Chapter 2

Simon was upstairs in his room, finishing up his homework while Brittany and Theodore were still talking. Usa was sitting outside while Alvin and Marsha were talking in the kitchen.

"Really? You're into horror and paranormal films as well?" Alvin asked, amazed. Marsha simply nodded. "Wow. Finally, a girl who's into the same things as I am!"

The conversation carried on until Dave shooed the two out of the kitchen so he could set the table for dinner.

"So, I take it you like Vampire movies, too?" Alvin asked, eagerly.

"I adore Vampire movies and novels. I like the books by Ann Rice the best," she replied, smiling a bit.

"You liked Queen of the Damned?"

"I loved it!"

Alvin sighed, a wide grin on his face. "It's like we were made for each other. We share the same interests!"

"Dinner's ready!" Dave's voice rang out.

All six chipmunks headed for the kitchen and took their seats. As they ate, Alvin and Marsha talked on. Simon watched them, closely, jealousy building up inside of him. "Simon? Would you mind clearing the table for me? I have to run a few errands tonight," Dave asked, interrupting his thoughts.

"S-sure, Dave," came Simon's reply as he continued to watch Alvin and Marsha. He watched Dave leave and started clearing the table.

"Hey, Marsha, you wanna come to the movies with me, tonight? I hear they're showing a new Vampire movie," he heard Alvin ask.

"Sure!"

Crash.

Simon stood still, as if in a daze, when he heard her answer. He had no idea he dropped a dish until he felt a stinging sensation in his right palm. "Ouch..." he mumbled.

Marsha turned sharply upon hearing the crash. "Simon? Are you okay?" she rushed over to him, careful not to step on the broken pieces of the china ware.

"I-I'm fine," he lied, blushing at how close she was.

He flinched when she took his injured hand and examined it. "You really expect me to believe that when you're bleeding?" she demanded. "Where's the First Aid kit?"

"There's one in the bathroom and one under the kitchen sink," he mumbled. "You don't have to clean it for me. I can do it myself."

Marsha stared at him. "Simon, what's the matter with you?" she asked, still holding his hand.

"Nothing. I just don't want you to miss your date with Alvin," he muttered, bitterly.

Marsha continued to stare at him, trying to figure out what was bothering him until it hit her. "Oh, no. Simon, I am soooooo sorry! I completely forgot! I'll make it up to you, I promise," she vowed, and started to clean his cut.

"Ouch!" Simon flinched as she blew on it. "You don't have to. I can understand if you'd rather go on dates with Alvin," he grumbled.

"Simon..." she whispered, looking at him for the longest time.

Having her stare at him like that made him feel uncomfortable and nervous. "You're getting bloodstains on your skirt."

As soon as she glanced down, he jerked his hand away and finished cleaning his wound. There was only a little stain, but it didn't matter to her now. "Simon, please, let me help you..."

"Why did you say yes?"

That question took her by surprise. "To Alvin? I dunno. I guess it's because we share the same interests."

"And we don't?"

Marsha stared at him in shock. "Simon, why are you acting like this?"

"B-because I-I'm..." the blue-cladded chipmunk shook his head. "Forget it. Have fun on your date with Alvin."

She watched him wrap a band-aid on his wound then head upstairs. "Simon..." she whispered, feeling guilty.

She sighed heavily and walked into the living room. Alvin was sitting on the couch, watching one of the Friday The 13th films. "Alvin," she started.

"Hey. Are we still on tonight?" he asked, smiling up at her.

"I-um-Alvin, can we reschedule the movie date?" she asked, nervously.

"But I already got us tickets..."

Marsha closed her eyes. "I know, Alvin, I'm really sorry. I don't really feel all that well right now..."

"I understand. Maybe I can work up the courage to ask Usa," he teased, smiling a little, and leaned over to kiss her gently.

Marsha smiled a bit, faintly blushing. "She might...I'm gonna go lie down for a while."

Alvin watched her leave. Simon had something to do with this, I bet... As soon as he heard the door close, he quietly made his way to his room.

-END-