That day when the kids returned home from school, Dave announced that he needed to do some grocery shopping for the second time that week.

Alvin took this an a golden opportunity.

“Well, guys, time to do some serious work on ‘The Plan’?”

“What are you talking about?” Simon asked.

“You know, Operation Romance. We won’t find Dave a girl sitting on our paws.”

“I agree with Alvin,” Brittany said.

Simon wear a shocked look on his face. “Now, I know the world has come to an end.”

“Yea,” Theodore said, “Brittany and Alvin agreeing on anything?

“That’s a first,” Simon said, teasingly.

“Hey,” Brittany fired. “Me and Alvin agree on a lot of stuff.

“Yea, we know,” Eleanor said. “Let’s see. How pretty you are. How talented you are. How conceited you are.”

“That’s enough,” Brittany shouted, stomping her feet.

“Just kidding,” Eleanor said, still giggling.

“Okay, guys, Let’s get serious,” Jeanette said and pulled out a notebook. We should make a list of potential prospects.”

“Well, if you insist on this ridiculous plan…,” Simon said, but was abruptly cut off.

“That’s the spirit,” Alvin said, putting an arm around him.

“Okay, guys, who do we know?” Eleanor asked.

“How about Miss Hornsby down the street?” Jeanette suggested.

“Are you, kidding?!” Brittany fired. “She’s way too old.”

“What about Katey Morrison?” Eleanor suggested.

“Too young,” Brittany said. ”She’s barely out of high school, and besides she’s way too…”

“Pretty?” Alvin said, trying to get her goat.

“No, Alvin,” she said, sitting back down. “I was going to say, swallow.”

“Oh, okay,” Alvin said, chuckling. Brittany threw him a dirty look, which made him stop laughing.

“This is going to be harder than we thought,” Theodore said with a groan.

“Hey, kids,” They heard Dave call from the front door.

“Dave’s back,” Theodore said.

“Thank you for pointing out the obvious,” Brittany said, sarcastically.

“Alright, everyone,” Alvin said. “Act natural.” Jeanette hid the notebook behind her back.

“Hi, Dave,” they all said in unison and giving a little wave.