My Daddy "The Fonz"

Chapter 7/Part 2: Things go Awry

Fonzie's POV:

Man, little Bobby and me have got this morning routine down pat, and it's only our second day of school together. This time, however, I made sure Bobs brushed his teeth in the bathroom instead of on my bike. Lots easier, that's for sure. What's strange though was just before we headed out the door, he was wanting to take this teddy bear with him that he got from Joanie's old collection. I asked him why, but he didn't want to say. I'm thinkin' he's either lonely or scared. I only wish I could come with him to remind him every second that there's absolutely nothin' to be afraid of. Right before I let him get off my bike and start heading into the school, I slick his hair back so it stays.

"Buddy, if kids are bothering you, stand your ground, alright?" I say.

Bobby just looks at me.

I grab him and set him on the ground then bend near his ear. "Alright?" I repeat.

Bobby nods.

I lean back and extend my hands to the side–like I do. "Aaaaay," I say, hoping it comes off reassuring. That and my groovy smile always makes a person feel better.

Bobby gives me this half-hearted, wimpy smile in return.

"Aaaaaaaaay." I try again with more force as I pretend to punch his chin. "Go get 'em, champ."

Still nothing. Just sulking.

As a last-ditch effort, I hold out a thumbs up in hopes he would mirror it.

Whimpily, he does so, then trods off into the school.

Poor kid. Guess I can't blame him. I hated school too. Even dropped out. This kid better not be thinking of dropping out though. I'd drop him for that in a heartbeat—right on his little heiney. Guess I should get my own butt to work. I'm crossing my fingers that Bobs won't need me today. Here's to hopin.'

Bobby's POV:

Daddy just doesn't get it. I wish I could tell him I don't want to be here so he would just take me to his work. It's exhausting trying to deal with Franklyn and his stupid group of minions all day. I don't think I could handle another swirlie. Kids are so mean. They think it's some kind of sport to pick on the short and weak one. And the teachers don't help. My only hope is the new Principal Higgins. Maybe she'll let me go home sick today if I play my cards right. Today, Daddy made me wear his lucky jacket. It would look cool on me if it wasn't so long. It's all the way down to my knees. So I guess I have three weapons of choice: the principal, the jacket, and my twiggy arms for punching anyone who tries to bug me. Oh–and my decoy lunch. I had Daddy make me two, just in case Franklyn gets hungry (which he always does). I better make sure I remember which one is the decoy. The decoy has some fun little surprises in it for him. That one's taped a different way so I can tell them apart.

"Alright class, right after your science project, you can have a twenty minute recess," Mrs. Goldberg says.

I yawn because I had an awful night last night. Spent all my energy trying to come up with ways to get Franklyn off my back. Speaking of...

"Hey bird-brain," Franklyn whispers, flicking my ear when the teacher's back is turned.

"Stop it," I whisper back, just loud enough so he can hear me.

"But that's no fun," he says. "I've gotta beat my record."

"You already have–every day this week," I say.

"I don't think I have. Not yet," he says, flicking my ear more before going in for a wet willy. I want to strangle him, but I quickly learned from last time to not blurt out in class. I pinch myself on the arm to stay calm. My legs start to bounce up and down as I watch the clock for the whole rest of class. Good thing the project was easy–just watching the different stages of a butterfly. Right now, the butterfly isn't even a butterfly. It's just a cocoon, so there's really not much to see.