Prepare yourselves for the continuation of the last chapter. This is the other half of the Christmas story! I'll keep this intro short, so we can jump in! I'm gonna try and sneak in some more cute Alvinette moments in this bit!
Again, sorry, Alvittany fans. This one's gonna be rough.
Alvin 2.0's POV
He said it! Ohoho! Simon FINALLY accepts my dream to be a scientist! And, he's willing to help make it happen! My brother is actually being nice! I know we're gonna make a STUPENDOUS team! With Simon by my side, I can come up with another totally amazing present for Dave! I just know it!
"Well, err, I dunno about changing the world…." My brother in the turquoise blue snowflake sweater said, continuing to allow me to hug him. "Changing the world might be too much of a task for two people."
"Jeanette always says that even the smallest person can make a difference." I squeaked, letting go of him and rushing over to the lab table to grab the notebook I used for blueprints. "Let's brainstorm!"
I bought my own notebook with my comic money. This way, I don't have to use the back of Simon's blueprints for my doodles anymore.
Simon rested his arms on the lab table. "I must confess. I don't know where to start."
I tapped my favorite red pen against my cheek. "I was thinking….we could stick with the chore idea. Let's upgrade the vacuum!"
"Let's not." Simon groaned. "That sounds like it'll be more of a disaster than the lawnmower.
"Ah…." I frowned, remembering the sheet of metal flying at me and how terrified I was. I really thought I was a goner! "You're probably right."
"Think of some other chores." He cleaned a spot of dirt off the table with a yellow washcloth.
Staring at the washcloth, the gears in my mind turned. As I imagined myself washing the dishes with a similar cloth, a new idea popped up. "What about a robot hand that washes dishes for him?"
"Dave said no robots." Simon set the cloth aside and began lining up his empty beakers and test tubes. I'd messed their arrangement up. Oops.
I frowned. "Not even a hand?"
"Not even a hand." He repeated sadly.
I tore the doodle I'd made out of the notebook and crumpled it up. "Okay, next idea…" I muttered.
I tossed the crumpled paper toward his trash can, but it hit the rim and bounced off. Most of my basketball basket attempts tend to do this too. It's so annoying.
"Don't litter." My younger bro looked at me sternly.
My shoulders descended into an irritated slump. "I was TRYING to make a basket."
He chuckled. "Basketball is not your sport."
"I know." I groaned.
Then, he picked up the piece of paper and tossed it over his shoulder. It landed in the trash perfectly.
My eyes went wide. "How….How did you do that!?" He hadn't even LOOKED at where he was throwing it.
Simon let out an annoyed sigh. "Alvin, focus." He insisted. "Next idea. Go."
"Would Dave like a spaceship?" I asked, drawing a flying saucer in the notebook in like 30 seconds flat.
He blinked and then looked even more irritated. "What is he going to do with that?"
I jumped out of the chair and wagged my tail. "Maybe he can use it in a music video for There's No Rock and Roll on Mars!"
"Alvin, we are not building a spaceship." Simon adjusted his round blue glasses.
I didn't tear out this drawing. I merely flipped the page. "How about…a rocketship?"
"No." He responded.
I groaned. "This is HAAAARD."
"You're thinking too much about what YOU'D like." My brother told me, fairly gently. "And not enough about what Dave would like."
"That's because the only things Dave likes are pianos, camping, and lasagna!" I was getting more and more frustrated by the minute.
Simon's jaw dropped, though I feared this time it wasn't because he was impressed. He was just blown away by my shocking display of buffoonery.
He nearly dropped a beaker. "There's a lot more to Dave than that."
"Well, I wouldn't know….considering he mainly hangs out with you guys. Whenever he's with me, all he does is yell and say how disappointed he is." I mumbled. Then, because I didn't wanna get myself down, I threw another idea at Simon. "I've got it! We create a machine that can make a lifetime supply of lasagna!"
Simon grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the lab. "I think it's time for another break."
I was confused. I hadn't yet processed how dumb he thought I was being. "So does that mean you like my idea or…."
His facial expression said "are you frackin' kidding me?" so that's when I realized how he felt.
"I'll come up with something better. I swear!" I promised.
He closed up the closet lab and led me out of the room. "For now, let's go see how Theodore's doing."
We stepped outside the house and it was like walking directly into a fairytale storybook. Everywhere, as far as the eye could see, there was candy. Giant gumdrops making a path, licorice sticks pushed against the sides of the house, marshmallows, lifesavers, gingerbread people!
And ELVES! There were more elves here than there were garden gnomes owned by Mr. Cranky Pants down the street. And, WHOAH! There was a giant Christmas tree that was made from an ice cream cone. None of it was real candy, of course, but the illusion was phenomenal.
"Hi, guys!" Theodore finished tying a bow on a giant candy cane and Eleanor caught him when he jumped down.
"Whoah, Theo….just WHOAH!" I squeaked.
"Really awesome, ain't it?" Eleanor set her green sweatered pal on the ground.
"And it's not even finished yet!" Our baby bro added.
Simon gazed up at the spectacular decor. "What more could you possibly add?"
"You'll see." Theodore winked.
Kevin and Cheesy came running up to the house, both with excited grins on their freckled faces.
"My dad agreed to the thing!" Kevin announced.
"Oh yeah!" Eleanor pumped her fist in the air. "There's no way anyone's gonna beat us now!"
"Nope!" Cheesy nodded. "We have this in the bag."
"What thing?" Simon and I chorused as a duo.
As if to answer our question, a dump truck pulled up to our house carrying what looked like a whole pile of snow.
"That better not be powdered sugar." Simon grimaced. "Do you know how many ants you'll attract?"
Kevin's dad stepped out of the car. "Where do you want it?" He asked.
"Everywhere!" Theo, Eleanor, Kevin and Cheesy shouted."
"You got it!" The man dumped the "snow" in a pile and I learned that it was just a bunch of white sand.
We spent a while spreading the sand out so that it looked like powdered sugar or snow was covering the lawn. Then, Simon even helped by using a snowblower to blow some of the pure white sand onto the roof of the house.
"Is there anything else we gotta add, Theo?" Kevin asked, as we were all standing on the sidewalk to admire the Christmas Candyland.
Theodore rubbed his chin. "Maybe we could add a sleigh and reindeer to the roof!" He squeaked.
"That would really bring it together." I agreed.
Cheesy snapped his fingers. "I think there's some leftover reindeer in our garage."
"Awesome!" Theodore and Eleanor cheered together.
It was fun being a part of Theo's idea, but I really needed to come up with a good idea for Dave! Christmas was coming FAST!
The day of the concert rolled around. I was still absolutely dreading it. Luckily, the concert was at night, so I had plenty of time to prepare. Unluckily, I still had no present for Dave!
"How are you feeling, Alvin?" Theodore asked, as he took a tray of gingerbread cookies out of the oven and started to decorate them.
I glumly took my seat. "As usual, I have mixed feelings." I admitted. "I was gonna weasel my way out of the Christmas concert somehow, but now I need the concert money to pay back the department store. So, I'm just gonna have to suck it up and bring classic Alvin out….if I can handle him."
My brown eyed brother hung on my every word. "Well, I think you'll enjoy the concert. Besides, it wouldn't be Christmas without you."
"Yeah…" I looked down at the Christmas tree on my sweater. "You're right. I'm worrying irrationally again…as I tend to do."
"Have you thought about what Christmas presents to get everyone?" My little bro asked, handing me a gingerbread cookie.
I tried to hide how distraught I was over my failure to invent anything special for Dave. "Oh, yeah. I have them all wrapped up already too." That was a lie. I'd be doing that on Christmas Eve as I always did.
Theo and I moved to the living room to talk. I finished my gingerbread cookie.
"So, do you think we'll get to go downtown and see all the lights?" Theodore asked, sticking a Santa hat on Talking Teddy, who was sitting on the couch. "I know you and Simon are busy with your top secret project, but I miss you guys.
"I'm sure we can work that in." I suddenly felt really guilty. I knew I'd been giving up a portion of holiday fun, but I didn't realize that even the people who found the new me kinda annoying…still wanted to have holiday fun with me. "Sorry, sorry for spending so much time on the lawnmower thing."
"It's alright, Alvin." He said with a Theo-dorable grin.
I climbed up into a chair. "Any idea how far out of town this concert is?"
"I think that's a question for Dave." He replied.
Simon and the Chipettes entered the living room. They were all here to hang out before the trip we'd be taking later. Simon, Jeanette, and Eleanor were still in their Christmas sweaters, but I noticed Brittany was in a sparkly red Santa dress and had a mini Santa hat on. It was a sleeveless dress too. She looked SO GOOD! Her hair was styled slightly differently as well, tucked in a way that made it seem like she had a bob haircut with a little bun on top.
Jeanette looked a bit disheveled in her lilac colored snowman design sweater. She had on a pinkish purple skirt and dark purple fleece leggings. On her face was the biggest smile I'd ever seen. I probably stared at her for a good minute. At least, it felt that long.
As for Eleanor, she just had on faded green jeans under her teal with a mint star sugar cookie design sweater. Surprisingly, she was the first of the four to speak.
"I have great news" She exclaimed.
"So do I!" Theodore added, jumping off the couch. "And now that you're all here, I can tell you!"
Eleanor chuckled. "Go ahead, Theo." He was probably the ONLY guy she'd allow to take attention from her.
"Guess who won the decorating contest!" The boy in the gingerbread man sweater squealed happily.
I got out of the chair and patted his back. "Good for you, Teddy boy."
"Great!" Jeanette added.
"I knew ya would." Her younger pigtailed sister quipped.
Simon and Brittany nodded in agreement.
Then, Simon stepped up onto the coffee table. "And Dave and I finished the song and choreography for our Christmas show." He informed us all.
"Nice job." We all cheered for him.
Jeanette threw her hands in the air. "And I got all the toys distributed to toys for tots!" She told us.
I grabbed her and pulled her closer to me. "I'm proud of ya!"
Her midnight eyes sparkled.
"Super!" Britt cheered.
"Nice goin', sis!" Eleanor added.
"Those kids are gonna have a fantastic Christmas because of your kindness!" Theodore told Jeanette, joining me beside her.
Simon flashed her a proud smile. "Impressive."
Brittany jumped onto the coffee table next to Simon. "I got the part of SANDY CLAUS!" She announced.
"You're gonna nail it." Eleanor jumped up to the table to high five her sister.
"Whooooo!" Theo and Jeanette both cheered.
Simon chuckled. "Ohhhh. That explains why you're wearing so much red." He winked at Brittany. "I thought it was for another reason."
Brittany GLARED at him. I sensed that was an inside joke.
"Wow, amazing." I tried to muster up the energy to be happy for her, but I just didn't have it in me.
"Check out how much cash I made selling cookies!" Eleanor held out a fan of crisp green bills. "I have enough to buy presents, pay the rest of my gambling debt, and donate to charity!" Holy NUTS! How was that even possible?
"Whooohooo!" Theodore jumped up to join her and they danced together on the coffee table.
Simon took Britt's hand and the two jumped down, to give the green and teal clad munks more space to celebrate.
"Good for you!" Simon commented genuinely.
"That's wonderful, Eleanor." Jeanette beamed.
"Oh come on." I grumbled.
"Is there a problem, Alvin?" Simon's ear twitched and he looked at me sternly.
Brittany crossed her arms. "Does my sister's success bother you?"
"No, no…" I backed away from both of them. "Well, maybe a little…." I decided to tell them everything I'd been holding in. "I've accomplished NOTHING! It's not fair! All you guys reached your goals and surpassed them and I ran my invention through a department store endangering lives and wrecking everything."
"There's still time, Alvin." Ah, Sweet, gentle Netta. Always on my side, nine times out of ten. She was doing her best to cheer me up. "I'm sure you can complete your goal."
"What if I can't?" I moaned. "What if I really am just an accident waiting to happen? Doomed to have every idea end in disaster and AGONY!" I was getting very dramatic once again.
"He's finally admitting it." Brittany leaned against the couch. "Maybe instead of completing your own goal, you could come and cheer the rest of us on. At least that's something you can't mess up."
"Brittany, stop…." Simon held her back before she could demolish my self esteem more.
Theodore jumped down and reached up to pat my head. He stood on his tip toes. "I don't know what your goal is, but I know it has something to do with inventing. I think, whatever it is, you can do it."
"Yeah…" I turned away from them. "…maybe." I didn't have much faith. The time limit had nearly run out and now I had the concert to focus on.
I was on auto pilot. I walked sadly up the stairs and to my bedroom. Behind me, I could hear my family and friends calling out.
"Alvin, wait, don't go!" Brittany shouted.
"Yeah! We have to rehearse for the concert!" Theodore squeaked.
"I wish I knew how to make you feel better." Jeanette added softly.
"I've gotta talk to him!" Brittany again.
Simon responded to her angrily. "Oh, no you don't. I'll take care of this."
"Think he'd come back if I paid him fifty bucks?" Eleanor joked.
"NOT THE TIME, ELEANOR!" The group yelled at her.
I reached my room and ran inside. I dug my classic Alvin mini plush out of my nightstand and curled up on the bed, holding him tightly to my chest.
Simon had faith in me now, but I didn't. I was such a failure as an ideas guy…which meant I was a failure as an inventor too.
"Hey, Alvin…." Simon's deep and comforting voice spoke softly.
I opened my eyes to see him looking at me. "Go….away…..please. I can't do this. Not inventing. Not the concert. Nothing. I'm an accident. I keep almost killing myself! I'm that reckless!" I sobbed. "I hate being me. I hate it!"
"You don't mean any of that." My brother responded curtly.
I pouted. "Do so."
"You always do this, Alvin." He stood by the lamp on his nightstand and frowned. "One thing happens to go wrong, or one person says something that sets you off….and suddenly your entire world is falling apart."
"Uh huh." I moaned.
"But, you always pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and you're back to being ambitious in no time." Simon reminded me. "When I get hurt, it takes me a longer time to come back from it. Honestly, I've sort of….envied how resilient you are."
My tears dried up almost instantly. "You…you have?"
"Constantly." He climbed up onto the bed as I sat up, still hugging the plush. "I know that you're going to be fine. You're ALWAYS fine in the end."
"Thanks, Si." I replied. Then, I felt sad again. "I'm not ready for the concert." I admitted. "I just keep thinking about what'll happen if I accidentally act like….you know….2.0-me."
"You're going to be okay." He promised me. "You've got everyone on your side, helping protect you, and cover for you. Trust me. You can get through it. As you would say…"I got your back, max."
I chuckled. He had succeeded in helping me through my anxiety attack. "It's Jack, actually."
"Close enough." He winked, then he slid off the bed.
"Now, let's figure out what to make for Dave. That way, you have the uncertainty of that off your mind. Okay?"
I felt my lips curl into a half smile. "Oookay!"
We returned once again to the closet lab, and Simon and I took part in another short session of brainstorming. It was still not going well.
"I have no idea what to build!" I grumbled.
"We'll get something." Simon insisted. "Just keep trying."
"I try and try but I never get any…." I started to say, before being cut off by music playing.
Simon had turned on the stereo. "I know how to get your creative juices going." He told me. "Sing it with me, brother!"
We started to duet to a song Simon wrote called Calculate! It was pretty awesome! While we were singing, both of us thought about what invention to make for Dave. Hopefully, Simon was right and the music would activate whichever part of my brainy brain the good ideas lurked in.
"C-c-c-calculate
We can find these answers
C-c-c-cooperate
So we'll do just great"
We both slipped on labcoats and continued our song and dance. I copied Simon's moves, but I couldn't resist adding in a couple of my own. One of them, was a moonwalk like Michael Jackson.
"Life can be erratic, very problematic
As your spirit starts to sink
When a little trouble, starts you seeing double
All you have to do is think, think!"
Simon slid across the polished floor, and tried to mimic my moonwalk. He fell on top of me and I pushed him off. Then, the two of us just went full on freestyle mode.
"G-g-g-g-get it right
You can solve the riddle
Don't give up without a fight
And you'll see the light"
I started tapping out the melody on his beakers using his pencils. He organized one of his filing drawers in a split second and then returned to help me tap out the beat. This was EPIC!
"Everything you're doing
Fallin' in to ruin
Your back is up against the wall
If it's all confusing, don't consider losing
Not until you give it your all"
We stood back to back, each sliding our glasses down our nose. Then, we both finished the song and grabbed each other's hands, thrusting them into the sky. Then, we let go and I continued to shuffle my feet, even as the music stopped.
"Song's over, Alvin." My brother chuckled.
"Oh…" I stopped dancing. "Seems like an abrupt ending."
"Well, we are on a time limit." He reminded me.
"Oof." I started to pace around the floor of his lab. "Yeah."
Geizmo, his robot son, popped out of the cubby unit where he'd been watching Youtube. The door slid open and the box headed bot started shaking his three fingers at us. "You very noisy. Keep it down." He said.
Simon looked embarrassed and I just burst out laughing.
"Pretty bad when your tantrum throwin' kid thinks you're noisy." I commented.
"FELLAS!" Dave's voice called us downstairs. "WHERE ARE YOU!? REHEARSAL STARTS IN 5 MINUTES!"
I uttered a sound between the mix of a scream and a groan. "Simon, we only have FIVE minutes to come up with an idea!"
"Don't panic. Don't panic." He handed me a bottle of water. "Drink this."
I gulped down the water.
"Geizmo be happy when you leave to go singing." The little robot with attitude quipped. "Then I hear videos again."
"Geizmo, there are some things more important than Youtube." Simon scolded his son.
"Fine." The tiny robot picked up his laptop and walked out of the room on his extendo legs. "I go listen somewhere else."
"Do not take that attitude with me, young man." Simon scolded, then he sighed. "Eh, I don't have time for this right now."
"ALVIN! SIMON! LET'S GO! WHERE ARE YOU!?" Dave called again.
I sighed. It looked like we wouldn't have an idea before rehearsal and the concert after all. Simon and I walked out of the lab in defeat.
"I've still got nothing." He whispered to me.
"Too bad we couldn't rig some sort of pulley system to lift trash bags and drop them in the cans outside." I murmured softly, with a hint of irritation.
Simon's eyes widened. He looked VERY interested in my idea. "Say that again."
I sighed. "Too bad we couldn't rig a pulley system to take out the trash for us." I didn't know why he thought this lame idea would be a winner.
"What if we can?" He asked.
I blinked in surprise. Was that actually possible!? "Can we?"
Simon's unsure expression faltered. "I think we can." He grinned.
"THEN, LET'S GET INVENTIN'!" I announced, about to run back to the closet lab.
"After rehearsal." Simon grabbed me and turned me around.
"AFTER REHEARSAL!" I added, running out the door and downstairs.
WE HAD A PLAN! It was a good idea! A breakthrough! Soon, Dave would see how well Simon and I could work together and how EXTRAORDINARY I'd become.
Rehearsal went well, and after rehearsal we all decorated some gingerbread cookies with Theo. Then, we all took turns doing a Christmas themed crossword puzzle and shared our favorite memories from past holidays. We wrapped small gifts to donate, at Jeanette's request, and then we all sat down and watched Dave's favorite Christmas movie. It was called It's A Wonderful Life. I fell asleep before it was even 1/3rd over. I blame it on the stress. Stress makes you need more sleep.
Finally, it was time. The seven of us piled into Dave's car and went to the concert out of town. Simon left Geizmo at Miss. Miller's house with Zeela and Pippi. As for Warbie, I made him a little nest under my bed where he could hang out and watch my tablet like his own personal TV. Lucky little bird.
We arrived at the concert hall and I switched into my red sweater without the cyan accent edges backstage. I also tucked my hair under a Santa hat and exchanged my glasses for contact lenses. This time, management even forced me to cover my freckles with makeup.
Simon wore a blue striped snow hat with a fluffy pom pom. Theodore opted for a tan one that had bear ears on it. Brittany put an obnoxiously sized red and white bow in her hair and wore candy cane striped leggings. Jeanette chose to decorate her hair with snowflake barrettes. An exceptional choice. Management tried to get Eleanor to wear a shimmery green Christmas skirt to match her sisters' skirts, but she argued with them until they gave up. She's so tough. I love that she stands her ground.
"If they want me to wear a dress, they're gonna have to glue it on me." She commented, removing the green bows that she'd had put in her hair by the stylists. She clipped the holly barrettes onto her hair ties instead.
Brittany adjusted her big gaudy bow while looking in the mirror. "So much for us matching."
"Hey! I wore the constellation dress last time. The deal was every other concert I dress girly." She reminded her sister.
One of the stylists was still working on my hair. "You have so many split ends." She said to me. "How about I trim it for you?"
"Nohoho!" I jumped up out of the chair. "No haircuts! I'm good." I tucked the hair up under my Santa hat.
"You should really use more gel." A dude stylist added, as he looked at me. "It's out of control."
"That's the way I like it." I bared my teeth. "And I DO use gel, just not as much as I used to."
"Don't even bother." Brittany told the stylists. "You're arguing with a know-it-all who doesn't care about his appearance anymore."
Those words stung. I DO care, I just know my appearance doesn't define me.
"Uh,…" Jeanette awkwardly met me in the corner of the dressing room. "How's it going?"
"I'm….having trouble summoning classic me." I whispered. "I know I'm dressed like him, but….I don't FEEL like him."
I looked in the mirror. Yep. There was Classic Alvin. The solid red sweater with the green Christmas tree styled A, green jeans that matched the decal, a Santa hat to temporarily replace the cap, bright blue eyes unburdened by heavy metallic red glasses. However, on his face, where there should have been a cocky smirk and playful mischievousness, there was only uncertainty and fear. I looked like a zombie. Wide eyed, lips trembling, face pale from the makeup to hide my freckles…it felt awful caked over my fur. How was I ever gonna pull this off? Where was my Classic side!?
"Awww. It's to be expected." Jeanette reassured me. "What can I do to help?"
"I'm not sure there's anything you can do." I admitted. "I'm just gonna have to go out there and improvise."
"Buddy…." Simon joined Netta and I, seeing my panic stricken face. "We're doing our most famous Christmas songs. You did absolutely fine at rehearsal."
"Y….Yeah." I gulped and tried to put on a brave face.
Where was he? Why was the hallucination of Classic NOT happening? Was he messing with me? Was he just….gone?
"We're on, you guys!" Theodore squeaked. "Come on."
"Did they announce us?" I asked. I couldn't hear much over my heart pounding in my ears. My eyes itched, but I didn't dare scratch them.
"Yes. They did." Simon nibbled his lip. "You really didn't hear?"
I shook my head.
Jeanette slipped her hand into mine and squeezed. "Imagine I'm there with you. I'll be watching you from here."
She pointed to a TV screen backstage that broadcast what was happening onstage.
Dave appeared. "All set, boys?" He asked.
Theodore and Simon nodded. I just gulped.
"WAIT!" Brittany pointed to my feet. "You have to take those off!"
I looked down and realized I still had my rainbow sneakers covered in doodles on. I had forgotten to change them.
Brittany held up my usual red converse.
"I don't have time." I said, which was not entirely true. I could have changed them fast, if I wanted to. "These'll have to stay." It felt nice to have SOME part of the 2.0 look with me.
"But….but….but…" Brittany blubbered.
"That's fine with us." Theodore and Simon smiled at me.
Maybe nobody would notice the shoes. Though, part of me hoped they would notice and the shoes would become a trend. A kid can dream.
Dave, my brothers, and I took our places onstage. The most familiar tune I have ever heard started to play. It was our very first hit song. The song that made us stars.
"Alright, you Chipmunks. Ready to sing your song?" Dave spoke his line the same way he always did.
"I'll say we are." Simon replied.
"Yeah." Theodore giggled. "Let's sing it now."
I looked out into the audience, almost frozen from the fear of messing this up. The people blurred together into one big mob. An angry mob for sure, if I couldn't make it through this without giving away my secret. Stagefright. Is this what stagefright feels like? I imagined Jeanette beside me, giving me an encouraging smile.
"Ready, Simon?" My dad's voice echoed in the concert hall.
Simon sounded twice as excited as I was. "Okay!"
Dave spoke again. "Ready, Theodore?"
"Okay!" My baby bro answered.
"Are you ready, Alvin?" Dave's deep voice boomed.
I answered without giving it much of thought. It was an automatic reflex. "Ready when you are, Dave."
I heard my brothers and the audience gasp.
OH NUTS! I HAD MESSED UP ALREADY! I KNEW THIS WAS A HORRIBLE IDEA!
"Wow, he's actually paying attention for once." Simon played off my mistake like it was part of the show. "You don't see that everyday."
"Woooow!" Theodore winked at me. I had such cool brothers.
"And a 1, and a 2, here we go!" I squeaked eagerly. I wouldn't mess up again! I was determined to give it my all.
"Christmas, Christmas, time is near.
Time for toys and time for cheer.
We've been good, but we can't last.
Hurry, Christmas, hurry fast."
So far, so good. The tension in my body began to ease and I was able to sway back and forth with my brothers in harmony.
"Want a plane that loops the loop" Simon sang proudly.
I closed my eyes and channeled my muscle memory. I'd sang these words too many times to count. "Me, I want a hulahoop." SUCCESS! No annoying voice cracks!
"We can hardly stand the wait…" Theodore added.
Then, we all sang together as a group once more. "Please Christmas don't be late!"
Several Christmas songs later, my brothers, Dave, and I went backstage again. I'm not sure how I did it, but I had managed to get through 6 whole songs without Classic Alvin around. Some of them had really difficult dance moves too! My hat almost slipped off at least a dozen times.
Now, it would be the Chipettes' turn to wow the audience…..as soon as intermission was over. We didn't have long to regroup, but there was enough time for the girls to praise us. Ah, sweet praise!
"You three rocked!" Eleanor flashed the rockstar sign. Then, she stuck a candy cane in her mouth and held it there like it was a toothpick and she was a hillbilly.
"Spectacular job, Alvin." Jeanette flapped her hands, which were partially covered by the lengthy sleeves of her sweater.
Brittany studied me like she didn't quite know what she was looking at. "Yeah, you did….pretty well."
"Thanks for covering for me, guys." I told my brothers. "I legit felt like I was gonna pass out."
"Anytime, Alvin!" My baby bro smiled.
Simon dipped his head. "Like I said. We got your back."
"Always and forever!" Added Netta.
Dave sat down in a green recliner chair in the room. "It's been a wonderful Christmas so far."
"And Christmas day's almost here!" Theo squealed. "I hope I get what's on my list, but if I don't that's okay too. It's all about giving! Getting, is a bonus to be thankful for."
"Speaking of getting." I said, leaning against the wall. "I was thinking, maybe I can change what I sing about wanting for Christmas next year? Since, ya know, I have SO MANY hulahoops."
Everyone but Jeanette looked at me strangely.
"Gettin' a little ahead of yourself, Al." Eleanor removed her candy cane to speak, and then crunched it like a feral animal when she was done.
Brittany smirked and I felt dread creep into my stomach. "Me I want a physics book", doesn't really have the same ring to it." She sassed.
I groaned. She was the most annoying of the 6 of us. If ya ask me. "I already have a bunch." I told her.
Theo looked at me with an eyebrow raised up. "Then what do you want?"
"You know those glow in the dark solar system mobile things? I'd love one of those to spruce up my room a bit." I moved my finger around in a way that looked like I was drawing invisible planets in mid-air.
"Oh?" Dave rubbed his chin. "Now that I think about it, you had one of those when you were in nursery school. It might still be in the attic."
Oof, did I really want something I'd had when I was a baby? Okay, maybe more toddler than baby, but still. Ah, screw it. Yes, I did. Wait a minute. If we don't age, was I ever truly a baby? Or is that just my backstory built in that I feel like I experienced without having experienced? I need to stop overthinking things.
Brittany's pink lips twisted into a frown. "…..you are such a nerd."
"Yeah. I am. I'm done trying to deny it." I replied stubbornly.
She visibly cringed. "You never tried that hard, anyway."
"And now, put your hands together for…...The Chipettes!" The announcer's voice rang out. I heard him that time, since I wasn't completely lost in my own head.
"This is it, girls." Jeanette squeaked.
"Have fun." I told them. "And break a leg, Brittany." I laughed. "Literally." It was only fair to tease her after she teased me.
"Alvin!" Dave snapped angrily.
"OH YOU LITTLE…!" The diva reached out to grab me, but Eleanor pulled her back.
"We're leavin' now. Don't make me tranquilize you or something." The pigtailed girl threatened.
"Does she have tranquilizers?" My dad asked, as Eleanor led both her sisters out of the dressing room.
"Beats me." Simon shrugged.
Theodore looked smitten. "She's a beautiful mystery."
We looked at him with confused faces.
"What?" The innocent chipmunk asked. "She is."
I gave a slight chuckle. Ah, oblivious little Theo. He didn't realize how hard he was crushing on the pigtailed girl with a heart of darkness. But, inside that heart of darkness was a kernel of light. He'd bring out the best in her. I could sense it.
I turned my attention to the TV a few seconds later and watched as the Chipettes prepared for their performances. They were starting off with a super popular Christmas song that fans had been begging Britt to cover for AGES. All I Want For Christmas is You by the one and only Mariah Carey. They were INCREDIBLE! Britt might have been the lead, but her sisters didn't slouch! They were the best background singers ever, especially, my best friend Netta.
"I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
and I
Don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree"
Brittany owned that stage like the absolute legend she is. The lyrics were confusing me though. I knew she was lying. She definitely cared about presents. Her sisters might not, but she did.
"I don't need to hang my stocking there upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy with a toy on Christmas Day."
Okay, well, I could see how Little Miss Grown-up didn't want any toys. That's probably why she mocks my collection of action figures and my other toys. I watched Brittany dance around the stage and sing directly toward the cameras facing her. Hmmm. It's almost as if she was singing directly to me. Naaah, it's definitely the audience and the fans.
"I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You, baby"
Eleanor and Jeanette danced behind their spotlight stealing sister. I could sense that Eleanor thought this song was funny. She looked like she was trying hard not to laugh. Jeanette just stared at Brittany, possibly off in her own imaginary world, or just doing her best to keep up with the fast pace of the song by following her older sister's cues.
"Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
and I
I'm just gonna keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it to the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to hear those magic reindeer click"
I got distracted staring at that giant bow in her hair. If I'm being completely honest, it made her look kinda like a clown. Now, if she only had some red and white makeup caked all over her face…
The Chipettes all hopped and bopped across the stage, really feeling the music. Brittany winked at the camera and blew a kiss. The crowd went NUTS! They were even louder than they'd been for us! Not fair!
"'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do?
Oh, baby, all I want for Christmas is you
You, baby"
I stopped watching the girls for a moment to turn back and look at my brothers and Dave. My dad and Theodore looked like they were trying not to laugh. Simon just groaned and rolled his eyes.
"She's being REAL subtle." He commented with his signature sarcasm.
"Yeah." I agreed. "She's clearly buttering up the audience by telling them she wants them for Christmas."
Simon looked surprised and then confused. "The audience? You really think she's singing to the audience?"
I shrugged. "Who else would she be singing about?"
"At least the song is catchy!" Theodore snapped his fingers in time with the beat. "I'm gonna have it stuck in my head all day."
"I think…" Dave looked at me. "...that Brittany is trying to send a certain special someone a Christmas message."
"Oh, I know!" I raised a finger in the air. "It's for a boy from school she likes. Jake or Jeremy or Gregory or somebody."
Theo and Si exchanged glances. Then, they glanced from the Chipettes to me and back again. "It's somebody." They said.
I let my hair down from the Santa hat. "Well, whoever it is, I hope she can get them to date her so she can stop whining about how unlucky in love she is."
"Us too." My brothers replied, making strangely amused faces again.
"Between you and me, it's a big turn off." I chuckled.
Onstage, Brittany had climbed into a miniature sleigh prop and her sisters were pushing her around.
"Oh-oh, all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere (so brightly, baby)
And the sound of children's laughter fills the air (oh, oh, yeah)
And everyone is singing (oh, yeah)
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need? (Yeah, oh)
Won't you please bring my baby to me?"
Brittany got more and more dramatic and desperate sounding with each word. I almost wished I could change the channel. I decided to watch Jeanette so I didn't have to stare at the obnoxious and vain diva. Unfortunately, the cameras kept deliberately focusing on Brittany and MAKING me stare at her.
"Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just wanna see my baby standing right outside my door"
She jumped out of the sleigh and resumed dancing on the stage. Her sisters danced behind her, popping out from behind every so often to deliver some amazing vocal acrobatics. Brittany stared directly into my eyes, though I knew she wasn't actually looking at me. There's no way the song could be about me.
"Oh, I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Oh, baby, all I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby."
Her sisters linked arms with her and they all kicked their legs up in the air like dancers you'd see in Las vegas.
"All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby!"
They finished and took a bow. Then, they were on to the next song. I couldn't wait for this concert to finish, so I could go home and work on the invention for Dave. Then again, I didn't think going directly home was the plan. Theo still wanted to have some holiday fun. Truthfully, so did I. I was DONE missing out on Christmas traditions. Inventing could be a hobby, but it wasn't my only priority. I never wanted it to be. There's so much else to explore and see and be and do!
After the concert, we took the lengthy drive home in Dave's old beat up clunker of a car. We all took turns singing Christmas carols along the way until our voices were sore. As we arrived back in town, the human man turned around to look at us in the backseat.
"Is there anywhere else you'd like to go tonight?" He offered.
"Ooooh! Ooooh!" Theodore waved his hand in the air. "I wanna see the lights downtown!"
"Me too!" I agreed. I could brainstorm more while lookin' at the lights.
Jeanette nodded. "I'd be up for that."
"And maybe we can get some hot chocolate." Brittany added.
"Most of the shops are closed now, Britt." Jeanette pointed out kindly. "It's very late."
Theodore nudged the girl in the pink candy cane heart sweater. "But we can make it at home! I have lots of mini marshmallows too!"
The stubborn diva's face brightened. Her soft smile was kind of alluring, though not nearly as much as her sister's.
"It would be nice to walk around when it's so calm and quiet." Simon fidgeted with the zipper on his dark blue puffy jacket he was wearing over the snowflake sweater.
Eleanor grinned. "Yeah, and we can walk past the store Alvin destroyed."
"Can we NOT talk about that?" I asked angrily. "I almost died!"
"Yeah….don't do that, Eleanor." Dave instructed in his authoritative way.
I heard Brittany mutter something, since she was sitting right next to me. "If you ask me, Alvin's been dead for months."
I wanted to say something back, but I knew it would start a fight…and Theodore deserved better than to have one of his favorite Christmas traditions ruined by a fight.
When we arrived downtown, we all got out of the car and walked down the sidewalk. The decorations were absolutely breathtaking. I never really appreciated how beautiful they were before. Jeanette taught me to slow down and really LIVE instead of rushing. I got so much more out of this simple walk to look at shiny baubles than I used to.
"Wow! Look at that reindeer!" Theodore squeaked. "It's huge!"
"I like the doves." Jeanette tilted her head upward. "They're a symbol of peace."
Eleanor pointed at a neon penguin with a blue scarf in one of the store windows. "Love this one."
"Me too!" My baby brother agreed.
Dave pointed at a tree decorated with light up Christmas ornaments. "That one's very colorful."
"Hey, Alvin,…" Brittany poked at my shoulder.
"Not now, Britt." I wanted to get away from her and walk next to literally anyone else. But I was stuck with her. I'm always stuck with her.
She just would not stop. "It's really important."
"I said, not now." I snapped.
Her brows furrowed. "Just listen, 2.0…"
"I'm sorry. I'm afraid I can't." I responded with a cheeky grin.
She was offended now. Excellent. "Why not?"
And now for the zinger. "Because that would require me to care about what you're sayin'."
"Jeanette told me your hallucinations of Classic stopped." She said, sounding annoyed and sad simultaneously.
I sighed. "Yes, for now. He'll come back. He always comes back. They come and go." I explained to her what Netta meant, because she obviously didn't get it.
"Right, so, uh, did you like the song I dedicated to you?" She came out and asked in a rush.
WAIT, WHAT!? "You dedicated a song to me?"
"All I Want For Christmas Is You, BOZO!" She shrieked. "HOW COULD YOU NOT GET THAT?"
"I have a lot on my mind." I rubbed the sleeves of my sweater. I had changed back into the second version, with the cyan trim.
CLICK! A camera flashed in our faces. "And there's the picture of Alvin and Brittany fighting for the Christmas scrapbook." Eleanor teased, holding her phone up.
"I yi yi." Groaned Theodore.
"So?" Brittany held a hand out. I was unsure what she wanted. If I took her hand, would she flip me over and pin me on the ground?
I stuffed my hands in the pockets of my emerald jeans. She wasn't gonna get to them. "So what?"
"So, what did you THINK of the song?" She flicked my head with her fingers.
"Ow." I shrugged. "It was okay."
"I dedicate an entire song to you and all I get is THAT!?" She rolled her eyes. "Clueless. You are so clueless."
"Brittany, Alvin, can you please wrap this up?" Simon asked, approaching us.
I sighed again. "I know you want Classic Alvin for Christmas, but maybe he'll show up and maybe he won't. I don't have control over him." I said to the strawberry blonde with the giant red and white bow.
Simon chuckled and then walked away from us with Theo, Netta, Dave, and Eleanor. Britt and I stood there illuminated by the streetlights, doing what we do best…trying to TOLERATE each other.
"Yeah….that's definitely what the song was about." Brittany said sarcastically.
"So I got it wrong again?" I took a hand from my pocket and waved it in the air. "Whatever. Doesn't matter."
The girl in pink rubbed her forehead. "You are so close to getting it. Just think a little harder about the lyrics."
"No." I answered. "I'm gonna see the lights and you're gonna drop this conversation. Understand?"
"Alvin, LISTEN to me! I want you! The REAL you! Not the hopeless dork you!" Brittany exclaimed. "Because I lo…"
I cut her off, not listening to the rest of her words, because I felt no need. "What if the hopeless dork me IS the real me?" I proposed.
"HE ISN'T!"she screeched.
I looked at her with a frown. "You're so stubborn. Don't you ever get tired of fighting to be right?" I asked. I gestured to the scene around us, the wonderfully extravagant Christmas decorations. "Don't ya ever wanna just….be?"
She walked away from me to join the others. "You're impossible to talk to. I give up." She declared.
I laughed. Yeah right! "No, you don't. You say you do, but I know you'll be back! Trying time and time again to revive the rabble rouser who lives within me."
Once I was with the group again, I stuck close between Simon and Jeanette. Finally, finally, I got to fully live in the moment. No thoughts besides how amazing the sights were. I had mastered the art of enjoying myself even with things I used to find boring or lame.
Back at home, we finished the night with hot cocoa and marshmallows, just like Theodore wanted. It was a really fun day, despite my almost panic attack before the concert. I couldn't wait for tomorrow, though I had a feeling I was forgetting something important. Eh, whatever it was could wait.
The next day, Eleanor sat us all around the dining room table, even Dave, and tried to show us how to knit stockings. Theo, Britt, and I took to it very well. The others? Not so much.
Dave poked himself with the knitting needles twice. Jeanette wound up with a lopsided thing that only slightly resembled a stocking. It was still adorable.
Simon had it the worst. He tried to move from his seat, but he was all wrapped up in dark blue yarn.
"That's it." He grumbled. "There's got to be an easier way."
"You can use felt!" Theodore suggested. He then taught Simon, Jeanette, and Dave how to fashion stockings out of felt instead. Although, they were almost as bad at sewing as they were at knitting.
Next up, paper snowflakes! Theodore and Simon both taught us all how to make those. Brittany threw her scissors after cutting her 3rd one wrong.
"I am so over this." She huffed.
I laughed at her.
"Think you can do better, two point zero?" She taunted.
I unfolded a string of perfect snowflakes and their sheer unbeatable quality caused her to growl.
We all hung the snowflakes around the house and the treehouse when we finished.
After that, we went to an indoor ice rink with totally fake ice because California is too hot for the real thing most years. Jeanette and I skated together, which pizzed Brittany off. Ah, delightful.
Jeanette really really loves ice skating. She's always wanted to. I made her wish come true! Merry Christmas, Netta! Maybe she'd even kiss me under the mistletoe in return. HOLD UP! What? Okay, that thought needs to leave before it causes trouble. I must just be caught up in the joy of the season.
"This was such a marvelous idea. Thank you." She twirled around like an ethereal holiday spirit on the fake ice. "It's the best present you've given me."
"Well, I know how much you dreamed about it." I told her. "Cuz you told me, not because I entered your dreams. That ol dreamcatcher keeps me away."
"Merry Christmas!" She skated away and I followed.
"And an early Happy New Year." I added. "I have a feeling it's gonna be a good one."
"I feel it too!" She turned to look at me and fell over.
I went to help her up, and also fell over.
We held hands again as I pulled her to her feet. Then, we skated together while holding hands. It was so freeing. I felt like my heart might leap right out of my chest.
When I returned home, I suddenly remembered that I'd completely forgotten THE INVENTION! Christmas would be here before I knew it. I had to finish that thing. Where was Simon?
"SIMON! SIMON!" I called around the house, looking for my co-genius brother. "SIMON, ARE YOU HERE?"
"Simon's in the basement." Theodore reported, with a chef's hat on. Turns out, he'd been making Christmas dinner with Eleanor and Dave.
"Thanks!" I scampered downstairs in a rush.
When I arrived in the basement, I saw Simon tinkering with something. I feared the worst. "Were you working on the invention without me?" I accused, my impulses taking over.
"Of course not." My taller brother responded sincerely. "I would never. I was working on a different invention."
"What is it?" I felt my fur stand on end. To say I was excited, would be an understatement.
"It's a sec…." He began.
I pouted. "Come on, you can tell your favorite genius bro! Can't ya?"
He considered that a moment, then said. "I'm trying to make a protective unpoppable bubble that can function as a force field."
"Neat-o." I grinned. "Is it okay if ya pause that to help me on the automatic trash bag yeeter?"
"Yes." He stood up. "But we are NOT calling it the "automatic trash bag yeeter."
I laughed. "What? Why? Which word don't you like?" I pretended not to know.
"Yeeter." He cringed. "It sounds so…juvenile."
"Fiiiine." I muttered. "We can call it the automatic trash bag disposal system."
"Much better." Simon liked that.
I would always call it a yeeter in my head.
We quickly threw a prototype together and ran a test. That failed.
We ran a couple more tests. They also failed.
"It appears the weight of the trash bags is too much for it." My studious brother observed.
I had another great idea. "I know how to fix it!"
"Me too." He said.
We both looked at each other and for the very first time, we weren't embarrassed about how perfectly in sync we were. "Replace the string with a thick cable!"
We got to work and the next time we tested it, the invention perfectly dropped the trash bags into the garbage can. Simon and I high fived each other and then fist bumped while mime-ing explosions with our hands. It was our secret brotherly handshake. I wouldn't wanna share it with anyone but him.
Christmas eve dinner was scrumptious and then we all went to bed, eagerly awaiting surprises on Christmas morning. We didn't even change clothes. Haha! We were EXHAUSTED. I was actually just as stoked to give Dave his present, as I was to receive the presents from Santa. That felt weird, but good. Real nice.
My brothers and I ran downstairs and the Chipettes were already seated around the Christmas tree, which did not surprise me at all. They're always sneakin' in our house.
"Good morning, sleepyheads." Brittany teased.
"It's too early for this." Theodore groaned, tugging at my pantleg and hoping to get me away from Britt-Bratt.
Dave came into the room, holding a cup of hot cocoa. He sat in one of the armchairs. "Merry Christmas, fellas and…girl fellas."
"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" We all shouted.
What followed was the sound of a lot of wrapping paper tearing as we all uncovered our gifts. It was a typical Chipmunk Christmas! We played one of our albums in the background while we opened presents. There were SO MANY presents. I can't remember what everyone got, but I remember some of the highlights.
Theodore got some mixing spoons with drumsticks for handles, Eleanor got a mint colored camouflage jumpsuit and was NOT amused. Jeanette got a beautiful purple orb that projects constellations on her ceiling. That was my gift to her. From Santa, she got a big periwinkle fleece sweater with cat ears. Brittany got a stunning pink leather jacket. Simon got a set of encyclopedias with fingerprint resistant covers, because I made his old ones sticky. Yes, I sometimes read encyclopedias now. But, you know, rarely.
A while later, we were down to the final two presents to be revealed. It was time!
"Dave! Dave!" I jumped onto his shoulder. "Get ready to be amazed!"
"Oh?" He took me off his shoulder and sat me in his lap.
"I got you the best gift ever! Simon helped! He's setting it up in the kitchen right now!" I leaped onto the couch and then slid off it, running to the kitchen on all fours.
It took Dave a bit to get up, since he's pretty old. Eventually, he, and all the others joined us in the kitchen.
"It's nice, but…what exactly….is it?" Our dad asked us, staring at the array of cables and pulleys.
"It's the automatic trash bag disposal system." I smiled like a kid on Christmas morning, literally. "My Christmas present to you, is that you never have to listen to me complain about hauling trash bags again."
He looked at me suspiciously. "Does it work?"
"Yeah, because your last invention sure didn't." Brittany snickered.
"Britt, you're being rude again. Stop it." Jeanette scolded. Ohoho! Britt just got TOLD!
"Alvin, care to do the honors?" Simon handed me the remote.
"Thank you, bro." I explained the invention as I pressed the button to begin the process. "Observe. This claw grabs a trash bag, much like the fancy claw machines you see at arcades. Then, it lifts the trash bag, thanks to this pulley system." I opened up the door, allowing the trash bag to be carried via the cable and pulley system. "The trash bag makes it's way out the door, like so….and…" The machine automatically released the bag and it landed in the outdoor trash can. "BAM! Garbage taken out without even touching it." I closed the door, completing my impromptu presentation.
"That's very handy. Thank you both very much." Dave came over to look at the invention.
"It's absolutely amazing!" Jeanette agreed.
"Uh huh." Theo nodded.
"And so weirdly…practical." Brittany made a funny face.
Dave smiled. It was a warm and friendly smile. "You're both so talented."
"Wish we could have given ya the remote controlled lawnmower." I sighed. "But I'm sure we'll get it workin' someday."
"I'll just buy a new lawnmower for now." Our father responded. "I love this. I can tell a lot of work went into it." He was impressed by our creation! Ohoho! Yes!
Simon pointed at me. "It was mostly Alvin's idea." He said. "I only helped a little."
"What are you talking about, Si?" I asked, putting an arm around him. "We built this thingie together! You and me! Me and you! Because we're geniuses!"
"Outstanding." My dad looked confused. "It's, uh, very strange seeing you get along."
"I'll say it is." Our youngest brother in green giggled.
Simon and I spoke in unison again. "It's weird for us too."
"There's one more present, you guys!" Eleanor's voice called out.
We followed her back to the living room and sat around the tree again.
"Who's it for?" Brittany asked, flipping her hair. "Is it me?"
"It's for…." The blonde girl with twin pigtails read the name on the tag. "Alvin."
"Oh, that one's from me." Dave mentioned. "I couldn't find the glow in the dark solar system in the attic, but I think my gift it's something you absolutely should have. Especially, with everything that's been going on lately."
I thought the present would be something great! I tore the wrapped off and unboxed….a book. But, not just any book…a humiliating book. And everyone saw it. The title was…My Body's Changing: A Boy's Guide To Growing Up. OH COME ON!
Dave didn't know that I'd never grow up. With the weird rash and crackly voice and all my shifts in personality, who could blame him for giving me this.
Eleanor, Simon, and Brittany all laughed. Theo and Jeanette looked confused.
I stared up at Dave. "Really? This!? This is my present!? You got me a gosh dang PUBERTY book!?"
"I know, it's not what every kid wants…" My dad started to say.
I was extremely irritated. "It's not what ANY kid wants."
"You're going to be going through some changes soon." He droned on. "I just want you to be prepared. I don't know how it works for human-chipmunk mutants, but you're half human so a lot of it should be similar."
"Ew ew ewwww." I sighed. "Dave, I already WENT through changes. If I can help it, I think I'm done."
Eleanor rolled her eyes. "If you believe that, you're even more delusional than I thought."
"We're always changing." Jeanette blinked, parting her lips as she tried to solve this puzzle. "I don't see what the big deal is."
"Maybe, uh, if you're lucky,…." Simon whispered to me. "The book might help you deal with some of your, err, mental growth."
"Hey, Dave,…" Brittany laughed. "You should have gotten Alvin a book called…My Brain Is Changing! Someone heeeelp!" She cackled like a hyena.
"Are ya finished?" I folded my arms and glared at her.
"That's enough." Dave scolded Britt and then knelt down next to me. "Alvin, I know you hate it. It's normal to feel awkward at your age…"
Eleanor chuckled. "It's normal for Alvin to feel awkward. Period."
Dave ignored her and kept speaking. "Someday, this book will come in handy and someday…you'll thank me."
"It's okay, Dave. I know ya didn't mean to make a fool of me or anything." I murmured. "It's cool." I was still MORTIFIED, but I had to give my dad the benefit of the doubt. Curse Jeanette's stupid lessons making me think about his feelings!
"I can't believe how much you've grown in the past year." My dad hugged me.
"Me either." I squeaked.
He didn't say he was proud of me. I wished he'd say it. But, in that moment, I think I felt a little bit of pride coming from him. It made me feel loved. Cherished. Like I was enough. Like I'd always been enough.
"There's one more present for Alvin actually." Simon climbed up next to Dave.
He was followed by Theodore. "There is!? Oh boy, is it better than the growing up book?"
"Gosh, I hope so." I murmured, hopping down and following Simon.
My fellow intellectual led me to the stairs, then, he pushed a button on the wall, revealing a keypad. I stood there, holding in a breath, wondering what surprise waited behind the secret door that slid open!
Simon and I walked inside a hidden room under the stairs. It was filled with….NOTHING. What a letdown.
"This is my present? An empty room?" I asked, sounding annoyed. "Wow, Si, you and Dave really know how to make a guy's Christmas special." I said sarcastically.
My taller brother stood stoically in the center of the drab, grey secret hideaway. "It's so much more than that."
I was fed up. "No, Simon, clearly it's not. It's an empty room." I sassed.
He waved his arms, imitating something I tended to do. "Full of possibilities."
"Possibilities for what?" Yeah, I think I may have used up my smarts on Dave's present and the failed lawnmower. I was absolutely befuddled.
Simon laughed. It was a good natured laugh. It contrasted the earlier laughter at my expense. "I can't believe you haven't realized it yet." He quipped. "Use that genius brain of yours, Alvin Einstein." His facial expression changed momentarily to one of disgust. "Ugh, I can't believe I just said that."
I walked around, trying to figure out what Si wasn't telling me. "All I see is a dusty, dirty old room that used to be one of your many hidden labs." Then, like a lightbulb going off in my head, all the puzzle pieces came together into a tapestry of realization. "Wait a sec!"
"Now you're catching on." He rested a hand on my shoulder.
I screamed with so much enthusiasm I could have shattered glass, had there been any in the room. Was this really happening!? I wasn't dreaming!? "YOU'RE GIVING ME MY OWN LAB!?"
Simon nodded, then he awkwardly explained why he chose to take such a big step. "Well, err, I figured you'd want a space to decorate as you please. So, you know, Merry Christmas."
"Does this mean that I've completed another scientific rite of passage!?" I felt happy tears roll down my cheeks.
My brother smiled. "Yeah. It kinda does. You've definitely proven that you're all in on this. Even though you still have a lot to learn."
I nudged him. "And you have a lot to teach me."
"I'd be honored to continue to teach you." He replied gallantly.
I started planning out how I was gonna decorate my new munkcave, I mean, hidden laboratory. "OHOHO! This is gonna be awesome! I'll add some bean bag chairs and a disco ball and a lot of posters! Oh and a lab table with one of those color coded drawer organizers! In rainbow colors! Oh oh, and over there….I think I'll make a rack to store my flying skateboard…." I danced around. Accepted as not only a full scientist, but also a scientist who Simon trusts enough to GIVE me one of his labs! Ohoho! This is the best."
"You can do whatever you want. It's all yours." He initiated the hug this time.
I hugged him as tight as I could. "THANKS SO MUCH, BRO!"
"Whoah! I didn't even know this was here!" Theodore peeked into the room.
"Well, ya will now." I boasted. I broke from the hug and ran out to tell everyone the good news. "GUYS! GUYS! SIMON GAVE ME MY OWN LAB! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? MY OWN LAB!"
Jeanette and I jumped around together to celebrate. "Oh my gosh!" She exclaimed. "I'm so happy for yoooou!"
Theodore joined us, jumping as high as he could.
"Wow. Cool." Brittany grumbled. "No way this could possibly backfire." I knew that was sarcasm. I chose to ignore her.
"Simon, is this….safe?" Dave asked, looking unsure.
"I think Alvin can handle it." The boy in the snowflake sweater answered. "But, hmmm, as far as safe…..science is rarely safe."
"Who wants to bet that Alvin blows it up in a week or less!?" Eleanor joked.
Jeanette frowned. "No more betting." Her skinny sister in purple shook a finger at her.
"I'm just messin." The girl in teal raced over to me. "Nice going, dude!"
"It's a Christmas miracle!" Theodore announced. "I bet this means Alvin and Simon will never fight again!"
Eleanor snickered. "Wishful thinking."
"No it doesn't." Simon and I chorused. "Jinx!"
"You owe me a grape soda!" My taller bro chided.
I smirked, but in a kind way. "And you owe me a root beer."
"And you both owe me a cream soda." Theodore interrupted. We stared at him. "What? I'm thirsty too."
"Easy on the sugar, fellas." Our dad warned.
"Oh lighten up, Dave." Eleanor sassed. "It's Christmas."
"Race ya to the kitchen." I said to Simon.
He let out a dry chuckle. "You're on."
And that's the story of how I gave, oops, I mean Simon and I gave Dave a really awesome Christmas present that we both cobbled together at the last minute and I GOT MY OWN LAB! This New Year looked like it would shape up to be a great one. But was Dave's ill thought out book right? Were there more changes in store? Oh, you better believe it.
This TV show was completely broken and it was all my fault, but sometimes things have to break before they get better. And things for me, were about to get a whole lot better! But for Britt? Not so much. This is Alvin Seville 2.0 sayin' "Have a happy holiday" and "don't waste your vacation days!"
Okay, this chapter was super duper fun to write! Did this in literally one day after agonizing about how to begin it for two. What were your favorite parts!?
I got a huge kick out of writing Alvin missing the point so much in this chapter. Classic may not be showing up in hallucinations, but classic Alvin is still there inside him, just as he always has been. Britt's very close to breaking down. Poor thing.
I have always wanted to write about the kids having holiday fun together in fic form. I have done RP and audio Christmas albums, but I really wanted to do it in first person POV. Mission accomplished.
How did you like Dave's present for Alvin!? Am I evil or what? And did you expect Simon and Alvin's teamwork to pay off like that? SIMON ACCEPTS HIM NOW AND I AM SCREAMING BECAUSE THE BROTHERS ARE BEING NICE AND UNDERSTANDING EACH OTHER MORE! Alvin and Simon are my favorite dynamic to write, especially when Alvin is 2.0.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed Theo, Dave, and The Chipettes in here. I put in more of them than in the previous chapter, as promised. Eleanor still gets such funny one liners! Love that! Also, JEANETTE FINALLY GETS TO ICE SKATE!
Coming up, things between Alvin and Britt heat up, and not in the way the Alvittany/Albrittina shippers want. Sorry again! I'll see you soon for CHAPTER 40! Byeeeeee!