It's finally time. Get ready for some great Alvinette moments and some amazing song sequences! The song I use in this chapter was recently edited into Chipmunk version by my friend AmbientSkai. Special thanks to him!

It gives me great pleasure to upload this chapter and conclude the heart of the identity crisis. He is Alvin 2.0 now and he is proud of himself. I'm proud of him too.

This genius, artist, rockstar is going to spread his (mechanical) wings and fly at last.

Alvin 2.0's POV

I sat in the principal's office wondering how my life had once again come to this. I hadn't even been back to school a full week since Thanksgiving break ended, and I was ALREADY in trouble. Why am I here, you ask? I don't even know! I was selling my comics in the hall at the end of the school day when all of a sudden I got called down to the office by Brittany.

She watched me from her spot behind the computer with a small smirk on her face. She didn't say a word, but I knew she wanted to. Fortunately, someone had come along with me to the office to act as my Brittany insult shield.

Jeanette sat next to me in the human sized chair. She patted my arm gently. "I'm sure this is all a misunderstanding." She tried to reassure me.

"Maybe." I gulped. "Hopefully they just need my help catching some delinquents or something."

"Yeah! See? That's the spirit." Sweet Netta encouraged me. "Because I can't recall you doing anything wrong."

"Me either." I said honestly. "I've been on my best behavior."

"And you're doing very well." Jeanette passed me a small box of Nerds candy. "I found this yesterday." She whispered.

"Where was it?" I asked, making sure Brittany couldn't see the candy as I stuffed it into the pocket of my cyan hoodie.

"In one of her purses." Jeanette whispered back. "It fell out when I was cleaning the closet."

"I'll make sure to make these last." I squeaked, patting my pocket. Then, it was time to ask her something that had been bugging me since last night. "Has Britt talked to you about the whole…us dancing together thing yet?"

The brunette girl shook her head. "Not yet."

My mind was racing with possibilities. I tried to think positive. "Hmm. Maybe she's actually okay with it? She may have had some time to think and realized it was no big deal." I said.

Jeanette fidgeted with her hands in her lap. "I dunno. I would like to think that. Really, I would." She nibbled her grape lipgloss covered lip. "Though, it seems more like she might be holding it in, gearing up to have the big explosion."

"Stupendous." I muttered sarcastically.

Jeanette looked at me strangely. "No, it's not."

I turned to whisper even softer in her ear. "Sarcasm, Netta. That was sarcasm."

"Ohhhh." She squeaked.

"Alvin Seville." Brittany's voice squeaked, sounding especially grating today. "The principal will see you now."

Jeanette and I both hopped up from the chair and started to walk toward the smaller office inside the larger office.

"Ah ah ah." Brittany shook her pointer finger. She was clearly enjoying this. "Just Alvin."

Jeanette started to turn around, but I grabbed her hand and squeezed it.

"No." I stated firmly. "I refuse to go in there without her." I wasn't about to get yelled at without a buffer there to soften the blow.

The sassy strawberry blonde crossed her arms and stood on the desk. "That's not how this works, Twerp point oh."

Jeanette looked worried.

I stood my ground. "I won't go in then. I don't even know what I did wrong anyway."

"You don't KNOW?" Britt almost lost it, but she was able to regain her composure. "Urgh, fine. Take your new best friend with you."

"You're still my best friend too." I told the pink clad Chipette.

She scowled. "You can't have more than one best friend."

"Actually, you can." Jeanette spoke up quietly. "In fact. It's very common."

Brittany jumped down and followed us with a huffy little sigh.

I stuck my tongue out at her when Jeanette wasn't looking. "Told ya." I whispered.

I entered the room and immediately all confidence and positive thoughts about why I had been called here went out the window. The principal was standing next to Dave! And neither of them looked happy at all. Nuts! What on earth did I do?

My dad held up one of my comic books. "Care to explain this?"

"It's a comic book." I said, sitting there looking up at them with an angry scowl.

"Alvin, I know you're proud of your artwork and storytelling abilities." The Principal began. She took the comic from Dave and handed it back to me. "But we cannot have you distributing these around school."

"But….but…." I was beyond mad. "I was selling them AFTER school! Classes were over! I wasn't disrupting anybody!"

"That's debatable." Brittany commented, standing proudly on the principal's desk in front of Dave and the Principal.

"I'm afraid it doesn't matter." The woman in the yellow dress continued. "It's against the rules."

"That doesn't make any sense." Jeanette murmured under her breath.

I felt the same way. I had PURPOSELY waited until class was out so that I DIDN'T get in trouble. Turns out, it didn't matter. It NEVER matters. The harder I try to avoid trouble, the more it follows me around.

"You're after me for selling COMIC BOOKS?" I asked in disbelief. "I saw Alyssa beat up three kids and that Greg guy dunk a kid in the basketball hoop and no one did ANYTHING! But I'm in trouble for brightening people's day with comic books?"

Dave narrowed his eyes. "It's not the appropriate time or place, Alvin."

Principal Meadows opened the student handbook. "Our school policy states students may not sell anything on school grounds for personal gain." She said firmly.

I waved my hand in the air. "Question!" I shouted. "Isn't EVERYTHING sold for personal gain? I mean, I've seen bake sales and fundraising up the wazoo 'round here." I wondered if I could reason my way out of this.

"She means you can't sell anything that isn't raising money to support the school, dimwit." Brittany so helpfully (sarcasm) clarified.

I was NOT giving up. "What if I donate a small fraction to the music program? Or the art program?"

"All the money raised would need to be donated." The Principal explained.

Brittany gave a sassy nod, agreeing with her boss. I hate that she works for The Principal! Really, I do. It gives her too much power to mess with my life.

Netta stood up in the chair on shaky legs. Her long skirt with all the embroidery designs almost tripped her, but she was able to regain her footing. "But that defeats the purpose! Alvin needs money to support his invention idea!" Would her blurting that out help me get out of trouble? Probably not.

Our Principal looked sympathetic, but her decision didn't waver. "I can't change the policy for only Alvin. I'm sorry."

"But how else can I get money?" I whined, because I was once again hitting the limit of the bad news I could take.

My dad came closer to me and looked down sternly as ever. "You can get an after school job and work to earn money that way."

"That'll take forever!" I complained, flopping over the arm of the chair.

My arch nemesis, the Chipette in pink, smirked and winked at me. "Then maybe just give up inventing and you won't need the money. There. Problem solved." I wanted to kick her in the shins. That wouldn't be very 2.0 of me though.

What WOULD be 2.0 of me? Aha! I've got it! "What if I sell my comic books outside of school? Then that's totally legal, right?"

Jeanette smiled at me. I could tell she liked the idea.

Unfortunately, dear old dad had other plans. "I don't want you selling comics at all."

"BUT WHY NOT!?" I asked Dave, holding up the comic and shaking it around. "They're good enough to sell! Vanessa told me so!" I insisted.

My dopey and clueless dad tried to pretend he wasn't being totally unreasonable. "It's not something like a lemonade stand. You need a permit. There are taxes that need to be collected. And, you can't supply comics as quickly as your audience would want them either." He frowned, I think he may have felt a little sorry for me, but not enough to allow me to be an entrepreneur. "You're one chipmunk. It's more than you can handle."

Then, Netta, being the genuis she is, proceeded to call him out on his bullcrap. "Dave, are you sure all that stuff applies to a KID selling comic books?" She asked softly.

"Yes. If he wants to do it legally." Dave folded his arms.

I growled and groaned. "This isn't fair."

"I've told you before, if you want to buy expensive things, you need a real job." My dad droned on.

I was sick of this same ol' speech. "Listen to you….a "real" job! YOU WRITE SONGS! I CAN WRITE AND DRAW COMICS! IT IS A REAL JOB!" I screamed angrily.

Dave raised his voice too. "Trust me. I am saving you from burnout and disappointment!" He yelled.

I climbed up onto the top of the chair to get closer to his height. "No you aren't!"

The Principal held up two hands to silence us both. "Could you two please quiet down? Now, I understand tensions are high, but screaming at each other is not a solution. I suggest you go home and work this out."

I jumped back down into the chair and hung my head in defeat. Time to accept my punishment. "How long am I suspended for, Mrs. Meadows?"

To my surprise, the woman looked shocked and said… "As long as I don't see you selling your comics in school again, no further punishment is necessary."

Wow? No detention? No suspension threats? No community service? No cleaning chalkboards or helping scrape dried food off cafeteria tables? I wasn't sure how to respond.

"Oh….well, uh, cool, then. See ya later." I slid out of the chair and helped Jeanette down.

Once we were in the hallway again, she whispered to me. "I think you did well."

"Really? I think my attitude could have been better." I admitted, adjusting my red glasses.

"Well, perhaps, but you'll get there. It's only natural to get defensive when you're being unfairly lectured and barely listened to." She rubbed her forehead. "I think anyway. Being naturally defensive isn't really my thing."

"Think I can convince Dave to let me sell my comics?" I wondered aloud.

"I hope so." She squeaked, fidgeting with her butterfly mood ring.

"Alvin! Quit dawdling. Let's go." My dad snapped, motioning for me to follow him to the car.

I sighed. "Here goes nothing."

Jeanette gave me an encouraging thumbs up sign as I walked away.

For the entirety of the car ride home, I continued to beg and plead and point out all the reasons why I NEEDED to run a comic business.

Dave continued to be a…butthead. "For the last time, Alvin, no means no. End of discussion." He said, as we drove down Liberty Lane and approached our house.

I frowned. "How am I supposed to prove I can handle it if you won't let me try?"

He gripped the steering wheel tighter. "You are NOT selling comics and that is FINAL! It's for your own good."

"Fine!" I decided to stop pushing for now. Wait, one more push couldn't hurt, right? "I guess I'll work with whatever I have left and try to make my skateboard out of that. I might even have to take apart my hot rod! Is that what you want?"

Apparently it didn't do any good. Dave was still stubborn. "Cut it out. I'm in no mood for your sob stories."

I started to cry. I was at the end of my patience. I wanted my skateboard finished or I'd be forced to admit I CAN'T invent things.

"Someday in the future when I'm asked why I never became an inventor despite my obvious passion for it, I'm gonna tell people it's because my own father didn't believe in me!" I blubbered.

That just made Dave even more upset. He clearly thought I was faking. "Keep this up and I'm going to ground you for a week and there will be no more inventing!" He shouted.

I waved my arms frantically as we pulled into our driveway. "I just want you to trust me!"

He parked the car and glared at me. "The last time I DID trust you, I wound up rescuing you from a kidnapper!"

Oops. I neglected to factor that in. "Oh….good point. I forgot about that." I murmured, drying my tears on my cyan hoodie sleeve.

"Really, Alvin?" He said, sounding utterly irritated. Then, he softened a little when he saw me wipe my tears. "Really, Alvin?"

I nodded, feeling all choked up. "Y…Y…Yeah."

He helped me unbuckle myself and then put a hand on my back. "Look, maybe when you're older and more mature, we can revisit this whole comic business idea. Okay?" He said.

But I'd NEVER physically age! That's the problem! I could mentally age all I wanted, but until I physically looked older, Dave would continue to treat me as a child incapable of doing anything myself.

Still, I knew what answer he was expecting. I gave him that. "….Sure. Okay."

Later that evening, I trekked into the basement with a very heavy heart. I looked at my shiny hot rod that I'd fixed all the dents in. It was hard to believe I might never drive it again. Oh well, a munk's gotta do what a munk's gotta do. This was for the best. The next flying skateboard test HAD to work. I was on try 160.

"Well, hot rod, ol' buddy…"I sniffled. "I hate that I have to do this, but Dave's left me no choice. I don't have enough money to buy more inventing supplies if I can't sell my comics." I sobbed harder. "I will always treasure the memories we shared…and I'll never forget you."

With that speech out of the way, I opened the hood and prepared to take apart the engine. All the while, internally cursing how unfair my dumb dad can be.

"Alvin, wait! Stop!" Jeanette's lovely voice called out, as she rushed down the stairs. She had her long skirt held up so that she didn't trip over it.

I didn't have much energy. It had all been depleted from the crying. "Oh, hey, Netta." I murmured softly.

She smiled at me. "I'll buy you the parts you need." She offered.

I dropped the wrench I was holding. At that moment, I felt like giving up. "What's the point? I'm just gonna melt them or blow them up for the 162nd time." I grumbled. "I'm not an inventor. I thought I was, but everyone was right. I don't have it in me."

The beautiful Chipette in the light purple peasant top looked into my eyes. "Of course you do! You're so close now! You said it yourself!"

"It's not worth it." I turned away, too ashamed to look at her.

She picked up the wrench and set it on the lab table. "Yes it is, but please don't scrap your hot rod for parts."

I slumped my shoulders. "I don't wanna owe you money." I told her. "I can't be sure if I'll ever be able to, you know, pay it back."

She stepped around the table and met my gaze again. "Consider it a gift."

I wished she wasn't so nice. She's so easy to take advantage of. Classic me was already telling me to take the deal. I wanted to take the deal. But, I didn't want to have the guilt of owing money to anyone hanging over my head. I already pretty much owed Jeanette my life.

"Netta, no. I have no ways of making money." I squeaked. "Dave shut them all down. I only see a fraction of my performance money. The rest all goes in savings. I can't just take a handout." I sighed. "I just wish there was a way to sell my comics without Dave knowing. But, that would be breaking his trust and I don't wanna do that either." I revealed.

Jeanette rubbed my shoulder. "Well, uh, maybe, since he's being absolutely unreasonable and not giving you a chance at all, it's….okay to go against what he said." She replied in a bashful way. "I usually wouldn't condone this, but he's really put you in an awful position and I don't want to see you sacrifice one of your favorite things for another invention attempt."

I couldn't believe this! Jeanette was telling me to disobey Dave!? JEANETTE!? JEANETTE!? This was so out of character for her. I guess the world really IS topsy turny. But, but, Netta was correct. It wasn't like disobeying Dave would put me in danger. In order to prove to him that I could be a successful salesman, I HAD to disobey him.

"But how do I sell my comics without him finding out?" I asked, tapping my fingers on the lab table.

Jeanette looked off into the distance, deep in thought. "We'll have to be creative."

Oh, hey! That reminds me…"Speaking of creative, how's the story writing going?" I asked, polishing off my beloved hot rod. Now that I knew I wouldn't have to scrap it for parts, I was feeling a lot better.

The girl in purple followed me over to the hot rod and helped polish it. "Not great." She answered. "I just can't stick to an idea. I'm all over the place. Brainstorming went well, but now I'm second guessing everything." Her beautiful face contorted into a sad frown. "Maybe my stories aren't even that good."

HOW DARE SHE THINK THAT!? I had to build her confidence up! "Your stories are fantastic! Trust me!" I squeaked.

She folded the rag she'd been using to polish my car neatly. "But they're all so happy and there's barely any drama." She reasoned. "I don't think that's very compelling for readers."

I folded my rag semi-neatly and set it on top of hers. "Netta, the world is full of drama and misery." I took her hand and stroked the fur on it gently. "Your stories could be like a breath of fresh air to anyone struggling to get by. You could remind them that there's still good in the world. There's still laughter. There's still fun."

"I could?" She blinked in surprise.

It was my turn to stare deep into her shining midnight eyes. "You did it for me." I told her.

"Uh….um…." She rubbed her arm nervously. "I guess I can give it a shot."

I smiled encouragingly. "Good. Because I am so SICK of all the drama."

She started to get less nervous as she began to talk about the fruits of her brainstorming labor. "Which idea do you like better? I have one about a kitten who gets fairy powers searching for his family or one about three little river otters who play a game of tag." I loved listening to her talk about the things that made her passionate. Her passion was contagious. It seeped into me and changed my negative thoughts into positive ones.

"The fairy kitten one sounds pretty good." I answered, starting to doodle up a blueprint for flying skateboard test 160. I re-did the inner workings AGAIN. "Do you know what happened to his family?"

She put a finger on her chin. "Not yet. I know I definitely want him to find them in the end though."

"Sounds sweet." I commented, genuinely. It did weird me out a tad. I probably had a strange look on my face for a few seconds, before laughing it off. "Classic Alvin would have said it was lame. Good thing he doesn't get to call all the shots anymore."

"I love how openminded you are now." The magnificent brunette girl gushed.

"Me too." I agreed. "I feel like, well, I can do anything I set my mind to. No limits!"

Jeanette came over to look at my revised blueprint. "And I'll be right here by your side." She vowed.

Over the next couple days, Jeanette and I schemed and dreamed together. She bought me some mechanical supplies so I could adjust the flying skateboard prototype once again. She said I could pay her back whenever. I only agreed to the handout because we were also working hard to find me a decent place to sell my comics on the down low. After three attempts that didn't work, we finally found one! It wasn't ideal, but it would do.

"Thanks again for letting us use your garage, Cheesy." I said, grateful my friend had offered his assistance.

"It's no trouble." The chubby teen responded. "Just watch out for the cockroaches. They're shifty little buggers."

"Oh, don't worry!" Jeanette said in the most adorable way. "I've already humanely relocated them."

"Really?" Cheesy asked. "Think you could get them out of our bathroom too?"

"Absolutely." Jeanette saluted him.

That day, I sold over 20 comic books. I kept the originals, obviously, and sold high quality photocopied duplicates. I could never part with my OGs.

As for Netta, she managed to de-bug Cheesy's whole house. I guess she was as good at de-bugging houses as she was at de-bugging my personality.

When Saturday rolled around, I was back in the basement lab…still fighting with the flying skateboard prototype. Jeanette helped me keep a cool head as aggravating glitches continued to occur.

"The wings STILL won't pop out at the same time. And the one time they DID, is the time they came out too slowly." I looked over my notes. "Not to mention this thing is shaky and unstable and…" I sighed. "What piece of the equation am I missing? Why isn't it turning out like it did in my head?"

"I'm not sure." The girl in the purple sweater with a giant butterfly on it replied. "May I make a suggestion though?"

I nodded. "Always."

"What if you run it on something besides rocket fuel?" Jeanette proposed her idea.

My eyes widened. "That might make it less volatile and explosive! Of course!"

"And rocket fuel isn't good for the environment." She pointed out.

"Right. That too." I chuckled as I added "substitute something else for rocket fuel" to my notes.

She spun around in the chair next to Simon's lab table. "Since you'll be riding your flying skateboard a lot, I figure, well, it's best to make it environmentally friendly."

"So what CAN I use to fuel it?" I pondered aloud.

Suddenly, we both got an idea. We looked at each other at the same time. "Vegetable oil!" We chorused.

"I'll go get some from upstairs." I grinned. I raced upstairs and came back holding an entire bottle of vegetable oil. "Test 160, here we come!" I announced.

"Oh, I am so excited!" Jeanette jumped out of the chair and clapped her hands.

"Me too!" I adjusted my glasses and picked up my tools. "Okay, now, Let's do some science stuff!"

And, because inventing isn't my only hobby, I decided now would be the perfect moment for a song from a movie I love called Jingle Jangle. Netta and I watched it last week because it is NEVER too early to get into the Christmas spirit! The song was called The Square Root Of Possible and it fit my journey so far perfectly.

"Where's the world that you created

And the stories that you painted

With words that made me feel 10 feet tall?"

With Jeanette's help, I tacked the blueprint to the wall and began working on the wiry and gear filled innards of my invention. It went well! I climbed up onto the top of the lab table once I was finished messing with it.

"Where's the magic in the moonlight

The surprise hidden in plain sight?

No, I don't see much to inspire much at all"

The basement lighting reflected off Jeanette's face as she waited for me to test the flying skateboard wing function. I stood on the skateboard and pushed my foot down on the button. The wings popped out quickly and at the same time.

"And I'm ready now to fly away

And gravity won't get a thing to say"

I fueled the rocket boosters with the vegetable oil and jumped onto the board again, still singing. My voice sounded weirdly echoey due to the nature of being in the basement. In my head, I imagined myself on the fully finished skyboard, flying through the air and doing amazing tricks.

"It's my choice if I

Get to touch the sky

Is it possible

That the square root of impossible is me?"

In my daydream, I cruised around the Seville house on my flying skateboard. My family and friends cheered me on. I did a loop de loop for them.

"It's so possible

Watch me rise high above my obstacles

Watch me become who I'm supposed to be

Oh, the possibilities"

Jeanette nudged me back into reality and I realized, we were ready for the test. Slowly, slowly I rose from the floor, balancing precariously on the winged skateboard as it lifted me into the air. Jeanette looked nervous. I wondered why.

"'Cause the squarе root of impossible

Is possible

In me

In mе"

Not wanting to press my luck with testing it in the basement, I brought the invention back down to the ground. It was still harder to keep my balance in the air than I thought. I wondered how to remedy that, but I was too caught up in the song.

"No, don't underestimate me

I don't need a hero to come and save me

Just 'cause I'm small don't mean that I can't kiss the clouds"

I pulled out more bins of parts to upgrade the wheels on the skateboard. I had noticed they were a bit jerky with their movements. I needed them to roll smoothly. The shiny silvery invention gleamed as I admired it. I looked over at a photo of Simon and smirked. I didn't need his help anymore. This was all me and Netta's doing.

"I might not be there yet

But I'll get there, bet on it

'Cause I'm already one foot off the ground"

I climbed back on the flying skateboard again, taking off and zipping around. Unfortunately, this time I fell off and Jeanette had to catch me…which resulted with us both on the ground. The skateboard invention crashed into the wall…and then continued to zoom around the basement.

"Shut the windows and lock the doors

I'll take the roof off and then I'll soar"

Jeanette closed a window before the flying skateboard could escape the lab. I shut the basement door. Standing on the middle step, I used my physics powers, as they kicked in, to hop aboard the run away skateboard. I was still singing. It helped keep me from freaking out.

"The rules that are written

Are just the beginnin'

There's more, so much more"

I pressed the button to retract the wings and brought the skateboard slowly down to the ground. It spit and sputtered a bit, but it worked! I jumped off of it and belted out the last notes while Jeanette lifted me into the air.

And it was at that moment, Brittany opened the basement door. My loud singing had attracted her. AW NUTS!

She stepped gracefully down the stairs in her glitter encrusted high heels. "So are you going to sing showtunes in the basement all day or…?"

I shook off my embarrassment as Britt's sister put me down on the ground. I tried to explain myself so Britt would know nothing romantic was happening. "It's from a movie I watched with…"

"Jeanette?" The pink clad diva in the cropped periwinkle jacket and light pink shirt finished for me.

I was so nervous I just started saying the first thing to pop in my head. "Yeah! How did you guess?"

Britt rolled her eyes. "Because you do literally everything with Jeanette. She's your favorite person." She pointed an accusatory finger at me, as she so often likes to do. "And I bet you're hers too."

"Um….maybe." Jeanette stepped forward, rubbing her arms nervously.

I tried to say something to break the tension hanging in the air, but I wound up tripping over my own feet and falling backward into the hanging red curtain that Theo had set up in the basement for his puppet shows.

This gave Britt an opportunity to really grill Netta. "So now you'd rather hang out with Prince Geeknerd than your own sister?" She asked. She was so jealous. I wished she'd leave us alone, but I knew that was too much to hope for.

Jeanette whimpered. "Of course not! I like hanging out with both of you!"

I untangled myself from the red curtain and stood up. "Britt, I swear, there's nothing romantic going on with us."

"Then why am I always catching you guys holding hands and giggling and dancing? The signs are very obvious, Seville." Her pink lips quivered. "You sister stealer!"

"I'm only here because I'm Alvin's friend and we're working on his invention together." Jeanette said with as firm a voice as she could muster.

"Friends can hold hands and dance together. It's not weird. Ya grab my hand all the time, Britt. Doesn't mean we're datin'." I said, tail twitching as her presence continued to irritate me.

"You are so clueless." She quipped.

"Or you're reading too much into it." Suggested Jeanette.

Brittany furrowed her brows and her fuchsia colored skirt with glitter on it swished as she turned around to walk upstairs. "Clueless and setting yourselves up for tragedy." She remarked. "This is your final warning!"

As she stomped upstairs, I exchanged a confused glance with Jeanette.

"Even if we did become boyfriend and girlfriend, what would be the big deal?" The tall Chipette asked, frowning.

I had to remind her about the sad truth about being famous. "Are you kidding? It would be a huge deal. People hate changes. I can't even be onstage in my glasses, remember?"

"Oh….yeah." She picked up my flying skateboard and handed it to me. "That's right. It's a real shame though."

"Eh, what ya gonna do?" I shrugged. "Come on, I wanna test this thing outside!"

"Okay!" The purple clad girl made sure her sneakers were tied and then followed me upstairs and out into the front yard and our adjacent driveway.

I licked my finger and figured out which direction the wind was blowing. The equations from my visualization powers had long since faded from my vision. I wished I had them back. Oh well. It was time to commence another, and perhaps the best, test of my invention yet!

"Netta, get the camera rolling!" I commanded enthusiastically.

Jeanette took out her phone and started to film me. "It's rolling!" She announced.

I held my hands out to the side, positioning myself as I would on a normal skateboard. "This is the invention log of Alvin 2.0." I announced for any future people who wanted to see my video and watch me make history. "You are all about to witness Skyboard test 161!"

"Good luck, Alvin!" Jeanette squeaked, looking at me with that same worried expression.

I took a deep breath and started to skate down the driveway. When I got to a middle point, I pushed my foot against the button that causes the wings to pop out. Would it work?

SUCCESS! It did work! The aerodynamic jet-like wings unfurled from inside the board, just as easy as unfolding a pocket knife. Ohoho! I was getting somewhere. Now, I just had to make it into the air.

I rose off the ground, trying hard to keep my balance on the skateboard as I inched slowly across the sky.

"CHECK IT OUT! 161 tries and IT'S finally happened. I CAN FLY…WHOOOOAH!" I picked up the pace and went spiraling out of control. I nearly fell off the board. Physics was NOT on my side. Defying gravity was not as easy as it looked.

Jeanette shouted an idea up at me. I could tell now why she was so worried. She knew how shaky and unsafe my invention was.

"You might want to attach retractable foot straps." She advised me. "Because one gust of wind is going to knock you to the ground….and you'll probably break bones from that height."

Foot straps, of course! Had I considered them at any point in the design process? Did I really expect sky skateboarding to be similar to land skateboarding?

"Good call. Good call!" I fell off the skateboard and landed into the bushes by Miss. Miller's house. "Ouch! Okay….still a work in progress."

"But you're getting there!" Jeanette helped me out of the bushes.

I used a jump rope to try and lasso the runaway flying skateboard before it could run amok through town causing chaos.

The force of the skateboard lifted me off the ground and sent me flying with it, clinging to the jump rope and getting pretty motion sick from the constant up and down erratic movement. I felt like a flag whipping in the breeze.

"Don't worry! I've got you!" Jeanette ran into the treehouse and came back with a roll of bubble wrap.

The crafty and clever Chipette rolled the bubble wrap out on the lawn. I let go of the jump rope and fell safely onto the thickly padded section of the grass. Hooray for bubble wrap! Thanks to it, I wouldn't have broken bones.

The flying skateboard prototype landed in the backyard in the pool. It instantly stopped working because water and electricity don't mix very well. Another prototype was wrecked.

"Alright, onto test 162 I guess." I said glumly. "Back to square one."

"It should go faster this time." Jeanette said, helping me fish my ruined invention out of the pool. "You are very very close."

I wondered how much of this prototype was salvageable. Probably more than all the boards that had exploded or been incinerated in a fiery blaze.

"I sure hope so." I tried to hide how discouraged I was with the failure once again.

My brainy partner followed me into the house. "And don't forget to add the straps this time."

I was NOT calling it quits. I knew I was close to a breakthrough. I could FEEL it! With Jeanette there to help me gain some more common sense, I would be unstoppable. Test 162! I am coming for you!

ALVIN: It's time to hand the story over to you again. You ready?

JEANETTE: But this is one of the most important moments!

ALVIN: Exactly. That's why I want my MVP to narrate it.

JEANETTE: Are you absolutely sure?

ALVIN: (playfully) Quit stallin', Sugarplum.

JEANETTE: Okay….I'll do it. Thank you for entrusting me with this. I promise I'll do my best.

ALVIN: Time to rock and roll.

Jeanette's POV

Oh dear, how do I start this? I'm never very good at starting things like this. Let's see, uh, well, Alvin and I built another flying skateboard prototype from the salvageable parts of the most recent one. We were able to put it together very fast, as I predicted. I didn't mind spending my Saturday working on this, but I did still hope I could find time to write. Maybe the writing would have to wait until Sunday.

"How do these straps look?" Alvin asked me. The straps were my idea, so I guess that's why he wanted my opinion on them.

"They look…uhhh….like straps." I replied.

He chuckled. "I mean, do they look like they'll hold my feet securely?"

"Ohhh!" I was thrilled to be back on the same metaphorical train of thought as my red capped companion. "Then, yes. I do believe they look secure."

I was amazed by the mechanism that made the straps slide out and secure his feet when needed, and then slide away to be hidden inside the mainframe with the wings. Alvin had outdone himself on this.

"Just gonna test them one more time." He squeaked. "You can never be too careful."

He pushed the button with his foot and the wings and straps slid out in synchronized harmony. "Okay, I am definitely ready."

We went back outside to the driveway and I watched Alvin skate up and down the pavement using his invention like a typical skateboard.

"So far so good." I told him happily. "The wheels are definitely rolling smoother."

"The wheels are the least of my worries." Alvin responded, looking unsure. "Dave has a life insurance policy on me, right?"

I gasped. "You think you might die!?"

He gulped. "Well, you know, considering I'm gonna be strapped to this thing that might fly out of control….there is a possibility."

Suddenly, I thought that maybe this invention wasn't so worth it after all. "Oh no! Alvin, maybe….maybe you shouldn't do this. I don't wanna lose you."

"It's too late, Netta." He activated the wings and straps. "Everything's already in motion."

"At least wear a helmet!" I called out to him, realizing he was so excited to get on the board that he'd forgotten it.

"Wait, what?" He patted his cap. "AW FUDGE NUGGETS!" That sounded like something Theodore would say.

Before Alvin could do anything else, the invention rose up from the ground and blasted into the air with him still attached to it.

"Oh dear." I murmured. I sure hoped my best friend would survive. Especially, because those straps were my idea! Granted, the board wasn't supposed to be going that fast!

"YAAAAAAAAH!" The chipmunk screeched as he zoomed around uncontrollably. "I THOUGHT I FIXED THE SPEED CONTROLS ON THIS THING!"

"You did!" I yelped, hoping he could hear me. I made my voice as loud as possible. "At least, I thought you did!"

"Leaning only controls my direction! Not speed!" He reported.

"Try hitting the other button!" I suggested.

"Okay…oh no! I can't tell the speed controls button apart from the one that controls the wings and straps! They should have been color coded!" He groaned. "I am such an amatuer!"

"You're still just learning. This is your first invention." I shouted out words that were as encouraging as possible.

CRASH! Alvin and his flying skateboard flew into the tree that houses the boys' pirate treehouse. He was stuck. But on the bright side, he was alive.

I climbed up the ladder and into the treehouse to get closer to him. Once there, I climbed even higher up the tree. Don't look down. Don't look down. I loved climbing trees, but my fear of heights sometimes flared up and made it…uncomfortable.

Alvin unstrapped himself from the board and shut the invention off. He wriggled himself out of the tree, but in the process he caught the zipper of his cyan hoodie on a branch and the zipper pull ripped off.

"Aw come on!" He groaned. "As if this day wasn't bad enough."

"I'll get you a replacement." I offered, pulling him the rest of the way out of the branches.

We both scurried back down into the pirate treehouse below. I made myself comfortable on a small stool, while Alvin held the silver skateboard up and then dropped it angrily on the ground.

"People want solid proof I'm not Simon? There. There it is. There's your proof. I can't do it. I'm just gonna keep screwing up over and over." He fumed, gesturing with his hands as he got angrier and angrier.

"No you aren't." I said calmly. "That's just the frustration talking. You're close. We both know it."

He looked at me and raised a red-orange colored eyebrow. It was the first time I'd noticed that along with his hair, his eyebrows, nose stripe, and tail had also shifted in hue.

"I've been "really close" the last 10 times." He sighed. "I'm sorry you have to see me like this. I was just…so excited to share my working invention with you."

I got up and picked up his invention, setting it gently on the stool I'd previously been sitting on. "I know you were, Alvin. I know. And someday, you will."

He hung his head down. "But not today." He rubbed the sleeves of his cyan jacket. He was wearing it over a red shirt with a yellow letter A. "Simon said I'd get it on the 200th try, but I'm not sure I'm mentally equipped to handle almost 40 more failures." He bared his soul to me.

"Maybe it's time for another break." I suggested kindly. "Because all you have to finalize is the speed controls. You've got every other part of it functioning very well."

"I don't wanna take a break. I wanna invent something." He sighed again. "Even if I need Simon's help to do it."

I wagged my tail at the mention of my other very good friend. "I'd like to spend time with both you and Simon."

"And I do have a non-skateboard invention idea to work on." Alvin admitted, tucking his prototype board under his arm and shimmying down the ladder.

I followed him, hoping that things would get better for the stressed chipmunk very soon.

We re-entered the Seville house and walked upstairs to search for Simon. He wasn't terribly difficult to locate. We both could hear him and see him talking to Brittany as we peeked around the bedroom door.

"I'm telling you. It's not fair. How can they just cut me off and ghost me like that? I thought they were my friends, but apparently they're as bad as Annie and Amber." Brittany was filling Simon in on how her week of school went.

Simon listened intently to her conversation, though he stared at the ceiling once. He always does that. I wonder what's so interesting up there. I'll have to ask him someday. "You've been annoying the other students by shoving the fact that you were voted Homecoming Queen in their faces." He responded. "Did you REALLY expect them to put up with it?"

"When Annie was Homecoming Queen that one year, she bragged about it and everyone loved her." Brittany put her paws on her hips.

Simon went back to trying to read his book. "Yes, and? People are more afraid of Annie than you." He looked at her from over top of the Calculus book he was reading. "You don't have the same power, Britt." All of a sudden the Chipmunk in blue turned paler. He set the book down and muttered to himself. "No, that sounds weird. I'm not sure I like that."

Brittany shuddered. I wondered why the way Simon said her name creeped her out. Then, she explained it for me.

"You…You sounded like Alvin." She gulped. "Only Alvin and my sisters call me that."

Simon stared at her looking equally frightened. "Yeah….I won't say it again. I promise."

Brittany's lip trembled. "Do you think that, well, with Alvin turning into you….you might….you know?"

"Actually, I'm trying really hard not to think about it." Simon answered.

I entered the room with Alvin and made sure to help alleviate their worries. "Don't worry, you guys. Simon's not going to turn into Alvin any more than Alvin's going to turn into Simon."

For some reason, saying that only made Brittany and Simon look more freaked out.

"I don't think that helped." Alvin whispered to me with a chuckle. Then, he strode over to Simon. "Anyway…" He climbed onto Simon's bed. "Would you be interested in helping Netta and I with an experiment?"

"Oh for the love of all things holy, stop calling her Netta." Brittany grumbled.

I felt a little sad. I liked the nickname a lot. I didn't want it to upset my dear sister though. Still, it was Alvin's nickname for me. It was only fair to allow him the choice between using it and not using it.

"Never." Alvin stuck his tongue out at Brittany and put his fingers in his ears.

Simon put the Calculus book on his bookshelf. All the books were in alphabetical order. He is so organized. I'm organized too, but in a more haphazard sort of way.

The brown haired Chipmunk adjusted his blue glasses by their arms. "I'd be interested, however…it's highly dependent on what you're inventing."

"Well, it won't be a flying skateboard." Alvin said, sounding frustrated once again.

"Tests 160-162 have shown massive improvement." I reported. "But unfortunately, they still weren't a success."

"Shuuush!" Alvin begged me.

Oops! I'd revealed too much. I was only excited to tell Simon how much closer his brother was to the ultimate goal.

"162!?" Simon smacked himself in the face with his hand. That's called a facepalm, which I think I have already told you. When I facepalm, I do it a lot gentler than Simon does. "Okay, that's it. I'm calling time of death on this and I will let you use my jetpacks whenever you want, okay?" The boy in the cobalt blue sweater told his older brother.

Alvin did not like that at all. In fact, it made him even sadder than the failures had made him. "NO! I have to prove I can do this! I'm close! I know I'm close!"

"And close is all you'll ever be." Brittany commented.

My goodness. Why was it so hard for them to have faith in Alvin?

"You are driving yourself and everyone around you insane!" Simon went on.

Alvin pouted like an adorable little kid. "I want my flying skateboard!" He announced, stamping his foot.

Simon threw his hands in the air. "Can't reason with crazy."

"I am NOT crazy!" Alvin insisted. "I am a dreamer!"

"Okay, mister dreamer." Simon's half lidded eyes judged his brother. "What absolutely ludicrous idea have you dreamt up this time?"

"More different modes for my glasses." The red capped boy quipped.

"That's it?" Simon raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"Night vision mode for starters, maybe infrared sensing capabilities." Alvin explained.

I touched Simon gently on the shoulder to calm him down. "Doesn't that sound like a fun idea to bring to life?" I asked.

"Actually….yes." He agreed. "Yes it does."

"Stupendous!" Alvin and I chorused.

Brittany started to go into one of her fits of outrage. "But what about my advice on how to get my friends back?" She asked.

"I gave you the advice." Simon rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Just stop talking about being Homecoming Queen constantly and people will stop avoiding you."

"That's it?" My sister blinked.

Simon nodded. "That's all she wrote."

"All who wrote?" I wondered, before realizing that was probably another expression I was unfamiliar with.

Alvin looked at Brittany with a smile that almost brought to mind the old way he used to smile, though it was still just a touch different. "Maybe your friends are avoiding you because you need a personality adjustment." He teased her. I never will understand their teasing. Maybe I'm not meant to understand it.

"I need a personality adjustment!?" My sister shrieked. "What about you, vain scientist boy!?"

"A lot less vain than I used to be." Alvin said, scampering into the closet lab and leaving the Chipette in pink with her right eye twitching.

"That's it. I'm going home." Brittany muttered, heading for the zipline.

Simon and I followed Alvin into the closet lab. It was time for another experiment! Oh boy! Please let this one turn out well.

It did! Simon and I helped upgrade Alvin's glasses with infrared sensing, night vision, and a 3D glasses mode. Alvin helped us too, though he had some trouble following Simon's instructions. We took breaks for lunch and dinner and by the end of the day, we were successful. I think it really helped take Alvin's mind off the flying skateboard conundrum.

Of course, Alvin being the kind of person he is, couldn't resist trying to ask for more than what Simon was willing to give. I had to admire his tenacity, even if I didn't particularly agree with his two final requests at all.

"Okay, now can we do an X-ray vision and a laser vision mode?" The redhead asked, his tail wagging so fast that it was a blur.

"Absolutely not." Simon replied. "Out of the question."

"But whyyy?" His brother pouted again.

"I think you know why." Simon flicked the red capped munk's forehead.

I folded my hands in front of me and rocked back and forth, trying to think of how to contribute to their discussion. "Those modes don't sound very safe. X-rays can be quite damaging. That's why you wear a lead vest to protect yourself at the doctor when you get them. And lasers? Well, you'd just slice through everything you look at."

"Not to mention, you'd use X-ray vision to look through people's clothes." Simon added.

Oh eww. I wasn't even thinking about that option. Did Alvin really want to do that?

"I would never! I would only use it to get all the best blind bag surprise toys by looking through the packages." Alvin insisted.

His taller brother didn't look convinced. "Still no." He sat down at his desk. "You're lucky I agreed to the modes you do have."

Alvin pressed a tiny button on his glasses and the lenses turned orange. "Whooooah! Infrared vision is sweet! Look at all the pretty colors! This is like a superpower!"

"It's a snake's ability too." I added.

Simon groaned. "I thought you already had enough superpowers."

"Yes, but I have an absence of ones that aren't considered LAME." Alvin said, pushing the button to turn his glasses into 3D glasses where one lens was red colored and the other was cyan. It matched his clothes well. "But, then again, I'm a mutant with superpowers. Lame superpowers…but superpowers all the same." He smiled.

Simon looked at him strangely. "How can you not see the sheer Awesomeness of seeing PHYSICS in midair!? I'd love that power! I want that power!" He exclaimed.

"I get the awesomeness of it." He replied. "But other people don't."

"I wish I could trade with you." Simon murmured softly, while re-arranging some awards he had on his desk.

Alvin chuckled. " If we trade, you'll never truly sleep again. Cuz you'll also get the Dreambomber thing." He warned his brother.

Simon quickly retracted his statement. "Nevermind."

I looked at the awards on my friend's desk. Simon had quite a few of them scattered throughout the house, but these ones he has told me he keeps on his desk because he's the most proud of them.

There was one for the spelling bee, one for a junior inventors convention, and one for perfect attendance. I remember the year he won that one. He went to school while he was sick. I would never advise anyone to do that. He pushed himself so hard.

"Would either of you like my power?" I asked, feeling like I had to be part of this conversation, but struggling to know when it was appropriate to add my input. I figured a lull in the action was as good a time as any. "You know, theoretically?"

"Hmmm." Alvin tapped his chin. "Maybe to try it out for a day or two. I would love to know what Mr. Snugglepet and Pippi are saying."

"I always translate for you though." I was confused.

"Ah, I know, I mean like, talk to them direct. Just to try it out." He clarified.

Simon saw Alvin eyeing up his Newton's Cradle lab decoration. With a heavy sigh, he pushed the object toward the red capped boy. "As for me, I'd be curious to try it out, but I fear understanding everything other animals are saying would become overwhelming very quickly." He answered.

"Yeah. It does kind of get to be a lot, especially when the crickets are noisy outside." I giggled.

Alvin clickity clacked the Newton's Cradle and watched the balls move back and forth.

After a bit, Simon nudged me and gestured to his brother. "Look, he's pretty much hypnotized." He joked. At least, I hope it was a joke and he didn't think Alvin WAS hypnotized.

"That was very kind of you to let him play with it." I spoke quietly, so as not to disturb Alvin. "I know how you get about people playing with your things."

"It's the least I could do." Simon frowned. "After all that's happened." He smiled again, the frown had lasted but a mere moment. I wondered if his smile was a mask hiding his true feelings, but only Simon could tell me that.

"How has your depression been?" I asked, before second guessing myself. "I'm sorry. That was way too personal. You don't have to answer." I fidgeted with the rubber friendship bracelets on my hand.

"Better." He revealed. "It's been better. It's still not great, but it's….more tolerable."

"I'm so glad. I was so worried about you. I'm sorry Alvin and I bothered you today. It won't happen again." I squeaked.

Simon continued to shyly smile, he looked from Alvin to me and back a couple times. "I don't mind it sometimes. Just as long as it isn't a constant."

"How will I know what times you do mind?" I wondered, getting up from the chair.

He let out a soft laugh. "How about you just text me before you come barging in with Alvin? I'll let you know then whether I'm up to it or not."

"Consider it done." I twirled around happily.

"Terrific." He breathed what I hoped was a sigh of relief. "Oh, one more thing, Jeanette."

"Yes?" I rushed over to his desk again, eager to help.

He held up the solved rubix cube. "Did you solve this or did Alvin?"

I smiled widely. "It was me."

He put the cube down and pumped his fist in the air. "I knew it!"

That loud exclamation shook Alvin from his trance. "What are we doing again?"

"Actually,…" I looked at the time on Simon's watch. "It's time for me to head home, but I have had a lovely day and I'll see you again tomorrow." I waved to both of them as I left the lab.

Alvin deactivated his 3D glasses, turning them back into ordinary glasses and stared at me with what Brittany loves to misinterpret as "goo goo eyes."

The next day, Alvin came to hang out in the treehouse. I'd spent most of Saturday at his house, so he agreed to spend Sunday at mine.

I typed up my story idea while Alvin sat on Brittany's bed reading a Popular Science magazine he borrowed from Simon. While I typed, Mr. Snugglepet crawled up to startle Alvin, as he liked to do.

"Not again!" Alvin was about to whack him with the magazine, when he stopped. "Netta, come get your spider." He groaned.

I got up from my bed and rushed over to gently pick up Mr. Snugglepet. "What have I told you about scaring Alvin?" I asked.

He told me that he was sorry for it and I translated that to Alvin.

"It's okay, dude." The delightfully nerdy Chipmunk said. "I forgive ya."

"No," I told the spider after hearing what he thought of Alvin's words. "Him forgiving you does not mean you can do it again."

I got back to typing my story and a little while later I was interrupted again by Zeela. The little robot toddled into the bedroom.

"Auntie Ell-nor is mak-ing bwownies!" She announced. "Want some?"

"I'll take a rain check." Alvin said, which he has taught me means "maybe later, or some other time."

I didn't know if the brownies were vegan friendly or not. I really would rather focus on my story.

I politely declined. "That's okay. I'll have one when I'm finished writing."

"Okay." The little robot with coiled springs for arms walked carefully down the stairs. "Uncle Theo be very very pweased. Many more for him."

"So when did Theo and Ellie get married?" Alvin joked.

I waved my hand. "It's just a silly little title."

"Does Zeela ever call me uncle?" He wondered.

I giggled. "She just calls you Alvie because that's what Britt taught her."

"Oh, right." Alvin folded his arms and looked very cross. "Lousy Pepto Bismol colored diva." He unfolded his arms and laid on his belly on Brittany's bed. "Do me a favor, when you give me a nickname, PLEASE make it one that isn't Alvie."

I got up from my bed again and patted his head. "Don't worry." I said merrily. "To me, you will always be Alvin Einstein." I patted his head.

He smiled widely and let out a happy little squeak. "That, I love."

I got back to typing up my novel and Alvin played around with my Rainbow High doll collection after he got bored reading the popular science magazine. He pretended my dolls were superheroes and then intrepid space explorers. At least he was gentler with them than Eleanor, who frequently made the dolls body slam each other and karate kick each other out the window. I swear, I've had to retrieve poor Violet Willow from the garden at least 8 times.

At last, after two hours,…I think, had passed, I was finished with the first chapter of my planned 10 chapter story about the fairy kitten and his adventures. I named him Gutsy, because he was quite gutsy. Now, I just needed someone to test my story on.

"Alvin, can you beta read this?" I asked, pointing to my laptop.

He put down Ruby Anderson and Poppy Rowen and scampered over to me. "Beta read? No, but I can alpha read."

"What's alpha reading?" I was confused. Was he making a joke?

"In the Greek Alphabet alpha comes before beta. It's like, A comes before B." He jumped onto my bed and caused me to jolt a bit.

"I'm guessing you learned that from Dr. Wilson." I said with a smile.

He returned my smile with a big shiny one. "Yup."

I couldn't let us get too distracted, though I was interested in learning more about the Greek Alphabet at some point. I'd only heard of alpha and beta wolves. And, fun fact: wolf packs don't ACTUALLY have those. The entire theory was disproven. No one wolf leads all.

"Anyway, would you like to read my story and tell me what you think I could do better?" I asked again.

His bright crystal blue eyes blinked. "You really want me to be the first to read it? What about one of your sisters?" He asked.

I shook my head. "You're the one who inspired me to write this in the first place. It wouldn't have happened without you."

He brushed some of his lengthy red hair out of his eyes. "In that case, I'd be delighted. Expect a ton of feedback."

That's what I was counting on. I watched the expressions on Alvin's face as he read my story. They were tricky to discern. I couldn't tell if he was bored or not. He looked to be focusing very hard, at least.

When he finished, he smiled even bigger. "It's one of the sweetest stories I've ever read. That's for sure. The action is light, but the scenery description and emotions are vivid. For a starting chapter, it's really solid." He complimented. "Also Gutsy is really compelling. I barely know the guy and I'm already rooting for him to solve the mystery of what happened to his parents."

"And you're sure there's nothing I could have done better?" I fidgeted with the hair on my Violet Willow doll. It was so soft!

Alvin hesitated for a second, but then spoke. "Well, if I had to make a suggestion, it would be…add a tiny smidge more action to the next chapter, but just a smidge. I'm not talking giant monster battles or anything. Those are more suited for my stories."

I hugged him tightly. "I'm so happy you liked it!"

"Loved it, actually. I loved it." He beamed like the sun. "I loved it as much as I love you….as a friend."

Alvin's face was bright pink once again.

Mine felt like it heated up considerably. "I love you as a friend too." I remembered something that I had bought for him as a Christmas present. Christmas was still a couple weeks away, but now seemed like the perfect moment. "I have something for you."

I got off my bed and pulled a gift box out from under it.

"Another gift?" He groaned. "Netta, you're spoiling me!"

"Oh…" I put the gift box behind my back. "If you don't want it, that's okay. I'll find something different for Christmas."

"Of course I want it." He squeaked. "I was kidding." He outstretched his hands.

I gave him the package and he ripped it open. Inside was a cyan colored long sleeved shirt. It had a picture of the solar system on it. It said "If the universe didn't need you, you wouldn't be here" on it in black cursive letters. I figured it would cheer him up on those days when the universe has beat him down.

"It's awesome!" He hugged the shirt to his chest. "Thank you so much! Seriously! I can't wait to give you your Christmas gift….as soon as I figure out what that's gonna be."

I giggled. "There's no rush."

"I'm gonna try this on right now!" He said, and before I could suggest he use the bathroom to change, he whipped off his cyan jacket and letter A T shirt and wriggled into the new shirt. "How does it look?" He asked, putting his cap back on.

"It is a lot of….blue." I answered. It made his eyes seem even bluer than before.

"Yeeeah. Maybe I'll wear a red hoodie with it." He responded.

"Good thinking." I looked out the window. "So what should we do now?"

He tapped his chin. "How about…" He whipped his phone from his pocket. "Virtual chess!"

"Sounds good to me." I pulled my phone out too.

That day, we played chess, words with friends, and I introduced Alvin to my Tinkerbell Nintendo game while he introduced me to Pokémon Go. It was a lovely Sunday full of wonder and merriment.

I was so blessed to have a friend like Alvin to count on through the good times and the rough times. Someone to defend me, to protect me, to lift me up, encourage me to shine, read my stories, watch my favorite shows. He was also very patient and understanding whenever I misunderstood something.

I hoped I could be there during the moment Alvin finally triumphed. The moment his invention worked without issues. The moment he'd been waiting for since he decided to be an inventor. There was still a small inkling of fear that Simon was right…and Alvin couldn't make it, but I chose to ignore it as much as I could. It was Alvin's time to shine. He needed all the positive energy that I could supply.

JEANETTE: Can you please do the ending part? I am very tired.

ALVIN: Will do! Go get some rest. Thanks for helping out.

JEANETTE: Bring it home…I think the saying goes.

ALVIN: Sweet dreams, sleepy Jean.

JEANETTE: Daydream Believer reference?

ALVIN: I can't get anything past you. I love that.

JEANETTE: (giggles) Goodnight, Alvin.

Alvin 2.0's POV

Sunday night, I went back home after playing virtual chess and whatnot with Jeanette. It was a really fun day. It was slow and less action packed fun, but I'd had my fill of that with the flying skateboard tests.

I ran into Theodore and Simon in the living room. They had a lot to say about the new shirt Jeanette bought me.

"Did you change your style again?" Theo frowned.

I scowled. "No, this is pretty consistent with my style now, Teddy boy."

"But there's no…red." Simon pointed out.

"Because I just GOT the shirt!" I explained. "Jeanette bought it on a shopping trip with Britt and it made her think of me." I intended to go upstairs and throw my unzipped crimson hoodie over top of the shirt.

But both my brothers had to continue to be total nags.

Theodore stared at me like he'd seen some sort of alien creature. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"YES!" I shouted.

"We only ask because the last time you didn't wear red, you changed your name to Albert." My baby bro continued.

I uncrumpled my letter A shirt from the ball of clothes I'd been carrying. I slipped my signature letter A shirt over the new cyan one. "THERE! I'm wearing red. Is this enough red for you?"

"I'm sorry I made you mad." Theodore whimpered. "I just care about you. That's all."

"Yeah." Simon agreed. "You've been all over the place for months."

I sighed. "I promise I'm fine, you guys. I promise."

Was I? Well, yes. Sorta. Classic Alvin did still pop up now and then to cause me a headache, but I was pretty much fully adapted to being an absolute geeknerd. Going back to the person I used to be seemed less and less appealing every day, even though I still missed him sometimes.

I scurried upstairs and went to the bathroom. It was time for my usual weekly mirror mantra, in which I give myself a pep talk and remind myself that being 2.0 feels RIGHT!

I climbed up on the step stool and faced the mirror. This time, Classic Alvin didn't show up and I didn't worry about it. I knew he wasn't actually going anywhere. Unless the glitchy pixels that he sometimes appeared with were a sign of him fading…NO! Stop it. He's never gonna leave. He can't. We are forever linked together.

I began my pep talk. "I am Alvin 2.0. I can do whatever I set my mind to. It's okay if other people don't understand it. I am a unique breed. I embrace being a nerd now, and all that comes with it. I'm not Simon and I never will be. I'm perfectly happy with who I am. I'm exactly who I am supposed to be. Fears cannot control me."

After the pep talk, I checked out my reflection. I know I'd just slipped on the shirt overtop the new one because I was annoyed with my brothers, but something about this look just FIT! I liked it! It spoke to me! It said, "here's a guy who's embraced his Alvin-ness again, but he's still not the same as before and that's okay."

Yeah. I think this look was gonna become one of my regulars. Whenever I got knocked down, I could lift up my letter A shirt and read the encouraging words written on the cyan one Jeanette gave me.

"If the universe didn't need you, you wouldn't be here." Poetic stuff.

I decided the new look was still missing something, so I took a tube of cyan glitter-fabric glue and added an atom design on each side of my cap. Then, I immediately regretted what I'd done. It looked cool, but how could I deface my treasured cap like that!? What was I thinking?

It did look pretty cool though, and after calling up Jeanette and talking through my rash decision with her, I decided that the glitter glue atoms were a good choice. After all, they reminded me of Dr. Wilson.

Speaking of that guy, a couple days later, I had a new plan brewing. I was gonna get some advice about my invention from Dr. Wilson before attempting test 163. Maybe he had some tips that could help me figure out how to adjust the board's speed while I'm in the air.

Of course, while I was doing my research, the Homecoming Queen of Mean paid me a visit. A very unwanted and unappreciated visit.

"Are you watching a video about skateboarding physics AGAIN?" She asked.

I tried to ignore her. I needed to focus. "It's for my research paper."

I felt her hot breath on my neck as she invaded my space. "Miss. Smith didn't GIVE us a research paper."

I rolled my eyes. "I know. It's for Dr. Wilson. I'm gonna email it to him and see what he thinks. You know, just make sure I haven't forgotten or mixed up anything important." I was having doubts that I still remembered physics as well as I once had, given my memory's tendency to get all clogged up.

Brittany walked around to the other side of my bed. "So it's not for a grade?" She looked suspicious.

"Nope." I wished she'd go away so I didn't have to answer her dumb questions.

Then, Brittany Miller pointed out something TERRIFYING. "Alvin, you're doing a research paper FOR FUN!"

My eyes went wide and I bet I looked as horrified as I felt. "I never thought about it that way….I guess I am." Maybe the stereotypical nerd mojo is stronger than I thought.

"Who are you?" The diva asked, backing away from me.

"I…..I'm Alvin….2.0." I stammered. And gosh darn it, I was going to complete this research paper thing! Who cares if it wasn't something Classic Alvin would do?

Simon entered the room to get on my case as well. "What did I tell you about this? I said "don't bother Dr. Wilson with a research paper. He has actual classwork to grade. He doesn't have time for you."

"He'll make time for me." I replied confidently.

"He doesn't even teach at our school anymore, Alvin." My brother reminded me.

THANKS SO MUCH! (Sarcasm) I WAS TRYING TO PRETEND HE STILL DID!

"He said he might come back." It was my turn to remind Simon.

Then, Britt stuck her nose in again. "Exactly. "Might." There's no guarantee. You know, maybe he left because you were clinging to him too much."

I started to feel the tears again. I blinked them back and exited the room in a hurry holding my laptop. "No! No he didn't! He's gonna love my skateboarding research! I know him better than you ever will!"

"I'm worried about him again." I heard Simon tell my worst frenemie.

Brittany whimpered. "I never stopped worrying."

Well, they shouldn't have worried! A day later, my research paper was finished and sent to Dr. Wilson, along with the question about the speed controls. He loved it! He told me that I was extremely impressive AND he suggested using something like a gas pedal or a dial system for a speed control. A DIAL SYSTEM! Of course! I could easily turn the dial with my foot and that would allow me to control the speed. That was the final piece I needed. Time to make my dream a reality.

After school the next day, Jeanette and I worked on implementing my newest breakthrough. Then, I ran outside to the driveway. She followed me with an excited grin on her face. It HAD to work this time.

"What's going on now?" Simon asked, walking up the driveway with his backpack on. He'd stayed later at school today for a meeting with the MathTrons. I didn't go, because I'm only expected to show up for the ones I feel like.

I could hardly stop shaking with enthusiastic energy. "Test 163! I have a really good feeling about this one!" I told him.

Predictably, Good Ol' Simon rolled his eyes. "That's what you said about the last hundred of them." He snarked.

"Trust us, Simon!" Jeanette jumped up and down. "He's got this!"

"We've got this!" I winked at the brunette Chipette. "You, me, and a little help from Dr. Wilson."

"I'll go get the ice packs for when you crash into a tree or the house or whatever you crash into this time." Simon offered.

Jeanette got short with him! She was really annoyed! "Stop making fun of him!"

"I'm being realistic." The blue clad boy retorted.

"You're being a naysayer. Alvin has enough people telling him that he can't do things like this. You're an inventor, Simon. Build up your fellow inventor. He couldn't have done this without your guidance. He needs you. He needs you to cheer him on." Jeanette ordered.

Simon was clearly taken aback by her words. He sort of stood there in shock.

"Ready in 3….2….1…." I counted down as I prepared to start skating.

"Go Alvin!" Was that Simon actually cheering me on? "You can do this!"

"We believe in you!" Jeanette shouted.

I started to sing, determined to finish that song I was singing days ago when Britt-Bratt interrupted me.

"Don't tell me there's too far to go

I know that I'm unstoppable

I'm ready now

Nothing's gonna slow me down

'Cause finally I see

Finally I see"

I was ready. I activated the wings and rocket boosters and fiddled with the speed controls as the straps secured my feet in place. BLASTOFF!

I was doing it! I was actually flying! The board was totally under my control! MY INVENTION ACTUALLY WORKED! THIS WAS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE! I started to sing even louder!

"It's so possible

Watch me rise high above my obstacles

Watch me become who I'm supposed to be

Oh, the possibilities"

I zipped around a tree similar to how I would on land, leaning to control the direction of the flying skateboard. I was so good at this! Well, DUH! After 163 tries and doing it countless times before that in my head, of course I had talent for it.

I waved at Simon who was looking up at me with his jaw dropped and eyes wide. Jeanette waved back and jumped around, doing a cartwheel across the grass.

"Don't tell me it's too far to go

I know that I'm unstoppable

'Cause the square root of impossible

Is me

Is me"

Warbie flew out of his birdhouse to join me. "Alvin, you're flying!" He said, soaring beside me.

"I KNOW!" I squealed! "I DID IT! Ohoho! I AM A GENIUS!"

"This is amazing!" The little bird chirped. "Hey,…" He laughed. "Looks like you have a fan club."

"A what now?" I looked down at the ground below as I began to circle around my house.

My singing had attracted a LOT of people! Not only were Simon, Netta, Dave, Miss Miller, Theo, Britt, and Eleanor there, so were Geizmo, Zeela, Ms. Croner, Mr. Dotson, Coach Dopkins, Miss. Smith, Officer Dangus, a ton of kids from school, Kevin, Cheesy, Vanessa, Anita, and, well, too many people to name. Even Derek was there, watching me as I finally got to celebrate a victory.

I wondered how they all arrived so fast, then I realized cartoon logic was likely in play. I still wasn't totally used to living in a cartoon, but I sure was thankful for the wacky cartoon physics that allowed me to make this super cool skyboard!

Wait a sec….how do I land this thing? Don't panic, Alvin! Just because you've never landed it before, doesn't mean that you can't do it. It just means, well, it might be a little bumpy.

Warbie flew down and perched on Jeanette's head. I slowed the speed as my magnificent creation began its descent. Would this work? Or would I crash and burn in front of the whole school and make a fool of myself.

To my surprise, the landing went as smoothly as the takeoff. As soon as I landed the straps detached and the wings slid back inside the mainframe. I rolled up the driveway and did a kickflip. The crowd applauded.

"Thank you, thank you!" I hopped off the skateboard and took a bow, tucking my life's work under my arm.

"What the heck was that!?" Simon asked, absolutely flabbergasted.

Eleanor nudged him. "That was Alvin showing you he's serious about inventing."

"I didn't think he'd actually do it! I expected him to get bored eventually and give up." My brother in the medium blue sweater revealed.

I shot him one of my best winning smiles, still covered by those annoying braces. "Ohoho! Well, it just goes to show you, Alvins NEVER give up."

"You did it, Two Point Bozo." Brittany looked at me strangely. "I feel like I am living in the Twilight Zone." She remarked.

"I wish we actually did." Eleanor commented. "That would be so cool!"

"Look at yooou!" Jeanette ran up to me and gave me a high five. "You finally earned your wings!"

"I did!" I replied. "I totally did!"

"What does that mean?" Derek asked Eleanor. "Is she talking about the winged skateboard or something else?"

Eleanor climbed up on his shoulder. "It's some kind of butterfly transformation metaphor."

"That was totally awesome, Alvin!" Kevin cheered.

Cheesy's eyes were almost as wide as Simon's. "Can you make me one?"

"Well, human weight distribution is a bit different than a chipmunk's BUT…I could give it a go…eventually." I explained.

Miss. Smith walked up to me and admired my skateboard. "That is…really exceptional, Alvin. You know, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed it."

"Ohoho! Yeah, I know." I chuckled.

"Keep up the great work, but don't let inventing distract you from your schoolwork." She warned, though it was in a kinder way this time.

She was definitely never finding out that I hadn't yet completed my homework for the day. I'd have it finished by midnight tonight at the latest.

"Great job, Alvin." Miss. Miller congratulated me. "All your fooling around with that contraption really paid off."

"Well done, Alwin." Ms. Croner agreed.

Vanessa fist bumped me. "So you're an inventor and a comic book salesman now?"

"In addition to being a rockstar." I said proudly. "But don't say the first part too loud. My dad still doesn't know."

Then, it was Dangus's turn to approach me. Dave was still staring up at the sky with his eyes wide. I think he was in a daze from the sheer surprise.

At least my other supportive dad-like presence was around. "I trust your little skate flyin' thingie won't be going over the speed limit." He teased.

"There's a speed limit for the sky?" I asked, genuinely.

"Darned if I know, but if you're gonna ride that thing, I might as well create one." He responded. "Joking aside, that there is the COOLEST thing I ever did see."

"It's….extraordinary." Simon was by my side again.

"Thanks, bro." Ohoho! I loved the attention. It has been so long since I had this much good attention.

"Keep it up, and you may in fact be a great scientist someday." My brother continued.

I hugged my skateboard tighter, giddy with excitement. "Really? You really think so? You aren't just sayin that to make me feel better?"

My fellow genius bro smiled. It wasn't a sarcastic smirk or a snide smile that implied he knew more than me. It was a genuine smile. "I mean every word with all my heart."

"Wanna hear about how Jeanette came up with the idea to run it on vegetable oil instead of rocket fuel?" I asked.

"Absolutely." He and I walked over to rejoin Jeanette.

I heard Britt complain as we walked away. "I'm sorry. Are we glossing over the fact that Dave lets Simon keep rocket fuel in the basement!? Yep. Apparently we are."

Jeanette and I recounted the story for Simon, catching him up on what he missed, until we were interrupted by a certain mysterious Chipette.

"Hey, poindexter." Eleanor teased, poking me in the side. "Nice to see you not wearing plaid."

"Oh come on. That outfit was just for exam week." I told her, my nose giving an aggravated twitch.

"Ah, that explains it. I like the new look though. It's very…you." The pigtailed girl in the mint and lavender jacket complimented me.

Gosh, this was so self indulgent and all, but I really wanted to talk with Simon and Jeanette.

Theodore wandered over to me. "Hey, Alvin!" He waved. "Congratulations! Sorry we doubted you."

"How'd you do it anyway?" Anita asked, she had come over with Theo.

"I could say a lot of scientific jargon you wouldn't understand." I began. "But the truth is, all it took was guts, an idea, persistence, and a bit of teamwork." I decided to slip in another reference to that Jingle Jangle movie. They wouldn't get it, but Netta would…and she was within earshot. "It also took knowing the coefficient of excelsior, the circumference of spectacular, the second derivative of sensational, and of course, the square root of possible." I winked at Netta as I spoke.

She smiled back.

Then, I felt a giant human hand touch my shoulder. I turned around and looked up. "Hey, Dave." I greeted my dad, who was now less out of sorts. "Did ya see me fly?"

He nodded. "I don't know how you did it, but it was amazing." He frowned, looking…guilty. "I know you think I've been hard on you, and it's possible I have. Maybe you don't need as much experience as I thought. You can clearly accomplish great things with just an idea and a dream and some support from your friends and family."

"Are you saying you'll let me sell my comic books?" I felt my tail start to wag. "That's what you're saying, isn't it?"

"Yes. You can sell the comic books. We'll figure something out." Dave took off my cap and ruffled my ever growing hair. Then, he put the cap back on.

"Oh thank goodness." Cheesy exclaimed. He had overheard us. "Now I don't have to hide it from you anymore. Alvin's been selling comics out of my garage for almost a week now, maybe two. I'm not sure on the exact time."

"CHEESY!" I shouted, annoyed. Eh. He wasn't great at secret keeping. I'm surprised he lasted a week.

And then, because some things never change, Dave let out his signature yell. "ALVINNN!"

"Well, look at the time, I really oughta be going." I hopped back on my skateboard and cruised down the driveway.

"Be careful of the construction on the sidewalk!" Jeanette shouted while Pippi gave me a little wave that said "bye bye, better run from angry dad." At least, I think that's what it said. I don't speak mouse.

"Sidewalks?" I laughed. "Where I'm headed, I don't need sidewalks." I activated the flying skateboard feature once more and took off into the air with Warbie following behind me.

Luckily, Dave wasn't as mad as I thought he'd be about the comic thing. He didn't even ground me for that. He did, however, lecture me for like two hours straight about breaking his trust again. It was unavoidable really. Someday, he'll see it my way. Maybe.

In the end, nobody really knew how exactly I became 2.0. Was it my sudden popularity loss? Was it aliens? Jeanette's lessons? Simon's invention? Eight concussions? Unused potential being brought to light? I prefer the last option. Heck, maybe it's all of them or a combo of them. But I guess it doesn't really matter HOW, as long as I'm happy with who I've become. And I am happy. I'm extremely happy. I AM Alvin 2.0 and I can do ANYTHING.

I love leaving open endings up to interpretation. It's a very Alvinnn thing to do.

What do you think happened to Alvin? How much of his self improvement was natural?

This chapter was so fun to write! I love seeing Alvin finally get a win in the end! Now that story 8 is done, got any predictions for what happens next?

In case you didn't pick up on it, the way the timeline goes, the next installment will be Christmas themed!

The Alvinette really shined this chapter! I'm so happy both of them are really coming into their own. They're pretty much inseparable now.

And Simon FINALLY sees that Alvin's actually got potential to be an inventor! He grew a lot alongside Alvin in these past few tales. I hope you'll like what I have planned for him in the next story.

I shall see you again eventually with part 1 of The Brothers Of Invention, but for now, I am going to take a much needed rest…and listen to The Square Root Of Possible in Alvin's voice 2,000 more times. If you wanna hear it, check out the channel Chipmunks PITCHED-UP on YouTube.

Bye for now! Enjoy Alvin's sweet victory! He deserves it!