Chapter 7: Drama

The morning was a normal one: class after class after class. I still doodled in my notebook, this time though, there was Ian and a big, sad, frowning face. I'm not much of an artist, but I think my feelings were clear. At first, Ian sounded like a nice guy, but now I know he's a mean one. I thought I should share my findings with my sisters. But I decided that I would keep to myself until I had more evidence.

Morning classes are always tiring, especially when you've got a cheerleading jockette on your back. The girl would shove her fake finger nails into my face, steal my books, and interrupt me when I'm answering a question for the teacher. I had tried to be nice, but she would still pick on me. So this morning she flicked the back of my head.

"Ouch!" I said, holding the back of my head in my paws.

She did it again.

"Cut it out!" I said.

The teacher wasn't in the room at the moment. Finally, someone yelled stop. It wasn't the teacher, but it was a very familiar voice. I turned in my seat and straightened in my seat. My heart just about leaped out of my throat when I saw him. He stood tall in his blue hooded jacket with a determined look in his beautiful blue eyes. Once his confused gaze met mine, though, he froze and pulled back. His face softened and he seemed mesmerized.

"Oh, look, the rat-face is going to stick up for its girlfriend!" the mean girl taunted.

Simon and I looked at each other and blushed, not knowing what to say. I felt like I was going to explode as I held my breath. It was so romantic. Then, the teacher walked in the room and we all fell silent as class started. If only I had known before that Simon were in my class. I had been so busy doodling I guess I didn't notice. Man, I hope he never sees my notebook! That'd be a little awkward…

Later at lunch, Eleanor, Brittany and I sat at our usual table in the corner of the lunch area outside. It was filled with students who bared the Eagles mascot on their clothing. I watched nervously as the "jockette" who had picked on me in math walked across the room. I was relieved to see she was sitting at another table, but she glared at me harshly. I shuffled awkwardly and looked to my sisters who were eating carrots and celery.

Brittany still watched Alvin like a hawk. She definitely knows how to hold a grudge. I thought she'd forget by now, but maybe that's just me. I was going to ask her about it, but she filled she mouth with celery sticks.

All of a sudden, a huge ruckus came from the middle table where the jocks sat. They were laughing and carrying on like a bunch of hyenas. I saw a red hoodie and a blue one too. I finally realized that that Alvin and Simon were talking with them. Simon had an aggressive look on his face and Alvin looked worried. He dropped the notebook he had in his hand and glared at a blonde boy. He said something through his teeth and the boy responded with something I couldn't hear. Simon nodded his head and the jock grabbed him and threw him across the room and into the trash can.

"Oh no!" I said.

I was about to run to him when Brittany put her arm out in front of me. The bell rang and we were forced to leave by Brittany. I watched the trash can to see if Simon would come out when the janitor dumped the trash in the dumpster. When I saw Alvin running to help his brother, I was slightly less worried. I still felt like I should check on him, but I decided to listen to my sister anyway.

Oh! I almost forgot! The competition between us and the Chipmunks was tonight! I was happy for the rest of the day knowing that we'd finally get to sing in front of a crowd that knew who we were. It was like having a concert with the Chipmunks. If only that could happen...but Ian said that he would never let us perform with those "evil" Chipmunks. As far as I know, the Chipmunks are pretty nice. I'm not saying that just because I like Simon or anything. I'm just saying that the way they show compassion towards themselves and others, there's no way they could be as mean as Ian says!

Anyway, back to the dance competition. We were backstage readying ourselves and listening to the roar of the crowd. Anticipation made my heart beat faster as I was doing my hair and I ended up doing it wrong. I quickly brushed it out and started over, this time gently placing bobby pins and the ponytail holder into my hair with precision. I gazed into the huge mirror that towered over me like a skyscraper and smiled. My blue sparkly dress was certainly eye-catching, and it reminded me of Simon. I wondered what song they would perform and stared into the mirror. I was lost in thought until I heard our group name escape the principal's lips.

"…The Chipettes!" She said and we walked to our places on the stage. Brittany walked in front of Eleanor and I, almost skipping. She met Ian just before she went onstage.

"Brittany, go out there and knock 'em dead!" Ian encouraged.

"Yes sir! I can do it!" Brittany said happily.

We walked up to Ian expectantly.

"I just want to let you know," we raised our heads and smiled wide, "Not to get in Brittany's way."

We were shot down. To Ian, apparently, Brittany's the best and Eleanor and I are just back up dancers. But all three of us are money makers to him. If I told my sisters, Brittany would be too proud to believe me, but Eleanor might believe me. I was called away from thought again when the music started and we danced. I moved to the beat as Brittany did and poor little Eleanor tripped over her huge clunky shoes. She picked herself up though like it was part of the dance and continued to move.

Once the music had ended we exited the stage and the screaming fans. It was the Chipmunks' turn now, and I anxiously awaited the arrival of Simon onstage. I waited and waited as the crowd chanted for them. Finally they appeared, but there was only Simon and Theodore with Alvin nowhere to be seen. I thought it was part of the act, until I looked into Simon's eyes and saw the fear and the sorrow. He approached the mike and faced the screaming crowd and broke the bad news.

"Hello, everyone…Uh, we won't be performing tonight, because Alvin isn't here. We have never performed without Alvin, and don't plan on…starting now…" He scooted over as Theodore bent the mike down to his height.

"You can't have only two little pigs, so you can't have only two Chipmunks." He said solemnly and sadly.

They left the stage and passed us. My heart had been shattered into little pieces and it burned. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. I closed my eyes and looked to my sisters. Eleanor looked like she was going to cry and stared at the door where Theodore had just walked through. Dr. Ruben announced our "victory" and we had to go out there. We walked forward, but Brittany was the one who hesitated.

"Britt, we have to go." We told her. She had finally shown a little heart, but at a bad time.

We reluctantly walked onstage and waved, trying to shake off the sad faces of Simon and Theodore. I couldn't begin to imagine how much that hurt. Brittany's vein but at least she's reliable.

Later, we were taking our props back from the auditorium. Eleanor followed Ian and I followed behind her while Brittany lagged behind. She seemed to show her feelings better than we did. She seemed to drop off from the group, and I let her go. As soon as she'd gotten back to us, I asked her where she had gone.

"…To give advice to a friend." She replied and looked at her feet. I pondered this for a moment and assumed she was talking to herself. Sometimes, dear diary, I don't know what I'm going to do with her.


Thanks for all of your comments! I love how attentive you guys are to the story, and hope you continue to reveiw! And don't worry, I'll be sure to keep writin' and updatin'! ;D