WEDNESDAY

BRITTANY'S POV

Dear, Diary

I DID IT! I took a full day off from my job. I slathered a bunch of caked up makeup around my eyes and told my sisters I had pink eye. Jeanette offered to fill in for me, which…isn't ideal, but she's still a better choice than Eleanor. Eleanor would probably ignore all the responsibilities and go chase after anyone she suspected of being a criminal. Which, is literally everyone in school.

Anyway, once my sisters were off to school, I removed the makeup and put on sunglasses. The makeup was making me feel so crusty. Ewww!

I did a little sunbathing, then I took a nice steamy soak in the tub with some rose petals and pretended I was at my own spa. I gave myself a pedicure when I was drying off. Today, I chose a pale periwinkle and a soft baby pink for my perfectly shaped little toes.

When I was all dried off, I went downstairs and followed along with an exercise program that was on the TV. A model has to stay in shape, you know. Besides, I have always been particularly good at push ups or anything requiring upper body strength. I even rolled out my yoga ball and did some stretches on that as well.

Since no one else was around, I got to make myself whatever lunch I chose. I whipped up a nice strawberry banana smoothie and added some protein powder. I also made a sub sandwich with tomatoes, onions, yellow and red peppers, carrots, and cheese. I wanted a slice of turkey or ham, but we were fresh out. Jeanette was in charge of shopping last and she doesn't buy meat products.

After lunch, I relaxed in my bed and added some more posts to my ongoing fashion blog. Today's topic was accessories and how they can make or break an outfit ensemble. I added a note on my phone to re-organize my jewelry box and take some cute pics to add to my blog when I get the chance.

I pretended to be asleep when Jeanette and Eleanor came home and they didn't question anything. Thank goodness.

Tomorrow, I'll tell them I am feeling better and good enough to go to school again, but for now, this Chipette is still completely worn out. Maybe the high intensity work out on a day when I was supposed to just relax was…not the best idea. I think I might be a workaholic. Oh well. Worse things to be, right?

JEANETTE'S POV

Dear, Diary

I fear I have gotten in over my head. I like filling in for Brittany usually, but today was just...a mess. I don't think I can handle this emotionally at the moment. The weight of the secret that Brittany told me to keep from Eleanor is pressing down on me. I'm having a tough time thinking about...anything else.

It's really affected my performance. I accidentally tripped and knocked over a file cabinet, then I connected the wires wrong when I tried to fix the intercom system, and then I went to deliver the mail to the teacher's mailboxes, but I put it all in the wrong slots. All that happened in the first hour.

The second hour was even more frustrating. I got a bunch of paper cuts and my fingers were so bandaged up that I couldn't type properly at the computer. I spelled everyone's names wrong in the database and then the pamphlets for the science fair were all printed before I noticed. I had to type them all over. Then one of my band aids unrolled and got stuck to the desk. I was hanging there for a long time before the principal came in and helped me fix everything. I felt so embarrassed. Cheesy attempted to help me during third hour, but he brought a plate of mega nachos and I bumped into him, causing him to spill it.

I believe karma is still angry with me. I need to tell Eleanor about what Brittany did before I wind up in the emergency room. I bumped my head on a chair when I was walking out of the office.

I made it to science class and things got a little less hectic. I managed the rest of the day, fading into the background, doing my own thing and being as careful as possible.

After school, I was on my way to the library when a basketball bounced out of the gym and hit me in the back, knocking me to the floor. Sigh. Guess Karma wanted me to know there's no escaping justice.

When I got home, I made myself some green tea with lemon and tended my garden. I wanted to end the day on a high note, so I played some checkers with Pippi. She is getting so good at the game! I love the little face she makes when she's thinking.

I think that's all I've got to write today, Diary. Thank you for listening, as always. I'm sorry this entry was such a vent. I also hope Brittany has a speedy recovery from her pink eye.

ELEANOR'S POV

This is the private journal of Eleanor Nichole Miller. Anyone caught touching this will be SORRY!

Brittany woke up today with "pink eye." Even a blind person could notice it was fake. It's like she's never even seen someone with pink eye before. She didn't have enough crusty puss. When you're trying to look sick, the more puss, the better.

Anyway, I didn't call her out on it because I know she was trying to take a personal day. What kind of sister would I be if I wrecked her break?

I also know that she's going to regret taking time off when she sees the chaos Hurricane Jeanette has unleashed in the office. The image of Princess B on her hands and knees scraping congealed nachos off the floor is hilarious.

My day was alright. It wasn't great or horrible, kinda in the middle. My day started on a downer. I found out nobody signed up for the weight training class that I wanted to teach. I guess they either didn't notice, or they were cowards who thought they couldn't handle my training. I prefer to think it's option two.

I haven't gotten a chance to figure out who the red ribbon belongs to yet. I'm thinking it's Annie or Amber, but they don't seem like green bean thieves. What would they want green beans for? I keep texting Simon to ask if the DNA analysis thing is fixed yet, but he's so busy with everything. It might be weeks before I can analyze it. Until then, the trail's gone cold.

I grabbed a bit of green bean casserole from the cafeteria for lunch because green beans were STILL on my mind. I snooped around to see if I could find someone else eating the casserole, but I was the only one. Still no closer to solving the mystery. I guess I'm stuck playing the long game.

I asked Theo if he wanted to try my class after school, and obviously he did. He's such a sweet guy. I know weight training isn't his idea of fun, but he was actually pretty good at it. He lifted 5 pounds, which isn't as impressive as what I can lift. It isn't too shabby either though.

Too bad Simon entered the gym and we had to reveal Simon's secret to Theo. At least we both got to cheer Simon on, even though the basketball players were really hazing the poor kid.

Theodore started his usual Cookie Deficiency Syndrome shtick, which I knew would happen. I had some cookies on hand to help him deal with it. I tried to tell him cookies are a bad source of energy and he obviously didn't listen. Ah, typical Theo.

I got home and Brittany was sleeping so I didn't get a chance to fill her in on what she missed. Instead, I played a virtual soccer game on my laptop and then texted Theo and congratulated him on his victory of lifting 5 pounds. That might not sound like a lot, but it is for a chipmunk. I should text Theo more. It helps end the day on a positive vibe.

THEODORE'S POV

Dear, Diary,

Today I had a wonderful breakfast. It was a couple slices of fluffy french bread with some apricot, peach, and mango jam. I also had one of Simon's chocolate granola bars cuz he said I could.

Class was okay today. I didn't understand the math, but Simon helped tutor me. I don't think he actually understood it either. He seemed really distracted the whole time. I'm thinking I should ask Jeanette instead. She seems a lot less busy than Simon. She wasn't in half of her usual classes today though, cuz Britt got sick and she had to be the office helper in Britt's place. I hope that doesn't last long. Britt's job is really stressful and I know Jeanette isn't good at handling stress. I don't think anybody in our family is really.

Lunch was nice and tasty as usual. I got some grilled cheese stuffed mushrooms and pickle slices. I also got some pasta with tomato sauce and washed it all down with a carton of almond milk. I finished in time to wait in line again and grab a chocolate chip cookie. It was the perfect dessert to close out the meal.

Eleanor sat by me at lunch and asked if I wanted to hang out in the gym after school. I guess she isn't mad at me and she still likes hanging out with me! Yay!

She mentioned that she was running a weight training class, but no one had noticed, so nobody signed up. I told her I could do the workout with her. I'm not really good at lifting weights, but I am good at lifting giant bags full of groceries when we go shopping with Dave. She said she would start small and we could work our way up to the bigger stuff.

During the workout, I lifted five whole pounds! It was really hard though. The weights were half the size I was. Apparently they're heavier than boxes of crackers and doughnuts. Who knew?

I needed to refuel my energy with cookies after my workout and Eleanor rolled her eyes at me. Then, we saw Simon enter the gym. He got all flustered when I asked him why he was there. Then, he and Eleanor told me that he was on the basketball team now! He looked a little nervous about it, but I told him he would do great! Then, I tried to lift him cuz I thought the weights made me stronger and we both fell on the floor laughing. He got really serious after that and made me swear not to tell Alvin anything. I promised I wouldn't. He's gonna have to tell him eventually though.

At home, I helped Dave make some quiche for dinner. He thanked me and gave me a special sticker for my apron that said Good Job. Today really was a pretty good day. Now, I'm gonna go cuddle Teddy while I try to figure out my math homework. Should I ask Alvin? Nah. He's got enough to worry about.

Goodnight, Diary. I am going to leave you under my pillow tonight so you'll be safe and warm.

SIMON'S POV

This Journal is Property of Simon Oliver Seville

DO NOT TOUCH: ESPECIALLY YOU, ALVIN!

Today was interesting. I dodged a few questions from Alvin about what I was doing after school today. I don't think he suspects anything yet. It's getting harder and harder to keep this from him. I want to tell him! I'm finally breaking out of my comfort zone and I am proud of myself!

Some things haven't changed though. My brothers are both still struggling in math class. Theodore is struggling because he doesn't understand the material and Alvin is struggling because he is spending too much time focusing on the science fair. I know I still have my science fair idea to complete, but it's not due for at least another week or more. I have plenty of time.

Theodore asked me for help with his arithmetic worksheet and I helped to the best of my ability. I got a headache midway through because I spent the morning memorizing all the basketball rules to impress my new teammates. Theodore eventually told me it's okay if I couldn't help him. He's always so understanding. He didn't even know why I had a headache. He could tell I had a headache and needed to rest. Sometimes, I wish I were as good at reading people as he is.

I managed to write down instructions for my science fair idea while I nibbled on my lunch. I further perfected the idea blueprints during my AP science class. With that finished, I wouldn't have to feel guilty about being so devoted to basketball.

Speaking of basketball, I have been subjected to a rather large amount of hazing. My current nickname is Sporty Shorty and I'm not used to being called short since both my brothers are shorter than I am. It feels...odd. The other team members also keep hiding my jersey and dunking ME in the basketball hoop. I asked one of the less brutal team members why they're picking on me so much. "New members have to be properly initiated" apparently. I asked him if that was a sports thing, and he said it was. I suppose I am going to have to tolerate everything until the team decides I'm initiated. I was under the impression that getting a jersey meant I was initiated, but I was mistaken.

I wasn't playing my best today. I think the constant remarks were throwing me off. I only scored one basket. There was even an incident where the ball I threw bounced into the hallway and Coach Dopkins had to retrieve it. He looked disappointed in my performance. I surmise the coach is going to be the toughest person I have ever had to impress. (and I've taken Dr. Hayward's class!)

As I was leaving the gymnasium, Theodore and Eleanor saw me. Now Theo knows I'm on the team too. I sure hope he can keep it hidden from Alvin for just a couple more days. I will tell Alvin myself, you know, eventually.

When I got home, I finished fixing up my DNA analysis machine. I lost track of time and fell asleep on top of it. I have discovered that playing sports really wears a person out.

ALVIN 2.0'S POV

"All the science, I don't understand. It's just my job, five days a week." — Elton John "Rocketman"

I am trying to be less whiny and desperate sounding today, so I thought, why not start with a music quote? I have no idea if that worked or not. In fact, I have no ideas whatsoever.

I'm still stuck on what to do for that stupid science fair project. I'm sure Simon's is fully completed and working like a charm already. He's gonna win a cool shiny medal and rub it in my face.

Anyhulahoop, onto my day. It was...fine. Actually, no. It was alright, a little bit better than fine, but not by much.

Math class was kinda nuts. I struggled to complete half of my math worksheet and then Cheesy offered to do the other half if I made him nachos. He distracted Miss. Smith while I ran to the home Ec room to make up a batch of nachos for him. He loved them and I told him he'd better eat quickly because I know our gym teacher wasn't gonna allow nachos in class. He said he wasn't going to gym class at all today. Wonder where he ended up.

At lunch, I sat with my comic book club members. Isaac talked about the trip he and Louis took to a convention in Sacramento. He said the costumes were the best you would ever see. I doubt that. The costumes at Las Angeles comicon are hard to beat. Thinking about costumes inspired me to work on a notebook full of new concept art for an upcoming comic. No spoilers yet, but it is EPIC!

After school, I tried to think up a new sciency idea, but my brain was not cooperating. Warbie flew into the room and asked me what I was up to and I told him it wasn't anything important. Yes, I lied to my own kid. Really taking after my own dad. I'll never forget when he made up a phony story about "Aunt Marge" to make me, Theo, and Si Fi, get along. Turns out, Dave is an only child and Aunt Marge was just him in a weirdly convincing dress and wig. Where was I? Oh yeah…

Warbie and I went flying together. He used his wings and I used my flying skateboard. We cruised all over town and then stopped for some ice cream. I had gummy worms on mine and Warbie had the real thing. Along the way, we talked a lot and Warbie told me that I'm stressing out about too much stuff. He said I need to take a step back and just live in the moment. I told him I try, but I can't help overthink things and freak out over and over. He suggested that every time I freak out, I think of a really good song and start singing it. I'm gonna try his advice, and try to connect more song lyrics to my daily life in general.

Dave was a little upset that I filled up on ice cream and couldn't eat dinner, but he didn't yell at me. I managed to eat my dinner before bed anyway. Really, all I did was flip the order of dinner and bedtime dessert.

While I was winding down for the night, I started drawing my next issue of my highly successful comic series. I entered the zone and didn't come out until Simon dragged me to bed…which is where I am now, as I finish writing this.

Maybe…my life doesn't suck as much as I claim it does. I did have some fun today. I hope more days can be as fun or more fun than this one.

I can feel the presence of my 2.0 side creeping into my head and reminding me I am still behind on a couple assignments. He…err I also feel guilty about making Cheesy do half his…my math stuff. I should have waited until my intellectual mode kicked in and then breezed through that math. But Cheesy DID offer. It's not like I ASKED him. Plus, I gave him nachos, so it was technically a fair trade. Yep. Totally nothing to worry about. I'm a good kid. A good kid in need of a deep restful sleep, that is.