Pain of the Heart
Simon watched as doctors and nurses tended to his brother. Although they had all sustained minor cuts and bruises, Alvin was by far in the worst shape. Eleanor had had her head checked and Simon's bullet wound had been sterilized and patched up. The wound was actually very clean, and the bullet hadn't hit anything major, it had simply gone straight through cartilage. It was now getting dark again. Alvin had been in the hospital most of the day, having his arm placed into a proper caste, having his wounds sterilized and cleaned, and having his back bruises thoroughly checked. He had needles jabbed into him and x-rays done on him. He had struggled through it all, demanding that they leave and find Brittany. He had put on such a fight that the doctors had actually had to sedate him so they could do their jobs.
Simon looked to the left of the waiting room he was sitting in. Eleanor and Theodore were snuggled together on a chair sleeping. Dave and Miss Miller were sitting further along, both nervous but waiting patiently for Alvin. Simon felt something wriggle next to him and he let out a happy sigh. Curled up next to him was Jeanette. Her head was resting in his lap and she had her arms around him. Simon looked down at the beauty in front of him. She was absolutely perfect in every way. Simon loved every feature about Jeanette, the way she always pushed her glasses up her nose, the way her hair was always in a messy bun, leaving a few of her brunettes strands to hang about her face delicately, he loved the way she dressed so simply, like himself, with just a dark blue sweater and a royal purple skirt, but most of all he loved her glistening emerald eyes. No matter how unhappy or sad he was, one glance of those sparkling jewels and his day was always brightened. Simon started to gently stroke her hair as she lay on him. Slowly a smile appeared on her face, but she remained asleep. Simon looked at her lovingly. Despite the terrible events unfolding on them and how bad he felt for Brittany, and Alvin, he knew that deep in his heart, he had finally found true happiness.
"Mr. Seville, we have completed the tests on your son, and he has regained consciousness. You may see him if you wish" A doctor said poking his head out of Alvin's room. Dave let out a sigh. Dave and Miss Miller carefully picked up Eleanor and Theodore careful not to wake them, and proceeded into Alvin's room.
"Jeanette, it's time to wake up" Simon whispered into her ear. Slowly Jeanette's eyes opened, and Simon saw her emerald eyes glisten. She looked up at him smiling at her and she blushed.
"Let's go and see Alvin" she said quietly and the two stood up and entered Alvin's room hand in hand.
Alvin was propped up in a bed. His arm caste was now in a proper sling. The make shift bandages that Simon had provided had been removed and replaced with proper bandages and all the blood that had stained his fur had been washed away. He had some patches on his face to cover some of the cuts that had occurred during his 'interrogation'. Dave and Miss Miller stood to the right of Alvin's bed while Simon and Jeanette stood to the left.
"Are they finally done yet?" Alvin asked irritated. Dave sighed before responding.
"Yes Alvin, they have finished" he said.
"Then let's go find Brittany" Alvin said and began to hop out of the bed until Dave stopped him.
"Alvin, we are going on a flight to Costa Rica in the morning. Until then you are staying in this bed and resting" Dave said firmly, placing his hand on Alvin's shoulder. Alvin glared at him for a moment then obeyed and lay back into the bed.
"Now then, Alvin, do you care to tell me exactly what happened after I left for Europe?" Dave asked lifting an eyebrow. Normally Alvin would have attempted to come up with some kind of excuse or tried to bargain his way out of punishment, but he was too concerned about Brittany to bother trying anything stupid. He just wanted to go and find her before Klaus and Claudia could hurt her. So he explained everything that had happened to them. How they had made the bet with the Chipettes, how they had flown around the world delivering the dolls, how they had been captured by the natives and almost sacrificed, how the Chipettes had come to rescue them, and the rest of the details of the last few days. Throughout the entire explanation no one else spoke. Simon and Jeanette nodded their heads at points to confirm Alvin's story. Dave simply stood still listening to everything being said. As Alvin finished retelling the events Dave let out a sigh.
"Thank you for telling me the truth Alvin" he said after a few minutes. He placed the still asleep Theodore and Eleanor onto the end of Alvin's bed before moving to his eldest son and pulling him into a hug.
"Don't ever do something like this again Alvin" he said, but he did not let go of his son. Alvin said nothing, he just hugged back.
An hour or so later a doctor entered the room. Alvin had been lying in his bed reflecting on the events of the last few days. Theodore and Eleanor were still at the foot of Alvin's bed asleep. They had unconsciously rolled towards each other and were once again snuggling together. Simon and Jeanette had also fallen asleep. They were sitting in a chair to the side of the room, their arms wrapped around each other. Dave and Miss Miller were also sitting in chairs, silent.
"I'm sorry but visiting hours are over, I will need to ask you to leave" the doctor said calmly directing them to the door.
"Thank you doctor" Dave said quietly. He walked over to Alvin.
"We'll come and pick you up first thing in the morning for the flight. I love you" he said and hugged his son.
"I love you too Dave" Alvin said. Dave gently picked up Theodore and Eleanor and waited at the door. Miss Miller said her goodbyes to Alvin, then followed suit with Dave and picked up Simon and Jeanette. The two carried the sleeping chipmunks out of the room, saying a quiet good bye on the way.
Once they had all left the room, the doctor turned off the light s and closed the door. Alvin lay in the bed alone. He covered his face with his hands and began to cry.
"Oh Brittany, I miss you so much. They had better not do anything to you" he sobbed. He continued crying until he fell asleep.
The jet glided down over the tropical beaches of Costa Rica before coming to a landing at a private airfield. Brittany had cried herself to sleep, but the loud noises of the plane landing awoke her.
Well we're here, the tropical beaches of Costa Rica" Claudia said as she stepped from the plane, carrying a sleeping Sophie. The dog would not remain asleep for much longer. Klaus stumbled out of the plane, carrying the once again struggling Brittany.
"Oh for the love of god stop struggling you pathetic rat! No one can help you!" He growled at her, satisfied when she let out a whimper of fear.
"Klaus don't be so loud, you woke up Sophie" Claudia said irritated. Sophie gave out a fake moan, knowing it annoyed Klaus when Claudia defended the dog.
"Great, now I have two annoying fur balls to worry about" he grumbled glaring first at Brittany then the beaming dog. A limo pulled up in front of them. Claudia entered the car while Klaus proceeded to the boot.
"I want to enjoy my ride this time you little runt, so keep quiet or you will regret it!" he hissed at the cowering Brittany before tossing her into the boot and slamming it shut. He laughed as he entered the limo and it drove off towards their private estate. Brittany continued to cry. The ropes binding her arms and legs were starting to hurt and she still could not speak because of the gag.
"Please help me someone!" she screamed in her head. She had been taken away from her friends, from her sisters and from her love. She would never see them again. Soon she wouldn't even be alive. What good was she to Klaus and Claudia? She didn't have the diamonds they wanted and she had no other purpose to fulfill. She was probably only alive right now because they hadn't the time to finish her off yet. She continued to weep.
"I'm never going to see Alvin again. I'm going to die!"
She continued to cry from her puffy and red eyes when words began to cross her mind. Words that Theodore had told her once that had helped her when she needed it the most.
"Brittany, if there is only one thing that can give you hope, then let it be this, Alvin has always loved you Brittany. My brother, your sisters and I have always seen it. He used to always challenge you and you would always fight, but he loved you. Whenever you were sad, he was there for you, whenever you were angry at someone, he would always be by your side. If you need something to hope for now, then hope that you and Alvin will be together again, because your hearts are so strong, there is nothing that can keep them apart"
Remembering those words made Brittany smile.
"Theodore is right. I have to keep hope. I will see Alvin again. I will be saved. Klaus and Claudia will be stopped!"
As sad as she was, Brittany now felt strong. She could survive, Alvin would find her and they would be together again.
"Please hurry Alvin. Before it is too late"
As Dave was about exit the hospital he heard a voice calling his name from behind. He turned to see an exhausted doctor approaching him.
"Mr. Seville, I need to speak with you urgently" he said puffing. Dave looked confused but nodded. He mouthed to Miss Miller where he was going and re entered the hospital carrying Theodore and Eleanor with him.
"What is it Doctor?" he asked quietly once they were inside. The doctor looked nervous. Dave followed his stare and saw that the doctor was looking at the chipmunks asleep in his arms.
"It's ok, they're asleep. They can't hear you" he said. What he did not know is that Theodore was not asleep. He had been about to open his eyes and ask what was going on when he had heard the doctor calling. Assuming that it was to be a private conversation he kept his eyes closed and waited patiently to find out what was going on.
"It's about your son Alvin" the doctor said quietly, still a bit nervous.
"What about him? Is something wrong?" Dave asked concerned.
"No, no, his condition hasn't worsened, but…" the doctor looked at the ground. Dave raised an eyebrow and suspicion crept into his voice.
"What is going on doctor?" he asked. The doctor sighed then looked back at him.
"I didn't want to say this in front of him, but it needs to be said. I don't think Alvin should go with you to Costa Rica tomorrow"
Theodore had to use all his might not to gasp when he heard this. Alvin was desperate to find Brittany. He couldn't imagine how distraught he would be if he couldn't help find her.
"But… but doctor, he is desperate to go find Brittany. I can't leave him here" Dave said trying not to be too loud.
"I know he wants to help find that girl, but I am really worried. He has just escaped from a jungle with a broken arm and deep claw wounds from a panther, not to mention being beaten to a bloody pulp by thug. He needs to rest, and frankly I don't think that this is good for his mental state as well" the doctor said, seeming to get past his prier nervousness, resuming an authoritarian tone.
"Mental state? What's wrong with his mental state?" Dave said, this time almost shouting. Theodore was still fighting not to make a sound.
"I don't want to seem cruel Mr. Seville, but the boy just isn't thinking straight. He thinks he can go and save some poor girl from a group of criminals alone. I have a feeling that a lot of his injuries were sustained because of him protecting this girl, and while brave as that may be, it was not logical. These people have guns and have already proven with your other son Simon that they are prepared to use them. I don't want Alvin's life at risk because he won't think things through properly. I frankly don't believe that any of your children should be going on this trip, it should be only the police, but I can't stop you from doing anything. However as a medical practitioner I do have the right to prevent a patient from being released from our care if he is going to place his life in jeopardy. You may do as you want with the others, but I won't let Alvin leave tomorrow" the doctor said firmly.
"B-But he has to go. I can't do that to him. He loves Brittany. You need to let him go tomorrow. I understand what you are saying, and I will do everything in my power to prevent Alvin doing anything stupid, but you can't not let him go" Dave said pleadingly to the doctor.
"I'm sorry Mr. Seville, but it is for Alvin's own good. I can tell him for you in the morning, unless you wish to tell him yourself. With that I must leave you, as I have other patients to tend to" the doctor said before turning to walk away. Dave was about to say something when Theodore leapt from his arms, waking Eleanor in the process.
"How dare you try to do that to my brother!" he yelled. The doctor spun round and gasped. He had wanted to keep this from the ears of the other children.
"Look, I'm only doing what I think is…" he began but Theodore cut him off.
"I don't care. He loves Brittany and he would do anything for her. I know how he feels. If anything happened to Eleanor I would be devastated!" he shouted. Eleanor listened intently. She wasn't exactly sure what was going on, but she had never seen Theodore so angry.
"Look I know he cares for this girl but…" he tried to say before once again being cut off.
"Cares for her! He loves her beyond anything in this world!" Theodore yelled. People were starting to take notice of the shouting and were approaching the scene. The doctor didn't know what to do. He was trying to help Alvin.
"He is only a boy, he doesn't know what love is…" he tried to say but Theodore screamed at him.
"Doesn't know what love is! I am younger than him and I understand it! I love Eleanor more than words can describe! I would do anything for her! Alvin loves Brittany with all his heart! How dare you try to deny his love! I have never seen him so upset in my life! Yet you won't allow him to go and save the one thing he cares about more than anything else! You're a monster!"
Theodore's voice was starting to crack from all his screaming. Dave was speechless. He had never seen Theodore like this in his life. Eleanor was so proud of him. He loved his brother, and he loved her. Theodore had been right. Love did bring out the best in him. Eleanor just wanted to rush to his side and be with him, but they had to resolve this situation first. The doctor was shocked. Never in his life had he had someone lash out at him in such a way.
"I-I-I don't know what to say I…" he stammered.
"What you will say is that you will let my brother leave tomorrow and let him save the love of his life!" Theodore growled. The doctor remained petrified for a moment then slowly nodded his head.
"A-Alright, I w-w-will allow Alvin to leave tomorrow' he said faintly, then walked as fast as he could down the hall and out of sight. Theodore stood still, panting. As the adrenaline rushed from him relaxed his stance and turned back to Dave and Eleanor. Dave's eyes were wide and his jaw was wide open.
"Theodore I… I…" he stuttered. Eleanor jumped out of Dave's arms and rushed to Theodore. She grabbed him and pulled his lips to hers. The kiss was full of passion. Eleanor let out everything she had. Theodore had done something she would never have suspected him to be even capable of. He had defended his brother and admitted how much he truly cared for her. She could never have been prouder of her love. As they broke apart, Theodore started to blush.
"Oh Theodore that was brilliant. I have never seen you so strong and brave before" she whispered and pulled him into a hug, placing her head on his chest. Theodore's blushed turned from a light red to a deep scarlet.
"Yeah I was wasn't I… I told you Eleanor, love brings out the best in me" Theodore giggled. Dave was still speechless. He didn't know what to say. He had never been prouder of his son then he was now. He moved forward and picked up Theodore and held him in his arms.
"I can't believe you just did that for Alvin, Theodore. I am so proud of you" he said as a tear slid down his face.
"Thanks Dave" Theodore said, his blush still not fading. After a moment of embrace, Dave placed Theodore back on the ground.
"Come on you two it very late. We need to rest if we are going to help find Brittany" he said kindly. He started to walk towards the entrance followed by Theodore and Eleanor who walked together, Eleanor's head on Theodore's shoulder, their hands linked.
Well I really enjoyed writing this chapter. Although the situation is still sad, I wanted to write in some more about the relationships to try and lift the mood. I think I did a pretty good job, but that's your call not mine. Will Alvin be able to find Brittany, and what do Klaus and Claudia plan to do with the frightened Chipette? We'll soon find out on the next update! Also if I haven't responded to one of your reviews then I apologize. I haven't really checked in my email since last week. I'm so glad to see people are enjoying the story. The next update will be very soon so keep reading!
