Hello, readers! My name is Cormac, and I am a great fan of the Alvin and the Chipmunks live action/CGI film franchise. After I watched the 4th movie, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, there were quite a few aspects of the series that I felt had still not been resolved. So, I spent several days coming up with a fifth story. I do not own the characters nor the songs; I only own the story. But I've probably kept you all waiting with this opening note long enough. Relax in your seats, and enjoy the 5th and last live action/CGI movie of Alvin and the Chipmunks, entitled The Final Chipter. (Get it?)
(Well, okay, this isn't really a movie. But you get the idea. Enjoy the story!)
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE FINAL CHIPTER
Chapter 1 - National Tour
One pleasant afternoon in Los Angeles, Dave Seville stood on the platform of the train station with his three newly adopted chipmunks, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. They were in line to board a train that would take them to New York City, the first stop of the national tour they had planned. But they were not going on national tour just for enjoyment. There was another reason.
"Do not pull off something like that again, boys," Dave said firmly. "You seem to have no idea how expensive it is to repair a house in shambles."
During their most recent adventure, the Chipmunks had gone to Miami to stop Dave from making a proposal that could have had unfavorable results for them, and they brought squirrels into the house to disguise as themselves so that the next-door neighbor would not realize they were gone. Although the incidents in Miami had turned out all right, Dave and the Chipmunks came home and discovered that the squirrels had wrecked the entire downstairs area. So, Dave had to call work crews and carpenters to repair the house. He and the Chipmunks were unable to stay at the house while the crews worked, so they had to go on national tour as they waited for the job to be finished.
"Dave, we are really sorry and we promise not to let any more outside animals into the house ever again," Alvin apologized sincerely. Simon and Theodore nodded in agreement.
"I believe that you're sorry, and I'm glad that you're showing regret for what you did," Dave answered. "But, boys, even though I try to be as patient with you as possible, causing a big disaster like that is really tough on me, since I already have more than enough on my hands right now."
"We understand, Dave," Simon told his adoptive father. "We guarantee you we'll be on our best behavior during this tour."
"Yes, Dave. We'll be obedient for you," Theodore emphasized.
"Thank you," Dave acknowledged. "It's really tempting to give the three of you consequences for that catastrophe, but I think a national tour is no time for consequences. Plus, I do think the fact that I grounded you guys for coming to Miami without telling me is enough for the time being."
"Why are we going by train again?" Alvin asked.
"Well, in case you don't remember, you're still on the No-Fly List, so we can't go by plane," Dave explained.
"Oh, right," the three chipmunks groaned.
"By the way, please prove your maturity by actually following through with your promise to be on your best behavior during our national tour and not getting into mischief," Dave requested. "Like I stated before, I accept your apology for the disaster, but you've heard the saying: Actions speak louder than words. If you really want to show me that you are in fact sorry, be compliant on the tour and make good decisions."
"Right on, Dave. We can do that," Simon replied.
Just then, Dave and the Chipmunks came to the front of the line and stepped onto the train with their luggage. An escort brought them down the passenger car to their cabin. After they entered their cabin and closed the door, they looked around. Inside the cabin were bunk beds, a bathroom, items of furniture, a minibar filled with soda and snacks, and there was a light fixture hanging from the ceiling.
"Wow. Extravagant," Theodore commented, impressed.
"Time to make this cabin our temporary home until we reach New York City," said Dave.
So they laid out their suitcases, and then selected bunks for the train ride.
Then they heard an intercom announcement from overhead: "To all passengers: This is the conductor speaking. The train will leave in just five minutes. After you have been shown to your cabins and know where you're staying during this ride to New York, please proceed to the seating cars. Thank you."
"Since we're all set up in our cabin," Dave said to the Chipmunks, "we may as well go over to the seating cars now."
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore exited their cabin with Dave and followed the rest of the passengers to the seating cars. When they reached the seating car, it was very crowded and hard to find a place to sit down. Eventually, though, they found some empty seats and took them.
The train was beginning to move. It sped faster and faster down the track, until it was going at an extraordinary speed.
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore passed the time by conversing with each other, mostly about the tour that was ahead of them. They also played around on their smartphone, and listened to their favorite songs. All the while, Dave sat next to them and relaxed as the train sped along the countryside.
Every so often, the Chipmunks would look out the window of the train to watch the sights outside go by. Large green plains, lakes, farms and small towns, as well as other landmarks, were observable as the train zoomed down the tracks.
Several hours passed, and then came another announcement over the intercom: "Passengers, this is the conductor again. The dining car of the train is just about ready to serve food, so if a good evening meal is on your schedule, everyone is welcome to go to the dining car. That is all."
"Ooh, dinnertime," Theodore said excitedly. "One of my favorite times of the day."
"We're hungry, too," Alvin and Simon said in unison.
"Shall we go to the dining car, then?" Dave asked.
"Yes, please, Dave! Yes, please!" Theodore responded with enthusiasm. With a chuckle, Dave motioned for the three chipmunks to follow him, and so the four of them walked to the dining car. The dining car was filled with round tables wrapped in white cloth. On the tables were glasses of water and vases of flowers. Dave found a table that was not taken yet and seated himself and the Chipmunks around it.
A waitress came to take their order, and after their dinner was ready, she brought the food to their table. It was a platter of cheese, meats, vegetables, and tiny sandwiches.
Dave ordered pieces of fudge for their dessert. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore were more than satisfied by the time they were finished eating.
After dinner, Dave took the Chipmunks back to their cabin to get ready for bed. As they walked back into the room and closed the door behind them, Simon had a thought to express.
"So far, this has been a great experience on a train," Simon conveyed. "Great cabins with great furnishings, great food, great seating, and best of all, great company," he finished, gesturing to his brothers and then to Dave.
"It's good that you're enjoying yourselves," Dave told the Chipmunks. "Do you know what's also good? You've been very well behaved up to this point, so keep it up. Especially you, Alvin."
Alvin playfully rolled his eyes as Simon and Theodore chuckled under their breaths. "Dave, I assure you, you can trust me this time around."
"Yeah, Alvin; we'll see how long you can live up to that," Simon said to him, and this time, everyone laughed, even Alvin.
"It's becoming late, guys," Dave told the Chipmunks. "You three should get ready for bed. We have approximately three days of train travel until we arrive at New York City. You want to be well rested for your performances there, right?"
So Alvin, Simon, and Theodore dressed in their pajamas and climbed into the bunk bed they had chosen, above Dave's bunk. Dave allowed them to spend some time playing a game while before they wrapped themselves in the sheets of the bed and fell asleep.
During the few short days that they were on the train to New York City, the routine was all the same. Dave and the Chipmunks would wake up and get ready for the day, then go to the dining car to have breakfast. After breakfast, they would go to the seating car and stay there until noon, doing their own activities, such as listening to music, playing games, watching the sights go by outside while the train sped through the states as it crossed the country, and sometimes just talking to each other.
Then at noon, they would go to the dining car and eat lunch before coming back to the seating car until evening came, doing the same small activities that they did during the morning. Every hour that passed brought them closer to New York City, and they became more and more excited.
The Chipmunks gleefully anticipated the attractions, such as the Empire State Building and Times Square, and they also anticipated performing songs in the crowded streets. As a matter of fact, whenever they were in the seating car, with Dave beside them, they were already planning what songs they were going to perform.
And finally, when evening would come, Dave and the Chipmunks headed to the dining car one last time, for dinner. After dinner, they would go back to their cabin, get ready for bed, and go to sleep for the night. That was their routine for those brief few days on the train to New York.
As Dave and the Chipmunks awoke one morning, they heard, over the intercom, the announcement they had been waiting for. "We will soon be arriving in New York City. When we arrive, we will slow to a halt in Grand Central Terminal, and all of you will exit through the main doors of the train. Be ready."
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore dressed in their iconic colored hoodies as Dave went to brush his teeth.
"Guys, I am totally thrilled about this tour," Alvin said to his brothers. "Then again, though, I'm sure all three of us are. Anyway, back to my point. Just imagine the crowds we'll attract, the autographs we'll sign, the places we'll see, the songs we'll perform, everything!"
"We're supposed to perform at Times Square and Rockefeller Center," Simon explained.
"Yay!" Theodore cheered. "Those places are bound to be teeming with people who want to hear three singing chipmunks!"
Alvin patted his brother's shoulder. "I like your enthusiasm, Theo."
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore waited for Dave to finish dressing before they went over to the dining car for breakfast. After their breakfast, they returned to their cabin to pack up any items they had removed from their luggage and prepared to step off the train when it pulled into Grand Central Terminal.
They could feel the train slowing down now. The train moved slower and slower, until finally, it came to a stop. "Thank you for choosing this ride," came the conductor's final announcement. "Please make your way to the doors slowly and exit the train with your luggage."
Dave and the Chipmunks walked through the train cars with all of the other passengers who were on their way out. Dave had his suitcase, and the Chipmunks each had theirs, and the four of them walked through the crowded cars until they found the doors and followed the other passengers out of the train and onto the platform of Grand Central Terminal.
As soon as the Chipmunks and Dave were on the platform, they started toward the main concourse. When they reached the main concourse, they looked all around.
The concourse was large, wide, well kept, and bustling with activity. People with suitcases of every color hurried this way and that. Staff members were busy at the information desks and ticket booths. A large American flag hung from the ceiling, and huge windows in the walls allowed plentiful sunlight into the concourse, illuminating the tile floor.
"Come on, boys, let's go see the Big Apple," Dave said to Alvin, Simon, and Theodore.
"When was the last time we were in New York?" Theodore asked his brothers.
"When Ian…" Alvin answered, shuddering as he mentioned Ian's name, "...was exploiting us."
"You don't need to be like that, Alvin. Remember, Ian has reformed, and he's not interested in pursuing that goal anymore," Dave reassured him. "He's had a job as a screenwriter ever since you and the Chipettes performed at the International Music Awards."
"Still, the memory of it is not the most appealing," said Alvin.
"I understand," said Dave. "But that's all way behind you three now. What do you say to focusing on the present matters, such as exploring this city and finding a place to stay."
"Great idea," Alvin, Simon, and Theodore answered all together.
The Chipmunks and Dave left Grand Central Terminal and made their way into the city.
Just then, Dave stopped. He took out his smartphone and began searching for hotels in the area. "I'm searching for a satisfactory hotel, boys," he said to the Chipmunks. "Give me some time here."
"No worries, Dave," Simon told him. "Search away."
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore sat next to their suitcases and waited patiently while Dave looked for a hotel.
"All right, I've found one," Dave declared. "Let's go to the city streets and see if there's a taxi available."
So the Chipmunks, dragging their suitcases, walked with Dave into the streets of New York City. "Are we in Manhattan?" Theodore asked. Simon nodded and answered, "Yes, this is Manhattan."
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore turned their heads every which way to take in what was around them. Tall buildings lined the streets, citizens sauntered along the sidewalks, cars, buses, and trucks zoomed down the roads, food stands were stationed at the street corners, and activity was buzzing everywhere.
"Ah, New York City. It's just how I remember it," said Alvin.
"Keep your eyes out for a taxi cab, guys," said Dave. "We're going to need one in order to get to our hotel. Oh, there's one coming up right here! Let's hail this cab!"
Dave stepped over to the edge of the sidewalk and waved his hand around to catch the attention of the driver. The driver saw Dave waving and drove over to him. The taxi pulled over to the sidewalk and stopped next to Dave. "Do you need a ride, sir?" the driver asked.
"Yes, thank you," Dave answered.
"All right, then. Put whatever luggage you have into the trunk of the cab and then take your seats," said the driver.
Dave opened the trunk of the taxi cab and placed his own suitcase and the Chipmunks' three small suitcases inside. Then he closed the trunk back up.
Dave helped Alvin, Simon, and Theodore into the cab and shut the door. "What is your destination?" the driver asked Dave after he and the Chipmunks had seated themselves.
"Salisbury Hotel, on W 57th Street, across from Carnegie Hall," Dave replied.
"Excellent. I'll take you right to that location," the driver guaranteed him.
The driver started the taxi back up and sped through the bustling streets of Manhattan.
It was not long before they turned onto W 57th Street and slowed to a stop in front of the Salisbury Hotel.
"There you are," the driver announced. "That will be twenty dollars. If you would remove your luggage from the trunk, please?"
"Of course, sir," Dave told the driver. "It wouldn't be too convenient for us if you drove away with it."
"Obviously not," the driver answered with a chuckle.
Dave and the Chipmunks stepped out of the cab and retrieved their suitcases from the trunk. Dave paid the driver and thanked him, and then the cab sped off.
Dave went up to the entrance doors of the Salisbury Hotel, with Alvin, Simon, and Theodore following close behind.
"Wait out here with the suitcases, guys," Dave told the Chipmunks. "I'm going inside to sign us in and reserve a room for ourselves."
So Alvin, Simon, and Theodore stood by the entrance doors of the hotel while Dave went inside to the front desk to rent a room. When he came back out, he reported to the Chipmunks. "Our room is on the fourth floor," he informed them. "I've got the key, so we can go up there now."
The three excited chipmunks grabbed their suitcases and scurried into the hotel, with Dave walking inside behind them.
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore were impressed by the lobby. The lobby was warm, comfortable, and neatly furnished. The floor was covered with decorative carpets, the check-in desk was enclosed by a polished marble wall, and furniture such as armchairs and tables stood at the ends of the room.
"How nice and tidy!" Theodore cheerfully observed.
"Come on, boys, let's go find an elevator," Dave said to the Chipmunks.
The Chipmunks and Dave walked into a nearby corridor and noticed a set of elevator doors. Dave stepped over to one set of doors and pressed the UP button. Several moments passed, and then the doors pulled open. Dave walked into the elevator and beckoned the Chipmunks to come inside, which they did. Then the doors closed.
The elevator slowly moved upward until it reached the fourth floor, then stopped. The doors opened again, and Dave stepped out with the Chipmunks. They found themselves in a long, fancy hallway with carpeted floors, wall lamps, and the numbered doors to every room. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore followed Dave down the hallway.
Dave was looking at each of the numbered doors in the walls to see which room was theirs. When he finally found it, he let the Chipmunks know. "Here it is, boys," he said to them.
Dave took out the key that the desk clerk had given him and slid it into the lock. Then he opened the door to let himself and the Chipmunks inside. "Wow," Theodore exclaimed when he saw how pleasant the room was.
There were two large beds with pillows and blankets, and beside the beds were tables with lamps and cabinets. There were pictures hanging on the walls. There were also armchairs, a couch, a desk with a chair, and a TV on top of a bureau.
On one of the tables was a gift basket with a blue ribbon wrapped around its handle. Inside the basket were fruits, boxes of caramels, and packs of candy. (Theodore was especially intrigued by this.)
"This is an orderly and cozy place to be," Simon happily expressed.
After they had settled into the room and had it all ready for their stay, Dave announced their plans for the next days. "Alvin, Simon, Theodore," he said to the Chipmunks, "as we have already decided, the three of you are scheduled to perform at Times Square here in Manhattan. Your next performance will be at Rockefeller Center, which is also here in Manhattan. We'll be in New York until four days from now, and then leave for our next tour destination, which I have not decided on yet. I guess we'll just go with whatever we come across."
"Will we go to the attractions here at all?" Alvin asked.
"Yes," Dave confirmed. "In fact, you aren't performing until the day after tomorrow. I've decided that we will spend one full day touring the city before you start on your performances."
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore jumped up and down, cheering and high-fiving each other.
For the rest of the day, the Chipmunks planned out and rehearsed their concert routine. Dave allowed them to watch some TV shows when they were taking breaks in between performance preparations. Dave could see how excited they were about the tour, and he hoped that the excitements of the tour would keep them from causing mischief, which neither he (nor they) needed any more of. He was glad that the Chipmunks were showing their good-natured side and getting along with each other.
In the evening, Dave took Alvin, Simon, and Theodore out to dinner at a restaurant. Afterwards, he brought them back to the hotel, where they continued to practice their upcoming performances in their room until it was time for them to go to bed.
The three chipmunks dressed in their pajamas and then climbed up into their bed. As they wrapped themselves in the blankets, Simon spoke to both of his brothers.
"This was a great day, guys," he said. "I hope every day of our tour is like this."
"I hope so too, Si," Alvin concurred.
"Yes. Me too," Theodore agreed.
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore yawned, rested their heads on their pillows and closed their eyes to go to sleep. Dave watched them and smiled as he lay down on his own bed. So far, he thought, this tour is turning out better than I was expecting.