Sorry for such the late update. I got distracted. But here we are at the Chocolate Factory!


~~**IV**~~

The Big Day Arrives!

The people couldn't have stirred up a bigger crowd unless it was a Beatles show. American, British, and German flags were waved in the crowd for the Ticket Winners and reporters from all over addressed their cameras and audiences of the spectacle was that occurring. Even though the contest was over, the Wonkamania was still in effect.

Jacqueline and Clara sat alongside the other Ticket Winners. And it so happened that the six ticket was indeed found. The two had read the morning paper and found out that a young boy named Charlie Bucket had won it just yesterday afternoon. He sat next to Clara who introduced herself.

"Hi, I'm Clara," she said, holding out her hand to shake. "This is my mom, Jacqueline." She gestured to her mother.

"Charlie," he answered, shaking her hand. "This is my Grandpa Joe."

"Pleasure to meet you," Jacqueline said, leaning over to shake both Charlie's and Joe's hands.

"I honestly wondered if the sixth ticket would actually be found before today," Clara added.

"That would have been a odd development," Mr. Bucket commented. Jacqueline nodded in agreement.

"Would Mr. Wonka have waited for it to be found before the tour, you think?" Charlie inquired.

Clara shrugged. "Maybe. Probably. He couldn't have his tour if two of the guests had yet to receive their invitations."

Jacqueline turned back toward the gates and bundled her coat closer around her, shivering. It was cold out here. She looked up at the clock tower. 9:58. She turned to the Beauregardes (it was young Violet sitting beside her). "Cold out here, isn't it?"

"This is nothing compared to a Montana winter," Violet told her, smacking her gum.

"You're from America, aren't you?" Mr. Beauregarde asked and continued on without waiting for Jacqueline's answer. "Need any help with the automotive?"

"Uh," Jacqueline stammered. "I'm fine with my Chevy."

"I'm more of a Ford man, myself," Mr. Beauregarde replied, "but still, cars are my business and if you need any help," he handed her his business card, "just call."

Jacqueline nodded once and took the card from him, folding it in half once she shoved it in her pocket. She was fortunate to have her '59 Camaro and not having to deal with any salesmen. It was bad enough for them to talk her ear off at the dealership, let alone everywhere else. No wonder his daughter often shot him down, Jacqueline had only met the guy and she was annoyed.

Just then, the bell began chiming the hour and the crowd cheered even harder. Jacqueline felt her heart surge and the breath leave her. She was finally going to see her childhood friend after so many years. It had hit her when Clara found the ticket, but actually being here was completely different. Her stomach flipped and she even had a moment of light-headedness. She reminded herself to breathe.

Beyond the open gate, the factory door opened and the crowd screamed again. A flash of bright purple came through the other door window and Willy Wonka himself appeared at the doorway, purple coat and brown top hat that sat slightly crooked atop his unruly dark blonde hair. It was brushed back relatively smooth now, but it would undoubtedly go back to its unruly state before day's end. Jacqueline beamed wide enough to feel an ache in her cheeks until she saw the hardness of his brow and his struggle down the steps. What was wrong? Why was he limping? Had something happened?

The crowd's cheers faded too as they watched the chocolate-maker slowly limped his way down the red carpet. The limp Jacqueline could live with, but his face? He didn't have the happy, whimsical air about him that she remembered. She knew it had been over a decade, but he was a candyman. He couldn't continue to be this successful with that attitude.

As he neared the gate, his cane became stuck in the cobblestones and left behind as William took another two steps forward. He paused, his hand flexing and realizing he no longer had his cane, and then fell forward. Jacqueline openly gasped as he unexpectedly performed a perfect somersault and popped back up on two, perfectly working legs, smiling widely. Jacqueline screwed up her mouth in amused exasperation. So, it was just a ploy. Now that was Willy Wonka. She glanced down at her daughter who was laughing and clapping enthusiastically.

William smiled softly at the crowd. "Thank you, thank you." Ever so soft and humble was William Wonka. He looked up at the winners' stand. "Would you come forward?" he said, beckoning with two fingers.

"Veruca first! Get back you!" Mr. Salt shouted. Jacqueline didn't even bother moving until Clara did, who made to help Charlie step Mr. Bucket down. Instead of making it in first, Jacqueline brought up the rear.

"Welcome," William greeted them cordially. "It's nice to have you here. I'm so glad you could come. This is going to be such an exciting day. I hope you enjoy it." He looked past at all the ticket holders and his eyes met Jacqueline's. She sent a smile his way. "I think you will." He nodded slightly. "And now, would you please show me your Golden Tickets."

Veruca introduced herself first, just as she and her father insisted. As Jacqueline remembered, William always had spectacular manners and he was great with children, politely complimenting her one of three mink coats. He would have been a great father.

Wait, Willy Wonka, a father? Jacqueline couldn't imagine it. And what put that thought in her head anyway?

Mike Teavee approached William and introduced himself, and then proceeded to wham his toy gun mockingly into the man's gut. William played along perfectly, pretending to be shot. Maybe that was why.

Charlie and his grandfather were next before Clara stepped up. William's beaming smile grew even wider as they stood opposite each other.

"Clarice Bowman," he said before she introduced herself. "Now, I haven't seen you since you were small enough to still be carried by your mom and dad. You've grown so big."

"Thank you," Clara said, blushing slightly, "but I don't like being called Clarice. Clara's fine."

"Very well," William replied, "but I must say I favor the lovely name your parents gave you."

With a beaming smile, Clara stepped aside and Jacqueline stood opposite her friend for the first time in years. For the longest time, she could only stare at him, and it seemed he could only do the same. Twelve years. Everything had stayed the same. He still had that twinkle in his eyes as well as the softness that hadn't changed at all with age. And the quirk of his lips was the same as it had always been.

"'To reminisce with my old friends, a chance to share some memories, and play our songs again,'" he stated softly. He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips, brushing them against her knuckles. Jacqueline barely registered some gasps from the crowd.

"It's wonderful to see you again," she said as he lowered her hand.

"Indeed, it is," William nodded and turned to the winners. "Is that everyone? Are we ready? Yes! Good! On we go!" He stuffed the Golden Tickets into his coat pocket and a policeman shut the gate as the twelve of them made for the factory doors with William in the lead, casually picking up his cane as he passed it. He waited at the door for all of them to enter before nodding to the crowd and closing the door behind him.

"After all this time, I can't believe this the first and only time I've ever been to your chocolate factory," Jacqueline said as William fell into step beside her.

"The timing was never right," William said.

"Well, at least the candy will be," Jacqueline said. "Unlike your lemon drops and chocolate." Jacqueline grimaced at the memory. Some of the others made faces as well.

"It just didn't turn out the way I'd imagined it," William mused, staring off into the corner. "But hold that thought, as I haven't given up on it yet." He started ahead a few steps. "Now, just around here. Hats, coats, galoshes over here," he pointed his cane to the wall of hooks shaped as hands. "But hurry please, we have so much time and so little to see." He stopped, realizing his mistake. "Wait a minute! Strike that. Reverse it. Thank you."

Jacqueline shared a giggle with her daughter as she removed her hat and Clara did her cap, hanging them on the upper hands. When it came to their coats, Jacqulene pondered on why the hands curved down instead of up. Just how would she hang her coat? Her question as answered as, just when she held her coat up to the hanger, it actually grabbed her coat. She gasped along with the other ladies in the room.

"Little surprises around every corner but nothing dangerous," William stated quickly. "Don't be alarmed." Jacqueline stared back at the hangers now holding their coats, the question instantly forming in her head. "As soon as your outer vestments are in hand, we'll begin." Perhaps she would ask him later. She smoothed out her soft green chiffon dress and rubbed at her still slightly startled heart.

Or perhaps she'd leave the question wholly unanswered.

"Now, would the children kindly step up here," William continued, motioning with his cane to the small platform of stairs. Clara approached with the other kids, keeping to the back as she was the tallest of all of them, even Augustus. William then pulled back the curtain to reveal a parchment-styled document that seemed to be a contract. Especially if the two quills were anything to go by. The wording started out large, but grew smaller as it went down to the point of whisking away at the bottom. Jacqueline wasn't the only one slightly puzzled.

"Floods, fire, frost or frippery...?"

"Accidents? What kind of accidents?"

"Labor unions?"

"I didn't know we had to sign anything for this tour."

"...in trying to determine..."

"I can't read what it says on the bottom."

William paid no heed as he called Violet up. "You first," he said. "Sign here." He pointed to the signature boxes at the illegible bottom.

"Hold it!" Mr. Beauregarde shouted as Violet took the quill and made to sign. "Violet, baby, don't you sign anything here!" He turned to William. "What's this all about?"

"Standard form of contract," William replied innocently enough.

"Don't talk to me about contracts, Wonka," Mr. Beauregarde retorted. "I use them myself. They're strictly for suckers."

"Yes," he replied. Jacqueline stifled a laugh at his blatant agreement. "But you wouldn't begrudge me a little protection." He held his fingers up a pinch. "A drop."

"I don't sign anything without my lawyer!" Mr. Beauregarde interjected.

"My Veruca doesn't sign anything either!" Mr. Salt added.

William shrugged. "Then she don't go in. I'm sorry. Rules of the house."

That got Veruca going. "I want to go in! Don't you dare stop me!" she shouted, stepping forward and pushing her father back when he tried to stop her. She took the quill from William and made for the signature box. "You're always making things difficult!" she sneered at her father.

William genuinely smiled at the girl's forwardness. "Nicely handled, Veruca," he said. Even Jacqueline had to give the girl credit. "She's a girl who knows where she's going!" He then looked to the other girl. "Violet?" He held a hand to her chin, probably to keep her from smacking her gum for a moment's peace. She took the quill and stepped up to the contract.

Her father wasn't as unfazed. "Wait a minute, what's all that small print at the bottom?" he fussed.

"Oh, if you have any problems, dial information," William replied. "Thank you for calling." Both Jacqueline and Clara had to bite down on their laughter. Clara grinned up at her. Jacqueline smirked at her daughter's unspoken inquiry. Yes, Willy Wonka had always been like that.

"Mike? Augustus?"

The young boys stepped up and received the quills from the girls, inscribing their names underneath.

"I assume there's an accident indemnity clause?" Mrs. Teavee inquired.

William nodded. "Never between friends." That time Clara leaned on her mother's shoulder to stifle her laughter.

"Saw this in a movie once," Mike sounded as he slowly wrote his name. "Guy signed his wife's insurance policy. Then he bumped her off."

"Clever," William mused. He did surprisingly enjoy listening to dramas and soap operas with Mama Jean. And he did so with almost alarming nonchalance. Of course he find something like that clever. "Charlie? Clara?"

Mr. Bucket all but tossed the boy up there, saying they had nothing to lose. Jacqueline, on the other hand, had a couple reservations. She did not want her daughter to be harmed in any way and would never forgive William if something did. But the twinkle in his eyes and a moment of softness made up her mind as she squeezed Clara's shoulder and her little girl took up a quill.

"You don't think anything's gonna happen about this, do you?" Mr. Beauregarde murmured over Jacqueline's shoulder. She looked over at him and shrugged. She had no idea what William was planning, not even when they were kids.

"Come on! Let's go in!" Veruca whined as Charlie and Clara finished their signatures.

"Patience," William cooed. "Patience, little dear. Everything has to be in order." Charlie and Clara placed their quills back in the cup and William bounced down to lead them to the door at the opposite side of the room. It had a combination lock that he didn't even try to hide the combination. "Ninety-nine...forty-four...one hundred percent pure." He pressed in the lock and pushed the door open. "Just through the other door, please." With the psychedelic black and white walls, it was impossible to even see forward.

William closed the door behind them and left the group stuffed inside what seemed to be some sort of trick room. "There is no other door!" Jacqueline heard Mike cry out.

"There's no way out!" Veruca screamed.

"Well, I know there's a door here someplace," William said. He started pushing his way through, rolling around the parents and trying to find a way out of this mess.

Jacqueline was squished between Mrs. Teavee and Mr. Bucket to the point where she couldn't lose her footing even if she wanted to. In fact, none of them could it was so tight in here. What was this place supposed to be? It couldn't be the only room in the factory? What was he playing? A slight jab to her ribs made her hiss.

"I'm sorry," little Charlie said right beside her, pressed up against a wall himself.

"Don't worry, dear," she told him. They were all going to be victims of some sort of shoving.

Most the kids had run inside first, with Veruca heading the front and her father not wanting to be left behind. Jacqueline just barely spotted her daughter's red hair. She was up against the wall next to Mrs. Gloop, Mr. Beauregarde and Veruca.

"Help! Mr. Wonka, help!" Mrs. Gloop cried. "I'm getting squashed! Save me!"

"Is this some sort of trick, Wonka!" Mr. Salt snapped as the chocolatier moved past him. Mr. Salt tried shoving his way into some elbow room and unfortunately Jacqueline felt the brunt of it. Slamming into someone else, Jacqueline could only glare at the bloated rich man. She wouldn't be so forgiving to him.

"Is it my soul that calls upon my name?"

Jaqueline glanced over her shoulder to see a flash of purple and wisps of blonde hair. So she knew who she was shoved into. A Juliet shoved into the arms of her Romeo? Jacqueline didn't know William to be that much of a romantic.

"Let me out or I'll scream!" Veruca screeched.

"That was in my ear!" Clara screamed back.

"Somebody's touching me!" Mrs. Teavee screeched. Now they really needed to get out of here before they started stampeding and killing each other. It didn't seem that Clara would be making friends with Veruca anytime soon.

"Now look here Wonka-!" Mr. Salt stated, just as irritated and flustered as the rest of them, but William interrupted.

"Excuse me, question time will come at the end of the session," he said, not at all caring about all of them being tossed around. The rest of the factory better be worth this. "We must press on. Come along, come along." By then, William had returned to the front door. "Ah! Here we are!"

What? Back at the front door?

"Don't be a darn fool, Wonka!" Mr. Beauregarde snapped. "That's the way we came in!"

"Is it?" he wondered, looking back at the glass door. "Are you sure?"

"We've just come through there!" Mr. Salt snapped.

Baffled, William quirked a brow and leaned his elbow on the door handle. "Huh?" But that action had opened the door and revealed a new hallway that they certainly did not come in from. Jacqueline openly gasped at him. How had the gone from a lobby to a hallway lined with doors through the very same entrance? This had to be a trick!

"What is this, Wonka? A fun house?" Mr. Salt demanded.

"Why? Having fun?" William teased. Jacqueline heard her daughter bark a laugh.

But the others weren't as amused. Mrs. Teavee had already had enough and Mr. Beaurgarde exclaimed that he was turning around. "Oh, you can't get out backwards!" William told them, making his way through the hall. "You gotta go forwards to go back. Better press on."

Jaqueline looked to the nearest parent, or in this case grandparent, and shrugged. She turned behind her and reached for her daughter who shoved her way through. The Buckets followed them and slowly the other families did as well. And the odd did not let up as the room started becoming smaller, William actually needing to crouch to continue.

"Hey! The room's getting smaller!" Charlie exclaimed.

"No it's not!" Mrs. Teavee stated. "He's getting bigger!"

"How does that make sense?" Clara questioned.

"Nothing in this factory makes sense!" Mr. Salt snapped.

"Where's the chocolate?" Mike wondered.

"I doubt there is any," Mr. Beauregarde scoffed.

"I doubt any of us will get out of here alive," Mr. Salt muttered.

By that time, they had reached the end of the hallway. The door there was maybe two feet high. Jaqueline could probably wriggle her way through it, but in her dress? She now wished she'd worn something different.

"Oh you should never, never doubt what no one is sure about," William replied. Jacqueline shook her head at him but said nothing.

"You're not squeezing me through that tiny door," Mrs. Gloop said. Indeed, she definitely wouldn't fit.

"You're off your bleeding nut, Wonka!" Mr. Salt burst. "No one can get through there!"

But William didn't reply to that, instead looking at the children who were allowed at the front. "My dear friends, you are now about to enter the nerve center of the entire Wonka Factory," he told them. "Inside this room, all of my dreams become realities, and some of my realities become dreams. And almost everything you see is eatable. Edible. I mean, you can eat almost anything!"

"Let me in, I'm starving!" Augustus wailed.

"Now, don't get overexcited," William exclaimed, patting Augustus on the cheek. "Don't lose your head Augustus. We wouldn't want to lose that! Yet!" He then pulled down a little flap on the door and a miniature keyboard appeared. It was an octave, maybe more. William turned back to them. "Now, the combination. This is a musical lock." With one hand, William played the starting tune to Mozart. Jacqueline couldn't quite place the song, but she was certain it was Mozart.

"Rachmaninoff," Mrs. Teavee stated approvingly.

Jacqueline shook her head. "It's Mozart."

"Ladies and gentleman," William started before that became a conversation. "Boys and girls," His hand was pushing at the door, which seemed to grow a lot bigger. "The chocolate room."