His company was well passed booming by now. The way his mother started to support him was unbelievable. After years of being frowned upon she finally understood. The women even went as far as to buy him a suit[with the money he made, though Once-ler ignored that fact]. What he currently did not understand was why his mother was dragging him down the twisting hallways towards their lab for testing thneeds.
"Come on, Oncie, pick up your pace." she hissed before giving him a smile. To him [even though the smile was obviously forced] meant much more then the money he was racking in.
"Sorry, I'm just tired. I was up all nig-" he started to ramble, hands shifting with his words as if it'd help his cause.
"Hush, Darlin', I know you've been working your skilled little fingers to the bone. I'm so proud of you for that." she said, stopping to show a caring look on her face. He really wished she'd just listen for once."After this you can go back to your desk and do paper work instead of all this hard work-" Did she even really have faith in him? "-I'll handle that." she said, pinching his cheek lightly before patting it. A sheepish smile pressed onto his lips, nodding because he knew his words would be disregarded. Once-ler had no urge to do paperwork, he wanted to curl up and sleep in his comfy new bed or just sit outside on the sun. Relax. But that'd have to wait, this company needed him. He'd rest up when time wasn't worth so much. That also meant avoiding arguments with his stubborn mother.
"That sounds fine, Ma." he told her causing her to smile and continue walking, leading him to a door that was guarded by his brothers. It made him feel uneasy, curious enough to press forwards into the matter.
He was utterly baffled at this. He was horrified. What he seen at the room had his mouth left agape. The features in this thing were much to familiar for comfort. Long limbs were tangled in a thin white blanket, green eyes staring at the Once-ler with fear. Green eyes scrambled to the corner of the bed it currently was on. Pity hit Once-ler but didn't last as he remember the situation at hand.
"M-me…?" he stuttered, looking at his mother who seemed way to calm about this, fingers resting under her chin with a [loving?] smile while his face was at unease and arms flailing about.
"It took a few tries, but they just about got it. A clone! Just in case you need a scapegoat." she stated, her voice telling him that was an entire lie.
"Why would I need a scapegoat?" Oncie blurts out, astonished at this. How was this even possible? His own self? He walked forwards but was stopped by a firm hand on his arm. Chet's.
"He's not ready for anything yet, almost. A few weeks of adjusting and he'll be here to help with all that horrible stress." She avoided the question with ease, but gave no room for him to speak again as she yelled out for Chet and Bret.
Then he was shoved out of the room, barely being able to snag another glance at his…clone…the thought of it made his head ache. The only difference the Once-ler could even tell was their eyes. The clone had eyes as green as money, it was breathtaking.