Ok so this chapter is the start of the road trip. A few things to note before carrying on – I've made them all live somewhere near Hollywood and basically used Google Maps to create a route to Vegas – major stop offs I researched, smaller towns, they'll prob be made up...sorry I can't be bothered researching every destination. Also the places they'll visit will be made up too .
One last detail, in Australia the legal drinking/gambling age is 18...now I know in the US it's 21, but seriously, I can't fill up another couple of years...so I tweaked the law a bit.
Anyways, thanks for still reading – hope you're enjoying it still, again I'd love your reviews/comments/suggestions for this story (I'm running outta ideas-eek!)
Cheers
Chapter 20
'BEEP,BEEP,BEEP,BEE-'
"Alvin if you don't turn that damn thing off I swear I'm gonna flog you!" Alex said with his pillow over his head.
Alvin groggily replied, "Keep your cool man" he rolled over and turned his alarm off.
Slowly he sat up and rubbed his eyes and yawned.
Alex too sat up and stretched.
He scratched at his chest and looked up at Alvin, "Guess we better get ready and start packin' the RV hey?"
Alvin groaned, "Oh crap we got all Britt's stuff to try and cram in too" he hauled himself out of bed, grabbed a clean pair of underwear, shorts and a shirt, sidestepped the mattress Alex was on and went into the ensuite.
He closed the door and called out, "Let me know when you're decent man" and stood over the toilet, leaning one hand against the wall.
Alex yawned and rummaged through his overnight bag and started getting dressed.
Once finished, he knocked on the door, "All good man, see you down stairs" and headed to the kitchen.
Downstairs Alex walked in to see everyone awake and eating breakfast.
They were all round the kitchen table, except for Theodore and Eleanor who were busy flipping pancakes and turning bacon.
Eleanor smiled at Alex, "Hungry?"
Alex nodded as Eleanor served him up a short stack and bacon, "Maple syrup's on the table"
Alex thanked her and looked over at Steph.
She wasn't with the rest of the group and was huddled over a coffee mug at the kitchen bench nursing her head.
Alex greeted her by wrapping his arms round her waist and resting his head on her shoulder, "Morning"
Steph grunted back, "I do not do mornings" she sipped her coffee as Alex kissed her cheek and turned to everyone else, "I guess this means Steph won't do the morning shift"
The others laughed a little as Alvin came into the kitchen.
Steph slowly turned and leant with her elbows on the bench, "I'm fine once I got my coffee in me" she raised her mug and took another sip.
Alvin scooted round Theodore and Eleanor, picking up hot pancakes and bacon in his hands and dropped it on his plate.
He licked his fingers and pushed in next to Brittany.
Simon checked his watch, "Ok, if we aim to leave in the next hour, we should reach Orlando by lunchtime"
Alvin looked at Simon, "You and me doing the first leg?"
Simon nodded, "Doesn't bother me"
Alex slapped his head, "Oh yeah"
He ran out to the RVs and came back moments later holding two gadgets, "My aunt bought us a GPS system for each RV. This should eliminate the frustration of navigation"
Alvin beamed, "Perfect"
Simon stood and took one from Alex, "Great, I'll get this one set up"
Jeanette stood and began clearing plates and the breakfast items, as Alvin finished scoffing his breakfast and Brittany stretched next to him.
Theodore held a plate of pancakes out to Steph, "Are you sure you're not hungry Steph?"
She smiled and yawned, "Coffee is my breakfast...I'll get another double shot on the road"
Eleanor put her hands on her hips; "Steph, breakfast is the most important meal of the day" she took the plate from Theodore's hands and shoved it in front of Steph, "Eat"
Steph looked up at Eleanor, who only glared back at her.
She sighed and picked up a fork, "Damn you Eleanor Miller" and started to eat her pancakes.
Eleanor the ushered Theodore to the table, "Now hurry up and eat yours too mister"
Theodore gulped and began eating.
Eleanor sighed happily and started on her own breakfast.
Alvin took his finished plate to the sink and asked, "Ok, anyone have anything breakable in their bags upstairs?"
Jeanette raised her hand, "I have a camera in mine"
Brittany thought, then answered, "I have a straightener, a curling iron and a mirror...no two mirrors"
Alex looked at her, "The RV comes with mirrors Brittany"
Brittany stood up and smoothed her skirt, "Yeah but I like to take my own too"
Simon looked puzzled, he watched as Alvin ran up the stairs, and called out, "Why Alvin?" he waited, "Alvin?"
They all heard, "Look out below!" followed by a series of thuds gradually becoming louder and closer.
Next there was a hard thud as Eleanor's suitcase skidded on the floor.
They all ran and poked their head to see Alvin lining up the next suitcase on the top stair; "Next!" he pushed it down the stairs and followed it with another, "Better catch 'em!"
Simon jumped out of the way as another skidded on the bottom step, "Alvin!"
Alvin laughed from the top of the stairs, as Dave came in to see what was going on, "What's all this thudding?"
"Incoming!" Alvin yelled, pushing another suitcase down.
"AAAALLLLVVVVIIINNN!"
Alvin looked at Dave, "Only one more"
It was his own; he sat on top and scooted forward to the edge of the step.
Everyone called out, "NO! ALVIN!"
He scoffed at them and held onto the top step, "Pfft, I'm not that stupid" and rolled off the suitcase, kicking it and sending it down the stairs, wandering back to his bedroom.
Simon rolled his eyes and picked up two of the suitcases, "I'll load these ones in, someone grab the others"
Jeanette and Alex grabbed the rest and followed Simon out to the RVs.
Alvin came back carrying his guitar and pulled his cap on, "OK, I'm ready to rock 'n' roll"
Dave called them all into the lounge room.
They all stood round as Dave spoke, "Now I've got your itinerary" he turned to Simon, "Thank you Simon"
Simon reciprocated with a simple nod.
Dave continued, "But you'll need to send my your song sets for the concert, and I want them by the end of the week, that way I can approve the song choices, and if there are any issues" he looked at Alvin, "Which I hope there won't be, they can be changed"
He paced the floor a little, "I want you all to obey the road rules, look out for each other and have fun...and I don't want to see anything in the media about you, so Alvin, no publicity stunts. Oh and no drinking excessively, and no wild stunts and-"
"Can we go now?" Alvin interrupted.
Dave blinked, "Uh, yeah I suppose, if you're all ready?"
They all nodded and started out to the RVs.
Dave gave each his boys a hug and watched as they all loaded into their RVs.
They were all impressed by the interior of the RVs.
It was spacious and luxurious and had enough room to fit them all comfortably...and some!
Simon and Alvin both stepped into the driver's seat of their RVs; Alvin beeped the horn a number of times before hooking his iPod to the stereo and winding the window down.
Brittany slipped into the passenger seat and turned to Steph and Alex, "Guess you guys scored the first make out session"
Steph laughed and cuddled up to Alex.
Simon placed his GPS on the dashboard and plugged it in.
He then clicked his seatbelt and pulled the sun visor down, as Jeanette clicked into the passenger seat and reached her hand over to Simon's.
Theodore and Eleanor sat at the lounge holding hands and smiling eagerly.
Alvin lowered his sunglasses and started the engine.
He beeped the horn as Alex pointed out, "Push the little red button to your left"
Alvin looked along the dash and saw a small red button; he eagerly pushed it and laughed as a novelty horn blasted out "La Cucaracha".
Alvin pushed play on his iPod and the song, "Life is a Highway" came pumping through the speakers.
He yelled out the window to Simon, "PARTY RV COMING THROUGH!" and then continued to sing at the top of his lungs.
Dave waved as they each started down the road, and off on their road trip adventure.
They'd only been travelling an hour and a half when Steph unclipped her seatbelt and stood between the driver's and passenger's seats, "OK, we've had some great music, and Alex and I have had some fun back there"
"You know I can see you in the rear view mirror yeah?" Alvin asked, glancing at her quickly, before calling out to Alex, "I'm gonna call you the 'Wanderer'" he laughed as Brittany shook her head smiling
Steph continued, "But now I'm bored"
Brittany looked about then passed her the CB radio, "Here play with this"
Steph beamed, "Ooh this could be fun" she tuned into Simon's RV, "Breaker, Breaker, this is Sexy Bear calling for Einstein, over"
There was a crackle before a reply came back, "Um, 'Einstein's' busy driving, and won't answer. This is Jeanette though, what's up? Over"
Steph laughed, "Jeanette, you need a better name than that, over"
Jeanette replied, "Um, but I don't have anything"
There was a pause before she added, "Oh, over"
Steph called back, "Hang on, give us a sec, we'll think something up, over"
She held the radio mic loosely in her hand and slumped on the chairs as Alvin turned a corner.
"Hmm name for Jeanette" she pondered, "What'd ya reckon?" she turned to Brittany.
Brittany reclined back in the chair a little, "Um, how bout Bookworm, she loves reading"
Steph smiled, and held the mic to her mouth, "OK, you're now Bookworm, over"
Another crackle, "Bookworm?"
Steph smiled, "Hey blame your sister, over"
Brittany took the CB and spoke, "Cause you like books Jeanette, over"
Jeanette sighed and looked at Simon, who simply shrugged, "Don't look at me, they started this name thingo. Frankly I don't see it necessary" he pressed the brake gently to slow down at an intersection, "Besides I'd give you a much better name, Mon Cherie" he smiled at her.
Jeanette blushed.
She loved when Simon spoke French to her; something he hadn't done for a while.
Theodore piped in from the back, "What's our names then?"
Jeanette called back, "Theodore and Eleanor want to know what their names would be, over"
Steph laughed, she'd created the very fun she was craving, "Theodore's easy, Teddy. Hmm, Ellie I'm gonna go with Cherub, over"
Jeanette giggled on the other side, "Eleanor likes hers, but Theodore says you need to change your name, he doesn't want to be associated with Teddy if you're 'Sexy Bear', over"
Steph almost fell as Alvin revved the RV past Simon and crept in front of him in the traffic.
"Move it or lose it Grandpa!" Alvin hollered as they took over.
Steph laughed and radioed back, "Ok, I'll think of something new...well, ok so in here we got, Alex as The Wanderer" she looked back at Alex, who threw his hands up and smiled, "And Brittany, I'm gonna give her Miss Priss"
Jeanette could hear Brittany arguing as Steph spoke into the radio again, "Ok...so she's not happy with that, so she could be Whinging Lass...no I'm getting another look, dammit Britt you're gonna be Diva"
Jeanette added, "That one works! Over"
Brittany huffed as Steph patted her on the head, "Alvin is-"
"HOT STUFF!" Alvin yelled, looking out the window to a carload of teenage girls.
He called out to them, "C'mon, look at me, you know it's true"
The girls all giggled as Alvin lapped up the attention, lowering his sunglasses and winking at them, sending the girls into a frenzy of squeals and giggling.
Brittany punched him, as he laughed and glanced in her direction, "Kidding babe" he hung his arm out the window and put on his blinker and headed towards a highway, lifting his hand as means of waving to the carload of girls they just passed.
Steph scooted Brittany over a bit and sat on the arm of the passenger seat, "Right, so apparently Alvin's 'Hot Stuff', and then I guess I'm"
"Bootycall!" Alvin started laughing again as Steph punched him hard in the arm.
"Ah, ow! At least hit in a different place to Brittany"
Steph slapped him on the back of the head instead.
He swerved a little, but regained control.
"Hey no slapping the driver!" he laughed.
Simon put his hand out as Jeanette passed him the CB, "Are these names necessary Steph?"
Alvin snatched the CB from Steph, "Nah your s'posed to call her Bootyca-" he laughed but was cut off as Steph pulled the CB back from him.
Simon sighed, "Look let's just call the RVs a name. It'll be easier than trying to remember who to address and what everyone's names are, over"
Steph sighed, "Ok, ok, we'll be driving 'Hot Stuff' and you guys can be driving 'Einstein', sound fair, over?"
Simon nodded to everyone in his RV and replied, "Fine...wait so we need to address you guys as 'Hot Stuff'?"
Steph laughed, "You need to call Alvin 'Hot Stuff'!" she let out a huge roar of laughter.
Simon snorted a little and shook his head handing the CB back to Jeanette, who in turn replied, "Ok, 'Hot Stuff', this is 'Einstein', I think it's about time to switch drivers. Pull over at the rest stop up ahead, over and out"
Steph went and settled herself back in on the lounge next to Alex, "Ok now I'm bored again"
Brittany let out a heavy sigh, "Steph!"
She laughed, "Kidding, geez" and went back to making out with Alex.
The two RVs pulled over to a rest stop which had a little roadside store next to it and everyone piled out and Simon and Alvin were able to stretch.
"Man two hours of straight driving sucks" Alvin said arching his back.
Alex laughed, "Wait til we're on the open roads, they'll be the killer"
Alvin groaned, as Steph and Eleanor came out with drinks from the RVs.
They handed them round and sat on some park benches and tables.
"So who's gonna drive 'Einstein' next?" Eleanor asked, sipping on her drink.
Steph raised her hand, "Me! Me!"
Alex shrugged, "Looks like I'm driving 'Hot Stuff' then"
They all finished their drinks and piled back into the RVs.
Steph sat in the driver's seat and adjusted it to her liking before fiddling with the radio stations.
Simon came and sat in the passenger seat and asked, "Steph just leave it on what is was on"
Steph snorted at him, "Nah that was crap, I need something with a beat that I can sing to"
Jeanette asked, buckling herself in, "You sing Steph?"
Steph turned to face her, with a slight bewildered look on her face, "Uh, not professionally or anything, I do not do performances, but I like to belt it out when I got the chance, you know like shower karaoke style?"
She fiddled with the stations a while longer before hearing the intro to a song she liked.
She smiled wickedly and turned it up.
She wound the window down, beeped the horn at 'Hot Stuff' and whooped her arm out the window and started singing the first verse.
Simon groaned at the song.
It was Pink's 'U + Ur Hand'.
He liked Pink – he thought she was an awesome singer, but this song wasn't up on his favourites; mostly due to the suggestive lyrics.
"I'm not here for your entertainment
You don't really wanna mess with me tonight"
Steph winked suggestively at Simon, who in turn rolled his eyes
"Just stop and take a second
I was fine before you walked into my life.
Cause you know it's over
Before it begins
Keep your drink
Just gimme the money"
She made a money gesture with her fingers
"It's just you and your hand tonight"
And then made a gesture which made Simon's eyes widen and face redden, "Steph!"
She simply laughed and broke into the next verse.
The radio edit omitted the curse word, however Steph happily sung it loud and clear.
"Midnight I'm drunk
I don't give a %$#.
Wanna dance by myself
Cause you outta luck
Don't touch, back up
I'm not the one
A bye bye"
By the next chorus, Simon heard the distinct voices of Jeanette, Eleanor and Theodore singing back up.
He glared at them, but they all had their eyes closed singing along.
He turned to face the road as Steph glanced over and placed her hand on his leg, "Lighten up Si" she gave it a gentle squeeze before laughing and putting her hand back on the steering wheel.
Simon cringed and shook his head.
Over in 'Hot Stuff' Alex was concentrating on driving as Alvin played a few car games in the passenger seat.
He had the seat almost fully reclined and his feet up on the dash; his sunnies on and cap lowered slightly.
He smiled as he looked out the window and leant over to punch Alex in the arm.
"Ow! %#&!' Alex yelled
Alvin laughed, "Punch buggy Red!"
Alex quickly rubbed his arm before regaining control of the wheel, "Ah #$% you Alvin"
Alvin laughed again then felt the sudden whallop of Alex's fist.
"Freakin' A!" Alvin yelled, grabbing at his arm.
He scowled at Alex who simply returned a cocky smile, "Punch buggy black"
Alvin slumped down in the seat, still rubbing his arm.
He called back to Brittany, who was lounging on the bed at the rear of the RV reading a magazine and filing her nails, "BRITT! ALEX PUNCHED ME!"
Alex gave a sideways glance, "Dibber dobber"
She lifted her head and called back, "Whaddya want me to do about it?"
Alvin pouted, "Come kiss it better"
She rolled her eyes and slid off the bed, making her way to the front of the RV.
She stood in between the seats, leaning on the driver's and with hand on hip, looked back and forth between the two, "Now what's going on? All I can hear is yelling and swearing"
Alvin looked up at her, "Alex punched me"
Alex almost laughed a little, "No you punched me, with your punch buggy sh*t"
Alvin laughed a little, and swiped a punch out to Alex.
But he missed and punched Brittany in the boob instead.
He turned quickly and saw the rage in her eyes.
"Sh*t, Brittany, I'm sorry" he pleaded, his hands up in defense.
Alex was laughing hysterically, "Serves you right, dude"
Brittany reached over and held onto Alvin's ear, pulling him upright.
"Owowowowowowow" Alvin pleaded, "Letgoletgoletgo"
Once she had him out of the passenger seat, she made him sit on the lounge and buckled him in, "You're in big trouble mister! That really hurt"
She stood glaring at him.
He looked at his shoes before looking up at her and said confidently, "Want me to kiss is better?"
Alex started laughing again and called out, "You guys can go in the back if you're gonna do that"
Brittany smiled, but was still frowning.
She shook her head and wandered back to the bedroom.
Alvin watched her and called out, "So that's a yes?"
She smiled seductively and closed the door.
Alvin looked at Alex, "Reckon that was a yes?"
Alex shook his head, "Man I have no idea with you two, but whatever you're planning, let me know so I can pump the bass up"
Alvin unbuckled his seatbelt and patted Alex on the shoulder, "Pump it up then dude" and strolled down to the rear of the RV.
Alex rolled his eyes and smiled to himself and reached to turn the volume up on the stereo.
So far Steph had managed to create a sing a long of some of the world's most suggestive songs, and if they weren't meant to be suggestive, she certainly managed to create a sexual innuendo with the lyrics by adding a few gestures and looks.
Simon had since swapped seats with Eleanor and was now immersed in a science journal. Jeanette was busy trying to figure out a crossword puzzle at the dining table, while Theodore was happily munching through a bag of chips and listening to Steph and Eleanor continue to sing along to a few songs he'd never really heard, but he joined in to some of the songs once he got the rhythm of them.
He was surprised just how many of these songs Eleanor actually knew, and how confidently she sang them too.
Steph cheered as she saw the sign saying they were entering Palm Springs, "Whoo! We made it! Ok Simon, where we headed for lunch, I'm starving"
Simon looked up from his journal, "Uh, I'm not sure, Eleanor radio the others see what they want"
Eleanor nodded and picked up the radio, "Hey 'Hot Stuff', what's for lunch?"
There was a pause before a crackle and Alex's voice on the other end, "Ellie? Hey, uh, not sure, over"
Eleanor radioed back, "What's Alvin and Brittany –"
"Hey Hot Stuff!" Steph called out.
Alex laughed, "Hey Babe"
"Miss you!"
"Yeah back at ya, babe"
Eleanor darted a look at Steph, who smiled and scouted the road, "Anyway, what's Alvin and Britt want?"
Alex looked in his rearview mirror and replied, "At the moment? Each other"
Eleanor looked a little surprised, "Ok...I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that, ok just follow us then, we'll find somewhere, over"
Alex replied, "Trust me I wish I could pretend not to hear anything at the moment too"
"Ew!"
Alex laughed, "Lead the way 'Einstein', over and out"
After pulling into a fairly decent diner, Alex sighed and made his way down the back of the RV.
He quickly knocked on the door and called out, "Lunch is up, so get off each other"
He waited as Alvin and Brittany emerged; Brittany smoothing her skirt and brushing her hair back; Alvin pulling his shirt back on and pushing his hair back under his cap.
Alex stood there with his arms folded, "Had fun did we?"
Alvin gave his famous cocky smile, "You know it"
Brittany blushed slightly and squeezed past the guys and headed outside.
Alex gave a sideways smile, "Actually yeah, bass had nothing on you guys"
Alvin gave a slight cough, "Sorry dude"
Alex smiled and stepped aside to allow Alvin through, "Wait till you hear Steph though"
Alvin groaned and headed towards the diner.
After lunch and a bit of a wander around Orlando, the Chipmunk Boys were back in the driving seats and started the leg towards Phoenix.
It was another couple of hours drive to get there, so they decided to find somewhere to set up for the night.
They found a small township to stop in, although it seemed to be a bit of a one street wonder.
Steph noted the small bar with a sign advertising it was Bingo Night, "At least we have some entertainment for tonight" she thought.
Alvin ended up driving them to a small RV site; much to Brittany's dismay who described it as a "Trailer Trash Zone".
Alvin reassured her saying, "It's only for one night Britt, we'll find somewhere better tomorrow ok?"
She huffed as Alvin and Simon went into the office to pay for their site.
Steph looked out the front window.
It wasn't the fanciest of places, but it would do.
There was a separate shower and toilet block and each site had its own power and water supply.
And they were only a short walk from the main street.
Alvin and Simon came out from the office and drove to where their sites were located.
They were comfortably put in the far corner of the park.
After setting up the RVs, Theodore heard his stomach rumble.
He held his hands to it by means to stop it and announced to the other, "What are we going to do for dinner?"
The others all looked at each other and shrugged.
Alex said, "Yeah Uncle Frank only gave us snacks"
"And drinks" Jeanette added
"And booze!" Steph chimed in.
"Which you can't have until the end of the week" Simon reminded her.
She looked at him and sighed dramatically, "Si-mon! Don't be such a party pooper"
Simon simply put his hands on his hips and shook his head.
Steph stomped her foot in protest, "Fine well, can we go play Bingo then? There's probably food at the bar too"
They all looked at her.
"Bingo?" Alvin said unenthusiastically, "As in old ladies playing?"
Steph nodded like an excitable puppy, "Yeah!"
The others looked at each other and back at her.
Alex came and put his arm round her, "Seriously, Steph...Bingo?"
Steph ducked out from his hold, "You guys got a better suggestion? Simon won't let me drink"
"It's the law, you're underage!" Simon defended.
Steph simply rolled her eyes at him, "Pfft, a mere technicality"
They all exchanged looks with one another.
Finally Alvin let out a sigh, "Well it beats hanging here" he looked around at their surroundings.
He went and stood next to Steph, putting his arm around her shoulder, "I'm in"
Steph beamed, "Anyone else?" and looked eagerly at the others, before starting to turn towards the main street, "Ok, but if we win you're getting nothin'"
Eleanor looked at Theodore, "I've heard bar food is pretty good, and not too expensive"
Theodore grabbed at his growling stomach, "Ok we're in, if it means we get food" they walked and stood next to Alvin.
Steph smiled, "Glad to see some people wanna hang with me" she shot a look at Alex when she emphasised 'some people'.
Alex sighed and nodded, "I get the hint, Guess I'm coming too then"
Brittany stepped forward, "I am not staying here with these two" motioning to Simon and Jeanette, "I'm in too"
Steph looked at her little posse and back at Simon and Jeanette, "Last chance?"
Simon folded his arms, and looked at Jeanette, "If you want to go, be my guest"
Jeanette thought quickly.
Go with her friends and sisters, or stay with Simon.
Alone.
"I'm happy to stay here" she smiled sweetly.
Steph tilted her head, "Ok, well have fun you two...don't do anything I would do!"
Simon shuddered at the thought and turned to the others, "Have fun, and don't be back late, we have another big day of driving"
Steph waved at him without looking back as the six of them all headed towards the small bar.
Jeanette turned and followed Simon into the RV, "Simon, what are we going to have for dinner?"
Simon smiled, "I, my dear, came prepared" he opened up cupboards and the fridge and began pulling out pasta and a jar of sauce.
Jeanette was impressed, "When did you get these?"
He smiled and filled the kettle with water, flicking its switch and pulling some pots from a low cupboards, "While you were all getting slushies and such, I thought I'd pick up some basic ingredients just in case. It won't be anything overly fancy, but I figured we may need it. "
Simon put the pots on the stovetop and poured in the water once it had boiled, waited a bit and added the pasta, giving it a quick stir.
Jeanette sat at the dining table and watched as Simon continued to prepare their dinner. He even sang a little to her while he cooked.
She smiled and blushed a little.
A lovely little romantic dinner for the two of them.
She smiled a little more.
Every now and then Simon, while stirring the pasta and sauce, would look back at her and smile again.
He opened the fridge to get some cheese out and looked at how 'well stocked' the fridge was.
Alex's uncle Frank sure spent a lot of money on alcohol.
He looked over his shoulder at Jeanette, "Fancy a drink?"
She looked taken aback, "Excuse me?"
Simon stood up a bit and turned his head towards her, "A Drink? There's plenty in here to choose from" he thought she must have misheard him.
Jeanette leant over the table and peered into the fridge.
Simon stood back a little, to allow her a better look in.
Jeanette muttered softly, "Maybe a little bottle of wine?"
Simon looked at her and into the fridge, then back at her, "What?"
Jeanette coughed a little, and spoke a little more boldly "We could share one of those little bottles of wine"
Simon raised both eyebrows.
When he asked if she wanted a drink, he meant something non alcoholic.
"Ok" he managed to stumble out, "Um, red or white?"
Jeanette smiled, "Well, we're having a red pasta sauce...I think you're supposed to have red with red food...I think that's how it works"
Simon picked up two small bottles and presented them to Jeanette, "You pick"
She chose the one in his left hand, mainly because the label looked prettier.
He put the other back in the fridge and looked for wine glasses in the array of cupboards.
After plating up, he placed a dish in front of Jeanette and another for himself and poured a small glass of wine for each of them – which turned out to be half the bottle each, as the bottle was really small.
He smiled and motioned for Jeanette to try her dish first.
She smiled back and twirled some pasta on her fork and took a bite.
It was only simple, but it tasted delicious.
She smiled back, "It's wonderful" she picked up her glass and tilted it slightly towards Simon.
He in turn, picked up his as they chinked their glasses together before taking a sip.
Simon was mildly surprised at the taste of the wine.
It was smooth and flavoursome, but not too overpowering in taste.
He took another sip before beginning his dinner.
Jeanette finished her mouthful and asked, "I wonder what the others are up to?"
The others had managed to find a table in the somewhat crowded bar and decided on sharing a Greek meat platter and a fisherman's basket.
Now they were all sitting waiting for their food.
Steph scoped the room and spun their table buzzer, "I'm surprised there's so many people here"
Alvin scoffed, "Ha, I'm not, look where we are, what else do these people have to do?"
The others laughed as they noticed a small group of old ladies looking and pointing in their direction, smiling and whispering to each other.
Theodore looked at them and waved, smiling.
They giggled and stood up, walking towards them.
Brittany kicked Theodore under the table, "Great now they're coming over"
Theodore reached down and rubbed his leg, "Ow Brittany. What's the big deal?"
Brittany whispered loudly to him as the ladies came closer, "We're on holidays Theodore"
An old lady with a purple rinse smiled as she approached the table, "Oh I am sorry to bother you all, but might I be right in saying you're the Chipmunks?"
Brittany interrupted, a little ticked off "And Chipettes"
Steph added with a smile, and pointed to herself and Alex "And groupies"
Brittany glared at her, which only made Steph smile wider.
Alvin nodded, "You got it ladies, that's us...well two of us, Simon's back at camp"
Purple Rinse didn't seem to notice Steph's comment and continued smiling at the others, "Oh I just knew it" she turned to the other ladies in the group, "It's them, Doris, I said it was"
The one called Doris simply smiled and nodded and chuckled a little.
Alvin smiled tensely and raised his eyebrow at them, "Ok...so was there something you wanted us to do for you lovely ladies this evening?, Autograph? Photo op?"
The group giggled and chuckled to each other.
A lady with thick bottle like glasses perked up, "Oh he is a charmer isn't he?"
Alvin flashed a smile and winked at the ladies.
They giggled again.
Some even clapped happily.
He loved when his ego was boosted.
By any means possible.
Even if it was by little old ladies.
Purple Rinse looked at the other ladies, "We'd love to share a dance with you lovely boys, if that's alright?"
Brittany huffed; Eleanor whispered to her, "They're old ladies Britt, hardly competition"
Brittany rolled her eyes and rested her elbow on the table and placed her head in her hand.
Theodore looked around, "But there's nowhere to dance up here"
Bottle Glasses pointed to a doorway opening into another room where they could faintly hear music playing.
Alvin craned his neck to see and turned to the others and shrugged, "Couldn't hurt I guess" he started to stand, when Brittany pulled him back down and whispered in his ear, "Where are you going? Our dinner will be here soon"
Alvin smiled and winked at her, "Babe, they're old ladies, one dance with each of 'em and we'll be right back, if they last a dance each, look at 'em. And, if the food comes out, save us some" he kissed her on the lips and stood up, "C'mon Theo, strap on your dancin' shoes, we're gonna boogie with these foxy ladies" he winked to the group of ladies.
At that the old ladies all burst into a fit of giggling as Theodore came to join the group; both he and Alvin held out their arms as the ladies linked on and together they all walked towards the dancing hall.
They could hear Alvin turning on the charm, "I just hope we can keep up with you fine ladies on the dance floor"
Purple Rinse smiled, "Oh I think we'll manage, dear" and grabbed onto Alvin's butt.
He jumped a little and laughed nervously, looking back at the others.
Steph gave him two thumbs ups as Alex and Eleanor burst out laughing.
Brittany looked shocked, huffed again and pouted, then banged her fist on the table, "I need a drink"
She glared at Alex, who in turn stopped laughing immediately, stood and clasped his hands, "Ok, what'll you have Brittany?"
Brittany looked in the direction of the bar, still moody, "Something with vodka"
Alex tilted his head in a sideways nod, "I'll get'cha vodka raspberry then"
She waved him off, "Whatever"
Eleanor smiled cheekily, "Can I have a tequila sunrise?" she giggled.
Alex nodded, clearly impressed, "Heading right into the cocktails, way to go Eleanor"
She beamed and giggled again.
He turned to Steph, who was about to open her mouth to say something only to be cut off by Alex, who pointed at her and announced, "And a coke for you"
She looked liked she'd been slapped in the face, "What?"
Alex looked down at her, "Babe, you're still underage, if they found out we'd all be done for" he leant and kissed her on the cheek, "Only 4 more days"
He turned to Eleanor, "What'd u reckon Theo will have?"
Eleanor thought for a moment, "He'll probably just have a coke too" she patted Steph on the arm, "See you're not the only one who's not drinking"
Steph smiled sarcastically, "Oh yippee"
Alex laughed a little, "OK, one vodka raspberry, one tequila sunrise, two cokes and two beers...pretty sure Al will join me in a beer"
He headed off towards the bar.
Brittany looked at the clock on the wall, "The boys have been ages"
Eleanor turned around and then faced Brittany with eyebrows raised and her mouth in a sideways smile, "Britt, it's been like 5 minutes, relax would you?"
Brittany spun a coaster on the table, "Stupid old ladies, hussying in on my man"
Steph had to laugh, "I think they're hardly the 'hussying' type, Britt. Besides you're just pissed they didn't recognise you"
Brittany opened her mouth to speak then shut it again and continued to pout.
Steph laughed and threw a sugar packet at her, "Ha! I knew it"
Eleanor tried comforting Brittany, "Like I said, they're old ladies, Britt. The guys have a wider fan base than us, you've always known that. They're harmless"
Steph scoped the room, "Want me to wrangle some old men to take their fancy on you? Even the score?"
Brittany looked horrified, "Ew! No" she shook her head, "Oh that's gross Steph, and creepy"
Steph laughed, "See, no biggie then, quit freaking out and let them have some fun"
Brittany let out a sigh and turned back to playing with the table buzzer.
Simon and Jeanette, meanwhile, had finished their meal and were happily snuggled on the lounge with another glass of wine.
They'd already drunk 2 of the small bottles of wine and were onto the third.
Simon had turned the radio on and found a station of mellow jazz.
He felt so sophisticated and grown up lounging with Jeanette and sipping on wine.
Jeanette too enjoyed the moment, albeit feeling a little light headed from the wine (she realised she was probably going to be one of those lightweights when it came to alcohol, then again she probably wouldn't drink all that often).
She rested her head on Simon's shoulder and sighed contently.
He looked down at her and stroked her hair, brushing her cheek and lifting her chin up to kiss her.
They looked into each other's eyes and Simon felt a sudden urge to want to kiss Jeanette constantly, forever.
Simon coughed to clear his throat, "Should we, um, take this to a more comfortable place?"
Jeanette looked to the rear of the RV and back at Simon, "In there?"
Simon nodded, "Well yeah, these aren't exactly the most comfortable seats to sit on"
He stood and held his hand out, waiting for Jeanette to accept.
She held her hand out hesitantly, looking at the small room, then looked back at Simon.
He gave her a reassuring smile, and she placed her hand in his as he helped her up and lead her to the rear bedroom.
Alvin was impressed.
And a little worn out.
Not only were these old ladies fun to be with, they were pretty good dancers too.
And totally full of energy.
Mind you, most of the music playing was old time jives and such, but they had a fast paced beat.
At first he and Theodore simply thought it'd be gentlemanly of them to simply waltz round with them.
But these old grandma's were keen to kick it up.
And soon they found themselves trying to keep up with them all.
It didn't help that they got to rest while the guys had to dance constantly non stop for a set of songs.
After yet another fast paced jive, Alvin found himself panting for breath.
Theodore came over, clearly out of breath too, "Can we...can we go...?" he stopped and leant down on his knees.
"Go back?" he panted out, finishing Theodore's sentence, he nodded, "Yeah, I think that'd be a good idea, I'm totally stuffed"
They turned to their group of grandma's and thanked them for the dances.
Purple Rinse asked, "Oh I do hope we didn't wear you out too much, boys. We are the jive dance champions for the over 50s, and have been 4 years running"
Alvin looked at them and thought, "Freakin' hell", took a breath then announced confidently, "Oh no ladies, pleasure was ours" he held her by the hand and kissed it before starting on the others, who all laughed and again commented on what a charmer Alvin was.
Theodore simply smiled and waved shyly at the group before heading back with Alvin to their table.
Alvin wrapped his arm round Theodore's shoulders, "Man I hope our food is ready"
Theodore smiled and his eyes lit up, "I've certainly built an appetite"
They smiled as they walked back to the table, where the others had made a start on their dinner; Alvin held his arms up triumphantly, "We are the dancing champs!" and slid into his chair next to Brittany.
He reached for a handful of chips and glided his arm round Brittany's shoulder, but she pushed him away, "Ugh! You reek!"
Alvin sniffed his armpits and made a face, "Yeah well you would too if you just performed 5 jives in a row with a bunch of championship grandmas"
Alex raised his glass to Alvin and Theodore and smiled, "That's impressive" he took a swig, and reached for a prawn cocktail.
Alvin smiled, "I'll drink to that" he saw the beer in front of him and skulled half of it, wiping his mouth on his arm, "Mmm, not bad" and let out a loud belch, "Whoops"
Eleanor sipped on her cocktail and pulled a piece of lamb of a skewer with her teeth.
As she was munching she said, "Wonder what Simon and Jeanette are up to?"
Alvin laughed and grabbed a lamb cutlet, "Ha, probably talking about science or stars or some sh*t like that"
Simon and Jeanette were not discussing the constellations.
Or science.
Or English literature.
In fact they weren't talking at all.
Since leading Jeanette to the bedroom, Simon had taken the liberty of being a gentleman, by making her feel safe and comfortable.
They started by sitting on the edge of the bed, kissing; Simon cradling Jeanette's head in one hand, and his hand placed next to her hip and thigh on the bed.
Jeanette had one hand resting on Simon's chest, the other she placed on his shoulder.
Now things had become a little more heated, and Simon and Jeanette found themselves lying side by side on the bed.
They were both still fully clothed, (well Jeanette had taken her jacket off), and happily planned on keeping things that way.
However this was definitely a massive jump up the bases for both of them.
Jeanette was on her back, as Simon was lying on his side, propping himself up with his elbow.
He ran his hands over her hips and side; she giggled a little and looked into his eyes.
Simon couldn't help but think, "Who's Captain Dark Ages now, Alvin?"
He smiled at the thought, and brushed Jeanette's hair from her face before leaning down to kiss her again.
She closed her eyes and kissed him back.
Then something happened she was not expecting.
Simon flicked his tongue in her mouth, even so slightly.
Jeanette had never French kissed before.
She didn't know what to do.
She didn't know where Simon had picked this up from either.
She opened her eyes and pulled away slightly.
Simon stopped and lifted his head.
He blushed a little, "I, I'm sorry" he stammered out.
Now he felt embarrassed for pulling such a bold move on Jeanette.
He looked down at Jeanette.
She looked a little taken back.
He sighed and helped sit her up, adjusting his glasses.
Simon turned and looked at her, waiting for her to say something.
When she didn't, he felt the awkwardness of the moment and looked away, managing to stammer out, "Jeanette, I'm sorry, I didn't mean...I just thought...I mean the moment was there and-"
He was stopped by Jeanette planting another kiss on him, knocking him backwards.
Although a little surprised it took him no time to relax and start kissing her back with passion.
He even found himself running his hands, carefully, over her back and up and down her arms.
Simon made the mental decision he'd keep things above the belt.
That's what a gentleman would do right?
They were both enjoying each other's company neither were worried if the others were late home now.
After finishing their dinner, and Alvin and Alex downing another two beers each, and discussed everything from past crazy antics to different movies and music, the group looked at the time and noticed it was nearing midnight.
Alvin checked his phone.
No missed calls.
No messages.
"Guess Simon isn't missing us then" he said to the others, putting his phone back in his pocket.
Steph shrugged and a smile crept over her face, "Hey what if Simon and Jeanette are getting busy? Or moving onto second base at least?"
Eleanor flicked her, "Steph, really?" she took a sip of the last of her cocktail and giggled, "This is Simon and Jeanette we're talking about, not those two" she nodded towards Alvin and Brittany.
Alvin smiled proudly as Brittany tried hiding her face a little.
Theodore stood and asked, "Should we head back now then?"
They all nodded and started gathering their things and standing up, til Steph piped up, "What about my Bingo game?"
Alex looked at the clock again, "Pretty sure that's well and truly over Steph"
She looked a little down as Alex wrapped his arm round her waist, "But you had fun anyway didn't'cha?"
She smiled a little, "Yeah I did...especially seeing that old lady grab Alvin's ass!"
The other's laughed (even Brittany gave a giggle) as Alvin turned and stuck his butt out a little, "Can I help it if my ass is just so grabable?"
He stared shaking it around as Steph came behind him and started bumping and slapping his butt.
Alex grabbed Steph and pulled her away, "Geez maybe we should never give you alcohol, you don't need it" he laughed.
Steph laughed and hugged him round the waist.
They all walked out the bar, saying goodbye to random patrons who waved to them, and headed back to the RV site.
Jeanette was sitting over Simon, playfully holding his head and kissing him as if her life depended on it.
Simon was actually surprised how much he was enjoying himself, and the fact that Jeanette was being bold.
Suddenly she stopped and sat upright.
Simon adjusted his glasses, breathed in deep and sat up on his elbows, "What's the matter?"
Jeanette looked over her shoulder and strained her ears to listen, "Shhh!"
Simon held his breath.
Then they both heard the distinct laughter of Steph and Eleanor.
"They're back!" Jeanette whispered loudly, she was clearly panicked about being busted, and rushed to put her jacket back on.
They both quickly got off the bed and started checking themselves in the mirror to make sure their hair was tidy and clothes not askew.
Then they rushed out and quickly sat around the dining table; Simon grabbed a science journal while Jeanette flicked to a new crossword puzzle, just as the RV door opened.
Theodore and Eleanor stepped inside, as the other's poked their heads in.
"Oh hey!" Simon said, a little too enthusiastically.
He cleared his throat and tried again a little calmer, "Hey"
Theodore smiled and sat on the lounge, "We thought you might've been asleep already"
Eleanor added, "Yeah, but when we saw the light on, we were surprised you're still up"
Alvin scoped the kitchen and noticed the three small wine bottles.
He raised his eyebrow and stepped into the RV, arms folded, "Had a little party of your own then?"
Simon looked at the bottles and went a little pink in the cheeks.
He'd forgotten to tidy up before he and Jeanette headed into the room.
Alvin squinted his eyes a little and smiled wickedly and stepped over to Jeanette, holding the shoulder of her jacket, "Number one rule Jeanette, make sure your clothes aren't inside out before putting them on; Busted"
Simon went a deeper shade of pink and his eyes widened.
Jeanette just buried her face in her hands.
Alvin laughed, "I guess wine brings out the animal in you, eh Simon?"
The others laughed a little as Simon rolled his eyes, "We were just making out, unlike you guys" he motioned towards Alvin and Brittany, Alex and Steph.
Steph called out, "Second base! Good job guys!" and then she and Alex headed back to their RV.
Simon looked apologetically at Jeanette, then lowered his eyebrows at Alvin and stood up, pushing Alvin out of the RV, "Goodnight Alvin".
Alvin winked and saluted Simon, "Sweet dreams Si" he laughed and wrapped his arm round Brittany walking back to their RV.
After closing the door, Theodore asked, "Soo...good night then?"
Jeanette let out a sigh and excused herself to the back room.
Eleanor gave a motherly smile and followed her, closing the door behind her.
Simon looked to the rear of the RV and back at Theodore, "Yes" he replied, "Until Alvin opened his big fat mouth" there was that certain tone of frustration in Simon's voice.
Theodore, ever the innocent, smiled and patted Simon on the back, stood and helped clear the table, "Oh Simon, you Alvin's just stirring"
Simon snorted, "Yeah that's the problem" and began filling the sink with water.
He looked at the bedroom door again, "He just says whatever, without thinking about the consequences" he sighed and looked at Theodore, "Why must Alvin make something that should be private and romantic into a joke and embarrassment?"
Theodore shrugged.
He genuinely didn't have an answer.
Simon sighed and put his head in his hand, "Maybe I should check to see if Jeanette's alright"
Theodore put his hand on Simon's shoulder, "I think she'll be ok, just let her sleep on it"
Simon nodded and started washing up.
In the bedroom Jeanette sat on the bed flustered.
Eleanor came in shortly after, "Jeanette? You ok?"
Jeanette looked at Eleanor, and sighed a little, "Oh I'm fine...I'll be fine anyway"
Eleanor sat on the bed next to Jeanette, "Just ignore Alvin; he's being a bit of an ass"
Jeanette smirked a little, "Being?"
This made the two girls giggle a little.
Jeanette smiled at her sister, "Thanks Ellie" she stopped smiling and looked into her lap, "I just feel so embarrassed"
Eleanor shrugged, "Why? You didn't do anything wrong. You and Simon were just expressing your love for each other. What's so wrong about that? Besides by tomorrow, something else will occupy Alvin's tiny mind. Just shine a laser on the ground, that outta do it" she smiled and winked.
Jeanette looked up and gave a tiny smile and gave a small laugh, "Thanks again"
She breathed out and stood up, "I take it we're sharing a bed then?"
Eleanor smiled, "Yeah, unless you want to share with Simon?"
Jeanette shook her head, "No, no, this will be fine" she opened the door and poked her head out, "Um, Ellie and are turning in, night"
Simon turned and walked up to her, he held her face in his palms and kisses her softly, "I am sorry for what Alvin said, I'll talk to him"
Jeanette shook her head, "Simon, I'm fine...he's just being...Alvin" she tried to laugh.
Simon smiled at her and kissed her again, "Ok, well good night then, sweet dreams"
She lowered her lashes and smiled, "You too" and stepped back into the room.
Eleanor came out and trotted happily up to Theodore, wrapping her arms round his neck and giving him a big playful kiss on his cheeks, nose and lips, "Night night my Teddy", she tickled him in his ribs.
Theodore giggled and swatted her away playfully, "Night my Ellie-Bean" his kissed her on her nose and blew a kiss as she wandered back to the bedroom.
Simon couldn't help but smile at the cuteness his brother portrayed with his girlfriend.
He looked at the dining table and then at the bed above the cab, "You want the top or bottom bunk?"
Back over in 'Hot Stuff', Alvin, Alex and Steph were all sitting round the dining table chatting while Brittany was in the back room getting ready for bed.
"Cannot believe Simon would sneak about like that" Alvin kept saying.
Alex lifted a coke to his mouth, "They were hardly sneaking, I reckon they were just embarrassed about being caught out. They're not really the PDA type of couple ya know" he took a mouthful and wiped his mouth on the back of his hand.
Alvin nodded, "Yeah I know that...but Jeanette, and her jacket? Little suspicious" his voice rose at the end playfully.
Steph slapped her hand on the table, "It's pretty hot back there"
Alvin wiggled his eyebrows up and down, "Yeah I know"
Steph reached over and slapped him, "No, ya tool. I meant temp wise, unless you have the window open, it gets stuffy in the back"
Alex nodded, "Yeah, I reckon they were just having a heavy make out session, lost track of time and didn't wanna be caught out"
Brittany came out from the bedroom in her satin robe brushing her hair, "Oh please, can we quit talking about my sister like that? Geez, so they made out, big whoop, yay for them I say"
Alvin looked at her, "What got your panties in such a twist?"
Brittany frowned at him, and stood inches from his face, "You!"
Alvin flashed his famous smile at her, "Really?", he leant forward, intrigued.
She flicked his nose, "Not in a good way, Alvin"
He held his hands up defensively and smiled at her, "Aw c'mon Britt, a bit of fun that's all"
She rolled her eyes and walked back towards the bedroom, "Not fun when you embarrass my sister like that" she turned on her heel and stomped towards him, Alvin pushed himself back on the seat as she inched closer, "You better apologise for being such an ass first thing tomorrow"
He looked at her and frowned, admitting defeat, "Fine" he muttered.
Brittany smiled, "Good boy" then looked at Steph, "Wanna get changed in the bedroom?"
Steph shook her head and stood up, "Nah out here is fine"
She took off her shirt, leaving her singlet on and reached up her back and unclasped her bra.
She pulled it out from the front and threw it on the lounge, then kicked her shoes off and took her shorts off, "Ta-da!"
She was left standing in her singlet and a pair of cheeky panties, "All ready for bed" she turned and started climbing up the over cab bed, rolling onto it and lying on her stomach when she got there.
The guys were speechless.
Alvin looked at the pair of shorts on the ground and back at Steph.
He then turned to Brittany and said, "Well unless you can fill my head with another image" he nodded back towards Steph, "That's the image I'll be dreaming of tonight"
Alex reached over and punched him, "Dude!"
Alvin looked at him, then threw his arm in Steph's direction, "Blame her! I'm a guy, I see boob and ass, whaddya think I'm gonna think of?"
Alex looked at Steph, who simply gave a small wave while showing off her plunging cleavage, "Hi ya"
Alex rolled his eyes, "At least put a pillow there to cover up"
She laughed and snatched a pillow and stuffed it under her and leant on it, "So I'm up here, Britt's down there...where you guys going?"
Alvin and Alex looked at each other and back at their own girlfriends.
Brittany rolled her eyes and smiled a little, "Come on then"
Steph patted a spot next to her, "Room for two"
Alvin and Alex exchanged a smile and a high five and slipped out the booth seats and went in the opposite direction to one another.