Theodore was so excited about meeting his mother that evening. He was going to make one of his special dishes, beef stroganoff, and Eleanor agreed to help him. He gave Dave a list of ingredients, and he promised to do the shopping for him. Dave knew how important this dinner was, especially for Theodore. He was so excited that he couldn’t concentrate on any of his classes. He met up with his brothers and girls at lunchtime. He got his food and went to they regular table, but it seemed like he couldn’t eat.

“Theodore,” Eleanor said. “Aren’t you going to eat your food?”

“I’m too excited to eat,” he said.

Alvin reached over and felt his forehead. “No fever,” Alvin said.

“Not funny, Alvin,” Brittany said, punching him lightly on the shoulder.

“Yea, Alvin,” Simon said, “Don’t make fun of Theodore. He has every right to be excited.”

“Yea, whatever,” Alvin said and got up from his seat.

“What’s wrong with Alvin?” Jeanette asked.

“It’s nothing, I’m sure,” Brittany said, getting up and going after her boyfriend. She caught up with him down the hall. “Hey,” she said. “Are you okay?”

“Hey, why wouldn’t I be?” he said, trying to walk further away.

“Alvin!” Brittany shouted. He stopped and looked back at her. “Don’t shut me out. I know this is hard for you, but think of your brothers.”

“I am, Brittany,” Alvin said. “I can’t let them get their hopes up. What if this doesn’t work out? What if our mother…? He couldn’t go on.

“Alvin, this isn’t about your brothers getting their hopes up. It’s about you.”

“What do you mean?”

“You afraid you’re going to love her, and her not loving you,” she said. She took his paw. “You don’t have to worry. No matters what happens I’ll be there with you, and I’ll always love you.”

He smiled at her and embraced her close. “Thanks, Britt,” he said. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“And you’ll never have to find out,” she said and gave him a quick kiss.

***************************

The rest of the day when fairly quickly except for Theodore. Of all the chipmunks he was the most anxious. Family just meant so much to him, and his heart was so full of love he just wanted to spread it to as many as possible.