Chapter Two

Dave woke everyone early the following morning by singing happy birthday.

"No offense Dave, but you don't sing that good."

"I know, Simon. Now come on! It's your birthday. I have gifts for you."

The chipmunks rushed out of their bedroom where three presents waited them.

"Uh, Dave? Where are Simon and Theodore's presents?" Alvin laughed.

"Relax, Alvin. You get the red box, Simon gets the blue and Theodore gets the green."

Theodore held onto Eleanor's hand and walked over to his gift.

"Would you like to help me open it, Eleanor?"

Together, they tore into the shiny paper revealing a small box. Theo opened the box and gasped.

"Is it… it is! Seasons one through four of Meerkat Manor! Thanks Dave! Come on, Eleanor. Let's go watch it!"

The duo ran toward the tv while Alvin was just opening his gift. He stared at Dave and then back at Brittney.

"Oh yeah! The best racing game to ever hit the gaming world. You are awesome, Dave. Come on, Britt. Betcha I can beat you to the finish line!"

"Oh… It is SO on, Alvin. We can use the tv in our room. Come on!"

Simon hung his head low, staring at the floor.

"Simon, is something wrong? Why are you not opening your gift?"

"I don't know. I just don't get too excited about birthdays, it seems. Sorry, Dave."

"That's okay. At least open your present."

Simon began unwrapping his gift while Jeanette watched. Simon was amazed to find not only a new pair of glasses, but two complete outfits and a new computer dictionary, encyclopedia and thesaurus.

"Dave, you know me too well. It is perfect!"

"Go on, and try those new glasses on. I wanna see how you look in them." Commented Jeanette.

Simon removed his old glasses and placed his new ones on.

"Wow… I can see twice as good now. Jeanette. Do you always look that… hot?"

"Simon!"

"What? She does, Dave. Now let's get that new shirt on."

Simon removed his shirt and slipped one of the new ones on. Jeanette commented him, while Simon was busy taking care of his new things. Simon went over to the computer and took a look at his new gifts.

"This is amazing. I'm going to learn so much with this!" Simon said, clicking through pages of text on the screen.

Jeanette sighed contently as she rested her head on Simon's shoulder and stared at the computer scree.

"So, how do you like your gifts? I helped Dave pick out the glasses."

"You did a good job, Jeanette. I love you."

"Aww…. I love you too, Simon."

Simon leaned closer to Jeanette as she continued staring at the screen. Simon stared at Jeanette and puckered his lips. Not noticing Simon, Jeanette jumped from the chair and ran from the room.

"Damn it! I was so close!" Simon shouted.

He jumped from the chair and headed toward where Alvin and Brittney were still playing games. He sulked on the corner of his bed, getting Brittney's attention. She walked over to Simon, who was on the edge of crying.

"Simon? What's wrong?"

"Jeanette. She's ignoring me."

"Oh Simon. She's not ignoring you. She loves you so much."

"She should at least let me kiss her, then. I mean, come on! It's harmless."

"I know, Simon. Maybe that's why she's in the bathroom right now putting on her new outfit…oops. That was supposed to be a surprise."

"New outfit? What's it look like?"

Brittney placed her hand over her mouth and joined Alvin again. Simon sat up and started to picture what Jeanette's new outfit looked like and what it might mean for them.

Simon heard a knock at the door as Jeanette entered the room. Simon's eyes grew in surprise as Jeanette walked in. She was wearing a blue sequin dress along with shoes that shined as well. Her hair was combed and straight, with her tail nice and bouncy.

"Uhhh…. Do I know you?"

"It's me, silly."

Alvin elbowed Brittney and pointed to the door. Together they ran for the door and closed it.

"Sorry for running away earlier. It was wrong."

"No, it was worth it. You look great. Now come over here and sit next to me, would you?"

Jeanette nodded and took a seat on Simon's bed. Jeanette grabbed hold of Simon's hand and again rested her head onto his shoulder. Jeanette reached around and placed her hand on Simon's back. Simon didn't react. He had been here before: getting ready for a kiss yet being denied so many times. As Jeanette removed her glasses so did Simon. 'this is new' he thought. She smiled and winked, and puckered her lips.

'This is it… don't mess it up, Simon.' He thought as he leaned in, and locked lips with Jeanette….