The Unexpected
Chapter 1
XOXOXOXOXO
Author's Note: I can tell you right now, this story is going to be a bit dark. Not gory or even violent, but a little deep.
I was thinking about which of the six chipmunks needed more attention. I was going to do one of Alvin, since I haven't really devoted a story to him yet, but I decided on Theodore. In the fandom, he seems to get the least amount of notice, so I felt he fit this role pretty well.
The other five will have major appearances too, of course.
Anyway, this will probably run on for at least six chapters, maybe more if I feel it can stretch.
XOXOXOXOXO
"Alvin! Simon! Theodore! Time to practice!"
"Coming, Dave!" Simon said, setting down his book and making his way towards the door.
"Just a minute, Dave!" Alvin shouted, still hard at work at beating another level of his new videogame. "I'm almost done!"
"Now, Alvin!" Dave warned from downstairs, a hint of irritation in his voice.
Alvin reluctantly set down the controller and made his way downstairs, grumbling under his breath.
Theodore chuckled and hopped off of his bed, following behind his brothers. In a few weeks' time, the trio would be taking a worldwide tour. The Chipettes would accompany them, of course. This would be their first tour with the girls, and Theodore was ecstatic! He was eager to see all the different landmarks, meet up with different cultures, and most of all, try all the different foods they offered.
He soon joined his brothers and father, who were gathered in the middle of the living room. Dave had cleared the table of items, letting his sons use it as a stage. Theodore hopped over to the other two, out of breath.
"You okay there, Theodore?" Dave asked, concerned.
Theodore nodded, smiling up at him. "Yes, Dave, I'm fine."
"Good," Dave said, walking back and forth in front of them. "I know we've been practicing for a few months now, and you all seem to have gotten the main songs memorized. But, these concerts are going to be different from last time. We're trying something new."
"That's right. We're going to all do a solo piece, or have a lead song while the others sing back up," Simon supplied.
"That's right, Simon," Dave smiled.
Alvin rolled his eyes. "Know-it-all."
Simon ignored him, keeping his eyes on Dave. Theodore sighed in relief: now was not the time to be fighting.
"Now," Dave continued. "I let all of you choose a song you'd like to sing. I'm putting a lot of trust in you kids, and I expect you all to be ready to take the lead when the time comes. Are you all sure you can handle it?"
"You know I can, Dave," Alvin said, grinning. "I'm the leader, after all."
"The unofficial leader," Simon cut in, smirking. "I don't remember having a vote."
"I'm the oldest, so of course I am," Alvin shot back.
"Alvin, Simon, quiet down," Dave said firmly. The two brothers pursed their lips and returned their attention to him again. "Alvin, remember what you said you'd sing?"
"Riot by Three Days Grace," Alvin said proudly. "I know that song inside and out."
Dave chuckled, shaking his head. "You would choose that. Simon?"
"I2I by Tevin Campbell," Simon answered, adjusting his glasses. "I always wanted to sing that one."
"Okay, that sounds interesting," Dave said, rubbing his chin. "Theodore?"
"What Do You Want From Me, by Adam Lambert," Theodore chimed in, bouncing excitedly.
His brothers looked at each other, bewildered. Dave's eyes widened in surprise. Theodore, confused, looked between the three of them.
"What's wrong?"
"Well, I never thought that those kinds of songs would suit you," Dave said, folding his arms. "Are you sure you want to sing that one?"
Before Theodore could answer, Alvin placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah, that's a pretty... um..." he rolled his eyes around, trying to find the right words. "That's a pretty grown up song for someone like you."
Theodore's normally cheerful eyes narrowed at Alvin's words. "What do you mean?"
Simon walked to his other side, patting his back. "I think what Alvin means is that we always figured you'd do something more upbeat, cheerful. You know, something that's cute and lively."
"But I love this song!" Theodore protested. "Why can't I sing it?"
"Theodore, don't get upset," Dave sighed, leaning down to level with them. "How about you and Simon trade songs? His song would work a lot better for you, don't you think?"
"Well, I..." Theodore said.
"Yes, that's a great idea! I don't mind singing your song, and you can sing mine," Simon smiled. "Don't you think that works better, Theodore?"
"I guess," Theodore said reluctantly. "Okay, we can switch."
"There, that's better!" Alvin grinned, patting Theodore's head.
Dave then instructed them to practice their opening song, "We're the Chipmunks." Theodore moved alongside his brothers, moving in sync with them and singing all of the lyrics correctly. Even though he seemed to be totally engrossed in the song, his thoughts were elsewhere. Why had Dave allowed Alvin and Simon to pick their own songs? He hadn't questioned them nor showed any sign of objection. But when Theodore suggested one, all of them pressured him into changing it!
This bothered him a little, but he pushed the thought away for now. Maybe he would ask Dave about it in private later on.
After singing a couple of originals and renditions of other songs, Dave dismissed them and called for the Chipettes. The girls ran down the stairs and passed their counterparts, greeting them in their own way.
"Good luck, girls," Simon said, smiling at Jeanette.
"Thanks, Simon!" she giggled, blushing and grinning like a lovesick schoolgirl.
"I don't need luck," Brittany said, winking at Alvin. "Not when I've got talent."
"Not any more than I do!" Alvin shot back, grinning.
"Hi Theodore!" Eleanor greeted, bubbly as ever. "How are you?"
Theodore blushed a bright red and shoved his hands into his pockets. He looked everywhere but at Eleanor as he stuttered out a response.
"Er, hi! Um, I'm doing okay," he babbled, tail twitching nervously. "How are you? Oh! Look at the time, I better get going!"
Quicker than even he thought he could, he rushed upstairs. The rest of them watched him, stunned.
"Wow, what was that all about?" Alvin said, scratching his head.
"Who knew Theodore could move like that?" Brittany said, amazed.
Eleanor looked down at her feet, feelings hurt. Why did it seem, whenever she tried to talk to him, he always tried his best to put distance between them?
Jeanette patted her shoulder sympathetically. "Don't take it to heart, Ellie. He's just shy, I'm sure."
"That's right," Simon said. "Theodore can be really timid when he's around strangers. Give him some time."
XOXOXOXOXO
Bonk.
Bonk.
BAM!
Stupid, stupid , stupid! Why do I always freeze up like that when she comes around?
Theodore sighed deeply, rubbing the little red bump on his forehead. His self-inflicted injury left a small imprint on the wall near the door. He could still feel the blush burning in his cheeks. This had to be the fifth time he had made a complete idiot of himself in front of Eleanor! She must think of him as a complete wackjob.
He had half a mind to go back and apologize, but he already knew that it would only end in another awkward encounter.
"I just don't get it," he said, walking over to his bed. "I can talk to Brittany and Jeanette just fine! As well as the other girls at school. What makes Eleanor so different?"
Flopping down onto the green sheets, he stared up at the ceiling. It had been two months since the Chipettes had moved in. They had all gotten along really well, and they all looked forward to working together. But now, he was experiencing new feelings. Strange feelings. Feelings that confused the heck out of him, and also made him feel too uncomfortable to discuss with Dave or his brothers. They didn't feel wrong, but they didn't feel right either.
Is this what they call a 'crush'?
He snorted, feeling foolish. There was no way he could have a crush on Eleanor! She was just a friend, right? After all, Simon didn't have a crush on Jeanette, right? And Alvin didn't have a crush on Brittany, right? Right...?
He groaned. It wasn't that he never thought of meeting a nice girl someday and falling for her, but he never thought that girl would come so soon and steal his heart in seemingly no time at all. He never believed in 'love at first sight', but here he was: pining over the blond chipmunk, unable to even form coherent words when she looked him in the eyes.
"How corny is that?" he mumbled. It was times like these where he wished he had more confidence, like Alvin. Or a calmer nature, like Simon.
The sound of the door creaking open snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned his head, watching Alvin and Simon walked in. He dismissed them silently, returning his eyes to the ceiling.
"Are you feeling okay?" Simon asked.
"Yes," Theodore said blankly.
"Are you sure?" Alvin pressed, raising a brow.
"Yes," Theodore repeated.
"You left pretty hastily back there," Simon continued, coming to sit beside him. Theodore didn't reply. "Oh yes – Eleanor was a bit confused by your reaction," he smiled when Theodore's ears stood at attention. "I bet she's wondering why you're always so tense around her. Maybe you two should hang out sometime, hm?"
"I'm not doing that!" Theodore said, sitting upright. "What would I even say to her?"
"You've got to woo her, dude," Alvin said, smoothing out his almond bangs. "Be a gentleman, show her a good time."
"You mean a date?" Theodore squeaked. He had never been on a date before! How could he hope to "woo" Eleanor when he could barely talk to her?
"No, no! No need to rush into things," Simon reassured him. "Start out as friends! Get to know her."
"Is that what you and Alvin do with Jeanette and Brittany?" Theodore asked innocently.
Simon's cheeks flushed a light red. He coughed heavily, giving him a nervous smile.
"Well, um, yeah," he said. "I guess you could say that."
Theodore tugged at the collar of his sweater, feeling uncomfortable. Now his brothers were trying to get him to get closer to her! Sure, it was easy for them to talk about charming and impressing a girl. They made it sound so simple...
"Guys, I really appreciate what you're trying to do," Theodore said, giving them both a grateful smile. "But I can do... whatever it is I want to do, by myself. Besides, how do we even know Eleanor likes me? We barely know each other."
"That's why we're telling you to make your move, butterball!" Alvin said, sighing. "You might lose your chance."
"I don't need your help, okay?" Theodore snapped, glaring at the both of them.
Simon and Alvin were taken aback. They lifted up their hands in surrender, taking a step back from the green-clad chipmunk.
"Woah, calm down," said Alvin.
"We were only trying to help, Theodore," Simon said. "We didn't mean to pry."
Theodore calmed down, feeling guilty. He didn't understand why he was getting so angry. Surely his siblings only had the best in mind for him. He rubbed his head, giving them a sheepish smile.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to get so cranky. Maybe I'm just hungry."
"It's cool," Alvin shrugged. "Go on and get a snack or something."
"Okay," he replied, hopping off the bed and heading outside and into the hallway. He walked downstairs and into the kitchen, making sure he didn't interrupt Dave and the Chipettes. He searched through the cupboards, browsing the many different snacks and goodies. "Let's see... what am I in the mood for?"
Deciding on a bag of cheese balls, he opened it and poured a generous amount into a small bowl. He sad down on top of the table, munching on his snack as he listened to the girls sing their new hit song, "We Belong Together". It was sweet and soothing, with the girls putting all of their emotions into the song. It was almost as if they were actually singing it to a lover.
Ending the song all too soon for his liking, Dave praised the three girls before allowing them to take a break. Theodore heard his footsteps as he made his way into the kitchen, slightly surprised to see Theodore there.
"Oh, you scared me!" Dave said, laughing. "Couldn't wait for dinner, eh?"
"Sorry, Dave!" Theodore giggled, finishing off the last cheese ball. "Are we all done for the day?"
"Yup," Dave replied, pouring himself a tall glass of lemonade. "We'll all practice again tomorrow after you guys get home from school."
Theodore watched Dave take a few gulps of his drink, carefully choosing his words in his head. When Dave paused to take a breath, he quickly asked his question.
"Dave? Why wouldn't you let me pick the song I wanted to sing?" Theodore asked timidly. "You let Alvin and Simon pick theirs. Why'd you make me switch?"
Dave choked a bit, glancing at him. He remained silent for a few seconds before giving his response.
"I didn't mean for it to seem unfair," he said slowly. "I just think that song's a bit too grown up for you. It doesn't really suit you."
"Why doesn't it?" Theodore shot back, folding his arms. "I'm the same age as them! They're only older than me by a few minutes! It's not fair."
Dave sighed and set his glass on the counter. He carefully scooped up the chubby little chipmunk in his hands, bringing him up to eye level.
"Theodore, don't be upset," Dave said. "I know it's hard to understand, but we just want your first solo to go as smoothly as possible. That's all... do you understand now?"
"Yeah, Dave," Theodore lied, looking away. "I understand."
Dave set him back down on top of the dining room table, smiling. "I'm glad. You know I wouldn't treat you any differently from the others, right?"
Theodore forced a smile. "Yeah. You'd never do something like that."
After finishing his drink, Dave went upstairs to take a quick shower. Alone again, Theodore frowned.
Did Dave think of him as a baby? He was in high school too! Did he think he was too young to pick his own songs, to stand on his own too feet for a simple concert?
And I'm sure he let the Chipettes choose their own too, he thought, hurt. I'm his son! It's just not fair.
XOXOXOXOXO
Author's Note: Aww, looks like Theo took things the wrong way. No worries, I'm sure he'll shrug it off!
I'm not quite sure how I want the next chapter to go, but I have a vague idea. I'll try to get to it quickly.
Thanks for reading! Next chapter will be up soon.