"Hi." Jeanette opened the door with a warm smile for Simon. He couldn't help but smile back.
"Hi." For a moment they forgot all about Alvin standing beside Simon until he jabbed his brother sharply in the ribs. Jeanette transferred her smile to him.
"Hi Alvin. Come on in." As Alvin brushed past them Jeanette reached out a hand and entwined her fingers with Simon's.
"Where's Brittany?" Simon rolled his eyes.
"Remember what we said Alvin. You're meant to be showing her you're sorry… not demanding her apology."
"Right, right. I know that." He took a deep breath. "Jeanette? May I please speak to Brittany?"
"I'll go get her." As she headed out of the room Simon reluctantly let her fingers go and followed her with his eyes.
"This better work," Alvin muttered.
"Look, you want Brittany back right?" Alvin shuffled awkwardly.
"Yes."
"Then you have to apologise. Stop arguing over whose fault it was."
"OK. Alright." The sound of Brittany stomping downstairs interrupted them.
"What do you want?" Simon suddenly admired his brother's courage. He couldn't help but back away from Brittany's angry glare.
"I'll just leave you two…" From the doorway he mouthed 'apologise' at Alvin.
Alone with Brittany Alvin took a deep breath.
"Look, I'm sorry I upset you…"
"Upset me? You humiliated me!"
"I didn't mean to! I just… wanted everyone to know…"
"What a stud you are?" She smirked. "Kind of back fired didn't it?" He took another calming breath, determined to keep his cool.
"It wasn't like that."
"Oh? So you told everyone you scored… why?"
"I wanted everyone to know you were my girl."
"Your girl? What am I? A trophy?"
"I didn't mean it like that."
"Well I've got news for you mister," she poked him in the chest. "I'm not your girl anymore."
"Brittany," Alvin pleaded. "I'm trying to apologise."
"Too late for that. I've found someone else." Alvin was shocked into momentary silence.
"Someone else?" Brittany smiled smugly. "But we're perfect for each other!"
"Why?" she demanded. "Because we're both lead singers? Because our brothers and sisters have paired off?"
"No. Because…" Alvin's voice faltered. How could he explain what he could only feel?
"Well, it's too late anyway. I'm going out with Duke now."
"Duke? But he's a biker!"
"Yeah but he's better than you!" She turned on her heel and stormed out.
For a moment Alvin stood alone and silent. When Simon and Jeanette reappeared he was looking unusually pensive.
"We heard how it went, Alvin," Jeanette said in her soft voice. "I'm really sorry." Alvin smiled at her, strangely grateful for her sympathy. Suddenly his eyes lit up as he got an idea.
"Alvin." Simon's voice held a note of caution as he recognized the look in his brother's eyes. "You're not going to do anything stupid are you?"
"Stupid? Like what?"
"Like trying to compete with Duke or something." Alvin grinned.
"No. No, I'm not. I've had a much better idea. I'll show Brittany I'm reformed. From here on it'll be a new and improved Alvin."
Simon and Jeanette shared a worried glance.