Alvin and the Chipmunks fanfic "Imperfect Castaway"
Chapter 19: Single "Digits"
A/N – This chapter has quite a few religious/faith-based preferences in it. If you are not religious and that makes you uncomfortable, please read along and skip ahead. I do not mean to offend anybody here, only to write a fanfic. Thank you for the wait (four years, haha sorry!) and don't forget to read and review!
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"Places everybody, places!" yelled Barbara the wedding coordinator.
Everyone was soon getting into their respectful positions during the wedding rehearsal. Jake, Brittany, and mostly everyone could not believe that the countdown for the wedding day now approached single digits. It would be approximately one week until the two chipmunks would exchange vows and say their "I do's", and everyone besides them could not be happier.
After a whole month of bickering and disagreements between the two sisters, Brittany and Jake finally decided to hire a wedding coordinator to handle everything leading up to the big day. Brittany trusted her sisters greatly, but the progress the both of them were making was going nowhere. She finally put her trust in a professional, and even though Jeanette and Eleanor took the news very hard they knew it was for the best. They needed to focus greatly on their maid of honor roles anyway.
Jeanette and Eleanor, along with Olivia and Nancy were Brittany's bridesmaids; four people Brittany trusted the most, as well as grew up with most of her life. Jake's groomsmen included Simon as the best man, Theodore, Frankie, and Gavin, Alvin's former teammate and best friend growing up. Even though Jeanette, Eleanor, and Olivia were considered the maids of honor, Jeanette was the head bridesmaid for being the tallest of the Miller's and for pairing up with Simon the best man.
The venue of the event would take place at the First Baptist Church of Hollywood. Even though that was not the church the Seville's and Miller's attended regularly, it was large enough for a wedding. Jake and Brittany decided to invite a little under 500 people to the event, mostly family and really good friends. The entire UCLA Bruins basketball team and coaching staff were invited as well. The entire price of the wedding came in at a little under $13,000, which included a huge reception to follow afterwards with catering from the UCLA culinary school, a live DJ, and a décor that would knock anybody's socks off!
Just then, the bridal party was soon getting into their positions. Everybody was lined up with their respective partner in the foyer of the sanctuary, waiting for the wedding coordinator to call them in.
"It sure was a huge privilege for Jake to make me his best man, what a glorious honor!" proclaimed Simon, who had never been the best man at anybody's wedding before.
A confident Jeanette, with her left arm wrapped around Simon's right arm and a bouquet prop in her right hand, couldn't help but smile.
"It definitely is a wonderful title to have!" Jeanette paused for a moment and mustered up a lot of confidence to continue. "And even if this is only for a day, you'll always be my best man, Si"
Looking into her emerald green eyes, Simon's face turned completely red. This was very noticeable to Jeanette, who couldn't help but to let out a huge grin.
Behind them stood Theodore and Eleanor, who also helped out with the catering. Theo stood there with quite a bit of sweat dripping down his face.
"Okay, you can do this! Just put one foot in front of the other, that's all there is to it." Ellie, also with her arm wrapped around Theo's, tried her best to calm down the chubby chipmunk.
"Relax, Theo! It's only a rehearsal. This is why we're here, to make sure everything goes accordingly", replied Eleanor with a sweet smile on her face.
"You're right!" said a now confident Theodore. "Besides, whatever could go wrong?"
"Mmm, a lot of things actually if you think about it: one of the bridesmaids could trip, fall, and get injured along with her partner; the best man and maid of honor could forget the rings; or the culinary school could put too much of their special ingredients in the steak, vegetables, and desserts, giving everybody food poisoning."
Theodore let out a huge gulp and was now sweating faster and heavier than before.
"I'm just kidding Theo!" cried Eleanor while also giving him a friendly nudge. "Everything's gonna be fine; it'll be a day to remember for all of us!"
A now relaxed Theodore mustered up a lot of confidence to continue. "Well with you by my side that day, it sure will be." Theodore concluded with a smile and by looking into her chocolate brown eyes. Eleanor let out a huge blush and rested her head on his arm.
Behind them stood Frankie and Olivia, and though the two rarely hang out together they were still happy to be a part of the bridal shower and did not mind being each other's partner. Hoping to break the silence between them, Olivia decided to start up a conversation.
"So… whaut's it lyke working at Maujestic Movie Studios?"
Frankie responded, still with the voice of a chipmunk back when Alvin taught him how to speak normally.
"Well, you've got your good days when there are no accidents, complaints, or ride malfunctions, and then you've got your bad days when a child goes missing, someone passes out from either a ride or the heat, or when security has to tackle down and escort a knucklehead out of the park. Do I enjoy every second of it? You bet your sweet ass I do!"
Frankie concluded with a huge, yet creepy, grin. Olivia, with her arm wrapped around Frankie's, now had intentions of letting go and backing away slowly. He was Frankenstein's monster after all.
She carefully looked back through her peripheral vision and thought to herself: "Why couldn't I get paired up with Gauvin? He's so good looking andtaulented." Even though her reason for going to every single Bruin's home game was to support Alvin, she mostly went because she's always had a secret crush on Gavin. She was hoping to get paired up with him, but got Frankie instead because of the level of closeness to the future newlyweds.
Lastly, Gavin DeLone and Nancy Reynolds stood behind them. Every other second would have Nancy checking her phone or popping her gum, irritating the heck out of Gavin.
"Ughh, could we, like hurry this up already?" said Nancy in her valley-girl tone. "I have somewhere very important to be this afternoon."
"And where exactly would that be, pre-tell?" replied an annoyed Gavin.
"Well the mall of course! I saw these really cute pair of heels on sale, and I must get them before some other bimbo does."
"Oh puh-lease! Unlike you I had to cancel my plans for today and make the effort to come here and support two really good friends in preparation for their big day!"
"What do want a medal or something?" Nancy stared at him with a callous look, popping her gum in the process.
All Gavin could do was roll his eyes and let out a silent grunt. Looking right in front of him, he thought to himself: "Why couldn't I get paired up with Olivia? Her accent is music to my ears, and she is just so dang beautiful." He too had a secret crush on Olivia from the first time he saw her at one of his games. He knew that she mostly went for Alvin but wondered if she noticed him as well.
"Alright everyone, it's Showtime! DJ, cue the music please!" yelled Barbara, pointing her attention to the DJ. Soon, Pachelbel's Canon in D played across the room, which was the cue for the bridal party to enter the sanctuary. All four pairs would make their way down the center of the aisle before breaking apart and standing in their rightful positions, which would be next to the bride and groom.
"Very nice, everyone! Theodore, not so fast! And Frankie, watch your feet. We wouldn't want your size 22 foot to crush Olivia's now would we?" cried Barbara.
Simon soon stood next to Jake, who had been patiently waiting for the bridal party to arrive. Simon couldn't help but to give a quick smile at the fedora-clad chipmunk. Since this was only a rehearsal, everyone came dressed in street clothes. Jake soon returned the smile, along with a thumbs-up gesture. Standing right by Jake was Reverend Grandpa Seville, Dave's father, who would be doing the honor of marrying the two chipmunks.
Finally, standing in the foyer, was Brittany who was accompanied by Dave.
"Thank you ever so much for walking me down the aisle, Dave! I know we're not blood-related, but all these years of knowing you and working for you, you've actually been like a father to me. I never really knew who my real father was, but I sure am glad you kept my sisters and I, well mostly me, in line all these years", said Brittany in a sweet tone.
"It's an honor Brittany, truly it is. I am also so blessed to have known you all these years as well, and seeing you transform from a feisty, adventurous little girl into a beautiful and independent woman; and now you're one week away from taking that next step into adulthood. I couldn't be happier for you."
"(Sniff) you're gonna make me cry Dave, and it's only rehearsal day!" replied Brittany gently rubbing her nose. "I wasn't that feisty when I was younger."
Dave let out a chuckle before he replied, "Uh, yeah you were! And I have the home videos to prove it."
"Brittany, David, that's your cue!" cried Barbara, instructing them to march forward and unto the altar. The song in the background soon switched to a sweet orchestral version of Here Comes the Bride. Even though it was only a rehearsal, Brittany and Dave took their sweet time in getting into their positions. When the two finally made it up to the altar, Reverend Seville would begin with his marriage sermon.
"Who here gives this woman to this man, err, munk?"
"David Seville and her mother Beatrice Miller." Dave soon instructed his attention to Miss Miler, who sat in the first pew of the church's right side, the side where Brittany and her bridesmaids would be standing on.
"Excellent! May I now ask that the bride and groom exchange hands?" cried the Reverend.
Brittany let go of Dave, gave him a hug, and held hands with Jake. The two were looking into each other's eyes with a burning passion, even if this was only a rehearsal.
"Now then, I'll skip all of the boring stuff until the wedding and get right to the stuff that matters the most." Reverend Seville would have his planner in one hand and his personal Holy Bible in the other. From his planner he read, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join his man, err, munk and this woman in holy matrimony." He paused and glanced over his planner before continuing. "Then I'll say a quick prayer and start my very long, boring sermon on the principles of marriage."
Brittany and Jake silently looked at each other before looking back at the Reverend, both with worrisome expressions on their faces.
"I'm just joshing all of y'all!" cried the Reverend before letting out a huge chortle. "It's a short yet simple passage on why marriage is the most beautiful thing in the world and why you two are so lucky and blessed to have each other."
Brittany and Jake replaced their worrisome expressions with jovial ones.
"All right let's see here", said the Reverend while reading off his planner yet again. "You don't need to hear all of this until wedding day. Ah, here we go! I'll turn the attention to you two for the lighting of the unity candles, and then that's when you can exchange your vows."
The Reverend continued with his instructions before heading into the conclusion stage of the marriage.
"And then I'll say 'Jacob, do you take Brittany to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, blah, blah, blah, etc., etc.,' and that's when you say…"
"I do," replied a happy Jake.
"Then I'll say 'Brittany, do you take Jacob to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, blah, blah, blah, death do you part' and that's when you say…"
"I do," replied Brittany, smiling back at Jake.
"Wonderful! And then I'll ask for the rings from the best man and maid of honor. Then you two do your thing with the rings, and then I'll conclude the ceremony by saying, 'By the power invested in me and the state of California, I now pronounce you man, err, munk and wife. You may kiss the bride, and ladies and gentleman I give you Mr. and Mrs. Jacob'… uh, Jake what is your last name?"
Jake hesitated for a moment before replying. "Foster."
"And there you have it folks, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Foster. And that's a wrap, everyone!"
"Wonderful! This all turned out marvelous!" yelled Barbara. "Now for take two!"
"WHAT!?" yelled almost everybody in the entire room.
"Kidding!" cried Barbara before letting out a slight chuckle. "Jesus, nobody in this bridal party has a sense a humor."
"You got that right, sister!" replied the Reverend. "And shame on you for using the Lord's name in vain, we're in a church you know!" Barbara couldn't help but to place her fingers over her mouth.
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"Jake, come on! Everyone's already there, including coach Howland!" cried Brittany. Miss Miller, along with Theodore and Eleanor, was the first one to leave the rehearsal. They were preparing a huge dinner at the Seville residence and invited the entire bridal party, along with a few more family and friends.
"In a moment, dear. I just hauve to put these pews bauck where they belong", said Jake carrying a very heavy church pew all by himself.
"Let the church maintenance do that! It's their job, not yours", pouted Brittany.
"Now Britt, the paustor of this church has hauppily augreed to let us use this faucility as our venue for the wedding. I think the least we could do is help them out a little with moving pews bauck to their rightful positions and whaut naut."
Brittany looked into his bright hazel eyes and couldn't help but to agree.
"I suppose you're right, hun."
"Thaut's my girl", replied Jake while kissing her on the forehead. "Aund besides, thaut was the laust pew."
"Praise the Lord! Now let's get out of here. My stomach's grumbling louder than Miss Miller at the Bingo Hall. I know we took my car but I'm too hungry to even think about the road. You don't mind driving, do you Jakey-poo?" cried Brittany while dangling her keys in front of Jake.
"I don't, but I'd much rauther prefer sweeping you off your feet", replied Jake.
"O-kay, but I don't see how that's gonna get us to the Seville's."
"I do." Jake crept up behind Brittany and lifted her from her waist. Brittany let out a huge squeal, followed by laughter from the two of them. She then wrapped her arms around Jake's neck for support, looking into his eyes in the process. The two soon embraced each other in a warm passionate kiss.
"You know I love and hate it when you do that sometimes?" said Brittany in between kisses.
"Which side are you more leaning towards today?" replied Jake.
"Mmm, the 'loving it' side of course."
"Excellent." Jake finished his sentence with another kiss before lifting Brittany up in the air with his hands on her sides. Brittany extended both of her arms out, looked up, and then down at her soon-to-be husband.
"Oh Jake, I love you. But seriously, could you put me down? I'm starving."
"Whaut waus thaut? Caun't hear you!"
"I love you, Jake!" yelled Brittany a little louder and still up in the air.
"Oh, come on! You're gonna hauve to do betta than thaut!"
Brittany sighed and giggled, took a deep breath and shouted, "I LOVE YOU, JAKE!" Brittany's yell echoed throughout the sanctuary.
"Wow, this church has nice aucoustics," said Jake.
"I know, right? Now, you say it!" replied Brittany, giving Jake a seductive look.
Jake chuckled and took in a very deep breath.
"I LOVE YOU, TO….." Jake's eyes trailed off when he said that. His vision was off of Brittany and into the foyer.
"Love me to what? Death I believe?" said Brittany, finishing Jake's statement and trying to get his attention, but to no avail.
"Jake? Honey bear?" Brittany waved her arms, still trying to get Jake's attention, who was still sidetracked by who he saw in the foyer, "Can you at least put me down, please?"
Jake didn't exactly listen to that last statement, but somehow loosened his grip on Brittany's sides and let go of her, causing her to land on and hit the floor pretty hard.
"Ouch! Guess I should've said 'lay me down gently, please'", said Brittany rubbing her lower back. She now stood upright with an angry look. "Jake! What the he….llo Dolly is wrong with you? What are you looking at, anyway?"
Jake was still sidetracked. Brittany looked in the direction that he was looking in and spotted someone with their back turned.
"Who are you looking at?" said a curious Brittany. The figure was a female chipmunk. She had dirty blonde hair in which she was sporting in a ponytail. Brittany did not recognize her, but for some odd reason Jake did.
He walked forward and in the direction of the chipmunk, who was putting away a large LED lighting set in the storage closet. Jake stood behind her, cleared his throat and spoke.
"Ch-Chloe?"
The female chipmunk slowly turned around and faced Jake. She glanced at him for a few seconds, yet it was the fedora that gave his identity away.
"Jacob Foster, is thaut you?" replied Chloe in her native Australian accent.
Jacob took his fedora off, placed it over his chest, and continued. "Crikey, mate! You're far safer dealing with crocodiles and western diamondback rattlesnakes than the executives and the producers and all those sharks in the big MGM building," Jake quoted their favorite Australian hero growing up, Steve Irwin. In a moment, Chloe's eyes lit up.
"IT IS YOU!" Chloe soon embraced Jake in a big hug, with Jake returning the hug. The two of them also shared a friendly laugh.
"I caun't believe it's really you. My, how you've grown!" said Chloe
"Same with you, you ol' buckaroo!" replied Jake.
"I heard about the accident. The boat, your fauther, everything! Aund I couldn't believe the news when…"
"Hey, hey…" interrupted Jake. "It's okay now, it's in the paust. I'm here; aund thaut's all thaut matters."
"And your fauther?" said Chloe.
Jake took in a deep breath and exhaled before continuing.
"I wish I knew."
"I'm so sorry, Jake," said Chloe while putting her hand on his arm. "How long has it been now?"
"12 years and counting," said Jake looking away and then back at Chloe. "Anyway, whaut about you? I mean, how long hauve you been in America?"
"I've been here for a couple of months now, since April I believe. This church, which is naow my church, needed someone to take over lightning and sound. I applied and waus soon given the position aufter my recent experience as a lighting and sound technician for HillsongChurch.
"THEHillsong Church in Sydney!?" replied Jake.
"Thaut's the one! I became a born-again Christian not too long ago."
"Thaut's wonderful! Oh and congrats on getting the job!"
"Thaunk you!" paused Chloe for a moment before glancing at Jake. "It's really good to see you again Jake," she said while wiping away a strip of her hair from her face.
"Me too, Chloe," smiled Jake.
"A-HEM!" said Brittany clearing her throat, who had also been standing there listening to them for the longest time.
"Oh, my apologies dear. Chloe, I would lyke for you to meet my fiancée Brittany Miller."
"How do you do?" said Chloe reaching her out hand. Brittany reached out her hand and limply shook Chloe's hand. "Fine, thank you," she said in a smug tone.
"These decorations are for your wedding?" asked Chloe.
"Thaut's right!" replied Jake.
"So, thaut means I'm going to be doing lighting and sound for your wedding!"
"Thaut's terrific! Did you hear thaut, Britt?" said Jake.
All Brittany did was nod her head in agreement.
"I'm really hauppy for you Jake, and for you, too, Miss Brittany," said Chloe.
"Thank you very much. We can't wait to see you there," Brittany replied still in a very stern tone. "Um Jake, we must get going. We wouldn't want for all our family and friends to wonder where we are and start worrying now, do we?"
Jake stood there still glancing at Chloe, not really following what his fiancée had to say.
"Hmm? I'm sorry, did you say something dear?"
Brittany gave him an unhappy look before faking a smile. "Yes, I did. I said, 'we're leaving', now! It was very nice to meet you, Zoë."
"It's Chloe."
Brittany faked another smile. She clasp onto Jake's hand and slowly led him away.
"It was nyce seeing you again, Chloe," said Jake.
"You too, Jake," replied Chloe with a smile.
Jake returned the smile. "Oh! Let me give you my numbuh. Thaut way we could stay in touch!" Jake soon let go of Brittany's hand and approached Chloe. Brittany soon stared at her hand and was left speechless.
"Aubsolutely!" cried Chloe. She searched for her phone in her back pockets, and then checked inside her purse. "Oh, drat! I aulmost forgot, I left my phone chaurging in my car and I'm paurked a haulf-mile away."
Jake snapped her fingers before letting out a slight chuckle.
"How about I give you my numbuh instead?" said Chloe.
"Perfect!" replied Jake. He took his phone out of his pocket and jotted down Chloe's "digits".
Brittany, still standing there, tapped her foot repeatedly. It took a good while for Jake to finally notice her.
"Well, I must be going. Let's cautch up sometyme!" said Jake.
"I would love thaut," replied Chloe with a sweet smile. They soon hugged and waved goodbye. As Jake was exiting the church he reached for Brittany's hand to hold it, but she sweetly refused.
As soon as they got in her car, Brittany took a heavy sigh and yelled, "What the hell was that!?"
"Whaut do you mean?" said Jake starting up the car.
"That little stunt you pulled back there!?"
"You mean dropping you on the ground so abrupt? I apologize for thaut, my love. Thaut waus so foolish of me."
"Yes, it was," paused Brittany, "but that's not what I meant."
"Then I believe I hauve no idea whaut you're taulking about," said Jake letting out a slight chuckle. He backed the car up, put it in drive, and soon the two were on the freeway headed for the Seville residence.
They were also silent throughout the entire car ride.