Alvin sat on the window seat, staring dreamily into the starry night. Tomorrow was the big day. Dave was taking Alvin, Simon, and Theodore to Europe as a graduation present. Alvin could hardly wait. Simon was mapping out the most logical route to ensure that no landmark was missed. Theodore was researching restaurants. He had turned out to be a decent chef, he was always looking for new recipes, and one day hoped to have a restaurant of his own. Alvin only cared that he was finally getting a real vacation to Europe.
Brittany was doing her hair for her date. Johnny was picking her up in twenty minutes. Jeanette was on the phone with Simon, discussing artifacts and museums. Eleanor was baking downstairs. Brittany couldn't believe Alvin was getting a trip to Europe. Who deserved that trip more than she did? Certainly not Alvin. Her hair was perfect, but she couldn't help but think of how she wished that she too was going to Europe. The doorbell rang. As Brittany grabbed her coat and walked to the door, she contemplated the real situation. Simon and Jeanette had been dating since freshman year. They had ambitious plans to go away to college together in the fall. Theodore and Eleanor had been together since sophomore year and were always together cooking and creating. Brittany had no doubt that they wouldn't one day own and run their very own restaurant. Everyone had big plans, but her.
Alvin and Brittany had always had a love hate relationship. They challenged each other and argued constantly. There had been dates, but nothing ever came of them. Deep down inside, Brittany was afraid Alvin would go away and not return. She couldn't admit to herself that she wanted him to come back to her.
Three Weeks Later
Brittany turned down another offer for a date. Jeanette and Eleanor had postcards from the boys plastered all over their vanity mirrors. The boys would be home in two weeks. Ellie was planning out a welcome home dinner for Theo. Jeanette was excited about seeing all of the pictures that Simon was taking. Brittany hadn't heard a word from Alvin.
Homecoming
Simon was glad to be home. He'd missed Jeanette and had spent the trip wishing she'd been there with him to walk through the museums and discuss history. His brothers were less than interested and even Dave was not able to discuss major facts with him. He had taken many pictures and picked up every brochure he could. He knew Jeanette would love reading about the things he'd seen. He hoped to take her back with him one day. Simon had bough many souvenirs. His favorite was a gold triquetra necklace he'd bought, for Jeanette, in England at some gift shop dedicated to the legend of King Arthur. He planned on surprising her with it tonight on their date. It was warm and he planned on taking her on a moonlit picnic. He couldn't wait to hold her in his arms and listen to her sweet voice.
Theodore had conned a recipe out of almost every chef he'd met. They had been pleased with his eagerness to learn and his appreciation for the art of cooking. Eleanor was making dinner for him and he was bursting with excitement at the thought of sharing such culinary secrets with her. He knew she would be just as excited and they would most likely begin testing the new recipes tomorrow. Eleanor was his favorite cook. His mouth watered at the thought of his favorite dishes. Ellie made him feel complete. She shared his interests and never minded that he was a little on the pudgy side. He thought she was the prettiest girl he'd ever seen and constantly wondered what luck had made her love him.
Alvin was happy to be home. He'd had a blast on vacation. He'd even enjoyed the countless museums he'd been dragged to by Simon although he'd never admit it. He knew his brothers had big plans for the evening. He thought about making plans of his own, but was feeling tired and ultimately decided to stay home.
Later that Night
Brittany was curled up with a book when her sister got home. Jeanette's eyes were shining as she showed Brittany her necklace. Theo had left an hour before and Ellie had already shared her excitement about having him home. Brittany wished they'd both just be quiet.
Jeanette fingered the design of her new necklace. Simon knew her so well. She loved hearing about the things he'd seen. She adored his intellect and knew that they were well suited to each other. Simon had promised to take her there one day. For a moment, she allowed herself the typical daydream that the trip would be for their honeymoon.
Eleanor washed her face and smiled at her reflection. Dinner had gone wonderfully and she was eager for tomorrow. Theo had picked several recipes for them to try out. Ellie loved to cook with Theo. It was a culinary adventure any time they were loose in the kitchen. She was certain that together, they would be very successful one day.
Brittany crawled into bed and pulled the covers over her head. Had she pushed Alvin away for good? Her sisters were happy in their relationships. As much as she prided herself on having a full social calendar, she most recently found herself wishing for a stable relationship. Why didn't Alvin call? Why didn't he want her?
A Week Later
"Alvin, you don't look so good. What's wrong?" Dave asked.
"I think I'm coming down with something, but I'll be fine," Alvin said as her started to go upstairs and tripped. Dave frowned, but said nothing as Alvin made his way to his room.
Alvin lay on his bed and sighed. He hadn't felt right since they got home. Recently he'd been waking up soaked in sweat and hadn't had the energy for anything. It was a warm summer day, but he crawled under the blankets, chilled.
Brittany was fed up with waiting. It was now or never. She marched up to the Seville residence and knocked. Only Alvin's car was out front so she knew she'd picked the right time. Alvin slowly opened the door. His fur looked paler and scraggly, his eyes were burning with fever, and he was hunched and shivering.
"Alvin, what happened?" Brittany exclaimed.
"I've got a bug, that's all," he replied haltingly.
He moved aside and she stepped into the house. Alvin walked to the living room and curled up on the couch with a throw blanket. Brittany stared at him. She'd never seen him this sick before.
"You look awful, is there anything I can get you?"
"No thanks, I just wanna lay down."
"I, uh, came over because I haven't heard from you, I figured you'd want to hang out once you got back…"
"I thought about calling, but haven't been feeling well since we got back."
"Well, I hope you feel better, call me when you are well and we'll hang out."
Alvin nodded and curled up more under the blanket and closed his eyes. Brittany let herself out content that the only reason that he hadn't called was because he was sick.
Alvin woke up. It was dark and quiet. His vision was blurry at first, but when it focused, he could see it was 2 a.m. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. He knew he needed a drink. His legs were tingly and didn't want to move. He struggled off the couch and started to the bathroom. Using the wall for support, he made his way to the bathroom. The light was bright. His head was spinning and it felt hard to breathe. The world was spinning. He reached out for the sink, but his knees buckled and he crumpled to the floor.
Simon woke with a start. He was certain he'd heard something. He crept out of bed, past sleeping Theodore, and into the hall. A light shone up the stairwell. Simon walked toward the stairs, "Alvin?" No answer. Simon rubbed his eyes and started down the stairs. The light was coming from the bathroom. "Alvin?" Simon walked to the bathroom and gasped at the sight of his brother on the floor. "Alvin! Alvin!" Alvin barely moaned, but didn't respond. "Dave, Dave!!"
Later That Night
Beep Beep Beep Beep. The sound of the heart monitor blended in with the whoosh of the respirator. Dave, Simon, and Theodore sat staring at Alvin's lifeless body. The doctors suspected a bacterial infection, but the blood rest results weren't back yet.
Dave shook his head, "I should've made him go to the doctor."
"Dave, you couldn't have known it was that bad."
Dave sighed and went to sit by Alvin and take his hand.
Brittany woke up to the sound of Ellie's phone going off. Eleanor slept soundly and with a pillow over her head. Brittany sighed and got up and answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Ellie?"
"No, this is Brittany. Who the hell is this and why are you calling my sister at this hour?"
"It's Theo, can you wake her for me. Please? It's very important."
Brittany sighed and shook Eleanor. She groaned and swatted Brittany's hand away. Brittany pulled the covers off and tickled Ellie's feet. She screamed and bolted upright.
"Brittany, are you mad? What's the matter?"
Jeanette sat up in bed, switched on the bedside light and put on her glasses. Brittany thrust the phone at Eleanor and stomped back to bed.
"Hello?"
"Ellie? It's Theo."
"Omigod, what's wrong?"
"Alvin's in the hospital. He's really sick. We don't know what's wrong yet, but…um…uh…sniff…I could really use a hug right now."
"Let me get dressed and I'll drive right over. Where are you?"
"St. Christopher's room 313."
Eleanor hung up and jumped up and ran to the closet.
"Ellie, what's going on? It's 4:30a.m, where are you going?"
"Theo says Alvin's sick and in the hospital. He wants me to go be with him."
Jeanette got up; "I'll go too."
Brittany felt a lump form in her throat. Alvin, her Alvin, in the hospital…it was incomprehensible. Alvin was always so alive and active; who knows how bad it was. Could he die?
"Brittany? Brittany, do you want to come?"
Brittany nodded and got up to get dressed.
Theodore and Simon met he girls at the elevators. The boys were pale with worry and the girls weren't much better.
Simon hugged Jeanette and said, "it's definitely a bacterial infection, He must've gotten it in Europe, but I don't know where. They can't get his fever down. If they can't get it down soon, we're facing the possibility of brain damage."
Brittany gasped aloud and bit her lip, She'd always loved drama and had wanted her life to be a soap opera, but this was not the type of drama she'd had in mind.
They all went into Alvin's room. Dave smiled sadly at the Chipettes. Simon and Jeanette took hands and said they were going right outside to talk. Eleanor hugged Theodore and he cried softly into her hair. Brittany leaned up against he doorjamb and tried to remember how to breathe. Dave watched Brittany. He'd seen all of the relationships of the Chipmunks and Chipettes grow and change over the years. Brittany and Alvin were special; they lived spontaneously and passionately. Their mannerisms were more alike than they'd like to admit. Their rocky relationship was hard on both of them and Dave knew how hard it must be for Brittany to see Alvin like this, it was hard on all of them.
"I'm going to get some coffee, "Dave said hoping that by leaving, Brittany might go closer and let Alvin know that she was there.
He walked out, paused to observe Jeanette and Simon talking to the doctor, then proceeded to the cafeteria. Eleanor, empathetic as she was, caught on to Dave and suggested that she and Theo go out and get some water. He didn't want to leave, but she convinced him that he needed water and he eventually gave in. And then there were two, thought Brittany. She tip toed nearer to him and was amazed at how small he looked. She took the hand not attacked to an IV and stroked it.
"Oh, Alvin, why didn't you tell someone you felt that bad?"
A tear ran down her cheek. She sat on the chair next to his bed. She sat silently watching him when he twitched. Was he waking up? She stood up, "Alvin? Alvin?"
Then his head shook back and forth, his whole body jerked. Oh god, she thought, he's having a seizure! She ran out screaming for help.
Brittany was still sitting on the floor in the hallway where she'd collapsed in sobs as she listened to them administer drugs and at one point, resuscitate him. The doctors said they'd been able to isolate the bacteria and were starting Alvin on the antibiotics he needed. He'd said that amidst the chaos, Alvin'd had a stroke. They wouldn't know, until he woke up, just how bad the damage was. Simon and Theodore were full of dread. What would they do if their strong, willful, prankster brother woke up changed? He was the leader of the pack and they didn't know how they'd go on without him the way he'd always been.
3 weeks later
He still hadn't woken up. Sometimes his eyes would flutter, even open, but never focused. Brittany didn't spend much time at the hospital anymore. It was too much for her to bear. She spent most of her time looking at old photos and thinking about the old Alvin. Johnny talked her into going out one evening, but the evening ended with her in tears. Eleanor and Jeanette would sit with Simon and Theo whenever asked. There were few dates, but every few days the Chipettes convinced the boys that a night out would be a good thing.
It was Friday night. Eleanor had made dinner for Jeanette, Simon, and Theo. Dave was sitting with Alvin and Brittany was at a movie with Johnny.
The phone rang. Jeanette answered it. She frowned and handed the phone to Simon, then whispered to Eleanor, "It's Dave and he's crying." Eleanor looked quickly at Theo who'd just returned from the bathroom. Simon said, "We'll be right there."
Simon suddenly smiled, "Alvin is awake."
Theodore grinned and hugged Ellie. Jeanette said, "I'll start the car."
When they got to the hospital, they skipped the elevators and ran up the stairs. Dave stopped them in the hallway.
"Guys, we need to talk before you go in."
Simon grabbed Jeanette's hand and Eleanor slid her arms around Theo's waist.
Dave swallowed hard, "He's very weak. He's going to need extensive therapy to try and undo the effects of the stroke. Right now talking is going to be hard for him. He has some paralysis, the doctors think it is temporary, but until he starts therapy and time passes, we won't know for sure."
Simon and Theodore went to Dave and hugged him. Dave hugged them back hard.
"Boys, we have to be strong for him."
Simon and Theo sniffed and wiped their eyes.
Eleanor went to Jeanette and whispered," Should we call Brittany?" Jeanette nodded.
She went to Simon, "You guys go in with Dave and Ellie and I will wait out here for you, "
He kissed her forehead and walked into Alvin's room. Eleanor had her cell phone out and was dialing Brittany. She stopped. "Should we tell her now or later?"
Jeanette sighed and looked at Alvin's closed door, "We'll tell her when she gets here."
Brittany was enjoying the movie. Johnny had his arm draped on her shoulders and for this moment, her mind wasn't on Alvin. Her cell vibrated in her pocket. She ignored it. When it didn't stop, she excused herself and entered the lobby. Her heart stopped when she saw her sister's name on her called I.D. She called Eleanor's cell and held her breath."Brittany?"
"Ellie, what's wrong?"
"Come to the hospital…Alvin is awake."
Brittany breathed a sigh of relief; "I'm on my way."
Brittany's joy stopped short when her sisters stopped her in the waiting room.
"We need to tell you something."
Brittany sat down.
Jeanette looked at Eleanor, then continued, "He's awake, but the stroke affected him greatly in terms of speech and motor functions."
Brittany's eyes got wide and filled with tears.
"Dave said therapy will help. The doctors think there's a good chance he will walk again. For now he's going to need our support."
Brittany merely nodded, eyes glazed over.
Dave and the boys exited the room.
"They are going to take out the breathing tube."
The girls nodded. Dave was exhausted. He sat down and leaned back and shut his eyes. Soon he was snoring softly. Simon covered him with his jacket and sat down next to Jeanette.
A nurse walked over; "You can go back in now."
Simon and Theodore got up. Theodore took Eleanor's hand and led her behind him.
"I'm going to let Dave sleep," said Simon.
He looked at Jeanette who got up to follow him.
"Brittany, are you coming?"
"Oh, um, I'll sit here with Dave…""Suit yourself."
"Alvin?"
Alvin's eyes blinked open. He was very confused as to what had happened. His throat was sore and his legs were numb. He was one scared chipmunk. His eyes focused and he saw his brothers and the Chipettes, but where was Brittany?
"Alvin, how are you feeling?"
"Soore," he rasped.
"Da…"
"Dave's in the waiting room resting."
"Wha?"
Simon was glad for Avin's whispering. Even if he couldn't respond properly, at least he appeared to understand.
"You are in the hospital. You've been very sick, but you are going to get better."
Alvin motioned to his legs, "Why?"
Simon sighed, looked at Theo and the girls, then responded; "Your infection attacked part of your nervous system. Your legs were affected, but the doctor thinks that, with therapy, feeling will return eventually."
Alvin looked panicked, but Simon merely took his hand and told him that it would all be okay. The door opened and Dave walked in. He smiled at Alvin and took his other hand. Soon Alvin was asleep again. The girls said they'd wait in the waiting room. They walked out and saw Brittany standing right outside of Alvin's room, frozen.
"Brittany, what's wrong?"
"N-n-nothing," she responded.
"Do you want to go in?"
"I can't."
"Why?"
"I'm scared."
Jeanette and Eleanor sighed and took Brittany by the arms to lead her in,
"No, I can't."
"Brittany, he'll want to see you."
"Later."
Eleanor frowned, "Oh for Pete's sake, suck it up and go in there. At the very least, he's your friend, now get in there!"
Brittany looked shocked, but went ahead and opened the door.
Dave and the boys looked up when she opened the door. She smiled weakly and walked in. They each patted Alvin's hand in good-bye and walked out. He opened his eyes and saw Brittany standing there. She had tears in her eyes and looked afraid.
"Hi," whispered Alvin.
Her lip quivered as she came near and took his hand.
"Oh god, Alvin, I was so worried."
Tears were now pouring down her face.
He squeezed her hand and smiled. She sat down and put her head on the bed and sobbed. He slowly lifted his hand and stroked her hair. She composed herself and asked, "You will get better, won't you?"
He smiled and whispered, "Course."
Brittany smiled and kissed his forehead.
2 months later
It was the end of October. Simon and Jeanette were off at college. Both loved their classes, but looked forward to the weekends when they could go home and be with their siblings. Theodore and Ellie were already distinguishing themselves amongst their peers at culinary arts school. Brittany was going to a community college, majoring in drama. She was trying her hand at acting. She hoped to be a star.
Alvin felt very left out. He'd always been at the lead. Now his major accomplishment was getting his speech back. Feeling in his legs had barely started to come back. He hated being stuck in his wheelchair. He was ready to get on with his life.
Brittany would come over and hang out sometimes after class. Her relationship with Alvin was blooming once again, but she wasn't holding her breath. Today was Alvin's therapy session. He had too much pride and didn't like for her to see his weakness. Most of the time she'd respect his wishes and stay away till he was done, but today was important. She'd landed the role of Desdemona at the Community Playhouse and wanted to share her good news. She let herself into the Seville home. Alvin was in the middle of his leg exercises. She watched silently from the doorway. He had his determined look on and didn't notice her.
"Jim, I want to stand up."
"Alvin, you don't want to push it. Your legs need to be stronger."
"I can do it."
Jim looked at Alvin, realized that he wasn't going to win and it was better Alvin try while he was there to help. He brought a walker over to where Alvin sat.
"Scoot to the edge of the chair and push up with your arms"
Alvin scooted to the edge, but couldn't get up.
"Don't overdo it," said Jim.
"One more try," said Alvin.
He pushed up; Jim caught him under his arm and helped him steady himself. Alvin heard a gasp and looked and saw Brittany standing in the doorway of the den with tears in her eyes.
"Brittany, what are you doing here?" Alvin asked as Jim helped him sit back down.
She didn't answer, but ran over and kissed him. He smiled at her and Jim said that they'd done enough for the day and he'd be back on Monday. Brit couldn't get over how strong Alvin was getting. He was definitely working on getting back to being her Alvin.
"Brit, what are you doing here?" he asked again.
"Oh, I wanted to tell you that I got that role that you helped me read lines for."
"Brittany, that's wonderful! You'll be the best Desdemona they've ever seen."
Alvin was not satisfied with just standing up once for two seconds. He was determined to recover fully and as quickly as possible. The next day, Brittany was coming over to hang out. They were going to watch movies and order pizza. Now, Alvin could get to the couch from his chair on his own. Alvin remembered how happy Brittany was, the other day, when he stood. He thought about how happy she'd be if he would walk to the couch instead. The house was empty and Alvin got it in his head to try walking. He locked the wheels of his chair and took a deep breath. He'd already grabbed the walker and after several attempts, was able to stand. Most of the feeling had come back, but now there was intense pain in place of numbness. Alvin shuffled one foot then the other. He went a few steps and stopped. His calves were aching and he turned to go back to his chair. His legs didn't want to turn and he stumbled and fell on his side, crashing into the chair. A wave of pain hit him. He bit his lip to keep from screaming. He cursed his position in life. Brittany could hear him cussing from outside. She opened the door and found Alvin on the floor in the den.
"Alvin, what happened?"
"Nothing," he grumbled.
"Were you trying to walk?"
He looked at her and sighed, "yes."
"Oh Alvin," Brittany said as she went to help him up.
She looked him over, frowned and went to retrieve the first aid kit. When he fell, Alvin had scraped up his arm and the side of his face. She cleaned his scares and bandaged the cut on his arm. Brittany looked at Alvin who was pouting.
"Alvin, you don't want to risk further injury. What if you end up setting back the healing process?"
Alvin looked at her angrily; "I hate being stuck in this chair! I can't be me when I'm in this chair! You wouldn't understand. Ugh, I can't do anything."
"Alvin, give yourself time to heal. We still love you for you. This hasn't changed a thing."
"Brittany, go back to Johnny."
"What?"
"We're never going to work or have what our siblings have. Go back to him and be happy."
"Alvin…"
"No, I don't love you, now let's walk away with some dignity, just go."
Brittany looked at his eyes; they were hard and cold.
"What did I do?"
"Just go…please."
She bit her lip, grabbed her purse and left. Alvin flinched when he heard the front door slam. He wasn't entirely sure he'd done the right thing, but he wanted to be alone, it was him, all him.
