"Alvin," Simon sighed. "Why can't you be sensible for once?" They'd just left a meeting with Harry, one of their prospective managers, and were now arguing in the lobby.
"Me?" His brother turned to him in annoyance. "You're the one who wants to entrust our career to some hillbilly!"
"Seville is not a…" Simon began but Alvin ignored him.
"While Harry…"
"Is a con-artist?" Simon interrupted his brother in turn. Alvin frowned and pointedly ignored him.
"Harry can get us spots at the biggest shows in the city!" Simon rolled his eyes.
"Look, Alvin. I've looked into both managers," Simon pulled out a notebook. "Harry invariably pushes his acts too fast. Yes, he gets them booked… but without the experience and necessary promotion…"
"Yadda yadda yadda."
"Granted success may take longer with Seville but it'll be secure."
"You know your problem Simon? You don't have that drive for the spotlight. You aren't star material."
"And your problem is you just aren't prepared to work for success." Simon turned and stalked out.
"Success," Alvin muttered. "You wouldn't know success if it beat you round the head."
"What's that?" Alvin turned. One of Harry's circus acts had come in as Simon left. A grin spread across Alvin's face as he recognized the wrestler. He quickly switched it to a look of sorrow.
"Oh, it's just my brother. I'm afraid his confidence will get him in trouble."
"Did I hear right that someone's given him a beating?" The guy flexed his muscles.
"No…" Alvin thought quickly. "I was just saying someone ought to beat some sense into him. He thinks he's invincible."
"Maybe I could help? Give him a little taste of what might happen if he gets too big-headed?"
"Really? Great! I mean… it would be for his own good."
"Yeah. I won't hurt him of course. Just shake him up." Alvin smiled.
"Thanks."
*
In her hotel room, Brittany was browsing through her wardrobe. She dragged out a pretty pink dress and held it up critically. With a cry of frustration she flung it down.
"Oh! What's the point?"
"What's wrong Brittany?" Jeanette looked up from her book.
"Do you think I'll ever meet anyone special, Jeanette?" Brittany looked up at her sister from where she was laid out on her bed.
"I'm sure you will," Jeanette said soothingly.
"When? Between recording and these stupid parties, I never have time for a life."
"Why don't you switch managers?"
"To Seville, you mean?" Brittany sat up again.
"Well, I know Harry gets you into the exclusive circles… but with Seville I have time for other pursuits."
"Your studies you mean." Brittany rolled her eyes.
"Yes. But you could use the time how you wanted. Take a vacation even. I'd never see you if Mr Seville didn't give me time off," she pointed out.
It does sound good…" Brittany murmured. "But I can't leave right now. I have commitments." Jeanette hesitated.
"How is your show going?" Her sister's shoulders slumped.
"Not good. I'm just too tired! I can't give a hundred percent." Jeanette was about to reply when Theodore burst in.
"Brittany!" He stopped as he saw Jeannette. "Oh, hello Jeanette."
"Hello Theodore." She smiled. "I haven't seen you in years. How are you?"
"OK," he hesitated.
"He's working as a dogsbody for Harry," Brittany elaborated before turning to him. "What did you want?"
"I can't find Alvin…"
"He's in town?" Brittany interrupted.
"Yes. But I can't find him and Simon's fighting a wrestler!"
"Simon?" Jeannette echoed.
"Why would he do something like that?" her sister demanded. Theodore wrung his hands.
"I don't know! The guy just came over and challenged him."
"We have to stop them." Jeannette looked in appeal to Brittany.
"Come on then." She led the two younger chipmunks after her.
*
They found Simon and the wrestler in the park. A small crowd had appeared. Brittany strode over.
"Simon! What's this nonsense?"
"Oh, hello Brittany. I heard you were being managed by Harry. I wondered…"
"Yes, yes. Enough of that. What do you think you're doing?" He blinked at her.
"I'm just having a bout…"
"No you're not!"
"Brittany. You can't tell me what to do," he said reasonably.
"But what if you're hurt?" A small voice spoke from behind Brittany. He shrugged.
"Then I'll be hurt." At that moment the strong-man called to him and he turned away. Jeanette stepped forward and watched in alarm as Simon squared up against the huge man.
They started circling each other and then the big guy lunged. Simon nimbly dodged out the way and then they both turned to face each other again. The next time the guy lunged Simon didn't move and Jeanette let out an alarmed gasp. Then she saw the guy apparently roll over Simon and land on his back. He pulled himself up and looked with renewed interest at Simon. For his part Simon looked calm and collected. Jeannette watched anxiously as the strong-man repeatedly tried to tackle Simon only to be diverted or tripped. Finally the big man landed with a groan and gestured defeat. The crowd whopped in delight and everyone gathered round the unexpected victor.
"OK. I'm impressed," Brittany allowed.
"I'm so glad you're alright." Theodore hugged his brother. Jeannette shyly approached.
"That was amazing." Simon turned to her for the first time.
"Jeannette?" She blushed and looked at her feet. Simon opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out.
"Oh, shoot," Brittany cursed as she noticed the time. "We've got to go. Come on Jeanette." She pulled her sister after her as she headed back to the hotel.
"Wait!" Simon finally found his voice. The girls stopped and Jeannette turned back with a hopeful expression. When he didn't say anything else she quickly reached up and pulled her ribbon out. Running back she pressed it into his hand.
"In place of a winners' rosette," she explained. He tried to thank her but again found he couldn't speak. She ran back to her sister and they hurried away. Theodore made to leave as well when Simon managed to speak.
"That was Jeanette?"
"Yes." Theodore waited for Simon to say something else but his brother did nothing except wind the ribbon round his hand.
*
Back at the hotel, Harry was waiting for Brittany.
"You're late!" he informed her as she ran in.
"I'm sorry but…"
"It's not good enough. I'm good to you but I get the impression your heart isn't in this."
"It is I…"
"I can't do anything for you if your heart isn't in it."
"I know…"
"Who's this?" He gestured roughly at Jeanette.
"My sister, Jean…"
"Sister? So that's it! You can't expect a glittering career if you spend all your time with your family."
"I don't spend…"
"Your choice girl. Either she goes or you do."
"What?" He smiled and put an arm round her.
"You could be great, Brittany. I see Hollywood… a Golden Star… an Oscar… you name it. But you have to put your career first. You got to be dedicated. No distractions."
"So… I'll be a star if I don't see my sister?"
"That's right! Knew you were smart. Now remember you're studio session starts at 8 tomorrow." He sauntered off.
"Oh, Brittany. I'm sorry I came."
"Well I'm not!"
"But…"
"Harry can stick it! I don't need him! You're my sister! We're family! And that means more than all the Golden Stars in the world." Jeanette smiled.
"So, you'll come back with me to Seville?"
"You bet! But…" she looked thoughtful. "Harry won't like it. We better not be spotted."
"But how can we leave without being spotted? You're hardly inconspicuous."
"Oh, Jeanette," Brittany grinned. "You forget that apart from being a stunning singer, I'm also a superb actress. Come on." She dragged Jeannette up to her room.