CHAPTER: 1: The Ride:
"Okay Camper," called a woman with a smile plastered on her face. She was the head of the chipmunks and chipettes' summer camp. Alvin begged Dave not to sign them up again this year; they were way too old to be camping with eight year olds. And he knew this year would be the worst yet because, at fifteen, they were actually older than a few of the camp councilors. "Throw your duffle bags in the bus and grab a seat so we can start the fun!" she finished.
"Yeah, loads of fun!" Alvin mocked as he plopped down in the seat next to Brittany. They had taken the first two seats because they couldn't stand the kids who thought they were cool for sitting in the last row. Eleanor had taken the seat behind them for herself and Theodore, while Simon and Jeanette sat in the third seat together.
This camp was something the chipmunks hated because they were so much older than the rest of the kids, but also because there was a strict 'no technology' policy, which, of course Alvin thought was ridiculous. In the past Alvin had tried to bring his phone, only to have it taken away by the third day. However this year, it wasn't Alvin trying to sneak something in, but Simon.
Simon had brought his iPod, and had managed to sneak it on the bus, as everyone loaded onto the bus Simon and Jeanette sat, hunched over, reading an article about species of underwater plants that may grow in the area. They had planned to collect some samples and study them, using an app Simon created.
"Okay, that's everyone!" The woman said, ushering the last couple young kids, who hadn't wanted to leave their parents. She sat next to the driver, turned around and saw the chipmunks, "oh, Alvin; you're one of our… Happy campers again this year?" She asked, her smile faltering slightly.
"Aw, Jessie, don't sound so disappointed to see me, I've waited all year to come back and see you!" Alvin said sarcastically.
Jessie's smile disappeared and was replaced with a grimace, "Just shut your mouth and pretend to enjoy the summer. That goes to all six of you,' she said, bringing the other chipmunks and chipettes attention up to her, "It's not like I enjoy you six coming back year after year!" she added in a lower tone to Alvin.
"Darn," Alvin said as the bus finally began to move, "I really thought we had something going here!"
Normally, the drive to the camp would take about two and a half hours, but when you had to stop every half mile to let kids go to the restroom, it takes five. And after five hours of sitting on a bus with a bunch of five year olds singing silly songs, Alvin was extremely grumpy. He muttered to himself while Brittany repeatedly knocked her head against the window. Simon and Jeanette had, eventually put on headphones to keep themselves sane, while Theodore and Eleanor joined in to some songs. As Alvin thought all hope was lost they pulled into the campgrounds.
Brittany turned to Alvin, "Remember to ask Jessie when we get off this damn bus." She said as Alvin nodded. The moment everyone got off the bus Jessie hurried toward the camp office to grab the cabin assignments. Alvin ran after her
"JESSIE! JESSIE!" he called as she continued to walk along, acting as if she couldn't hear him, "Jessie, I have a favor to ask of you!"
She stopped and turned to Alvin, she had to hear this one, "What do you think I'm going to let you do?" she asked, arms crossed.
"Can me, Simon, Brittany, Jeanette, Eleanor, and Theodore get cabins away from the other kids? We wouldn't want to bother the other kids." Alvin said, praying Jessie would say yes.
"I don't know," Jessie replied, "Can you?"
Alvin rolled his eyes, "May we?" He tried again. He knew she would probably say yes after what happened last year, it went badly; one child couldn't even sleep soundly for a month.
"I should say no," Jessie started as she thought about all the complaints she had received last year, after all the children had gone home, "But you six separated from the others is probably a good idea. Take the pink and yellow cabins down by the lake." She said as Alvin excitedly turned back to tell the others, "GIRLS IN ONE CABIN AND YOU BOYS IN THE OTHER!!"
Alvin turned back to her, "You suck the fun out of everything!" He continued to walk back to the others as Jessie continued what she was doing. Once in hearing range he called to the others, "Who's the King?!?!" He called as they ran to him and thanked Alvin (and God) for not being forced to stay with the other campers.