Merry Christmas?

"I'm sorry Alvin, but it's the only way. Maybe you can convince Simon to take the class with you," Alvin's science teacher, Mr. Rays, told the red-clad Chipmunk. Alvin's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"What? Why do I have to take a class over Christmas Vacation? That's like murder!" Alvin knelt, placing an arm over his eyes dramatically. Mr. Rays rolled his eyes impatiently. It was the last day before Christmas Break, and he was ready for Christmas and didn't want to have to deal with troublesome Alvin anymore.

"Alvin. You're failing my class. It's for your own good. Besides, after the break, the Semester Final is right around the corner. And you don't want to fail that, do you?"

"Personally, I don't care," Alvin mumbled under his breath as he crossed his arms and turned away, scowling. By now, Simon and Theodore were ready to head home, and were looking for Alvin. Simon popped his head into his science class. He and Alvin took the class together, and even though Alvin copied off Simon's paper for homework, come test time, he would fail.

"Alvin? You in here?" Simon called. Alvin was already facing the door, so, without a look back, he stormed out the door, not saying anything to his teacher. Simon was startled as Alvin hit his shoulder against Simon's very hard since he was having his little fit. Simon turned back to the classroom, holding his sore shoulder. "Mr. Rays, is everything okay?" Simon asked kindly. Mr. Rays was his favorite teacher, and Simon was Mr. Rays' favorite student. Mr. Rays was still cross with Alvin not cooperating, but put on a smile for Simon.

"Yes, for me. But I'm not so sure about your brother," he looked over Simon's shoulder, where Alvin had stormed off before continuing. "See, he's failing the class, and I asked him to come to some classes over Christmas Break. I figured since he has two weeks off, three days that first week won't hurt much. Just to help him understand better. I would like to have him more, but I don't even think he'll come to three days," Mr. Rays looked down slightly. "Simon, I was wondering if you might take the class with him, just to encourage him, and help him more than I might be able to during the class. There's going to be a lot of other students there, so I can't just give him one-on-one tutoring."

"Sure!" Simon agreed happily, after hearing his teachers' plight. Simon looked down at Theo, who was smiling happily. He loved when his brothers got along. "What days were you thinking?" Simon asked.

"Whenever works for you," Mr. Rays replied. He was just hoping he could get at least three days, no matter when they were spread out.

"Alright, Mr. Rays," Simon said, backing out the door. "I'll see you sometime before Christmas!"

"Alright, thank you Simon!"

"Alvin, he's just trying to help," Simon tried to explain to his older brother, who was lying on his side in his bed, his back to his younger brother.

"Whatever," Alvin snapped. Simon just sighed before heading downstairs for dinner. Maybe Alvin would feel and think better after he got some calories into his system. Simon walked into the kitchen and a wonderful aroma rose to his nose. Inhaling deeply, Simon looked for the cause of it. He saw Theo, working busily on the stove, reading from his cookbook, and trying to gather ingredients all at the same time. Simon chuckled.

"Need some help, Theo?" He asked, walking up to the stool Theodore stood on top of. Theo glanced down and smiled widely. Usually his brothers didn't care how the food got on the table; just the fact it got there somehow.

"Yes," Theo said, thinking quickly. "Can you read me these ingredients?"

"So boys, how was your last day of school for two weeks?" Dave asked while they sat at the table, enjoying the meal Simon and Theo had prepared.

"Great!" Theo cried quickly. "I was able to finish my cupcakes before the bell this time, and my teacher said they were the best in the class!"

"Well done, Theo!" Dave congratulated. Theo beamed happily. "So, what about you, Simon?"

"Fantastic! The lab during science was a complete success!" Simon's smile slightly faded, however, as he glared at Alvin and mumbled, "Even though I had to do it myself."

Dave heard the last part, but didn't question it. "Alvin?"

Alvin didn't even look up as he picked at his food.

Simon sighed. "Alvin has to go to class over Christmas Vacation because he's failing science. And Mr. Rays asked me if I could go with him, to help him even more."

Dave smiled at Alvin. "That's great! You were saying you didn't understand science anyway. Well, here's your chance to understand it!"

"Whoopee," Alvin said sarcastically. Dave gave a skeptical look.

"He's really upset about it," Simon clarified. Dave looked at his oldest son, who was mouthing words to himself while scowling angrily.