A/N: This is "the chapter"! If you don't know what "the chapter" is, it's when Violet chooses Duncan or Quigley.

IssyQ: Yup I did write those poems. Hope they were Isadora-y enough lol.

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Chapter 16

"Children, your guardians are here," Kit said as she peeked her head in the room. "Say your good-byes."

A few hours had passed since Violet sent the message to the real Gerald and Candy Flicket. The children nodded. Kit left, commanding them to meet her in the lobby in ten minutes.

The Baudelaires and Quagmires said good-bye to the Flickets – Rademes and Sunny sharing one last hot chocolate – as they followed Kit out.

Violet hugged Isadora. Then she moved to Duncan. She gave him a hug – they both held on tight not wanting to let go. She offered him a smile before moving on to his brother. She held Quigley tight. "I'll miss you," she whispered in his ear. He responded with a quick kiss on the cheek. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Duncan hang his head dejectedly. She felt a guilty pang in her stomach as she released Quigley. Violet hoped she made the right choice.

Sunny and Klaus said their good-byes next. Klaus hugged Isadora tightly. As much as she didn't want to, she hugged him back. "I'll miss you, Izzie. Just know I still care." He squeezed her hand and kissed her softly on the nose. She nodded, wiping the tears out of her eyes. She didn't want to admit it for fear of getting hurt again, but deep down, she cared about Klaus.

"Go!" Sunny said, meaning "We better go, it's been ten minutes."

Violet nodded, holding Quigley's hand. Sunny allowed herself to be carried by Duncan. Daringly, Klaus grabbed at Isadora's hand. She pretended not to notice and folded her arms. Klaus signed and stuffed his hands in his pockets. The orphans entered the lobby sad and teary-eyed.

Ben was talking to Gerald while Candy did her best to make herself and Emmy look as in as possible. Leigh stood off to the side, staring at the man and woman next to Kit. Violet immediately recognized them as Fernald and Colette. They must be the Quagmires' guardians, she thought.

"Hello, children," Kit said. "Gerald, you know the Baudelaires." Kit took Sunny from Duncan and handed her to Gerald. He was hesitant her but when he did, she began to whimper. "Thank you for taking care of them, I'm sure they'll love it."

"And I'll see you guys at family events," Ben added brightly.

"What about us?" Fernald asked.

"Oh yes," Kit said, "Quagmires, these are your guardians, Melvin and Jane."

"Hello," replied the Quagmires glumly.

Melvin put his hand on Quigley's shoulder. Quigley noticed the hand was hard – almost plastic-like.

"Now, Melvin, Jane, Candy, and Gerald," Ben said, "come over here to sign the paperwork." The adults followed Kit and Ben to the desk, leaving the children alone.

Leigh turned to Klaus and said, "Well, I guess we're going to be together now."

"I don't want to talk to you," Klaus replied. "You made Isadora mad at me so now I don't think I'll ever be happy again."

"It was for the greater good," Leigh protested.

"You don't know what good is," he remarked coldly.

"Oh Klaus!" Isadora ran over to him and threw her arms around his neck. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you."

"Izzie," he whispered, burying his face in her soft, black hair. The orphans embraced for an eternity of a minute.

"Come now, orphans!" Gerald said, shoving the adoption papers into his pocket. "Melvin, don't you think it's time you got going?"

"Yes, Gerald, that's a great idea," he answered, placing his plastic hand on Quigley's shoulder.

Just as the evil people were leading the children out, the door opened. The Baudelaire's deux es machina in human form entered the hotel, taking everyone by surprise.