chapter 8 : A family reunion
... the girls Steven and Pepito dash into the shop just as the gendarmes pulled p to a stop.
"Horrible children! Madeline you're the worst of all! LaCroque breaks down
Miss Clavel cried out in relief, ``Voila , my angel." as she dashed into the shop and ran down the stairs. The teacher's face lit up as she said Madeline!"
Madeline turned around and a tired smile came to her face as she said Miss Clavel" as she ran to Miss Clavel with the Little strength she still had.
The rest of the Girls said awww.
My Little one. Miss Clavel beam she hugged Madeline tightly. almost like a Mother would
Madeline smiled brightly before hugging Miss Clavel right back.
Miss Clavel looked up and even though she kinda knew the answer already, the teacher asked.
Mes Enfants what are you doing here Miss Clavel Asked'?
Steven said, rescuing Madeline!
Two Police Officers then helped Kathy and La Crouque stand up.
La Croque was surprise to see her henchman standing by the stairs. La Crouque said Henri?
Henri Laughed Nervously
La Croquet said you Little Rat you can't keep your Mouth shut can you'? Then trying to place the blame on him La Crouque told the officers angrily, it was all his Ideas it was his scheme everything" Ooh Let me at him.
... And that then at that instating Herni took flight, as the Gendarmes pursues him. he dodged left and right then Kathy joined the chase with a well pointed kick and Steven performed an old argentine trick.
The boy took the string and started twirling it around in the air and it wrapped around Henri and Noah's legs.
Steven said Arriba!
Hernia said Noah watch your Step" WHOA-AAH!
Pepito said Ole! two for One whoe baby"
Noah WHOA-OH! OW! OOF!
The two men fell banginging their faces to the ground
The Girls yelled: YAH! UNH! As they put a lace collar over to the two men.
La Croquet said DAAH! a fitting curtain for a cowed gasp. Madeline put a lace collar on La Croque at that moment as well.
[GIRLS LAUGH]
All: YAY! Laughing
While the police were putting handcuffs on La Crouqe, Henri, and Noah. Kathy snarled "get your hands off me." And forced her way out of the clutch of the officer. Kathy decided to try one last attempt to get out of the situation. She ran up to Madeline and said in a fake concerned voice, Kathy pleaded "Oh Madeline please tell the officers that I have always been good to you.
Madeline looked at her and in a tired and weak voice Madeline who now was feeling more and more dizzy at the moment said "I.. I well not.
Kathy's face turned red with anger. As she yelled "YOU BRAT I'll MAKE YOU WISH THAT YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN BORN! Kathy then pulled out a whip from her pocket and was about to lash at Madeline.
Madeline gasped and with the very very little strength that she had, the small girl covered her face. However before Kathy could do any damage, two other officers who were called in quickly handcuffed Kathy.
The officers said "come with us you're not going to be seeing the light of day for a long time. Also there will be a substantial reward for the capture of this this four" thanks
... the Gendarmes lead the villain's away their misdeeds were ended now they would pay.
Miss Clavel said my brave Madeline"
Madeline smiled as she said I was Brave because I had friends all around me"
Chole smile as she walked over to Madeline Vici look
Mama's Beads. Madeline smiled.
All of them Nicole noded each and every one
Riley came forward and wrapped her arms around her sister and said "it's alright Maddie they're gone now. They won't be able to hurt you anymore.
Madeline nodded and then pulled a tired Fifi into a hug with the other tired lace shop girls. (Who looked like they were about to faint ) "The small girl then looked tiredly at Miss Clavel and said "you were right families come in all shapes and sizes and now I want to go home. Madeline said. Her body started to sway and Madeline started to feel more dizzy as did the other lace shop girls.
Miss Clavel nodded and said "that's a good idea but you need to be checked out first.
Madeline nodded as the dizziness from the lack of hunger and water made her pass out in Miss Calvel's arms. Riley knew that her sister had little to no strength but seeing her sister in the teacher's arms passed out looking ever so pale, made Riley gasp. Miss Clavel gently patted Madeline's face as she thought to herself, Oh what did they do to you my little one. Then the teacher looked over and saw that the other lace shop girls were passed out in a pile on floor. Their faces pale as well.
"Oh Miss Clavel are they going to be alright?" Riley asked, her voice laden with tears and fear.
""A voice then said "don't worry they'll be alright.
The group looked up to see many paramedics rushing down the stairs and to the girl's. The paramedics quickly loaded them onto many stretchers and placed oxygen masks over the girl's faces. When that was done the paramedics swiftly took the girls upstairs and they were loaded onto a huge helicopter. Which flew away quickly.
Miss Clavel saw that Riley was trying to be brave and not to cry. Miss Clavel gathered Riley in her arms and hugged her while saying Don't worry Riley everything will be alright.
"Riley nodded and sighed as she got into the awaiting taxi. Which took the group to the hospital.
... after arriving at the hospital via helicopter. as many doctors and nurses whisked the girls on stretcher to the ICU to be examined and to start the treatment whie that was going on the police came over to Miss Clavel and the group who were now sitting in the waiting room to get some answers,
After answering some questions, the teacher asked
"What about the lace shop girls' families?" shouldn't they know what's happening. Miss Clavel asked.
The police nodded and said don't worry we have investigators looking for them now. We will bring Madeline and Riley's parents tomorrow.
Miss Clavel nodded and looked to the stairs hoping that Madeline was alright.
... Mewhile upstairs in the ICU, Madeline blinked as she awoke to find herself in a soft bed.
"Ah hello sweetie" a nurse said as she came over to Madeline's bed.
"Wh.. Where am I?" Madeline asked Groggily.
"You're at the hospital dear." the nurse said.
... Madeline realized that she was hooked up too many Iv's and an oxygen tank.
" What are these for?" Madeline asked, becoming a little worried.
Don't worry sweetheart nurse Tilly said these tubes are giving you medicine and fluids to help treat your starvation and make you strong again.
... Madeline was now more awake and stared looking around and saw that she wasn't by herself as the other lace shop girls were awake and looking around as well as they look over at Madeline and Smiled Fifi was bed next to Madeline
"Are we finally free? Fifi asked, her eyes filling with tears of hope.
Madeline looked at her new friends and said "Yes we are finally free." La Croque, Henri, Noah and Kathy will never hurt us again.
... Everyone cheered including the nurse and the doctors.
"Well now that you have all woken up, I think all of you will be able to be moved into regular rooms tomorrow,'' the doctor said.
The girls smiled hearing this news and cheered again.
"Wait, what about my sister Riley and my other friends are they alright?" Madeline asked. As that was the next thing on her mind.
"Don't worry,'' nurse Amber said. They're alright. However your sister is worried about you as well.
"Can I see her Please?" Madeline asked.
"Well we really don't allow visitors in ICU just Parents but I think we can make an exception just this once,'' nurse Amber said.
"Merci," Madeline said . As she laid back against the pillow.
Nurse Tilly then went downstairs and came over to the group and told the group that the girls were now awake and that Madeline was asking to see her sister.
Riley smiled and looked at Miss Clavel who smiled and nodded. Riley hurriedly dashed up the stairs.
A few minutes later Riley came into the ICU room and quickly ran over to Madeline's bed.
"Oh Maddie are you alright?" Riley asked as she wrapped her arms around her sister, hugging her tightly.
"Woah gently now nurse Tilly said with a chuckle .
"Sorry Madam." Riley said as she let go of her sister.
"Oui I'm alright just happy we're finally free." Madeline said as tears of happiness fell down her cheeks..
Riley couldn't hold back her tears any longer and started crying softly as well.
After a few moments Riley wiped away her tears. Madeline then introduced her new friends. "Sis meet Annie, Roxy, Kelly, Claire, and Fifi."
"Hello," Riley said with a smile. After talking with everyone for a few more minutes,
Another whose name was nurse Amber said, Alright It's time for these girls to get some more rest.
"Yes mam." Riley said. "Bye Maddie I'll see you tomorrow." as she gave her sister a final and gentler hug for the night.
"Goodnight" Riley Madeline said, yawning, her eyes starting to close.
... After Riley left. Nurse Tilly turned off the lights as the girls deified off into a healing sleep. knowing they were safe and finally free. when Riley came back downstairs to the waiting Ares. the the rest of the girls along with Steven and Pepito rushed up to her and stared her her many question.
"How's Madeline doing? Chole asked
Is she alright?" Nicole asked.
Is she badly hurt, Pepito asked?"
... Riley tried to answerer as many question as she could but there were just so many that she couldn't answer them all.
"Slow down everyone,'' Miss Clavel said. Now since it's getting dark I think we should be heading back to the hotel. Which I understand was paid for by someone taking their father's credit card?"
... Miss Clavel look at both Steven and Pepito with a stern look making both boys gulps.
"Uh it was Steven's idea,'' Pepito said quickly.
"No it wasn't it was yours,'' Steven argued back.
" Enough!" Miss Clavel said, breaking up the fight. "I don't care whose idea it was, all I know is that I'll be calling your parents to come down here.
"What no, please don't call them. Pepito said. We only did it to help save Madeline.
" Miss Clavel sighed "I know you did but using a credit card that doesn't belong to you and impersonating an adult is breaking the law and could get you both into a whole lot of trouble. Do you both understand?"
"Si Miss Clavel." Both boys said as they hung their heads in shame.
"Good," Miss Clavel said. Now before we go I'm going to see if there's any new information about the girls and Madeline."
"Hold on Miss Clavel it was my fault also. Riley said as she looked at the floor.
... Miss Clavel turned around and look at Riley.
"What do you mean Riley?" Miss Clavel asked
"Well you know how Andre was here in the spring of last year?" Riley said
Miss Clavel nodded.
...Riley explains. "Well he gave Madeline and I two gifts from when we were little. He gave me my Polly Lock doll, and he gave Madeline her Baby Anne doll from when she was little.
"I see." the teacher exclaimed.
"Well baby Anne has a tracking device built into her tummy and it showed us where Madeline was. So if the boys are punished I should be punished as well." Riley said, her voice cracking a little.
... after a few moment of silence. Miss Claver thought of what to say before smiling a little
Miss Clavel said. "Riley what you did was wrong, sneaking out of the house with the girls. "However I Knew how worried you were about your sister so I'm not going to punish you.
Riley gave a sigh of relief.
Miss Clavel then continued saying however I want you to think about what will happen next time if you ever try to pull this little stunt again." Miss Clavel scolded gently.
"Oui Miss Clavel." Riley said.
"Good Now let's go find out about Madeline and the others. It's getting late." "Excuse me mam." Miss Clavel asked the person at the desk."
The lady looked up, smiled and said. Clara Clavell I presume?"
Yes, that's me." Miss Clavel said, a little surprised.
Lady said You're wanting information about the little girls?"
"Yes, how did you know?" Miss Clavel asked. "
Lady said The police passed a message along to everyone in the hospital.
"Okay," Miss Clavel exclaimed.
"The front desk lady said, "All the girls are sleeping peacefully and will be moved to regular bigger rooms later tomorrow morning."
"Wonderful." Miss Clavel said.
the Lady said and Also you can call us anytime day or night if you want any updates."
"Merci," Madame" Miss Clavel said. "Come on Riley let's go, you'll see Madeline tomorrow."
Coming Miss Clavel." Riley said as she and the others left the hospital for the evening.
... when the group got back to the Hotel where the girls has been staying. as soon as they entered a officer and the Manager came up to the group right away.
"There you two are." The manager exclaimed angrily. "Arrest those boys." Pepito and Steven gulped, their faces turned as white as ghosts.
"Wait a second sir." Miss Clavel said. "These boys may have done something wrong, but please let them explain why they did this.
" The hotel manager nodded. "Alright let's head to my office."
The group followed the manager into the office.
"Okay boys speak." The manager said.
"Well sir Steven started first off we're really sorry for tricking you like this, but the only reason we did this is, our best friend was kidnapped and brought here to Vienna. "So we came here to find her and we needed a place to stay.
"But we didn't know that using our father's credit card was against the law sir really we didn't but me and my brother are both really sorry." Pepito finished.
... the Manager looked at the two scared boys and said...
"Well I'm glad both of you know what you did was wrong so I won't have you two arrested." the Manager said
"Thank you sir." Steven said.
The manager said "You may continue staying here as the police have informed me about what's going on." However you two boys will be helping the hotel staff wash the windows tomorrow. Do I make myself clear?"
"Si Sir," both boys agreed.
Good now before you go I have a message for Clara Clavel. The manager said'?
"Yes sir that's me," Miss Clavel said.
The manager said, "The police and investigators have tracked down all the girl's parents from hair samples and fingerprints found at the factory. All the families are being brought here via overnight train and will arrive in the morning. They'll be escorted to the hospital." "I have also called the parents of these two boys as well." They will also be arriving along with the others as well.
"Thank you so much sir,'' Miss Clavel said with a sigh of relief."
The manager said "Your welcome, all of us at this hotel were shocked about what had happened and were all hoping for those girls to make a speedy recovery."
Thank you so much." Riley said.
The manager said If there's anything we can do please let us know. "
Oh we will sir." Riley said
... as the group left the office.
"Well I'm glad that's all taken care of." Miss Clavel said. "Now let's all go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day."
... the next day was super busy after a nice breakfast in the hotel lobby. the group of girls and Miss Clavel left for the hospital. however for Pepito and Steven they were give rage and buckets and were sent with the clearing staff to clean the window.
... Mewhile back at the hospital in the ICU the girls wake up feeling refreshed for the first time in such a long time.
"Good morning girls," nurse Amber said.
"Good morning." the girls said back.
How are we all feeling this morning? Nurse Tilly asked coming into the room with a tray of thermometers.
" Not bad" Fifi said with a small cough.
"Hmmm" I think that once we get you girls settled into your rooms, we may start you Fifi on a stronger medicine to help your illness.
"Okay Fifi said with another cough.
Nurse Amber smiled. After taking the rest of the girl's temperatures, two doctors came into the ICU room.
"Good morning girls my name is Dr Daniel." And my name is Doctor Ray." We're both going to be treating you while you're here at the hospital.
"Bonjour," the girls said.
So in a few minutes, Dr Ray and I along with these nurses will transport you to your rooms where you'll be looked at for the rest of your stay here.
The girls looked at each other and smiled.
... back in the hospital waiting room. Lord Cucuface and his son Michel walk up to Miss Clavel and the group of girls.
"Bonjour Lord Cucuface and Michael,'' the group said.
"Hello everyone," Michael said. as LordCucuFace sat down next to Miss Clavel.
Miss Clavel said "Lord Cucuface Heri was a con man And the laces that he brought to the old house on the first day as gifts could have been from the other girl's hair. Miss Clavel shuddered in disgust thinking about what those gifts were made out of.
Lord Cucuface sighed and said the Laces the 13 Girls were wearing could've been made from the hair of the other girls but police are still investigating. However, I may have to take a little bit of the blame. I may have let him know about Riley and Madeline's Money while I was taking him back to the hotel that evening. But that doesn't explain why he wouldn't take Riley.
... Lord Cucuface then turned to the group of girls and after clearing his throat to get the girls attention., the chairman of the board of trustless say. " as for you 12 Little Girls Mrs. Murphy called me after you all left. While I understand you did this to help come rescue Madeline, you aren't off the hook that easily. I expect you 12 Young lady's along with Steven and Pepito to write no more sneaking out of the house 20 times each and Miss Clavel will tell you when to stop.
"Oui Lord Cucuface." The 12 girls said
... Lord Cucuface passed out writing board along with pencils and notebooks looking around.
Lord Cucuface asked "Where are Steven and Pepito?"
... Miss Clavel explained what had happend at the hotel and how Pepito and Steven were being punished as well.
"Well I hope those boys have learned their lesson." Now if you excuse me I have to get down to the train station and meet with a group of parents." Lord Cucuface said
"Father, may I come?" Michael asked.
Lord Cucuface said "Sorry son, I don't want you getting lost as this is a much bigger train station than the one in Paris."
"Yes Sir." Michael said.
"I'll be back soon with everyone's parents." Lord Cucuface's said then left. The girls started writing.
"I knew Lord Cucuface's would punish us,'' Riley whispered to Chole.
"Yeah but at least it's not a bad punishment." Nicole said Madeline Got the worst punishment being abused and treated badly.
" Riley nodded wondering how her sister was doing.
Mewhile back upstairs Nurse Tilly, Amber, Dr Daniel, and Dr Ray , and another doctor whose name was Dr. Kevin were helping the girls out of their beds in the ICU and to transferring them into wheelchair to take them to where theire new room was as soon as all the girls were transferred into wheelchair many other doctor and Nurses pushed the girls to the fift floor whitch was the trauma children's ward.
"This place looks more colorful and nicer than the ICU. Anne said as she looked at the pictures of rainbows and smiling puppies on the walls.
"Here we are." welcome to your new room." Nurse Tilly said with a smile.
... the ten girls looked around the room. the walls were painted a nice pale blue and had picture of animals on it. ten beds were lined up in the room as well. one by one each girl was helped from their wheelchair and into their beds once the girls were settled.
Dr Kevin said. Now girls I just would like to let you know that it will take some time for all of you to fully recover." You may have some trust issues around adults as well.
... while the girls didn't know what the doctor meant by that yet they just nodded there was only one thing on Madeline's mind at the moment.
"Can I see my sister please." Madeline asked
"Not just yet but soon." Dr Ray said. If you girls just wait a moment we have a little surprise for all of you.
Madeline said okay. As Nurse Amber and nurse Tilly left the room to go talk to everyone's parents.
... Back Downstairs Miss Clavel had just finished checking over the girl's writing when many voices were heard. "The group looked up and saw two officers along with many adults and Lord Cucuface enter the hospital. "The group of adults were talking all at once so it was hard to hear everyone.
"Alright everyone listen up." A loud voice said.
... Everyone looked up to see Nurse Tilly and Amber standing in the middle of the lobby
Nurse Tilly said "Now we know you're all very eager to be reunited with your children, however it may take some time for the girls to trust you. So we just want to let you know that.
The parents nodded.
"If you will follow us then, nurse Amber said Nuse Tilly and I will take you upstairs to the girls. The parents quickly followed the two nurses as they just wanted to see their children. All the parents left the lobby leaving only Paul and Amy along with their two other children.
Paul walked up to Miss Clavel and said "How can we ever thank You for helping find our Madeline."
"It was my pleasure." Miss Clavel said.
Now before we see Madeline, Where's Riley our other daughter?" Paul asked"
Miss Clavel turned to the group of girls. "Riley, some people want to see you.
" Riley walked up towards Miss Clavel and looked at the two adults.
"Oh my Goodness she's gotten so big." Amy said as tears of joy filled her eyes.
"Who.. Riley asked, suddenly feeling very shy.
Paul knelt down in front of his daughter and said "Sweetie we are Paul and Amy your mom and dad.
Riley looked at Miss Clavel who nodded
"No Madeline and I are orphans and don't have any parents." Riley said. expect for Emily's Mom and dad'
"We know this must be hard for you since we haven't seen you since you were three. "But this may help." Amy said as she pulled out a birth certificate and gave it to Riley.
Riley read the paper and then looked back up at her parents shocked. S..So Madeline and I aren't orphans after all?" Riley asked in disbelief, her voice shaking as her eyes filled with tears.
"No sweetheart,'' Paul said as he put his arm around his daughter.
Riley Looking back at the paper and then back at her parents "Wait, how can you be my mom this paper says I was born to a lady named Mary." L Fogg" Riley said, confused.
"That's True" Paul said. "Mary was your first mom; however sadly, she passed away after you and Madeline were born."
Amy put her arm around her adopted daughter as well and said, "I was your nurse who looked after you and Madeline while you were both babies in the hospital. " I fell in love with your father a few months later and we got married at the courthouse and I adopted you and Madeline as well as your other brother and sister. "Speaking of which, "These are your other siblings "Maxwell whose 12 and Alice is 10."
"Riley looked at her other brother and sister and quietly said hello.
"You and Madeline were taken from us when you were three." However Amy and I have never stopped looking for you. Paul said.
Riley looked at her birth certificate once more and then looked up at her parents and siblings. Finally she was convinced. The tears she had been holding back Finally broke loose as Riley threw her arms around her father and started crying as she buried her face into her fathers shoulder. Paul just held and hugged Riley tightly just letting her cry everything out. Amy joined the hug as well. After a few moments Riley looked up and wiped her eyes.
"Madeline will be so happy to see you as well." Riley said come on let's go see her.
"Hold on Riley." Amy said gently "We're very eager to see Madeline as well, however It may take some more time for Madeline to trust us. As we have been told she was neglected and abused.
"That's right." Miss Clavel exclaimed.
We'll just have to take it slow, Paul said as he stood up and took Riley's hand. Let's go see your sister.
Upstairs in the girls hospital room. the parents of the kidnapped girls were finally reunited with one another.
Madeline look over at Anne who after much explaining was wrapped up in her mother Kimberly's hug lot's of tears were shed as well. Madeline then looked over at her friend Fifi who just like Anna was wrapped up in her parents Davied and Margaret and her sister's arms as well .
Madeline felt lonely as she saw her new friends reunited with their parents. suddenly Madeline heard her named being called " Maddie."
Madeline looked up and her eyes lit up. "Riley she called back as Riley ran to her sister's bedside hugging her gently. After the hug Riley looked at her sister and said. "You look so much better already sis.
"I'm feeling somewhat better. But look Riley, the girls have families after all. "I wish our mom and dad were still alive though." Madeline said as she fiddled with the blanket on the bed."
Paul and Amy took this time to introduce themselves. "Look at her Amy, she's grown so much as well. Paul said
"Who are you?" "Madeline Asked
I'm Paul and this is Amy We're your mom and dad. Paul said softly as he put his hand on Madeline's shoulder.
"NO"! Madeline said loudly "Don't touch me." as she pulled her arm away from her dad.
... Madeline stared to breather heavily.
"Shh Shh it's alright Maddie." Riley told her sister to help her calm down.
"Riley, who are these people?" Madeline said her body was shaking with fear.
"Maddie please believe me these people are our mom and dad. Riley said they aren't Bad, we have two Older Siblings as well .
"No we don't have a mom or dad we don't have anybody." Madeline said we only know Miss Helen, Mr Matthew and Emily"
...Amy sat down in a chair next to Madeline's bed
"Madeline I know this is hard for you to understand but I have something that might help. "Amy pulled out of her bag a copy of Madeline's birth certificate
... Madeline took the paper and look at it. she still didn't beliver that these two adults were her parents, Madeline shook her head as she handed the paper back to Amy.
Riley gasped as she noticed the scrapbook in Amy's lap.
"Wait a moment, I remember seeing this in Aunt Kathy's room one day. Riley said how did you get it?
... Madeline's body tensed up. "Aunt Kathy, where is she? I thought she was in jail." Madeline said
Amy said "Shh Shhh calm down sweetheart, yes she's in jail for a long time and won't ever hurt you or Riley again. this is the original scrapbook we made for you and Riley each when you were two were Born so the Scrapbook Kathy has could be a fake one.
... Madeline looked at the scrapbook and gently opened it as she and Riley looked at the pictures as trust slowly came to Madeline.
"This is me as a baby?" Madeline asked looking up at her father. Paul nodded.
"You were so cute and still are." Amy said.
... After looking thought the whole book. Madeline had gained a little more trust for her parents. just then Dr. Kevin came into the room telling everyone that it was time to levan for the night after many more hugs and telling the girls that they were safe and that they would see them tomorrow. before Paul and Amy left for the night Madeline had gained enough trust to let her parent gently give her a hug and kiss and let them even tuck her in.
"We will see you tomorrow Sweetie. Paul said
... as he and Amy walked out of the room. Riley walked up to Nurse Tilly and asked. "Can I stay with my sister please?"
Nurse Tilly looked at Riley. Alright she said." normally it has to be an adult but seeing as Madeline is very happy around you I guess it will be alright just this once.
"Thank you." I'll be right back. Riley hurried down the stairs.
"There you are Riley." Paul said ``ready to go?"
"If you don't mind I'm going to stay with Madeline." Riley said "
Amy and Paul looked at one another "No we don't mind." Amy said as she gave her daughter a huge hug "We will see you tomorrow."
"Allow me to drive you back to the hotel." Lord Cucuface said.
"Thank you," Paul said.
... on the drive back to the hotel Alice and Maxwell were making friends with Michel.
"I can't believe you two have been alive all this time." Michael said "
"Well we have and Who told you we were dead? Maxwell asked with surprise
" A lady who's the Aunt of Madeline and Riley, a Miss Kathy Greene. Michael said
Paul and Amy were shocked. "KATHY?!" The two adults said.
" You know her?" Lord Cucuface's asked.
"She was a Nicu nurse when Madeline was a baby in the Nicu. "She always tried to flirt with me. Paul said angrily. I bet that's why she took Madeline that day to test her for pneumonia.
"Oh I remember she came to the house to talk to me about some nursing stuff. She's the one who kidnapped the girls I bet." "Oh I can't wait to get my hands on her." Amy l said.
"I'll help make the arrangements to have her in court soon." Lord Cucuface's said.
"Thank You so much" Amy said.
"Well you four have a good night." Lord Cucuface said
"You to sir." Paul said
... as he Amy, Maxwell, and Alice went into the hotel for the night once back in their room.
Amy said "I can't believe we've finally found our girls, this is a dream come true."
"I know," Paul said, `` I never want to lose them again." Maybe we should think about having tracking devices put into their clothes.
Paul, they're little girls, not dogs." Amy said
"Mom, why weren't we able to see Madeline?" Alice asked."
Amy sighed, Well you two. Madeline has been through a lot lately and she was neglected and abused by some adults very badly. So it may take some time for her to trust people again. That's why your dad and I just went upstairs to see her.
"Alright Maxwell said, still not really understanding."
"Don't worry you two, we'll talk about it more in the morning. Goodnight everyone. Paul said
as the family of four fell asleep. Early Monday morning while it was still dark, Riley awoke to find her sister shaking and covered in sweat.
"No "No Don't whip me again I'm sorry." Madeline called out
Riley jumped out of the bed that was brought in for her, and quickly went right to her sister's bedside. "Maddie.. Madeline It's alright wake up you're having a nightmare." Madeline wouldn't wake up though.
Riley reached down and pressed the button to call the nurse. Nurse Amber quickly came in.
"I can't wake her up, she's having a bad nightmare." Riley told the nurse.
Nurse Amber pulled a bottle of liquid out of her pocket and inserted it into Madeline's IV tube. Riley watched in amazement as Madeline stopped shaking and her body relaxed once more.
"What was that?" Riley asked the nurse who wrote something on Madeline's chart.?
"It's a relaxing medicine that helps people when they're scared or worried about something." nurse Amber told Riley.
Riley said okay " I've seen Madeline have bad dreams before, but never this bad." to where she need Medicine.
"It's not surprising and kind of to be expected from what she's been through. I'll have someone change the sheets later when she's awake. Nurse Amber said. Riley why don't you take this rag and wipe the stickiness of sweat from her face. I'm going to change her into a new hospital gown.
Riley nodded and gently wiped the sweat from her sister's face. When she was done, Nurse Tilly gently sat Madeline up in the bed, and changed her into a clean gown shaking her head sadly at the whip marks that were on her back.
Riley gasped when she saw them as well.
"Nurse Amber laid Madeline down gently and stroked her hair from her face.
"The poor girl." The nurse said sadly. These little ones have been through so much.
"I see that." Riley said with a yawn.
"Alright I'll be back in an hour to check on them before they wake up later this morning. Nurse Amber said
Riley nodded and climbed back into her bed and fell back asleep. A few hours later The girls had all woken up. They were getting their vitals checked and when that was done, the girls were helped from their hospital beds to some chairs that were brought into the room. Once all the girls were settled. Dr Ray, and Dr Kevin came into the room both carrying a tray with tiny cups of Jello.
"Good morning girls The doctor's greeted.
"Good morning,'' the girls said back.
"Today we're going to start feeding therapy. Dr Ray said. "When your body hasn't had little to any food for a long time, that can be a problem. You have been getting nutrients and fluids through your IV's, but today we're going to see how you do when getting real food." Riley, can you help us pass these out to everyone?
"I sure Can." Riley said with a smile.
After passing out the small jello cups, Riley watched as the girls each took a small spoonful of jello. Madeline looked uneasy.
"Come on Maddie, just one small bite you can do it." Riley said.
"Mmmm real food at last,'' Roxy said.
Oh this tastes so good, Anne said.
"You can do it Madeline '' Fifi said we're in this together.
Madeline gave a small smile and slowly ate the small bite of Jello.
"Great Job Maddie." Riley said, giving her sister a hug.
"Great job all of you,'' Dr Ray said as he collected the cups. We'll do this each day little by little and pretty soon you'll all be back to eating full meals again.
... After the doctors left the girls were helped back into bed which all had new fresh clean sheets, outside a bell chimed nurse Amber came into the room and asked who ready for visitors? Everyone smiled. Nurse Tilly opend the door and Parents swarmed in rushing to their children. Paul and Amy came in this time along with Alice and Maxwell and Miss Clavel.
"Hi mom, Hi dad, '' Riley greeted her parents happily.
"Amy and Paul gave their daughter a huge hug and kiss. "Then Amy and Paul went over to Madeline's bed.
"Hello sweetheart." Paul said.
Madeline smiled and allowed her father to give her a hug.
"Well this is some good progress being made,'' Amy said as she gave Madeline a hug
Miss Clavel smiled and came over and gave Madeline a hug as well. "I'm not going to stay for long but I just wanted to let you know that the girls and I are going back to Paris today." Looking over at Riley, Miss Clavel said "Don't worry Riley, Lord CuCuFace told me that you can stay with your parents and Madeline as you all have just been reunited with them. Riley smiled a huge smile and hugged her teacher tightly saying "Oh Merci Miss Clavel. Miss Clavel hugged Riley back.
"Okay see you soon" Paul said as Miss Clavel left. "Madeline, we would like you to meet your other brother and sister. "This is your brother Maxwell and your other sister Alice."
"They're not going to hurt me are they?" Madeline asked"
"No No Of course not." Amy said, stroking Madeline's hair.
Alice and Maxwell looked at each other and ran out of the room. "I'll go talk to them." Paul said as he walked out of the room. "Maxwell, Alice?"
"yeah dad?" Alice said.
"Is everything alright?" Paul asked
"Why did Madeline ask if we were going to hurt her? We would never hurt anyone." Maxwell said.
"Remember how I and your Mom told both of you last night how your sister was abused?
The kids nodded.
"Well it's going to take some time for your sister to learn how to re-trust new people again. Paul said.
"What can we do to help? Maxwell asked as he wanted to protect his little sisters at all costs.
"Well you just have to be gentle with her and try not to raise your voices." Paul said Come on Let's go back inside the room.
Once inside the room Alice and Maxwell both went back to Madeline's bedside.
Madeline looked at her brother and sister a little scared.
"It's alright Madeline, we're not going to hurt you." We wanted to give you this." Alice said, reaching into her bag pulling out a drawing.
"We drew it last night." Maxwell said It's a picture of our family. All of us.
"Thank you." Madeline said with a small smile. Paul hung it on the wall next to Madeline's bed for her to look at.
The day passed quickly. before everyone knew it it was time to leave for the evening. Madeline's trust was slowly coming back as she allowed her brother and Sister to give her a hug. and the rest of the week passed by and with lot of loving care and help from the doctors and nurse and their parents, the girls had made great progress that they were able to head to the Hotel Sunday afternoon everyone cheered. that evening before the parents left.
Dr Ray said I'm very proud of all the girls. They made great progress in their recovery. I'm sending all of you with a portable IV. which I would like the girls to be on just for one more week only at night. I'll be giving you guys a small pouch of relaxer. In case of nightmares get out of hand. Just keep up the love and eating and these girls should be good to go.
The parents collected the things and said goodbye to the girls.
that night the girls fell asleep excited to be going home the next day.