A tale featuring Chip of the Rescue Rangers, by Karen Mollett

"Another day without a mystery to solve." mumbled Chip as he left the police station. *Oddly enough, there hasn’t been any activity from the usual suspects.* He considers Fat Cat to be "usual suspect" #1 because, out of all the villains the ‘Rangers have faced, he has given them the most trouble. *Fat Cat is always up to something but, lately, his gang is keeping a low profile.*

Chip successfully navigated his way safely across the street and approached the park. As he walked by a bench, he saw a young human couple holding hands. The young man had short brown hair and wore a tan shirt and brown pants. He put his arm around the young, blonde woman who was sitting next to him. The lady turned toward him, smiled, and kissed the man.

*I wish I could get that close to Gadget* Chip thought. *Ever since I first saw her, I’ve been hopelessly in love.* An image of Gadget when she removed her helmet, thus revealing a swirling mass of golden hair, flashed through his mind’s eye. He remembered how her bluish eyes sparkled as she slid her goggles out of the way.

*She is the most unique individual I have ever had the pleasure to know. She is intelligent, compassionate, and talented.* Chip grinned. *The fact that she’s beautiful doesn’t hurt, either.*

A guy threw a frisbee to a dog. The dog sat in the grass and ignored it.

*Is she deliberately ignoring our advances, or is she really clueless when it comes to serious relationships? Is she just uncomfortable with expressions of affection?* He recalled how Gadget ran up to Monty and hugged him the day the boys first met her. *I doubt that . It’s more like she’s afraid to let anyone get too close to her. Maybe she’s afraid to care too much, only to suffer yet another great loss.*

Chip watched a guy play with a little girl.

"Wheee! Do it again, daddy!" requested the little girl.

"Sorry, honey. It’s getting late and we need to go home now." replied the man. He picked his daughter up and carried her down the path.

*I never got to meet Gadget’s dad. Geegaw was probably the only family she knew. She hasn’t even mentioned her mother--or any other relatives for that matter. She must have taken it very badly when she lost him. If Monty hadn’t brought us to her place, so we could get a ride to Glacier Bay, she’d probably still be there, hiding from the world. *

Chip sat down on the edge of the park fountain. "All she ever wanted was to be as good a pilot as her dad." He mumbled to himself and sighed. * How can I reach out to a heart full of ghosts? Sure, you see me as a teammate and a dear friend, but I want to be more than that. It seems that everytime I get the courage to tell you how I really feel, something happens--usually Dale comes around and ruins the mood.* He sighed again, in frustration. * I don’t always understand what you say or do, Gadget, but I DO know one thing—I LOVE you! * He looks at his reflection in the pool at the base of the fountain. *I wish I knew if you love me, too.*

Chip watched the sunset as it painted the sky in blues, and reds, and gold. *I wish Gadget were here.* The black-nosed chipmunk laughed briefly as he thought, *She’d probably start explaining why we’re seeing the different colors, instead of just enjoying the view.* He watched the colors as they were reflected in the pool for a moment and decided it was time to leave. *I’d better get back to the tree before Monterey sends out a search party.*

The chipmunk detective opened the front door and walked in. Dale was engrossed in one of his horror movies, so he didn’t notice. Banging and buzzing noises came from the kitchen. *Monty and Zipper fixing supper.* he figured. *Gadget’s probably in her workshop.* He realized that, since Dale & Monty were occupied, it would be a good time to have a moment alone with the mouse/inventor. He smiled and walked toward the workshop. Sure enough, Gadget was there, tinkering with yet another invention.

She heard the door open and, without looking, asked, "Slow night, huh?"

"Yeah. Not a single case for us. I’m starting to get bored."

Just then, a large spring shot out toward Chip. He quickly ducked.

"Oh, shoot!" exclaimed Gadget. She turned around and saw Chip on the floor with his arms over his head. The naughty spring rolled around on the floor, nearby.

"Golly! Are you okay, Chip?" She dashed over to Chip, helped him to his feet, and looked him over.

"I’m fine. That spring missed me." he declared as he gazed into her eyes. Gadget grinned, obviously relieved that the spring had not hurt him.

"Um, Gadget?" ventured Chip as he straightened his hat.

"Yes, Chip?" she asked as she wiped some oil off of her paws.

Chip looked at her and lost his nerve. "Um, nothing. You just missed a beautiful sunset, that’s all."

Puzzled, Gadget watched Chip as he left the workshop. She shrugged and went back to work.