The Unexpected

Chapter 6

XOXOXOXOXO

Author's Note: Good lord, ha ha. FINALLY.

And I'm more than likely adding a few extra chapters. I know I kept saying I was going to write 6-7 chapters, but I agree with Cenicis1275! I don't think something like this will be easy for Theodore to get through, and will take time. So, I might add this story up to nine chapters instead!

Oh, and I DO take your reviews into consideration. I might not reply most of the time, because I don't want to clog up inboxes with "thank-yous"! But you know I love you guys~ :D

Hopefully Eleanor can help Theodore out, or at least help him deal with his bros.

XOXOXOXOXO

The cool evening air was a welcome sensation. He watched a couple of small children play with a ball as their parents watched them from their place at a picnic table. The brother was going easy on his little sister, who seemed to be only a toddler.

A small smile pulled at his lips.

Reminds me of the times Simon and Alvin had to take care of me when we lived in the forest, he thought with a small chuckle.

His smile soon gave way to a frown. But that's all in the past now, isn't it?

"Theodore?"

There was no need to turn around: he could tell just by the sound of the voice that it was Eleanor. She must have followed him all the way to the park from home.

Although he had only planned to go to his room after the fight with his brothers, he soon felt he could not handle even staying in the same house as them. However, he learned not too long ago that running away was a reckless and dangerous idea. He had no plans to leave his family. But, for now, he would rather not look at his brother's faces.

But he had no intention of worrying poor Eleanor. She was likely the only one genuinely worried for him, and rushing out like that without giving her a chance to talk was rude.

"Hey, Ellie," he said, not looking up from his hands. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to leave you behind."

"It's okay, I know you didn't mean to," Eleanor said softly, hopping onto the bench and settling beside him. She hesitated for a moment before gently resting her hand over his. "Are you okay?"

"I – no," Theodore started, giving her hand a firm squeeze. "I'm so mad I can barely see straight. How could they blow me off like that? I mean, I can understand if something came up and we just had to put it off," Theodore went on, shrugging. "That wouldn't have been a big deal. But they threw me off for Ryan. Ryan. I'm their brother, for god's sake!"

"I know, I know," Eleanor said soothingly, rubbing his arm. "It wasn't right."

"What if I had done that to them? Simon would have given me an hour-long lecture, and Alvin would have never let me forget it," Theodore continued, scowling. "But if they do it to me, I should just get over it?"

Eleanor nodded silently, letting him vent his emotions.

"And it's not just this," Theodore said, taking a deep breath. "I've noticed things. Like when I wanted to sing a particular song. Dave lets them pick their own, no problem. But when it comes to me, I'm not allowed to pick and get handed some song Simon originally chose. What, am I not mature enough to pick my own songs? It's not fair."

"Well, maybe Dave was just looking out for you," Eleanor reasoned. "I can see why you're mad, though. But maybe he doesn't want you to get in over your head."

"Maybe," Theodore said reluctantly. "But it just doesn't seem that way..."

The two sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the other visitors of the park. Theodore had calmed down significantly, now in deep thought. Maybe... maybe he had overreacted. What if he was totally blowing this whole thing out of proportion?

No, he thought, shaking his head. They broke their promise, even after promising many times. I'm not going to let them off that easily. I'm tired of always being a soft touch.

"Eleanor?"

"Yes, Theodore?" Eleanor replied, looking up at him.

"Do you think that... we're growing up?" Theodore said slowly, not sure how to put his thoughts into words.

Eleanor tilted her head, confused. "Growing up?"

"Yeah. I remembered what Alvin said, about them going out more. What if that's just... something I have to accept?" Theodore said, sighing. "Maybe we're not going to be a team forever."

"I don't know, Theo," Eleanor said, twitching her tail sadly. "I don't want you all to split apart. Maybe they just don't know how to divide their time between their friends and you yet."

"Well, maybe that's bound to happen," Theodore said, shrugging. "I mean, maybe Alvin has a point... somewhat. They were both wrong for what they did... but maybe I should also realize that we're going to grow apart as the years go by."

"I don't like that," Eleanor said sadly. "Does that mean Brittany, Jeanette and I won't be as close one day?"

He glanced over at Eleanor. To his surprise, tears were in her bright-green eyes.

Great, he thought. Good going! I made her cry...

"Eleanor, I'm sorry," Theodore said, hugging her tight. "I didn't mean it like that. Maybe I'm wrong. Just because that might happen to me and my brothers, it doesn't mean it'll happen between you guys. I'm just a bit mad, that's all."

Eleanor squeezed him back. "I know, Theo. I know."

"I guess I have some growing up of my own to do," Theodore said, voicing his thoughts. "Maybe next time it won't be so hard to deal with. I don't like it at all."

"You don't have to distance yourself," Eleanor said, giving his arm a squeeze.

"If I don't, how do I know I won't get hurt again? I'd rather that than go through this again," Theodore said, frustrated.

What was he supposed to do? Move on and pretend that he wasn't hurt? Or, everytime he did get hurt, get over it? That might have been something he did in the past, but he was losing his grip on the situation. At this point, he refused to let things slide the way things were.

"Lean on me."

"What?" Theodore said, raising a brow. "What do you mean?"

"If you can't rely on them, rely on me," Eleanor said. "You can't go without someone to help you. Everyone feels sad or angry sometimes, and it's not healthy to keep it bottled up. You'll break down," she said. For some strange reason, it sounded like she knew this from personal experience. "You need someone to confide in. If that person can't be your brothers, then you can lean on me. And I can lean on you in return."

Theodore didn't reply. How did he know that she wouldn't do the same thing? He never dreamed his own family would start to leave him behind. How could he be sure someone outside of that circle wouldn't do the same? He didn't think he could ever put his faith into someone like that and take the inevitable hurt again.

"How do I know you won't hurt me?" he said softly. "You could always leave me one day. Or get bored. Or have something better to do," he said with a sigh. "It wouldn't be the first time."

Eleanor gently took his face in both hands, slowly turning him to face her. Theodore struggled to keep eye contact. She had never been so close to him before...

"Theo, I promise you, that will never happen," she said firmly. "I'll always be by your side, no matter what. As long as you tell me, I'll always try and help you. I … I..." she paused, gulping. "I... really, truly care about you."

"I care about you too," Theodore said, smiling. "Sorry. This... this is all new to me. I don't mean to doubt you."

"It's new to me too, honestly," Eleanor said with a nervous chuckle. "I don't know really know the 'right' thing to say. I just want you to know how much I lo – er, care about you. Y-Yeah!"

"I know," Theodore said, giving her a knowing smile. "I like you just as much."

Eleanor leaned over and planted a small kiss on his forehead. Theodore's eyes widened at the touch of her lips, his tail frizzing up.

"Good," she said, grinning. "I don't like to see you sad."

"I didn't mean to worry you," Theodore said, gently touching the spot she kissed.

"Well, you did!" Eleanor said, faking indignation. "You're mean!"

"H-Huh?" Theodore stuttered. "I am?"

"Yes!" Eleanor said, suppressing a laugh. "And now you have to make it up to me!"

"How do I do that?" he asked.

"Another date," she said, winking. "After we do our concert next week. Movies, then a walk in the park."

Theodore grinned at her. "Oh, the horror!"

He laughed as she playfully bopped him on the head. "Theo!"

"Okay," Theodore said, kissing her hand. "That sounds great to me."

Eleanor hopped off of the bench, holding out her hand. "Come on."

He hopped down to join her, taking her hand. "I'm not really ready to head back home yet..."

"Oh?" she said, looking around. "It's getting a little late, though..."

He looked up at the sky. Just as Eleanor said, the evening sky was slowly giving way to nightfall. Dave and Claire would worry about him if he stayed out too late, but even that wasn't enough of an incentive for him to go back home just yet. He still didn't want to see his brothers. At this moment, even with Eleanor there to calm him down, he loathed them at the moment.

"You can head on back, if you like," Theodore said. "I think I'll stay out a bit longer."

"But Dave and Claire will be mad if you do," Eleanor said, looking worried as she bit her lower lip.

"I know," Theodore said, wincing. "I know I'll get in trouble, but I honestly can't be bothered right now," he glanced up again, spotting the glow of a few stars. "You better hurry."

Eleanor wrung her hands for a few seconds before shaking her head. "No."

"What? But you'll get in trouble. Go on!" Theodore insisted.

"I'm not leaving you," Eleanor said adamantly, stomping her little foot. "I can take the punishment. I'm a big girl, you know."

A small smile appeared on Theodore's lips. "You're crazy, Ellie."

"That's why you like me," Eleanor giggled, skipping alongside him as they walked along the grass and up the nearest hill. "I told you, I'm not leaving you. Ever."

"Ha, we'll see," Theodore teased. He looked down the hill, watching some of the people from before pack up their belongings and prepare for the trip back home. Only about two or three people were still left. He grinned and looked up at Eleanor. "Hey, wanna race?"

"Oh, say what?" Eleanor laughed. "You think you can beat moi?"

"That's right," Theodore said, puffing out his chest. "Let's do it, little miss."

"Oh, you're on!" Eleanor giggled, poking his chest and watching it deflate at her touch.

Theodore and Eleanor crouched down. Theodore already knew that he wasn't going to win against her, but he wanted to see if he could at least keep up.

"Ready. Set... go!" Eleanor shouted.

Theodore dashed as fast as he could. For a few seconds, he actually passed Eleanor as they made their way towards the base of the hill!

Wow, looks like all that exercising really did pay off! Theodore thought, awe-struck. I'm actually winning a race for once!

However, his advantage over her didn't last for long as she soon caught up with him before putting more and more distance between them. Theodore tried his best to regain victory but his body betrayed him.

Eleanor easily made it to the base of the hill a few seconds before her counterpart, with Theodore panting heavily.

"I won," Eleanor said, bouncing.

"I thought you said you wasn't going to leave me behind," Theodore joked.

Eleanor laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Sore loser! But you were pretty good back there. You're definitely making progress! I'm going to have to watch myself around you if you keep exercising!"

"You really think so?" Theodore asked.

"Of course!" Eleanor said, nodding. "We'll do it together!"

Theodore and Eleanor noticed it had gotten even darker during their race: fireflies were now lightly fluttering around and the soft cry of crickets could be heard not too far off.

"Oh, fireflies!" Eleanor said, dreamily watching the glowing bugs. "I used to love watching them when we lived in the forest."

"So did I," Theodore said. "Have you ever tried catching them before?"

"Catching fireflies?" Eleanor said, looking nervous. "I never was one for bugs. Don't they bite?"

Theodore laughed. "Of course not! Well, at least fireflies don't. Come on, I'll show you!"

Eleanor reluctantly followed Theodore as he chased one of the glittering bugs around. He soon caught up with one and jumped, clasping it between his hands carefully.

"Gotcha!" Theodore said, making sure to not harm it as Eleanor galloped over. "See? Take a look."

"Ohhhh!" Eleanor said, gasping softly as she saw the tiny bug in his hands crawl around. It's wings flittered and it's light flickered in time to the others around them. "It's so pretty!"

"It is, isn't it?" Theodore said, smiling at the captivated look on Eleanor's face. "Would you like to give it a try now?"

"W-Well... okay!" Eleanor said uncertainly. "I don't want to hurt the poor things..."

"Don't worry, I'm sure you won't," Theodore said, waving the notion aside. "You're the most gentle chipmunk I've ever known."

"You really think so?" Eleanor asked with a small smile. "Alright, I'll give it a try."

Theodore watched as she scurried after another firefly and clasped it in her tiny hands. After checking to make sure it was unharmed, she hurried back with an excited smile.

"Look! Look, I did it!" she squeaked, jumping up and down in excitement.

"I knew you could," Theodore said, giving her a high five. "Nothing to worry about!"

Eleanor carefully released her tiny captive, watching it flutter around her head. "They're so pretty.. I can't believe I was so scared of them."

Theodore let one of them rest on the tip of his finger. "Oh, yeah, they're harmless. We should catch a lot of them and put them in a jar."

A large, burly owl perched a little ways away, startling the couple out of their conversation. It's large, eerie yellow eyes stared down at them, looking as if he was prepared to strike at any moment.

"Let's go," Theodore said, gulping nervously. He may have grown accustomed to living with humans, and heck, living like one, but his instincts and basic survival skills hadn't left him. "It's later than I thought."

"Good idea," Eleanor said, following him as they quickly ducked for cover and eventually left the park.

Fortunately, there was no other predators on the path home. Theodore stopped in front of the doorway, nervous. He could only imagine the worry and anger Dave and Claire were experiencing waiting for Theodore and Eleanor to get back home.

"I know we're in for it now," Theodore said, grinning at her. "You ready?"

"Of course," Eleanor said. "We're in the same boat, after all."

Theodore and Eleanor jumped through the mail slot and was shocked to see the family grouped together in the living room. Dave heard them land inside the hallway and immediately ran over to them.

"Thank God, you two are alright," Dave said, his hand over his heart. "What were you two thinking? We were worried sick about you!"

"We're sorry, Dave," Theodore said, looking down. "We didn't mean to."

"Yeah," Eleanor said, twitching her nose sadly. "We just went out for a walk, that's all."

"That's no excuse!" Dave snapped.

Claire gave Dave's hand a squeeze. "Hold on, Dave. Don't get too angry."

"You're right, I know," Dave sighed, rubbing his temple. "You two better not ever give me a scare like that again. You're both grounded for two weeks."

Theodore winced, as did Eleanor. They both glanced over at each other before saying, "Yes, Dave."

"Now, you two get to bed," Dave said, folding his arms. "All of you."

"But we haven't eaten dinner yet," Theodore said.

"I know," Dave said, raising and eyebrow. "And?"

"Nevermind," Theodore mumbled, hurriedly running up the stairs with Eleanor hot on his heels.

"And no talking, go straight to bed," Dave yelled after them. "I might come up with a bigger punishment if you run your mouth."

As usual, Alvin dismissed what Dave said and walked up to Theodore. However, he did keep his voice down. "Theo, can we talk?"

"No," Theodore said flatly. "I'm tired."

Simon came to his other side, resting a hand on his shoulder. "We know you're upset, Theodore, but we really need to talk this out."

"I don't want to talk it out right now," Theodore said, glaring up at him. "I just want to be left alone. Can't you two give me that?"

"A-Alright," Alvin said, letting him go ahead of them. "Sure, bro. We'll talk about it tomorrow, okay?"

Theodore didn't respond. Maybe they thought that things would magically fix itself in the morning?

No.

Something like this wasn't going to go away so easily. He was going to make sure of that.

XOXOXOXOXO

Author's Note: Wow, I had to keep redoing this chapter. I just kept having trouble with the flow of it. XD

Thanks for reading!