuck his head back in the door. "Webber!" "Yeah Fonz?" Potsie asked. "Do me a favor. You call Mrs. C and apologize for me, okay?" "Okay." "And tell her one more thing." "Yeah Fonz?" "You tell her we're gonna bring her boy home! Whoa!"