The Decuplets

Spain, with and without the S

Scarlett

Max and Corey stood at the head of the living room with a presentation titled "Spain" on the TV.

"So," Max began, "Spain is a beautiful country, and there are many reasons that we should use our bottomless supply of money to go there."

"But the biggest reason," Corey added, "is because our parents are there. Probably in prison still."

"We've been doing some research, and the only way to learn more is to try and track them down in Spain."

Brandon tried to interject, but Corey cut him off. "It's a beautiful country," he repeated.

"And the club scene is crazy," Noah added, grinning big. The air got a little tense as we remembered Gabe's recent situation. "Maybe not," he restated.

"But, there are beaches, good food, and we already picked a resort!" Max cheered.

Ella and I let out our signature squeals, realizing how fun Spain could be. I think our excitement made Brandon even more nervous. "I don't think we can just show up at their prison in Spain. Our uncle and aunt are doing as much as they can," Brandon insisted.

"Come on, it'll be fun!" I said.

Despite looking deeply concerned, he eventually was sold on the idea. For the most part, it would be a relaxing vacation and well spent Spring break. Maybe we could even spend Easter with our parents!

"What exactly is the plan?" Brandon asked.

"Well, as of right now the plan is...to go to Spain. That's all we got," Corey admitted.

"But," Max said, "we have actually done a lot of research, and we know we can find them, imprisoned or not."

"I really hope they're not in prison," Gabe lamented, and I didn't know how to respond. After the hospitalization, talking to him has been like walking on eggshells everyday. I really wanted to make him happy, but I also thought Spain would likely make things worse.

"You never know," Max offered, careful not to hurt his feelings.

"I'm sure they found their way out," I soothed. He nodded, smiling a little at my words.

"So we're doing this?" Clay asked.

"I guess so," Brandon replied.

-

"Shit, I forgot my passport," Corey cursed.

"Oh my God, this is already a mess," Brandon groaned, slapping his palm on his forehead.

"Wait, no, I found it."

We moved through the security line and headed towards our gate. The plane ride was long, but I spent my time fast asleep, as did many of my siblings. When we arrived in Spain, we got to the resort in no time.

It was this beautiful, big resort right on the water with big pools and Spanish style villas, white walls and reddish brown roofs. After checking in, Ella and I went straight to the hot tub, while Max and Corey got to work and ran everything they knew by Brandon.

"Do you think we'll find them?" Ella asked.

"Honestly, no, but I have at least a little faith in the determination of Max and Corey. Plus, Gabe will be super upset if we go home empty handed. He really wants them to be okay."

She nodded. "Maybe we should head back and try to help out."

-

"So here's what we know: Mom and Dad allegedly tried to take out Don Garcia and his under boss Hernandez, which sent them to prison. But no further information exists about their trial, which began around a month ago. The largest prison in the country is the Estremera Prison in Madrid, which is an hour by train. I think our best bet is finding them there considering they attempted murder, which is certainly a high crime."

We all nodded along at Max's plan, slightly surprised that being a detective was another of his hidden talents.

"Maybe we will spend a night in Madrid tomorrow and after that play it by ear. If they're not there, we're going to need to do some deeper research."

"Sounds good to me," Brandon said. A chorus of agreements echoed through the villa.

"Maybe I'll hang back at the resort," Gabe said. "I still don't feel well enough for anything."

"I'll stay with you," Zach said, and I knew better than to chime in and say I'd stay back too. Zach and Gabe's relationship needed more repair than ours.

"Alright, I'll look at train times," Brandon told us.

When we walked out of the room, I turned to Ella and half-whispered, "So are we clubbing tomorrow night or what?"

She smiled and said, "Oh yeah!"