The days rolled by like waves on the ocean. For Rachel and her new family, the impending arrival was no longer a distant fantasy. With the help of Mr. and Mrs. Buckett, the mother-to-be was now well stocked with all the essentials.

"Thankyou so much for all this" she gushed. "I'm just sorry I couldn't chip in at the cash register."

"Don't give it another thought" grinned Mr. Buckett. "With my new job and Mr. Wonka, I don't think we'll have to worry about money again."

"Damn right, we wont" barked Grandpa George.

"Pops!" Mr. Bucket scolded, glancing at Charlie.

Setting down a flannel onesie, Rachel resumed assisting Mrs. Buckett and Grandpa Joe around the house. The bed-bound grandparents constantly fretting she would overexert herself. For the hardworking Mrs. Buckett, Rachel was a blessing. But it wasn't just the extra help she treasured.

It would really be nice to have a baby in the house again.

"Mom! Dad!"

Charlie burst into the house as if he had just a mile.

"What is it?" cried Mrs. Buckett.

"Mr. Wonka has a surprise" the boy panted. "Come on, Rae. You come to."

Taking the girl by the hand, Charlie lead her out of the house. Normally Rachel detested being pulled around by the hand. It marred both her balance and orientation.

But for Charlie, she cheerfully obliged.

"Where are we going?"

"Just down the hall. Willy wants to show you in person."

Rachel had never felt more lost. To her, it felt like Charlie was taking them all on a ride through a maze. All of the girl's focus was honed on keeping track of the many twists and turns.

"Here we are."

The Inventing room had a far different feel then the Chocolate room. Machines buzzed and whirred, while mysterious fluids bubbled in a complex network of tubes and beakers. Rachel kept her hands to herself. There was a distinct do-not-touch vibe about the place.

"Oh good, you made it" chimed Willy. "Why'd you take the long way?"

"The boat was in the shop" Charlie explained. "Besides, I don't think Rachel would've liked the elevator."

Suddenly a frown creased Mr. Wonka's brow. Changes were definitely taking place. In her fourth month, the Rachel's stomach was no longer so easy to hide. It had been growing so slowly, Willy hadn't noticed it until now. What had once been a tiny bump under her tee-shirt had grown into a small potbelly.

"You wanted to show me something?" Rachel spoke up.

"Yeah" Willy said, collecting himself. "Check this out."

With all the modesty of a magician, Willy unveiled his latest creation.

"Oh my..." gasped Mrs. Buckett.

It was a most unusual crib that emerged from under the sheet. Painted with purple and green stripes, the little barred bed held a striking resemblance to the many surreal candies growing in the Chocolate Room.

"So..." Willy grinned. "What do you think?"

Rachel ran reverent fingers over the crib's undulating contours. A mobile of candy canes and toffees hung from the top of the headboard.

"Its not made out of real candy, is it?" she asked.

"Oh no. It's perfectly harmless" Mr. Wonka assured. "Believe me, I wanted to make it out of candy. But then I remembered babies like to put things in their mouths."

Rachel smiled to herself. She expected nothing less from her quirky friend.

"Thankyou..."

Before the chocolateer could react, Rachel had sown a tiny kiss onto his cheek.