Chapter 1

This is a sort of sequel to my first story; The Abyss. You might want to go read that first, although you could probably enjoy this without so doing.

Even if you don't read the whole story, you should definitely read the last chapter, as it explains a few things that will appear in this story, most notably; Charlotte.

In any case, sit back, relax, and read.

My name was Charlotte Seville. I was twelve years old, but most of the people I knew were thirteen or fourteen, so I sometimes thought of myself as older than I really was. I was in seventh grade, and school wasn't too cruel, but I wouldn't say that I was happy there.

I was not stupid; I would probably have been considered pretty smart, but I was usually compared to my parents. My dad was a physicist, and my mom was a teacher, and they were very good at what they did. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do, so I didn't know in what to improve.

Then there was the social side of life. I was the child left over when the class chose partners. I was the last to be picked in every sport. I was not really bullied, but I only had a couple of friends, and neither of them were very close. My friends were better friends with each other, than they were with me, so they usually partnered up together.

My parents told me that popularity is overrated, that the 'popular' kids are usually the ones by whom I shouldn't be influenced. Nonetheless, I did wish I could feel popular at school for once, but I didn't want to change my ways to match those uncouth rebels.

I wasn't really a nerd, but apparently not overly attractive, either. Boys generally didn't like me, and I hadn't met any boys, with whom I would want to spend any time, either. I wish I had, since I could truly have used a good friend, or maybe even more than that.

"Good morning, Mom." I greeted my mother cheerfully.

"Good morning, Charlotte. How are you today?" My mother asked.

"I'm okay." I stated simply.

"I've made you breakfast. It's waiting on the table." My mother informed me, gesturing toward the dining room.

My parents were relatively well-off, and we had a pretty big house for the three of us. I had no other siblings, but my parents used the spare rooms for various things, from storage to computer farms.

I sat down at the table to eat my daily cereal. I had eaten the same cereal every day, for years. After I had spooned the last of my breakfast into my mouth, I collected my clothes and showered. Following the brushing of my hair, which was a medial length, I checked to make sure I had finished my homework.

"Have a good day, Charlotte." My father stood behind me.

"Thanks, Dad." I replied, turning to the door and he, "You too."

I picked up my backpack and walked outside. It was an average day, children walked on the sidewalk, chatting and laughing cheerfully. I walked with them, though I maintained a separative distance. The other kids had their groups, into which it was difficult to integrate.

When I reached school, there were still a few minutes remaining before the bell would ring. I searched for my two friends in the crowd, and located the pair chatting next to their lockers, which happened to be situated near mine.

"Hi, girls." I greeted them, smiling.

"Hey, Charlotte." Sarah turned me.

"How's it going?" Ebony waved to me. I approached them, to find out about what they were talking.

Out of the two, I was closer to Ebony. Even so, I always felt like a tail to their body, as though I were welcomed to follow them and talk to them, but wasn't truly considered a part of their group. I supposed that this was to be expected, since they had known each other for longer than they had known me.

"I'm doing okay." I replied, moderately cheerful, "How are you guys?"

"I'm fine." Sarah and Ebony spoke in unison. They faced one another and giggled at their perfect synchronization.

"So what were you talking about?" I inquired, and opened my locker.

"Ebony has a crush on Patrick!" Sarah explained. Ebony blushed slightly.

"You don't have to broadcast it like that." Ebony looked around self-consciously, making sure no one else had overheard our conversation.

Patrick was a boy in some of our classes, one of the 'cool' kids, the head of whom was clearly filled only with muscle. I honestly didn't know what she saw in him, but I decided to try to be supportive nonetheless.

"Really? Good for you." I closed my locker after retrieving the items I needed, and strode in the direction of my class, which was a one minute walk from my locker.

I couldn't see why Ebony would like Patrick at all, since he was an idiot. She was usually a very down-to-earth kind of person. In any case, she believed she was in love, and this meant there was probably no logical reasoning that could bring her out of it except a cold rejection and a great deal of time.

This being said, I was in no way trying to profess much knowledge in the realm of love, as I had never been in love before. I frequently wished that I was in love, but none of the boys in my school were right for me. If only I could find a nice caring boy, who was smart and cute, and perfect. Unfortunately, very few people fitted this description in the group with which I was familiar.

I may not have actually mentioned any of the chipmunks you know yet, but I guarantee that this story includes them as well.

If you haven't read my first story yet, you should know that this story is set in a time when the chipmunks are adults, with children, one of whom is Charlotte. Charlotte's parents are Simon and Jeanette, and there will be a few others introduced later.

A lot of original characters were introduced in this chapter, but this is inherent of the setting of my story.

Please review, and tell me what you think of the first chapter. Any creative criticism is welcome, as usual, and I definitely appreciate the time taken to read my story and review it. I hope you didn't find this chapter boring, but it is the introduction after all.

Anyway, thanks for reading all the way to here, and I hope you review.