Chapter 20: A New Beginning

Several days later, the Chan family, whom had long returned home, resumed their normal lives. Outside, Anne, now wearing a cast for her broken left arm, came to the front door with Chu-Chu, carrying a grocery bag.

"Real nice, huh, Chu-Chu?" she complained. "They need milk, so they send the girl with the broken arm out to get it."

Chu-Chu couldn't help but snicker about the young tomboy's complaint.

Anne opened the front door and entered a dark room. "Hey," she asked herself, "what gives with the lights?"

The moment Anne flicked on the light switch to the living room, her family appeared from behind the couch, throwing confetti. "Surprise!" everyone shouted. "Happy birthday, Anne!"

"Aw, you guys," Anne groaned irritatedly, "I keep telling you not to do this. You know I hate birthdays."

"Come on, Anne," Suzie, carrying her sister's birthday cake, said. "We understand how you feel about your birthday, but, you know, we still want to celebrate it with you."

"You know, Annie," Alan commented, "I'm pretty sure Mom wouldn't want you spending the rest of your life hating your birthday because of her."

"Your sister and brother are right, Anne," Charlie agreed. "One mustn't dwell on the past. I, too, believe you should enjoy the celebration of the day of your birth with the rest of your family for your mother's sake, as well as your own."

These wise words were moving to Chan's fifth child, and she slowly sighed, "The things I do for family. Fine. Whatever makes ya happy."

Chu-Chu leapt into Anne's right arm, licking her face after hearing this, and her siblings all cheered, "Yay!"

"And now for your birthday present!" Stanley announced.

Mimi and Scooter ran back behind the family's couch and pulled out a brand new guitar.

"Hey!" beamed Anne as she let the family dog down. "That's the guitar I wanted!"

"Correct," Tom added, "and now you're officially part of the Chan Clan Band. You may feel free to perform with us anytime you wish…uh, after your arm has healed, of course."

Deeply moved, Anne smiled, "Well, what else can I say, but…thanks, everybody."

With that, the Chan Clan shared a group hug. It was a touching moment for the Chan family. However, it was quickly interrupted by the sound of the phone ringing.

"I'll get it!" Henry went over to answer the telephone, but, once again, Flip zoomed over and picked up the phone before him. "Some things never change," seethed Henry.

"Hello?" Flip answered the phone. "Okay, I'll get him. It's the fuzz, Pop."

Charlie spoke into the phone, "Hello? Really? I see. I'll be right down." The keen detective hung up.

"What is it, Pop?" asked the curious Scooter.

"It appears a valuable painting from the Sodalite Museum has been stolen," Charlie answered. "I apologize for leaving so soon, but I assure you, I will not be long."

"Aw, come on, Pop," griped Flip. "Can't we go?"

"No need, Flip," his father declined. "I'm certain I can handle this. You all stay here and continue Anne's birthday. I will see you in a few hours."

With that, the world famous detective left the house, got in his car, and left for the Sodalite Museum.

"Aw, no fair!" Mimi whined.

"So, now what?" asked Nancy.

Anne quickly came up with a sneaky idea and replied, "Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I feel like going to the movies."

"The movies?" puzzled Suzie.

"Yeah," Anne nodded. "I hear they got some good ones playing at the Fantasy Movie Theatre."

Tom instantly realized something. "Isn't that theater right next door to the Sodalite Museum?"

"Why, yes, I believe it is," Anne smirked. "And if we, by chance, happen to see Pop along the way, it couldn't hurt to stop and say hi, could it?"

Flip promptly picked up what his older sister was hinting. "And if we find a clue or two to the missing painting while we're there…"

"I get what you're all thinking, but forget it. Pop said no," Henry said. The eldest sibling paused for a moment and had a quick change of heart. "But…if Anne really wants to go to the movies for her birthday, why not?" he grinned.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" bubbled Scooter.

The Chan Clan then said together, "Wham bam! Let's jam!"

The ten kids and Chu-Chu all raced into the Chan Van and drove off to help with their next case.

THE END