One afternoon on a beautiful fall day ,Miss Clavel called the girls into the living room. When the girls were all together

Miss Clavel said, The postman delivered these letters for all of you. One by one Miss Clavel passed out the letters. (They were letters from the 11 girls parents)

Madeline and Riley were waiting at the end of the line. Hoping to get a letter from their Aunt Kathy who they hadn't seen in a long time.

When Miss Clavel came to the end of the line, the twins looked at their teacher with a hopeful look.

Riley asked, is there a letter from Aunt Kathy?"

Miss Clavel sighed. I'm sorry Mes Pepita's

Madeline and Riley looked at each other and sighed

as they watched their other friends share the news of their families.

Chloe turned to the twins and said, Madeline, Riley. papa says that he has painted my room.

Nicole then said that's great but my mama says that my grandma is coming to live with us.

Madeline and Riley looked at each other and holding back tears

Madeline said "that's great what color did your papa choose?

Chole smiled and told the small girl that her father had painted her room a nice pale blue.

"That's wonderful " Riley said in a wobbly voice.

Miss Clavel who was watching the twins noticed the twins change in demeanor. Even though she knew the answer,

Miss Clavel asked Madeline and Riley are you two alright?

The twins nodded trying to hold back their tears even more. as they walked out of the room.

Miss Clavel sighed sadly as she heard the door to the girls room close. Looking at her other students

Miss clavel said Little girls I will be right back.

The 11 little girls nodded and went back to sharing the news from their families.

Miss Clavel then left the room and went upstairs to the girls bedroom.

Up in their room The twins started to cry. "It isn't fair that the other girls get letters from their families and we haven't heard or seen Aunt Kathy in such a long time. I mean I know she was very strict and a little mean to us but I'm sure she really loved us. Madeline said wiping her eyes.

Riley wrapped her arms around her sister and said I know "sometimes I wish our parents didn't pass away.

Just then there was knock on the door. Miss Clavel came in and asked Girls are you alright.

The twins nodded their heads.

Madeline said I just wish we have heard from Aunt Kathy by now."

Riley nodded in agreement. As more tears that the twins had been trying to hold back. flowed from their eyes. Miss sat down on the bed and hugged the twins close to her comforting them.

Meanwhile the other 11 little girls who had wondered where Madeline and Riley had left to. were by the door and had heard the entire thing.

Uh oh I think we made Madeline and Riley upset talking about the letters from our families. Nicole said.

Danielle looked confused said yeah but isn't having an Aunt family.

Chloe nodded and said it is but it's not entirely the same. We should be more careful next time.

The rest of the girls nodded and then came up with a great idea. The door to the bedroom then opened as Madeline, Riley and Miss Clavel walked out of the bedroom.

Oh girls I'm so sorry for the wait. Miss Clavel said.

Nicole said it's alright the girls and I saw how the twins were upset when we were talking about our letters from our families, so we were thinking maybe we could have a picnic dinner in the living room, since Madeline and Riley love picnics.

Chole then said Madeline and Riley were sorry if we made you both upset. Chole then hugged the twins.

Miss Clavel said that's a great idea However it's up to Madeline and Riley.

Turning the twins, there teacher asked what do you think girls.?

Madeline and Riley looked at each other and smile's finally crossed their faces. "We love that" the twins said together.

"Great well let's get set up." Miss clavel said.

The twins finally smiled and happily went downstairs with their friends to enjoy their picnic dinner.

Little did the two know that they did have parents who were looking for them. this whole time.


... In an old house in Paris that was covered with Vines

(Genevieve Woof woof slips in snow)

... lived thirteen little girls, in two straights lines

Wet snowflakes fell on the girl's heads so the girls opened their umbrellas to keep them dry.

... They left the house at Half passed nine

(Paris clock tower bell rings)

..In two straight lines

in rain... or shine.

(Genevieve shakes the snow off of her causing it to fly around.

Riley laughed and try to shield herself from the flakes

... the oldest one was Riley and the smallest one was Madeline. Fresh snow had fallen thought the night.

(Madeline blows snowflake from Genevieve's nose)

Madeline said "Riley, watch this!" as she blew out cold air; it drifted from her lips like steam from the Orient Express.

"You try making a snow angel, Maddie!" Riley whooped, as she fell to the ground spreading her arms and legs around.

Alright Madeline said copying her sister.

.. All of Paris was under white.

After playing in the snow for a few minutes, Madeline and Riley stood up and giggled. And waited for their teacher to come out.

... the girls waited shivering at the gate it was unlike Miss Clavel to be Late.

"We should have dressed a little warmer before coming outside." Riley groaned.

"Agreed," Madeline added with a shiver, as she patted Genevieve affectionately.

Ms. Clavel: (sneezes) Ah-ah-ah-choo!

"Chole said "Did you hear that?

Riley nodded.

... now what is that sound they hear?

(Ms. Clavel groans)

...Something is a Miss I fear.

Inside Miss Clavel's room,

...Ms. Clavel it seems has caught a cold.

.. Now let this narrative unfold

Ms. Clavel groaned as the girls walked into her room.

"You are unwell, Miss Clavel!" Madeline said as she looked at her teacher worriedly.

Miss Clavel replied "Don't worry, little girls, I will be better. Tut-suite Ah-ah-ah-choo!

as the Girls look at each other worried wondering what to do.

Miss Clavel always took care of the girls when they were sick.

(Genevieve whimpering)

Riley said "Madeline, please go phone Dr. Chon, while I have Ms. Murphy make some green tea for Miss Clavel!"

"Yuck- don't remind me, Riley! How can grown-ups drink that?" Madeline questioned.

"Beats me Madeline, but the rest of the girls are with me." Riley answered with a shrug. "Now hurry!"

So Madeline hurried downstairs and dialed the number for Dr. Chon. She said Allo? Dr. Chon? C'EST TRAGIQUE! AN EMERGENCY! come at once, s'il vous plaît!"

In the kitchen, the kindly Ms. Murphy spoke to Riley, "Here it is, Riley- a steaming cup of green tea. Please be careful going upstairs with it, and don't burn yourself."

"Merci, Ms. Murphy!" Chirped Riley and she left the kitchen to deliver it to the invalid upstairs.

Dr. Cohn arrived at the old house a few moments later, and followed Madeline to Miss Calves room. The doctor placed a thermometer into the teacher's mouth and removed it after a few moments and looked at it in concern. he said "Hmm..." in a thoughtful manner as Riley handed Miss Clavel the hot drink very carefully.

"Merci, girls- whatever will I do without you?" Miss Clavel asked, blowing on her tea.

Dr. Chon said "This is not good – I am afraid you must stay in bed until you are better, Miss Clavel."

All 13 girls were shocked that their teacher was that sick to stay in bed.

"But, my girls... " Miss Clavel protested.

"They will look after you." The good doctor replied simply.

(Just then an out of tune violin is heard playing,

Poor Miss Clavel groaned "My head already aches so badly."

..the disturbance it seemed came from next door at the house of the Spanish Ambassador Pepito the young brother of Steven was so to speak settling a score.

Madeline went to the bedroom and called out through the open window. "Pepito,

Pepito huh?

(Madeline waves to him)

Pepito replied "Hola, Madeline!"

"What are you doing?" Madeline asked her friend.

"Mama insisted I learn to play the violin." Pepito scowled.

"Pepito, Miss Clavel is not well -your music is hurting her head!" Madeline explained

"Oh, ¡Perfecto! I will tell Mama no violin until Miss Clavel is better!" He told her, putting it away at once with a sigh of relief.

Madeline waved goodbye to her friend as she hurried back downstairs to rejoin her sister and friends.

Dr. Cohn said Till tomorrow!

Miss Clavel (sneezes) Ah-ah-ah-choo!

"Just keep her warm, give love, and she will recover soon enough." The doctor instructed kindly, as he packed his things and took his leave.

All the girls chorused "Goodbye Dr. Chon, and merci!"

the girls then stood on both sides of the bed and tucked Miss Clavel in,

Riley said "There you go -all tucked in!"

Nicole added "Miss Clavel, you may have my marbles- they will cheer your up."

Miss Clavel replied Thank you, ma petite, but you keep them. I know how you treasure them. Do not worry, Mes enfants. You make me happy. Tomorrow I will be better. (coughs) And I will take care of you..."

...Miss Clavel went to sleep as the girl tiptoed out.

Nicole whispered "Shh, don't wake her."

Madeline Whisper quiet now! as she turned off the light

Danielle, being the last to leave, closed the door.

..but that evening at bedtime they still have some doubts. it had stared to rain making the girls upset because they were hoping they would had another chance to play in the snow.

Girls: Aww...

"What more can we do for Miss Clavel?" Madeline asked anxiously.

Chloe Said Papa reads books to me when I am sick. as she had a flashback to her Papa reading 'A Little Princess' il. Etait Une Fois. to her by the fire. young Chloe giggles happily)

Nicole added "My Grandma makes me some of her special onion soup." She remembered s a little girl tastes the soup.)

Young Nicole: Oh, c'est bon.

Danielle said " Mama comes home late from her performance, but we still play with my dolls." She remembered (Danielle's mother comes into her bedroom, she squeaks the doll which caused young Danielle giggles happily.)

Madeline sighs and goes to the window. Riley joins her and says Maddie are you alright.

Madeline nods and looks at her sister. ' Sometimes in my dreams I see a man with black hair and a woman with brownish/red hair like mine. But I don't see their faces but it feels like I know those two people. They always try to reach out and hug the both of us, but can't because it's like they're held back behind a wall.

Riley nods.

Nicole heard this and wanted to know more so she asked.

"So, Madeline, what happened to your parents?" Nicole asked curiously.

" Weil.. I don't know," Madeline replied. "We only remember our Aunt Kathy- but she's gone. We haven't seen her in a long time."

Nicole was shocked and exclaimed in horror "Poor Madeline! Poor Riley!"

Chloe wailed "No family!"

Danielle finished "How sad!" as the little girls started crying.

Meanwhile, in Miss Clavel's room, But Miss Clavel awoke to the sound of crying, and as she turned on the light,

"Something is not right." Miss Clavel answered, and she began to hurry from her room, to resolve the problem.

Miss Clavel called out "Something is quite wrong!" Miss Clavel burst in the girls' bedroom to find 11 little girls crying their eyes out- and one looking quite guilty. She asked in concern "Little girls, what is wrong?"

"We are sorry Miss Clavel," Madeline apologized. She realized she should not have told them about Aunt Kathy- now her friends were very upset at the fact that Madeline and Riley had no family- apart from each other.

Nicole added "We are feeling sad, because poor Madeline and Riley have no family!"

Miss Clavel sighed. "Little girls don't fret-we are not only born into family, we can also find them, just like we have found each other. Family comes in all shapes and sizes."

Madeline protested "Is it the same, Miss Clavel- I don't think so."

"What do we say at each meal? Have you all been saying it at dinner time?" Miss Clavel asked.

"Oops, sorry Miss Clavel, it slipped our minds." lulu admitted.

Miss Clavel smiled, and said "We love our bread..."

All thirteen little girls joined in "...we love our butter, but most of all, we love each other!"

"Perhaps it is so," Mused Madeline.

Miss Clavel said "I know it is."

Riley then remembered what the doctor had said earlier.

"But Miss Clavel, you must go back to bed, or you will get even sicker!" Riley protested,

"And then where will we be at?" Chloe asked.

As the 11 little girls started to mumble,

Riley asked quietly, "Hey, Madeline, while we're on the subject, what happened to Aunt Kathy- why haven't we seen her in so long?"

Madeline shrugged, and said "No clue, Riley."

"Do you think we'll ever see her come back?" Riley asked her twin.

"Well, if we do, I'd like to know why we never saw her for so long." Madeline answered. She had a curious look on her face as she pondered their aunt's disappearance.

"Maybe she had a good reason." Riley offered.

"But what reason would that be?" The red head wondered.

Miss Clavel said I will go to bed if you will go to bed"

Once in their beds the girls yawned, drifting ever closer to sleep.

Miss Clavel looked out, saying "I will go to sleep if you will go to sleep"

The girls closed their eyes.

Madeline innocently asked "Will you have sweet dreams?" "If we have sweet dreams?"

Miss Clavel smiled "Oui Ma Cherie" as she came over and gave her smallest student a kiss on her forehead.

Madeline smiled as she drifted off to sleep.

... The morning arrived and the postman as well... (Ding Ding Ding) .. with a letter addressed to the care of Miss Clavel.

(The postman drives up to the front door and throws a letter to Genevieve.)

The girls walked into their teachers room.

Madeline: Bonjour, Miss Clavel. How are you feeling?

Miss Clavel: Much better, Mes petite. Merci.

(Genevieve brought the Letter to Miss Clavel)

Madeline said Bon, Genevieve.

Miss Clavel: (opens the envelope and reads the letter)

It read 'Dear Miss Clena Clavel

I am an uncle of two of your young charges- Madeline and Riley, and I have decided that as I have recently found where they are, I shall like to visit them at your school. My name is Horst Winter, and I live in Vienna, but I am due on a trip to France, and would very much like to see my nieces again, for I have not seen either of them since they were very young. I shall travel up Paris presently, and visit them at your school.

Yours sincerely,

Horst Winter'

Miss Clavel was surprised at the news. Ooh, la, la!

Chloe: An announcement?

Danielle: An invitation?

Nicole: A birthday card?

Girls: For whom?

"Riley and Madeline." She said at last.

"Oui, Miss Clavel?" Madeline asked, puzzled, and walked up to their teacher.

Miss Clavel handed Madeline the letter, and Riley read "Mit love, from your long-lost Uncle Horst. Winter' written at the end.

"An uncle - Riley, we are part of a family!" Madeline exclaimed, once she read the letter.

"But Madeline, we don't have an Uncle Horst, and it doesn't say anything about Aunt Kathy or what happened to our parents." Riley pointed out very confused.

"Vienna?" Asked Miss Clavel in bafflement.

Madeline didn't hear her sister or her teachers protest. The small girl said "And he is coming here to see me and Riley!"

"From Vienna?" Riley asked skeptically "We don't have an uncle in Vienna. Aunt Kathy would have phoned, wouldn't she?" Riley pondered.

Riley looked at her sister once more and seeing how happy she was, she smiled. Knowing that she would get the answer to her questions when the time came.

all other 11 little girls "C'EST Merveilleux -how wonderful!"

"Girls, girls!" Miss Clavel said smiling "We must prepare- everything must be ready for Riley and Madeline's Uncle Horst. He is their family."

All 13 then hurried out of the room and went to change into their cleaning outfits.

As soon as the girls were dressed, they started singing.

"Arms that warm me when I am cold," Madeline began "Lips that smile and never scold. Ears that listen and hands that hold- once again we have a family!" as Madeline and Riley danced together as their dresses changed to light green cleaning dresses.

"Homemade chocolate cream soufflé!" Nicole sang as she licked her lips while washing the dishes.

"Picnic on holiday!" Danielle added harmoniously as she handed the clean dishes to Yvette.

"Summer beaches and winter sleighs!" Chole sang "Once more they have a family!"

As Lulu landed in the laundry basket she added "The ones that help you up each time you fall!" as Nicole went up the stairs with the laundry basket.

As the other girls sang 'Family!'

Danielle sang "The one who hangs your drawings on the wall!" as she hung a framed crayon drawing on the wall.

The girls chorused "Family!"

Chole sang "The one that truly loves you most of all!"

"Once more we have a family! Words of comfort when I am scared!" Madeline sang

"Age- stories to be shared!" Riley sang.

"Gifts that show us someone cares- once more we have a family!" Madeline sang.

"Family!" the friends sang together as one.

Nicole sang "The One who wipes your tears away when you feel small!"

"Family!" 13 voices chimed.

"The ones who are there when you call!" Danielle sang.

"Family!" Chorused the girls.

"Who truly love you most of all!" Chloe sang.

"Once more we have a family!" Sang Riley

"Family they have a family! Family!" They all sang.

"The ones who truly love you most of all!" Chloe repeated.

"Love you most of all!" The girls echoed.

"Once more we have a family!" Madeline finished.

"Oh, Riley, this is so exciting! Soon we will have a family again! Maybe we'll see Aunt Kathy again-" She squealed excitedly and hugged Riley.

"That's...great..." Riley replied happily, but she was still not convinced that 'Uncle Horst' was actually their uncle. She had to wait until he arrived to pass further judgement- but she had a bad feeling about this...

"So, what do you think Uncle Horst will be like?" Madeline asked Riley excitedly as she disengaged from their one side embrace.

"Well, I know Vienna has the... Spanish Riding School for Horses." Riley answered. "I read about it in the library."

"Wow!" Gasped Madeline. She could imagine a mysterious, handsome uncle- a kindly figure who would sweep Madeline and Riley into his arms, fondly recollect their days of youth, and who would take them through Paris on horseback...

Madeline giggled at the thought, Riley however just shook her head.

as Riley said to herself "Nice save there, Riles. But maybe Andre has heard of this Uncle Horst," as she went to the classroom and wrote a letter to their cousin Andre.

"Dear Andre, Hi, it's me, Riley once again. I know it's been a long time, but I wonder how everything was going with your family, as we haven't heard from you in a while. But the real reason I am writing to you is have you heard of an uncle named Horst Winter from Vienna? And also if you had seen Aunt Kathy around, please tell her we miss see her and wonder why she stopped coming to the old house. And also, what happened to our parents? we know they Pass away Me and Madeline can't remember anything past two years old up to three years old - all we remember is going with Aunt Kathy after some doctor give her the new about our Parents and that is all we remember.

Will you write back to me as soon as possible?

Love,

Riley

As she headed outside the old house by herself and she put the letter in the mailbox, she muttered "I hope Andre writes back soon."

Then, as she started to walk back, she met Steven, Pepito's twin brother.

Steven asked "Riley, what's the matter? Miss Clavel is still sick, is she?"

"No, Miss Clavel is better. But Steven, what will you and Pepito do if a lost uncle wants to come and see you?"

"I would be asking him questions- why?" Steven asked.

"Madeline and I got a letter today from an uncle named Horst Winter." Riley explained. But before she could explain her suspicions to her friend and neighbor,

the door to the old house opened. Miss Clavel called "Riley, please come inside- it's time for dinner!"

"I better go," Said Riley, as she started to walk away. "But if I see you again before...well, I'll talk to you soon, and hopefully explain the matter in more detail."

"Shall I tell Pepito, or my parents?" Steven asked, wondering if perhaps the twins needed their help.

"Not yet." Riley replied. And with that, she said goodbye to Steven

"Riley, what took you?" Chloe asked, as Riley got back inside.

Riley said "I was just...talking to Steven!" Really quickly- she didn't want them to know about the letter at the moment. Not until Andre replied.

The talk during dinner was all about Madeline's and Riley's uncle. Mainly it was all anyone could talk about.

Hours later, after they had broken their bread and brushed their teeth, Miss Clavel said " Doux reves mes cheries Sweet dreams- tomorrow will be an exciting day. Sleep well."

All the girls answered "Goodnight! Goodnight, dear Miss Clavel!" As she turned off the light and closed the door.

"Psst! Riley, Madeline, are you two awake?" Chloe hissed.

Riley said "Of course- this is no time for us to sleep."

"Nor me!" Nicole disagreed.

"Or me!" Danielle added.

Madeline asked "Do you think he'll have red hair like mine? Or black hair like Riley's? Who will he be, this Uncle Horst?"

Chloe said "I know- a famous novelist from the Academy like the beloved Victor Hugo!"

Danielle said "A brave soldier- Non Non a General with medals and decorations- or an Admiral in command of his own fleets!"

"Non, non- he must be a prince with a castle and fine horses!" Nicole argued. "Riley, Madeline what do you two see?"

Riley said "He's sure to be handsome...

"And Intelligent... Chloe added.

"And rich... Danielle offered.

"And slender..." Nicole suggested.

"And very, very kind -Monsieur Perfect." Madeline finished happily, as the girls went to sleep.

Meanwhile in Texas, there lived a man named Paul along with his second wife Amy and their two kids Maxwell and Alice, however they were also the parents of Madeline and Riley as well. One night after dinner Paul and Amy were sitting in the living room. Maxwell and Alice walked into the room holding a scrapbook.

Mom, dad what's this book? Alice asked

Paul took the book from Alice. His eyes misted over as he gently opened the book and the family looked at the pictures. The pictures were of Madeline and Riley as babies.

Paul looked up at his two children and said this is your sister's baby book. we made them when they were Born. we made two each although I don't remember where the other one went. Paul said confused.

Aw they were so cute I remember when they were born. Amy was the twins nurse when they were born.

Paul then came to a picture of his late Wife Mary." if Marry hadn't died after giving birth to the twins she would have spoiled those girls like she did to you two. Paul said to Alice and Maxwell.

"Yeah I miss mom." Alice said. But I wish we have found our sisters by now.

The twins had been kidnapped when they were three year Paul said "I know I wished they were found by now also."

Amy nodded.

Paul sighed once more and said alright that's enough for tonight. It's time for bed.

Alice and Maxwell nodded. Paul and Amy tucked the children into bed and then they went to their bedroom.

Paul gently put the scrapbook back on the mantle. Turning to his wife, he said it's been 7 years and we haven't gotten any answers at all.

"The police are definitely looking though. Amy said.

"Yeah I know but again it's been 7 years with no answers. Paul said. And after a moment of thinking, that's it I'm tired of waiting. I think it's time we hire a investigator.

Amy said "Paul are you sure it's very expensive to hire one.

Paul said we have the money and I'm not going to stop until our girls are back with us.

Amy nodded her head. The two parents climbed into bed and fell asleep hoping that Madeline and Riley would be back with them safe and sound.

Meanwhile Andre was practicing his soccer skills for a game next week. When his father came out and said "you received a letter my son.

"Thanks father" Andre said as he took the letter from his father and opened it. Wow it's from cousin Riley. She or Madeline hadn't written in a long time.

Andre read the letter his eyes with wide. After reading the letter over again, and then looked up at his father and asked, do Madeline and Riley have an uncle Horst?"

No no not that I know of. Joey said

Ok that's what I thought Andre said. You know what I think it's time Madeline and Riley knew the truth about their parents. I've been thinking about it for a long time ever since I visited them in Paris.

Andre's father nodded. You're right son. Joey said

Andre then went inside his house to write a response to his cousin.