Chapter 4

Breathing silently, Alex sat criss-cross on her bed covered in a bright pink comforter. "Alex." Braden said startling her.

She jumped and shot him a glare "I was meditating Braden…"

"No time for that now. I have to talk to you." he said quickly walking over to her and taking a seat.

She smirked "You know Braden, pink goes great with blue."

The brother grimaced "So does red."

Alex rolled her eyes and stood up So, he wants to talk in riddles? "Ya, but there is no red at the moment is there?"

"There should be. It's not fair." He muttered.

"Well nothing we can do about it now. Not liking your color isn't my problem."

Braden frowned, "No. I love it… just not with yours."

"Oh, so now it's my fault?" Alex hissed.

"Yes. You should be blue too!"

"Nope."

"Oh? Then how would you explain it?"

"Simple- Simon is your father. Not mine."

"Like you're so proud of Alvin." Braden scoffed. "It's not even possible. Were twins."

"So? Maybe mom was a-"

"Don't say it." Braden scolded.

"Why? It's the truth. Like you aren't thinking it either." She paused "What's in a color anyways? Annabell's is green. But that doesn't mean she has another father!"

The chipmunk fell silent and looked to the ground.

Alex sighed "Look Braden, if it was really an issue, you wouldn't be here. But you are."

Braden looked to his sister "That supposed to make me feel better?"

"Why sure. You know Alvin loves all of us. He just doesn't show it the same way Mom does."

"I don't think so…" he muttered.

Alex bit her lip trying to recall memories. Her eyes lit up "Yes. Remember the time we went to the zoo, and he got you that extra special telescope you had your eyes on all day? You didn't even have to ask. He could tell you wanted it." she paused seeing he was still unconvinced "That time you went on Jeopardy and won? You were seven! Oh Braden, he was proud."

Braden shrugged gnawing at the inside of his gum.

"And what about Mom? She's done so much! For all of us. She's the best mom in the universe."

This caused Braden to crack a small smile.

"Besides, being the favorite isn't so great all the time. You have to uphold so much." Alex finished. After a long silence, Alex headed to the door and turned back "And half brother or not." She took a deep breath "You mean the world to me."

Braden felt his heart melt. He never knew Alex could say something like that about him.

* * *

Alex walked quietly into the living room and took a seat on the couch. Her arms crossed firmly.

When Brittany came in from the kitchen she cocked her head to the side "Yes Alex?"

"You're so lucky he's so mature." She said simply. "If I was him- I'd go berserk on you… no offence mother."

Brittany frowned, crossed her arms as well, and kept her distance. "Years have passed. It was a stupid mistake. But I live with it. And you guys will to." She paused, waiting for Alex to unleash, but she just stared at her calmly. "You hear me?"

"Ya- I hear. Braden was a mistake…" she muttered.

Brittany turned red "Don't twist my words! You know what I meant."

Alex snickered "Whoa, since when do you get angry?"

"Don't push my buttons."

"Why would I? Alvin and Simon took care of that a long time ago." she said in a smart ass tone. "And just look where it got you!"

Brittany glared "Were do you hear such awful things?"

"It's called school. You don't like it, then why do you keep a sendin' me?"

Brittany finally walked over and pulled the Chipette off the couch by her collar and led her to her room "I've had enough of this. You have no right to judge me."

As soon as the door was closed, Alex hollered "I'll love you to the day I die! But how could you do this to him? How could you do this to Braden!"

Brittany cringed at her daughters words. Knowing she was absolutely right. For once, Alex was looking out for someone other than herself. And Braden was the last person Brittany thought it would ever be.