Chapter 25

Alex woke up and rolled over, expecting to see Steph, but she wasn't there.

He sat up scratching his chest and looked around, yawning, "Steph?"

He noticed the tent zipper was higher and figured she'd gone to the bathroom or something, and settled back down.

Simon rolled over and was nose to nose with Jeanette.

They both woke with a bit of a start, both scooting back to the other side of the mattress.

Simon caught his breath, "Oh man, sorry, didn't mean to scare you" he wiggled closer.

Jeanette smiled and reached for her glasses, fixing them on her face.

She fixed her sleep top, which had twisted in her sleep, pulled the sleeping bag up higher and shuffled in closer, snuggling into Simon's chest, "It's fine, I guess I kinda forgot you were there" she giggled a little.

Simon reached back and picked up his glasses, polished them a bit using his sleeping bag and putting them on.

He wrapped his arm around Jeanette and kissed her on the forehead, "See sharing a tent wasn't that bad was it?"

Jeanette smiled at him, "No it wasn't, it was kinda nice actually"

Simon nodded and sat up a little, "And nothing totally bad happened did it?" he smiled again at her.

Jeanette giggled and leant on her elbow, "Nope...but that make out session was pretty intense" she blushed upon saying this.

Simon smiled and felt his cheeks become hot.

He looked round for his shirt, but couldn't find it, nor could he find his jeans or PJ pants

(It was a particularly warm night and Simon had gotten too hot in the sleeping bag, and decided to risk stripping to his underwear).

He sat up a little straighter and started patting around on the ground.

Jeanette sat up, still holding the sleeping bag up close to her chin, "What's the matter?"

Simon scratched his head, "My clothes seem to have disappeared"

Over in Eleanor and Theodore's tent they were having a similar conundrum.

Theodore too had taken his shirt off, due to the warm weather, but had kept his sleep shorts on.

But when he went to reach for his shirt to put it on again, he noticed it had vanished, along with all his other clothes.

Eleanor rolled onto her hands and knees and started lifting the mattress, sleeping bags and her own clothes to help with the search, "Well that's weird...what'd you do with them?"

Theodore shrugged, "I didn't do anything with them, I mean I put them right near the door before I went to bed"

Eleanor sat up on her knees and cocked her head, "This is bizarre"

Brittany rested her head on Alvin's chest and drummed her fingers on him, "Great idea to join the sleeping bags together"

Alvin smiled at her and stretched his arms over his head, "Yep all the greatest ideas are mine" he winked at her "Although next time, you might wanna work on acting upon my subtle hints" he winked again and gently nudged her to move so he could sit up.

Brittany giggled, "You weren't very subtle"

He stretched again and yawned, reaching under the sleeping bag to scratch himself and looking around on the floor of the tent, "Hey somethin's missing"

Brittany sat up and shifted her chemise down her body, as it'd ridden up during the night, "What do you mean?"

Alvin crawled out the sleeping bag and checked under it, "Can't find my shirt"

Brittany was unconvinced, "Oh right, and next you'll tell me your pants are missing? Nice try but that's a lousy line to try and get me into the mood"

Alvin furrowed his brow, "No seriously, and yeah, my pants are missing...and my PJ pants too"

Brittany cocked her head to the side, "When'd you strip outta them last night?"

Alvin gave a small smile, "Late in the night...or morning, it got really warm, so I took em off, don't worry I got my AK's still on, I didn't try anything"

Brittany smiled then sat up a little and looked around her side of the tent, "Well they're not here"

Alvin noticed his cap next to his pillow and then, brushing his hair underneath, put it on and headed toward the doorway of the tent.

Brittany leant back on her elbows, "Where you going?"

Alvin turned back, and laughed a little, "First of all, quit perving on my ass"

Brittany giggled.

"And second, I'm going to go to the RV for some more clothes" he unzipped the tent and crawled outside.

Blocking the sun with his hand he made a dash towards 'Hot Stuff'.

Alvin tried the door, but it was locked, "Dammit"

He jogged back to the tent and poked his head inside, "You got the keys?"

Brittany shook her head, "No I thought you had them?"

Alvin shook his head and stood up, as he saw Simon and Theodore poke their heads out from their tents, "Hey you guys got the keys?"

They both shook their heads, as Simon looked at Alvin and then Theodore, "No but I see you're only in your underwear?"

Alvin looked down and back at him, "Yeah, can't seem to find my clothes from last night"

Simon crawled out from the tent, "Funny, I can't find mine either"

Theodore crawled out and stood with his arms folded, "Me either"

Alvin rubbed the back of his head, "Well that's just weird"

Simon clicked his fingers, "Darn it, I left the keys in the pocket of my jeans"

Alvin nodded, "Hey I think that's where I put the key too"

There was a wolf whistle followed by a, "Looking good boys!"

The boys whipped their heads round to see Steph coming towards them, drinking a coffee she'd made in the RV.

"Well don't you guys all look dashing this morning?" She tried to contain her laughter.

Theodore shifted a little, as Simon lowered his hands to try and cover up a little.

Alvin stood with his arms folded studying her body language.

He narrowed her eyes, "Where are they?"

Steph shrugged, "Where's what?"

They turned as Alex unzipped the tent and crawled out, a sense of determination on his face.

He didn't look impressed, and he too was only in his underwear, "Steph?"

She started laughing, "Yes?"

Alex walked up to her, as she backed away slightly, "Babe, where's my clothes?"

Alvin took a step towards Steph too, "Where's all our clothes Steph?"

The girls all poked their heads out their tents.

"What's going on?" Jeanette asked

Eleanor crawled out and stood in her PJs, "Found your clothes?"

Simon scoffed, "Nope, but we think we might know who knows where they are though"

Brittany crawled out and flipped her hair, "Did you find the keys?"

Alvin, still glaring at Steph, answered, "No, but my guess is Steph took them"

Steph smiled at them all, and pulled the sets of keys from her bra, "They're safe and sound"

Alvin looked at Alex and nodded in Steph's direction, "You can go get them"

Alex smiled, "With pleasure" he started towards Steph, who placed her coffee on the table and ran round the other side, "Now, now"

Simon and Theodore came round one side, while Alvin and Alex cornered her from the other side.

Steph darted looks between them all and smiled, holding her hands up in defence, "Seriously, guys, it's just a prank" she laughed.

Alex reached his hand out to her as the others closed in, "Where's our clothes Steph?"

She laughed and pointed behind her from the direction she first came from.

They guys looked where she'd pointed then at each other.

Simon shrugged, "Don't see them Steph" and took a step closer.

She felt the cold steel of the RV behind her, and pointed again, "Look again"

The guys stopped and shielding their eyes from the sun looked again.

The girls looked too.

Jeanette groaned and called out, "Look up guys"

The guys shifted their gaze upwards.

Hanging on different branches of a huge tree were the guys' various articles of clothing.

"Oh you are %$# ing kidding me!" Alvin groaned.

Simon couldn't stop staring, "How'd you get them up there?"

Steph smiled proudly and folded her arms, "Some I threw up; others I had to climb up a little further"

Brittany folded her arms, smiling a little, "I'm actually impressed you managed to get some of them so high up and without anyone noticing"

Steph beamed, "Thanks Britt"

The guys looked at Brittany, Alvin shaking his head, "Don't give her encouragement"

Theodore looked into the tree, "How do we get them down then?"

Alex smiled, "Same way they got up" he quickly launched at Steph and grabbed her arm.

"Hey! NO! LE'GO!" Steph yelled, digging her heels into the dirt.

Simon grabbed her other arm and proceeded to drag Steph towards the tree.

Theodore and Alvin followed behind, occasionally pushing Steph.

The girls came out of their tents and came and stood closer to the tree.

At the tree, Steph managed to wriggle free from Simon and Alex's grasps, and turned to face the group, "Ok, seriously, it was a prank...you guys are all so predictable, putting all your clothes at the door of the tent? It was so easy"

Simon cocked his head to one side, "How'd you know that's where we'd put them?"

Steph smiled and put her hands on her hips, "Lights cast shadows Simon" she grinned, "Thought you, Mr Science Guy, would know that one" she laughed.

Alvin jumped for a few articles of clothing on lower branches, but they were just out of reach, "Dammit Steph!"

Steph laughed again, "Oh come on, it's not that hard" she leapt up and just managed to finger the edge of a shirt.

She jumped a little more determined and pulled the shirt, only to hear a slight rip.

The shirt came free, but had a rip in the front, "Whoops" she laughed, "Whose was this?"

Alex snatched the shirt, and held it up, unimpressed, "Mine, thanks"

Steph giggled, "Whoopsie"

Alvin came forward and pushed Steph towards the tree trunk, "Ok, so pulling them down won't work, so move your ass, and get up there"

Steph tried hard not to laugh at Alvin with his serious look.

She shook her head and turned to the trunk, gripping one of the lower branches and hoisting herself up.

A few branches up she looked down, noticing the guys, and girls, watching her, she called back, "Nice view?"

Alex shook his head, "Keep movin'"

Eleanor tapped Theodore on the shoulder, "Gimme a boost, I reckon I reach some of the lower ones"

Theodore shrugged and got down on one knee as Eleanor climbed on his back and steadied himself to stand up.

Eleanor pointed to a large stick on the ground, "Jeanette, pass me that stick there"

Jeanette looked around and located the stick, passing it to Eleanor, "Ok Theo, walk over to them pants over there"

Theodore nodded and headed towards a lower branch as Eleanor started swiping at the clothing.

Alvin shook his head, "Nah you gotta be higher" he turned to Brittany, "Come here babe"

She looked at him, "What are you doing?"

Alvin knelt down in front of her, "Get up on my shoulders"

Brittany looked at him, unsure, "What about your shoulder? Will you be able to hold me?"

Alvin shrugged, and rolled his shoulder a few times, "It'll be fine, come on I'd really like to get some clothes on me...unless?" he wiggled his eyebrows at Brittany, smiling suggestively.

Brittany giggled and shook her head and hoisted herself onto Alvin's shoulders, "Simon, c'mere!" he called.

Simon came over and gripped Alvin's arm, helping him stand up.

Meanwhile, up in the tree Steph had climbed to the furthest part where she'd taken the clothes and was edging out on a branch.

Alex and Jeanette looked up, spotting from below.

"Careful Steph!" Jeanette called, clasping her hands anxiously.

Steph called back, "I'm fine, don't fret, just cause those boys couldn't be bothered climbing a little bitty tree"

She tested her footing and took another step out, bouncing a little to try and shake the clothes out

Alvin called from under Brittany, "Not cause we can't, but them branches have twigs, and forgive me for not wanting to pierce myself in my freakin underwear!"

Brittany hoisted herself upward and grabbed at a pair of jeans, pulling them towards her, "Pull back Alvin"

Alvin grunted and stepped backwards, holding onto Brittany's legs as she gripped the jeans.

Simon looked at the tension between Alvin pulling backwards and the tree branch and immediately worked out the equation, "Um, Alvin?"

Alvin grunted back, "Not now Simon"

Simon nodded, "Yes I realise you're a bit busy, but that tree branch-"

"Has my jeans, yeah I know"

Simon shook his head, "Yes, but you're causing some tension there and that's building energy in the branch and well, for every action there's an opposite yet equal reaction and-"

Alvin gritted his teeth, "Don't need a science lecture Simon"

Brittany felt the jeans slipping from the branch and her eyes widened as the jeans pulled free, the branch flicked backwards and both she and Alvin fell to the ground.

Simon, however, had managed to dive in and catch Brittany as she fell, ensuring she wouldn't hit the ground too hard.

Brittany looked up as Simon helped her to her feet, "Thanks Simon"

He smiled at her, "No sweat" then turned and offered a hand to help Alvin up, "Hate to tell you, but told ya so" he grinned.

Alvin rolled his eyes and wiped the dirt from his butt, "Ok, so now I have pants though" he picked the jeans from the ground and shook them out, holding them out, "Dammit these are Simon's"

He threw them in at Simon's chest.

Simon was a little stunned by the action, but nodded and started putting them on.

"Ellie, admit we can't reach them" Theodore panted, lowering Eleanor to the ground.

Eleanor stood, leaning on the big stick, "Yeah ok" she looked up, "How's it going?"

The other's looked up at Steph.

She'd edged out on one branch and was trying to steady herself by using the branch above.

Carefully, she bounced a little to loosen the clothing and watched as a few more items dropped to the ground

Then she heard a small crack, "Oh $# %" she thought.

In the next moment the branch under her snapped.

Steph screamed as the branch came down from the tree.

The others jumped out of the way as it crashed to the ground.

They all looked up to see Steph hanging onto the branch above her, "OK I ADMIT, BAD PRANK! FAIL!"

Alex called out, "Hang in there, Babe!"

Steph groaned and tried to tighten her grip a bit more, "NOT IN THE MOOD FOR BAD JOKES SWEETY!"

Alex looked at the tree to figure out the best way to get up there, but Simon had already leapt to the rescue and was quickly scaling the tree.

"Whoa look at him go" Theodore called out.

"Be careful Simon!" Jeanette called out.

Simon reached a point where he could see Steph and shimmied around the trunk so he was facing her.

He lowered himself down and sat straddling large branch stump.

He looked out, up and down to see any possibility of getting out to Steph.

But there was nothing.

He cupped his hands to his mouth and called out to Steph, "You ok Steph?"

She gritted her teeth and tried to pull herself up a little, only to have her arms fail and left her hanging once more, "Oh just %$# ing peachy Simon"

Simon shook his head, "Look, I can't see a way I can get out to you"

"Oh well, I'm glad you could join me to enjoy the freakin' view then!" Steph called back sarcastically.

"So" Simon continued, "You're going to have to go hand over hand or shimmy along that branch, there's another just a bit lower than the one that fell under you, but it's closer to the trunk"

Steph was starting to sweat and her arms were beginning to ache, "Are you kidding me?"

Simon called back, "Look I can't see another way, unless you wanna drop and hope one of the guys catches you?"

Steph looked down and quickly shut her eyes, "No way in hell, am I dropping down!"

Simon nodded, "Didn't think so, come on, I'll talk you through"

Steph took a deep breath in and started moving hand over hand towards Simon.

She used her body to swing her and edge her along.

"Great, you're doing great, keep going" Simon spoke steadily and calmly, which in turn helped Steph to keep calm and focussed.

Down on the ground Alex had his hand to his head and was pacing a little, trying to keep underneath Steph, just in case.

Brittany was clutching to Jeanette, who had her hands up to her mouth.

Theodore and Eleanor were clutching each other and staring at the scenario as it unfolded.

Alvin shook his head, "This is ridiculous" he picked up a pair of jeans and pulled them on (He wasn't too fussed whose they were – they turned out to be Theodore's) then clutching at them to keep them up, he headed for the tree and started to climb it, positioning himself on the branch under Simon.

Simon nodded at him, and Alvin nodded back, calling out, "Doing great Steph, not much further now"

Steph stopped just a stretch from the branch Simon was guiding her to, and let out a cry, "Uggh, I can't do it, I can't go on, my arms are killing me, I can't hold on"

Simon reassured her, "Steph, listen to me" She looked up at him, exhausted, "You gotta keep going, only a little further, just a few more inches then you should be able to stretch out and stand on the branch below"

Steph nodded a little, "Ok" she took another deep breath, summoned her strength and edged along slowly, stretching her foot out for the branch Simon assured her was there.

She reached it and started waving her legs about to find where to place her feet, "Simon, what gives? Where the %$# is the branch?"

Alvin looked up, "Think quick Simon"

Simon made some quick calculations, "Ok, ok, Steph you trust me right?"

Steph looked at him, "What?"

Simon asked again, "You trust me right?"

Steph nodded slowly, "Yeah, why?"

He started lowering himself down on the branch stump til he was laying on it and stretched his arms out to Steph.

He gripped the branch with his legs, "You're going to need to let go of the branch you're holding to reach the one below to stand on. But you'll need to jump forward towards me a little and I'll catch you to steady you"

Steph shook her head, "No way, I'm not jumping, are you out of you're freakin' mind?"

Simon looked down at Alvin, "Come round and anchor me"

Alvin nodded and climbed around the other side of the trunk, grabbing hold of Simon's ankles and positioning himself in a fork of the tree to act as an anchor.

Simon nodded at Alvin and looked out again at Steph, "Come on, I'll catch you, trust me"

Steph closed her eyes and swung her body back.

As her body swung forward, she let go of the branch she was holding and felt for a second, herself falling.

Everyone watched and held their breath.

Simon had watched and timed his reaction, lunging out to grab her, he grunted, slamming his chest into the branch stump as he grabbed hold of Steph under her upper arm.

He was lucky his glasses didn't fall off, they just became a little askew.

Alvin braced himself and held fast onto Simon's ankles.

He felt his body pull and lock into the fork of the tree as Simon grabbed onto Steph.

Steph opened her eyes slowly and looked up at Simon and smiled.

He gritted his teeth, but managed to pass a smile back.

Steph looked down and saw her feet were planted on the branch, just like Simon had said.

And he'd caught her, like he said he would.

Simon helped her edge closer to the trunk, until she could reach out and take hold of it herself.

Then the three slowly climbed down, relieved when they touched the dirt floor.

Jeanette came up to Simon and was about to embrace him, when she stopped and looked at his chest, "Um, Simon, you might need some first aid"

"Huh?" he looked down to notice his chest and upper arms were all scratched up from the tree, "Oh right"

Steph, embraced in Alex's arms, looked over at Simon, "Sh*t I am so sorry" she stepped over and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "But you seriously saved my ass up there"

Simon blushed a little and rubbed the back of his neck, "It was nothing, really"

Steph came in and cupped his face in her hands and turned it slightly to kiss him on the cheek, "Really, thank you" she smiled.

Simon blushed again.

Brittany piped up, "Looked hell impressive though!"

Theodore and Eleanor nodded, "Yeah, you were really brave"

Simon shook his head slightly, "I couldn't have done it without Alvin anchoring me"

Alvin smiled and winked at Simon.

Simon laughed, "No seriously, I was afraid Steph might've pulled me out of the tree too at one point, then I felt Alvin grip onto my legs and felt secure" he looked at his chest again, "And now this is starting to hurt"

Jeanette lead him towards the RV, "I'll help you out" they started towards 'Einstein' when Jeanette turned, "Keys Steph?"

Steph nodded, "Oh right" she reached into her bra and pulled out the two sets of keys, one from each cup and tossed a set to Jeanette.

Simon caught it.

Steph looked down her top into her bra, "Aw I got key moulds in my boobs"

The others looked at her and rolled their eyes, turning and walking back towards the tents, leaving Steph and Alex near the tree.

He turned to her and flicked her on the forehead, "OW! What's that for?"

He looked at her, arms folded, "That was for a stupid prank"

"Would've been funny, if that last part hadn't have happened" she pouted.

He flicked her again.

"OW! Seriously?"

He smiled at her, "That was for ripping my shirt"

She rubbed her forehead and frowned at him.

He cupped her face and pulled her in for a kiss.

When they pulled apart, Steph was left slightly stunned, "And that?"

He smiled at her and brushed his finger down her cheek, "That was for making it back down safely"

He leant in and kissed her again, as Steph ran her hands down to his butt.

She pulled apart and started laughing, taking a step back and looking down at Alex, "And after all this, you still have no pants"

Alex looked down and couldn't help but laugh too.

He walked over and picked up the remnants of clothing that'd fallen from the tree and headed back to the tents with Steph and the others.

In the RV, Jeanette was tending to Simon's injuries he'd obtained via the rescue.

He breathed in quickly, "Ah that stings" he flinched.

Jeanette smiled soothingly, "Sorry, you've got some bark and dirt in these, I have to clean it so it doesn't become infected.

He nodded, "No I know that...it just still hurts that's all" he flinched again as she applied another swab of antiseptic.

Jeanette soon had him all cleaned up and had placed some dressings on some of the larger cuts.

Simon smiled and put his shirt on, pulling it carefully over his chest and held Jeanette's hand, "Thanks for taking care of me"

She blushed a little, "Well you did just perform a heroic deed, it's the least I could do"

They leant in and kissed, before Steph popped her head in the door, "Hey all patched up?"

Simon nodded, "Yeah Nurse Jeanette here took care of it all"

Steph smiled and nodded back, "Just wanted to say thanks again, you know for thinking quick and catching me and stuff" she shrugged and looked down at her feet.

Simon stood up and gave her a hug, "You're welcome" he pulled back, "You'd have done the same if it were any one of us"

Steph looked up and nodded, "Yeah...although you probably wouldn't dare sticking my clothes in a tree and locking me out"

Simon laughed out loud, "No way am I going into your tent"

Steph laughed and waved as she stepped back out of the RV, turning her attention to the others who were busy packing the tents down, "So what's the adventure for today then?"

Alex pulled apart some poles and threw them into a pile he'd started, "I'd really like to check out the go kart track from that pamphlet we picked up"

Simon stepped out of the RV, with Jeanette leaning in the doorway, and adjusted his glasses nodding, "Yeah, well it's on the way I think, and that does sound like it could be a lot of fun"

Jeanette rubbed her arm, "How fast do they go?"

Alvin finished folding a tent up and shrugged, "As fast as you make 'em...you floor the pedal to the metal, you're gonna fly. Tap it and you'll roll along"

Jeanette looked unsure, as Simon smiled back at her, "Don't worry, you can take your time going round"

She smiled and stepped outside to offer a hand.

Eleanor laughed, and thrust her hand forward, imitating her driving, "I'm gonna creep past you all and zoom round the lot of ya!"

Theodore pushed one of the tents into the side storage area on the RV, "Is that so Ellie?"

Eleanor nodded confidently, "Yep, you may be interested to know, I have been round the go kart tracks a few times before"

Brittany, who was busying herself 'supervising' from the confines of one of the deck chairs, lowered her sunglasses, "When have you been go karting?"

Eleanor looked at her, "I've been a few times, with the soccer team. End of year celebration last year for getting into the finals...even if we did lose"

Brittany repositioned her sunglasses back on her face and tilted her head back into the sunshine, "Oh...well there you go"

Alvin came behind her and gripped the chair, tilting it forward, making Brittany stumble and stand up out of it, "Hey!"

He folded the chair and smiled, "Sorry Princess, but in case you hadn't noticed, we're trying to pack up so we can leave?"

She frowned at him and poked her tongue out, opting to stand next to the RV instead.

Alvin laughed and shook his head, placing the chairs into the RV, "Ok, that's the lot, let's go get our go kart on!"

Steph gave him a look, "That's by far one of the stupidest things you've ever said"

He laughed again and looked at her, "What'd you mean?"

She shook her head, "It doesn't even make sense, 'go get our go kart on'? Really?"

He shrugged, "For lack of anything better to say, let's haul ass"

Steph smiled, "That I can work with"

They all stepped into their RV's and pulled away from their makeshift campsite and headed down the road towards Tucson.

Walking into the Go Kart Track Steph was very bouncy and excitable, "Ooh this is gonna be so freakin' awesome! I cannot wait to streak past you all"

Alvin laughed, "Yeah might wanna keep your clothes on, Steph"

She laughed and leant on the desk, "Hey buddy, any chance we can get in a few laps?"

The guy behind the desk, a rough looking guy about in his late 20s or so, looked up from his computer and was greeted by Steph's lowered top and obvious cleavage.

He shook his head a little and lifted his head higher, "Uh, yeah, we don't have a booking til this afternoon, so we're you're in luck we've got the track free this morning"

He did a quick head count then ducked down under the desk, only to reappear with a stack of clipboards, "Just fill these in and get 'em back to me, and we'll set you all up" he smiled at Steph, who returned the gesture and handed out the clipboards before joining everyone on the lounges in the reception.

Part way through filling out the forms, Steph stopped writing, "Oh sh*t!"

Alex lifted his head and looked at her form and then at her, "What's wrong?"

Steph frowned and stood up, making her way back to the desk, "Hey, mister?"

The guy looked up again, and was again greeted by the view down Steph's top, shook his head and breathed in, lifting his head higher, "Yes miss?"

Steph slapped the clipboard onto the desk, "Yeah, you gotta be 18 to drive one of these things?"

The guy looked at her blankly, "Yeah"

Steph stomped her foot and leant lower, "But I have a full licence"

The guy shrugged, "Look it's to do with our insurance"

Steph leant in closer to him, giving him a full peep show down her top.

He tried not to appear like he was sneaking a peek, and concentrated hard on what she had to say instead, "So you're telling me I can drive on the open road out there but I can't drive one of these supped up skateboards? What the %$# man?"

Alex, noting her rising frustration decided to step in, "Steph, calm down, that's the rules babe, you can ride with me if you want?"

Steph looked at him, frowning, "%$# that! I came here to kick ass" she turned back to the guy, "Look, I'm 18 tomorrow" she pulled out her licence from her wallet and gave it to him, "See it's my birthday tomorrow, can't you just bend the rules slightly for me?"

The guy looked at her licence and handed it back, shaking his head, "I'm sorry miss, but that's our policy and I just don't think we can risk our insurance" he looked at the others, "If you're done with them forms, leave them up here and you can head on through"

Steph snatched her licence and put it back in her wallet and pouted, "You guys can't seriously go and race without me"

Alvin smiled at her, "Hey chicky, not our problem you're not 18"

Steph narrowed her eyes at him, "You're an asshole Alvin Seville"

He laughed and turned, heading into the main track, followed by the others.

Jeanette smiled at Steph, "You can be the cheer squad"

Brittany laughed, "Or the pit girl"

Steph rolled her eyes and turned to Alex, "You won't race will you? You'll stay with me?" she held his hand close to her chest.

Alex gave a half smile, "Well..."

Steph frowned and dropped his hand firmly, "Oh fine, go in there...I'll just cheer from the sidelines I guess"

Alex tried to laugh a little, "Come ride with me at least"

Steph pouted, "No I wanna drive myself"

Alex looked at her and shrugged, "Suit yourself" and headed in with the others, leaving Steph on her own in the reception area.

She walked over and flopped into one of the lounges when the guy behind the desk whispered to her, "Hey, hey c'mere"

She looked up at him, "What'd you want?"

He looked around then whispered again, "C'mere"

She rolled her eyes and pushed herself out of the lounge, and leant loosely on the desk, propping herself up with her hands, thus causing her to press her boobs closer together, "What?"

The guy caught another quick look and smiled, "Look, what if I said maybe we can work out some way for you to race?"

Steph looked at him questioningly, and then raised an eyebrow, "What's the catch?"

The guy lowered his eyes down to Steph's chest.

She followed their gaze and stood up a little straighter, looking into the main track, then back at the guy, "You can't be serious?"

The guy shrugged, "Look, you've been flaunting them in my face practically, teasing me, since you first walked into here"

Steph thought a moment then leant back on the desk, "So all I gotta do is flash you my girls and you'll waive the fact I'm 17 and let me race?"

The guy closed his eyes and nodded.

Steph turned and looked back into the main track then at the guy, "You better not have any video cameras pointing at me"

He nodded towards a corner near the staff only door, "That's a dead spot over there, no cameras will see you"

Steph bit her bottom lip; she really didn't want to go behind Alex and do this, but she really wanted to join her friends.

She shook her head and leant in closer, "You breathe a word of this to my friends and they'll be giving new meaning to that dead spot over there" she nodded towards the corner.

The guy nodded, a little turned on by her feistiness, "No worries, my lips are sealed"

Steph took a deep breath in and headed into the corner, the guy following.

"You look only, til I count to 10, any form of touch and I'll rip your balls off and stuff 'em down your throat, got it?"

The guy, a little spooked by the threat, nodded and prepared himself.

Steph took a deep breath in, closed her eyes and lifted her shirt and bra up.

She hated every damn second and when she pulled her top back down, felt this pang of guilt hit the pit of her stomach.

She and the guy walked back over to the desk, "Right, so now I can go race?"

The guy, grinning stupidly, nodded and swept his hand towards the door, "Have fun"

Steph rolled her eyes, "%$# you, pervert" and she pushed through the door.

The others were getting suited up and ready to go through the basics of operation and safety talks.

Steph, quickly changing her mood to be bouncy and happy joined them, and sifted through the suits to find her size.

Simon looked at her, "You changed your mind and decided to watch?"

Steph shook her head and pulled her shoes off, stepping into a suit, "Pfft, no, the guy changed his mind, that's all"

Eleanor looked at her, "How'd you get him to do that?"

Alvin folded his arms, raising an eyebrow and smiling cockily, "What'd ya do, flash the poor bastard?"

Steph pulled the zipper up the front of the racing suit, "No I pleaded in there and, he, um, felt sorry for me that it was my birthday tomorrow and all my friends were in here without me and decided to waive the fact I'm only 17" she smiled.

Alex shrugged and wrapped his hand round her waist, "Well wasn't that nice of him?"

Steph twisted from his embrace and picked up a helmet, "Yeah, guess I just needed use my...wits" she looked to the floor and quickly back up again, "So who's ready to race and have their asses flogged?"

Theodore smiled, "I'm glad you'll get to join us Steph"

She smiled back at him, "Me to Theo" and thought to herself, "Better be freakin' worth it".

Brittany looked at herself in a mirror, turning her body and trying to smooth the suit to her figure, "Ugh, this colour really does not suit me" she turned and called out to anyone who'd listen, "Do these things come in any other styles?"

Alvin rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms round her waist, "Britt, you look fine, it's for safety not a fashion statement" he smiled at her and kissed her.

"Your man has a point though" they all turned to see a tall blonde walking towards them. She stood next to Brittany, "These are mostly for safety, so in case of a fire, you're not going to get all burnt to a crisp. But trust me if I were designing them, I'd add a bit more flair to the suits" she smiled and winked then addressed the rest of the group, "Ok, hi, my name is Kimmy and I'll be your instructor"

They all said hello and Theodore gave her a small wave.

Alvin leant in and whispered to Simon; "Score, we get the hot instructor" he held his fist out as Simon bumped it with his own and smiled.

Kimmy then proceeded to take them through the safety 101s and how to use the go karts properly, before assigning them their allocated go karts on the track.

"Now remember what I've told you, and don't forget the flag colours, you gotta pay attention to them" Kimmy reminded them, bending over to pick up the flags from their bins.

Alvin tilted his head a little, and whispered loudly, "Whoa, now that's some fine piece of-"

Brittany frowned and slapped him over the head

"OW sh*t!"

Kimmy spun back around, "Everything ok?"

Brittany smiled at her, "We're fine, thought I saw a bug on Alvin's head, gone now"

Kimmy nodded slightly and went through the flag colours once more.

Alvin whispered to Brittany, "Geez Britt"

She folded her arms, "You haven't said a word about my ass in this get up yet"

Alvin laughed a little, "You haven't allowed me the pleasure to indulge in that sight yet"

She smiled and slapped him playfully as Kimmy gestured for everyone to get into the karts.

She walked around and started each one up, doing a routine check and making sure everyone knew their brakes from their accelerators and that their helmets were secure.

Once all this was done, she climbed up into the small tower by the start line and called out, "Get ready to race when the lights go green!"

Everyone gripped their wheels and started at the little coloured lights near the tower.

Red.

Red.

Orange.

Green.

They all took off around the track.

Simon sped out in front, with Eleanor and Alex closing in on him.

Brittany and Steph were following next with Alvin trying to find a way through, and Theodore right behind him, following Alvin's moves to sneak through the crowd and Jeanette quiet happily trailing in last position.

They came to the first turn and hugged the corner; Alex managing to take over Eleanor, who cursed loudly and pressed her accelerator harder on the straight.

Simon could just see another person creeping beside him in the corner of his eye and timed his turn into the next corner so he'd cut off whoever was trying to close in on him.

Steph sped past Brittany and swerved in front of her before putting the gas in and chasing after Eleanor.

Brittany swore as Alvin, and Theodore both passed her.

Alvin gripped the wheel harder and snuck in just next to Steph.

She looked quickly at him before he gave a curt wave and floored it, cutting in front of her, making Steph apply her brakes and swear loudly, "%$# it Alvin!" then dodged through the mini chicane.

Theodore had then been caught behind Steph, as Alvin's movements were too quick.

Eleanor had chosen a good line and managed to sneak past Alex and Simon on the tight hairpin.

She yelled out, "Ha ha, suck on that!" and sped into the next straight.

Alex and Simon looked quickly at each other and shook their heads in disbelief before cruising under the bridge and into the next turn.

Alvin had managed to make up his distance and was closing in on Alex and Simon.

He revved harder and tried to squeeze in between them.

Alex had noted quickly what he was trying to do and swerved slightly towards Simon to close the gap between them.

Alvin hit the brakes a little, before looking for another way round.

They came round another hairpin as Steph took a risk and used her handbrake to turn, releasing it and hitting hard onto the accelerator, speeding past the three guys.

She laughed and raised her finger back at them and chased after Eleanor.

Theodore and Brittany appeared to be performing some kind of dance routine as each passed one another time and time again.

They passed through the finish line and went round for the next lap.

Eleanor sensed someone closing in on her and turned her head to see Steph, determined, driving up next to her.

Eleanor narrowed her eyes and focused on the road ahead, mapping out the best line to take.

Simon, Alex and Alvin were all fighting for third place at that moment and were cutting in front of each other at any given chance.

Jeanette, too had managed to catch up to Theodore and Brittany as they closed in on the guys.

On their final lap, Eleanor and Steph were battling for first place, while Simon, Alex and Alvin closed in quickly to them, and Theodore and Brittany soon joined the crowd with Jeanette just tailing on the end.

Kimmy held the chequered flag ready as she watched them close in around on the final straight.

She waved it as the all crossed over; Eleanor marginally beating Steph, with Simon, then Alvin, Alex, Brittany narrowly closing behind Alex, then Jeanette, who'd somehow managed to pass Theodore, who crossed the finish line in last place.

Eleanor punched the air as she slowed her go kart down and cheered.

Steph smacked her wheel a few times, calling out, "Noo! I was so close, so close!"

The others all pressed their brakes in until the go karts finally came to a stop.

Back in the reception, the guy had printed out their time sheet and issued Eleanor with a gift card to get a free race on her next visit.

The guy winked discreetly at Steph, who shuddered slightly, rolled her eyes and hugged closer into Alex.

Jeanette noticed the exchange and looked at the guy, who dropped his head and pretended to busy himself with the computer, then looked at Steph as she laughed and walked towards the RVs.

She thought a moment then shook her head as if to eliminate any ideas.

Walking to the RV, Jeanette stopped Steph and pulled her aside, "Hey Steph?"

"Mmm?"

Jeanette looked at her shoes then lifted her head to look at Steph again, "Um...everything...ok?"

Steph looked at her with a sideways smile, "Uh, yeah...why?"

Jeanette sighed and looked back at the track then at Steph again, "The guy at the desk?"

She paused.

Steph urged her on, her smile disappearing into a frown, "What about him?"

Jeanette pulled Steph round the back of the RV, "Are you sure he let you in because it's your birthday tomorrow? Really?"

Steph closed her eyes.

She didn't want to lie to Jeanette.

Jeanette continued, "It's just, and maybe I've got it all wrong, but the way he looked at you, when he winked when we left" she studied Steph's face and quickly added, "I'm wrong, I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions" she started back round, but Steph grabbed her arm.

Jeanette stopped and stepped back, waiting as Steph exhaled, "Sh*t, ok...look I kinda got in by showing him my" she gestured towards her breasts as Jeanette slumped her shoulders and sighed, "Oh Steph"

Steph closed her eyes and opened them again slowly, "Yeah I know...but I wanted to ride with you guys, I didn't see another way out"

Jeanette nodded slowly, "Well you could've not done that. I mean Alex said he'd let you ride with him...any of us would've let you"

Steph was silent.

Jeanette added softly, "You didn't let him...you know...um"

Steph quickly came to the defence, "No! Oh hell no, I'd have decked him if he did!" she grabbed at Jeanette's hands, "But you cannot tell Alex"

"Well..." Jeanette looked uncomfortable.

She hated keeping secrets from people.

Once when Brittany made her promise to keep a secret, she'd made herself physically sick from worry.

Steph pleaded, "Please Jen? Please, I'm begging you, please...Alex is a good guy, the best, I can't just %$# it up with him...please?"

Jeanette looked into Steph's eyes and sighed, nodding.

Steph smiled and hugged her, "Thank you"

The girls came round from the back of the RV and parted ways; Steph heading into 'Hot Stuff', Jeanette into 'Einstein'.

Steph settled into the passenger seat as Alvin turned to her in the driver's seat, "What you and Jeanette gossiping about out there?"

Steph rolled her eyes at him, and smiled a little, "Girly stuff...you know periods, tampons, heavy flows"

Alvin scrunched his nose up, "Ugh, seriously, keep that crap to yourself"

Steph laughed, and reclined back slightly, "Well don't go round sticking your nose in other people's business then"

Alvin muttered something inaudible and shifted the RV into drive, heading back onto the road.

Brittany, who was busying herself painting her nails asked, "So any idea where we're headed?"

Steph laughed, "Vegas baby!"

Brittany rolled her eyes, "Well duh, I meant do we know where we're stopping off next?"

Alvin shrugged, "Alls I know is Theodore has this allegedly awesome place for lunch line up in some teeny 'blink-and-you'll-miss-it' type town"

Alex leant forward on the lounge, "Hey apparently it has THE best burgers in the state, so Theo says"

Steph shrugged, "Well, Theo knows his food"

"And all the best places to eat" Brittany added.

Alvin nodded, "Yeah true, but in a small little town that has absolutely nothing else going for it? Pfft, yeah I'll believe it when I see it"

Another 2 and a half hours down the road, after making a few stops at some trinket towns, Theodore radioed 'Hot Stuff', "Pull over on the next right, coming up "

Alvin looked up ahead, "That little shack looking place?" he radioed back.

Theodore responded, "Yeah"

Brittany stood between the driver and passenger chairs.

Her face fell, "This is where Theodore reckons is the best burgers in the state?" she reached over and picked up the radio, "Theodore, you cannot be serious, I'm not eating there"

Theodore radioed back, "Brittany, it's really good, it's got great reviews"

Alvin pulled in after 'Einstein' and parked the RV.

They all piled out and stood, looking at the place they were going to be eating at.

Alex scratched the back of his neck, "I'll admit, looks like a bit of a sh*thole"

Theodore laughed him off, "Trust me, it's really good"

Brittany looked at Alvin, then Eleanor, "Ellie, you can't seriously agree with Theodore? I mean look at this place"

Eleanor stepped forward and linked arms with Theodore, "Brittany I've seen the reviews, it does sound amazing, and yes, I do agree with my Teddy" she hugged in close to him as the two of them headed towards the shack.

The others looked at each other and then out towards the road to scope out the other possibilities.

A tacky chain diner.

A gas station.

A hardware store (no real good eating there)

And a general store.

Simon sighed, "Looks like this is our best option then"

Reluctantly the all headed inside.

The interior of the shack was the complete opposite to what they'd expected.

Inside it was cosy and really quaint, and there were a decent number of patrons dining in there.

A little bit country kitsch but otherwise, not that bad.

Steph smiled as they headed over to the booth where Eleanor and Theodore had settled into, "Ok so maybe this place won't be that bad then after all"

Brittany squeezed into the booth, "Food better be good" she picked up a menu and shared with Steph, who was stuck in the middle between her and Eleanor.

Theodore, Jeanette and Simon were sharing the other side, with Alvin and Alex pulling up a chair to the end of the booth.

Jeanette looked at the menu, "What do you suggest then Theodore?"

Theodore was wide eyed at the options, "Well, the double pattie beef burger sounds pretty good, although the Portuguese chicken burger also sounds amazing, the grow their own chillies, which is super impressive, but I've heard their original Monster Trucker Burger is the one to go for" he was practically salivating.

Jeanette shifted a little, "Um, ok..." she looked back to the menu.

Suddenly Steph started shifting around.

Eleanor, getting squashed into the corner, growled at her, "Steph, what the hell is wrong with you?"

Steph pulled her phone from her pocket and smiled widely at the name on the screen.

She pulled herself up and stood up on the booth seat as she answered the phone, "Daddy!"

She climbed up onto the top of the booth chairs and shuffled her butt along it (Luckily there wasn't anyone in the booth behind them) jumping off, "Hey Daddy, how you doing?"

Alex turned and looked at her, whispering loudly, "Say Hi from me"

Steph smiled, "So Alex says hi" she paused then laughed nervously, "Noo, daddy, uh, we've been good...honest...haven't done...anything" there was a pause, "Geez, am I that transparent? Calm down daddy...yes we used protection" her voice went up a little.

Alex went a little red and slapped himself in the head, burying his head in his hands as Alvin nudged him.

Steph smiled apologetically and turned to head outside.

Brittany called out, "What'd you want Steph?"

She turned back to the group and held the phone close to her body, "Order me that Monster Truckin' burger thingy, with the grease and cheese and fries, make sure you get me fries!" and smiled before heading outside.

Alex shook his head, "Her dad is gonna kill me"

Alvin put his hand on Alex's shoulder, as a means of sympathy, "Yeah maybe, but I guess that's what you get for bangin' his daughter" he laughed as the others cringed.

Alex glared slightly at Alvin and lifted his hand, dropping it off his shoulder, "Thanks, thanks for your sympathy man"

Alvin shrugged, "What are pals for?" and laughed again as a bored looking waitress came to their table.

"Hi, my name's Deidre and I'll be your waitress" she smiled curtly.

"And I am Alvin, I'll be your customer" he smiled back as the others snickered.

Deidre narrowed her eyes at him then addressed the others, "OK so ready to order?"

Jeanette looked again at the menu, "Yes. No. Yes...oh wait, um" she became panicky, "No, no...no, yes, can you come back to me?"

Eleanor smiled at the waitress, "I'll have the Monster Trucker Burger, with the works and a side of fries, with a coke"

Theodore raised his hand, "Make it two!"

Alvin and Simon called out together, "Me too!"

Alex lifted a finger, "Yeah make that another two"

The waitress wrote the order down and looked at Brittany, "And for you, miss?"

Brittany lifted her eyes from her menu, "I'll have the Portuguese chicken burger, that's grilled right?"

The waitress was about to say something but Brittany ignored her attempt and continued, "Oh of course it must be, but if not you can do that for me can't you? Great, oh and is the sauce low fat? And is the lettuce that fancy one, cause I like that best and can I have chilli fries instead of regular fries and not too much cheese on that please?" she giggled a little, "I'm trying to watch my figure"

Deidre closed her eyes and opened them again slowly, looking at Brittany, "Anything else princess?"

Brittany looked at the menu quickly then lifted her head and smiled, "Nope" before adding quickly, "Oh and a diet coke, with no ice and a straw please"

Deidre rolled her eyes and sighed, as Alvin whispered loudly to her, "See what I put up with?"

Brittany frowned and kicked at Alvin, "Ow, geez babe"

Deidre wrote the order down before turning to Jeanette, "Made your mind up sweety?"

Jeanette darted between options, "Um, oh, um...hang on...I'll have the, um...oh I don't know" she became all tense and froze up.

Theodore looked at her, "Come on Jeanette, they're all great choices, just pick one"

Simon leaned over and pointed to an option, "What about the chicken salad?" he smiled at her and squeezed her hand.

Jeanette looked at Simon and smiled back, "Thank you" she turned to the waitress, "The chicken salad please...and can I get a lemonade, please?"

The waitress nodded, and added Jeanette's order to the ticket before turning and heading to the kitchen.

Outside Steph was pacing the veranda of the burger shack talking to her dad on the phone, "Daddy, seriously, you haven't got anything to freak out about"

Ron sighed on the other end, "I thought you said Alex was different?"
Steph groaned dramatically, "Daddy, he is! Look that was all my fault, ok, don't blame him, he's new at all this"

Ron's eyes widened, "Wait...are you saying that he's a-"

"Was" Steph interrupted, "but what does it matter? I really like him daddy, and I mean really, really like him...but don't tell Tahlia...oh sh*t she'd kill me"

Ron sighed again, "Oh Stephi...ok, ok, look that's not the reason I called"

Steph leant on the railing, "Oh really, not to check up on me?"

Ron laughed a little, "Not intentionally...although it may have been a minor detail I wanted to check on"

Steph smirked, "Mmm, thought so"
"No I called because I hear it's someone's birthday"

Steph smiled, "Yeah, tomorrow daddy"

"Yes, I think I know when my baby girl's birthday is, but I figured you'd be celebrating it too much somehow to want to take a phone call from your old dad, so I called today instead"

"Naww, daddy, you know I always have time for you" she thought a little, "But you're probably right, we'll be doing way to much celebrating tomorrow for me to take much notice of anything" she laughed.

Ron's tone of voice firmed up, "Now Steph, you take it easy"

Steph stood straighter and turned, relaxing her elbow on the railing, "Yes daddy" she suddenly stood upright, recalling something, "Oh no, but what about our deal?"

"And what deal was that?" Ron asked, slightly confused.

Steph went back to pacing, "The deal where we'd stay up til my actual time of birth and share a drink together"

"Well I'm sure one of the others will stay up with you"

Steph shook her head, "I doubt anyone's gonna wanna stay up til 3:27am, daddy"

Ron shrugged, "Well, I will, back here at home...I'll set an alarm, I'm not promising to stay up until then, but I will get up, have a drink...and then go back to bed"

Steph pondered this, "How will I know you did?"

He reassured her, "I'll send you a text, that sufficient?"

Steph smiled a little and leant back on the railing, "Yeah that'd be great...and a photo, I want proof"

Ron chuckled a little, "Ok Bear"

There was a pause.

"Sooo what'd you get me for my birthday?"

Ron laughed, "You'll have to wait until you reach Vegas"

"You're coming?"

"Yeah, well Dave invited Tahlia and I along to see the concert"

Steph smiled, "Cool...and you'll bring my present then?"

Ron nodded, "Yes, I will"

"And I can have it straight away?"

He laughed, "Yes, I promise"

Steph cheered, and they exchanged goodbyes before staph headed back inside.

Meanwhile Alvin was playing a game with Theodore on the table that seemed to have the others amused as they waited for their food.

He'd taken a napkin and scrunched it into a ball, then instructed Theodore to position his hands, "No Theo, like goal posts, like this" he demonstrated with his own hands.

Theodore nodded, "Oh right" and positioned his hands the way Alvin had.

Alvin leant down and eyed up the shot, "Ok let's see if this works now"

He positioned his hand and flicked the napkin ball up.

It fell just short of Theodore's finger goal posts, the others all sighing, "Awww"

"Aw dammit! Lemme try again!" Alvin called grabbing a few more napkins and scrunching them up, and flicking a few more at Theodore.

Alex leant down, "Needs more power, and height"

Alvin nodded, "Yeah but its only paper, how do I do that?"

Simon started calculating, "Ok, well, it might help, first of all if the napkin was tightly scrunched up, less air pockets to slow it down"

Alex took a napkin and scrunched it really hard into a tight ball shape.

Simon moved Theodore's fingers slightly closer, and signalled Alvin, "Ok now try it, but try flicking from more underneath"

Alvin positioned his hand a few times, but became annoyed, "How the %$# do I do that?"

Simon demonstrated with another napkin ball, "You'll need it right on the edge of the table, and then kinda flick under and up" he gave the napkin ball a small flick as the others watched as Simon's napkin ball spun up then arced down and bounced a few times across the table.

Alvin rolled his eyes and narrowed them at the napkin ball, "Here goes" he positioned his hand and flicked the napkin ball as the others watched in anticipation.

It flew up and over the table, bouncing on Theodore's fingers and falling on the other side.

Alvin stood up and cheered loudly, causing the other patrons to stop and stare.

Alvin laughed nervously and sat back down as the others laughed, and Steph joined them once again.

Alex looked at her once she'd settled back in the booth, "Soo, are we dead?"

Steph looked at him and laughed, "No, we're fine...for now, I think... I mean daddy knows; he's got a knack for that sort of thing...at least your mum doesn't know yet"

Alex shifted uncomfortably and smiled at her, "Great" as Eleanor asked, "So your dad was just calling to see how you're doing?"

Steph nodded, "Yeah kinda, he wished me happy birthday for tomorrow, and he's promised to keep our deal"

Simon raised an eyebrow, "Deal?"

Steph smiled, "Yeah, on my 18th birthday, at exactly the time I was born, we're gonna share a drink together...officially"

Jeanette smiled, "Aww that's kinda sweet, what time were you born? Maybe we can all join you?"

Steph laughed a little, "Um, well 3:27am"

Alvin looked blankly at her, "%$# that, I'm out" and slumped back in his chair.

Brittany patted Steph on the shoulder, "Yeah, I mean, I love you and all, but I also love my sleep"

Steph smiled, "I'm not expecting any of you guys to get up and join me, don't worry, offers there though"

Alex looked at her, as she smiled and reassured him, "Even you can stay asleep, I'll let'cha off the hook"

He smiled and patted her leg as a young girl, about 6 years old, approached the table, "Um, hi"

Alvin spun round and gave a quick wave, "Uh, hey"

She beamed, "Um, so you're like the Chipmunks and Chipettes right?"

They all nodded as she bounced on her toes a little, making them all smile a little more, "Oh I knew it, I knew it"

Steph leant over and whispered to Brittany, "Seriously how many humanised Chipmunks are there in the world?"

Brittany snickered a little and flicked Steph in the arm, "Stop it"

They really loved their fans and were amazed by the diverse age range they attracted.

From fans who were older, to those who'd grown up with them and were around their age, to the next generation.

"Soo what can we do for ya? Autographs?" Alvin asked the obvious.

The young girl smile widened, "Oh yes please!" she handed over a pink sparkly book and fluffy pink pen.

Steph whistled, "Sexy pen"

Alvin took them slightly hesitantly, "Ok, no jokes 'bout the pen...or who has to use it" he turned to her, "What's ya name sweety?"

She giggled and blushed a little, "It's Tiffany" she bounced on her toes as Alvin wrote a quick message and signed his name before passing it round to the others.

Brittany smiled, "Great taste in accessories Tiffany" and nodded at the book and pen before signing her name and drawing a few hearts around her message.

The young girl beamed.

Simon asked, "So you're a big fan then?"

Tiffany nodded quickly, "Yep, but my big sister Summer is a bigger fan" she turned to her table, "But she's too shy to come over" she turned back and grinned at Alvin, "She really likes you"

Alvin leant back on his chair, and smiled suavely, "Really? Hmm" he turned his attention to the others, "I kinda like the shy fans" he looked back at Tiffany, "Where you sittin'?"

Tiffany pointed over to a booth table in the far corner, and Alvin noticed a girl quickly turn and duck her head down.

Alvin laughed at himself, "Oh this is gonna be too easy"

Brittany looked at him and warned, "Don't embarrass her"

Alvin raised his hands in defence, "Would I do that? Please"

He handed the book and pen back to Tiffany, "How bout we go say hi to Summer hmm?"

Tiffany giggled, and took hold of Alvin's hand and lead him back to her table.

"Summer, look who I met!" she announced excitedly.

Her sister looked up.

She had dull greenish grey eyes hidden under her glasses and freckles and wore her long strawberry blonde hair in a plait that sat over her shoulder.

She blushed as she noticed Alvin, who rested one hand on the table and the other on his hip, "Hey there Summer" and flashed her his smile full of charm.

Tiffany slid into the other side of the booth, "They're all here Summer, all of them!" she pointed and bounced excitedly, as Summer cautiously looked back over and saw the group waving back and smiling at her.

She turned back to Alvin and blushed again as Alvin crouched down and folded his arms on the table, "So, Tiff here says you're a pretty big fan hey?"

Summer nodded and replied softly, "Yeah, I've kinda loved your music from when I was about Tiffany's age, younger even"

Alvin smiled at her, "And how old are you now?"

Summer smiled a little, "I'm 16"

"Ahh 16, good age" Alvin nodded, "So you coming to the concert in Vegas? I mean, ok, I know it's a trek from here, but still"

Summer looked down in her lap and said softly, "Well, we would...if we could afford to...I mean I'd love to go, but our mum already works two jobs and our dad is pretty sick at home, we're lucky to be able to eat out today" she looked up again at Alvin.

Alvin looked at her then at Tiffany, who seemed slightly oblivious to what was going on as she flipped through her autograph book.

He thought for a moment, "What if I could get you tickets?"

Summer looked stunned as Tiffany's head shot up and she squealed with delight.

Alvin flinched at her reaction and looked over at his table, signalling Simon to come over, "Just let me see, ok?"

Simon squeezed out and walked over to the table, introducing himself, "Hi I'm Simon" he held out his hand as Tiffany laughed, "Silly she knows who you all are"

Simon smiled at her and shook his head a little as Summer shook it back, "Summer"

Alvin stood up and pulled Simon aside, "Reckon we can get them tickets?"

Simon looked at him, "Huh?"

Alvin shrugged, "Come on, we flick an email to Dave and he sends some out, come on, they're good kids and they can't afford it" he whispered, "Their mum's working two jobs and their dad's pretty sick"

Simon sighed and nodded as they turned back to the table, "Look, we'll see what we can do, ok? We'll do our best to get you tickets to the show ok?"

The girls smiled widely and nodded; Summer standing and hugging both of them at the same time, "Thank you, thank you so much" she pulled back and was almost giddy with delight, "You have no idea what this means, thank you"

Alvin and Simon bumped fists, smiling to each other, "No sweat"

Alvin crouched back down and grabbed a napkin and Tiffany's pen, "Now if you can write us your details and we'll do the rest" he flashed a smile, making Summer give a small smile and Tiffany giggle.

Summer took the pen and wrote her email, home phone and address down and gave it back to Alvin, blushing slightly, "I never thought I'd be giving Alvin Seville my contacts"

Alvin rubbed the back of his neck smiling and stuffed the napkin in his back pocket, before pausing and retrieving it again, handing it to Simon, "You better hold onto this, it may go through the wash knowing me"

Simon smiled and put the napkin in his wallet and looked over and noticed their food had arrived, "Now you'll have to excuse us, but our meals have arrived"

Summer thanked him once more and Tiffany hugged him round the legs.

Alvin reached into his pocket and pulled a few notes from his wallet, curling them into Summer's hand, "My shout" he winked at her, making her blush.

He waved at Tiffany, "See ya kiddo" and made his way back over to the group.

Steph grinned as Simon and Alvin sat down, "Aww Saint Alvin"

Alvin smiled and shook his head, "Hey fans in need? Alvin Seville to the rescue"

Steph laughed and clasped her hands together, "Oh my hero"

He threw a sugar packet at her, as she laughed and stared at her burger, "Well, I'm not eating tonight, this thing is massive!"

Brittany lifted the bun on her burger and inspected it, "Oh wow they got my order right"

Eleanor snorted, "They could probably pre-empt a meltdown if they didn't" and took a bite into her burger, "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!"

The others each picked up their burgers and bit into them, agreeing with Eleanor's first reaction.