Title: Chachi Arcola: From Happy Days to Charles In Charge
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Time: TWO WEEKS AFTER Chachi's Story (Part I)
Characters: Howard and Marion Cunningham, Chachi and Joanie Arcola, Father Delvecchio, Danny Fonzarelli, Roger Phillips, Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli, Students of Patton High
Discalimer-- I do not own the sitcom Happy Days or any of it's characters. I am merely a fan of the show with an imagination. The plot belongs to me, CollegeGirl. This has never been aired, nor will it ever be aired. This is written just for fun, in hopes that someone will enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Episode 2, Scene 1

TWO WEEKS AFTER Chachi's Story (Part I)

(HOWARD, MARION, AND CHACHI ARE SITTING AROUND THE BREAKFAST TABLE IN THE CUNNINGHAM HOUSE. CHACHI IS SCHEDULED TO GO ON TOUR WITH HIS BAND THE FOLLOWING DAY.)

Marion-- Are you sure you've got everything you need, dear? A year is an awfully long time to be away from home.

Chachi-- Yep! I'm all packed up. I don't think I could fit another thing in any of my suitcases, even if I tried.

Howard-- Do you need any money?

Chachi-- *starts to choke on his milk* You, Mr. C., are offering to lend me money?

Howard-- Of course not! I merely asked if you needed money. I said nothing about lending.

Chachi-- Ha ha....good one, Mr. C.

Howard-- Yeah, well....I still got it.

Marion-- Oh, Howard, you've spent way too many years with that Ralph Malph.

Howard-- You're right, Marion. I have.

Marion-- But, seriously, Chachi, is there anything that you need?

Chachi-- I need my wife back.

Howard-- Chachi, I know it's hard now, but look at it this way. At least, you've got your music carreer to look forward to. That's more than most guys have.

Chachi-- Yeah, you have a point Mr. C.

Marion-- See, there's a pink lining in every cloud.

Howard-- A silver lining, Marion

Marion-- Oh whatever, Howard.

JUST THEN THE TELEPHONE RINGS. MARION ANSWERS IT.

Marion-- Hello?

Voice-- Mrs. Cunningham, is that you? This is Father Delvechio.

Marion-- Yes, it is me. Good morning, Father. What can I do for you?

Voice-- Is Chachi or Joanie avaiable?

Marion-- Well, Joanie's at work, Father. But, Chachi's here. Here, I'll let you speak to him.

CHACHI TAKES THE PHONE FROM MARION.

Chachi-- Hello?

Voice-- Chachi, this is Father Delvechio. How are you today, my son?

Chachi-- I'm getting by.

Voice-- Chachi, I hate to have to tell you this, but.....(a brief pause)......you'd better sit down for this.

CHACHI PULLS OVER THE NEAREST CHAIR AND SITS IN IT.

Chachi-- Ok.

Voice-- It seems that there has been a mix-up with your marriage license. You see, as an ordained priest, I'm allowed to marry people. In order to stay ordained, though, I have to renew my membership every year. There's this whole stack of paperwork that needs to be filled out, and well......somehow, I forgot to add my signature to the completed forms. What I'm trying to say is this. Chachi, your marriage to Joanie isn't legally binding. I'm doing everything I can to try to straighten this out, but.....

Chachi-- Father, are you telling me that I'm not really married to Joanie?

Voice-- *sighs* Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep. I'm sorry, Chachi. I feel awful about this.

Chachi-- That makes two of us. But, thanks for letting me know. (HANGS UP THE RECEIVER)

Marion-- Oh no. Chachi, I'm so sorry.

Howard-- Chachi, is Father Delvechio certain that your marriage isn't legitimate?

Chachi-- I'm afraid so. I've got to go tell Joanie.

CHACHI RUSHES TO THE COAT RACK AND STARTS PUTTING ON HIS COAT AND SCARF.

Howard-- Chachi, you can't tell Joanie now. She's in the middle of teaching!

Chachi-- I can't wait. I've got to talk to her.

CHACHI RUSHES OUT THE DOOR.

EPISODE 2, SCENE 2

PATTON HIGH

JOANIE IS IN HER CLASSROOM TEACHING A SCENE FROM A PLAY. THE STUDENTS ARE STRUGGLING WITH THE CHARACTERS MOTIVES, SO JOANIE TRIES TO EXPLAIN FURTHER.

Joanie-- Class, Rachelle is torn between two men. She feels compelled to stay with her husband, but only as an obligation to her family. She really loves Pedro, a rebel who sweeps her off her feet.

Student #1-- Why doesn't she just leave the one guy and run off with Pedro?

Joanie-- Good question. She wants to. But, she feels it is her duty to stay with her husband. She's afraid to go against her family.

Student #2-- Why does she think it's her duty to stay with him?

Joanie-- Because an alliance between Rachelle's family and her husband's family depends on the two of them producing an heir.

Student #1-- What's an "air"?

Student #3-- (SLAPS student #1 ON THE BACK OF HIS HEAD) Air is the stuff we breathe. Don't be so stupid!

STUDENT #1 THREATENS STUDENTS #3. STUDENT #3 RETURNS THAT THREAT. THE CLASS BREAKS OUT INTO CHAOS.

Joanie-- Class, please pay attention.

ALL STUDENTS IGNORE HER.

Joanie-- Class! Please!

STUDENTS CONTINUE ARGUING AND FIGHTING.

JUST THEN, THE DOOR OPENS AND THERE STANDS FONZIE.

Fonzie-- Cool it!

A FEW STUDENTS STOP TO ACKNOWELDGE FONZIE. THE OTHERS HAVE NOT REALIZED THAT HE HAS ENTERED THE ROOM.

FONZIE SNAPS HIS FINGERS.

Fonzie-- Class, I said cool it!

ALL STUDENTS STOP ARGUING AND SIT QUIETLY IN THEIR SEATS.

Student #2-- Sorry, Mr. Fonzie!

Fonzie-- Why weren't you paying attention to your teacher?

Student #3-- We were, but this idiot (slaps Student #1 on the back of his head) didn't know that "an air" is what we breathe.

Joanie-- Actually, an "heir" is a son or daughter....

Student #3-- Now, that's the craziest thing I've ever heard. How are we supposed to breathe sons and daughters?

Student #4-- We don't breathe them, stupid. Rachelle and her husband are supposed to have one. You know, as in give birth to.

Student #3-- (STANDS UP) Are you calling me stupid?

Student #4-- (ALSO STANDS UP) I just did, didn't I?

Fonzie-- Will you two sit down? (gives them the evil eye and they immediately return to their seats)

Joanie-- Fonz, the class is having a difficult time with this play. I have an extra script here. Would you mind running through the lines with me in front of the class?

Fonzie-- Uuhhh...ok....I guess. What do you need me to do?

Joanie-- I'm going to read the part of Rachelle. I just need you to read all the lines that belong to Pedro.

Fonzie-- OK. I guess I can do that.

Joanie-- I'm just so torn. I love you with all my heart. My world is nothing without you in it. I never knew I could know a love like yours.

Fonzie-- *feeling a bit tense* Uhhhh.....You have to make a decision. Either your love belongs to me or it belongs to your husband. But, it can't be both. I can no longer bare to see him treat you like he does. *warming up to the dialogue* I would set you upon a pedestal, but he would only turn you into one.

Joanie-- But, this is bigger than you and me. I have my family to think about.

Fonzie-- Look, I can't stay here watching you pretend to love him, knowing in my heart that we really belong together. I'm leaving at midnight tonight. You can come with me or stay here. But, you have to make a decision by tonight.

Joanie-- My love!

FONZIE TURNS TOWARD DOOR, THEN STOPS AND TURNS BACK AROUND TO FACE JOANIE.

JOANIE KISSES HIM.

Joanie-- I do love you.

CHACHI BURSTS THROUGH THE DOOR FROM WHERE HE HAS BEEN EAVESDROPPING ON THEIR CONVERSATION.

Chachi-- I knew it. I can't believe you are kissing right here in front of all these people. Have you no decency?

Student #2-- Hey this is good! I wasn't expecting a third person!

Student #1-- This guy must be the husband!

Student #3-- Oohh...I think there's going to be a rumble!

Class (chants): Rum-ble! Rum-ble! Rum-ble!

Fonzie-- *snaps his fingers* Quiet! Chachi, my office, NOW!

CHACHI FOLLOWS FONZIE TO THE HALLWAY.

JOANIE CONTINUES TEACHING.

Chachi-- Fonzie, how could you kiss my wife in front of her class? As if I don't have enough problems as it is. But, let's talk about this. You don't have to leave town just because.....

Fonzie-- Huh? What are you talking about?

Chachi-- What you just said in Joanie's classroom......

Fonzie-- You're right, but I didn't say it.

Chachi-- Now, Fonz, I heard you......

Fonzie-- *PULLS THE SCRIPT OUT OF HIS JACKET AND PUTS IT IN CHACHI'S HANDS* It was a part of a play, Chachi. I was helping Shortcake run through these lines to help teach this play to her students.

Chachi-- A play? *FLIPS THROUGH THE PAGES OF THE SCRIPT* Oh boy.

Fonzie--Chachi, why are you here, anyway? I hope that you didn't come down just to spy on us.......

Chachi-- Oh! No, Fonz. I had to tell Joanie something.

Fonzie-- You had to tell her what?

Chachi-- It's personal, Fonz.

Fonzie-- Whhooaahh! You're keeping secrets from the Fonz?

Chachi-- Sorry, Fonz. What was I thinking?

Fonzie-- I have no idea.

Chachi-- I spoke with Father Delvechio today. Due to technical errors, it seems that well.......Joanie and I are not legally married.

Fonzie-- Whoah! Are you sure?

Chachi-- Well, this isn't the type of thing that you go around saying unless you are sure.

Fonzie-- I should hope not!

Chachi-- What am I going to do?

Fonzie-- You're going to tell her.

Chachi-- I'm not so sure I can. How does one go about telling his wife who wants a divorce that they are not really married? "Guess what, honey. You don't have to worry about finalizing the divorce because we were never really married in the first place?"

Fonzie-- Well, that's a start.

Chachi-- Do me a favor, Fonz. Tell her to meet me tonight at Arnold's.

Fonzie-- Ok, Chachi.

CHACHI RUNS OUT OF THE SCHOOL.

CAMERA FADES OUT TO COMMERCIAL.

I'm enjoying this. More! More!

*LOL* Okay. Since you asked.....

Episode 2, Scene 3

AS THE COMERCIAL ENDS, THE CAMERA ZOOMS BACK IN REVEALING JOANIE AND CHACHI SITTING AT ARNOLD'S, ALONE.

CHACHI HAS JUST FINISHED TELLING JOANIE ALL ABOUT HIS TELELPHONE CONVERSATION WITH FATHER DELVECHIO.

Joanie-- That can't be possible. Our wedding....the past year.....it was all a lie? We were never married?

Chachi-- I'm afraid not. Not legally, anyway.

Joanie-- Wow. Chachi, I am so sorry. I just can't believe it.

Chachi-- You know, Joanie, I've been giving this a lot of thought. Maybe Father Delvechio didn't make a mistake after all. Maybe we really were never meant to be married.

Joanie-- You think this could be a sign? God's way of letting us know that He has other plans in store for us?

Chachi-- I'm beginning to. These past two weeks, without you, have been almost impossible to endure. I thought my world had been ripped out from under me. And that caused me to do a lot of thinking. Blue eyes, I love you. I would do anything to see you happy. That's how I can realize that our marriage caused you such pain.

Joanie-- Chachi, no. Being with you brought me such great joy. You have taught me so much and brought me so far. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for you. I love you like a.....(her words cut off)

Chachi-- *takes her hand in his and gently squeezes it* You love me like a brother. I should have realized it years ago. We have the perfect friendship, but as a married couple, we are horrible. If I hadn't gotten so caught up in the allure of having a big family, I would have seenit sooner. I was so tired of being an only child with only Mom-- and later Al-- as my only family. You have such a close-knit family. When your parents accepted me as a son, I was estatic. At the time I thought I was in love with you. But loving someone and being in love with someone can be such different things. I was being so selfish.

Joanie-- Chachi, you weren't being selfish. If anyone was, it was me. I wanted a family of my own, and you were offering that to me. But, you have your own dreams to fullfill. My parents adore you. You're always going to be like a son to them, no matter if we're married or not. And you are always going to be a part of my life. Being a family doesn't mean that we have to be married. It means that we are always going to be there for each other. That we'll always love each other.

Chachi-- I do love you, Blue eyes.

Joanie-- Oh, Chach. I love you too.

CHACHI LEANS IN AND KISSES JOANIE ON HER CHEEK. HE THEN WRAPS AN ARM AROUND HER SHOULDERS AS THEY GET UP AND EXIT ARNOLD'S TOGETHER.


~~~~****THAT NIGHT****~~~~~~

CHACHI IS SLEEPING IN RICHIE'S OLD ROOM. HE TOSSES AND TURNS, TRYING TO SLEEP. HE NOTICES A FLASH OF LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS AND OPENS HIS EYES. THERE, STANDING BESIDE HIS BED, IS A LITTLE GIRL. SHE SEEMS WORRIED. LIKE SHE IS TRYING TO CONVEY A MESSAGE, BUT CANNOT FIND THE WORDS. HER LONG BLONDE HAIR LOOKS LIKE IT IS BEING BLOWN BY A GENTLE WIND, BUT THERE IS NO BREEZE IN THE ROOM. HER BLUE EYES GLOW INTENSELY IN THE DARKNESS AND SHE HAS A RING OF LIGHT ALL AROUND HER. AS CHACHI GAZES INTO HER EYES, HE SEES SCENES FROM HIS LIFE-- HIS FATHER'S DEATH, HIS MOTHER'S REMARRIAGE, HIS CARREER AS A SINGER, HIS WEDDING TO JOANIE. THE GIRL'S MOUTH BEGINS TO MOVE AS SHE TRIES TO FORM WORDS, BUT NO SOUND COMES OUT. THEN, A COLD TINGLE SURGES THROUGH CHACHI'S BODY THAT MAKES HIM SHIVER AND CLOSE HIS EYES. WHEN HE REOPENS THEM, HE SEES THAT HE IS ALONE.



*MEANWHILE*

FONZIE IS ASLEEP IN HIS OWN BED. HE SENSES THE PRESENSE OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN ENTERING HIS ROOM. AS HE OPENS HIS EYES, HE RECOGNIZES JOANIE STANDING ABOVE HIM.

Fonzie-- Shortcake? How did you get in here?
Joanie-- Ssshhhhhh.....*she places a finger over his lips*

FONZIE SMILES. JOANIE SITS DOWN ON THE EDGE OF HIS BED. SHE LEANS IN SLOWLY. HER LIPS MEET HIS AND THEN SHE KISSES HIM PASSIONATELY. FONZIE RECIPROCATES THAT KISS.

*THE CAMERA FADES BACK OUT INTO ANOTHER COMERCIAL*

Hmmmm.. Is Fonzie still asleep? Is it all a dream. Or is it real?
To be continued!

FONZIE WAKES UP IN A COLD SWEAT

Fonzie-- Whoah....it was just a dream.

FONZIE TRIES TO FALL BACK TO SLEEP BUT THOUGHT OF JOANIE KEEP RUNNING THROUGH HIS MIND. HE GETS UP AND WALKS TO THE KITCHEN. HE POURS HIMSELF A GLASS OF WATER.

DANNY, RUBBING THE SLEEP FROM HIS EYES, WALKS OUT INTO THE KITCHEN.

Danny- Dad? Is that you?

Fonzie-- Danny? What are you doing up out of bed?

Danny- I heard a noise.

Fonzie-- It's okay. It was only me. Go back to your room and lay down. I'll come in and check on you in a few minutes.

Danny-- All right, Dad. Goodnight!

Fonzie-- Goodnight, son.

DANNY RETURNS TO BED.

FONZIE PICKS UP THE PHONE AND BEGINS TO DIAL THE CUNNINGHAM'S NUMBER. A BEAD OF SWEAT COLLECTS ON HIS BROW AS HE NERVOUSLY WAITS FOR THE LINE TO RING. HE WANTS TO HEAR JOANIE'S VOICE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME HE FEELS IT'S A BAD IDEA TO TALK TO HER RIGHT NOW. AS THE LINE RINGS, HE HEARS A BUSY SIGNAL. HE PUTS THE RECEIVER BACK DOWN.

Fonzie-- This is crazy! I can't be having these kinds of feelings for Joanie. What is wrong with me?

FONZIE WALKS TO THE SINK AND POURS OUT THE REMAINING WATER FROM HIS GLASS. HE LOOKS OUT THE WINDOW. THEN HE TURNS AND WALKS TOWARD THE PHONE AGAIN. ONLY, THIS TIME, INSTEAD OF CALLING JOANIE, HE DIALS THE NUMBER OF BARBARA MCMANUS, ONE OF HIS MANY GIRLFRIENDS.

Fonzie-- Aaayyhhhh.....this is the Fonz. I'm driving my bike up to the lake tomorrow night. I'll pick you up at eight. Whoah!

FONZIE HANGS UP THE RECEIVER.

Fonzie-- All I need is a nice, relaxing night at the lake to clear my head.

FONZIE WALKS DOWN THE HALLWAY TO DANNY'S ROOM. HE LOOKS IN AND SEES THAT DANNY ISFAST ASLEEP. FONZIE THEN RETURNS TO HIS OWN ROOM, TAPS HIS FIST ON THE WALL TO TURN OUT ALL THE LIGHTS, AND CLIMBS BACK INTO HIS BED.





NEXT MORNING AT THE CUNNINGHAM HOUSE

ALL CHACHI'S SUITCASES ARE SITTING BY THE FRONT DOOR. HOWARD IS IN THE KITCHEN WITH MARION, HELPING HER TO PACK A LUNCH. JOANIE AND CHACHI ARE STANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS.

Chachi-- I guess this is it. All my stuff is ready to go.

Joanie-- I'm going to miss you.

Chachi-- I'll write you every day. And I'll call whenever I get a chance. It's not going to be the same without getting to see you every day.

Joanie-- *laughs* Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get lots of groupies to take your mind off me.

Chachi-- Yeah, probably...*grins* But, it would take an awful lot of them to take my mind off of you.

JOANIE BLUSHES AND LOOKS TOWARD THE FLOOR, THEN BACK UP AT HIM.

Chachi-- Anyway, a lot can happen in a year. I might come home and discover that some other man has swept you off your feet and taken you away from me.

Joanie-- Oh, Chach, please take care of yourself. It's going to be lonely here without you.

HOWARD AND MARION WALK INTO THE LIVING ROOM WITH CHACHI'S FOOD.

Marion-- Here, Chachi. I've packed your favorites in here. Hopefully this will hold you over for a day or so. They have dreadful food at those truckstop diners!

Chachi-- Thanks, Mrs. C.

MARION AND CHACHI HUG.
HOWARD HUGS CHACHI.
JOANIE CRIES AS CHACHI HUGS HER.

Chachi-- I'm going to miss you, Blue Eyes.
Joanie-- Good luck, Chach.

Howard-- I can't believe Fonzie didn't stop by to say goodbye.

Chachi-- He said he'd meet me at the bus stop. He had something urgent to take care of this morning.

Howard-- Ok. Bye, Cahci.

Marion-- Bye-bye! *waves*

Joanie-- Goodbye! *waves*

Chachi-- Bye! I'll write I promise!

CHACHI TAKES HIS SUITCASES AND GETS IN HIS TAXI. THEY PULL AWAY FROM THE CURB AND HEAD DOWN THE ROAD.

Marion-- The house seems empty already.

Howard-- The boy just walked out of the house two minutes ago. How can it seem empty already?

Marion--- It just does.

Howard-- But, you've barely given the boy enough time to get out of the house....

Marion-- Oh, sit on it, Howard!

JOANIE, HOWARD, AND MARION GO BACK WITH THEIR DAILY ROUTINES. HOWARD SITS IN HIS CHAIR, JOANIE GOES UPSTAIRS, AND MARION RETURNS TO THE KITCHEN.



FONZIE'S CABIN AT THE LAKE

FONZIE AND BARBARA ARE SITTING IN FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE. FONZIE IS HOLDING BARBARA IN HIS ARMS. ONLY HIS MIND KEEPS GOING BACK TO JOANIE.

Barbara-- Fonzie?

Fonzie-- Huh?

Barbara-- Have you heard a word I said?

Fonzie-- OG course. You said, uhhhh....well, you were talking about so many different things.

Barbara-- I don't know what has you distracted tonight, but I've never seen you like this before.

Fonzie-- It isn't a "What" that has me distracted, but rather a "her". I just can't seem to shake this chick from my thoughts.

Barbara-- Oh...she must be very special to keep you so preoccupied.

Fonzie-- Yeah, that she is.

Barbara-- So, why are you with me instead of her?

Fonzie-- Because this chick is off limits to the Fonz.

Barbara-- Off limits?

Fonzie-- What is this, 20 Questions?

Barbara-- It helps to talk things out

Fonzie-- *smiles* Ah, so now you're my shrink? *chuckles*

Barbara-- Sort of. So, what's her name?

Fonzie-- Her name's Shortcake....uummm, I mean Joanie.

Barbara-- So, why is she off limits?

Fonzie-- *sighs* Why do I get the feeling that you're not going to stop asking me questions until I give you all the information you want to know? Oh, all right. Joanie is my best friend's little sister. I used to live above their garage. She's like a little ssiter to me, which just amkes these feelings seem so crazy. I mean, I watched her grow up. I can't be having feelings like this!

Barbara-- I think that's incredibly sweet. It's only natural for you to be having these emotions for her.

Fonzie-- It is?

Barbara-- Of course. You said that you watched her grow up. So, you must have formed a pretty strong bond with her. She became an integral part of your life without your realizing it. And now that she is all grown up, you are not only noticing that she is a good friend whom you dearly love, but also a beautiful woman.

Fonzie-- You're right. It's so strange. It seems like she grew up over night. One day she was twirling her baton and wearing Mickey Mouse ears, and the next day she was a grown up woman with the most enchanting blue eyes.

Barbara-- Why don't you just tell her how you feel?

Fonzie-- Are you nutso? I could never do that!

Barbara-- Why not?

Fonzie-- I just told you. She's my best friend's little sister. Her parents are the closest thing I have to a family. If I lost their love, I'm not sure what I'd do.

Barbara- Do they feel the same about you?

Fonzie-- Aaayyhhh....of course they do. I'm the Fonz!

Barbara-- Then if they really love you that much, do you think you could ever do anything to lose that love?

Fonzie-- This could come pretty close!

Barbara-- Does this Joanie feel the same way about you?

Fonzie-- I'm not sure

Barbara-- Then, that's what you need to find out.

Fonzie-- *kisses her* Thanks, sweetheart. You've given me a lot to think about. If you don't mind, I'm gonna go for a walk.

Barbara-- Ok. And you're welcome.

What do you all think so far? What in particular has sparked your curiosity? Are there any parts of the script that seem just too hard to swallow? What are they? Remember, future parts will reflect your criticisms. So, if you want to see something changed, let me know.

LATER THAT NIGHT

CHACHI ARCOLA IS ASLEEP ON THE BAND BUS. AS HE FALLS INTO A DEEP SLEEP, HE ONCE AGAIN RECEIVES A VISIT FROM THE MYSTERIOUS LITTLE GIRL. HER EYES BLAZE AND A LIGHT RADIATES FROM HER BODY. THIS TIME, SHE SPEAKS.

Girl-- Chachi

Chachi-- Who are you?

Girl-- A messenger

Chachi-- Who sent you?

Girl-- God

Chachi-- What is the message?

Girl-- Listen to your heart

Chachi-- What is that supposed to mean?

THE LITTLE GIRLS FADES FROM SIGHT.

Chachi-- Wait! I don't understand!

CHACHI ROLLS OVER AND WAKES UP. HIS DREAM SEEMED SO VIVID AND REAL. HIS MIND IS RACING AND HE CAN'T GET BACK TO SLEEP. HE DECIDES TO GO FOR A WALK. HE RECOUNTS THE PAST FEW WEEKS IN HIS MIND. HE CAN'T SEEM TO SHAKE THE MEMORY OF WALKING INTO JOANIE'S CLASSROOM AND FINDING HER KISSING FONZIE. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF FONZIE AND JOANIE REALLY DID GET TOGETHER? COULD HE BARE WATCHING HIS COUSIN-- HIS VERY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD-- TAKE AWAY THE WOMAN OF HIS DREAMS? CHACHI THOUGHT ABOUT HIS LAST CONVERSATION WITH JOANIE AT ARNOLD'S. THEY HAD SAID THAT WHILE THEY LOVED EACH OTHER, THEY WERE NO LONGER IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER. IT SEEMED LOGICAL TO SAY THAT AT THE TIME, WHEN HE KNEW THEY WERE PARTING AND HAD TO HOPE OF REKINDLING A ROMANCE. BUT NOW, AS HE STOD ALONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, HE WONDERED IF HE COULD JUST LET JOANIE SLIP OUT OF HIS FINGERS. CHACHI CONTINUES WALKING UNTIL HE FINDS A CUTE DINER WITH THE LIGHTS STILL ON. HE DECIDES TO ENTER.

CHACHI ANXIOUSLY LOOKS AROUND THE EMPTY DINER.

Chachi-- Hello? Is anyone here?

A WOMAN, LOKING IDENTICAL TO CHACHI'S MOM, LOUSIA, WALKS OUT FROM THE KITCHEN.

Woman-- Charles, I wasn't expecting you to stop by tonight. Since you're here, can you give me a hand wrapping this silverware?

Chachi-- You look just like.....naah, that's impossible. How do you know me?

Woman-- What a horrible question to ask your mother! *mocks* "How do you know me?" Charles, I only spent 17 hours in labor giving birth to you....I wiped your nose when you were little. I fed you and changed your diapers. And you tease me like that....

Chachi-- *a scared expression covers his face because he knows that his mother is still in Chicago with Al* What are you talking about? I don't....

Woman-- Charles? Are you okay? Here, sit down and let me feel your forehead.

Chachi-- Uhhhh.....*backs away slowly*.....you know, I just remembered that I forgot something! *runs back out the door*

Chachi-- *he continues walking down the street, back toward the bus* Oh boy. Either I'm still dreaming, or I need my head examined.



MEANWHILE

FONZIE WALKS ALONG A TRAIL CIRCLING THE LAKE. HE RECOUNTS THE PAST FEW MONTHS SPENT WITH JOANIE.

Fonzie-- This is not cool. I have to either stop having these feelings or I need to have enough guts to face them. The Fonz is not a coward!

HE TOSSES A STONE AT THE LAKE AND IT SKIPS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT SINKS INTO THE WATER.

Fonzie-- I guess I'm going to have to have a heart to heart with Shortcake.

Loving this story! :loveya:

Originally posted by CameraQueen
Loving this story! :loveya:



:blush: Thanks!

I changed the character of Celeste. Now, the girlfriend is played by Rita Wilson who was Barbara McManus. You might remember her in the last season's episode titled, "Where The Guys Are." Barbara has the exact personality I was aiming for when creating this role. She's warm, sympathetic, intelligent, and kind.

Plus, Fonzie seems to open up to her so well. I thought she definitely deserved to be brought back.

Great story so far!

Originally posted by Chad Doody
Great story so far!


AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

Keep it going!

Ack! I forgot about this story. I need to finish it. OK, next chapter will be about Fonzie's "talk" with Joanie. Yes everyone, the love of my life-- my very own Arthur Fonzarelli-- will be telling Joanie that he has "feelings" for her. Is Joanie one lucky gal, or what?

CHACHI IS STANDING ON STAGE PERFORMING IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE. HE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS ACT, WHEN HE LOOKS OVER AND SEES THE MYSTERIOUS YOUNG GIRLWATCHING HIM. HE CONTINUES PLAYING AND SINGING, BUT HIS EYES REMAIN FOCUSED ON HER. HER EYES BLAZE WITH FIRE. SHE CALLS OUT HIS NAME. THEN SHE DISAPPEARS AGAIN. CHACHI RETURNS HIS GAZE TO HIS AUDIENCE AS HE FINISHES HIS SONG. THE AUDIENCE ROARS WITH APPLAUSE. CHACHI WALKS OVER TO WHERE THE GIRL WAS STANDING. HE SEES THE PEOPLE WALKING AROUND, WORKING BACKSTAGE.

Chachi: Where is she?

Man: Where is who?

Chachi: That little girl! She was standing right here.

Man: You must be seeing things. I've been here the entire time. There was no little girl.

Chachi: *IGNORING THE MAN* She must still be around here someplace. *BEGINS SEARCHING*

Second Man: Harold, what's he going on about?

Man: He thinks he saw some kid. I keep trying to tell him there was no one around.

Second Man: *SARCASTICALLY* Performers!

Man: (To the next band) You're on in five!


PEOPLE RUSH AROUND BACKSTAGE, READYING EVERYTHING FOR THE NEXT ACT.

FONZIE SAT NERVOUSLY IN HIS KITCHEN. HE LOOKED AT THE CLOCK. 11:00 P.M. HE KNEW MR. AND MRS. CUNNINGHAM WERE IN BED BY NOW. HE HOPED JOANIE WAS STILL AWAKE. HE RAKED HIS FINGERS THROUGH HIS HAIR AS HE MUSTERED UP THE COURAGE TO MAKE THE CALL. HE SWALLOWED AS HE REALIZED THAT THERE WAS NO SUBTLE WAY TO EXPRESS TO HER WHAT HE NEEDED TO TELL HER. HE CLEARED HIS THROAT. SOMEHOW, A LUMP HAD GATHERED IN HIS THROAT, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO SPEAK. HE NEVER USED TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH GIRLS. ALL HE'D HAVE TO DO WAS SNAP HIS FINGERS AND THEY'D ALL LINE UP. BUT, THIS TIME IT WAS DIFFERENT. FONZIE CARED ABOUT JOANIE. AND THIS ONE TELEPHONE CALL COULD MAKE OR BREAK THEIR RELATIONSHIP. IT WAS A LONG SHOT THAT SHE'D EVER FEEL THE SAME ABOUT HIM AS HE FELT ABOUT HER. BUT, IT WAS A CHANCE HE WAS GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE. AS IF A LIGHTNING BOLT STRUCK THROUGH HIM GIVING HIM AN EXTRA BOOST OF CONFIDENCE, HE GRABBED UP THE PHONE AND DIALED THE NUMBER.

Joanie: *SLEEPILY* Hu--hullo?

Fonzie: Joanie

Joanie: Who is this? Fonzie, is that you?

Fonzie: (thinks, "Damn, I woke her up!") Yeah, Shortcake, it's me. Fonzie.

Joanie: Fonz, what's wrong? Is everything okay? Is Danny ok? Are you ok?

Fonzie: Shortcake, settle down. Everything's fine. I just....I just....wanted to talk to you.

Joanie: Fonzie, are you sure everything's okay?

Fonzie: Yeah. Everything's perfect. Well, almost....

Joanie: Almost?

Fonzie: Joanie...*STARTS TO BLURT OUT EVERYTHING. HOW HE HAS SO MANY FEELINGS BOTTLED UP INSIDE HIM. HOW HE LONGS TO HOLD HER, KISS HER, CARESS HER. HOW HE IS SO CONFUSED. BUT, HE STOPS HIMSELF. HE REALIZES THAT THESE ARE ALL THINGS HE NEEDS TO SAY TO HER FACE-TO-FACE.* .... Joanie, I need to see you.

Joanie: Right now?

Fonzie: *LOOKS UP AT HIS CLOCK AND REALIZES HOW LATE IT IS. HE SIGHS.* No, not tonight. In the morning. My apartment. Be here at around 8:00 a.m.

Joanie: OK, Fonz. I'll be there. You're sure everything is okay?

Fonzie: Everything is fine. Just be here. I-- uhh-- we need to talk. *HE HANGS UP THE RECEIVER*

I'm too tired to write any more. I'll finish this later. The conversation is coming up soon. Can't you feel the anticipation welling up inside you? :D

The Next Morning

Joanie and Fonzie are sitting in Fonzie kitchen, drinking coofee and talking.


Fonzie: Nice weather we're having.

Joanie: Sure is. It's so nice to have a warm day again.

Fonzie: Yeah.

Joanie: Fonz?

Fonzie: Yes.

Joanie: Did you call me over to talk about the weather?

Fonzie: No. *traces his finger along the edge of his coffee cup* No, I have something important to talk to you about. Joanie, I'm not quite sure how to word this. You're my best friends kid sister.

Joanie: Aww, Fonz. I'm no longer his kid sister. I've grown up now.

Fonzie: That you have. Boy, have you grown up.

*Joanie blushes*

Fonzie: You've become a great friend to me over the years. I've come to respect your opinion on things.

Joanie: So, you want my advice on something?

Fonzie: No. I didn't finish. What I was saying is that I've come to respect your opinions. I love talking to you. You've come to really--*his voice breaks-- matter to me. I might as well just spit it out. Shortcake, I think I'm falling for you.

Joanie: (shocked) Fonz.

Fonzie: You don't have to say anything now. Take time to think about what I've said. No matter how long it takes you. I'll wait. Oh, I can't believe I'm even telling you this. Please don't hate me.

Joanie: Wow! I'm really not sure what to say. How could I ever hate you? That would be impossible. Fonz, I admire you more than ever for what you just told me. I do love you, I'm just not sure in what sense.

Fonzie: I want you to think over this carefully. Don't feel pressured into anything. And no matter what your answer is, it is not going to change the state of our relationship as it is now. I'm always going to be here for you. Now, I've got to meet a client down at the auto mechanic's garage. How about having dinner with me tonight?

Joanie: I'd be honored to have dinner with you. *kisses Fonzie on his cheek* You are such a great guy. You're always concerning yourself over someone else. I'd be lost without you.

That Night: Dinner at a table for two: Guido's Restaurant

Fonzie: Joanie, I just love the way your eyes sparkle in the candle light. You're the picture of beauty. It was like God plucked you out of Heaven and sent you down to earth to live amongst us humans.

Joanie: Fonz, you're too much. You are such a flatterer. :blush:

Fonzie: I'm sorry. I'm making you feel awkward.

Joanie: No. Your words are beautiful. No one's ever talked to me like that before in my life. Sure, Chachi tried, but he always got distracted by a beautiful blonde or red head that would happen to walk by, and he'd lose his concentration.

Fonzie: Let me tell you, that kid makes me embarrassed that he's a Fonzarelli. I would NEVER treat a girl like that.

Joanie: I know you wouldn't. Fonz, I've spent my entire life watching you with your dates. Wondering what it would be like to have you wrap your arms around me. Or dance with me like you did with Paula and Cindy.

Fonzie: You did?

Joanie: Oh yeah. Every girl has. You're the epitome of romance. There's something so magical about how you treat the women you're with. It's like you treat them all as if they're the single most special girl on the earth. Like they're the only ones who exist.

Fonzie: Uhhh....just one thing. Epitome? What's that mean?

Joanie: Fonz, you're the very essence of romance.

Fonzie: *grins* Oh, I like that. That's a very nice compliment.

Joanie: *chuckles* I grew up having a crush on you. Thinking that maybe one day I would be sitting here with you like I am now. How I used to close my eyes at nights and envision this very moment. The feelings that would well up inside me every time you called me Shortcake.

Fonzie: You liked that?

Joanie: How could any girl not? You're every girl's fantasy guy.

Fonzie: Oh boy. Now, I'm blushing. I don't know what to say.

Joanie: Fonz, there's something I have to tell you. (pause for effect) I have been thinking about what you told me this morning. I've done nothing BUT think about it. And as much as I've dreamed about being in your arms...of having you hold me....kiss me.....tell me that the world belongs to none other than you and me.....I can't let that happen. I'm not that same little girl who used to crush on you. I've got responsibilities now. People depend on me.

Fonzie: Who? Chachi? Yeah, he doesn't depend on you, he mooches off you. And then, when he finds out he's no longer tied down, he hits the road touring with a million women throwing themselves at him.

Joanie: No, not Chachi. I've got my students. I've got dreams and goals to pursue. I need to spend some time to myself. I have to figure out who I am. What I want in life. You know, I think I might take some time off and travel. I've always wanted to go to Paris.

Fonzie: The city of love....*frowns*

Joanie: Please don't be hurt. I'm stupid for not taking you up on your offer. No girl in her right mind would turn you down. It's not that I can't see myself with you, but right now is just a bad time. I've just broken up from a marriage.

Fonzie: AAYYY. Don't worry about me. I'm cool, I'll recover. And let me tell you, you are the only woman I know who can turn me down and live to tell about it.

*Both laugh, remembering Fonz's early days when he meant what he said, but knowing full well that those words were no longer true. Fonz was gentler now.*

*They hug.*

Joanie: You're great, Fonz. I love you.

Fonzie: I love you too, Shortcake.

Wow, this is a great story! :happyface Is that the end of it? If not, please post more, I'd love to read the rest! You have a great knack for writing CollegeGirl!:)

lucida sans purple I love this!! I hope you continue it very soon. I can't wait till you get to CIC. :happyface

Thanks everyone! I'm happy to see someone likes my work. I do have more to write, but I have no idea where I'm going with this (just that I need to get Chachi into his role as Charles on CIC). I'll try to make more regular updates. :D

Right now, I'm channeling all my energies (I'd say talents, but I'm quite convinced that I don't have any :lol:...funny, what exhaustion does to you.) into a real screenplay I'm working on. Sadly, I've become even more stuck on my screenplay than I have on this fanfic.

hey your stroy is really great,. i can actually see it as a tv show !.

:crazy: yea, im 15 and i actually watch happy days all teh time! i love that show. expacily chachi hes great :) hes my idol. my friends think im a freak for actually ditching them to watch it every moring and night. i watch it twice a day :D .

i just wante dto post an dlet you now girls my age enjoi your stuff

Please continue the story!!!!! I love reading it.