I'm thinking of doing a Mother's Day fic, which should probably be for the Almanac Universe - and be from Calvin's POV. I might also do one for the ASOUE fandom, as I can imagine the the Baudelaires and Quagmires would really miss their mothers.

I'm not sure if there'll be a backtothefanfic challenge this month - but, if there is, that would make up four ficlets. The one I'll be starting today will be the story where Marty explains to Jennifer about his time travel experiences.

The Real Me

October 27, 1985
1:30 PM PST

Marty swallowed deeply, as he and Jennifer stepped into Francesca's Italian Diner. It felt so great to be back home, even though he still found himself missing Doc. Still, he would try to think positively. His family was certainly more successful, and he actually took a stand against Douglas Needles. The best thing he could do, is look forward.

"Table for two?" asked a middle-aged woman, as she walked up to the couple. Marty nodded, as she added,"You guys really come here a lot! Whoa, Marty, looks like you came as a cowboy! Would you like to have the all you can eat stuffed shells meal?"

"You've got it," Marty replied, as he flashed the waitress a lopsided smile. To Jennifer, he added, "It's really a shame that we missed that trip to the lake, Jennifer. I mean, it was something that we've been planning for two weeks. I really feel so bad about it."

"It bothers me, too," Jennifer agreed, sighing . "So, anyway, Doc really had built a time machine?" As Marty nodded, she continued, "You know, I'm just not very sure that I ever want to take another time travel trip. I mean, I can't quite began to tell you how scared I was. I had no idea what was going on, and I was so confused."

"I'm so sorry, Jenn," Marty replied, softly. "I just had no idea that Doc would drag us through all this. I quite wish he had given me more time to relax." With a wistful sigh, he added, "Well, you really don't have to worry about it! Doc's never coming back."

"Really?" Jennifer asked, shocked. "Oh, Marty, I'm so sorry!" She gently took Marty's hands into hers, as she added, "Say, Marty, why don't you simply tell me about what happened? I mean, when did you find out that Doc had a time machine - and how..."

"It was early yesterday morning," explained Marty. "The thing is, he needed me to be there - so that I could videorecord the experiment. Unfortunately, he did make a deal with Libyan terrorists - as he needed some plutonium for the time machine. After they found out that they were ripped-off, they came after Doc. It was when I ended..."

"I'm not sure what to make of this," Jennifer commented, as she shook her head. "It's quite too risky, what he did. I know that obtaining plutonium is not such an easy task, but I'm sure he could've... Ah, well, never mind. What happened after that, Marty?"

"Well, it was the time that I ended up back in 1955," replied Marty. "I crashed into the Peabody's farm, and it sure was scary. I ended up disrupting my parents first meeting - and, well, it was just the hardest week of my life. I had to fix things, and get my..."

"I can imagine how scary that must've been," Jennifer replied, sympathetically. "I am very interested in time travel stories, and they are so interesting to read about. Still, I'm not very sure I would like that to become reality. So, anyway, what did you have to do - in order to get your parents together? I imagine it would be no easy task!"

"It most certainly wasn't," Marty replied, gimacing. "The thing, my father was quite a different person. In fact, in the timeline that I came from, he was also real different. To make a long story short, I actually had to take my mother to the dance - and..."

"Wait a minute!" cried out Jennifer, as her expression turned to anger. "You cheated on me, with your own mother!" As tears came to Marty's eyes, she continued, "I just don't understand you, Marty! How can you do this to me? I thought I could trust..."

"You think I wanted to do this, Jennifer?" Marty protested, very defensively. As he noticed that some of the other customers were staring at them, he quietly added, "I had to do this, Jenn - or else I would..." Beginning to cry, Marty continued, "I very much dreaded it, Jenn - but this was honestly a set-up, for my father to come..."

"I'm very sorry, Marty," Jennifer replied, softly. "I guess I shouldn't've just jumped to conclusions. Now that I think if it, you know your father's first novel? I thought of the part where Kosh Conad hits on Laura Bates, hoping to make Jordan McCoy come..."

"Yes! Yes!" Marty commented, as he remembered how his father would often tell him of the inspiration behind A Match Made In Space. "At one point, I actually decided to dress up in a radiation suit - and I pretended to be an alien. I scared my father..."

"I'm very sorry that I ever doubted you, Marty," Jennifer apologized, softly. "I guess it was silly for me be jealous of your mother, eh?" As Marty smiled faintly, she added, "I did quite wonder about your father's inspiration behind the novel. It's very strange that you actually were the very inspiration behind it, and that it wasn't a real alien!"

"It's so strange, Jenn," Marty whispered. "I do remember my past both ways. In the current timeline, I sure grew up hearing about Calvin Klein - and being very intrigued by that individual. Of course, now that I know that Calvin Klein was actually me..."

"Think of how weirded out I must feel," Jennifer commented, laughing. "Anyway, what was the old timeline like? In what ways was it different? I would quite guess that you and I were still dating. After you, I do remember how happy you were - about..."

"That I can most definitely assure you of," Marty replied, laughing. "I actually think it's a good sign that, well, that you and I destined to be together. Say, when you were in the future, what all did you find out..." He stopped short, as the waitress brought the food over. "Thanks you very much, miss." To Jennifer, he added, "I'm pretty hungry!"

"Yeah, this really is good stuff," Jennifer agreed. As her voice sobered, she added, "I don't know how to tell you this, Marty. We actually get married in the Chaple O' Love, and it's the the beginning of our... Let's just say that our lives turns our to be bad."

"No kidding?" Marty asked, horrified. "I mean, you simply did mention something about me being fired - and I know that our son turned out to be a wimp. I guess this actually means that I never, uh, became... or will become... a rock star. I feel quite horrible!"

"I have a feeling that not all is quite lost, though," Jennifer said, soothing. "You know how Needles had dared you to race him? Had you taken him up on his offer, you sure would've injured yourself. As you sure managed to avert all that..." Jennifer reached into his pants pocket, she pulled out a sheet of paper. "This paper came from the..."

"... future?" Marty asked, as he surveyed the paper. "It's all blank, though. It doesn't even say anything. What is it that you're trying to show me, Jenn? What could be the significance of this, uh, piece of paper? Is there just something that I'm, uh, missing?"

"Actually, Marty," Jennifer said, quietly, "this used to say 'you're fired'. You somehow ended up working for Needles - and he dared you to, uh, do something illegal. I really didn't catch the specifics. Maybe, by choosing not to race Needles, you actually..."

"Well, maybe there is some hope," Marty said, quietly. "I still don't get why the paper is blank, though. I mean, shouldn't it say something else - something about what our, uh, new future would actually hold? Something like, uh, 'Congratulations on your new album'? It's too bad that Doc isn't coming back. He was such a big part of my life."

"Aw, I'm real sorry," Jennifer replied, softly. "So where is Doc, anyway? Are you sure that there's no quite possible way for Doc to come back. Otherwise, maybe you could go back in time, and rescue him. How did you end up coming back here, anyway?"

"I'm so afraid the time machine is out of commision," Marty replied, sadly. "In fact, it's completely destroyed. To make a long story short, we really had to go back to 1955 - to get a book back from Biff. Doc ended up stranded by in 1885. I went to rescue..."

"Wow! 1885?" Jennifer gasped, stunned. "That's exactly a century ago! I suppose it would be so hard for Doc to build a new time machine, seeing as how the technology wasn't anywhere near as advanced as... I certainly can't imagine living back then. It would be so... Well, I would certainly miss the comforts of today. It would be so..."

"I sure missed listening to rock music," Marty commented, sighing. "I didn't even have my headset with me, this time. It also really feels great to just go back to eating 20th Century food. Some of the food that I ate in 1885 was actually pretty good, but I..."

"You look so good, though," Jennifer pointed out, "wearing that cowboy outfit. I think you should wear this for Halloween. After all, you do look just a lot like Clint Eastwood - and it's quite sexy on you. I bet, even in five years, you'll look incredibly sexy in it!"

"Oh, Jenn," replied Marty, blushing. "The thing is, even if there was a way for Doc to build a new time machine - I don't think he would want to. After all, he rather insisted that the time machine should be destroyed. Anyway, now that he's sure got Clara - I guess he'd rather stay in the past. Of couse, he could always bring Clara to 1985..."

"I'm sure that would be a huge adjustment for her, though," suggested Jennifer. "So, anyway, how were things different? I'm pretty glad that you and I were still a couple, but what about your family... and your friends? It sounds like a lot must've changed."

"Well, let's just say that my family life really wasn't as successful," replied Marty. "Dad was still bullied around by Biff Tannen, and Mom was a huge alcoholic. Linda was quite insecure, and Dave worked at Burger King. It's amazing that I didn't change much."

"That looks like a huge change!" gasped Jennifer, as she was impressed. "You should be so proud of yourself, Marty. You sure did a lot, in order to influence your family. I believe it's quite best to look forward. I know you simply miss Doc a lot, but just think of what he always says. If you put your mind to it - you can accomplish anything."

My Real Mother

May 11, 1986
1:30 PM PDT

Calvin McFly smiled warmly at his mother, Lorraine. He and his twin, Marty, decided to treat their mother to lunch at Francesca's Italian Diner. It was a pretty special day for him, in particular - as he hadn't been quite able to properly celebrate Mother's Day for many years. After all, he had only been in this world for seven and a half months.

His own name really used to Martin Seamus McFly, and he had spent most of his life in boarding schools - which really was preferable to living at Biff's Pleasure Paradise. Biff Tannen had been his stepfather from the fall of 1975, and he was always a tyrant.

Fortunately, he had been able to escape that terrible world. He had since changed his name to Calvin William McFly, as he had a double in this world. They both had a pretty good relationship most of the time, even though Calvin did sometimes envy his twin.

"This is so nice," Lorraine commented, dreamily. "It was so sweet of you boys to take me out." As she glanced between Calvin and Marty, she added, "It's quite strange to think that, in one way, you're both really alike - yet, in another way, you're also sure different. The two of you really exemplify the whole nature versus nurture debate."

"I guess so," replied Calvin, as he flashed his mother a lopsided smile. "It's real nice to be able to spend my first Mother's Day celebration with you like this. It's sure great to see you this happy. I mean, the Biff from the other world had treated you so badly."

"I still do remember that horrid dream," Lorraine replied, grimacing. "It just felt too real for me. My old friends, Babs and Betty, were forced to be his sex slaves. It feels good to have him working for us, and I'm so lucky to have a wonderful husband in George."

"Well, let's not think about Biff," suggested Calvin, softly. "It feels so good to have a real family. I wish I could've grown up with you. Marty and I have become real close, and I'm just not sure that I'm ready for adulthood. It's too bad that I can't go back in time, and reverse my age. You're not going to kick us out at eighteen, are you?"

"Don't be silly, honey," Lorraine replied, as she put her arm around Calvin. "We really do love you, and you can stay for as long as you'd like. You really don't have to be in any hurry to grow up. The thing is, you always will be our children. All four of you."

"Mom is absolutely right, Cal," Marty replied, warmly. "I can hardly wait to get out of high school, though. I do understand that Mr. Strickland really isn't the worst person that you've ever, but I still can barely stand him. I mean, he really hates my guts."

"He doesn't seem to be too fond of me, either," Calvin replied, softly. "Still, he's much better than Biff Tannen. I guess the classes quite seem to be a little easier for me, as the stuff that I had learned at boarding schools was actually advanced. I'm also quite determined to make something of my life. The thing, that has always been my goal."

"We're certainly proud of you, honey," replied Lorraine. "I know that you haven't had a very easy life, and it's good to know that you've been able to rise over all that. The thing is, all of our life's experiences are what helps to just shape us into who we are."

"The thing is, Dave and Linda never quite had that same ambition," Calvin commented, sighing. "I was quite determined to never just give up on life. Of course, it's not to say that I never got discouraged - like the time that I was kicked out a boarding school."

"Actually, that just reminds me of the original timeline," Marty pointed out, with a faint smile. "It was somewhat the same way. Dave and Linda also didn't seem to quite have the same ambition as me. I guess I was always the type to simply go against the flow, and not be discouraged. Of course, there were still times when I felt discouraged."

"I guess that actually does say a lot about us," Calvin replied, laughing. "Of course, I don't quite think we should brag - but... Well, I'm just amazed by the differences and similarities between us. I mean, we are essentually the same person - but we also..."

"You're both special," Lorraine pointed out, softly. "In your own way, you're both real special - and I'm sure proud to have both of you for my sons. I think it was real sweet of you both to treat me. Right now, I feel like I'm the luckiest mother in the world."

"Calvin and I have made this photo album for you," explained Marty, as he pulled out a small package. "You see, this album contains pictures that we took of you - and the pictures with the three of us together. The pictures were all taken just within the last eight months. We also have a journal of the most memorable events of our lives."

"That's so sweet of you!" gushed Lorraine, as she flipped through the photo album. "I see that you've put a lot of work into this. I sure think it's good to know that you care so much. You know, it does sadden me - thinking about how you're almost eighteen."

"Aw, you don't have to worry about that," reassured Calvin. "The thing is, I've always wanted to have a family. The way Biff had treated you was rather heartbreaking, and I just felt so bad. Of course, I terribly missed Dad - but you've actually had it worse."

"You really have taught me a lot, Cal," Marty replied, as he gently squeezed his twin's arm. "I admit that I used to take my family for granted - in both timelines, that is. This is something that I feel real ashamed about. With having you for a twin, though - you really helped me to see thing in a new life. I must say, I sure learned a lot from you."

"You taught me a lot, as well," Calvin replied, as flashed a lopsided smile. "I just didn't think I could ever be this happy. I have so much to be grateful for. It would simply be nice, if our band ever took off. It's nice to be the rhythm guitarist of The Pinheads."

"I think we truly are one unique family," Lorraine pondered, dreamily. "It's so strange to think that my own son was what made us the happy family that we really are. As I really think of how I kept hitting on you, though - well, that part bothers me a little."

"Well, there's no way you could've known," Marty reminded his mother. "I mean, you really had no idea. As far as you were concerned, I was just this real mysterious boy that your father ran over. It certainly wasn't a real easy week for me. I had so much to be concerned about. Of course, it was also a very rewarding experience for me."

"I still remember our first date," Lorraine said, dreamily. "It was the next day, and we ate at Holt's Diner. Your father and I sure had a lot of stuff to discuss, and he was so sweet. I also encouaged him to stand up to Biff. He sure did have a lot of potential."

"I do remember admiring my dad," replied Calvin. "I was just a little boy, when he was shot. He really had so much potential, and he never let himself be discouraged. I sure remember wanting to be just like him. In fact, he did inspire me to think positively."

"I never knew him that well," added Lorraine, "but I never felt that it was right that he was picked on. I just remember the day, when he stopped at Lou's Cafe - and he tried to ask me out. I thought it was so sweet, but my friend that that it was very creepy. I didn't see it that way. The thing is, his shyness sort of... Well, it reminded me of you."

"Me? Shy?" Marty asked, laughing. "I always thought I was real outgoing, but I guess I was nervous. I mean, I always loved you - but certainly not in that way. I sure was put off by that idea. I felt that you were hot, but you were still... my mother."

"I always felt that we were connected," explained Lorraine. "It was so hard to explain the feeling, and I guess I just assumed that it was love. After all, I really felt that you were so cute. You were also brave. In that cafeteria, when you stood up to Biff..."

"I think he was just wanting to do the right thing," suggested Calvin. "I never felt that it was right to pick on other people. Of course, I really had to deal with Biff putting me down - and Cliff and Miff had also picked on me. As a result, I did know very well what it felt like - and I never wanted to inflict it on anyone else. I never did like nastiness."

"I certainly realize that, now," replied Lorraine. "I guess I was real lovestruck, I wasn't thinking clearly. Of course, there was also the fact that nobody else ever tried to stop Biff. I guess the whole school was scared of him, and he certainly was intimidating."

"It's so nice to see that the tables have been turned," commented Calvin. "I just think it's hilarious, the way that Biff gets very timid around Dad. You sure have no idea just how good it makes me feel. It really is a far cry from having him be a powerful man."

"You can say that, again," replied Marty. "I thought it was bad enough, when Biff was Dad's superviser. I never really understood why he was always telling me to say 'hi' to you. I sometimes think that, without him, the world would be such a better place. Still, as much as we hate to admit, he was responsible for making you and Dad fall in love."

"Well, that is true," replied Lorraine, softly. "Still, I think more of the credit belongs to 'Calvin Klein'... to you. You know, the very concept of time travel really does confuse me - but, when all is said and done, I'm happy to have the two of you as my sons."

Calvin just glanced at his twin, and then his mother. There was one thing that he was real certain of. While he didn't grow up in this world, Lorraine was still his real mother. While his family certainly had an extraordinary background, he still had a real family.

"Let's have a toast!" Calvin and Marty suggested, simultaneously. As the two of them laughed nervously, they raised up their glasses of Pepsi Free. "We really would like to raise a toast to a special woman. She loves us unconditionally, and she sure has been a strength and guide for us. She is... our mother!" With that, the glasses clanked.

Remembering Mom

May 9, 1986
4:00 PM PDT

Quigley Quagmire swallowed deeply, as he glanced at Violet Baudelaire. Klaus, Violet's brother, sat next to Quigley - while Isadora, Quigley's sister, sat next to Violet. There was just so much that the Quagmires really had in common with the Baudelaires. They had been orphaned five years ago, and they had gone through so much tragedies.

They were at Francesca's Italian Diner, as two of the Quagmires were dating two of the Baudelaires. Violet, who was the eldest of the group, was nineteen - while Klaus was seventeen. Quigley and Isadora, along with Duncan, were almost eighteen.

Duncan was dating Jennifer Parker - and they were at Hill Valley Park, with Sunny and Beatrice Baudelaire. Sunny was six, while Beatrice was four. Beatrice was actually the daughter of Dewey Denouement and Kit Snicket, but the Baudelaires adopted her.

"Jennifer is so lucky," Isadora said, with a sigh. "I'm sure she has special plans for this Sunday. I know that I shouldn't begrudge Jennifer her happiness, but... I know it has been nearly five years ago, but the pain of it never quite goes away. I mean, I never will stop remembering her. I really hope that we can see our own children grow up."

"Just imagine what it was like for us," Violet pointed out. "I mean, not only did we lose our parents - but we also had Count Olaf stalking us. It was like, well... It seemed like we could hardly ever catch a break. Things really just kept on getting worse for us."

"I can imagine that it wasn't very pleasant," Quigley replied, sympathetically. "It was such a long year for us, until Friday had informed us as to where you were. We very much were worried about you. The thing is, we weren't even sure if you were alive."

"Well, everything is now in the past," replied Klaus. "If anything, our experiences sure made us into stronger people. Of course, there simply were a lot of times, when I was mad at God - for allowing all the tragedy to happen to us. I simply couldn't understand why we were so unfortunate. Granted, I still don't quite understand - but I guess..."

"We also have a lot to be thankful for," added Violet. "I mean, there were quite a few very friendly folks who went looking for us. If it wasn't for them, we really might have drowned. I'm sure thinking of going to college, and maybe becoming a social worker."

"That would be awesome," replied Quigley, as he flashed Violet a lopsided smile. "With you as a social worker, and Jennifer as a child psychologist - we can expect that you'll both do your part to make the world a better place. After all, with these Tannens..."

"Oh, I just can't stand Miff Tannen," grumbled Isadora. "He tried to hit on me, today - while insisting that I was sexy, just like my mother. He simply had the gall to add that, since his father never quite got my mother, that he should have me." With a sigh, she added, "It's bad enough that our mother is dead - but does he have to rub it in, too?"

"I'm real sorry, Iz," Klaus replied, sighing. "I really wonder if that might be part of the reason why Miff always picks on me. I mean, I know he thinks I'm some sort of nerd - but he probably resents the fact that you and I are together. The Tannens really..."

"Douglas Needles is just as bad," pointed out Quigley, sighing. "I really don't get why he has to pick on me. Granted, I really understand how much he hates how I provide aid and comfort to those that he picks on - but I just try be a very friendly person."

"I'm sure he wishes that he could be as cute as you," Violet replied, coyly. "He resents how you can be so nice to everyone, and still be popular. If more people at the school were just like you, it really would be a better place. I must say that the school really is a lot better than Prufrock Prep. I can't say that I'm too fond of Mr. Strickland, but..."

"He's certainly a lot better than Vice Principal Nero, right?" asked Klaus. "I was happy to hear that the school was shut down. It sure was the most horrible school that I've ever went to. I remember how that Orphan Shack was such a horrible piece of shit."

"You can say that, again," replied Isadora. "Anyway, I really can't say that I'm looking forward to Mother's Day. I sure badly wish that we could go back in time, and prevent my mother from dying. I remember how loving she always was, and I just miss her."

"I really miss my mother, too," agreed Violet. "In a way, Sunny and Beatrice are quite lucky to have no memories of their mothers. I'm quite sure they often wish they knew something about her. Still, I believe that remembering them is even more painful. I do miss her. I really believe that Count Olaf was, in some way, involved with the fire."

"It could be anybody from the fire-starting side of the VFD," explained Quigley. "Well, I'm sure this Sunday won't be completely depressing. I'm quite certain that Sunny and Beatrice will have a very special present for the two of you. We could also visit Doc."

"I suppose you're right, Quig," replied Violet. "I'm real sure that Doc misses his mother a lot, as well. It really was nice for him to take us in. Think of how lonely he must feel, some of the time. Some people in this town really think that he's a crackpot scientist."

"Well, only the uptight folks," pointed out, Klaus. "You know, people who are much like Mr. Strickland and Count Biff. I'm certain that they hardly ever really have a kind word to say about anyone, if you know what I mean. Even though, besides us, he does not seem to have many other close friends. Well, there's also Sabrina Palmer - but she..."

"Speaking of Sabrina," added Violet, "I sometimes wish that she could erase our minds of all the bad things that have ever happened to us. It would just be wonderful, if we could ever remove the fire-starting side of the VFD from the world. Do you think..."

"I'm afraid that it's just next to impossible," replied Quigley, as tears filled his eyes. "I would like to try to remain optimistic, but I don't think we'll ever reach utopia. I simply don't think it's possible. I know that the schism had occurred back in 1965, and I..."

"Do you think the world would actually be better off," asked Isadora, "if more people knew about the VFD. I mean, with it being a very top-secret organization, it's maybe quite too dangerous to not have people know about it. I wish we could find out more about what had caused the schism. I'm wondering if the VFD is even a good idea."

"I simply don't like the part about removing children from their homes," replied Klaus. "I find that to not be very moral." As he took in a deep breath, he added, "Well, what do you guys want to do this Sunday? We could maybe spend a little bit of time with Doc."

"Well, Beatrice and Sunny said that they had presents for us," replied Violet. "It's just real strange to think that the girls are growing up. Even though Sunny was just a tiny baby, she has gone through for us. Remember when we were at 667 Dark Avenue?"

"I do remember how horrid that was," Klaus replied, shuddering. "Also, when we were at Lucky Smells Lumbermill, Sunny used her teeth to save us. I felt pretty bad for her, when she was kidnapped by Count Olaf's troupe. It couldn't've been very fun, for her to being stuck on Mount Fraught. It does sometimes seem like it was just yesterday.

"Well, that was also where I met you guys," Quigley reminded the crowd. "Of course, I'm not happy that you children went through so much grief - but I'm glad that I really was able to meet you all. I almost think it was destiny, that we all met each other."

"I cannot quite deny that," Violet replied, coyly. She reached out, and lovingly ran her finger through the dimple in Quigley's left cheek - as she added, "Y'know, Quig, I quite love those gorgeous slate blue eyes of yours. You really look a lot like Michael J Fox."

"Thank you," Quigley replied, beaming. "I sure wish I could be as talented as him. I do enjoy drawing maps, though. It looks like you really have some big goals. I mean, you would like to be a social worker - and you also would like to get a doctorate in physics, like Doc. I'm so glad that we decided to move to Hill Valley. Doc is such a cool man."

"Yeah, it's a real pleasure to know Dr. Emmett Brown," agreed Violet. "Of course, I've learned a lot of big words from him - and that, of course, is more Klaus' department. I really do look up to him. I know that he sometimes does wish that he had a family."

"Y'know, we could maybe find somebody to hook him up with," Isadora suggested, as her brown eyes were twinkling. "I guess we shouldn't meddle, though. Could you just imagine Doc with his own family, though? He sort of was like a father to us, y'know."

"It's nice playing mother to Sunny and Beatrice," explained Violet, "but I still wish that I had someone to call a mother. I really wish I had someone to hold me, and make me feel very safe and secure. The thing is, I do dislike how I always have to be the adult around here. The thing is, I sometimes just wish that I could be Sunny or Beatrice."

"I do understand what you mean, Violet," Quigley replied, very softly. "However, just remember that Sunny didn't always have it that easy. You were just talking about the times that she had to use her biting skills to save you guys. Just thinking about it..."

"Her teeth sure are still sharp," commented Klaus. "Of course, she's now a little more into cooking - but, with her sharp teeth, you really don't need to have a can opener. Violet and I were never very good cooks, and I suppose that talent went to Sunny."

Quigley just smiled at everyone, as he thought of Sunny really did prepare some good meals. He figured that Sunny would really be planning a very special meal for Mother's Day. As much as he missed his parents, he realized that he still had a loving family. He really did have a lot to be thankful for. He suddenly was looking forward to Sunday.

Motherly Love

May 11, 1986
11:30 AM PDT

Violet Baudelaire was taking a walk at Hill Valley Park - as she was with her boyfriend, Quigley Quagmire. The two had been dating for just over three years, although they had met quite over a year before that. However, the Baudelaires had been stranded on an island for a whole year. Violet remembered just how much she missed Quigley.

It was Mother's Day, and the two youngest Baudelaires had mentioned that they had a surprise for Violet - as well as Isadora, Quigley's triplet sister. Duncan, who was the other triplet, had stayed home with Sunny and Beatrice - who were six and four.

"I really wonder what Sunny is cooking for us," Violet pondered, as she gazed at her boyfriend. "I admit that I sometimes feel a little jealous of her, as cooking had never been my strong point. Then again, I guess I'm actually the inventer of our group."

"And a great inventer you are," replied Quigley, as he flashed a lopsided smile. "With you and Doc working together, I'm very sure that you'll be able to invent many great things. If anything, with you two working together, we may have flying cars in a few decades. You know, Violet, I sometimes wish that I had the ability to invent things."

"Well, you do invent maps," Violet pointed out, laughing. "Do you remember how you got an A, when you did a map on Hill Valley?" As Quigley nodded, she added, "An excellent job, it was! The thing is, we all do happen to have our very special talents."

"I know how much young Beatrice likes bats," Quigley replied, laughing. "I bet some of the people in town would think we were crazy, if they found out we had pet bats. She and Sunny really do get along, and they both do seem to enjoy playing video games."

"I think playing video games can be beneficial," commented Violet, "when it's done in moderation. Granted, it's not exactly good to play them all the time - but it could still help you practice your hand-eye coordination skills and strategic thinking. It's not as terrible, as some people would have you think. I think we know how Klaus feels..."

"Well, yeah, he thinks video games are a waste of time," replied Quigley. "I can't say that I'm too surprised. He certainly is entitled to his opinions, and there certainly isn't anything wrong with liking books. I like books, too - but I'm mostly into sci-fi stories."

"Well, you know my brother," Violet replied, laughing. "Y'know, I always like doing the fill-in puzzles - but he really prefers the more traditional kind of crossword puzzles. Of course, you know how much he's always been into learning all kinds of information."

"It's funny how math is his worst subject," Quigley said, softly. "Yet, math has always been your best subject." He glanced at his watch, as he added, "It's really time for us to start heading back. I'm beginning to feel quite hungry, and I can hardly wait to see just what the little ones have up their sleeves. I bet the meal will be very delicious!"

"Maybe it'll be pasta puttanesca," teased Violet. As the couple laughed, she added, "I guess stuffed shells is more her specialty, anyway. We probably won't be having that for lunch. Anyway, now that I know what 'puttanesca' means, I can see just how..."

"... Olaf took offence, right?" Quigley finished, laughing. "You know, roast beef really is something that I could take or leave. I prefer a nice serloin steak. Anyway, I simply love Italian. I really like eating beef French dip sandwiches, though - and the au jus."

"Yeah, those are real nice," Violet agreed, as she put her arm around Quigley. "When Count Olaf had asked us to cook for him and his troupe, Klaus and I really didn't know what to do - and Sunny's cooking skills hadn't surfaced, yet. Justice Strauss was very helpful, though. Speaking of which, I really do think that we should give her a call."

"Young Bertrand really is getting to be a big boy," Quigley replied, indulgently. "As for Friday, it's hard to believe that she's almost eleven years old. I sure think Jerome and Kathy are happy together. Although, come to think of it, I wonder just how Esme..."

"She does seem to be a much nicer person," replied Violet. "I believe it was the fire at the Hotel Denouement that has caused her to rethink her ways. Come to think of it, I wonder how Carmelita Spats is doing. I heard that she suffered third-degree burns."

"She also seemed to be nicer," replied Quigley. "She was still a young girl. I mean, she is two years younger than Klaus. She will be fifteen this year. I really think the reason why she acted out, was because her parents had abandoned her. I just feel sorry for her, as that can be very painful. That is actually much worse than being orphaned."

"I guess I simply can't argue with that," Violet replied, softly. "I mean, I know that our parents have always loved us. It's sad that they're gone - but it would've been rather worse, if they just decided to abandon us. So, when you really think of it that way..."

"Well, I bet Sunny and Beatrice can hardly wait for us," replied Quigley. "I didn't know Kit Snicket too well, but she seemed like a very caring lady. I quite wonder what she'd think of her daughter. Well, you certainly are doing a good job of bringing her up."

oooooooooo

As soon as Violet and Quigley stepped into their apartment, the smell of chicken was coming from the kitchen. Violet smiled, as she thought of how Sunny really had good culinary skills. In fact, she even managed to create some of her own recipes. It sure was a huge talent for a young girl. She had managed to impress a lot of people.

Beatrice suddenly walked up. Around her waist, there was a wide, frilly pink tutu. On her head, there was a pink crown - which really was decorated with light pink ribbons and dark pink flowers. There were two pink hearts that were drawn on her cheeks.

There were two pink wings on her back, and pink ballet shoes on her feet. Around her neck, there a stethoscope - with some pink puffballs on it. She was holding a long pink wand, with a bright pink star at the end. The costume looked very familar to Violet.

"Doesn't she look very gorgeous?" asked Isadora, as she lifted up Beatrice. As Sunny stepped into the room, she added, "Lunch really does smells good. I bet you've really been working on this all morning." As Sunny nodded, she added, "This really looks like a nice day. It's too bad that Doc couldn't come over. He said that he was real busy."

"Well, we could maybe spend Father's Day with him," suggested Violet. As Sunny and Beatrice skipped off to the kitchen, she added, "Y'know, I remember that I just hated the costume - when it was on Carmelita. On Beatrice, though, it looks very lovely!"

"It certainly does," Duncan does, as he stepped into the room. "I also love the purple dress that Sunny is wearing. At any rate, the girls quite have some presents for both of you ladies." As Sunny and Beatrice stepped back in, he added, "Here they are."

"Here you go," Sunny commented, just as she handed the two packages to Violet and Isadora. "I don't remember my real mother, but you've always been just like a mother to me. Both of you, I mean. Beatrice and I have always looked up to you, and we are lucky to have a family. You've always did your best to care for us, and to protect us."

As Violet opened up her package, there was a beaded bracelet. It was made of purple beads, and her name was written out in yellow beads. There were two purple ribbons, as well as a handmade card. On the front, there was a nice picture of Violet drawn.

As Violet opened up the card, she read the message: "Thank you for protecting me. I am quite grateful. I don't remember my mother, but I always saw you as a mother. It is a pleasure to have you for an older sister. I love you so much. Your sister, Sunny."

"Aw, Sunny, thank you," Violet replied, as she had tears in her eyes. She hugged her sister, as she added, "That is such a beautiful card. I'll always treasure it, Sunny." As she turned to Isadora, she added, "I quite love your bracelet. I also like your beaded necklace. I think it would look so good on you, and I'll just put on one of my ribbons."

"Open my presents," commented Beatrice, as she handed the packages to Violet and Isadora. "I made this for you, when I was in daycare. I really hope you girls love it. I never knew my real mother, but I just feel very fortunate to have you care for me."

As Violet opened up her package, she saw that there was a big suncatcher. Her name of it, and there was a young girl holding a flower. Tears, once again, was in her eyes. She reached out, as she held Beatrice closely. Violet felt great love for the little girl.

"I love that suncatcher," Isadora gushed. "I can tell that you girls really went out to make the day special. Well, I don't know about you - but I sure am feeling hungry. I love chicken. Anyway, we simply are one big happy family. I mean, we might not be the typical family - but we are still a genuine family. I really love every one of you."

Violet smiled at Isadora, as she nodded in agreement. She really did her parents, but she still had a family. It was sometimes hard being the oldest, but it felt very good to have people looking up to her. She could hardly wait to have children with Quigley.

"Lunch is ready, everyone," called out Sunny. "I made some fried chicken, along with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans. For dessert, I made a chocolate cake - and we can maybe have some ice cream. Happy Mother's Day, Violet and Isadora!"

As Violet sat at the table, she thought of how happy she was. While it was true that she didn't have a very easy life, she still had a lot to be thankful for. It sure felt nice to live with the Quagmire triplets, and to be raising the girl that Kit Snicket had given birth to. While it wasn't always easy to be a mother, it certainly was a real privilege.

Hey, Needles, I was just thinking of a ficlet I should do next month. I'm thinking of doing a ficlet where Marty and Calvin (of the Almanac Universe) is grounded, and it's the first time that Calvin was grounded. How does that sound?

Sounds good.