August 28, 1985
10:00 PM PDT

Seventeen-year-old Quigley Quagmire was feeling so restless - as he lay in bed next to his eighteen-year-old girlfriend, Violet Baudelaire. It was sure hard to believe that they'd be returning to school tomorrow, which made him feel a little apprehensive.

The Quagmires and the Baudelaires have been living in Hill Valley for just a little over two years, and they've managed to make a lot of friends. The last instance of arson took place way back in 1972, so the group felt it relatively safe to live in the city.

There were seven people in the house. Quigley had a brother named Duncan, and a sister named Isadora - and they were triplets. Klaus, Violet's younger brother, really was mature at sixteen years old. Sunny, Violet's younger sister, was five years old - and she barely remembered the series of unfortunate events of three years ago.

The youngest member of the household was Beatrice Baudelaire, who was only three years old, was actually the daughter of Kit Snicket. Kit had been infected with a quite deadly virus, called Medusoid Mycelium - and it had very tragically taken her life. As a result, the Baudelaires had rather taken it upon themselves to raise young Beatrice.

Quigley thought of how he and Violet have lived together for over two years, even though they've really met over a year before that. He thought of how Isadora was dating Klaus, and it'd be very neat for the four of them to have a double wedding.

Duncan was dating a girl named Jennifer Parker. Quigley sure sighed with envy, as he thought of how both of Jennifer's parents were still alive. There was a point when the Baudelaires figured that one of their parents were still alive, but that turned out to be a false alarm. At any rate, it was actually fortunate that the orphans had each other.

Quigley then thought of how he'd be entering the twelfth grade, and how this would probably be his last year of school. Even though Mr. Strickland was a stern man who wasn't very fond of children, he wasn't quite as bad as Vice Principal Nero had been.

Even though Quigley was lucky enough to never have to attend Prufrock Preparatory School, he actually heard all kinds of horror stories about the boarding school from his siblings and the Baudelaires - and how the school wasn't exactly real orphan friendly.

As Violet went for about two years without having much of an education, except for the brief time at Prufrock Preparatory School, she was actually in the same grade as the Quagmire triplets. She really was skilled at math, and it was one of her favourite subjects. Reading, on the other hand, was never exactly one of her strong points.

Klaus, on the other hand, was sure fond of reading - so he was quite above average for his age. The only subject he wasn't very skilled in was math. Even though he was actually in the same boat as Violet, he was also going to enter the twelfth grade.

Quigley's thoughts then turned to Sunny. She was going to be starting kindergarten - and she was quite nervous about starting school. Likewise, Beatrice was real nervous about attending preschool. Still, Quigley really couldn't help but think about how lucky Sunny and Beatrice were. After all, they didn't have to do any tough assignments.

Of course, geography was always Quigley's best subject - as he had always been real fond of drawing maps. History was Duncan's best subject, as he rather had dreams of being a journalist. Poetry was Isadora's specialty, and she enjoyed writing couplets.

The Baudelaires were extraordinarily gifted. Violet was the inventer - and she always tied her hair up into a ribbon, whenever she planned to invent anything. Klaus rather had a passion for books, which sometimes really helped Violet with her inventions.

Sunny was a very skilled cook, which was one talent that the elder Baudelaires really lacked. As a result, she usually prepared the meals for the family. When she was still just a tiny baby, she had very strong teeth - and she rather loved to bite. However, her love for biting had pretty much been entirely replaced with her love for cooking.

As with Violet, math was also Quigley's strong subject. However, he didn't share his brother's love for writing - so he never was especially real fond of writing reports or essays. He wanted to write a report on the VFD last year, but that wasn't allowed.

He realized it was better to think positively. Even though Mr. Strickland had a habit of calling everyone "slackers", his punishments were relatively fair - even though he just looked for every excuse to give out detentions. It sure seemed mild, in comparison to the food-related punishments that Vice Principal Nero used to punish the students.

The Quagmires and the Baudelaires also had plenty of friends - and a lot of the girls in school believed Quigley and Duncan to be so cute, even if they really were short. The boys had medium-length brown hair and slate-blue eyes. Isadora had the same shade of hair as her brothers - but she had brown eyes, and she was two inches shorter.

Isadora was the spitting image of their mother, Lorraine Baines. Quigley and Duncan did sort of resemble their father, Rupert Quagmire - although they sure more closely resembled their great-grandfather, William McFly. William was born 100 years ago.

One of the major reasons why the group decided to move to Hill Valley, was because the Quagmires really had a big history in the city. Their mother's family had moved to Hill Valley in 1947, and Lorraine had developed a very close relationship with Rupert.

William's daughter, Alice, met Theodore Quagmire back in 1925. While his family was extremely rich, they really weren't snobbish at all. Theodore and Alice actually fell in love at first sight. Alice's younger brother, Arthur, was only fourteen - when he had been devoured by Lachrymose Leeches. Alice was always grieved by that incident.

His thoughts turned to Prufrock Preparatory School, as he thought of how his siblings and the Baudelaires never had many friends. The other students either quite actively ridiculed the orphans, or just simply avoided them - perhaps because they were quite afraid that they might also be tormented by the the school snob, Carmelita Spats.

Granted, they had bullies like Douglas Needles and Miff Tannen to contend with. The boys were always harassing Violet and Isadora. Quigley and Duncan were always so dedicated to defending the other kids at school from being bullied by them, as well.

Miff's father, Count Biff, was actually the nastiest person in the city of Hill Valley. He sure wasn't as scary as Count Olaf, though - who was after the Baudelaires' fortune and Quagmires' sapphires. He had died back on the island three years ago, though.

Still, he knew the stories of how Count Biff used to harass his mother. When Rupert had rescued Lorraine from being taken advantage of, it was then that Lorraine sure knew that she wished to spend her life with him. Tears sure came to Quigley's eyes, as he realized just how he missed his parents. He wished he could bring them back.

"Are you feeling okay, Quig?" Violet asked, as she sat up in bed. She then turned on the lamp and looked over at Quigley. "Aw, what's the matter? You're crying. What is troubling you, honey? Are you just that upset about returning to school tomorrow?"

"No, it's not that," Quigley replied, weeping. "I was really thinking about my parents have fallen in love, and it's sure rather sad how they died young. It just wasn't long after we turned thirteen, and then... Oh, Violet, I simply miss them quite terribly."

"I really do understand the feeling, Quig," Violet replied, as she gently placed her arm around her boyfriend. "Why don't we head into the kitchen, and I can make some hot chocolate." As Quigley nodded, she then added, "In a way, I can't help but think that Sunny and Beatrice are lucky. It's hard to miss someone you don't even remember."

"I see what you mean," Quigley replied, as he tried to stop crying. "The pain of losing someone you love is just too great to bear. You know, I've really been thinking about what happens to us... after we die. Do you think there is an afterlife of some sort?"

"I would like to think there is one," Violet replied, sighing. "You know, I never was that religious - but I'm starting to think there might be a God. During the time that we were experiencing our series of unfortunate events, I just didn't feel that there was a God. I mean, we were just undergoing one tragedy after another, and it just made me..."

"I know exactly what you mean," Quigley replied, as he wiped his eyes. "I'd really like to believe that we would, one day, be reunited with our loved ones. I mean, the idea of heaven provides me with hope that I might... be able to see my parents again."

"I can never be as optimistic as Phil always was," Violet replied, as she was filling the kettle up with water. "Still, I sure think it's a great idea to never lose sight of hope. I really wonder if everyone else is sleeping well. After all, tomorrow really will be a..."

"You two couldn't sleep, either?" asked Klaus, just as he and Isadora stepped into the kitchen. "We could go for some hot chocolate ourselves. It's very hard to believe that this will actually be our last year of school. I quite must say that Hill Valley High School is certainly a much better school than Prufrock Preparatory School ever could be."

"I heard that the school has now closed down," replied Isadora, as she took a seat at the table. "Not only are our peers much nicer here, but we also receive quite a better education. You know, we should make our last year of high school be the greatest."

Quigley smiled at his sister, as Violet was pouring the hot chocolate into the cups. He just did have a lot to really be thankful for. As sad it was to lose his parents in a fire, the experience had caused him to mature as a person. For that, he was fortunate.

That's a really good story. I'm looking forward to reading more.

Hey, thank you! I'll should be able to get it uploaded later today, and it'll be in the ASOUE section. I do plan to write a crossover fic with the BTTF Universe, but it probably won't be until late spring.

Since Arthur was eaten at 14, George McFly doesn't exist. Am I correct? And does Rock and Roll exist in this universe?

That's correct. You've probably figured out that Quigley and Duncan look like Marty. They're also born on June 20 of 1968, just like Marty. Isadora is the youngest of the triplets.

I was a little uncertain of if rock and roll should exist or not, but I think it will. In exactly what forms, I'm not sure yet. Do you have any suggestions? My fic is now uploaded at FFN.

I don't have any suggestions. Does Duncan Quagmire date Jennifer?

Right. I was thinking of having Quigley be born at the same time as Marty - but now I'm wondering if maybe it should be Duncan instead. The other boy would be born at the same time as Calvin of the Twins Universe. Either way, though, Isadora is the youngest.

I'll see if I can get some more opinions on the rock music issue. Lemony Snicket doesn't mention rock music in his books, but it doesn't mean rock music can't exist in the ASOUE Universe. Phish Tacko suggested that rock music should be the same in the ASOUE Universe as in ours, but I'm not sure how realistic it'd be. I think hard rock should exist in some form, though.

June 20, 1982
3:00 PM PDT

Quigley Quagmire was quite listlessly sitting on his bed. Even though today was his fourteenth birthday - as well as that of his triplet siblings, Duncan and Isadora - he just felt real distraught. Not only did he terribly miss his parents, who died nearly a year ago - but he also terribly missed Violet Baudelaire, who he fell in love with.

He was home alone, with nobody around to comfort him. He had the radio turned on, hoping that the music would comfort him. Most of the songs he heard sure seemed to be related to love, which didn't do much to make him feel better. Even the songs that dealt with break-ups and vengeful ex-lovers didn't exactly make him feel any better.

Quigley was drinking a cup of hot cocoa, and eating some powdered doughnuts. Even though this was one of his favourite snacks, he barely felt any better. It would rather be nice, if the Violet Baudelaire could be there with him. She was such a sweet girl.

Violet was about one year older than Quigley, and he just wasn't sure if he could ever find another girl just like her. Her brother, Klaus, was also a very good companion. He just wished he actually had more of an opportunity to get to know these fine people.

He thought of how the Baudelaires all had extraordinary talents. Violet had a rather great knack for inventing things, which really helped to get them out of some rather tough situations. Klaus had a lot of knowledge, as he spent a lot of time reading. As he had gained a lot of information - Klaus' skill had also maaged to come in handy.

The last anyone has heard of the Baudelaire orphans, was when they were running away from the burning Hotel Denouement. Justice Strauss very tearfully mentioned that she tried to stop them - but though they were stubborn and refused to listen.

While Justice Strauss did believe the Baudelaires to be good people at heart, she still believed it was very wrong for them to not take responsibility for their actions. While Quigley didn't quite disagree with her, he knew the Baudelaires went through a lot.

A sensationalist newspaper, called The Daily Punctilio, accused the Baudelaire orphans of murdering "Count Omar". In reality, it was Jacques Snicket who had been murdered - and Count Olaf had been the one to kill him. The Baudelaires actually ended up being blamed for the murder, because Count Olaf had taken such measures to frame them.

Quigley began to curse Mr. Arthur Poe for not letting the Baudelaires live with Justice Strauss, because she wasn't related to them. Quigley quite believed it to be a bullshit excuse, as none of the guardians the Baudelaires had were closely related to them.

While Quigley really believed it wrong to hate anyone, he couldn't help but despise Mr. Poe. In fact, he sure couldn't even help but wonder if Mr. Poe was actually on the side of evil. He quite had, to his credit, always threatened to arrest Count Olaf - whenever his schemes were found out. However, Count Olaf always managed to evade justice.

For almost the last couple of months, the Quagmire triplets had rented an apartment with Hector Hodges - who had become their guardian. Hector had been a resident of the Village of Fowl Devotees for many years, and he was happy to have escaped.

Duncan and Isadora were trapped inside the fountain. Isadora managed to alert the Baudelaires of where they were, via couplets. The five of them planned to leave the village in a self-sustaining hot air balloon, with Hector. Count Olaf thwarted the very risky escape of Baudelaires, though. So the five of them ended up being separated.

Tears filled Quigley's eyes, as he wondered if the Baudelaires were even still alive. For all he really knew, they sure could've drowned somewhere in the middle of the ocean - and it would be all Mr. Poe's fault. He was so reckless with the lives of three children.

He thought of Isadora, and wondered if she missed Klaus in the same way. Of course, the triplets actually missed all three of the Baudelaires - including little Sunny, who had only been a mere two years old. His heart then suddenly gone out to that young girl.

Quigley couldn't even began to imagine what all the Baudelaires had to cope with. As if it wasn't bad enough to lose your parents in an arson attack, they had to deal with a very incompetent banker and an evil actor who was after their fortune. This rather did seem like the Baudelaires were under a big curse, as if they had broken a mirror.

To add insult to injury, the Baudelaires were actually blamed on several occasions for their own misfortune. Before attending Prufrock Preparatory School, they were quite unfairly treated at Lucky Smells Lumbermill, who made them do rather hard labour.

Even though the manager of Lucky Smells Lumbermill rather knew about Count Olaf's greed and deviousness, he sure acted like this was the Baudelaires' fault. His actions were tantamount to that of a rape apologist, who would act like any women who got raped somehow brought it on - as if men are unable to control their sexual impulses.

Mr. Poe himself had also implied that the misfortune was the children's fault. Quigley rather desired nothing less than to wrap the Baudelaires up in a soft blanket, and to feed them hot cocoa and powdered doughnuts. He greatly desired to protect them.

Quigley suddenly couldn't take it anymore. He suddenly buried his head into his pillow and really began to cry. He wept quite brokenly, as he began to think of the injustice and unfairness of life. For all the times he believed everything would simply go wrong for him and his siblings - he began to realize how good they had it, in comparison.

It just seemed like not a day went by, where Quigley didn't end up being teary. While he realized that the Baudelaires always ran into much worse luck than he ever did, he still had his share of grief to deal with. This place just seemed to be a sick sad world.

He sure wished to remain optimistic, and believe that the world wasn't an entirely bad place - but, after everything he heard, he just wasn't quite sure. It really seemed like even the justice system was corrupt. He then wondered if California might be better.

Both of his parents grew up in Hill Valley, California - but, a few months after getting married, they soon decided to move to Massachusetts. Even though his grandfather rather chose to move to Hill Valley back in 1925, the rest of his family just decided to remain in Massachusetts. However, he was starting to despise living in the state.

Then again, had his parents stayed in California, he never would've met Violet. The very thought really made him sob harder. It was sure unfortunate irony. He maybe never would've even met the Baudelaires, if not for the tragedies they both faced.

However, now he wasn't even sure is he would ever meet the Baudelaires again. The world seemed like a cruel place. Quigley sometimes quite wondered if life was actually worth living. However, he really had his family and friends to take into consideration.

He then thought of his close cousin, Brent Baines. Brent actually went to school with the Baudelaires, and was a very close friend to them. He really remembered hearing about the Baudelaires, when he called Brent from Dr. Montgomery's home. When he did some snooping around, he realized the Baudelaires had also lived in the house.

Brent's parents, Milton and Susan, were the ones to just convince Vice Principal Nero to let Duncan and Isadora live in the dormitory - which he finally agreed to do, under the condition that they would buy some jewellery for Carmelita Spats every month.

Quigley knew too well how spoiled and conceited Carmelita really was, when he joined the Snow Scouts. It sure wasn't that much of a surprise that the snooty Esme Squalor had taken Carmelita under her wing, as the two seemed to be cut from the very same cloth. After all, Esme Squalor was basically a rather older version of Carmelita Spats.

He really thought of Vice Principal Nero, and completely detested him. He really was a complete bastard. When Coach Genghis - who was, in reality, Count Olaf in disguise - made the Baudelaires run laps every night, Vice Principal Nero readily agreed to it.

Vice Principal Nero quite expected the Baudelaires to perform just as well at school as everyone else, in spite of only having about two hours of sleep a day. He even really had the gall to accuse them of cheating, when Duncan and Isadora had quite offered to take their place - when the Baudelaires had really only wished to be treated fairly.

Quigley quite wondered how the Baudelaires could put up with such bullshit from Vice Principal Nero. Had Quigley been in their place, he sure would have told Vice Principal Nero to "go fuck himself" before things could actually get as far as they really did.

Quigley was usually easygoing and quite nice to everyone, but he just wasn't the sort of person to take shit from anyone. What really angered him about Vice Principal Nero was how he never even told Duncan and Isadora that their brother was still alive.

"I've received a song request from a young man who is sure missing his girlfriend," the disc jockey on the radio was saying, "and he's uncertain if he'll ever be able to see her again. He wanted me to play this song, as it just reminds him of his lost loved one. So, anyway, this song is for him - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police."

Quigley turned up the radio, as his sobs subsided slightly. This actually was one of his very favourite songs, and he had come to associate it with Violet. With her real knack for inventing things, it seemed almost as if Violet was capable of performing magic.

His heart was suddenly filled with such hope. He had no idea where Violet was, but he was real sure she was alive somewhere. Combined with her brother's intellect, he was sure the Baudelaires would eventually make it home. It was only a question of when.

I never liked Mr. Poe. I always thought he was kind of an idiot.

Yeah, I completely agree with you there. It's like he cared more about his job as a banker than he really cared about the welfare of the orphans. I don't think he was exactly an evil person, but he was certainly incompetent.

When the orphans were able to recognize Count Olaf instantly, Mr. Poe thought it wasn't.

Right, exactly. Also, even though Mr. Poe knows that the Baudelaires were correct about Count Olaf being in disguise in The Reptile Room - he continues to disbelieve the children in subsequent stories. At one time, he even pointed out the Baudelaires insisted that Count Olaf was in disguise in The Reptile Room - apparently forgetting that the Baudelaires had, in fact, been CORRECT about that. While he don't think he was evil at heart, the fact that he was so incompetent and remiss in caring about the orphans' needs does make him held just as responsible as Count Olaf and the others who did act maliciously towards the children.

I just remembered another issue I had with Mr. Poe. In The Miserable Mill - I'm not sure if you've gotten that far - he kind of acts like the orphans' misfortune is somehow their own fault, instead of it being the result of Count Olaf really being able their fortune. So it's kind of like he's blaming the Baudelaire children themselves for their misfortune.

It's basically adding insult to injury. I mean, it's bad enough that they have a psychopath stalking them - but, on top of everything, they also have to deal with people acting like it's somehow their own fault that that they have a psychopath on their trail.

The first two books were the only ones I read.

April 30, 1982
3:00 PM PDT

Quigley Quagmire felt so dazed, as he opened up his eyes. The last thing he recalled was calling out Violet's name, as he was being sucked into The Great Unknown. After that, he had lost consciousness. He wondered how long he had been knocked out.

"Everything will be fine, Quig," Hector commented, very soothingly. "I quite have no idea where the Baudelaire orphans are right now, but I really do hope and pray that they're okay. I mean, I just feel bad about everything that they've gone through."

"Where are we?" Quigley mumbled, as he looked around. "Is Violet Baudelaire around here, by any chance - or Klaus or Sunny? The thing is, I've sure been terribly worried sick about them, just like I've been worried sick about Isadora and Duncan. I sure am worried that they might... might..." Tears of sorrow began to fill Quigley's eyes.

"Just try to relax, Quigley," Isadora replied, soothingly. "There's no telling how much Duncan and I have simply missed you. I mean, we really have never been separated this long before - and, well, being called 'twins' was always a real sore spot with us."

"We thought you were dead," Duncan added, as tears filled his eyes. "I'm so terribly sorry to say that the Baudelaires aren't here. Kit Snicket did rather tell us about how they were at the burning Hotel Denouement, and I... I just hope that they're okay."

"I sure hope so, too," Quigley replied, as tears filled his eyes. "I know I've quite met them under very unfortunate circumstances, but I simply feel something for Violet. I mean, it's just that... well, I've never felt that way about another girl before. I sure desperately want her and her siblings to be fine." Quigley began to weep silently.

"I understand just how you feel, Quig," Duncan said, as he drew his brother close to him. "I grew very fond of them, as well - when they showed up at Prufrock Prep. I'm feeling worried about them, too. Nonetheless, I'm very happy that you're still alive."

"You're all safe, now," added another man, who was dressed as a captian. "It turned out that The Great Unknown was a submarine. It was actually just nothing we should really be scared of. I sure hope Kit Snicket really is okay. She ended up not joining us on the... the thing. We're on land, now - so just take it okay. Go ahead and relax."

Quigley was a little uncertain of who the man was, but he appeared to be on the side of good. He still felt very uneasy about the Hook-Handed Man being there, but it just seemed as the man was very miserable. Did he actually have a change of heart?

"But, Stepfather," protested a teenage girl. "What's this you're always saying about he who hesitates..." Turning to Quigley, she added, "I've quite met the Baudelaires, too - and, well... I really feel so ashamed, when I think of what I've done to Klaus."

"Good! You should feel that way!" Isadora added, as she was glaring hatefully at the girl. "I honestly don't believe you feel sincere of your remorse. If you were, you sure wouldn't keep begging us to forgive you - and insist that we be very nice to you. You would accept the fact that you're the scum of the earth, and that you deserve to..."

"Isadora!" chided Hector, firmly but gently. "I understand that you really feel angry with Fiona, but this is just not the time for such strife. Right now, we really do need for all of us to stick together. The last thing we need is to have is another war."

"Hector is right, Iz," added Duncan. "I'm really not saying that what she did was right, but it's not good to be holding so much anger and hatred inside of us. If you just think about it, this is what creates people like Count Olaf. It's better to forgive and forget."

As Quigley continued to weep broken-heartedly, he thought of how he usually agreed with his brother's pacifistic views. Still, it was rather hard to forgive someone who was responsible for endangering the lives of your friends. Anyway, it sure wouldn't be real fair to his friends to forgive the very people who managed to endanger their lives.

"I don't quite blame her for being so angry," added The Hook-Handed Man. "Although, I'm really the one she should be angry with. I mean, I've actually done a lot of horrible things over the last few years. Fiona only joined, so that... so that she could really be with me. I never got along with my stepfather, so I ended up running away from..."

"Let's not worry about that, Fernald," the captain said, gently. "Anyway, we all make mistakes in life. Speaking of mistakes, it sure turns out that I was rather wrong about many things. The Great Unknown is actually what saved all of our lives, everyone."

"It's so great that we're all alive," Quigley replied, as he lifted his tear-stained face. "I sure can't help that not everything is quite okay, however. I mean, I quite have been thinking about Violet - and I was just hoping that we could start a new life together."

"They've really saved our lives," added Isadora, as she sounded a little tearful. "You know, it's rather good to see that you're alive. We've missed you terribly, and it was rather terribly sad to think that we might never see you again. You know, I've never really even gotten a chance to tell Klaus just how I felt about him. I think I really..."

"So what exactly happened here?" Quigley asked, quietly. "The Hook-Handed Man is named Fernald, and this girl named Fiona is his sister? I'm just not quite sure what to make of this. I try to be a non-judgemental person, but just what has Fiona done?"

"Fiona joined Count Olaf's troupe," Duncan explained, "so that she could be with her family. She sure wasn't in the troupe for long, and she actually never really did harm or kill anyone. Iz is still rather angry with her, though - that she would even consider joining a group of people who engage in criminal acts. I could see how Iz would..."

"We've all done things in our lives that we need to atone for," replied the captain. "I haven't really been a great father, myself. Granted, I always felt that my intentions were for the good - but you know what people say about what hell is paved with."

"The captain is absolutely right," Duncan replied, softly. "It really is a useless thing to hold gudges, and doesn't do anyone any good. Izzy and I have quite suffered at the hands of Count Olaf's troupe, but we certainly can't let that stuff break our spirits."

"We didn't quite have it as bad as the Baudelaires did," countered Isadora. "Think of what all they've really gone through - and just think of how shitty Vice Principal Nero has treated them. Anyway, I didn't realize it at the time - but I think I'm just starting to feeling something for Klaus. I mean, he simply had those gorgeous green eyes."

"You think you're in love with Klaus?" Quigley asked, gently. As Isadora nodded, he added, "You know, I sure don't think I've ever really loved anyone in the same way as... as I love Violet. I mean, I love you and Duncan dearly - but it's just that..."

"We understand what you mean, Quig," Duncan replied, as he threw his arms around his brother. "I quite simply can't tell you how much I've missed you. I mean, I must've cried just about every night. It was just like there was a great big hole in my heart."

"I've certainly felt the same way," added Isadora. "We've just felt rather incomplete without you. I mean, I've hated it - whenever people would refer to us as twins. It's just not right to... to act like you suddenly don't exist. You know, if we ever find the Baudelaires - they should live with us. We could maybe even move to California."

"Where in California?" asked Quigley. "Are you thinking of maybe... maybe Hill Valley? I do remember my parents talking about what a great town it was. Maybe our cousin, Brent, might like to go back with us. I really would like to be able to see him again."

"I've always wanted to visit California," Fiona replied, dreamily. "If you guys aren't so mad at me, maybe I could move there with you. I mean, I think it'd be so nice to start a new life. You know, I really would like to think this world isn't such a bad place."

"I can't really speak for Isadora and Quigley," Duncan replied, gently, "but I wouldn't really mind. I'm not so sure if will move there, too - as much as we'd really like to. We simply can't run from our problems like that - and, well, we also certainly need to look for the Baudelaires. We can't exactly abandon them, after all they've done for us."

"To be frank with you," added Isadora, "I am still very angry with you - and, even if the Baudelaires do turn out fine, I'm not too sure if I'll ever be able to forgive you. I think what you did was inexcusable. Still, I am willing to be civil and polite with you."

"It would be a lie to claim that I'm not extremely disappointed with you," commented Quigley, softly. "However, I do try to find the good in everyone - and I sure believe we have enough hatred in this world already. So I'm willing to give you a chance."

"Thanks, I guess," Fiona replied, gently. "I've really scewed up badly, haven't I? The thing, I wish I could go back in time - and undo this whole thing. I just felt bad, when my stepfather seemed to mysteriously disappear. I rather wouldn't expect you to be my closest friends, and I guess I don't even deserve your friendship. I feel so bad."

"I trust that you're genuinely remorseful for your actions," Quigley replied, gently. "I try to be sympathetic, and I rather can't bear to make enemies with anyone. I guess you truly do love Klaus, but I'm quite afraid your rash decision has broken his heart."

"I won't quite get involved in your issues," Hector explained, gently. "I wanted to say, I'll look for a nice apartment for us - and the three of you could just live with me. After we find the Baudelaires, they can also move in with us. How does that sound, guys?"

Quigley glanced over at Isadora and Duncan. He then put his arms around then, as the three of them smiled. It would be good to have a family again. He was real glad that he reunited with his triplet siblings. With all things considered, it just looked like there was a light at the end of the tunnel. He then felt a sudden glimmer of hope.

July 11, 1981
3:00 PM PST

To thirteen-year-old Quigley Quagmire, this whole thing felt like a nightmare. It really seemed as if there was no end to the tunnel. He was starting to feel very tired, cold, and hungry. He just felt worried about what became to the rest of his family. What if the rest of the family ended up perishing in the fire? He'd be all alone in the world.

He sure thought of Duncan and Isadora, and how the three of them were usually real inseparatable. While he and Duncan were identical, he always felt as if he was just as close to Isadora. The three of them always had basically the same group of friends.

Granted, the three of them tended to be closer to different people - but they've sure made an effort to get along. Quigley began to think of how he would miss his friends, as he'd probably have to move away. This thought actually made him feel very sad.

Quigley thought of his good friend, Todd Morris - and he how he felt a little uneasy, when Isadora had expressed how she had a crush on him. It felt as if it wasn't very smart to actually have such a relationship with your friends. The three of them sure have been close to Todd, and Quigley just saw him as being like a brother to them.

His mother, Lorraine Baines Quagmire, ended up having two miscarriages - before the triplets were finally born. As a result, she always treated their birth as a miracle. That sort of struck Quigley as being rather ironic how the three had survived their birth.

The three of them were exactly five feet tall, and they had the same shade of brown hair. Quigley sometimes felt insecure of his height, as he thought of how many of the other boys were quite much taller than him. He sometimes wished he was a bit taller.

Quigley really took in a breath, as he finally noticed a door. Did he dare to enter? He didn't want to be accused of tresspassing, but he hated being stuck in the tunnel. In all the time he was inside the tunnel, he never had such a chance to sleep. It was so cold and uncomfortable in the tunnel, and it also might've been rather dangerous.

As he stepped in through the door, he was stunned by how bright it was. He slowly walked around the house, and he was sure stunned by how wonderful it looked. As Quigley caught sight of a thermostat, he decided to turn it on. He felt so nervous.

He glanced at the clock on the wall, and he saw that the time was five minutes after three. The clock quite gave no hint as to what day it was, though. He couldn't really remember the last time he felt quite this exhausted and hungry. He pinched himself, and he was dismayed to realize this was no dream. This made him feel very sad.

To his relief, he saw that there was a stereo inside the living room. He quickly turned on the radio, and slowly switched through the stations. As he finally heard some real great music, he flopped down into the recliner. It really just felt wonderful to be able to relax, but he couldn't quite get the thought of the rest of the family off his mind.

After about half an hour, though - he then decided to head into the kitchen. What he wanted to do was order a pizza. However, he didn't have any money. He sure had to see what the owner of the house had inside the kitchen. He hoped there was food.

He then headed over to the kitchen, and he opened up the refrigerator. As he found out that a lot of the food inside really was rancid, he quickly shut the door. He began to check the pantry, and he just felt very relieved to find some non-perishable food.

He decided that chicken ramen was as great a meal to have, as any. He filled up one of the saucepans with water, and then he set it on the stove. He usually could really eat two bags of prepared ramen noodles in one sitting - but, for now, he could really go for four bags. He began to wonder just how long he should hide out in this place.

He then noticed the telephone sitting on the counter. It finally hit him. He could call his cousin, Brent Baines. He lived in a town close by, and maybe he sure might know what became of Duncan and Isadora. He picked up the phone, and then dialed the number.

After five rings, the phone finally clicked - as a familiar voice responded, "Hello, this is the Baines residence. Who is this, please?" Quigley was suddenly uncertain of what to say, as he realized he was in a house he didn't belong. "Uh, hello?" repeated Brent.

"Oh, hi, Brent!" Quigley called out, nervously. "I am your cousin, Quigley. Quagmire, that is. You see, our house had just burnt down - and I was quite stuck in this tunnel for what seemed like a long time. Anyway, I arrived at this house - and it seems as if the owners have abandoned this house. Look, Brent, I was wondering if you..."

"Whoa! Whoa!" Brent protested, somewhat impatiently. "Just slow down, okay? Now, you're telling me that you're really Quigley Quagmire. We really did hear all about how your house burnt down - but I, uh... Quigley, we thought you were killed in the fire!"

"What?" Quigley cried out, as he was real stunned. "Holy shit, Brent! Everyone thinks I'm really dead! All right, Brent! Where are Duncan and Isadora? What just happened to my parents? Thank God I've thought to call you! Maybe you could fill me in on..."

"Duncan and Isadora are at Prufrock Preparatory School," explained Brent. "As far as your parents are concerned, they're said to be dead. However, we also thought your house just burnt down while you're... Oh, thank God you're okay! My parents are not home right now, but I'll let them know that you've called me! I'm happy you're alive!"

"Prufrock Preparatory School?" Quigley asked, in a real quiet voice. "That's a boarding school, right? I could go there, too - and we'd be reunited. I can't exactly believe how our lives have been turned upside down, though. I wonder what caused the fire."

"Uh, Quigley?" Brent asked, with great sadness in his voice. "I quite think it was arson that caused... I had some good friends, the Baudelaires... Well, they've sure had the same thing happen to them a couple months ago. I was never able to contact them."

"The Baudelaires," muttered Quigley. "Yeah, I do remember you telling me about how sort of really had a... a thing for Violet. Oh, Brent, this is even worse than I thought. I just wonder if this could have anything to do... to do with the secret organization. I know my parents were both part of the organization, but I just don't know much..."

"Ah, you sure must be referring to the VFD," Brent commented. "By that, I don't mean Very Funky Disco - the dance house that our town had from 1976 until last year. I had heard all about the schism in the organization. I sure have the feeling that we're really not supposed to, uh, know about this organization. Still, we really could stand to..."

"You know, Brent, I always did wonder why many places had the initials VFD," Quigley commented. "I guess it's actually supposed to be like a... like a red herring of sorts. Is it possible that... I've only heard about the Volunteer Fire Department last week."

"My father actually told me about it last month," Brent explained. "Your mother was a part of the organization, so was my father. Our Uncle Toby and Uncle Joey were just involved, as well. However, our Uncle Joey ran into some legal problems - and he..."

"He's now Uncle 'Jailbird' Joey," Quigley replied, laughing. With sudden shame, he was quick to add, "I guess I shouldn't be making light of stuff like that, but... Well, Brent, I do need to get some food in my belly - and then I need to get some sleep. Just please make sure to tell your parents that I've called. I'll maybe just call you back tomorrow."

"I'll be sure to do that, Quig," Brent replied, gently. "I'm so glad you've called me, and I'm sure Duncan and Isadora will be so happy to hear from you. I wish I could ask you to stay with us - but we live in an apartment, and they quite do have rules about how many can stay wih us. We really can't afford a house right now. Good bye, for now!"

As Quigley hung up, tears really began to fill his eyes. As he went to pour the ramen noodles into the saucepan, he sure thought of how unfair life was. He'd also have to find out more on the Volunteer Fire Department, and how the schism had occurred.

Quigley sure thought about the small children who lived just across the street. The names were Valerie Felicia Doyle and Vernon Frederick Doyle. Their father, Vincent Francis Doyle, who wrote a biography on Ivan Lachrymose - who very much was a legendary figure. In fact, he even had a lake nearby who was named after him.

He then thought of the kids' mother, who was none other than Ramona Quimby. She was the subject of Beverly Cleary's books, which were sure passed off as fictional. A book, called Ramona Quimby Age 8, had been sometime released earlier this year.

He sure remembered a portion of the book, where the Quimby family ate dinner at a restauant called Whopperburger. A mysterious man had approached her, and asked her if she had been good to her mother. That question was actually a VFD code.

As the timer went off, he went to turn off the stove. It seemed as though this world held a lot of mysteries, and he quite wondered if it was a good idea to uncover them all. He thought of how his parents were dead, and then decided that he really would do his best to put a stop to such tragedies. He wondered how people could be cruel.

As tears began to roll down Quigley's cheeks, he really thought about the Baudelaire children. He'd really have to find some information on them. He was sure there really was a connection between both fires, and that the fires weren't just a coincidence.

He then thought of how the name Volunteer Fire Deparment might actually have two meanings. There were the people who put out fires, and then there were the people who just started fires. His parents were, without a doubt, on the fire-fighting side of the VFD. As soon as he had his much needed sleep, he would start on his research.

July 10, 1981
3:00 PM EDT

To thirteen-year-old Isadora Quagmire, this whole thing felt like a nightmare. She had never lost a loved one before, and it was very distressing to think of how her parents were no more alive. Her father, Rupert Quagmire, was sure a courageous young man who was recruited by the VFD as a young boy - long before the schism had occurred.

Her mother, Lorraine Baines Quagmire, was always a warm and affectionate woman - and she was a real excellent cook. Her family were also members of the VFD, and she met Rupert back when she was ten - shortly after her family had moved to Hill Valley.

She had two brothers, Duncan and Quigley - who were identical in looks. The three of them were triplets, and Isadora was the youngest of the set. She was rather close to her mother, and the two really had a lot in common. She was also as boy crazy as her mother used to be, even though her father believed that she was too young to date.

One of her greatest passions was poetry, and many other girls her age regarded her as being conservative. However, Isadora really liked to have as much fun as the rest of them. She then thought of how she would have to move far away from town.

She would sure miss all her friends at school. While she wasn't quite the most popular girl in her school, she did have a lot of friends. There were also quite a few boys who would flirt with her, and she sort of had a relationship with a boy named Todd Morris.

The triplets turned thirteen three weeks ago, and it quite depressed her to think that they would have to spend their teen years without their parents present. She looked rather forward to becoming a teenager, but she had quite a feeling that her teenage years would be the lonliest and hardest. Her life had just been turned upside down.

She'd at least still have Duncan, but Quigley was nowhere to be found. The three of them had been very inseparatable, even though the boys really were a little uneasy about her dating Todd - who also happened to be a relatively close friend to them.

"I wish I could say this was just a nightmare," Duncan commented, as tears begin to fill his eyes. "I wish we could go back in time, and prevent the fire from happening. I really don't understand why anyone would do this to us. I mean, what did we do?"

"We didn't do anything," Isadora replied, as she was blinking back tears. "Oh, man, I sure do hope Quigley is okay. I simply hate to think that we might... might really lose him, too. It sure seems..." As Isadora looked up, she added, "I really see Mr. Turner coming to us. I know he works as a banker, but what could he really want with us?"

"I have some bad news for you," said Robert Turner, as he walked up to Isadora. "It appears that Quigley has also died in the fire. I'm sorry, but it sure looks like you and Duncan really will have no other choice but to attend Prufrock Preparatory School."

Isadora's heart suddenly sank. What if she and Duncan were suddenly referred to as being twins, instead of triplets? Maybe she was being somewhat overly sensitive, but she felt that it just would be a complete disregard to the memory of Quigley. It would be as cruel as telling a woman who lost her child that she was no longer a mother.

She just felt terribly nervous over the prospect of going to a boarding school. Would the people there end up liking her and Duncan - or what if they really ended up liking Duncan, but ended up shunning her? That idea actually made her feel even worse.

"Wait a minute, Mr. Turner," Duncan protested. "Are you saying that we're going to a boarding school? I mean, I guess we have to live somewhere - but it's really not going to feel like... like home. Are you real sure that none of our relatives could take us in."

"I've spoken with Milton and Susan Baines," Mr. Turner replied. "They said they would love to take you in, but the apartment complex they live in just have some strict rules that really govern who all can live with them. I'm sorry, children, but we sure have no choice but to send you to Prufrock Prep. Think of all the opportunities you'll have!"

"I just don't care about opportunities!" Isadora shouted, angrily. "I like school enough that I'm willing to study and be a very hard worker, but it doesn't mean that I want to live in a school. Anyway, if Quigley isn't with us any longer, then we really..."

"I am deeply sorry to hear of what happened to your brother," Mr. Turner said, as he shook his head. "However, there is nothing I can do about it. I do have such a feeling that the fire was no accident. I think it's some sort of a real dangerous organization."

Isadora and Duncan glanced at each other. Their parents had really told them about the VFD last week, and about the schism that had occurred in the organization many years ago. She had a feeling that it was the villianous side of the VFD that was quite responsible for burning down their mansion. She'd really have to look more into it.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Iz?" Duncan whispered, just as they followed Mr. Turner to the car. "You'd sure think that the Volunteer Fire Department would just be a noble sort of organization, but we have those on the villianous side that likely..."

"Start the fires?" Isadora suggested, stunned. Just then, she gasped, "Of course! In quite a strange sort of way, this really makes sense to me. The good side... the very side that our parents were on... puts out the fires. I guess this really means that the villianous side actually starts the fires. So both sides have something to do with fire!"

"We shouldn't discuss his anymore," suggested Duncan. "We don't know if Mr. Turner is part of the organization, and this organization really has to remain a secret. At any rate, this seems like such a nightmare to me. I really can't believe that Quigley is..."

"I really wish we could live with Uncle Milton and Aunt Susan," Isadora replied, as she sighed heavily. "We really were always close to Brent, too. I sure do hope they allow visitors at the... the school. I wish we could stop by, before we go to the school."

"I'm afraid we just don't have time for that," replied Mr. Turner, as he opened the car door. "Vice Principal Nero just cannot hold our reservations for long, and I really have no other place to send you. There were also children from this town where Milton and Susan live, and let's just say that my... my heart does go out to those poor children."

"What just happened to those children?" Isadora cried out, as she and Duncan began to step into the car. "Is it possible that... that they've also lost their parents in a fire? Are these children also going to be at Prufrock Preparatory School, If so, then we..."

"I really don't think so," Mr. Turner replied, shaking his head. "The thing is, they lived with Dr. Montgomery for nearly two weeks - but then he was murdered. I'm afraid to say that my colleague, Mr. Arthur Poe, is just not the most competent man around."

"What do you mean?" asked Duncan, worriedly. "If this fire is not an accident, then it just makes me feel like... like someone is after us. I mean, it seems like our lives have quite been turned upside down. It's sure sad to think that our parents aren't with us, and I can't imagine that Quigley died so young. He really did had a life ahead of him."

"Have you ever heard of Count Olaf?" Mr. Turner asked. As Isadora and Duncan both nodded, he added, "This was the very first guardian that he selected for the children. Count Olaf is very intent of getting his hands of the children's fortune, and he just..."

"So he's really that evil?" exclaimed Duncan, stunned. "I mean, I sure know he's done some terrible things - and he's also a very terrible actor. We actually went to see one of his shows back in 1978. We were only ten back then, but it was a terrible show!"

"Yeah, I'll never forget that," added Isadora. "I really fell asleep right in the mdidle of the show, and I actually had a lot of stamina back then. The thing is, I'm sure not the type of art snob who can't appreciate camp. However, I just saw better talent at the talent shows that our grade school would have. That's just how bad his shows are."

"He wonders why he can't ever get on TV," Mr. Turner replied, shaking his head. "By the way, the sapphires have survived the fire. The law sure states you cannot have them until you turn 18, though. As Duncan is the oldest of the triplets, he would..."

"I'll share them with Iz," Duncan was quick to reply. "I always thought the colour was so pretty, and they are so valuable. Although, I've heard that sapphires can come in all different colours. Although, when they're red, then they're actually called rubies."

"Maybe you'll share them with me, too?" suggested Mr. Turner, chuckling. "I'm really just kidding, of course - but my wife is quite into jewels. She even has a pair of ruby slippers that she often wears, which is rather like the kind that Dorothy Gale wore in The Wizard of Oz. I know she would feel very devastated, if she ever lost them."

"What about emeralds?" suggested Isadora. "I really do love that shade of green. I'm sure a colourful type of girl. I sometimes say that my least favourite colour is painfully perky pink, but that only when I'm feeling gloomy - which is just how I feel right now."

"I know what you mean, Iz," Duncan replied, sighing. "The last thing I'm in the mood for right now is excrutiatingly cheerful pink. In fact, I'm simply not sure I'll ever be in the mood for Christmas - as we no longer have a family to spend the season with."

Isadora placed her arm around her brother, as he began to cry. Isadora sure felt like crying, as well. Her thoughts turned to the other orphans, as she realized they might be undergoing an even worse situation. One of these days, she actually hoped to be able to meet the other orphans. It seemed like this world might be a corrupt place.

The Big News

May 26, 1979
2:00 PM PDT

It started out seeming like a typical weekend day for twelve-year-old Violet Baudelaire - along with her ten-year-old brother, Klaus. Violet really did love her brother, and the two of them got along better than most other siblings they knew of did. They also had extraordinary gifts. Violet was into inventing, while Klaus was a pretty big bookworm.

Violet and Klaus had a lot of mutual friends, even though all of their friends pretty well got along. The were both relatively well-liked at school, even though there were some students who weren't so nice - and they actually had it in for the Baudelaire children.

As neither of the children were skilled at cooking, they ended up ordering a pizza for lunch. The kids just loved to eat, and they weren't quite fussy about they ate. They loved Italian, Mexican, and Chinese food - and they were eager to try new things.

The children were on their last slice of pizza, as the front door opened. Violet looked up, as she saw that her parents were walking inside. She felt very surprised, as she wasn't expecting them to come home for a couple more hours. They had plans to go swimming at Briny Beach, as the late spring weather really felt comfortably warm.

"Kids, your mom and I really have some big news for you," commented the children's father, Bertrand. Turning to his wife, Beatrice, he added, "You know, honey, I quite have a hard time believing this has happened. This is still a real big surprise for me."

"What are you talking about, Dad?" Violet asked, feeling so apprehensive. She knew that what made her parents excited didn't always make her and Klaus excited. After all, children and adults often had very different interests. "What's the big news?"

"We will quite soon have a new member in the Baudelaire family," Beatrice gushed, beaming. Turning to her son, she added, "Klaus, you know how you've stated that you sometimes just hate being the youngest in the family? Well, your wish is about to... to come true in several months. In fact, it'll be sometime early next year."

"Wait a minute, Mom!" Violet gasped, as she could barely digest what she heard. "Are you telling us that you're... pregnant?" As Beatrice nodded, she quickly added, "I just find it real surprising, Mom. I mean, aren't you a little too old to have another baby?"

"Honey, I'm only 33 years old," Beatrice commented, very quietly. "I hardly think this makes me real old. I've known woman to have children well into their 40s. I know this might come as a bit of a shock to you, but we sure do have a big and fancy mansion. We could easily make room for another child. Why aren't you kids feeling excited?"

"It's because we're not you, Mom," Violet blurted out. She immediately felt ashamed, as she realized it was very rude to talk back to your parents. Blushing, she added, "I sure didn't mean to sound so rude. I'm sorry, Mom. It's just that... Well, it's only just that it's been the four of us for so long - this really has taken us back by surprise."

"I've actually come to appreciate being the youngest," Klaus added, quietly. "I'm not one to really begrudge you your happiness. I guess I've sure never really been fond of babies. I mean, they just don't even do anything - but cry and wet their diapers."

"Klaus Baudelaire!" Beatrice scolded, firmly but gently. "I really don't appreciate your attitude one bit. You were once a baby yourself. I understand that the crying rather can be loud, but that's really the only way they have to communicate their needs."

"Your mother is totally right, kids," added Bertrand. "I'm not going to lie to you. This is really going to require for certain adjustments to be made - and, not to mention, your mother will need a fair amount of support for several months. There sure is quite a lot of work to be done, but you'll soon come to find this to be one of the greatest joys."

"I'm sorry, Mom," Klaus muttered, nervously. "It's just that I'm already ten years old, and Violet is twelve. It seems very strange to think of how the new baby will be quite younger than me. Violet and I do things together all the time - but it's really just a..."

"Actually, Mom, I really think it's a great idea," Violet was quick to mention. "It'll really give Klaus and I some practice at learning how to be a parent. I can't really speak for Klaus, but I have dreams of getting married someday - and having kids of my own."

"You have a major crush on Brent Baines, don't you?" Klaus asked, teasing. "I bet you quite spend your time fantasizing about living in a big house with him, and having a lot of kids. You're probably even trying out your name with his, Violet Baines. I sure have seen just how you've been looking at him. I bet you just can't wait to turn eighteen!"

"Shut up, Klaus!" snapped Violet, as her face turned red. In a much softer voice, she added, "I didn't mean to yell at you, Klaus - but he's just my friend. There is certainly nothing going on between Brent and I. I will admit that he's cute and all, but I still..."

"Violet, you're only twelve," Beatrice commented, gently. "I really do think that's too young for you to be having a boyfriend. I know you kids are very eager to grow up, but you should certainly value your youth. I quite honestly think you kids don't quite realize how easy you have it. I mean, being an adult really isn't all fun and games."

"Actually, honey, I think it's great to have a mature daughter," Bertrand was quick to say. He then added, "Your mom is very right, though. Violet. I mean, you must never lose your youthful spirit. I sure do think it's best to find a balance between the two."

"Right, exactly," Beatrice replied, as she smiled at her husband. Turning to Violet, she added, "Honey, will you promise me something?" Violet nodded, as she continued, "As you're the oldest, please promise that you'll always take care of Klaus and our baby."

"You always have been real good with younger children," added Bertrand. "So, it'd be so wonderful if you could always look after the younger ones, no matter what trouble should befall you children. After all, your mom and I might not always quite be around to look after you. I know this sounds like a big promise to ask of you, but we really..."

"It's really not such a big thing to ask at all," Violet replied, as she smiled and hugged her father. "I mean, you know how close Klaus and I are - and I feel confident that I will come to love the youngest child, as well. I'd would sure gladly promise you that."

"Thank you very much, sweetheart," Beatrice gushed, as she went to hug Violet. "You know, this really means a lot to us. This baby really came as a surprise to us, as well. I think I should go take a nap, now. It's such a joy to become a mother again, though. I think it will be so wonderful. I still do remember when you were both still tiny babies."

"You have a great rest, Mom," Violet called out, as her mother headed upstairs. She turned to her father, as she added, "Klaus and I quite wanted to head over to Briny Beach - but, if you need us to stick around and help you out, we'd be happy to..."

"Oh, no, you kids go out and have fun," Bertrand replied, jovially. "The weather sure is lovely out. Just make sure you're back home by six. I'm planning to prepare quite a nice dinner for the family tonight. It's a treat. I'm sure you kids would enjoy it a lot."

"That sounds rather wonderful, Dad," Klaus replied, happily. As he and Violet headed outside, he quietly added, "I simply hope he doesn't plan to make liver. That is rather one of the things I can't stomach. I can't stomach peppermints, either - but that's for a slightly different reason. Do you think it might be stuffed shells and garlic bread?"

"I doubt it," Violet replied, shaking her head. "I mean, we have that quite often - and it really does sound like he's planning to prepare something that we only have on just a rare occasion. Anyway, I really can't get over how mom is having another baby."

"Yeah, me either," replied Klaus, quietly. "I rather don't know what to make of this. I didn't mean to be disrespectful to my parents, but I'm not quite sure I could stand to hear crying all the time. I know I was once a baby, too - but I still can't help but..."

"I'm sure you'll come to love him... or her," Violet replied, gently. As the two crossed the street, she added, "The trolley should be arriving quite shortly. It actually is one of the scariest parts about heading off to Briney Beach. After all, that trolley is very rickety - and, well, it would certainly be real scary for it to fall apart... with us on it."

"Well, it hasn't yet," Klaus replied, with a faint smile. "Anyway, just think about all the fun that we'll actually have. Some of our friends might even end up there... like Brent Baines." As Violet scowled, he added, "Lighten up, Violet! I was just kidding around!"

"Yeah, well, that is quite starting to really get on my nerves," snapped Violet. As she saw the wounded expression on her brother's face, she added, "I'm so sorry I yelled at you, but I'd rather appreciate it if you'd stop teasing me about Brent. I mean it!"

"Yeah, I guess," Klaus replied, quietly. After a brief pause, he added, "After the baby is born, do you think he'll end up going him to Briny Beach with us? Mom and Dad quite might expect us to include him in our activities. I fear that our friends would be turned off by that. I mean, will we actually have to bring him with us everywhere we go?"

"Oh, Klaus, you sure worry too much!" Violet replied, laughing. "I'm sure Mom and Dad won't really expect us to do everything with the baby. I guess I can really understand why you're not very excited about this. Anyway, Klaus, I see our trolley coming up."

As Violet and Klaus stepped onto the trolley, Violet began to speculate over what the baby could be like. She wondered if the baby would end up also being skilled, just like her and Klaus. She really smiled to herself, as she realized that she already loved the yet-to-be-born baby. She vowed to really do her best to take care of the new baby.

When the Quagmires and Beaudelaires move to Hill Valley, do they by any chance live in the house that the McFlys lived in all the other universes?

No, actually, they move into an apartment.

I guess everybody shares a room if they live in an apartment. I know Violet and Quigley sleep together. Does Klaus share with Isadora? And Duncan share with Sunny and Beatrice?

Lorraine had two miscarriages before the triplets. Did they by any chance happen in 1963 and 1966?

Yeah, that's right! :)

Which question were you answering?

I guess everybody shares a room if they live in an apartment. Yes!

I know Violet and Quigley sleep together. Does Klaus share with Isadora? Yes!

And Duncan share with Sunny and Beatrice? I was unsure of this one, but I guess it would be unusual for an apartment to have fou bedrooms - so, yes!

Lorraine had two miscarriages before the triplets. Did they by any chance happen in 1963 and 1966? You bet!

I wonder if the VFD burned down Doc's mansion. Since Violet's now 18, I suppose they now have the family fortune.

Hey, that's the good idea! The schism probably occurred in the early '60s. Violet is 16, when she first moves to Hill Valley - so, she wouldn't get the fortune for two years. Someone at another board had suggested the ophans moving in with Doc, and that might be a good idea - until Violet gets the fortune at 18.