Okay, here's the second one shot for this series thing. I hope you enjoy it because it might be my last for a while. French, English, History, Math and Science exams draw closer as does the end of my holiday... in fact, I go back on the 17th which is bad. Anyway, Hope you like it.

Dediction: I'd like to dedicate this to berru who reviewed my last chapter. Thanks honey, nice to know that someone's reading this.


After being reunited with my adopted family again... and eating my fair share of delicious pancakes because I looked ' underfed and sickly', as Willy had kindly said, the eccentric chocolatier and his apprentice decided to take me on a tour around the whole factory. By this time, I had already forgiven the plum wearing man for the whole crying incident as he did let me beat him mercilessly with his favourite top hat. Now when I accepted their invitation, I wasn't expecting the whole thing to be as big. If I were honest, I was expecting a quick hour tour before being kicked out so I could go find myself a job... oh believe me, I couldn't have been further from what happened even if I physically tried to miss the mark.


" So, this is probably the most important room in the factory... the invention room!" Willy announced, his arms spread out to the side of him. Without being able to control myself, I cupped my hands around my mouth and began doing those creepy ' duh duh dun!' sounds, just to add some sort of effect. Really, it wasn't that dramatic but it was funny when he stuck his bottom lip out, pouting like a freaking toddler.

" You're supposed to be impressed... those kids were. Couldn't wait to put their sticky hands all over my amazing equipment.". Now, I don't know if it was the way that he said the word 'equipment' or because I was just filthy minded but when he uttered that sentence, everything in my head began screaming ' innuendo!' which, of course, made me laugh my little head off. Charlie, probably seeing the thoughts in my mind the moment they got there, simply rolled his eyes and apologised for my behaviour without any sort of explanation. Personally, I couldn't blame him. What would he possibly say? ' Don't worry Willy. My idiotic sister is simply laughing because it sounds as though you're talking about the other contestants wanted to touch your junk with their sticky hands.' Wouldn't go down well but in my mind, it only fuelled more laughter.

" Charlie, I think the coca beans have effected her already. No wonder really... did you see how much syrup she had around her mouth by the end of breakfast?". Gasping, I looked at him through watery eyes, narrowing them slightly.

" Oh r-really... Mr W-Wonka? You were the one who ate 7 stacks, after dipping them in the chocolate river! You're the guy w-who made the d-damn chocolate so addictive! I couldn't control myself!". Really, looking back on it, my defence wasn't amazing but I didn't care at that moment. He had sat there, right beside me, chocolate on his vest and dripping down his chin like some little kid because he couldn't control his damn candy addiction.

" Well... I enjoy chocolate. No use owning the best chocolate factory in the world if you don't like chocolate, is there my dear lady? No there isn't."

" Well, that Mike Teevee didn't giving a flying Bog-badongler about chocolate, if you didn't notice. He just wanted to prove he was a smart whizzler. What if he won? What would you have done then wise guy?"

" Luna? Seriously? What's with the weird made up words?"

" Actually Charlie, they're not made up. Basically, she's saying that Mike Teevee didn't give a flying monkeys about chocolate and that he just wanted to prove that he was a smart cookie. She said it in Loomponian which is strange because that language as been gone for centuries." he murmured, eyeing me up with a weird look on his face. Suddenly, I felt as though I was some coco bean beneath a microscope or a walnut in that hands of one of his squirrels.

" How do you know them? If you don't mind me asking you of course.". Looking down, I shuffled my feet nervously, trying to think of an answer. Really, I had been using words like since a child, since my mother told me that swearing was bad. I had a whole dictionary written in my notepad at home, each pages filled with definitions of wacky words that could be used for substitutes so I would never get in trouble.

" I just made them up so I wouldn't get in trouble for saying bad words. The funnier sounding, the better though, children did tend to avoid me because of them." I confessed, looking up at him through my eyelashes. For a few seconds, his face remained blank but then a wide grin crept onto his face and it seemed that the whole corridor instantly went brighter because of it.

" What an imagination my dear! Lovely! Truly. Now come, we better not dilly or dally because there is so little to see and so much time to see it in..."

" Willy, you might what to pause, strike and reverse that." I whispered, smiling slightly at the confused look on his face; once he figured out what it was he said, he nodded.

" Yeah, I apologise and thank you for correcting my blunder. Now, shall we?" he asked, offering his arm like they did in the old movies that I loved, accompanied by a wink that for some unknown reason, caused my cheeks to grow warmer. Charlie simply looked up at me, throwing a wink that was similar to that of his mentor. Giggling, I slipped my arms through his, resting it gentle in the crook of his elbow. Beneath my fingers, I could feel the plum velvet his jacket was made of as it tickled my fingertips. Taking his cane in his free hand, he tapped the door which caused it to swing open, revealing a dozen or so machines, each one looking abnormal and making some of the prettiest sounds.

"Sie kommen jetzt in den interessantesten und gleichzeitig geheimsten raum meiner fabrik. Meine Damen und Herren, der Inventing Room." he murmured, leading me and Charlie into it. My little brother's eyes lit up happily, showing me that he was familiar with this particular room the most as it didn't light up as much in the nut sorting room or fudge mountain though there did lie a sparkle in his blue depths.

" I'm sorry Willy but I don't understand... Dutch, was it?"

" Close dear, so close yet no candy bar. It was German... and what did I say Charlie?". The young boy beamed then stood up a little straight, clearing his throat gently. So Mr Wonka had been teaching him German too? Well, I guess if you're going to be working with people from every country in the world, you'll need to be fluent in at least English, French, German,Chinese and Spanish as they are the 5 main languages used in the world. Besides, it couldn't hurt learning another language or 4, could it?

"You have now come to the most interesting and, at the same time, the most secret room of my factory. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Inventing Room.". Smiling, I ruffled his hair with my spare hand before being dragged through. It all looked amazing! Tanks filled with gob stoppers, huge machines that make gum taste like 3 course meals but my personal favourite had to be the hair toffee. The poor little guy who tried that looked like cousin 'it' from the Adams family which was rather cute in a scary way yet all I wanted to do was sit and plait their hair.

" Mr Wonka, who are your helpers? I don't want to be mean but they're not exactly human."

" Ah, I was wondering when you would notice the Oompa Loompa's. Admittedly, most are a little frightened by them."

" Why? They seem okay, I mean if they weren't, you wouldn't let them touch your candy. I was just curious is all."

" Willy found them when he went to Loompa land." Charlie told me, offering me some form of explanation which I really appreciated but luckily, Willy was happy to have a bit of a story time.

"Oh, what a terrible country it is. The whole place is nothing but thick jungles infested by the most dangerous beasts in the entire world. Hornswogglers and snozzwangers and those terrible, wicked Whangdoodles. I went to Loompaland looking for exotic new flavours for candy. Instead, I found the Oompa Loompas. They were so small and helpless, they would get gobbled up right and left. A Whangdoodle would eat ten of them for breakfast and think nothing of it." He explained, looking at some of his workers who seemed to quake in fear at the mere mention of such horrible beasts. His violet eyes were so soft and compassionate as he watched them.

Without realising it, a tear had slipped down my cheek though I couldn't really explain why. Just the mere thought of these little people being eaten for no reason other then pure greed. It was disgusting... and I thought my monster was bad.

"They lived in tree houses to escape from the fierce creatures who lived below. The Oompa Loompas ate nothing but green caterpillars, which tasted revolting. They kept looking for other things to mash up with the caterpillars to make them taste better. Red beetles, the bark of the bong-bong tree. All of them beastly, but not quite so beastly as the caterpillars.".

" Okay... Ewww. They don't sound very erm yummy."

" But the food they longed for the most was the cocoa bean. An Oompa Loompa was lucky if he found three or four cocoa beans a year. All they'd ever think about was cocoa beans. The cocoa bean happens to be the thing from which chocolate is made, so I told the chief... ' Come and live with me in peace and safety, away from all the Whangdoodles, and Hornswogglers, and Snozzwangers, and rotten, Vermicious Knids. You can have all the cocoa beans you want! I'll even pay your wages in cocoa beans if you wish.' You know, they're wonderful workers though I feel I must warn you... they're very mischievous, always making jokes and singing songs."

" That's how Wonka's stayed at the top of the candy market so long Lu. They helped to make the chocolate and Willy shipped it out, all over the world. How cool is that?"

" Very cool Charlie. You know, I always did wonder how he did it, ever since you asked me that is. I tried to come up with an answer but the only things I got was huge machines or robot workers. Why didn't Oompa Loompa's come to my mind?" I asked, smiling weakly but it was quickly wiped off of my face when Willy cupped one cheek, using his thumb to brush away the stray tear which escaped my eye. Wincing slightly when he brushed the bruised cheek, I couldn't take my eyes away from him until he pressed his slightly damp finger to my heart.

" Waste not fresh tears over old griefs. So much pain and grief in eyes that appear so young. Banish the very thoughts that plague you. Now, I fear our tour has finished as there is no more for you to see but why don't you join us all for dinner? Mr Bucket expressed a wish to have you there with your family.". Nodding, I allowed him to lead me back to the amazing chocolate room where the smells of chicken were somehow surpassing that of candy. Casting a look around, I tried to gauge what time of day it was but I couldn't see a clock.

When we got into the off level shack, I was once more showered with hugs and kind words but also stern ones, insisting that I stay for dinner before returning home. Old habits die hard and I tried to decline but they would hear none of it, telling me that since moving into the factory, they didn't have to worry about anything any more. With a sigh, I finally accepted and was stuck to sit beside Mr Wonka who, surprisingly enough, removed his top hat and jacket. Deciding to follow his example, I took off my fedora which caused my curls to be released into the wild though all Charlie did was chuckle from across the table, his hands trying to mask what he was actually doing.

" Charlie, don't laugh at your sister. It's not very nice now, is it?"

" I'm sorry mum... her hair is just trying to make a break for it."

" You know, some hair cream would put a stop to that. If you would allow me, I could prepare you a tub and could have Charlie bring to you or you could come and pick it up as I suspect you'll be spending a lot of your time here."

" And what gives you that idea Willy?" I asked, slowly scooping up a mouthful of peas on my fork, carefully trying to balance them while slowly bringing them up to my mouth.

" As you said early, in a way, I was stealing your friends and family by bringing them here. For that, I am sincerely sorry but I have been assured that you're not going to steal anything from me so I have no problems with you visiting more. Charlie seems happier when you're around.". Okay, I couldn't help but blush at his compliment. It was rather sweet.

" Well thank you for thinking that I don't wish to steal your life's work and you're right, I wouldn't want to. Admittedly, I have always had a respect for privacy and such which you won't be excluded from. I'm glad you'll allow me to visit as well... I have missed them. Honestly, I don't know how I survived without Emma's constant mothering or George's potty mouth!". I told him, my tone becoming playful near the end. All grandpa George did was grumble something under his breath though I saw his smirk so I knew I wouldn't be wearing my food.

From there, dinner went okay. It was filled with laughs and giggles as Willy and Charlie told me stories of some of the candy's they'd come up with together. Little raspberry kites with liquorice instead of string ( I couldn't help but act shocked at that before saying " and no chocolate ribbons? How absurd!"). Square candies that look 'round. ( The chocolatier obviously likes to play on words because according to Charlie, they're square but have eyes that follow you around. Only me who thinks that's a little weird? I can't even have posters in my room because of that but then eating something that can do that?). Something I liked the sound of however, was the purple prankster punk bar. Basically, you give it to someone you don't like and watch their faces turn purple for a whole week! How amazing would that be? You'd know a bully from 50ft away!

Though, like all good things, it had to come to an end. When the old clock tolled 8pm, I knew it was time to make my way back home. My father wouldn't be very happy if I wasn't back before he usually was because I'd have to make dinner so after wishing everything goodnight, and informing them that they might not see me for a few days because of job hunting, I was escorted through many halls by the eccentric chocolatier.

" Are you sure you can't drop by tomorrow dear girl?". Smiling, I shook my head.

" I'm sorry Willy but I can't. I'm in desperate need of a job so I can't spare the time from searching. Hopefully, the candy store on cherry street is still hiring."

" Cherry street? That's where my first store was you know. If you'd like... I could give them a call and inquire of your whereabouts. Surely, they would hire you if they knew that I approve."

" As nice as that would be Willy, I'd rather find the job myself but thank you for the offer though I fear this is where I leave you.". Saying a soft goodbye and quickly kissing his cheek in thanks, I was about to leave the factory but his hand took hold of my forearm gently. Turning around, I raised an eye brow at him, wondering what he was up to by stopping me.

" It's too dark for you to walk alone. Either allow me to escort you there... or you could spend the night here. There are plenty of guest rooms and I'm sure that we can find something for you to sleep in. God forbid something happened to Charlie's big sister.". Him? Take me home? What if my father saw? He would freak. What would he do to Willy? He could've ended up hurting him so against my better judgement, I agreed to stay there.


The next morning, I was woken from my slumber by a small hand carefully shaking my arm which was draped off the side of the bed. Opening my eyes, I saw one of the Oompa Loompas stood beside me, a small pile of clothing resting on the floor next to him. The little fellow began gesturing wildly, a smile on his face but I didn't understand a thing he was 'saying' to me.

" I'm sorry... I don't understand.". A look of realisation crossed his face, turning his smile into a frown so I did the only thing I could think of.

" Can you write... in English?" When he nodded, I knew the best way to handle the situation. Jumping from the bed, I went over to my bag and ripped out a piece of paper from the spare notepad I carried around with me. When you want to be an author, you must understand that inspiration can and will hit you in the most unlikely of places. Handing him a pen, a sat back and watched as he wrote quickly before presenting it to me. Taking it with a soft 'thank you' as not to startle him, I set back to read the page which was a little difficult as his writing was pretty small.


Girl of sorrow,

Last night, candy man asked us to make you some clothes which I brought up the moment they were finished. Sadly, the slippers wont be ready until the sun moves another 30 degrees as the fabric requires time to breathe.

Little candy man and his family also asked that you go down to their home for breakfast when you are finished with your morning ritual. If you'd like, I could wait outside until you are finished and I will show you down.


" Thank you... Erm, What's your name?" Taking the piece of paper from me, he carefully wrote his name at the bottom.


Grain.


" Then thanks Grain. If you want, you can wait in here because I'll be in the bathroom. Please, make yourself comfortable as I couldn't tell you how long I'll take.". Without another word between us, I went into the bathroom so I could get ready. Surprisingly, it didn't take me that long. After a quick shower and getting dressed, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Without foundation, the large bruise on my face could be seen with ease. Sighing, I turned and went to meet Grain who was standing beside the door, reminding me of those guards outside Buckingham palace.

" Sorry for the wait Grain. Shall we go? No doubt you'll want to return home quickly so you can have your own breakfast.".

When we arrived at the house, Willy and Charlie were sitting outside as if waiting for me. Smiling at the sight, I bent down and quickly placed a kiss on the Oompa Loompas cheek, causing his tanned skin to tint cherry pink.

" Thank you Grain. It's definitely appreciated. Have a nice day.". Without the paper, I didn't know what he was saying but he crossed his arms over his chest then bowed. Not knowing what else to do, I copied the gesture which sent him scuttling off.

" You're good with them. Grain is a good chap which is why I entrusted him with the task of you. When I described you to them last night, some were scared though I guess my comparison to a Snozzwanger wasn't the best thought out." Willy joked, standing behind me. Whipping around, I hit him in the shoulder playfully before sticking my tongue out.

" Well I like Grain. He's a pretty cool little guy. On the way over, I asked him how to gesture ' chocolate room' and 'inventing room' so if I ever need to find you guys, I'm sorted."

" Good to know Lu. Now come on, breakfast time. Willy even brought down the hair cream though I'll be the first to say that your hair doesn't look like a puffles trying to eat your head."

" Well thank you Charlie. I'm filled with warm feelings." I said sarcastically, ruffling his hair so it looked like a ' puffle' was trying to eat his hair instead. Willy, having to act like the sensible one ( probably for the first time in his life ) stopped us from messing around before ushering us into the shack. However, I wasn't expecting what I was met with. Everyone seemed rather sober but when I asked, George simply handed me the morning paper.

On the front page, in huge bold font was: WELL KNOWN LAWYER FOUND DEAD AFTER HOUSE FIRE. In the article, it went on to explain how he had fallen asleep with a cigarette in his hand, causing the fire in the first place. Our neighbours had told them about me but as no body was found, they simply assumed that I had stayed somewhere else.

That's when it clicked.

If Willy hadn't asked me to stay, I would've been dead. I would have burned in the middle of the night while sleeping. Moving towards him, I threw my arms around him in a hug, not caring about how it looked.

He had saved my life and life had never been sweeter since.