Chapter 6

If there ever was a prize for the most miserable place to live, Paltryville would be high up on that list. As Klaus and Bob entered the dreary ghost town, Klaus could not help but feel a strong sense of regret as he stepped foot inside the abandoned lumber mill. It was here that Klaus, under the hypnosis of Dr. Georgina Orwell, had nearly killed a man and had badly injured Phil. It seemed even after more than a year, Klaus still felt haunted by what he had nearly done. Entering the mill itself, Klaus could see the late optometrist's office in the distance, the familiar eye-shape that was the symbol of V.F.D.

"I'm just going to take some pictures. I won't be staying long." Bob replied as he removed his camera from the car. "Don't see why she would want to buy over this land. Best to leave it to nature."

"Who's she?" Klaus asked as Bob snapped a photo of the office.

"My employer," Bob replied as he wandered off into the mill. "Be back at the car in ten minutes."

Klaus took a moment to survey the grounds. Around him were huge piles of logs, rusty equipment and what looked like shredded pieces of police tape. The last item urged Klaus to enter the mill where he headed for the furnace.

Despite his anger towards the late optometrist for nearly causing him to commit murder as well as attempting to kill Sunny, Klaus couldn't help but feel a slight amount of pity for Dr. Orwell. Being burned alive was a horrible way to go and Klaus could only shudder in horror as he recalled just how close the Baudelaires came to falling apart here at the furnace.

Klaus continued to roam the grounds of the mill until he came to the former office of Charles and Sir. Entering the library, Klaus sighed at the empty shelves. There had been books, of course, of Paltryville's history, most of which were altered to put his parents' in a bad light but nonetheless, they were proof that his parents had once lived there. His eyes then spied two brown leather chairs, the same ones he and his sisters sat in nearly two years ago. Lying down on one of the chairs and closing his eyes, Klaus could picture Violet sitting next to him as she did back then.

…..

"Where's Sunny?" Klaus asked as Violet entered the room once more.

"She's in the loo," Violet said before giggling. "She told me if there's no toilet paper there, I should remove the pages from the books that have been altered so she can wipe her butt with it. Our sister can really be quite vengeful."

Klaus laughed before peering through the window once more. He could see Mr. Poe talking to his wife as Violet made her way behind him.

"Are you okay?" Violet asked with a look of concern on her face as Klaus turned to face her.

"No, Violet. I'm not." Klaus sighed as he threw himself on the brown leather chair. Violet sat next to him as she grabbed his hand.

"I nearly killed a man today, Violet."

"Klaus, it wasn't your fault. You were under a hypnotic spell and you didn't kill Charles! We managed to beat Olaf and Dr. Orwell."

"But I could have." Klaus sighed as he removed his hand. "I nearly killed him, I hurt Phil and I put our baby sister in danger, Violet! Even if I was under a spell, it was still me doing all those things."

"Klaus Baudelaire," Violet spoke loudly as Klaus turned to face her. His sister was using his full name just as his parents did whenever they wanted to tell him something serious. "Don't you dare blame yourself for anything! You are not at fault."

"Yes, I am," Klaus replied as Violet shook her head.

"If you're going to blame someone, blame me," Violet replied as Klaus stared at her in shock.

"Why on Earth would you say that?!"

"Because, Klaus, I was the one who was supposed to protect you and Sunny. That's my job." Violet sighed as she looked away. "If I hadn't insisted that we stay to find out more about our parents, the three of us would have been safe from this wretched place."

"No, don't do that please." Klaus cried as it was his turn to grab his sister's hand. "Look, I know it's not my fault and I know that sooner or later, I'm going to be okay from all this but I just need to feel it right now, you know? It's just how I cope with all of this."

Violet turned to face him, a steely-eyed glare of determination on her face. "Well, if you want to blame yourself for something that's not your fault so that you can deal with it, that's fine. But I'm going to shoulder some of the blame as well."

"Why?" Klaus asked as his sister squeezed his hand with a bittersweet smile on her face.

"Because it's my job."

"I can take care of myself, Violet."

"So can I, Klaus. But we both know no matter what, we both will be taking care of the other, won't we? I look out for you, you look out for me and we both look out for Sunny."

Klaus gave his sister a genuine smile. "Guess I can't get rid of you that easily, huh?"

Violet gave him a playful nudge on his shoulder. "Nope. You're stuck with me. I mean, what I said back at the lumber mill, Klaus. I miss you an inordinate amount because I care about you an inordinate amount." Klaus noticed that his sister had taken a step towards him, her face level with his and only inches apart. Even though she was older than him by two years, Klaus had grown much taller since his younger days and was now slightly taller than Violet. He could see his sister's piercing blue eyes stare at him as her rosy cheeks had a hint of a slight blush.

"Gigglegoobe."

Klaus and Violet turned to see Sunny crawling on the floor as she smiled at the pair. To anyone else, the phrase that Sunny used might seem to be nothing more than baby chatter but Violet and Klaus knew better as Violet held up her sister before bringing the trio into a small, family hug.

So do I, Klaus. So do I.

…

"The answer is A. Inordinate," Klaus replied as he stared at Quentin who gave him a grin.

"So, for the fifth question that asks you to describe the love Romeo and Juliet had for each other, you had the options of four choices. So out of the words, inordinate, superfluous, insipid and proportionate, you chose the first one. Is that your final answer?"

"Yes, it is. A. Final answer."

"Correct!" Quentin roared as the crowd applauded and screamed Klaus's name once more. "Bravo, my boy, bravo!"

"Thank you," Klaus replied.

"Tell us, Klaus," Quentin said as he smiled at him. "How did you figure out the answer?"

"Well," Klaus explained as he shifted in his seat. "The story of Romeo and Juliet is one of tragedy and yet remains one of the most popular expressions of love. Romeo and Juliet were star-crossed lovers who met one night after a party and fell madly in love. So much so, in fact, that they ended up committing suicide as one could not live without the other. That kind of love is something I would describe as excessive hence the word inordinate seems to be the best and closest description."

"Interesting," Quentin replied as he grinned at Klaus. "So tell us, Klaus Baudelaire, are there any fair maidens or perhaps any gentlemen that have caught your fancy? Anyone special in your life?"

Klaus blushed deeply as he shrugged his shoulders in silence.

"Such a modest boy," Quentin said as the audience laughed behind the structure. "I'm only asking because there are quite a few members in the audience that are eager to know if you're available. I mean, he's quite the catch, isn't he ladies? Handsome, smart, and if he wins the game show, would be rich as well. Your typical Prince Charming."

Klaus said nothing though he could feel his face getting warmer by the second. Fortunately for him, Quentin took his silence as a cue to move on.

"Maybe later, perhaps," Quentin said as he pictured a few in the audience who were probably slightly disappointed at not getting an answer. "Let us move to question six, the final question that can guarantee a sum of money. This is where everything changes, people."

Klaus listened to the audience clapping as the sixth question appeared on the screen. Everything changes, indeed Klaus thought as he stared at the sixth question.

…

"Wake up, Herman," Bob said as Klaus blinked his eyes open. They were entering a small village that was surrounded by the forest though Klaus could see a train station nearby. All around them were small houses with a multitude of colours as people went about their day, mowing the lawns, talking to one another and there was even a field where children flew kites. Klaus could see Bob passing by the police station where he drove towards a large, white manor with enormous golden gates.

"I'm just going to hand my camera over to my employer first," Bob replied as the car stopped in front of a pair of large, oak doors. "Come inside. We can use the phone to make a call to the police station to see if your parents are there. Plus, my employer had fixed for us a nice meal if you would like to join us."

The growling inside his stomach dragged any thoughts of finding his sisters out of his mind until he had appeased his starving appetite. Following Bob inside the manor, Klaus was surprised to see a pair of uniformed soldiers in tight red outfits welcoming them in. The manor looked fit for a king or queen as all around him, Klaus could see items of luxury from the soft, crimson carpets to the large, golden fireplace which was surrounded by walls and walls of books. Whoever stayed here seemed to be a bibliophile like himself as Klaus found himself quite eager to meet Bob's mysterious employer.

Entering the dining room, Klaus could see a butler pulling out a seat for himself as Klaus gratefully accepted his seat at a long, dining table. On the table was an array of dishes from roast beef to mashed potatoes and after months of dining on fruits, fish and vegetables on the island, Klaus felt his spirits rising as he savoured the delights which waited for him. As Klaus wore his napkin, a door creaked open as Bob took to his feet. Klaus did the same, ready to introduce himself to the mysterious employer when upon seeing the person, felt both his napkin and his jaw fall to the floor.

The employer made her way towards the table, pausing to stare at Klaus with a look of recognition and delight evident across the face. Bob, however, did not notice either her nor Klaus's reactions as he cleared his throat.

"Herman, May I have the honour of introducing you to the Duchess of Winnipeg," Bob said as Klaus found himself face to face with Jacquelyn Scieszka once more.

….

"I can't believe it really is you, Klaus," Jacquelyn said, with tears in her eyes as Klaus ended his recollection of events since the last time they met.

"I can't believe you're a Duchess, Jacquelyn," Klaus said as Bob frowned at him.

"It's okay, Bob," Jacquelyn said as she patted him on the shoulder. "Klaus and I are old friends."

"I still can't believe your name is Klaus." Bob sighed as Klaus felt a tinge of guilt, having to hide his identity. "You could have told me."

"It was smart of him not to," Jacquelyn replied, coming to his defence. "You've seen how much Klaus had to endure. All that pain, all that horror. I would find myself lying as well if I didn't know who to trust."

"I'm sorry, Bob," Klaus said as he gave the man an apologetic look. "If it helps, you've been so good to me and I do trust you now."

"Oh, no harm done," Bob replied with a smile.

"Jacquelyn," Klaus said, turning his attention back to the Duchess. "Have you heard any word about where my sisters and Beatrice could be?"

"Well, I don't know anything about your sisters, I'm afraid," Jacquelyn said with a sad sigh. "However, I do know where Beatrice is. She's with me."

"With you?!" Klaus exclaimed in astonishment.

"Yes." Jacquelyn smiled. "About a year ago, when I was still looking into your whereabouts as well as what happened during the Hotel Denouement Fire, I came across a woman who lived in a fishing village who told me she had adopted a baby from a nearby orphanage. I thought nothing of it, of course, until the woman told me that the orphanage had taken care of the baby from two girls, one who was a toddler herself."

"Violet and Sunny!" Klaus cried in excitement.

"Yes," Jacquelyn said as she smiled at him. "That caught my attention and I went looking through the papers and saw that on one of the papers, the baby's mother's name was called Kit Snicket. Excited, I read on and found that the baby's name was Beatrice."

"You found her!" Klaus clapped his hand as he sighed in relief. Any doubts that his sisters had perished at sea was wiped clean off his mind.

"Not only that, but the girl who registered Beatrice had a name. Nicola Tesla." Jacquelyn replied as Klaus gave a laugh.

"That's her favourite inventor."

"I figured," Jacquelyn said before sighing. "I asked the orphanage as well as the woman if they knew about your sisters' whereabouts but they didn't. According to the orphanage, Violet had placed Beatrice under temporary care where she will then take over when she turns eighteen but with the orphanage growing in number and no contact from your sister, the orphanage was forced to hand it over to the woman. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to let me have Beatrice for a sizable amount of money."

"What?" Klaus cried indignantly. On one hand, he was glad that Beatrice was with Jacquelyn and yet, on the other hand, the idea of someone placing a price on Beatrice sounded like a bad joke to him. As far as Klaus was concerned, no amount of money or fortune could ever force him to part with his loved ones.

"Tell me about it," Jacquelyn replied. "She's currently staying in my mansion in Winnipeg. You're welcome to visit her if you want. She is yours and your sisters' of course but I wouldn't suggest bringing her along when you're trying to locate your sisters."

"Of course…" Klaus replied, feeling slightly disappointed. The thought of seeing Beatrice again had certainly crossed his mind and though the thought of reuniting with at least one person from the island warmed his heart, Klaus knew that he could not possibly bring Beatrice along. Nor could he visit her just yet. His sisters were somewhere out there in the world and with Beatrice being under Jacquelyn's care, she was as safe as houses.

"I need to find Violet. And Sunny." Klaus said as Jacquelyn nodded her head.

"I have been using all my resources to locate you and your sisters, Klaus, and I will continue to do so. In the meantime…"

"I have to be out there looking for them," Klaus said as he stood from the table, pushing his plate of unfinished roast beef away from him. "Thank you both and I really appreciate everything you've done for me but I should really get out there to look for them."

"Klaus," Jacquelyn replied sharply as she motioned for him to take a seat. "While I admire your willingness to go out into the world and search for your sisters, I must inform you that the path you're about to take would be a poor one. You have people that are out there looking for your sisters. People like…"

"The V.F.D," Klaus answered grimly as he shook his head. "No, I won't be a part of your organisation again, Jacquelyn. I left the past behind me."

"Then let us volunteer our help, at the very least." Jacquelyn implored as Klaus sat back in his seat. "What you and your sisters have done for us, giving us the sugar bowl back, we owe you a great deal of gratitude. If only you knew about its contents…"

"I do," Klaus said as Jacquelyn gasped. Klaus sighed before telling her about Kit's final words towards the Baudelaire on the island.

"Then all the more you understand just how grateful we are," Jacquelyn replied as she walked over to put a hand on his shoulder. "Let us find your sisters. You've done enough."

"You don't get it, Jacquelyn." Klaus sighed. "I can't just stop looking even if others are. I have to do something. We're talking about Violet and Sunny here. They're important to me."

"Important might be an understatement," Bob said as he gave a supportive nod towards Klaus.

"Very well." Jacquelyn sighed before contemplating something in her head. "I suppose if you are insistent on going at it alone, the first thing we would have to do is give you a new identity. I've been trying to clear your name, what with the information Justice Strauss has gathered though wherever she is and what she knows is out of reach for me. We would have to get some registration papers ready. How old are you, Klaus?"

"Fifteen this year."

"That's too young for him to be on his own," Bob added.

"You're right, Bob," Jacquelyn said as she thought long and hard. "I might have an idea as to what your next course of action is, Klaus," Jacquelyn said as she revealed her plan to the pair of them. Klaus's eyes widened as she spoke.

"Wait, what?" Klaus exclaimed as soon as Jacquelyn finished speaking. "You want me to go back to school?!"

"Think about it, Klaus. When you're sixteen years old and have your schooling qualifications, it will make easy for me to get you your new identity." Jacquelyn explained. "Furthermore, you would be seen as mature enough to be on your own and with your new qualifications, should you need to apply for lodging or a job in some foreign place, it would make it easier for you. Besides, you'll be safe in a place of knowledge where I can always reach you should we have news of your sisters."

"I don't know about this…" Klaus replied, unsure if this was indeed the best course of action.

"Trust me," Jacquelyn said as she patted him on the shoulder. "You just need to complete a single term. With your extensive knowledge, school will be a breeze for you and the place I intend to send you is now under our management once more. You'll be safe there. There's nothing more you can do for Violet or Sunny now, especially if you don't take care of yourself. Think about Violet, Klaus. What would she want you to do?"

"Fine." Klaus sighed as he nodded at Jacquelyn's suggestion. He knew his sister would probably urge him to continue his education. Besides, he could always make new friends and ask them for their help in trying to find his sister. He gave Jacquelyn a grateful nod.

"Okay," Klaus said as he clapped his hands. "Where would I be going to school?"

Jacquelyn and Bob exchanged looks as the former gave Klaus an encouraging smile before whispering the name of the school. Klaus's eyes widened once more as he groaned in frustration.

"You have got to be kidding."

….

"So for question number six," Quentin spoke as the audience grew silent once more. "Gabriel Mouton was a French abbot and famous scientist from the 17th century. His greatest contribution came in which of the following fields. Is it…

Time measurement

Density

The metric system

Astronomy

"It's C. The metric system," Klaus replied without hesitating. "Final answer."

"Incredible." Quentin gasped. "That is…the right answer!"

The audience gave their applause once more as Klaus waved around him, knowing that the audience could see him through the structure. Quentin looked positively impressed.

"My word, Klaus. Not even the slightest bit of hesitation." Quentin said as Klaus beamed at him. "How could you have possibly known that? What school did you attend?"

"Prufrock Preparatory School."

"They must have quite the syllabus down there to be able to garner such a genius," Quentin exclaimed as Klaus merely shrugged his shoulders. Klaus had already known about Gabriel Mouton even before going to Prufrock and yet his time there with Violet had certainly helped to bring that memory forth.

….

"This is insane, Violet," Klaus grumbled as he threw his book down to the floor. Sunny chided him in her soft voice as Klaus gave his little sister an apologetic look from ruining the name cards she had carefully stacked neatly.

"I'm sorry, Sunny." Klaus yawned as Sunny yawned back at him before tucking herself at his feet.

"Urgh," Violet grumbled as she threw down her book. "Who cares about the colour of cows? How is any of this actually relevant to one's studies?"

"Tell me about it." Klaus sighed. "Instead of asking me about how long a navy, blue scarf is, I could be learning about centimetres and length and the history of it. Like did you know that the metric system has sometimes been attributed to Gabriel Mouton, A French abbot whose book…"

"Klaus, please," Violet replied, cutting him off. "If I have any more information put into my head at the moment, it's going to explode."

"At least, I give out useful information," Klaus said as Violet leaned her head on his shoulder. Sunny was asleep at their feet as Violet and Klaus smiled down at their sister. Sunny had insisted on doing power naps, a routine where one took naps at random times so as to conserve energy.

"You think the Quagmires are alright?" Violet whispered as Klaus pressed his cheek on top of hers.

"I hope so." Klaus sighed. "I can't believe that Duncan and Isadora actually agreed to help us by running laps all night. It's just an incredible gesture."

"Well, they're both incredible people," Violet replied with a smile on her face. "It's like Duncan said. Friends do things like this for friends."

"I agree," Klaus replied. "Although you had to admit, with what little time we knew them, to do something like running all night so that we can study for some silly test is awfully big of them. It's more than expected for a couple of people just being friends."

Violet pulled her head away as she gave Klaus a cheeky grin. "Well then, maybe their intentions aren't just to be our friends. Maybe someone wants to be more than just friends."

"What are you talking about?" Klaus asked as he sat cross-legged in front of Violet.

"All I'm saying is that friends don't give friends kisses on the cheek." Violet laughed as Klaus felt his face redden.

"She's just being nice," Klaus said as Violet raised her eyebrow.

"Right. I'm sure that's why Isadora did it."

"Okay, what about you then?" Klaus spoke with a similar cheeky tone to his voice. "What about you and Duncan?"

"What about us?" Violet asked.

"Oh, nothing," Klaus spoke before giving his sister a smirk. "It's just that I notice the way he stares at you all the time. It's almost as cute as the way you stare at him."

"What? No!" Violet replied hastily, crossing her arms. Klaus's smile widened as he noticed his sister's cheeks had gone red.

"It's okay, Violet. I'm sure he'll be more than willing to spend more time with you." Klaus replied. "I mean, after all, what are friends for?"

"I'm sure Isadora would be willing to do the same to you as well, Klaus," Violet spoke as she glared at him before grinning. "Just make sure you don't tell her that you're horny."

"Ahhh!" Klaus groaned as his sister started to giggle. "I thought we agreed to let that go."

"You agreed. I didn't." Violet replied before staring out through the cracks of their shack with a worried look on her face. "Do you think they're alright, though? Count Olaf is watching them and I fear that he might hurt them if our ruse is discovered."

"They'll be okay," Klaus reassured his sister as he squeezed her hand. "Isadora is more than capable of taking care of herself. She's innovative as a poet, driven and can adapt to any situation. She's a lot like you, Violet."

"And she's with Duncan," Violet said as she smiled at her brother. "He's brilliant, level-headed and resourceful just like you are, Klaus."

"So they're versions of us," Klaus said as Violet nodded. "If we can get out of scraps, so can the Quagmires."

"Let's get back to work," Violet said as Sunny gave a tired yawn before blinking her eyes open. "Let's trade books. You can quiz me and I can quiz you."

"That's a good idea," Klaus said as he handed her his book. Violet took his book before handing hers as Sunny continued to work with her note cards.

"Who goes first?" Klaus asked.

"How about I ask you a question and then you do me?" Violet asked.

"Sounds good," Klaus said as Violet gave a giggle. "What?"

"Nothing," Violet replied though her grin remained. "Just wondering about something."

"Well, then out with it," Klaus said as Violet gave him a strange look.

"Why did you stumble so much when Isadora asked you how she looked? Shouldn't you have just told her that she was pretty?"

"I was nervous. I mean, I didn't notice it before nor did I think of it and I was just taken aback by her question." Klaus said as Violet narrowed her eyes at him.

"Why didn't you notice it before?" Violet asked as Klaus shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know. Maybe it's the hair."

…..

As Prufrock Preparatory School came into view, Klaus pulled himself away from memories of the past as he, Jacquelyn and Bob drove towards the school compound. As Klaus looked out of the window, he could see a flyer fluttering about on the ground with the school's motto on it. Memento Mori Klaus thought as the large gates of the academy opened and Bob drove them inside.

Klaus's eyes widened as large as saucers.

To say that he was surprised would be an understatement. While the exterior landscape of Prufrock Prep. School still remained as dreary and gloomy as it once was, the interior of the school, however, was at the other end of the spectrum. As soon as they entered, Klaus's eyes were assaulted by an assortment of colours. The walls of Prufrock Preparatory School, which were once grey and dull, had now been painted over. Each wall had a different painting, some of which were works by famous artists and painters while others looked to be original creations from a cat sailing through space to a scuba diving swimming in the deep.

All around the path up until the schools' front doors, Klaus could see students lying about in the grass, talking and chatting to each other while some took time to read, fly kites and even played a bit of catch. The uniforms were all creatively designed as two of the students welcomed Klaus, Jacquelyn, and Bob into the school. Walking through the school, Klaus held his breath as he wandered through the brightly-lit hallways and bulletin boards that showcased the different clubs and societies that were available in the schools' curriculum. In one of the classes, Klaus could see a teacher showcasing the effects of a volcanic eruption using a clay model and baking soda. In another, Klaus could hear someone playing out a Beethoven symphony.

"What's going on?!" Klaus exclaimed as Jacquelyn gave a light chuckle.

"Well, ever since Vice Principal Nero abruptly resigned from his position and with our side winning over parts of the schism, it was crucial for us to get back Prufrock under our guidance," Jacquelyn explained. "This was our alma mater for most of us and we intend for this boarding school to not only be a place of knowledge and learning but one that anyone who is lucky to come here can safely call it home."

"See the new motto for the school?" Bob said as he pointed to a sign hanging from the staff office.

"Vivamus, Moriendum Est." Klaus read as Bob knocked on the staff door. "Let us live, since we must die. Still sounds a little melancholic."

"Well, being reminded about death can seem to be a little negative but it's realistic. And hence the first part, let us live which tells us that since death is inevitable, we must make the best out of the life we have and strive for what we want. For us to be dreamers but also live in the real world and I can't think of a better way for a school to lean towards." Jacquelyn replied as she and Bob turned to face him. "Okay, Klaus, Bob and I will get things sorted here. Why don't you go ahead and explore the school for a bit?"

"Sure," Klaus replied as he took off down one of the school hallways.

…..

"And so we've reached the seventh question," Quentin spoke in a serious tone amidst the hushed whispers of the crowd. "For those of you who are aware as to how we play this game, this is it. If Klaus chooses to walk away now, he will have made a thousand dollars. If he chooses to play on, however, the rules of the game will kick in. Any wrong answer requires payment of the failed question in full while every right answer brings him closer to the final question. So, Klaus Baudelaire, I put it to you. Do you wish to proceed?"

Vivamus, Moriendum Est Klaus thought as he cleared his throat. The silence in the arena was palpable as a croak in his voice cut through the rising tension of the arena as Klaus could feel everyone waiting on his answer with bated breath.

"I wish to continue," Klaus said as loud cheers and wild chattering roared throughout the arena. A quick glance at Quentin revealed the relief that had dawned across his face as an expression of fierce pride grew on his countenance.

"Excellent!" Quentin exclaimed as thunderous applause broke throughout the arena. "Question seven. Here it is. In Norse mythology, what creature does Loki, the God of Mischief, transforms himself into when trying to escape the wrath of his fellow gods after Loki had tricked the blind god Hoor into murdering his brother. Is it..

Salmon

Wolf

Snake

Owl

Klaus was stunned. For the first time in the game show, Klaus Baudelaire was unsure of the answer. He was quite sure that he had picked the right answer in his mind but with the rising stakes, Klaus could not afford to be complacent. He had to be sure. His sisters' whereabouts were on the line and after six years, Klaus had gone too far to make a careless mistake now. There was only one option and he had to take it.

"I would like to use a lifeline."

"Which one?" Quentin asked.

"I would like to call a friend," Klaus said as Quentin nodded. Klaus knew who Quentin was going to call. Before the game show, Klaus had entered one number into the system for the lifeline. He had contemplated whether to call Jacquelyn but Jacquelyn was constantly busy at being the Duchess of Winnipeg as well as running a clandestine operation. Instead, Klaus picked another person, one whom he knew he had could rely on.

RING!

RING!

RING!

….

RING!

As the school bell rung, Klaus caught sight of a kindergarten class coming out of a classroom. All the pre-schoolers looked to be of Sunny's age as Klaus felt a pang of pain pierce through his heart. Sitting on a nearby bench, Klaus heaved a sigh, thinking just how much his sisters would love the school if they could only see it now. As Klaus sat on the bench, deep within his own thoughts, he did not notice someone who gasped upon the sight of him before taking a seat next to his lanky form. Only when he felt a tap on his shoulder, Klaus turned towards the person, gasping out in shock as his eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

"Hello there, cakesniffer."

This must be a dream Klaus thought as he stared at the person who had a look of bemusement on her face.

…

"Hello?"

"Hi! This is Quentin Travers from the game show Victory: Fortune or Debt. I'm calling because my contestant here, Klaus Baudelaire, is in need of your services in answering a question."

"Anything I can do to help." The voice said as Quentin motioned for Klaus to speak. Before he could say anything, however, the voice on the phone spoke first.

"Hello, Klaus. It's been a while."

"It certainly has," Klaus replied with a smile on his face.

…...

"But…how…" Klaus stammered as the girl seated next to him nodded along.

"Must be strange for you. Seeing a ghost from your past." the girl spoke as Klaus could only nod, still very much in shock.

"I thought you were dead!" Klaus said as he composed himself. Even as he wiped his glasses furiously and pinching himself, it was clear to Klaus that the girl that sat before him was not a figment of his imagination.

"I thought you were too. The fire at Hotel Denouement…"

"The three of us got out in time," Klaus answered as he reached his hand out. Blushing, the girl reached out hers as she laced her fingers with his, squeezing it as hard as she could. Upon the contact of her soft fingers, Klaus could only shake his head as a wide smile broke out on his face. It seemed appropriate that after so long, he would come face to face with the very same person he had met at the same place two years ago.

"It's good to see you again, Isadora." Klaus finally replied as Isadora Quagmire gave him a warm smile.

…..