How It Should Have Been

Chapter 20: Moving Forward

Begin!

Universe*

~Normal POV

"Hey everyone," Violet shouted, "We're getting a telegram!"

"A telegram," Duncan said quizzically, "I thought Kit said we wouldn't be able to get information about the meeting."

Everyone else ran into the living room and they all waited in anticipation as the telegraph printed out its paper. They had been told the machine was only for emergencies. The fact that they were receiving a message put them on edge. Once the paper was finished, Violet read it for the others.

Children,

The meeting went according to plan. I will share the details with you when we get there. Dewey and I are on our way. Tell Quigley we're bringing Fiona; I said I'd take her too and her stepfather allowed it. Fernald followed our instructions; he has now been taken into custody willingly, and Miss Widdershins got a chance to say good bye before he did. She knows what he has done to you in the past and she hopes that you can forgive him as she has. We'll be there in a few hours.

-K

"What do you think happened at the meeting," Klaus asked, "It's not like she told us their part of the plan."

"She might just tell us," Isadora noted, "If everything went well then she shouldn't have a reason to keep it from us anymore."

"Victory," Sunny said, which meant, "Does this mean we won?"

"I think so, Sunny," Violet replied.

"Fiona's coming too," Quigley asked barely containing a smile.

"That's what is says," Duncan replied, "See, Romeo, we told you there was nothing to worry about!"

Quigley laughed, "I never said I doubted you I was just worried!"

~...

Several hours later the taxi pulled up to the shack as expected. Kit, Dewey, and Fiona got out and entered the house. Quigley and Fiona embraced and shared a quick kiss, once again not caring who was watching. Kit and Dewey ushered them all into the living room to talk. The two adults sat on the couch together as everyone else gathered around them.

"It's wonderful to finally meet you Baudelaires," Dewey said, "And you too as well Quagmires. I knew your parents well once upon a time, but I haven't been in contact with them in ages."

"Dewey, before anything else, sir," Violet started, "There's something that we've been meaning to ask about. We don't really know who else to ask other than you two."

"Of course, Miss Violet, what's the matter?"

The Baudelaires and the Quagmires shared knowing looks. They thought back to their discussion outside of the Last Chance General Store after learning about V.F.D. from Duncan and Isadora's notes. With everything happening so fast recently, the question was still planned in their heads. Quigley was told of course what this question was, and he too wanted the answer. Duncan held Violet's hand for comfort as she prepared herself for what would likely be an answer they did not want to hear.

"We understand that our parents were involved heavily with V.F.D.," Violet said choosing her words carefully, "And we have been told much about their heroic exploits. However, after much discussion between the six of us, we would like to know: can we decline a position in your organization?"

Dewey and Kit blinked in surprise. They obviously hadn't expected such a question to come from them.

"Decline?"