Richie went to Arnold's, other eateries she could have gone, then went to the library and went inside. He looked around then saw Joanie who looked like she was daydreaming.
"Joanie, Joanie."
"I thought I told you to leave!" Joanie said then realized Richie was talking to her.
"Who are you telling to leave?"
"I guess I was just daydreaming that I was arguing with Dad about something."
"Oh, well it's way past dinner time and you should have been home hours ago. Mom is worried sick."
"What time is it?"
"8:15."
"Whoa. I was working on my report and I guess I day dreamed a bit too much. I need to check out this book then we can go."
At the Cunninghams—
Howard's back was much better and he was able to walk around and sit next to Marion on the chair.
"I'm sure she's fine. I bet she is at a friend's house and we don't have her number, or the library."
"Howard, she didn't come home from school, at all."
"Not at all?"
"No."
"Did she even call?"
"No." Marion put her hand on her cheek and her elbow on the table.
"Well, we'll have to talk to her about that then." Howard held Marion's hand then the door opened.
Joanie walked in and Marion jumped up to give her a hug while Howard walked up to them.
"Where were you?" Marion asked.
"I was at the library."
Richie went back out to go on his date with Lori Beth.
"Well, we need to have a talk about you not calling or even coming home from school, young lady." Howard and Joanie sat at the table while Marion reheated her dinner. Fonzie walked in from the front door.
"Hey, Joanie. I'm glad you are finally home, where were you?"
"Hi Fonzie. I was at the library and just lost track of time," Joanie said while Marion gave Joanie her dinner.
"I'm glad you are okay and don't worry your folks so much." Fonzie said.
Joanie started to eat. "Okay, Fonzie." Joanie smiled then Fonzie went back to his apartment and Joanie realized maybe Fonzie wasn't mad at her anymore.
"Joanie, don't you ever not call if you will be home late, understand?" Howard said then asked.
"Yeah. I'm sorry Mom, Dad." Joanie finished her dinner then got a hug from her parents and went upstairs to do her homework.
A week later at Arnold's—
Joanie and Deena were seated facing each other at the booth while they talked about school.
"I got a good grade for my Lincoln report."
"I got a good grade for my Eisenhower report." Fonzie walked in and walked up to Joanie and Deena.
"Hi."
"Hey." Joanie scooted over so Fonzie sat next to her.
"I hear there is a father-daughter dance at the school."
"Yeah, I heard." Joanie looked at Deena who looked down.
"Should be fun." Fonzie also noticed Deena looking down.
"I gotta get home, I'll see you tomorrow, Joanie." Deena got up.
"Okay. Bye." Deena left and Fonzie moved across from Joanie.
"What? Is there a hair out of place? Did I say something?"
Joanie got up quietly and left.
Fonize looked shocked. "Whoa!" He said to himself then thought about the situation.
A few hours later at the Cunninghams at dinner—
"There's a father-daughter dance at the school next week, do you think we can go?" Joanie asked as she took a bite.
"Well, how nice," Marion said as she looked at Howard with a smile.
"If I'm not working, or have to go to a convention, we can go."
"Thanks, Dad," Joanie smiled.
A few minutes later they finished their dinner; Marion did the dishes while Howard left to go to the Leopard Lodge meeting, and Richie came home.
"Richard, did you eat?" Marion asked.
"Yeah, Mom." Richard walked in to the kitchen.
"How are things with you and Lori Beth." Marion put the dishes away.
"Good." They both went in the living room; Marion sat on the couch while Richie sat in the chair.
"Well, Joanie has an event at school and it's a father and daughter dance."
"Oh, great. I hope they have a good time," Richie said then continued, "Well, I'm going to go see Ralph and Potsie. I'll be home later."
"Bye." Fonzie walked in after Richie left, and walked over to Marion.
"Hi, Mrs. C. Is Joanie home?"
"Yes, Arthur, she is doing her homework in her room."
"Thanks, Mrs. C." Fonzie went upstairs to Joanie's room. He knocked and he told her he wanted to talk to her, then he was let in.
"Hey, Fonz."
"Heeeeyyy, you got a nice room." Fonzie walked in and sat on the chair, while Joanie sat on her bed.
"Thanks."
"Did I say something to upset you and your friend?" Fonzie asked.
"Well, you didn't know but my friend is kinda like you."
"Like me?" Fonzie giggled nervously then continued, "How?"
"Well…" Joanie started nervously.