Sorry for the long wait. Computer crashed. I'm in Job Corps now and the computers really suck here, I can't promise any updates. But I made it my responsibility to make this alternate ending to this story. I hope it's worth it. Please enjoy and review for me.

-BrittanySeville18

Alvin awoke slowly, his eyes adjusted to the familiarities of his and his brothers bedroom. Shock exploded through his body and he sat up instantly. Why wasn't he with Brittany?! Who brought him back home? A wave of anger and betrayal washed over Alvin and he growled low in his throat. No one understood how much he loved her! Why were they so ignorant?! Sighing through his nose, Alvin threw back the covers and climbed out of his bed. If they didn't know he was there, then they can't keep him from her. It was as simple as that.

Slipping on his shoes and pulling on his cap, he went over to his closed bedroom door. He pressed his ear to it and listened for any voices or noises indicating anyone was around. Receiving none, he took that as a good sign and gently opened the door. Peeking out, he looked up and down the long hallway, before stepping out. He pulled the door closed quietly and made his way to the stairs.

This was too easy, he realized. Someone had to be around. Dave wouldn't leave him here alone. Annoyed now, he made his way downstairs slowly. Maybe Simon was here, he understood his situation enough to at least hear him out.

Remaining cautious, he peeked over the railing and looked into the den. He saw no life there. If he remained quiet enough, whoever was here wouldn't hear him when he left. Finally having descended the stairs, he was feeling the pressure now that he was out in the open. Using his natural born sneaking talents, he went over to the door and opened it.

"I know you too well," came a voice from behind him. Alvin rolled his eyes and turned to meet amused, and annoyed gray ones.

"Better you than Dave." Alvin said. He folded his arms, his body taking on a defensive stance.

"Just so you know, it's just you and me here. If Dave comes back and finds you gone you'll be in trouble. If he finds out you're gone and realizes I let you leave, we'll both be in trouble." Simon stated. Alvin arched an eyebrow.

"What are you trying to get at, Simon? Are you going to let me leave, or am I gonna have to fight my way to Brittany?" He half demanded, half asked. Simon sighed and removed his glasses, cleaning them.

Placing them back on, he met Alvin's eyes. "Need I remind you, I've been with you through this whole ordeal?" Simon asked, slightly annoyed. "Though I know when something is wrong, I also know when it's not. Alvin, Brittany needs you. Not everybody realizes that, if they do, they don't acknowledge it." Alvin's whole body lost its tension and defensive stance as he smiled and lowered his arms.

"You're the best, you know that?" Alvin complimented. Simon blushed faintly, but smiled all the same. "What will you say when Dave comes back and realizes I'm gone?"

"I fell asleep. We all know you're sneaky. It's believable you can sneak out." Simon replied with a shrug.

"But, you caught me just now." Alvin countered. Simon smiled again.

"Alvin, you're my brother. We grew up together." He said. Alvin chuckled. "Let me make sure the coast is clear, OK?" Alvin nodded and moved from the door, allowing Simon access to his observation of the outside world. "OK." Simon turned to face his older brother. "Don't let Miss Miller see you. She'll tell Dave." Alvin nodded.

"Got it." They remained silent for a few seconds before Simon pulled him into a hug, sending him some strength and encouragement through the brief action. Alvin hugged back just as tightly. "I'll see you when Brittany gets better." Alvin watched Simon smile slightly, seeing the hope and slight sadness in his eyes. "Simon, she'll be fine..." Alvin's eyes saddened slightly. "...right?"

Simon's eyes brightened, "of course. She's your female counterpart." Alvin laughed lightly.

"I'll try and remember to ask you what that word means later on." Alvin said and went to the door.

"See you soon?" Simon asked. Alvin nodded and left, letting Simon shut the door behind him.

**With Brittany**

Jeanette gently eased her fevered sister back against her pillow, having just given her some childrens' Tylenol and water. Brittany looked at peace, the only thing indicating her illness was her flushed cheeks and the sheen of sweat along her body.

Eleanor came in with a rag and a bowl, having used all of the water in the last bowl within two hours time. She set the bowl on the nightstand and soaked the rag. "Any better?" She asked hopefully. Jeanette removed the thermometer from Brittany's mouth gently. Reading the numbers, she shook her head sadly.

"No, still the same. We should get some vitamins into her system. They should help to fight the virus." With that said, she covered Brittany up and watched Eleanor place the damp rag onto her forehead. Both left to get the task done.

**With Alvin**

Taking notice to Miss Miller's car being gone, Alvin felt it was safe enough to ring the doorbell. Stepping onto the porch, Alvin pressed the button and heard it go off inside the house. He waited, anxious to see Brittany once more. A few seconds later, the door was open by Jeanette. "Al-"

"You can't let Miss Miller know I'm here. She'll tell Dave and I'll have to go home again." Alvin interrupted as Eleanor came over. "Please, I have to be with Brittany. You guys understand that, don't you?" Jeanette and Eleanor looked at each other. They smiled and looked back at Alvin with understanding in their faces. Alvin smiled as well. "Thank you." They moved and let him inside. "How is she?" He asked.

Eleanor and Jeanette took turns informing Alvin as they finished gathering up vitamin pills and some food for Brittany in the kitchen.

"Has she woken up at all?" Alvin asked as they now made their ways upstairs.

"Twice, but just for some water, and for barely a minute both times. She really is trying to fight the illness. But she needs something else." Eleanor said. She set the supplies beside the bowl and left the room for the other things.

'Alvin, Brittany needs you' Simon's voice popped into his head and Alvin made a slight, determined nod as he gazed at Brittany's face.

"I'm gonna stay with her." Alvin said, looking into Jeanette's surprised green eyes. His blue ones saying not to argue with his statement. She merely smiled knowingly and nodded. Before leaving, she pecked Brittany's cheek and closed the door behind her.

Alvin sighed as he removed his shoes. "Aw, Britt." He climbed into bed with her and laid against her left side. "We've both been through a lot. We've overcome everything we've come across. You can give in to a virus. You're stronger than that." He brushed loose bangs out of her face. "According to Simon, you're my 'female counterpart'. Whatever that is. I guess it's a good thing." He nuzzled her hair with his nose.

He shifted himself under the blanket with her and wrapped her in his arms.

"I love you Britt. And I don't know what I'd do if you left me." Alvin whispered, drowning himself with her fragrance, implanting the smell deep into his memory.

*Brittany's Mind*

Is that Alvin? He sounds so close. I feel so ill...It's so hot. Am I sick?

Oh Alvin, how close are you? I can barely understand you. It's like there's a fog in my mind, I can't get through it. Alvin, keep talking to me, I want to find you...

Alvin let out a breath, opening his eyes and looking around with his eyes. What should he do? How really could he help her? He'd love for his embrace and love to just heal her sick body, but he could be realistic. What did Dave do when he was younger and sick? Alvin strained to remember. He sang to him.

That was a good idea...but Alvin couldn't think of the right song for the circumstances. Why was this so hard all of a sudden? He wanted a song to express his feeling and hopefully reach Brittany within her dreams. He let out a sigh, closed his eyes and thought through the songs he knew by heart. His eyes opened when he found a song he liked a lot.

*Brittany's Mind*

Alvin...why are you so quiet? Wait...is that him singing? Oh, I can't understand him! Don't stop Alvin, I'll find you."Have I ever told you lady?" Alvin sang gently. "That you mean the world to me. And you know I'm gonna love you forever. Forever you and me."

*Brittany's Mind*

Oh! I hear him! I remember this song! It's was our first duet together! [Singing:] Have I ever told you baby? That you're always on my mind. And you know I'm gonna love you forever. Until the end of time.

"You say you love me pretty lady and you're down for me." Alvin resumed singing. "And so I, I made this promise girl to always be your everything. Turn down the lights the music up and put your hand in mine. And let me show you girl these feelings that I hold inside. Never wanna be without you girl 'cause you're my pretty lady. I lose my mind every time your kisses drive me crazy. So tell me baby do you feel for me what I feel for you? Do you love me girl like I love you para siempre.

"Have I ever told you lady? That you mean the world to me. And you know I'm gonna love you forever. Forever you and me." Alvin resumed singing, he missed seeing Brittany's eyes flutter. They didn't open though.

Brittany was halfway to waking up. Have I ever told you baby? That you're always on my mind. And you know I'm gonna love you forever. Until the end of time.

"Hey pretty girl you know I love you can't stop thinking about you. Always and forever you and I will be together. The love I have for you until I die I will treasure. Every minute, every hour, can't stop thinking of you. My days wont be complete without a smile from you. Hold my hand, understand you're the light of my life. You're my girl, my friend, that's why I'll make you my wife."

The whole day Alvin helped Eleanor and Jeanette take care of Brittany. She didn't wake the whole time he had been with her, but he didn't dwell on it. He was with her and that was one main thing he was glad for.

"When does she need more medicine again?" Alvin asked as he climbed back into the bed to lay with Brittany.

"In an hour I think." She replied, removing the thermometer from Brittany's mouth. "Oh! Look you guys, her fevers gone down!" Both Alvin and Jeanette looked at the numbers. It had gone down a great amount, but was still a fever.

"This is wonderful! She'll be better in no time." Jeanette said with pure happiness. Alvin smiled as well and nuzzled Brittany's hair with his cheek.

My strong, brave love.

Another few hours passed and Brittany's fever dropped down some more thanks to medicine, love and care. Alvin smiled at her peaceful face, anxious to see her baby blue eyes.

He gently eased her into his lap and rocked gently. I've never been more sure of my love for you than ever before, Brittany. All that's left is to finally get to tell you...

Alvin looked up when Eleanor and Jeanette came in. "Miss Miller is on her way home from work now, Alvin. We're just forewarning you." Jeanette informed him, checking Brittany's forehead and cheek with her hand. "Her fever's gone. Now we just have to wait till she wakes up and hear how she feels.

"...I'm fine. A little dizzy, but I feel better..." came a soft voice. Everyone in the room looked at Brittany. She leaned her head against Alvin's chest, gently wrapping her arms around his lower back. This caused him to smile and blush.

"Oh! Brittany we were so worried!" Her sisters climbed onto the bed and took turns hugging her without removing her from Alvin's protective embrace.

"Take it easy you guys." Alvin said softly. They nodded and sat back on Brittany's bed.

"Miss Miller is going to be thrilled to hear you're better." Jeanette said with a smile. Alvin sighed in content and drew Brittany closer to him. She nuzzled his chest, closing her eyes and listening to her sisters talk.

Miss Miller arrived home and was greeted with her two youngest girls chorusing her name as they ran downstairs towards her. She barely made out what they were saying but caught, "Brittany's better!"

"Oh my- She is!!? What wonderful news!!" Miss Miller exclaimed. "Let's let her rest a while and then we'll all go see her."

"I guess Miss Miller's happy to hear you're getting better." Alvin said with a light chuckle. Brittany smiled.

"I thought of something. A little bit ago." Brittany whispered. Alvin looked at the top of her head.

"What's that?" He asked.

"I'm going to tell everyone who raped me and try to make progress in my counseling." Alvin was more than thrilled with her decision.

"Brittany?" She pulled back to meet his eyes. "I love you." Shock was the first thing her face expressed, then sheer happiness.

"I love you too, Alvin." Alvin smiled and nuzzled her nose with his, giving her an Eskimo kiss. He the pulled back and pressed his lips to hers in a gentle peck. She kissed back.

**One Week Later**

Alvin waited outside the building Brittany had gone in earlier in the day. This was her first counseling meeting since she got better and he was anxious to see if she really was going to start talking about it. He shifted his feet and resumed leaning against the pole that had a payphone on the other side of it. He thought back to what Simon had explained to him about what he said last week.

"So, I don't get the 'female counterpart' thing." Alvin brought up when he had arrived home early that evening and told everyone Brittany was better.

"It's simple Alvin." Simon said. "She's like a female version of you. Just as Jeanette is mine and Eleanor is Theodore's." Alvin thought about this and smiled.

"Sounds cool." He said.

"It is." Simon agreed.

My female counterpart is just like me. Smart, talented, gorgeous. But she's her own person. He watched with a racing heart as Brittany stepped out of the building. He watched her scan the parking lot and their eyes soon met. When she smiled brightly at him, he felt a heavy weight lift from his body. He straightened up as she walked over to him.

When she was within arms reach, he embraced her. "How was it?" He asked as he pulled back and grabbed her hand. They began the walk to her house.

"Well, at first it was quiet." She began. Alvin glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "Then I began by saying the thing I could never really say." She smiled, proud of herself.

"And then what happened?" Alvin asked gently, not trying to pressure her.

"We didn't go into detail yet. We just discussed the right ways of how to deal with rape. She said a lot of victims never get over it, some do but can take years, and some never even acknowledge it happened and try to move on. But it can eat away at them for the rest of their life." She was quiet for a minute. "I was like that, wasn't I?"

Alvin looked at her. "Yeah. But you're getting help now. So don't dwell on it. OK?" She smiled and nodded.

"You're right. I'm making progress. And it's thanks to you and my family. But mostly you." She let go of his hand and wrapped her arm around his, leaning her head on his shoulder.

Alvin smiled. "I love you, Brittany." She smiled happily.

"And I love you, Alvin. Always and forever."

THE END