Warning: This chapter does contain child abuse)
The girls had been working all day so when they heard the factory clock the girls lined up to face La Croque. Madeline give a sigh of relief as she looked down at her sore red hands.
I'LL take that! there are a lot more antiques to be done tomorrow. La Croque said as she took the Laces from the exhausted looking girls.
The tired girls looked at one another and sighed.
Fifi was next and she bowed her head sadly as her Lace was slightly stained.
Look what you have done! La Croque snapped at the blacked haired girl all your coughing has turned the lace yellow ruined!
I m S-S-SORRY. Fifi bowed her head lower in sad shame.
You know the punishment for ruined work. La Crouque snapped at Fifi.
Fifi looked at La Crouqe with wild eyes as she pleaded. "No, No not the whip.
Madeline eyes went wide as she gasped as she watched La Crouqe whip her friend.
When that was over, La Croque sneered 'From now on .
Madame please no Fifi begged I will be careful I will not cough She then suddenly coughed more harsher.
Madeline was deeply concerned for Fifi's heath as she put her hand on her friend's back
You will only work on BLACK LACE! La Croque scowled at Fifi"
Oh no Fifi gasped"
I won't have my precious white discolored La Croque snapped remember that all of you
The cause the rest of the girls to gasp from the back of the room.
What is wrong? Madeline asked as Fifi being to cry
with little light working on the Black lace it take our eyes Fifi sniffed
"my grandmama Turned blind that way Claire a Blond head added
Hearing that, something in Madeline Snapped
You can't do that to Fifi, Madeline said in a harsh tone as she glared at La Croque It is heartless and cruel! she is sick!
I beg your pardon. La Croque glared back at her. The lady, even though it didn't show on her angry face, was surprised that someone had talked back to her.
she needs sunlight Madeline continued she need more food she needs?
what you need is a lesson La Croque scowled SILENCE!
Fifi needs to see a doctor Madeline told her not caring about what La Croque demanded.
"I SAID SILENCE! LaCroque yelled as she pulled out her whip once more and used it to hit Madeline harder than she did the rest of the girls.
Madeline gasped as she had never felt this much pain in her life. Her eyes filled with tears as well.
"you are coming with me. Noah Seize her La Croque demanded
Noah reached out for the little girl and picked her up by the back of her apron as La Croque lead them to a dungeon.
"hey put me down you big brute Madeline shouted.
"Oh Shut up you brat Kathy said. as she was following the other adults as well.
La Croque opened the dungeon and Noah pushed Madeline into the room and before shutting the door La Croque look at Kathy with a evil grin and said "Kathy Spoiled brats have to learn the hard way, and I don't think that this brat has learned her lesson. Kathy nodded and said, "Oh yes you are so right my friend. With that Kathy pulled her own whip from her pocket and hit Madeline as hard as she could as well.
Madeline groaned in Pain.
And you are the best teacher Henri added coming from around the corner (he had just finished locking the other girls in their room for the night.
Noah then slammed the door to the dungeon looking Madeline inside.
Madeline sat on the bed which was made out of Hey and looked a bit itchy. I don't see what is so funny. She reached into her apron pocket and took out the last necklace bead looking at the bead brought tears to Madeline's eyes. oh Mama she sniffled as she thought of her Mother.
As the girl stared out the tiny barred window and watched the sun slowly set. she laid down on the itchy hay and tried to fell asleep but Madeline just couldn't sleep in this awful place.
Here I sit so cold and hungry,
Feeling lost and far away, Happiness is just a memory,
a patch of sun from yesterday.
Where is the hope that I once knew?
My dreams have vanished, it is true.
When will the sun come shining through?
Where is the hope that I once knew?
Just then a fly flew into the dungeon only to get trapped onto a web above the water pitcher.
Friends would call me "Bravest Lion".
as she took out the bead from her pocked.
I once had that kind of roar. If I reach inside for courage,
perhaps I can be strong once more!
I'll find the hope that I once knew, and I will make my dreams come true.
I'll see the sun come shining through,
full of the hope that I once knew.
She then freed the fly and allowed it to go without being eaten by the spider.
Madeline soon felt better and more inspired she felt like she hear an angelic chorus in her ears.
Backup Chorus: We'll find the hope that we once knew,
and we will make our dreams come true.
We'll see the sun come shining through,
Fifi! Madeline call out and knelt on the hey bed
Full of the hope (full of the hope)
That we once knew!
Madeline gasped and gave a small tried smile as she heard her new friends sing. the small girl felt the wall and found a loose brick and tried to pull it out. but the Brick wouldn't move.
Madeline thought for a moment and looked at the hay on her bed. she found a nail in the hay to weaken the stone and let it fall out.
"Fifi are you there? She then asked before she removed the Stone to see the black haired girl and the other girls who seem to be listening on the other side for moral support.
Madeline we were worried, are you alright? Fifi asked"
Mais oui. Madeline confirmed Fifi I have decided we must escape.
AH, that is not so easy. Fifi told her I tried before coughing more harshly. as punishment La Croque cut off my hair to make black lace.
why is La Croque so horrible Madeline asked"
They say she was a cabaret star once Fifi replied then something happened
...Fifi explained that La Croque was a dancer whose kick dazzled all of Paris but one fatal night thought a seaming mis... chance...
[Fabric rip)
as the People all laughing
Another dancer Kicked La Croque causing her to fall off the stage and to the floor.
La Croque UHH!
[ALL GASP]
... Her fame ended most tragically.
Alors? Madeline asked
then she could no longer perform because she felt so Humiliated Fifi informed
Quel dommage! Madeline replied
She had no money, so she sold her long hair to make lace. Fifi continued now she runs the factory. She then let out another sickly cough And she will cut off your hair like mine if you make trouble"
It will grow back Madeline said in determination I will take the chance I will find a way out"
you are not scared? we heard Kathy and Lacroque Whip you. Fifi asked, surprised.
I am angry after all your families must be worried about you" Madeline said to Fifi and the other girls.
Fifi looked at the other girls and sadly said.
Well you see we have no families Fifi replied None of us La Croque and Henri lie to the courts they say they will take care of us then treat us like this. Madeline was shocked and silent for a few minutes before she replied.
Don't worry Fifi we can look after each other Madeline said"
Like real friends? Fifi asked.
Better like family Madeline replied Making Fifi finally smile
Family? do you really think so? Fifi asked
I know so Madeline replied back with a smiled as she extend her hand out to Fifi"
Fifi smiled back as she held Madeline's hand then a squeak was heard As the little Mouse jumped out and came onto Fifi and Madeline hands and bowed as he also trusted the Little redhead girl which made them all laugh.
[THUNDER]
Meanwhile La croque walked down the back hallway and heard the laughter of her prisoners.
Bothersome Brats La Croque said with a sneer.
Mewhile Back in Paris.
At the Spanish Ambassador house.
Mewhile back in Paris
Steven said Pepito stay by the door and keep look out.
As Stever then snuck into there father office. " there is my voice Charger" radio that father took from me" on the shelf hope it still work as he Turning the device on Steven dialed the number of the hotel.
Steven said Hola This is Dan the Spanish Ambassador and father. I'd like a hotel room. With an two extra-large beds and another connecting bedroom with 12 beds also a TV... ...and one of those little refrigerators with a key. Credit card? One moment. You got it as he told the Hotel person
- WOMAN said Yes, sir you are all set. Thank you. Enjoy your stay.
Steven hung up the phone. and close the door." okay Pepito we are all set for tomorrow Morning".
Back at the old house it was beginning to rain and seemed to understand how the girls where feeling about not having Madeline around. the girls were brushing their hair as they were in there Nightgrown and their suitcases packed under there beds as they were getting ready for bed trying to ignore the rain scary storm.
Miss Clavel watch her girls from the doorway. the teacher sadly sighed as she looked down at Madeline's empty bed.
"Do not lose heart Mes petites. Miss clavel said in her soothing voice. we will find our Madeline"
Where could she be? Chole asked
I hope she is not lonely Nicole Added
(Thunder)
Or Hungry Dainelle pouted
or wet and Cold Riley added more sad than her friends" as she looked out the window
(Lighting flashed and thunder rumbled")
She knows we love her Miss Clavel said comfortable
That is true. Dainelle said with a small smile.
And we will be looking for her" Miss Clavel continued tomorrow i will go again with the gendarmes.
Mais certainment! Chole said
Miss Clavel said and we won't give up...
Till we find her! the girls chanted back
Exactly Miss Clavel smiled Bonne nuit. Mes cheries.
if we can get any sleep Riley Sighed sadly to herself
Sleep well Miss clavel the girls said
the light was turn out and everyone try to get some sleep
Riley sighed as she looked at Madeline's still folded bed across from her as she turned over in her bed trying to keep Baby Annie quite. by hug her. " I hope you are okay Maddie. You are more than a friend, you are a sister Forever. she whispered sadly as a few tears rolled down her face. Wiping the tears away,
Riley began to sing
I'm your twin, you're my twin,
We stick together through thick and thin.
No matter what I do,
I'm always there for you
And if trouble comes our way,
I know my twin will save the day.
Wherever you may be,
You're always stuck with me.
When you're feeling sad and blue,
Call my name and I'll find you.
We have a bond that's tried and true.
You and me, me and you,
Two by two.
What if I never find you?
What if I'm a twin no more?
I'd give all the world's treasures
If you came walking through that door.
When you're feeling sad and blue,
Call my name and I'll find you.
We have a bond that's tried and true.
You and me, me and you,
Two by two
she soon closed her eyes and fell asleep.
... Their hearts was with Madeline where was she now? and they prayed that in a few week they were find here somehow. after thinking of a plan. Madeline curled up on her hay bed in La Croque dungeon's the Mouse had deiced to stay with them for the night.
The next morning it was a beautiful day that came after the Night of rain.
... Miss clavel left the house as she did before
Mrs. Murphy said bye bye !
Pepito peeked out from behind the bush carry the cage with Steven behind him as they snuck into the house so they could scare their temporary caretaker and head to the station to catch the train for Vienna
As the girls met Steven and Pepito by the kitchen, everyone gasped"
[CAT GROWLS MRREERW]
the Mouse yelped from the sight of the cat and fainted inside of his Cage.
¡Caramba Pepito yelped she borrowed our Mother cat"
What will we do'? Chole asked Riley is In Miss Clave office buying the tickets"
i know Steven come on Pepito we have work to do" we will be right back Girls
... as Steven ran off with Pepito following behind him for thing that they forgot.
Back in Vienna
... at the workshop Clever Madeline tried a new lace making knots
as Fifi nodded to her friend to show approval of this and where one of the other girls nodded to Fifi. Just then Lacroque Henie and Kathy walked by which made the girls get to work so the adult wouldn't suspect anything however Noah seem to have a suspicion about the girls.
[BOBBINS CLACKING]
... as the factory villains inspected the work it was Madam Kathy who first spotted a quickened and swiped one of the Lace from Patricia a blond headed girl with glass Henie look at her as they noticed that something stranger about the lace Noah saw this as well as saw what each laces spelled.
Henie also spotted what the laces spelled out and said Regardez!
I can read Lacroque scoffing at him. up here all of you she suddenly yelled.
Yes Ma am Madeline said rolling her eyes as she, Fifi and the other girls made their way up to the front of the room.
AHA! La Croque smirked as she showed the lace which spelled out the cries for help from the girls so they would have a way out of here and she mocked the girls for their effort to become free at Last like they deserved to be out there instead of trapped in her Help.. I am a prisoner in a... lace factory. With an angry look on her face La Croque yelled you will stand here all day all night all year till I find out who's responsible for this sacrilege.
Noah noded with a firm look
Perhaps. a flaw in the thread madam? Madeline suggested with a small smile.
this made the girls giggled Making La Croque really angry,
La Crouque looked at Kathy and nodded. Kathy smiled happily as she once again got the whip and whipped Madeline hard this time on her back. for talking back. Madeline groaned in pain.
Do you Think this is a holiday? La croque asked before she took out her scissors and pointed them at the girls. get back to your bobbing brats
Y yes Ma am Kelly gulped
the girls soon rushed back to there tables but Madeline stayed up front wincing. Madeline was limping about to make her way back to the table as she noticed a plate of cheese
... La Croque, Henri, Kathy, Made their way back to upstairs while Madeline snuck a piece of chess and hid it in her apron as she planned a surprised for the shop. Noah didn't understand why she did that so he just decided not to do anything about it.
Madeline came back to the Other Fifi I have a Plan she whispered to her friend.
I had a feeling you did Fifi whispered back with a smile and a chuckle.
... Back at the old house Pepito and Steven pop in with something to give an old trick a new spin.
Cat [MRREEERW HISS
Steven pulled out the Shrunken Head
the Cat soon yelp thought meow and run away
Steven said i knew it would work okay Pepito send in our little Mouse
Pepito opened his cage and sat it down on the floor
the Mouse soon scamper out of the cage and ran into the Kitchen Miss Murphy soon shrieked and Panicked at the sight of the Mouse AAH! AAH! GET OFF! GET OFF ME! OW, GET AWAY FROM ME! GET OFF! OH, OW, OOH, AAH! OH HO, NO! GET AWAY!
... Poor Mrs. Murphy was in distress. Steven and Pepito plan was a success.
Steven said Perfecto!.
Riley said let go we are Late to the Station" Baby Annie is quite now' remember we are the Parents to all of you girls" here Chole hold Baby Annie in this Green Blanket" Genevie you are in front come on now grab your suitcases our cab is Waiting come on everyone vit vit.
A couple hours later after Mrs Murphy had calmed down, the cook called out "Little Girls it's time for lunch. But there were no footsteps of the girls coming down the stairs. Confused the cook went upstairs and looked into the bedroom.
Mrs Murphy gasped as saw that the girls suitcases were gone. Panicking the cook raced downstairs to call Lord Cucuface.
Back in Vienna
[BOBBINS CLACKING]
... Madeline had a sly trick up her sleeve as she and the girls tried a tasteful new weaver.
Madeline passed the cheese around to the other girls
Mortimer (The little mouse) sniffer the cheese and soon scampered out
... who say that a mouse can't appreciate art? it look so rewarding he like to take it a part
Madeline Winked at The Mouse who scampered to each table taking a bite out of each lace which had a piece of cheese on it.
"Oh no Patricia cried out in fake despair ! Madame Lacroque! The thread is broken."
Lacroque came over and picked up the Lace and squeezed it angrily in her grip. Which made her growl out of frustration.
as Fifi and Madeline quietly winked at each other and giggle to this Mortimer did the same to the next laces
"Oh la la! Monsieur? Mine is gone too!" Roxy call out
Henri soon came to the girl to see her Broken thread and grabbed it making
Madeline hide a giggle as her Plan was working like a charm. Mortimer soon did the same to her lace.
Uh oh Madeline said innocently
Lacroque turned to the girl looking rather annoyed
"Mine too!" Violet with curly hair called out
Kathy came to look at the broken thread
The Girls giggled
Stop Lacroque snapped as she finally had enough. What is going on ? She glared angrily at Madeline well?
Is there a problem ? Madeline asked playing along.
"La Croque hissed line up. By now the girls knew what was coming.
After getting whipped again, the girls painfully made their ways back to the table.
Merci beaucup girls Mortimer squeaks before going back into his hole as he was now full.
….
Meanwhile the cab pulled up to the train station
Riley said we are here.
Steven said We made it. Is Everybody here? Is everyone All right?
After showing the ticket inspector all the tickets. The conductor said Please board the train that is about to leave. I'll make sure everyone gets on. get everyone on. Have a nice ride.
Steven said I didn't think we'd make it. Something wrong? Riley?
Riley said I have that feeling.
Steven said We forgot something?
Riley said No, I don't think we did, but I just have that feeling that something will go wrong and we will get into big trouble.
Steven said Those Just bad memories. We did everything, brought everything. We have everybody. There's nothing to worry about.
Riley said Yeah. Yeah, you're right. You're right. We're fine.
Steven said Nothing to worry about.
Half an Hour later the train reached Vienna,
The girls along with Steven and Pepito made their way to the hotel. Once inside, Riley and Steven made their way to the front desk.
Lady said Hi. Can I help you both?
Steven said yes Reservation for Spanish Ambassador
The Lady raised her eyebrows and said A reservation for yourself?
Steven quickly said no no Ma am My feet are hardly touching the ground. I can barely see over the counter. How can I make a reservation for a room? Think about it: kids going into a hotel making a reservation? I don't think so.
Lady said I'm confused.
Pepito said we are traveling with our dad. He's on business. He's at a meeting. We hate meetings. we are not allowed to go in, we can only sit in the lobby. That's boring. So our dad dropped us off . Gave me his credit card and said to have check-in…
The women looked at the group. .
..let us in the room so we won't get into mischief. Ma'am, sometimes we do get into mischief. We all do. Pepito said.
The women sighed typing something into her computer.
Steven said Wow! It worked!
Mr. Hector, the hotel manager, who had seen everything. Called to Cedric. One of the workers..
Cedric said Yes?
Mr. Hector, said find out everything you can about that young fellow. and the Young Lady.
Woman then turned back to the group and said Enjoy your stay with us. Don't forget to remind your dad, when he arrives... ...he must come down and sign a couple of things. –
Steven said Thank you, you've been most helpful.
CEDRIC said May I take your bags? Taking the elevator Up, he said here to your left. Herbert Hoover once stayed on this floor.
Chole said The vacuum guy?
Cedric rolled his eyes and said No, the president. Opening the door to the room, This is one of our finest suites, sir.
Pepito said This is great! Wow! A huge bed just for me and Steven! Girls you have your own big room right next to ours.
Riley checked the Luxurious bathroom and it was spacious. How convenient.
Cedric then tapped Steven on his shoulder.
Steven said yes?
Cedric said Did you want me to hang onto the room key Or did you want to hang on to it?
Steven said I'll hang on to it.
Cedric said Everything all right? Is the temperature okay?
Steven said It's okay.
Cedric said Do you know how the TV works?
Steven said I'm 10 years old. I can manger a TV's .
Cedric said Well… putting his hand out
Steven said I'm sorry. and he put gum in Cedice Hand And there's plenty more where that came from.
Cedric said Thank you.
Riley said let's Unpack then start ask around" town" then we will come back here eat and rest then Tomorrow we will catch the Train to downtown
Lulu said sound like a plan to me Riley"
Dainelle said yes you think Miss Clavel will be upset that we Left?
Chole said she shouldn't but Miss Clavel should have checked here instead of Paris.
Dainelle said oui , I mean if Baby Annie was able to penpoint us here" what about Polly' ?
Riley said rather annoyed nah I hid Polly out of Sight" Dainelle" don't worry we are safe" we just have to stay together"
an hour after they had unpacked there stuff and put it it all away"
Steven said ready to go" girls"
Yvette said yes we are'
... as they left the hotel in tow straight lines to begin looking around town
Lulu stopped and asked a man Excuse me Sir have you seen a little Girl that's dressed like us with Red Hair Name Madeline'?
Man said no but I saw more girls head down the street a few weeks ago.
Lulu said Mecie sir
Chole looked at the man and said you saw a well-dressed couple with some Girls walk towards the bad part of the town ?
Man said yes the woman was very tall, flaxen-haired, wearing a black silk dress and pearl necklace.
Riley said and man what did he look Like?
Man said, `` ``taller man with a Brown jacket and Brown Shoes" with a suitcase. Now you Kids be careful alright.
Steven said si sir thank you you been most helpful"
Yvette gulped and said the bad part of town," we are going there tomorrow after breakfast?
Riley and Steven nodded.