Chapter 16

Once in her room Steph flopped on her bed and reached for her phone. She scrolled through her contacts and dialled for the Miller's line. She waited for one of the girls to pick up.

Eleanor was busy trying to clean up under her bed and cull some of the junk that had accumulated. She was head under and ass up when the phone rang, "For crying out loud, BRITTANY! JEANETTE? GET THE PHONE!" She tried to wiggle out from under the bed and bumped it on the bed frame. She grabbed at the back of her head and swore before yelling out again, "BRITT! JEN?"Eleanor continued to wiggle backwards as Brittany came and stopped short in the room, laughing as Eleanor came ass first from under the bed, "What the hell are you doing?" the phone was still ringing. Eleanor sat up on her knees, still rubbing her head and glared at Brittany, "Just answer the damn phone Brittany" Brittany flicked her hair and answered the phone, "Hi ya, This is Brittany"

Steph was chirpy on the other end, "Brittany, babe how you doing?"

Brittany smiled and giggled, "I'm fine Steph, what's up?"

Steph inhaled and spoke all at once, "OKsoyou' (breath)"

Silence.

Brittany looked confused, "Come again?"

Steph groaned, "Put me on speaker, I'll speak slowly for you"

Brittany pressed speaker dial and replaced the handset on the base as Jeanette walked in, "What's going on?"

Steph called out, "Hey Jen, phone conference, Ellie here?"

Eleanor piped in, "Yeah I'm here too, sorry I didn't get to the phone earlier, I was kinda stuck"

Brittany laughed, "Yeah with your ass in the air"

Steph smirked, "Theo there too?" Brittany broke out in laughter again, and Jeanette hid a giggle behind her hand as Eleanor smacked Brittany on the arm, "No! I was cleaning under the bed"

Brittany, who was still giggling, rubbed her arm, "Ow, sorry, ok so what's the call for Steph?"

Steph cleared her throat, "Oh yeah, ok so we all know how amazingly wonderful my man Alex is, right? Yeah well in case ya didn't, he just scored us tickets to Jack Huntington's new movie premier Kindle tomorrow night!"

She waited for the news to sink in before holding the phone away from her ear as the sound of three excited Chipettes came from the other end. Once it had subdued she began speaking again, "I know, he is awesome, and he's mine hahaha!"

Brittany piped in, "Oh my gosh, Jack Huntington is sooo gorgeous. How did Alex get them?"

Steph replied, "Late night radio quiz"

Jeanette asked the obvious, "Why was he up so late for?"

Brittany and Eleanor looked at each other and Jeanette with cheeky smiles, "Never mind Jen"

Jeanette looked confused, "Huh? What?"

Steph eased her mind, "Let's just say he had a late night wakeup call from a lusty vision that made him rise to attention"

Jeanette screwed her face up, "Oh eww"

Steph's loud laughter was heard on the other end, "Oh sh*t I have tears coming. Oh Jen I love your innocence you're such a gem" she took a breath and added, "Oh but there's only six tickets, daddy and...sh*t I really need to find out her name, um Alex's mum have two and well then me and Alex have two and so that's only four left...you must battle it out between the lot of you"

Steph pulled the phone back from her ear in time to miss Brittany's telltale scream come flooding down the line. The drama queen had been awoken.

"Well get him to call the radio and ask for another two, I'm not missing out"

Steph tried to cut in, "Yeah he-"

Brittany continued rambling, "No I'll call, once they hear who I am"

Steph tried again, "Brittany it's no-"

Now pacing, Brittany threw her arms in the air, "No I'll go down there myself and-"

"DAMMIT WOMAN LET ME SPEAK!" Steph yelled down the phone.

Brittany stopped and looked at the phone.

Steph sighed, "Geez Britt, look I was gonna say, before you started your little rant that-"

"But I-"Brittany started

Eleanor and Jeanette chimed in "Brittany!"

Brittany pouted and folded her arms.

Steph sighed again, "Ok, as I was saying, Alex already tried calling, turns out he was lucky to even get the tickets he did. They were supposed to go as prizes on the morning breakfast show and the late night dude found 'em and thought he'd have some fun with them. But cause it was announced when Alex won that he'd get eight tickets, the radio station couldn't turn round and say, actually you can't have any. That and Alex said his mum told him to use big words like 'ombudsman' and 'code of practice' and sh*t like that. So in the end, he tried, but we just gotta be happy with what we got"

Jeanette nodded, "Ok, well leave it with us, we'll figure out a way to settle this and give you a call later with who'll be coming"

They all said their goodbyes as Jeanette hung up the phone.

Brittany threw herself dramatically on the bed, "I need to go to that premier"

Eleanor looked at her, "Why do you need to go?" she said mockingly

Brittany propped herself up on her elbow, "Because, Ellie, not only is it a Jack Huntington movie, but it's a premier, and it's expected that I go"

Eleanor stood up and thrust her hands on her hips, "What the hell makes you so damn special?"

Brittany almost laughed her off, "Ellie, I'm no more special that you and Jeanette, but like I said, it's expected that I go"

Jeanette frowned at Brittany, "You're not trying to pedestal yourself again are you? We're a team Brittany; no one is ranked higher than the other"

Brittany looked shocked, "That's not what I'm trying to do Jeanette, at all! But really" she came and stood next to Jeanette, "How will you go walking down that red carpet with thousands of eyes watching you? Cameras flashing at your every step and journalists waiting for a new story on the tabloids page"

Jeanette gulped as Eleanor stepped in "Oh no you don't Brittany; Jeanette ignore her she's trying to psyche you out. Besides, we'll be going in as competition winners, not celebrities this time. I doubt we'll even walk the red carpet. Probably we'll be seated already while Jack and the cast are walking down"

Brittany frowned at Eleanor, "Well how do we settle it then?"

At that moment Brittany's mobile flashed and chimed, indicating a message. She flicked her hair and checked the message:

"MISS M IS GROOVIN'. LET US IN. A XX"

Brittany smiled, "We'll let the guys decide, they're at the door"

The girls began heading down the stairs. Walking past the kitchen toward the front door they spotted Miss Miller dancing and grooving to her faithful walkman.

It was a gift the girls had pitched in to buy when they were about seven or eight years old to thank Miss Miller for all she'd done for them. It was also an attempt to bring her into the new musical age by giving her a device where she could walk round the house and listen to her music. Over the years they'd tried to update her, but she'd been confused by the thought of CDs as she couldn't understand how she was supposed to rewind them, and the day they thought an iPod would be a great idea because she could listen to all her music in one go rather than having to change cassette tapes, the girls almost broke down by the frustration of trying to explain how to use it to a poor, technologically disadvantaged Miss Miller.

In the end, the girls managed to convince Miss Miller that they'd keep the iPod, but would make a playlist (another confusing term for poor Miss M) with all her music for when she decided to use it. If she decided to use it. So far she'd been quite happy with the good ole' walkman, and had it almost constantly attached to her hip, especially when in the kitchen.

Brittany opened the door. The guys were all standing there and smiled as they stepped inside. They all headed into the lounge room; Jeanette and Simon sharing the lounge, Eleanor sitting on the armchair as Theodore nestled at her feet and Alvin taking the other armchair with Brittany on his lap.

Alvin gestured toward the kitchen, "Seriously, you either need a really loud doorbell, or better still a fog horn to let Miss Miller know when someone's at the door"

Eleanor rolled her eyes and smiled, "I've been wondering whether it'd be easier to install an intercom into our room, seeing as how we have to then come downstairs to open the door. If we could buzz people in that'd be sooo much easier"

Jeanette added, "But it is good exercise, I suppose"

Eleanor snorted, "Not when you have to do it over and over time and time again every day. Just gets annoying"

Brittany changed the subject, "So you guys heard 'bout the tickets yeah?"

The guys nodded, as Simon added, "Yeah and the now clear dilemma of who isn't going to go"

Everyone looked at each other. Theodore added, "Well how do we settle it then?"

They were all silent, trying to think of a possible solution when Alvin piped in, "I'll give mine up"

Everyone's faced were shocked, "WHAT?"

Brittany stood up with her hands on her hips, "Alvin, what the hell?"

Alvin held his hands in defence and cringed back slightly, "What? Why can't I give up my ticket, why is that so weird?"

Simon shook his head, "Because you're Alvin Seville, aka Mr Egocentric"

Alvin pretended to pull a knife from his heart, "Ow, say what you really mean Simon. But, no, I'm serious. And Britt will give up hers too"

Brittany's eyes were flaring, "WHAT? Oh you have GOT to be kidding me, no WAY!"

Alvin smiled charmingly, "Yes you will"

Brittany glared a death stare at him.

Simon judged Alvin's response and said coolly, "What have you got planned?"

Alvin laughed, "Nothing. Really"

By now the others, except Brittany (who'd begun yet another tantrum), were all looking at Alvin, trying to work out what he was up to.

Theodore added, "You've got something"

"Or know something" Eleanor added

"What do you know Alvin?" Simon added, lowering his glasses and his tone of voice.

Alvin laughed again and stood up, "Nothing. I got nothing. I'm just offering up my ticket and letting you guys enjoy a night out. That's all"

Jeanette cocked her head sideways, "That's never all with you Alvin"

Alvin shrugged his shoulders, "Hey if you don't want the offer, I guess we can find another way to settle it" he sat back down.

Eleanor jumped in, "No, no" she looked at everyone else, "I say we take it"

Simon looked sceptical, "Hmm, ok...you sure you're ok with it?"

Alvin nodded proudly, "Positive, take 'em, enjoy the night"

Brittany, who left her own world and slipped back into the conversation began shaking her head furiously, "No! No!" she turned to Alvin, "No!"

He held her by the face and kissed her. When he pulled away he winked to her. Brittany's face changed and she looked confused, trying to read what Alvin was trying to say. With Brittany blocking the view of Alvin's face, no one saw him wink again and whisper the words, "Trust me"

Brittany gave a sideways smile, but continued her drama queen charade. She turned and sat, a little too suddenly, on Alvin, who gave an "Oof!" and gripped at the arms of the chair a little. Then said, "Well fine then" she crossed her arms, "I hope you all enjoy the movie; But if you see Jack, you HAVE to get his autograph for me"

Eleanor and Jeanette beamed and nodded, "Sure thing Brittany" they came and hugged her before Eleanor added, "Ooh now we need to go shopping for a new outfit to wear!" She grabbed Jeanette's hand and led her upstairs, "We'll just get our things and then we can go"

Simon and Theodore looked at each other and exchanged a slight dreaded look before Simon helped Theodore up and said, "I'll let Alex and Steph know the decision" he took his phone from his pocket and scrolled through to find Alex's contact and pressed dial before heading outside to finish the conversation.

Theodore looked around then at Alvin, "You sure you're ok with this?"

Alvin nodded and smiled again, "Absolutely positive, have fun looking at dresses and stuff"

Theodore forced a smile as Eleanor and Jeanette came racing back down the stairs. Theodore motioned they were ready to go and her ushered them out the door.

As soon as they door was closer, Brittany stood quickly and glared at Alvin, "OK mister, you had better have a DAMN good reason for me to give up MY ticket to Jack Huntington's premier"

Alvin reclined with his hands behind his head, looking self-satisfied at something, "What if I told you I already had tickets? VIP tickets?"

Brittany's eyes widened and she leapt back on his lap; her knees only inches from his crotch.

Alvin winched again, "Ah-ah, Britt don't do that, geez"

She stood up and re positioned herself gently on his lap, "Sorry, sorry, but oh my goodness, how did you get them?"

Alvin kissed her, "I have connections. But I was trying to think of how to make it special without everyone else catching on. I knew Simon and Theo would be really pissed if they found out I got tickets and they didn't. But when Alex called about his won tickets I thought awesome, they can see the movie and so can we...we just get a little extra attention"

Brittany kissed him again, "Oh I love you so much!"

Alvin nodded, "I know. Hey but I was thinking, how'd you like to spend the evening at my place before we travel into the city?"

Brittany gave a small smile. Alvin continued, rubbing his hand gently up and down her thigh, "Think about it, Dave will be away pretty much all day and from what I overheard him saying this morning on the phone, he's probably going to stay overnight in the city cause his meeting won't finish until late. Alex has already given us guys the run down that they were probably going to have a day in the city before the premier. He said his mum was gonna book a hotel room so they could all get changed later in the day. And they won't be home til late either" his hand stopped just short of her hip. Brittany gave a small shiver and giggled, she tapped his lightly on his nose, "You, my dear Alvie, are good"

Alvin grinned, "You know it baby"

Brittany hopped off his and straightened her skirt, "But won't they notice when we rock up to the premier too?"

Alvin stood up and tapped his head, "Ah, got that one worked out too. We won tickets on the breakfast radio show, which were the VIP tickets"

Brittany shook her head, "Simon will see straight through it"

Alvin laughed her off, and brushed his hair back under his cap, shrugging "Eh so Simon might be a little pissed, but in the end, we all got to see the movie right? No biggie"

Brittany smiled and started up the stairs, "We headin' out?"

Alvin nodded, "May as well, but we'll have to take the bus, Simon has the car. But we'll head to the other side of town to avoid bumping into the guys. I think they'll get suss if they see you with bags of new dresses"

Brittany laughed and headed toward her room as Alvin leaned against the banister waiting. He looked into the kitchen as Miss Miller turned and looked stunned to see him there.

He tipped his cap to her.

She removed her headphones and put her hands on her hips, "Alvin, when did you get here?"

He shrugged, "Oh I've been here ages Miss M, you didn't hear us?"

She raised an eyebrow at him and fiddled with her hearing aide as Brittany skipped down the stairs. She notice Miss Miller looking rather confused and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "He's stirring you again Miss Miller. We're heading out, don't wait up"

She went and took Alvin by the hand and led him out the door as he saluted a cheeky smile to Miss Miller before laughing as the closed the door.

Steph was waiting in the lounge room for Alex to pick her up for lunch as Ron came downstairs holding two shirts, "Any of these pass the Stephi fashionista test?"

Steph screwed up her nose, "Daddy the one on the left looks like a baby seal puked then died on it and the one on the right looks like something you'd find in a baby's nappy. Don't you have anything remotely nice to wear? It is a premier daddy"

He looked at each shirt and then back at his daughter shrugging, "I don't have the need to go out and get all dressed up often" he sighed, "Maybe I should cancel this whole date"

Steph stood, "Whoa, whoa, whoa" she came up to him, "This is NOT a date daddy, let's make that clear. Ew. Look how bout I find you a nice outfit to wear ok?"

He smiled, "That's not what I meant. But ok, if you can find something. But not too expensive, alright?"

She held her hand out.

Ron looked at it and back at her, "What?"

Steph held her hand closer, "Plastic daddy, fork it over"

Ron shook his head, "Oh no, you're not getting my credit card"

Steph put her hands on her hips, "Why not?"

Ron laughed and turned, heading back towards his room, "There is no way I am giving you my credit card, I'll be broke!"

Steph followed after him, "But daddy, I need to get you an outfit, then I need a new dress. And I'll probably need new shoes" she looked in his wardrobe, "And you're gonna need new shoes too. Then I'll need a bag, and probably"

Ron interrupted, "Hang on a minute, why do we need all this stuff? You can have $200, surely that's enough to cover all that"

Steph made puppy dog eyes, "But daddy, it's not safe a girl carrying that much money on her own, I'll be vulnerable"

He kissed and patted her on the head before walking out room, "If anyone tries to take you on Bear, and they succeed in taking that money, I'll double it for their efforts"

Steph opened her mouth then closed it again frowning.

The doorbell rang.

She chased after him as he headed toward the door to answer it, "Was that supposed to be a compliment?"

He laughed as he opened the door, "Hey Alex, sorry she's in a bad mood at the moment"

Alex smiled, "What happened?"

Ron looked at her and smiled, "Oh nothing, she's just being a sook"

Steph pouted, "I'm not a sook"

Ron added, "Pook"

Steph looked at him and began laughing, "What the heck is a pook?"

Ron laughed, "Who cares, got you smiling"

He reached for his wallet and pulled out a few hundred bills passing them to Steph, "Now that's all, you get what you need to with this and I want change"

Steph rolled her eyes as she headed out the door. She turned and kissed Ron on the cheek, "Thanks Daddy"

Alex smiled and closed the door, wrapping his arm round her shoulder and escorting her to the car, "I think that will be plenty to cover whatever is it you're gonna use it for. But if not" he reached into his own wallet at the car, pulling out a VISA, "We got this"

Steph's eyes lit up, "Where'd you get that?" she snatched it from his hands and studied it as she got into the car.

Alex got in the driver's seat and laughed, "Came in the mail for me today"

Steph looked at the small rectangle of plastic in her hands, "Sh*t it has ur name and everything, it's legit"

Alex nodded, "Yeah, my uncle applied for one for me" he started the engine and pulled away from the kerb.

Steph looked confused and put the card back in his wallet, "Uncle? Huh?"

Alex glanced at her before looking back at the road, "When my dad pissed off, his brother, my uncle was pretty agro, and said he'd stick by me and mum no matter what. He and my aunt are pretty well off individually, but together they're freakin' tycoons...only they're nice"

He turned into another street and continued, "He's been pretty much supporting mum and me ever since. Said he'd cover my credit card bills too, uh, providing I use it properly and all"

Steph looked down then back at Alex, "There's no...you know...between him and your mum?"

Alex looked devastated, "Hell no! No, no, no" he shook his head, "No way"

Steph smiled, "OK sorry, just checking. Well that's cool then. Rich uncle. I like it. Where they live?"

Alex came to a stop at the lights, "Over in New York, but they have holiday homes everywhere round the states and a few overseas. They own an international courier company as well as a few real estate agencies and a whole bunch of other investments."

Steph whistled as Alex added, "So we don't see them much, but without fail, they're always topping up mine and mum's bank accounts and stuff. They're really great. I guess cause they don't have kids of their own, and mum's an only child, so I'm kinda the only nephew, which I guess is why they spoil me so much."

Steph nodded and looked out the window and realised she had no idea where they were headed, she turned toward Alex, "Um, where we going?"

Alex indicated and turned into a driveway, put the car in park and turned the engine off "Home. Your turn" he smiled charmingly.

Steph's eyes grew large as she gripped the seat, "No, no, no, no, no" she shook her head. Alex got out the car and opened the door, "C'mon"

Steph looked at him, "No you don't understand, I'm the type of girl mothers warn their sons about. Besides she'll ask how my Spanish is going. Which it isn't"

Alex coaxed her out the car, "It'll be fine. Look mum really wants to meet you properly, outside school, it'll be fine trust me. She's not going to go all school teacher on us, it'll be fine"

Once out of the car Steph looked at what she was wearing. A short denim miniskirt and a black and silver studded boob tube with her black roman sandals, "She's gonna think I'm a whore in this get up"

Alex kissed her reassuringly on the cheek as he led her to the front door, "No she isn't. Relax"

He fished his house keys from his pocket and unlocked the door, "Mum, we're home"

Steph stepped nervously in through the door and closed it behind her. She was taken aback as she surveyed the home and its contents.

On the outside, Alex's home wasn't grand. It looked like a standard two storey, cream cladding basic home with garage.

But inside it was gorgeous.

A receptions style sitting room with modern fireplace welcomed guests. To the right was a formal dining area and to the left behind frosted glass French doors was what appeared to be another lounge area. Beyond the reception area she could see it opened onto a large deck and that was only the beginning to what appeared to be an even bigger backyard with a few other buildings out there. She took a few more steps and noticed a staircase leading upstairs and beyond that the opening to a kitchen.

Steph stepped slowly behind Alex, who had wandered into the kitchen.

It was even bigger now she saw it in full.

Caesar stone bench tops, gourmet style set up and design, and state of the art appliances. She moved her gaze around and followed the wall toward the back of the kitchen where it opened up to a less formal dining area and huge floor to ceiling bi fold doors opened onto an alfresco style deck. She walked carefully, not wanting to touch anything.

Alex turned and noticed her gobsmacked expression. He smiled and kissed her again, "You ok?"

Steph was speechless, but managed to mutter out, "Your home is gorgeous"

Alex rolled his eyes and smiled, "Personally I think it's too much space for two people, but my uncle insisted" he took her hand, "C'mon I think Mum must be out the back"

He led her out onto the deck and it was then Steph could see there were in fact two other buildings. The one closest was large and had huge open windows all around; Steph peeked in as Alex led her further down the yard.

There was a pool inside, she gasped "You have your own pool?"

Alex nodded, "Yeah and spa and there's a pool bar too...needless to say it isn't stocked up just yet" he motioned toward a small house that looked like an adult sized cubby, "That's mum's retreat, I'll bet she'll be down there"

Steph looked wide eyed at him, "You're mum has her own retreat?"

Alex nodded and led her up the steps to another smaller deck area and knocked on the door, "Mum you in here?"

They spotted movement through the frosted glass and Steph could see a blurry shape moving closer to the door.

Alex's mum opened it and smiled, "Oh you're home earlier than I thought, sorry I thought I'd get this place cleaned up a little before you came back" she kissed Alex on the cheek and stepped out onto the deck, closing the door behind her.

She was dressed casually, not like she dressed at the school. She wore a black, blue, brown and green striped dress over a jade green three quarter top. The dress came down just past her knees and she was wearing calf length boots. Her hair was out and Steph noticed it was longer than she'd imagined.

She looked and smiled at Steph, "¡Hola! Stephanie how are you?"

Steph smiled awkwardly, "Oh uh, ¡Hola!... um, fine? I guess. And call me Steph, please"

She smiled and nodded, "Sure and you can call me Tahlia, we're out of school, let's keep it casual, ok?"

Steph rubbed her arm, "Ok...um, nice place"

Tahlia looked around, "Yes well, we're being very looked after I must say"

There was awkward silence before Tahlia began heading back to the main house.

She turned and asked, "Anyway, you guys must be hungry, pasta ok?"

Steph nodded.

Alex added, "I'll show Steph round a bit, let us know when you're done"

She smiled and continued down the path.

When she was out of earshot Alex let our the biggest roar of laughter, "Oh sh*t I have never seen you so terrified"

Steph punched him in the arm, "Shut up, she's my Spanish teacher. And your mum" she put her head in her hands, "Oh *%$# she thinks I'm an idiot"

Alex pulled her hands away from her face and smiled at her, "Why are you so keen on making an impression? From what I've gathered about you, you don't seem to give a crap about what others think of you"

Steph started back toward the main house, "Yeah normally I don't...sh*t I must be really falling for you"

Alex scooped around her waist and lifted her of the ground for a few steps before putting her back down, "Aww, I'm touched. But honestly, just be yourself. Trust me mum's happy when I am"

Steph smiled and rolled her eyes at him, "So if your house was this impressive downstairs, what's upstairs like?"

Alex winked at her, "Let me give you the personal tour"

Jeanette came out of the change rooms with another dress on. She walked over to the mirrors and looked at every angle of herself before turning toward Simon and Theodore who were sitting on the lounge.

Theodore was leaning on the arm of the lounge, propping himself up with his hand, his eyes looking heavy.

Simon was reclined with both arms stretched along the back of the lounge as he stared at the ceiling, his foot tapping impatiently.

"What about this one?" she smoothed the dress down, "Does this seem appropriate for a premier?"

Eleanor came out from her change room and giggled, "Oh Jeanette that one is gorgeous too!"

Simon looked up and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, "It's fine Jeanette, just buy it so we can move on"

Jeanette turned her attention back to the mirrors, "Hmm, I don't know, maybe it's too long. I don't want to trip"

Simon rolled his eyes, "I'll hold onto you all the way so you won't trip. Or just wear flat shoes"

Eleanor put her hand on her hip and pointed a finger at Simon, "You don't wear flats with a dress like this" she turned back to Jeanette, "But you're right that it might be too long. Try the mid length one again"

Jeanette looked at Simon and headed back into the change rooms.

Simon groaned and leant back on the lounge as Eleanor watched Jeanette disappear behind the change room door. Then she shot a glare at Simon as she stomped toward him and leaned in close, "If you want to go sooner, then make an effort to seem interested in what Jeanette is wearing. She's trying to find something that'll make your jaw drop stupid" she flicked him on the forehead, "She's looking for your reaction"

Simon rubbed it, "Ow, geez"

Theodore muffled a laugh, Eleanor looked at him, "Don't even get me started on you mister" she picked up the front of her dress and stormed back to the change rooms.

Theodore rubbed the back of his neck, "Ah, seems we have been told off then"

Simon coughed and sat more upright, "Yeah, seems so. OK so if we want to get out of here, we need to make a big deal about the girl's outfits right?"

Theodore nodded, "Yeah, but we can't go too over the top or else they'll see right through it and we'll get a real hammering"

Simon thought for a moment, "Which was the mid length one again?"

Theodore shook his head, "I don't even know the difference between a mid, max, mini, full, normally I just smile and nod, but they've been at it for hours now. All their outfits are blending"

Simon nodded towards the change rooms, "Ok, so let's pay attention real close then, and maybe we can get out of here"

Theodore was silent before adding, "You realise then they're gonna drag us off to get something to wear"

Simon put his hand to his chin, thinking. He shrugged, "A nice shirt, some dress jeans, maybe a jacket, it won't be too hard, and we won't take half as long" He looked at his watch, "We've only been here for two hours"

Theodore rolled his eyes "Two hours we won't get back again" he heard footsteps and leaned his head to see toward the change rooms more and said to Simon, "I think they're coming"

Jeanette came out in a stunning purple mid length wrap dress. It accentuated in all the right places and was made of a satiny material that shimmered in the warm lights of the store. She looked hopefully at Simon, who was actually taken aback by her beauty. He stood, transfixed on her and smiled. Walking towards her he kissed her lightly on the cheek and ran his hands down her arms, holding her hands with his.

"I really like this one" he said softly.

Jeanette blushed and smiled, leaning her head to rest against his, "You're not just saying that to get out of here?"

Simon shook his head, "No really, you look beautiful"

Eleanor clapped and sighed, "Oh finally, we have a winner. Alright Jen, let's go get changed and we'll get these boys organised"

Theodore patted his stomach, "And maybe something to eat?"

Eleanor tweaked his cheek, "Sure" she turned and began heading back into the change rooms.

Theodore called out, "Hang on, what dress did you choose?"

Eleanor waved him off, "Oh I had my heart set on one ages ago" she smiled and wandered back into the change rooms with Jeanette following her.

Simon looked at Theodore, "At least that's one thing we can cross off the list"

Theodore nodded, "You know they're gonna want shoes, don't you?"

Simon groaned, "Well, we'll give them an hour and they can do that while we go do something else. Surely they don't need our approval on shoes right?"

Theodore shrugged as the girls came back from the change rooms, each holding their desired dress.

The four of them walked up to the counter as Jeanette pulled her purse out to pay, the guys wandered outside and leant on the railing looking down at the levels of the shops below.

Soon Jeanette and Eleanor joined them, each holding their designer bags with their new dresses inside.

Eleanor patted Theodore's stomach, "Ready for food?"

Theodore beamed, "You don't need to ask me twice" he started toward the food court with Eleanor, as Simon and Jeanette followed in tow.

Simon offered to carry the bag for Jeanette, who smiled and handed it over, taking hold of Simon's free hand. He looked at her as they walked along past shop windows and admired the beauty Jeanette held. He thought about how she'd grown into such a gorgeous young woman and how fortunate he felt to be with her.

Then he couldn't help himself, he leant down and kissed her on her neck.

Jeanette stopped walking and stood still, slightly stunned by his sudden PDA. She soon relaxed and smiled as he lifted his eyes to meet hers, and gave her another sweet kiss on the lips. Jeanette giggled and looked ahead to notice Theodore and Eleanor were playfully poking each other and laughing, oblivious to the fact that she and Simon had stopped.

Simon said nothing and simply smiled again at her before holding her hand and together they resumed walking to catch up with their siblings.

Across town Alvin was in a similar predicament as his brothers; Brittany was eagerly trying on dresses, which Alvin had initiated they do, but was now completely regretting this decision. He sat on the white leather lounge of 'Lil-Lana's', a popular, yet expensive, boutique, which Brittany loved.

Brittany twirled in another dress in front of Alvin before admiring herself in the mirror. Alvin sighed and nodded, "Another winner"

Brittany frowned at him in the mirror, "You suggested this mister"

Alvin shrugged, "Yeah but I thought you might've tried on something a little less predictable...you know, show some skin?"

Brittany smiled cheekily and glared at him. She looked around the store and was drawn over to a rack in the far corner. Brittany sauntered past Alvin, who watched curiously as she made her way over and began skimming through dresses, tossing a few over her shoulder and walking back towards the change rooms.

She emerged minutes later in a tight, slender, strapless dress that flared at the bottom. It was a soft pink satin and had a huge split up to just under her hip and a plunging neckline that accentuated her growing bust. Alvin sat there gobsmacked. Brittany giggled and admired herself in the mirror. She twirled and glided over towards Alvin, who stood as she came closer. He held her at her hips and looked her up and down, "Definitely this one!"

Brittany smiled and pulled away slightly, checking the price tag, "Oh damn have you seen the price? It's $500!"

Alvin checked the tag, "No way! Hmm, I don't think I can afford that much on my card, Dave'll ask questions for sure"

Brittany pouted, "Well the other one was only half the price of this one and it was still beautiful, I guess" she sighed, "I'll just wear the other one"

Alvin watched as she walked back towards the change rooms.

He thought for a moment then made his way to the counter.

He was greeted by a perky young girl who only looked to be a few years older than he was, but had the IQ of a goldfish. She was doing something on the computer register, and looked a little confused.

He leaned on the counter and smiled charmingly, "Hey doll, how ya doin?"

The girl looked up at him and smiled, "Oh hi, sorry didn't see you there, I'm good, and you?"

Alvin shrugged a little and leaned over the counter some more, "Not too bad, say you having some trouble?"

The girl frowned, "Oh I'm trying to figure out how to mark all these dresses down at once" she nodded towards a pile of dresses on a rack near the counter, "I think I'm just going to have to do them one by one, which will take me forever," she sighed, "but that's ok, I'll do it later, can I help you?"

Alvin looked quickly back towards the change rooms and saw Brittany walking with the two dresses in her hands; the one she was going to purchase in her right hand and the one she wanted in her left.

Alvin turned his attention back to the girl, "Ahh, yeah two things, how much are these dresses being marked down?"

The girl checked a folder under the counter, "Umm, these dresses are going down 50%. They're mostly last season styles. Anything else?"

Alvin had to think quick, Brittany came and stood next to him at the counter, "Uhh do you have any scarves to match this dress?" he snatched the dress in Brittany's right hand and held it up and then smiled.

The girl tilted her head to one side, "Umm, maybe...I think so...in this particular colour?"

Alvin nodded.

The girl scanned the store; she was the only one in there.

She looked at Alvin and Brittany and smiled, "I think we have some in the back store room...umm...wait here please, oh and don't tell April I left a customer alone in the store" she smiled as Alvin pretended to zip his lips and watched as she hurried quickly off to the back room.

Alvin grabbed the dress in Brittany's left hand and hung it second on the rack of clothes.

Brittany looked confused, "What are you doing?"

Alvin smiled and watched the back store room area, "Getting you that dress"

Brittany raised her eyebrows, "What? How?"

Alvin smiled, "Just act casual, they have cameras here"

Brittany flicked her hair, "OK, but what are you doing?"

The girl came from the back store room and had a handful of pink scarves draped over her arm. She spread them out on the counter and took a few deep breaths, "OK, these are what we have here, umm, this is the closest to the dress's colour, but these will all compliment" Alvin looked at them and then at the girl, "Know what? I think she needs to try them on, can't decide. We'll be back in a few minutes, hey gives you time to mark down those dresses" he winked at her, making the girl blush as Alvin grabbed the scarves and the dress and pushed Brittany back towards the change room.

Brittany turned when they reached the change room, "What the hell are you doing?"

Alvin smiled, "Buying time, she's gonna mark down your dress so we can buy it, but you need to try this on again so the plan looks legit"

Brittany frowned and grabbed the dress from Alvin's hand. She started towards a change room when Alvin called, "Britt, and these"

She turned as Alvin tossed her the scarves. She caught most of them and picked up the few that floated to the floor.

Alvin turned and watched as the girl scanned one dress and entered the markdown into the computer; Brittany's dress was next. Alvin called out in a loud whisper, "OK Britt, come out" He could hear her groan, "Alvin I just got in here"

Alvin hurried her, "You're not actually supposed to try it on again"

Brittany came stomping out, carrying the decoy dress and scarves in her arms, "I still have no idea what you're doing"

Alvin grabbed her arm and lead her casually back to the counter, as the girl was just about to scan and enter the mark down on the dress Brittany wanted.

They approached the counter as the girl looked up from the screen and smiled, "How'd you go sweety?"

Brittany smiled sweetly as Alvin interrupted, "Oh I don't know if it was the right look, but hang on!"

The girl was taken aback.

Alvin pointed at the dress she was holding, "That's exactly the look she needs, that very dress you're holding"

The girl looked at the dress then at Alvin and Brittany, and smiled, "Oh well you're in luck, I was just about to mark it down, it was $500, but now it's $250, there's a bargain for you!"

Alvin turned on his charming smile again, "Oh wow, aren't we in luck then?" he turned to Brittany, "And it looks like it's in your size and everything"

She rolled her eyes and smiled at him before playing it up for the salesgirl, "Oh I think you're right! Wow what a coincidence!"

The girl smiled, "I know right? Ok let me just mark it down, then I'll ring it up" she scanned the dress and frowned, "Hmm, system doesn't seem to want to let me mark it down" she tried again.

Brittany looked at Alvin and glared a bit as Alvin shifted a little. The girl shrugged, "Well it must need to be marked down, it's on the rack" she tried once more before smiling at them, "I'm sorry about this"

Alvin lowered his head, his plan to get Brittany that dress was about to go belly up.

The girl looked back at the screen, "I'm just going to have to do it manually and overwrite the system, just bear with me" she smiled and began tapping away on the keyboard.

Alvin sighed a little as Brittany's eyes widened and a tiny smile crept onto her face as she thought, "Holy crap he's going to get away with it"

The girl beamed, "OK, that's now marked down, and so that'll be $250. Cash or card?"

Alvin smiled and presented his credit card, "Put it on plastic"

Steph was admiring photos in Alex's room; he'd been called downstairs via the intercom (yeah I know!) and said he'd be back soon.

That was 10 mins ago.

So Steph thought the next sensible thing to do was to simply start snooping, I mean start finding out more about her boyfriend.

She'd already checked inside his wardrobe and drawers, and to her surprise found no incriminating evidence to support he was hiding any "girly" magazines of any sorts.

Actually why was she surprised, that was a good thing not finding any.

Steph then hunted around his desk and noticed a receipt spike with receipts of what appeared to be car parts and mechanic stuff.

"Damn" she thought, "No signs of purchases for a girlfriend"

She then checked in the desk drawers and saw nothing overly interesting; except a diary. She hesitated and then picked it up, but after thinking it some more, thought it better to put it back.

After another glance around the room, she noticed some photos grouped in matching frames up on a shelf. Steph kicked her shoes off and stepped on the bed.

She looked at the photos and glanced at them; she could witness Alex's whole childhood through a bunch of photos here on the shelf and then pulling one of the frames off the shelf she looked more closely at it.

It was a photo of a little boy, looked to be about five or six years old, smiling proudly in a tacky Halloween vampire costume.

Steph smiled to herself and put it back on the shelf. She took another down and looked at a young woman holding a young toddler.

The woman had him on her hip and was smiling a small awkward smile, like she was trying to put on a brave face, which kind of seemed to contradict how it looked she was feeling. The small boy too had a slightly awkward smile and had his head rested into her neck. He was clinging onto her shirt and Steph could see the head of a small bear, or animal poking from behind the woman's shoulder.

"Alex said his dad left when he was younger. Maybe this was taken shortly after?" Steph said to no one.

She replaced the photo on the shelf and noticed small dark wooden box hidden behind some of the frames. It was about the size of a credit card only a bit thicker. Steph took the box and opened it carefully. Inside was a photo; it was a little crumpled and yellowing and half of the photo had been torn away. In it, Steph saw the face of a young man.

He had dark skin and what looked like a pretty sweet smile.

And his eyes; they were definitely Alex's...or where Alex had gotten them from.

"Busted!"

Steph jumped and spun round.

Alex stood there with his arms folded, "What'cha doin?"

Steph quickly hid the photo behind her back and jumped to sit on the bed, "Nothin much" she beamed.

Alex raised an eyebrow and studied her body language.

She darted a glance to her left and shifted to sit on the photo, "So how's lunch coming along?"

Alex took a step towards her and looked at her suspiciously, "It's coming along fine...what are you hiding?"

Steph smiled a little and sat as if stuck to the bed, "Me? I'm not hiding anything"

Alex looked sideways at her and glanced at the shelf above his bed, "Looking for anything in particular?"

Steph looked up at the shelf, "Uhhh..."

Alex stepped on the bed and after looking at his shelf he looked down at her with an open palm, "Hand it back Steph"

Steph rolled her eyes and reached under her and pulled the photo out, "Sorry, I didn't want you to catch me, I didn't know if you wanted anyone to see it"

Alex retrieved the photo and gave a sideways smile, "That was the point, but not anyone, just mum mainly. She'd probably crack it if she knew I had this photo"

He came to sit next to Steph, "I know I bag him out and sh*t, but truth is, I don't really know the guy, but he's still my dad, ya know, blood and all"

They both sat staring at the photo in Alex's hands.

Steph looked at Alex as he continued, "See thing that I guess really pisses me off, is, well the fact that he bailed on me and mum makes me mad yeah, but I mean why the hell didn't he ever try to contact us? Or me?"

Steph shrugged, "I guess the same reason my mum never has either"

He looked over at her.

His eyes were a little glassy looking.

Steph gulped.

She hated emotional awkwardness.

Talia called on the intercom, "Lunch is up you two" there was a short pause, "So quit whatever you're doing and come down here...not that you are doing anything are you? Oh goodness, Alex!"

Alex walked over to the intercom and pressed the button, "No mum, we're just talking, but ok we'll wash up and be right down"

He turned and placed the photo back in the box and put it into his top drawer.

"Well, ya hungry?" he said to Steph, with a sudden bounce in his voice.

Steph nodded as he led her back downstairs to the kitchen to where Talia had made an amazing pasta dish.

It was evening by the time Simon and Theodore trudged back into the house carrying multiple bags of shopping. Their feet were aching and they agreed that if they never saw another clothes shop in the next year they'd be with happy with that.

Simon dropped the bags inside the lounge room and sat with a hard thump on the lounge, "We should just let the girls go for it next time"

Theodore sat on the arm chair and kicked his shoes off, "I agree" he took a sip from his slushie, "Man those girls love to shop" he placed the slushie on the coffee table.

Simon nodded, "Thank goodness Brittany wasn't with them, or else we'd still be there"

Dave came into the lounge room looking a little flustered and holding two shirts and ties, "Oh good, you're home, boys I need some clarity, which do you think is best for the meeting tomorrow?"

Simon and Theodore looked at each other and back at Dave; Simon stood and turned to Dave and spoke for them both, "Dave with all due respect, Theodore and I are in no shape to give fashion advice, we've been walking around the mall for the past couple of hours looking at and trying on what feels like every shirt, shoe and pair of jeans there is, not to mention waiting for the girls to find a dress for the premier tomorrow. Sorry"

Dave pleaded a look with them, darting his glance between Simon and Theodore, "Come on boys, I need your help. This is a really important meeting tomorrow; I'm trying to get you and the girls into the mayor's Christmas concert this year, not to mention lining up some of those charity gigs"

Simon rolled his eyes, "Dave, we'll be in our final year next year before college, do you really think we'll have time for all those concerts?"

Dave pointed a finger at Simon and Theodore, "Yes I do know that, I'm well aware, but I thought a little extra volunteer charity based work on your college applications couldn't go astray. These are those big charity events run in the city and arenas"

Theodore chuckled to himself, "So none of this run of the mill garden type charity events then?"

Dave looked stressed; he shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair, "Boys, listen I'd really, really appreciate your opinion. I have to leave early tomorrow and I need to pack now"

Simon exhaled heavily, "Alright," he studied the two options Dave was holding before nodding to the one on the left, "I'd go for that one"

Dave looked at it and smiled, "Thanks Simon" he started back upstairs before turning and coming down a step, "Say how come Alvin isn't here...where is he?"

Theodore and Simon shook their heads, as Theodore replied, "Uh don't know Dave, we haven't seen him since this morning, why?"

Dave turned and continued up the stairs, "No reason in particular, it's just that, well, I just haven't seen or heard from him since he left with you boys this morning"

Just then the front door opened and they all turned to see Alvin walk in.

Dave stood on the stairs and draped the two shirts over one arm, "Alvin where have you been?"

Alvin looked at Dave and shrugged, "Out"

Dave tapped his foot, "Yes but where? How come you weren't with Simon and Theodore?"

Alvin looked into the lounge and noticed Simon standing near the lounge and Theodore perched on the armchair. He started toward the kitchen, "They were dragged away to find pretty dresses for the premier. So Britt and I just hung out and stuff. Simon had the car so we bussed it, and now I've just walked back from Britt's place" he disappeared into the kitchen as Dave called out, "Well ok...hey I need all you boys in the den in a few minutes to run by what's going on tomorrow ok?"

The three Munks all answered from their respective locations in the house, "Yes Dave"

Dave continued up the stairs and headed into his room.

Simon and Theodore looked at each other and followed Alvin into the kitchen. There they found him pulling a can of soda from the fridge door. He cracked open the can and began taking mouthfuls when he noticed his brothers standing at the bench.

Wiping his mouth on his sleeve he looked blankly at them, "What?"

Simon narrowed his eyes, "You're up to something"

Alvin raised an eyebrow and shook his head, "What are you talking about Si?"

Simon pointed a finger at him, "I still can't believe you're so cool about us going to the premier when you're not. I mean this has to be a publicity stunt or, or something"

Alvin smiled a little, "Simon, Simon, Simon, my dear brother" he came round and leaned on the bench across from Simon, "Why would I pull publicity stunts without you guys? Seriously, I got nothing...ok, well tomorrow when you guys are all living large in the big city, Britt and I do have plans to go to the pool, maybe the bowling alley and then we have a lunch date and maybe rent a few movies to watch later"

Theodore and Simon looked at Alvin before Theodore added, "Maybe he's telling the truth Simon? Maybe all he wanted was a day out with Brittany?"

Simon stared a little longer in Alvin's eyes before blinking and nodding slightly, "I guess so"

They could hear dave coming back down the stairs. He poked his head into the kitchen and beckoned with his arm, "Come on boys, inot the den"

Dave sat with his computer and diary open at his desk while the boys took their seats on the lounges. Over the years each had spent many a time in Dave's den...although none more than Alvin. He liked to play a game with himself where how every month or so he'd try and mentally guess how many things had changed and what was new in the room. He's seen big changes like the new lounges (nothing makes a statement like black leather), and the updating of Dave's computers, to small things, like changes of photos in the frames.

Dave leant forward on the desk, hands clasped. He looked down at his hands and back at the boys, before unclasping them and reclining back in his desk chair, "So I just wanted to go over the plan for tomorrow, just so we know where everyone will be"

The boys nodded as Alvin piped in, "I'll be here you'll all be in the city. Can I go now?" he stood, but Dave motioned for his to sit down again, which he did reluctantly.

Dave scrolled through his diary, "Now I have to leave at about 9am tomorrow, I've got various meetings all day in the city, the last of which is at 9pm...I don't imagine I'll be home until after midnight" he scrolled through his diary again.

Alvin interrupted quickly, "Stay overnight Dave"

Simon looked at Alvin, who smiled and continued, "Well you don't want to drive home tired do you? What kind of an example is that setting us?"

Simon folded his arms as Dave thought about the idea, "Well, that could be an idea. I'll have to make arrangements somehow tomorrow"

Theodore added, "Well we'll be in the city too, although I think Alex's mum and Steph's dad are taking us in. Alex called while we were out today and turns out we're having a day in the city"

Simon added, "Yeah it turns out Alex's mum hasn't seen much of the city, so we're kinda playing tourist"

Dave nodded, "And what time is the premier?"

Simon took out his phone and scrolled through to his calendar, "It starts at 9pm, but we were told to be there at 8pm...i think we'll get a little earlier to get a good seat though"

Alvin snickered under his breath, but no one seemed to notice, as Theodore continued, "And then I guess we'll come home after that"

Dave nodded, "Simon take your key with you"

Simon nodded and Dave turned his attention to Alvin, "Now Alvin, I wanted to say what a kind gesture it was to offer your ticket up for everyone else to see the movie, I have no idea how you managed to convince Brittany, however. But I wanted to ask what you'll be doing?"

Alvin reclined with his hands behind his head, "Oh Dave, I'll just be hanging out here and there. Britt and I might hit the park or the shops, probably get lunch, go to the arcade or bowling alley, grab some dinner and head back here for a movie night" he smiled charmingly.

Simon rolled his eyes, "Really, Dave?"

Dave nodded, "Well that sounds lovely, but whatever you're doing I want you home by 10pm and no hooning in the car while I'm away"

Alvin crossed his heart, "You got it chief"

Dave smiled, "Ok then we're all clear on what's happening?" he looked at the clock and sighed, "Who wants pizza for dinner?"