Chapter 4

As the applause rained around him, Klaus could hear some of the audience clapping in unison behind him as they cheered his name. He had no doubt that those particular audience members consisted of his fellow Scabs, many of whom synchronised their hands to cheer him on and boost his morale. Yet as Klaus listened to the loud claps, he couldn't that his mind went back once more to that horrible day at sea.

….

CLAP!

CLAP!

CLAP!

Thunder was booming all around them as bright flashes of lightning lit up the dark skies. They had tried their best to avoid the approaching storm and yet despite the Baudelaire's best efforts, they had found themselves having to survive a raging thunderstorm. Of course, to all three of the Baudelaire orphans, this wasn't something that was new to them having previously sailed through a hurricane in a lake full of monstrous leeches. Yet, Klaus still felt fear in his heart as he stared at Beatrice and his sisters. Violet had secured Sunny and Beatrice safely with a blanket protecting them from the rain as she and Klaus tried their best to sail the boat through the powerful waves and strong winds.

"Klaus!" Violet yelled as she pulled against the sail while Klaus continued to steer the boat. "We have a problem!"

"What is it?!" Klaus yelled back as Violet pointed to something in the distance. Though his face felt wet, Klaus felt his throat run dry as he stared at horror at the thing Violet was pointing at. He had read all about it in the comfort of his library back in the day and though his parents would take turns reading to him about Jules Verne's classic, 20,000 leagues under the Sea, Klaus could have never imagined, even in his wildest dreams, that he was about to encounter it.

A whirlpool had formed in on the ocean's surface as Klaus felt the Beatrice being drawn towards it. Violet had abandoned the sail as she ransacked the small hold of the boat where the Baudelaires had stashed anything they would need for a voyage at sea.

"I have an idea." Violet cried as she pulled out what appeared to be two very large and long metal cans as well as a small bunch of fireworks and other flammable items. "Newton's Third Law!"

"Of course!" Klaus cried excitedly in response, his mind understanding what his sister intended to do. Newton's Third Law refers to a very simple fact. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. What this meant was that Violet intended to create a force so powerful that it would steer the boat away from the strong currents dragging them into safer waters where they could navigate their way through. Klaus secured both the infants to the boat as Violet made her two makeshift rockets placing them above the steering as she lit the fuse. As soon as she had done that, Violet made her way to Klaus and placed her hands around him as tightly as she could.

"Let's hope it works!" Violet yelled as Klaus turned to her.

"Of course it will!" Klaus said as Violet gave him a grateful smile. Though the rain was pouring, the spark burning the fuse appeared to be moving along quickly.

"Who thought that starting a fire might save us!" Violet whispered as she turned to him. Their noses were inches apart as Klaus stared into the blue eyes of his sister. Before he could say anything, however, a large bang was heard as Klaus felt the boat violently burst through the waters at a frantic pace away from the whirlpool. As the boat sailed through the waves, cries of pain were heard as the boat slammed through the massive waves. Just as Klaus was beginning to feel relief at having escaped their fate, Klaus felt a powerful force hit him from underneath the boat as he and Violet were flung through the air. Upon instinct, Klaus kicked out his legs, pushing himself off from Violet and into the freezing waters of the sea.

…

"I think he's frozen with disbelief, audience. Klaus, are you still with us?"

Klaus dragged himself away from his thoughts as his eyes met with Quentin who stared bemusedly at him while small bouts of laughter were heard all around him. Klaus gave Quentin a smile as he composed himself.

"I'm fine. Let's keep going." Klaus replied as Quentin nodded his head.

"Alright then, on to the next question," Quentin replied as the second question flashed on the screen in front of him. Klaus smiled broadly as the question appeared. Klaus had known the answer before Quentin finished reading the question the audience. Before he could answer it, however, something Quentin said next gave him pause.

"So Klaus, are you ready to answer or do you need another lifeline?" Quentin asked playfully as the audience laughed around him. Though the question was made using a playful tone and Klaus knew that Quentin didn't mean any insult by bringing it up, the word 'lifeline' caused a pang of guilt and pain to pierce Klaus through his heart. It was strange, how often a word, though seemingly innocent in its literal form could bring pain metaphorically. Then again, so does its literal meaning Klaus thought as he gave his answer.

…

Klaus felt himself being submerged into the water before pulling himself up to the surface. Grasping for breath, Klaus grabbed onto a piece of broken wood from the boat as he used it to stay afloat. His glasses were now lost as Klaus rubbed his eyes, trying to see the damage that had been caused by the boat hitting a wave.

He could make out the Beatrice, or rather what was left of it floating at sea. The back part of the boat was gone although the boat itself remained afloat. His spirits were further lifted upon seeing Violet swimming towards the boat where Sunny and a crying Beatrice appeared at its side. He watched as Violet lifted herself onto the boat. It was only after Klaus was sure that his sisters and Beatrice were safe that he took a moment to assess his situation. He was about a hundred feet away from the boat and he could feel the current pulling him away. As hard as he could swim, Klaus knew it would be pointless to try and doing so would only tire him out.

Newton's Third Law Klaus thought as he recalled how he had kicked Violet away as he was thrown. The force from his feet must have slowed her momentum, pushing her closer to the boat as he was thrown far away and dragged even further. Klaus could hear Violet screaming his name as well as Sunny. He yelled back and waved as Violet caught sight of him. He could see Violet frantically moving about the boat when all of a sudden, Klaus felt something hit the water close to him. It looked like a piece of wood and around it was a rope. Klaus turned his attention back to the boat where Violet was screaming desperately at him.

"GET THE ROPE, KLAUS!" Violet screamed as Klaus made his way to the rope. Grabbing onto it, Klaus felt the rope tightened as he watched Violet pulling hard on one end while using some sort of makeshift device to pull him towards the boat. Klaus felt a moment of relief before he froze in the water, a surge of fear running through his body.

Newton's laws of motion Klaus thought as he stopped pulling. Violet's invention was dragging him towards the boat but it was also dragging the boat towards the currents that threatened to drag them back to the whirlpool. As Klaus heard Violet screaming at him, his eyes rested on the rope. He could feel his energy plummeting as he stared towards the Beatrice, his mind made up on what he had to do.

"KLAUS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Violet screamed as Klaus released the rope.

"YOU CAN'T PULL ME BACK IN! WE CAN'T LET THE BOAT GO BACK TO THE WHIRLPOOL!" Klaus yelled back.

"ARE YOU INSANE?! YOU'RE GOING TO DIE! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, GET THAT ROPE!"

"I CAN'T, VIOLET. I'M SORRY!" Klaus said as he threw the rope away, his lifeline disappearing under choppy waters.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" Violet screamed frantically as though he couldn't see it, Klaus knew that there were tears streaming down his face. "KLAUS! DON'T DO IT! WE NEED YOU, KLAUS! I NEED YOU! PLEASE, PLEASE COME BACK TO US!"

"I can't," Klaus whispered as he shook his head. He could hear Sunny crying and screaming his name as well. The cries of their pain pierced his ears even through the loud claps of thunder as Klaus watched the people he loved most in the world getting smaller by the second as their boat drifted away.

"KLAUS, COME BACK! PLEASE COME BACK! KLAUS!KLAUSSSS!"

The sound of Violet screaming was the last thing he heard as a powerful wave knocked him under once more though Klaus had a strong grip on the piece of wood. Klaus dragged himself onto the piece of wood as he hugged it for dear life. As Klaus closed his eyes and awaited death to reach him, a series of visions invaded his mind.

…

"Spaghetti alla puttanesca, a well-known recipe in the world today, originated from which region of Italy? Is it…"

Venice

Turin

Naples

Milan

"C. Naples. Final answer." Klaus replied as Quentin nodded at him.

"Correct!" Quentin roared as the arena broke out in applause. "Looks like you don't need a lifeline to save you this time."

…..

"How did you know the answer?" Arthur asked as he paused the screen. Klaus shifted in his seat uncomfortably as he watched himself on screen. He could see himself react the same way as Quentin spoke the seemingly harmless response though Klaus knew better. The words had provoked some painful memories to return and in doing so, Klaus was transported back to the past once more.

….

Beatrice.

Klaus could see himself holding her in his arms as he tried to get her to sleep. Though Violet's rocking crib could do the same, Klaus felt the need to do it himself as Violet and Sunny watched him with smiles on their faces.

Sunny.

Klaus could see himself back when he was very young. Sunny had been crawling towards him, giggling as he tried to ignore her for what must have been the millionth time. He had felt a sense of resentment towards Sunny when she was born, something he had acknowledged as part of being pushed into the role of a middle child. As Sunny got closer to him, Klaus pulled away. Yet Sunny kept coming closer and closer until Klaus, having reached the end of his patience, slammed the book shut and intended to storm out. It was only a small grip on his pants that held him back. Klaus turned around, fully intending to glare and scold his little sister when he saw Sunny biting his pants, not intending to let go. He reached for her and pulled her into his arms, his expression fully crossed until Sunny touched his cheeks with her soft, tiny hands. The gesture caused Klaus to be taken aback as he stared into the bubbly and loving face of his sister who proceeded to touch her lips on his cheek. Feeling a wave of affection, Klaus sat back on his chair as he bobbed his sister on his knee and laughed along with her. It was the longest time Klaus had ever spend in the library not having read a single book.

And then, of course, there was Violet

Drips of water on his face caused Klaus to blink his eyes open, feeling irritated at having being dragged from his final thoughts before his death. Yet as his vision became clear, so too did his situation as Klaus felt his senses coming into action. His hands and feet rubbed against something coarse as a thought struck Klaus. He was no longer at sea.

Instead, his hands and feet were deep in wet, brown sand as Klaus gave a groan from having lied down on the plank of wood for so long. His cheeks felt warm from heat, heat, Klaus realised, having come from the sun that was now shining brightly on his face. In front of him, Klaus could see that he had landed on a beach, with what looked like two large stones in front of him.

The word miracle was one Klaus hardly used. As a man of knowledge, science, and logic, the word miracle seemed to belong to an entirely different world, one founded on religion or beliefs in a higher power controlling one's every move. Miracles suggest that something had happened that could not be explained or defined which to Klaus, was mostly poppycock. Klaus prided himself on finding a reason or explanation for things in this world and the word miracle seemed to him to be a lazy approach upon assessing a situation.

Yet as Klaus found himself gasping for breath and the sun burning on his cheeks as he laid upon the hot sand of a beach, Klaus would soon realise that his initial thought towards the word miracle might have been a little short-sighted. He was alive, against all odds, on a beach when he should have drowned in the whirlpool in the middle of the storm. Klaus turned to lay on his back as he lifted the brown piece of wood above his head. His heart gave a jolt as he saw what was written on the piece of wood.

Beatrice

Klaus had been floating on a piece of his boat all along, no doubt part of the boat that had broken off in their escape attempt from the whirlpool. Klaus turned his head to look up at the sky as he watched birds flying through the clouds above his head. The drips of water that had been falling on him looked to be coming from the clouds above, a slight drizzle in an otherwise bright day. Klaus could scarcely believe how much the weather had changed from having being caught in a turbulent downpour to having the weather being mostly…

Sunny

Klaus hoisted himself onto his feet as he turned around to stare at the pieces of stone that he had seen. Though it wasn't clear to him before, it was clear to him now that someone had marked the stones. Klaus felt a sickening feeling enter his body as he recognised the words.

"Kit and Olaf." Klaus cried in horror as he looked around him, the place he had been stranded on was the same one that he and his family had tried to leave. Klaus Baudelaire was back on the island although this time, there was something much more different. This time, Klaus was well and truly alone.

As he contemplated the situation, Klaus did what any normal person under these circumstances would do. Klaus shut his eyes and pounded against the sand while screaming over and over everything that was coursing through his veins. After five long minutes of an emotional breakdown, Klaus collapsed on the sand, his eyes facing the sea as he watched the waves calmly push against the coast. The drizzle had now turned into a shower as rain pelted Klaus on his white shirt. Yet as he sat there until the sun went down, only a single thought ran through his mind.

Violet

…..

Despite the familiar surroundings, Klaus felt like an unwanted guest as he entered the treehouse that he and the Baudelaires had called home for over a year. As soon as he entered, his eyes spied the abandoned crib belonging to Beatrice and the table where they had eaten their meals which was riddled with bites from Sunny. All around him were gears, levels, and pulleys systems all designed by Violet to assist them in their daily lives. It was a strange thing, entering a home which had once been a source of life and happiness but now seemed empty despite the collection of items assembled inside. Throwing himself on the couch, Klaus allowed himself a moment of respite before assessing his situation once more.

The issue with being stuck on the island was that there was no way for Klaus to leave until the day that the tides turned in his favour. He had about a year to live alone by himself and fortunately for Klaus, the Baudelaires had kept a larder along with enough supplies for a person to survive a full year. With a smile, Klaus held on this strand of a silver lining. There was something quite relieving about not having power over his situation. Doing what he did best, Klaus took out a notebook and started to plan. He would have to build a boat that could withstand the tides and more importantly, he would need to get word to his sisters that he was alive. A horrible thought overcame Klaus as he wondered if his sisters were still alive as well but that was dismissed as quickly as it came. Violet would not have allowed anything to happen to Sunny and Beatrice.

As his mind travelled to Violet once more, Klaus's heart started to ache. They had fought just before the storm and Klaus wished he had at least make amends for his argument. What seemed so important to him just several hours ago now seemed trivial at best. As he stared at the spot of the couch where Violet would always sit, Klaus thought back to a year ago where he, Violet and Sunny entered the treehouse once more together with a newly-born Beatrice.

…..

Violet had invented a crib to place Beatrice inside while Klaus read up on what a baby needed to have during the first few months of their birth. They then tucked Sunny into her own bed, the need to share one no longer required as there was ample space in the house. Klaus had wanted to go to bed but seeing his sister on the couch, with a pensive look on her face overruled his fatigue.

"What's wrong?" Klaus asked as Violet stared out of the window. From it, Klaus could make out the spot where they had buried Kit and Olaf in small graves, side by side.

"Just thinking about some things." Violet sighed as she patted the spot next to her for Klaus to sit. "Anyways, I'm just wondering about our current situation. Do you think we're ready to do this? Become parents to Beatrice?"

"Of course we are," Klaus replied, without hesitating as he sat next to his sister.

"How can you say that so calmly?" Violet asked as she turned to face him.

"Because…it's us. We've been taking care of ourselves so far and with Sunny, I think we have enough experience between us to handle it." Klaus replied as he smiled at Violet. "But I guess the reason I'm feeling slightly optimistic is because of you."

"Because of me?" Violet cried in surprise.

"Yes, because of you." Klaus smiled as he squeezed his sister's hand affectionately. "You're the one who takes care of me and Sunny. You're the one who always watches out for us. I know it might be a weird thing to say but I know you're going to make an excellent caretaker to Beatrice. Even a mother."

Violet stared at Klaus for a moment before giggling.

"So if I'm a mother, does that mean you're the father?"

Klaus felt his cheeks reddened as he awkwardly spoke. "Uh…I mean…I guess the official word is caretaker…not father… I mean…not that I would make a good one."

"Excuse me?" Violet cried indignantly as she looked slightly cross at Klaus. "Why would you think you're not going to be a good father?"

"Because I'm not," Klaus replied with a sigh.

"Why do you do this to yourself, Klaus?" Violet replied as she crossed her arms.

"Do what?"

"Sell yourself short." Violet sighed as she squeezed her brother's hand. "You always think the best of me, Klaus and you always see me as some sort of genius and role model…"

"Because you are!"

"But do you think I would be the way I am if it wasn't for you?" Violet said as she stared at him. "Do you think I would be the person that you see me as if not for you? Klaus, I would have lost all hope if I didn't have you by my side, constantly helping and pushing me to be the woman you see in front of you. You and I have worked through so many obstacles together with Sunny. You're right. I do feel optimistic about what we have to do but it's not just because of me. I have Sunny and more than that, I have you, Klaus. If you weren't in my life, I would be lost."

"Don't say that," Klaus said, not wanting to imagine a world without Violet. Violet gave him a reassuring smile.

"I'm not going anywhere. No matter what, we'll stick together, Klaus." Violet replied as Klaus beamed at his sister. Violet turned to face the graves once more and sighed.

"I know," Klaus said sadly as he tried to make out the gravestone for Kit's resting place. "I liked her too."

"Wasn't really thinking too much of Kit," Violet replied as Klaus stared at her blankly. "Just trying to figure out how I really feel about Count Olaf being gone."

"I know," Klaus said as he nodded his head. "Though it might be horrible to say, I'm glad that I won't have to look over my shoulder anymore to see him in some sort of disguise or gimmick in his quest to steal our fortune."

"It's not that," Violet said as she laid her head down on the couch, her head resting on Klaus's lap. "You remember what Mother used to say about your enemies? Her favourite quote?"

"That sometimes you get more from an enemy than from a friend?"

"Exactly. As much as I hate to admit it, Count Olaf was a great motivator for me and my inventions. With him always trying to get to us, I was forced to invent things to help us out. Olaf pushed me beyond my limitations."

"Necessity is the mother of invention." Klaus snickered as Violet giggled.

"And you! Think of how much knowledge you were forced to read and more importantly, use. Like Father used to say, a man with knowledge but who does not use it is as useful as a donkey carrying a bag of gold on its back. Olaf pushed you past your limitations. He may be a monster but he was a worthy opponent."

"Would he have been a good husband though?" Klaus said as Violet made a face.

"I don't date anyone that doesn't appreciate our pasta puttanesca," Violet replied as the pair broke out in laughter. After the laughter had died down, Klaus sighed as he stared out of the window, thinking about the long journey they had made from Briny Beach to the island.

"I still think we did a good job on that pasta though," Klaus said as he stared out the window. "I remember reading the recipe and its origins over and over. Did you know that the recipe originated from Naples…"

Klaus stopped speaking as he looked down to his sister sleeping soundly on his lap. Not wanting to wake her up, Klaus draped a nearby blanket over her as he removed his glasses before falling asleep with his sister's head on his lap.

….

"Did you hear what I say?" Arthur said as Klaus dragged himself back from his thoughts.

"Yes, of course," Klaus said as he recalled the first day on the island alone, waking up with the hope that his elder sister was still sound asleep on the couch with him only to see that he was alone. Klaus heaved a sigh, not wanting to return to those first few weeks on the island alone that had driven him to places he rather not visit. Taking a moment to compose himself, Klaus turned his attention to Arthur.

"Look, if you want me to explain how I know the answers, then I would have to tell you everything starting from the beginning where it all went wrong," Klaus spoke as Arthur listened intently. "You might find this story unbelievable but I swear to you that it is the truth. I just hope you have the stomach to listen to it."

"I'm a police officer," Arthur replied dryly. "I think I can handle your series of unfortunate events."

"It's your choice," Klaus said as he stared at the two-way mirror before turning to face Arthur.

"Where shall we start?" Arthur asked as Klaus closed his eyes.

"Briny Beach."

…..