My Daddy "The Fonz"

Chapter 12/Part 2: Richie, Please Help

Bobby's POV:

I can't believe Daddy gave his ring to Spike. Daddy said that one day, that ring would be mine. And that when I get to be a daddy, I could give it to my kid. Well, I guess I don't matter no more. Spike is Daddy's kid now, and I'm just a piece of meatloaf. And guess what? Daddy and him are off playing and completely forgot about me. Again. It's like I'm a ghost. They wouldn't care if I just left, I bet. Why did Spike even have to come here? He has a mommy. His mommy didn't leave him alone like mine did. It's just not fair! Why did Daddy have to forget about me and bring him in instead? Maybe it's my fault. Maybe Spike is more fun. Spike and Daddy are almost the same. They're cool, and I'm a nerd. Daddy doesn't want me to be a nerd, but I can't help it. I'm just so–so stupid.

I rub the sting from my butt and take a small peak behind me. No one's in the living room any more. Loud giggles are coming from the bedroom, so I sneak over to see Daddy and Spike playing with my toys. MY toys! Spike can go get his own toys! It's like I'm not even here. Hey, you know who's a nerd like me? Richie! Maybe Richie can be my new daddy. Yeah, I'll go find him.

I might be a nerd, but at least I'm good at being quiet. I know how to get anywhere with no one seeing or hearing me. I had to get good at it 'caus Mommy's old boyfriends would hurt me if I got in their way. And that's why I'm the king of hide n' seek. I always win that game. So, really carefully, I put my shoes on and tiptoe out the front door through the doggy door. We don't even have a dog. I guess it's perfect for me though. I'm the perfect fit! I'm really glad those two dumb heads were being so loud. That helped too 'caus sadly that front door can be squeaky.

Joanie is so happy to see me when I come to the Cunningham's porch, and I'm glad to see her too, except then I see that Chachi guy on the couch. I don't like him so much. Whenever he's around, Joanie doesn't even pay attention to me. Same ol' story. No one cares about Bobby when cooler people are around. I hate it so much.

Joanie tries to give me a hug, but I push her away. "Go have fun with your stupid boyfriend. I'm just here to find Richie."

Joanie looks sort of mad. "Hey, that's not very nice. I was just saying hello. Don't you wanna hang out with us instead? Richie is so boring."

"Richie is not boring," I yell. "Richie plays with me all the time. So I'm gonna find him."

"Good luck with that, little buddy," Chachi says. "He's out with his friends."

"I didn't ask you, and I don't care! I'll just go to him then. Where'd they go?"

Joanie stares at me. "Seriously? He told me he'd be at Arnold's. Do you know how far that place is from here? Like, three whole miles! You can't tell me you'll walk that far."

I cross my arms. "I have a bike."

"So what? Bet you a million bucks you couldn't find that place on your own, even if I drew a map."

Darn. I don't know where it even is. I didn't think about that part. "What about Mr. C?"

"Gone fishing."

"Then Mrs. C'll take me. Where is she?"

Joanie sighs. "She's out back pulling some weeds."

"Fine. I'll just go get her."

"Suit yourself," Joanie says.

I will, thank you very much. It doesn't take me long to find her either. Just where Joanie said she'd be. I tug on her skirt. "Hi, Mrs. C."

She smiles at me. "Oh hey there, Bobby. How are you today?"

"I dunno. Fine I guess. Can you take me to see Richie?"