=====CONTINUATION INTO PART V======
[The scene transitions to Chip walking towards the Building and Loan]
"Now, you probably already guessed that Chip never does leave Bedford Falls," Joseph said.
"No! That's a shame," Dale said.
"Gadget had her baby, a boy. Then she had another one, a girl. Day after day, she worked away, making that old Granville house into a home. Night after night, Chip came home late from the office. Fat Cat was bearing down hard. Then came a war. Ma Oakley and Mrs. Hatch joined the Red Cross and sewed. Mary had two more children but still found time to work in the USO. Sam Wainwright made a fortune in plastic hoods for planes. Fat Cat became the head of the draft board. Gower and Monterey Jack sold war bonds. Bert, the cop, was wounded in Africa and awarded the Silver Star. Ernie, the taxi driver, parachuted into France. Marty helped capture the Remagen bridge. Harry Oakley topped them all. A navy flyer that shot down 15 planes. Two of them as they were about to crash into a transport of troops." Joseph explained.
"Yes, but what about Chip?" Dale asked.
"Chip? Four-F on account of his ear, Chip fought the battle of Bedford Falls. Air raid warden. Paper drives. Scrap drives. Rubber drives. Like everyone else on VE Day, he wept and prayed. On VJ Day, he wept and prayed again." Joseph explained.
"Joseph, now show Dale what happened today." A voice said.
"Yes, sir. This morning, the day before Christmas, about 10:00 a.m. Bedford Falls time..." Joseph said.
[The scene transitions to Chip talking to Ernie.]
"Oh hey Ernie, look at that." Chip said, showing a newspaper.
Ernie reads the weather on the paper.
"It's going to snow again," Ernie said.
"What do you mean it's going to snow?" Chip said.
"Yes, I know. I read the headline. Isn't that marvellous?" Ernie said.
Chip heads over to the office, where he begins to speak to his brother on the phone. A bank examiner waits patiently behind him.
"Chip, Chip, Chip," Eustace said.
"What is it?" Chip asked.
"That man is here to see you again. He's the bank examiner." Eustace said.
"Oh, oh. Um, Harry, you talk to Eustace for a minute. I'll be right back." Chip said.
Chip walks over to the bank examiner.
"Good morning, sir. Merry Christmas." Chip said.
"Good morning, I'm Carter, the bank examiner. Merry Christmas to you too." Carter said.
"Everyone is pretty excited up here. My brother just got the congressional medal of honour, you see." Chip said, showing the newspaper.
"Yes, well, I suppose they do those things. I imagine you had a good year?" Carter said.
"Uh, well, between you and me, Mr. Carter, we're broke." Chip said.
"Yeah, very funny," Carter said, unamused.
Chip laughed nervously. "Well, uh, well, now right in here, Mr. Carter." Chip said.
"Although, I shouldn't wonder when you okay reverse charges on personal long-distance calls," Carter said.
"Chip, should we hang up?" Chip's assistant asked.
"Oh, no, he wants to talk to Monterey Jack. He'll be back from the bank anytime soon." Chip said.
"Now, if you'll cooperate. I'd like to finish by tonight. I want to spend Christmas in Elmira with my family." Carter said.
"I don't blame you at all, Mr. Carter. Just step right in here and will fix you right up." Chip said.
[The scene transitions to Monterey Jack filling out a deposit slip in the Bedford Falls bank.]
"December...24th," He mutters to himself as he fills out the deposit slip.
Monterey jack counts out the money and writes the number on the slip. "8,000 dollars." He said.
Fat Cat then comes into the bank in his wheelchair. Bank employees greet him.
"Well, good morning, Fat Cat. What's the news?" Monterey Jack asked.
Monterey Jack takes the paper from Fat Cat and reads the headline that Harry received the honour congressional medal.
"Well, well, well, Hary Oakley wins the Congressional Medal of Honor. That can't be one of the Oakley boys. You just can't keep those Oakleys down, now can you, Fat Cat?" Monterey Jack says.
"How does slacker Chip feel about that?" Fat Cat said.
"Very jealous. Very jealous. He only lost three buttons off his vest. Of course, slacker Chip wouldn't have gotten two of these medals if he had gone." Monterey Jack explained.
"Bad ear." Fat Cat said.
"Yes. After all, Fat Cat, some people like Chip had to stay at home. Not every heel was in Germany or Japan." Monterey Jack snickered.
Fat Cat ripped the paper out of Monterey Jack's paw and had his wheelchair pushed away into his office. Monterey Jack laughs, crabs his deposit slip and paper and heads for the wicket, where he passes the slip to the teller.
"Good morning, Mr. Jack." The teller said.
"Good morning, sir. Just making a deposit today." Monterey Jack said, passing the deposit slip.
"You forgot something." The teller said.
"Huh?" Monterey Jack said.
"Well, where's the money. I need the money to make the deposit." The teller said.
Monterey Jack felt his pockets. He couldn't find the envelope. Monterey Jack searches the bank for the misplaced envelope. Fat Cat unfolds his newspaper to see the $8,000 lying on it. He wheels over to the door, where he sees Monterey Jack search the garbage can. All of a sudden, he rushes out of the bank and over to the Building and Loan.
[The scene resumes at the Building and Loan. Tammy greets Chip.]
"Oh, hello, Violet." Chip said.
"Chip, could I speak to you in your office for a moment?" She asked.
"Oh, yeah, sure. Come on in." He said.
Chip passes her an envelope and offers her some money. She kisses him. They exit the office. Tammy leaves, and then Chip goes to see Monterey Jack in his office. Papers are tossed everywhere. Monterey tells Chip he's lost the $8,000. Chip searches the vault and the drawers. They then rush over to the bank to retrace Monterey Jack's steps.
"Okay, now Monterey Jack, did you spend any of the money last night?" Chip asked.
"No, not even on a piece of cheese." He said.
"Okay, well, let's retrace your steps from last night. Come on, lead the way." He said.
Monterey Jack leads the way. Fat Cat peeks out the blinds in his office at Chip and Monterey Jack, searching the snow-covered streets for the missing money. They eventually return to the office. Chip then questions Monterey Jack.
"Where could you have lost it? Do you know what this means if we can't find that money? We're talking bankruptcy, scandal and prison! Where is it!" Chip shouted.
"I don't know, Chip." Monterey Jack said, beginning to whimper.
Chip grabbed him by the scruff of his collar. "Where is it, you stupid old fool!" He yelled.
[The scene transitions to Chip entering his house. His daughter plays 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' on the piano.]
"Hello, darling." Gadget said.
"Hello, daddy." The children say.
"Where's your coat?' Gadget asked.
"Oh, I left it at the office." Chip said.
"Is it snowing?' She asked, dusting snow off from his fur.
"Yes, just started." Chip said.
"What's the matter?" Gadget asked.
"Nothing's the matter; everything is alright." Chip said, heading for the living room.
Gadget decorates the tree while one of Chip's sons makes monster noises at him with a Santa mask on. He then embraces his child and begins to cry quietly.
"You know, your brother is a hero. Must've had 50 calls today congratulating him." Gadget said.
Gadget stops when she sees Chip upset. Chip then gets annoyed with the piano music in the background.
"Must she keep playing that!" He snarled.
"I have to practice for the party tonight, Daddy." She said.
"Mama said we could stay up until midnight and sing Christmas carols tonight." His one son said.
"Can you sing, Daddy?" His other son asked.
"You better hurry up and shave. The families will be here soon." Gadget said to Chip.
"Families? I don't want the families over here!" Chip exclaimed in a tone of anger.
"Come on out in the kitchen while I finish dinner." Gadget asked.
Chip follows her to the kitchen, and they argue with each other. Eventually, Gadget is on the phone with the teacher of his children. He yells at her for sending his daughter home without a coat, resulting in her catching a cold. Eventually, the phone hangs up after a testy exchange.
"Haven't you learned that silly tune yet? Do you have to keep playing it? Stop it!" Chip shouts.
His daughter stops playing the piano. He walks over and kicks the display models of his failed dreams. A bridge and a skyscraper. He turns to see his children nearly in tears.
"I'm sorry, Gadget. Janie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. You go on and practice. Pete, I owe you an apology too. I'm sorry. What do you want to know?" Chip said.
"Nothing, Daddy," Pete said in fear of his father.
"What's the matter with everybody? Janie, go on. I told you to practice. Now, go on, play! Chip said.
"Oh, Daddy." She began to sob.
"Chip, why must you torture the children. Why don't you…" Gadget began to say.
"Gadget…" Chip said with a long pause.
Chip then walked away, exiting the home and proceeding to Fat Cats. Gadget walks over to the telephone and picks up the receiver.
"Bedford 247, please." Gadget said.
"Is Daddy in trouble? Pete asked.
"Yes, Pete." Gadget said.
"Should I pray for him?" Janie asked.
"Yes, Janie, pray very hard." Gadget said.
"Me too?" The little boy asked.
"Yes, you too, Tommy." Gadget said.
"Hello, Monterey Jack?" Gadget began to speak on the telephone.
[The scene transitions to Chip in Fat Cat's office.]
I'm in trouble, Fat Cat. I need help. Through some sort of an accident, my company is short in their accounts. The bank examiner got there today. I've got to raise $8,000 immediately." Chip said.
"Oh, that's what the reporters wanted to talk to you about?" Fat Cat said.
"The reporters?" Chip said.
"Yes, they called me up from your Building and Loan. Oh, there's a man there from the D.A.'s office too. He's looking for you." Fat Cat said.
"Please help me, Fat Cat. Help me, won't you please? Can't you see what it means to my family? I'll pay any sort of bonus on loan, any interest." Chip pleaded.
"Chip, could it possibly be there is a slight discrepancy in the books?
"No sir, there is nothing wrong with the books. I've just misplaced $8,000 somewhere. I can't find it anywhere," Chip said.
"You misplaced $8,000?" Fat Cat said.
"Yes, sir." Chip said.
"Have you notified the police?" Fat Cat asked.
"No, sir, I didn't want to go public with this. Harry's coming home tomorrow." Chip said.
Fat Cat chuckled. "They're going to believe that one. What have you been doing, Chip? Um, playing the markets with company money?" He said.
"No, sir. No, sir. I haven't." Chip said.
"Oh, is it a woman then?" Fat Cat asked.
"You know, it's all over town that you've been giving money to Tammy Rosewood." Fat Cat said.
"What?" Chip said in astonishment.
"Not that it makes any difference to me, but why have you come to me and not Sam Wainwright or any of your other friends." Fat Cat questioned.
"I couldn't get a hold of him, and I don't have that many friends." Chip said, in disappointment.
"I've suddenly become quite important to you, haven't I? What kind of security would I have if I helped you? You don't have any money. " Fat Cat said.
"I have this life insurance policy with a 500 dollar equity." Chip said.
"$500, why that's nothing. You're asking me for $8,000, and all you can guarantee is 500 measly dollars?" Fat Cat said.
"Oh please, Fat Cat, I need your help." Chip pleaded once more.
"You know what? I'm going to help you. As a member of the board of directors for the Building and Loan, I am going to swear out a warrant for your arrest." Fat Cat said.
Chip gets up quietly and leaves the office, and out to his car. The door latch doesn't work, so he climbs over the door into the car. He drives over to Martini's restaurant. He drinks three or so drinks and begins to mutter a prayer incoherently to himself.
"Mr. Oakley, you should go home. It's Christmas Eve." Mr. Martini said.
"Oakley, which Oakley?" Mr. Welsh asked.
"Why this is Chip Oakley," Nick said.
Mr. Welsh stood up and punched Chip, causing him to fall. "The next time you talk to my wife like that, you'll get worse than what you got." He said.
"You get out and never come back," Martini shouted.
After Mr. Welsh is thrown out, Chip leaves and gets in his car. He drives off towards home and crashes into a tree. He stumbles out of the car and is confronted by the owner of the house.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? My great grandfather planted that tree, and you've ruined it." He said.
Chip ignored the individual and walked off.
"Where the hell do you think you're going? Get back here, you drunken fool!" He shouted.
Chip continued walking towards the bridge. Nearly being hit by a truck, he continues walking to the bridge's railing and looks down at the cold dark water. He contemplates jumping. All of a sudden, a chipmunk falls in.
"Help! Help! Help!" Dale screams, flapping around in the water.
Chip dives in after him and swims to the shore with him. They are then allowed to dry their clothes off in the Bridge Watchman's cabin. There they sit in their long johns, sipping coffee as the fire crackled in the background. Dale gets dressed in old ragged long johns.
"Sorry I couldn't find some more stylish underwear. My wife gave me this on my last birthday. I passed away in it." He said.
The watchman spits out his coffee into the garbage can.
"How did you end up in the river anyway?" The watchman asked.
"Well, I jumped in to save Chip," Dale said.
"To save me?" He questioned.
"Well, you didn't go through with it," Dale said.
"Go through with what?" Chip asked.
"Suicide. That's why you went to the bridge, didn't you?" Dale asked.
"It's against the law to commit suicide here." The watchman said.
"Oh, it's against the law where I come from too. Up in Heaven, to be precise." Dale said.
"Um, did I hear you correctly? You said, Heaven?" Chip asked.
"Why yes, of course. I'm your Guardian Angel, after all." Dale said.
Chip points to himself. "You're my Guardian Angel?
Dale chuckled. "Yes, Chip. I'm your Guardian Angel." He said.
Chip turned to the watchman. "Could you give us a minute?" He asked.
The watchman left the shack.
"Who are you really? Who sent you here, was it Fat Cat?" Chip asked.
Dale chuckled once more. "Goodness no. I came from Heaven, not Fat Cat. I'm not here to hurt you, Chip; I'm here to help you." He said.
"Yeah, well, at this point, I wish I wasn't born." Chip muttered.
"Oh, no, no, no. You mustn't make such wishes." Dale said.
"Oh, yeah, why? If I were never born, I wouldn't have to put up with this nonsense." Chip said.
"Well, why don't I show you what it's like to be not born then," Dale said, snapping his fingers.
The door of the shack flies open with a big gust of wind. Dale rushes over to close.
"Okay! I think we get the point, Joseph!" He shouted.
Dale walked back over to Chip.
"Always the dramatic one," Dale said.
"Say that again." Chip said, feeling his left ear.
"Say what again?" Dale asked.
"What you just said, huh, I can hear in this ear!" Chip said.
"Well, naturally, you were never born," Dale said.
"What are you talking about? I'm here, aren't I?" Chip said.
"Well, yes, you are here, but you are not Chip Oakley," Dale said.
"What do you mean, my ID is right...here," Chip said, feeling his empty pocket.
"You were never born, Chip. You don't exist in this reality." Dale said.
Chip shook his head. "I need a drink; you can come if you want, but just stop with the nonsense." He said.
Chip and Dale walked to the local bar. After having a conversation with the bartender, Dale annoyed him to the point where they were thrown out on the street corner. They had a testy exchange to where Chip stormed off to get answers.
"Somethings not right; someone in this town must know who I am other than that loony chipmunk." Chip said, storming off.
However, nothing was all right. Everything was different. The Building and Loan were gone, his house never renovated, his wife not knowing who he was. It was all a lie to Chip Oakley. He rushed around town, making a fool of himself to the point where the police were looking for him. Soon after, Chip ran back to the spot on the bridge where he contemplated jumping earlier.
"Oh, Dale! Where are you? I don't know what you have done, but I want this to stop. Make it stop!" He shouted.
"As you wish, Chip," Dale said in an echoed voice.
There was a big gust of wind as Chip raised his head from the railing of the bridge. A police officer came over to help him.
"Are you alright, Chip?" Bert asked.
"Huh, Bert, you know my name?" Chip asked.
"Well, of course. Everyone in town knows you. Now a lot of people are concerned about you, Chip. What happened to your lip?" Bert asked.
"My lip?" Chip said.
Chip felt his lip; there was dried blood on it.
"Aha, my lip! It's bleeding!" Chip chanted.
"Are you all right, Mr. Oakley?" bet asked.
"Never better, Bert. I have to go; I'll talk to you after!" Chip shouted.
Chip ran through the town; everything returned to what he had remembered it as. As he chanted Merry Christmas to everyone, animals waved and said it back to him. He rushed home to find the D.A., a reporter and the bank examiner in the foyer of his house.
"Mr. Oakley, bank examiner, there's a deficit." He said.
"Oh yes, oh yes, I lost that $8,000. So good to see you too, Mr. Carter; Merry Christmas." Chip said.
"Mr. Oakley, we have this warrant here." The D.A. said.
"Oh yes, my arrest warrant. I'm going to jail!" Chip shouted happily.
"Merry Christmas, Daddy." Chip's children said.
"Kids! Oh, it's so good to see you." Chip said, hugging his children.
Gadget then entered the house.
"Gadget! Oh, Gadget, it's so good to see you!" Chip exclaimed, kissing her repeatedly.
"Oh, Chip, I was so worried about you. Now just come with me over here." She said, leading him to the living room and clearing the table.
"Okay, you can all come in!" Gadget said.
Animals began to pour in with handfuls of cash and dumping them on the table. The deficit would be repaid thanks to the help of the town. Chip's daughter began to play "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" on the piano. Everyone began to sing along. Money continued to pour in as people danced and sang. Chip's brother eventually arrived to join the party. Chip looked down to see a book on the table.
"Hey, Chip, what's this?" Gadget asked.
Chip picked the book up to see Dale had left him a note thanking him for the wings and wishing him the best of luck to the future ahead.
"Who's Dale, sweety?" Gadget asked.
"Oh, a good old friend of mine." Chip said, kissing her.
[The scene fades out to everyone dancing and singing Auld Lang Syne.]
Wishing a Merry Christmas to all, and all a goodnight!
The End.