A/N 200 hits and a couple new reviews. I absolutely love to see that when I check my emails. If you really like the story then keep them coming. I am also working on a new CCF story, but I haven't put any of it up yet. On another note, has another seen the oompa-loompa that stole the only thing I own?
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Chapter 9: Stage Fright
Christy went back to her desk and started looking through emails and Willy kept staring at her from his own desk. She started debating putting a book in the way but instead just fake smiled at him. "Do you need something Mr. Wonka?"
Willy shook his head. "Just making sure you weren't going to be sick anywhere near me."
Christy rolled her eyes and concentrated on the emails that she had. She kept herself busy until the end of the day. By that time she had to admit to herself that Willy really did a nice thing for her. He didn't know that she would be so scared of it. She found him in his bedroom before she left for the day. "Mr. Wonka, I just wanted to say thanks for hiring me and I know the band appreciates you getting us the job. I know they'll hope this to mean more to come. Bye."
"Wait, wait. I want to show you something." Willy came out of his room almost forgetting his hat. "Well, actually you have already seen it, but now you need to see it again anyway, ok?" Christy nodded even though she had no clue what he was going on about. He led her to the next room over; the one she had showered in. "I had all the clothes taken down to Mrs. Bucket so now this room is yours."
Christy looked around still very lost. The room was full of furniture and such the day before, but now it was completely empty. "Mine?"
"Of course silly. If you are going to be my assistant, I need you around twenty four hours a day. Doris has a list of good websites for furniture and decorations and such. I will leave her with the spending limit and you two can figure out how you want your room to look."
Christy still was just looking at the empty room. "Wait, hold on. You want me to move into the factory."
"Yeah."
"Huh, I wasn't expecting that."
"Yup, well now go do your little song thing and tomorrow you can come back and plan the room."
Christy left still thinking about what Willy was giving her. 24 hour access to the factory. She assumed that she was being watched at all times, by either cameras or oompa-loompas or maybe even by Willy himself. She was sure that he wasn't that trusting. The shorter commute would be nice; she liked to sleep in as long as possible. She wondered if the little guys could show her a fun route to walk around the factory for some exercise to make up for the 40 minutes she wouldn't be walking anymore.
She got home and pulled out some jeans and a tight t-shirt. She quickly dressed and ran to meet Craig and Dave at the coffee shop. They were supposed to walk over to the place together and set up a few things. Christy was so nervous she was bouncing around and once again barely ate anything. She tried just sipping at a soda, but it wasn't as calming at when she was with Mrs. Bucket.
Most of the night was a blur and she soon found herself standing on the middle of the small stage with her guitar in hand. Dave was on the drums to her right and Craig was on her left on his keyboard. She sighed and thought to herself for millionth time that they really needed a fourth person. Christy stood there seeing a bunch of people looking at her, drinking, talking, and began to panic. She heard Dave hiss at her to get it together. Then she noticed a small wave and it was Mr. and Mrs. Bucket. Mr. Bucket had a beer and Mrs. Bucket had a margarita.
Dave and Craig began to play and almost instinctively Christy's fingers started as well. Her hand was moving before she even knew what song it was. Her voice started really low and she was thankful that Craig was the lead singer for this one. Her voice wasn't really necessary. One song down, she made it. How many more to go? She tried to keep her eyes on the Buckets, but they looked a little worried so it wasn't helping her.
Next song started and Christy noticed someone in the very back of the room. He was trying to blend in, but not doing a very good job of it. The maroon coat and top hat stood out as well as the huge goggles that covered most of his face. He was too far away for Christy to tell what he was drinking, but it was something colorful. If it wasn't for the hat, Christy probably wouldn't have noticed but there he was. Surprisingly she smiled and started singing.
In her mind, Willy had already heard her sing before so it was alright for him to hear it again. Now focused on pretending that it was only the two of them in the room, maybe with a couple of oompa-loompas, her voice came out much louder and clearer. Soon she forgot her fears and where they were. She was able to turn back to her other band members and have fun.
Time flies when you're having fun and tonight was no different. Dave and Craig gave her a pat on the back as she finished the last song. She took that minute to really look around the room for the first time since she started singing normally and that led her to being back in the bathroom sick. Well, at least I didn't get sick during the performance.
She came out and saw the tall man slip out the back. She smiled; he was actually there for the whole thing. Mr. and Mrs. Bucket probably left awhile ago. With her guitar flung over her back, Christy ran to the back door and found Willy walking down the alley. "Mr. Wonka." She kept her voice to a whisper so that she wouldn't draw attention to him. He spun around to see her and smiled.
"Oh! Hello small fry." Willy went back to walking down the road and Christy ran to catch up with him.
"What did you think? And my name is Christy by the way."
"It was nice to actually hear your voice at the back; I was worried your mumbling would ruin everything." He looked up and down the street and crossed it quickly. Christy wasn't sure why she was still following since he was headed in the opposite direction she wanted to be going.
She stopped at the next corner. "Well thanks for coming. I guess it isn't really true what they say about you never leaving the factory then. I guess people just don't recognize you." He laughed nervously and waved a hand as he crossed another street.
"See you tomorrow Starshine."
"It's Christy!" She turned and headed home with a smile on her face. She was actually starting to like the Starshine. The music still boomed in her head and it took her a long time to fall asleep, but in the end it was a peaceful sleep.
