The Switch

Chapter 1-Tutor

"Alvin," Mrs. Allison said, "do you need some help?" She had handed out math worksheets and Alvin appeared to be confused.

"Uh-huh," he replied, "I don't understand…any of this."

"Alvin," Mrs. Allison said with surprise, "we've been going over this stuff for almost two weeks! How could you possibly not understand any of it?" Alvin shrugged his shoulders even though he knew exactly why; he hasn't been paying the least bit of attention to what was being taught in class. "I know why," she said in a smart tone, "because you haven't been paying any attention! I'm gonna have to make a phone call to your father." Alvin gasped; he knew Dave would not be happy to have another phone call from his teacher, especially to hear that he hasn't been paying attention.

While the chipmunks and chipettes were walking home after school, Alvin was very quiet and mopey.

"What's wrong, Alvin?" Jeanette asked her friend with concern. Alvin sighed.

"Mrs. Allison is gonna make a phone call to Dave," he said sullenly.

"Oh gosh, Alvin," Brittney said irritated, "what on earth did you do this time?"

"I haven't been paying attention in class," Alvin admitted, "Dave's gonna kill me!

"He probably will," Simon said, not helping at all. Alvin glared at him angrily.

"Buttface," Alvin insulted Simon.

"I'll ignore that childish insult," Simon responded calmly. Jeanette couldn't help but laugh a little and soon her sisters and Theodore joined in. Simon grew irritated, but stayed calm and kept it well hidden.

When the boys arrived home and walked in the front door, Dave was in the kitchen cooking dinner.

"I think I'm gonna go start my homework now," Alvin said loudly.

"Not so fast, Alvin," Dave called sternly, "get in here." Alvin sighed and walked into the kitchen where his father was cooking. Dave turned to look at him sternly. "I got a call from Mrs. Allison today," he said sternly, "apparently you haven't been paying attention in class." Why is that?"

"I-I don't know," Alvin said nervously, "I-I guess I…Um…w-well…" he couldn't figure out how to tell Dave his reason without him getting angry, "I'm just thinking of…other things." Dave crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

"Such as?" he asked calmly and firmly.

"Uh…" Alvin hesitated, "V-video games, TV, and c-comic books." He began to tremble a little; he just knew Dave was ready to flip out. Dave was now angry and ready to start hollering at his son, but he stopped to calm down and take a breath so that he wouldn't.

"Alvin," he said calmly, "you know school is more important than TV, video games, and comic books. From now on, no TV, video games, or comic books during the school week and you will have a tutor. When you improve your grades, I'll let you do all those things during the week again, got it?"

"A tutor?!" Alvin cried, "But I don't want a tutor!"

"Alvin," Dave said sternly, "you need to bring your grades up. Besides, it would only be for a little while." Alvin sighed.

"Can Simon be my tutor?" Alvin asked. Dave wasn't sure he wanted that. He knew Simon would be a very good tutor, but he worried that he and Alvin would argue too much.

"Simon!" Dave called, "Can you come here for a sec?" Simon came down stairs and into the kitchen.

"Yes, Dave?" he said as he entered the kitchen.

"Would you wanna tutor Alvin?" Dave asked.

"Um," Simon said, "sure, come on Alvin, I'll help you with your homework." Alvin began to walking up the stairs to their bedroom. Simon began to follow him.

"Simon," Dave said as Simon was leaving the kitchen.

"Yeah?" Simon responded as he stopped and turned to look at Dave.

"If Alvin gives you a hard time, you don't have to tutor him anymore," Dave said. Simon nodded in agreement and walked upstairs to their bedroom.

It's a slow start, but it gets much better! Trust me!! I know, Humor and Suspense may not seem to mix, but I'll make it work. Please review!!