Chapter 10

Knives and Faces

Rating: T (Language)

Warnings: Willy/OC, Language, Violence

Disclaimer: Ownership, by any other name, would still not be mine.

Theme song for chapter: "End Title Suite" By James Howard Newton (The Happening Soundtrack)

A/N: :') You reviewers are awesome. I'm up to 20 again already.

I could feel the air being sucked out from my body, the atmosphere becoming tighter and tighter. I struggled out from under the blanket covers, racing to the window. I pounded against the freezing glass until my fingers felt scrape on the window latches. With one swift movement I flicked them to the side and opened the window with all the strength left in my body. I immediately gasped for air. My lung burned as I inhaled what I thought was Oxygen. The grey mist slithered in through my window, wrapping its tendrils around my hand, crawling up my arm, gripping me. It slid down my throat, filling my lungs with its poison. My flesh sizzled and disintegrated where it touched me. I attempted to scream, but there was so breath left in my lungs. All that came out was a dreadful cracking sound. I felt my arm twist.

I saw bolt upright in my bed, gasping for air once again, sucking in all that I could take and gasping it back out. Once I'd managed to grasp that it was just a dream, I let my head fall into my hands, breathing out heavily. My hands were clammy.

I risked a glance at the window. It sat there, normal as ever, the delicate frost laced softly around the edges. Outside was pitch black, dotted lightly with the lights from the stars and the streetlights. I sighed in relief. It was just a dream. There was no grey mist. Calm down.

Even though I knew it wasn't real, my heart was still beating hyperactively. I felt a few beads of moisture slide down the side of my forehead.

I threw off my covers, dawdling into the bathroom and turning on the tap. I put my hands under the stream of water, letting it pool up slightly in my palms, and splashed it over my face. Shivering from the icy water, I repeated the process a few times.

Thump.

I jumped violently, grabbing the nearest thing I could reach. I wasn't entirely sure why I did that. Maybe I intended to use a tube of toothpaste as a weapon. Who knows?

I soon realized that my bottle of shampoo had fallen out of the shampoo rack. I exhaled heavily, still gripping the toothpaste tightly. The lid popped open a bit from the pressure.

Now that I'd calmed down somewhat, I realized that I was kind of thirsty. I vaguely went over the rules we were told in my head, and confirmed that there weren't any that prohibited us from visiting the cafeteria at night. I think the thirst was more of a guise. I really just wanted to get out of the room. I looked at the time and saw it was 4am.

I donned the slippers next to my bed, and walked out of my room, closing the door as quietly as I could. I walked to the Wonkavator, wincing at the abrupt 'Ding' that rang out through the silent corridor. I paused for a second, listening for any sound of disruption. Everything was silent. I climbed in the Wonkavator and pressed the 'Cafeteria' button. The Wonkavator sped off towards the room.

I stepped out of the Elevator, walking over to water dispenser, while wrapping my arms around my torso. I heard the light drizzle of rain outside, accompanied with the echoing howls of the wind, blowing against the factory. It was strangely comforting. The luminous moonlight streamed in through the window, providing a sufficient amount of light so that I didn't need to turn the light on.

I got a cup and held it under the dispenser, pressing the 'Cold water' button and watching the stream of water pour into the cup with a mechanical whirring noise. I realized with slight amusement that I had brought the tube of toothpaste with me.

I took my finger off the button when the cup was full and pulled out a chair.

BANG!

I screamed at the sudden noise coming from under the table to the right, jumping, and spilling the water down the front of my shirt.

"Ow.." A voice moaned.

I screamed again, staggering back.

A chair scraped back and a figure stood up, hunched slightly. Once my eyes adjusted, I saw who it was.

"Kim?" I asked, pressing a hand to my chest, trying to control my breathing.

"Sup." Kim rubbed her head.

"Holy shit. Don't do that." I exhaled heavily and slammed the cup down on the table, wiping the water that had gone on my face.

"What were you doing," I pointed to the table. "Under there? You made me spill my drink!"

She giggled. "I left my phone here at dinner." She answered simply.

"So you decide to look for it at 4am?" I asked sarcastically, attempting to wring out my soaked shirt. I was so glad that I decided to wear a singlet under my pajama top tonight. The material of my pajama top was light blue, and very thin.

"Pretty much. Long story; I left the window open this morning, and I woke up from the cold. Then I went to check the time on my phone, and I realized it wasn't there, so I came to look for it. What are you doing up?" She crossed her arms and gave me a pointed look. "And.. why are you holding a tube of toothpaste?"

"I couldn't sleep." I replied with a shiver. The cold water had soaked through my clothes, chilling me.

I think Kim took my shiver for something else. She wasn't far off though.

"Bad dream?" She asked.

"Yep." I pulled my sleeves over my hands.

She shrugged, and started rummaging through the cupboards.

"I doubt your phone will be in there." I pointed out.

"Fair enough. Ooh, Oreos!" She pulled out a packet and placed them on the counter.

"Maybe someone found it and gave it to lost property or something." I suggested.

"A lost property? In this place?"

"Who knows? There are so many rooms in this factory. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a Walmart somewhere in here." She moved to the cupboard under the counter.

"You have a good point." Kim murmured. She stood up, and faced me.

"I'll ask if anyone's seen it tomorrow." She concluded.

"Today." I corrected.

"Oh yeah. Do you know the time, by the way?"

"Yeah, it's around 4." I said.

She nodded, and opened the packet of Oreos, picking one out and nibbling on it.

"Want one?" She asked, her voice muffled by the biscuit, offering the packet. I shook my head.

"No thanks." I replied with a polite smile.

She suddenly grinned mischievously. "Want to play a prank?"

"What type of prank?"

"Have you ever heard of the Oreo prank? It's when you take out the middle of an Oreo, and replace it with toothpaste, which you have so faithfully provided."

I laughed. "Ew. Sounds fun."

Kim pulled out a butter knife and a plate from the drawer and placed them on the counter.

I emptied the packet of Oreos onto the plate.

"You go first." I suggested, passing her the tube of toothpaste. It was slightly indented from where I had squeezed it.

She twisted open the Oreo, and scraped out the inside, wiping the knife onto the edge of the plate. She then flipped open the toothpaste cap and squeezed some out onto the Oreo, placing the top of the Oreo back on. I giggled.

We did this to all of the Oreos before standing back, admiring our work.

"They look good." I said approvingly, once I had wiped the remnants of the Oreos off of the plate. I absentmindedly flipped the half empty tube of toothpaste around in my hand.

"They sure do." She agreed. "Now all we need to do is to do is wai-"

Ding.

I whipped my head around to the source of the sound, with a small gasp. Someone stepped out of the Wonkavator. I couldn't see it well in this light.

Please let it not be Mr. Wonka. Please let it not be Mr. Wonka.

The person flicked the light switch on.

"Kim! Alice! Whatta're ya doing up at this hour?" Mr. Wonka said brightly. He was fully dressed, to my surprise. His face then turned uncertain. "..Why is your shirt covered in water?"

I quickly moved my hand behind my back, hoping I was in time so that he didn't see the toothpaste.

"Wet dreams." Kim answered for me.

"Kim was looking for her phone." I explained in a more sensible manner, punching her arm lighting with me free hand.

"It might be in the Lost and Found." Mr. Wonka suggested.

"I told you." I grinned at Kim.

She rolled her eyes. "What are you doing up at this hour?" She countered.

His smile froze very subtly. His magnificent purple gaze turned somewhat defensive.

"Oh, nothin'. Just looking for something." He said casually. "Ooh Oreos!" Mr. Wonka said in childish delight, picking one up in his gloved hand.

"Oh crap," I accidently said aloud. "Uh- You shouldn't eat tha- Okay, just.." I trailed off in dismay. Mr. Wonka took a bite from the Oreo. Kim winced.

A tense moment passed while we waited for his face to screw up in disgust.

"Wasn't that just scrumptious." He remarked appreciatively.

I frowned in confusion.

"You do realize we put toothpaste in the Oreos, right?" I asked.

"I sure do." He smiled.

"Ew." Kim and I said in unison.

"How else do ya' think my teeth stay so white?" He deliberately grinned wider.

"How can you stand the taste?" Kim asked, making a face.

"How can you-"

Ding.

I spun around, seeing the Wonkavator doors swing open with a whoosh. Tim stepped out, rustling his hand through his sandy blonde hair. He looked groggy.

"Hey guys." He said casually, as if it was the most normal thing to be standing in a Cafeteria at 4 in the morning with your boss, holding a tube of toothpaste, your shirt drenched and a plate of Oreos on the counter.

"Why don't we go and wake Hayden and Candice up now? Heck, let's throw Charlie and his parents in while we're at it. Let's have a party." Kim laughed.

Tim walked over to the counter, grabbed a cup and filled it with water from the dispenser with a yawn.

"Ooh Oreos!" He said, picking one up. "Blegh!" He exclaimed after taking a bite, putting the rest of the biscuit back onto the plate. I laughed loudly. He chugged back his glass of water.

"Right, then. Well, I'm going to go before everyone wakes up. Night! Well, technically 'Morning' but you get the message." I said quickly, turning back to the Wonkavator.

My alarm rang out through the silence of my room, startling me back into reality. I closed my novel, making a mental note of the page I was up to.

I didn't go back to sleep when I got back to my room. I was still on edge, and I'd probably oversleep and be late for work anyway.

I got up off my bed with a yawn, and began going through my morning routine.

Once I had brushed my teeth, done my hair and donned my clothes, and walked over to my mirror opposite my bed, buttoning up my coat. It was a red coat, that didn't match my uniform at all. I didn't really care how ridiculous I looked at the moment. Despite the heating that ran 24/7, the piercing, bitter cold from the outside world still managed to seep into the walls of the factory and pollute it's paradise.

That, or I probably just left my window open again.

I held my curtains to the side, checking the window. It was closed. Maybe I'd just come down with the flu or something.

While I buttoned up my coat, I gazed at the timetable that I had taped to the right corner of my mirror.

I had Candy Wrapper Design with Mr. Wonka first. I winced inwardly, hoping that today wouldn't be like yesterday. I was half dreading going back to school after this was over. I didn't want to do any more 'division', if you get my drift.

After that, I had to clean the 'Shawaknow', with Hayden. I wondered vaguely what the fuck that was.

I adjusted a few strands of hair in the mirror, biting my lip nervously.

After a moments of procrastination, I grabbed my workbag and headed to the Cafeteria.

I stepped out of the Wonkavator to be greeted by Tim and Hayden, who were sitting at one of the tables with Candice. Judging by the uncomfortable look on her face, I assumed they had invited her over. That was nice. I grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter, not bothering to get a proper breakfast.

"Hi, all." I said, sliding out a chair and sitting down.

"Hey, Alice. Have you seen Kim by any chance?" Hayden asked.

"Nope. Why?" I responded.

"We're supposed to be doing the next job together. I can't find her." He stated.

"Oh, she might be looking for her phone in Lost Property, or something." I offered.

"They have one of those here?" He asked through a mouthful.

After a few minutes of chatter, and I had finished my apple, I stood up, excusing myself. I walked to the elevator, and pressed the 'Inventing Room' button. The doors closed shut with a swish, and the elevator sped off, turning this way and that, until it finally arrived at the Inventing Room. I stepped out, rummaging through my workbag to see if I packed my mints.

"Oh, hey Alice." Came a surprised voice from directly in front of me.

I looked up, and realized with slight surprise that it was Kim. I became aware of the fact that I was standing directly in front of the Wonkavator doors, and moved to the side, so that she could get past.

"Nice coat." She added smugly.

"Hello." I responded to her. She paused for a second, looking at me, before stepping into the Elevator and speeding off to wherever she was going.

I shrugged it off. She was probably looking for the lost and found, or something.

I realized that apart from myself, the room was empty. The only sound that could be heard was the mechanical pumping of machines, and the occasional 'Squelch!'.

"Hello?" I called.

There was no reply. After a few minutes, I gave up and went to turn back to the Wonkavator.

Ding.

I gasped at the abrupt sound. Mr. Wonka and Charlie stepped out.

"Morning!" Charlie chirped brightly, standing close by his mentor's side. I greeted him back, smiling. I wondered why he wasn't at school. It was Tuesday.

"Good Morning, Mr. Wonka." I greeted him too.

"Lovely morning, isn't it?" He commented.

"Terrific." I replied sarcastically, given that I was practically shivering in my boots.

"Alright then, shall we get to work? So much time, so litte to do! Wait, strike that. Reverse it." Charlie giggled slightly. Mr. Wonka reached into his coat, it was purple today, and pulled out a few sheets of paper.

"Since we didn't have the chance to go over anything yesterday," He frowned slightly, but resumed his smile after a small moment.

"I'll just go over everything now. All yer' have to do is create a design for these three items." He pointed to the pictures of the paper. "I only need drafts and sketches at this point, and once you're finished, just show 'em to me."

"Is there anything in particular you want me to incorporate into the design?"

"Nope, not really. Just be sure to make it look snazzy."

I nodded, ignoring his awkward speech pattern. "Okay. Where do I work?"

"Anywhere you want. You can even go back to your room if you want."

"Great! Oh, when is this due by the way?" I asked. I was suddenly reminded of school. I wondered how my friends were.

"Whenever you're finished."

"I wish my teachers were like that." I said wistfully, taking the sheet from him.

I packed away my pencils, putting them back in my case, getting ready for lunch. I took of my dressing gown, which I had donned once I'd gotten back to my room.

Once I checked my appearance, I went down to the Cafeteria. It was empty. I must be a few minutes early or something.

I took my time deciding what I would have for lunch. Without the heating and the dressing gown, I was already cold. I decided on soup.

Kim soon arrived, followed by Candice, and then Tim and Hayden.

I sat at their table. Tim invited Candice over again.

"So how was your day?" Hayden asked me, nibbling on his sandwich.

"Uneventful. I basically sat in my room and drew. I'm actually debating whether he demoted me."

He grinned. "Well, it's better than recording the heart rate of a puppet."

I coughed. "True." I said, before sipping on my soup.

"Are you okay?" He asked me. "You look a little sick."

"I'm fine, thanks. Why?"

"Your lips look a little blue." He said with a worried expression.

"Really? It's probably just the cold." I rationalized.

He gave me a confused look. "It isn't cold. You sure you're okay? Come to mention it, you're looking very pale."

"I'm always pale," I pointed out. "And I'm not throwing up or having a seizure, so I guess that means I'm perfectly fine."

"If you say so." He concluded uncertainly.

I ate, or drank, the rest of my lunch quietly, and went off with Hayden to our next job once he was finished with his lunch.

The rain fell down in a rhythmic and hushed downpour, tapping on the thick glass window that separated me from the outside world. The curtains swayed ever so slightly, despite the window being closed. There must be a draft somewhere.

I ran the brush through my damp hair, before flicking off the light and climbing into bed.

Lightening flashed outside, illuminating my room for a brief moment.

I could hear the low rumbling of the thunder, pulsating sounds of rage, saturating the sky around.

Weary from today's work, I began to doze off almost immediately, only to be jolted awake by another abrupt crash of thunder, causing my heart to stutter.

I lay in my bed, looking at my surroundings. My eyes moved from nameless object to nameless object, until they reached the mirror sitting adjacent to my bed. I began to drift off again. My train of thought began to wander off in different directions.

Suddenly, lightening flashed yet again. The room flickered in illumination.

I could have sworn I saw faces in the mirror.

But I was too far gone to dwell on it.

My eyes closed, and I fell into a sleep, lulled by the hushed downpour.

I lay in my bed, shivering, not wanting to get up, but at the same time wanting to be rid or this room. And the factory, really. I realized I hadn't been outside in ages. It was my day off today, so I figured I'd go out.

Reluctantly, I got up. The shivering immediately intensified. I quickly got changed, layering on the clothes, and turning up the heating in my room. I put a hat, gloves and a scarf on too.

I also took the mirror down, stuffing it in the wardrobe, and closing the door tight.

After shoving a few things of importance in my handbag, I left my room.

I went immediately down to the Main Hall, not bothering about breakfast. I'd get some when I was out. I quickly pulled my phone out of my pocket and checked the time. It was 9:34.

I parted the crimson curtains that cascaded gracefully from the ceiling, and stepped into the darkness. Light streamed in from under the curtains, faintly illuminating the faces of the puppets that were stuck to the colorful backboards, their skin like patchwork. I tiptoed past them, as if not to disturb them, and hesitantly unlocked the deadbolt of the massive metal door, and slid it open. I stepped out into the freezing cold, closing the door behind me. It took a lot of effort, considering my size, but they were on sliders. The icy air blew against my cheeks, numbing and reddening them. I was shaking violently, but I didn't care. I'd forgotten what fresh air was like. Pure, untainted air, unspoiled by the sickly sweet scent of candy. I inhaled deeply, savoring it, and set off towards the huge gates. I tripped on the stairs, but managed to regain my balance.

I dug into my bag, reaching around for my card. It had come in the workbag.

I walked over to on of the smaller gates to the side, and swiped my card in the lock. It swung open with a small click and I stepped outside, closing it behind me.

As soon as I stepped outside those gates, it felt like a weight had lifted off of my shoulders. I set off down the street, wondering where I should go.

I'd walked about 4 blocks when I came across a Café. I pushed open the door, my teeth chattering. The little bell on the door rang out.

Thankfully, it was warm in here. It smelt amazing, too. It reminded me of the little bakery my mother used to work in. After school, I would always go there. She didn't like me home alone, since my father was working too. Sometimes, on very rare occasions, she'd let me be the Cashier, but I mainly just wiped down the tables. She had to quit her job when my father died. Working in a bakery wasn't enough to support us both, with him gone.

I took off my hat and scarf, stuffing them into my bag, and walked to the counter.

There was a man waiting at the counter, and a middle aged woman sitting at one of the tables. I guessed that this Café was pretty popular.

I waited behind the man patiently, trying to decide what I was going to have.

I looked at the menu. The selections were pretty limited, and there wasn't anything I liked.

"That'll be £2.50." The old woman at the counter said kindly to the man. Her voice was very high, but shook slightly.

The man put a few coins on the counter, grabbing his cup.

"Thanks." He said. I noticed that he had an American accent, like me.

He went and sat down at a table. I moved forward. The woman smiled at me, her eyes crinkling.

"How can I help you, dear?" She asked.

"Can I please get a…" I paused for a moment, deciding. "A regular Latte?"

"Take away?"

I thought about it for a second. Well, I guess I didn't really have anywhere else to go. "No thanks."

"Sugar?"

"No thank you." I smiled.

"That's £2.50."

I paid her and sat down at the nearest table, absentmindedly staring at the newspaper on the table until she set the coffee down on the table.

I thanked her and sipped on my coffee, seeing how hot it was. It wasn't too hot so I went ahead and took another sip. Warmness coursed through my mouth, and down the throat. I shivered.

I heard a chair scrape across from me and looked up in surprise. It was the man who I had just been standing behind.

My expression of surprise turned into one of recognition.

Hey! Alice, right? Remember me?" He asked, smiling.

"Oh! John!" I remembered him from the flight to London.

"Fancy seeing you here! You look so different. I almost didn't recognize you. I kept thinking you looked familiar."

"Yeah, I just didn't recognize you at all." I said truthfully.

He laughed. "How have you been?" He asked. "You don't mind if I sit here, do you?"

"Not at all. I've been pretty good, thanks. Besides my hair being sheared off. How about you?"

"It looks great. I've been alright. So what have you been up to?"

"Mainly work." I answered, taking a sip from my coffee. "You?"

"I've been looking after my Aunt. She had a stroke a few weeks back. I'm pretty much the only family she has left. She had no children, and my mother actually passed away years ago."

"I'm so sorry. For both your Aunt and your Mother. How are you coping?"

"Thank you. I'm doing well, so far."

I nodded, not quite knowing what to say next.

We sat in silence for a moment. "Oh, so where do you work again?" He asked politely, eager to continue conversation.

"Oh, just up the street.." I answered vaguely. "Well, I'm not even sure if it's technically considered work."

"You're not a street walker, are you?"

I laughed. "God no. No, I'm on a Student Program at the Chocolate Factory. I get to work there for 2 months."

"Shit. Are you serious? Have you met Willy Wonka yet?"

"Yes." I said. "He's a freak." I added jokingly.

"Really? How so?"

"The way he dresses, his personality, his hair, every aspect about him. But I suppose he's kind of nice, in an odd way. Sometimes. Not really. Never mind. He's the reason behind this." I pointed to my head.

"Sorry, last question for today. I feel like I'm interrogating you. What's the Factory like?" He asked in fascination.

"It's like a Labyrinth. There are so many rooms, and rooms within rooms. Even though it looks humungous on the outside, it's only the tip of the iceberg. Literally. It goes underground." I don't think he knew just how 'Underground' it went.

"You're so lucky to work there. I take it this is your day off? Sorry, there I go again."

"Thankfully, yes." I smiled.

"I'm going to attempt to put this into a statement. Okay, I was wondering if you were doing anything today."

I giggled. "Not that I'm aware of."

"Great. I am- It i- Oh, I give up. Would you like to go somewhere today, with me? I mean, you don't have to. You've probably got better stuff to d-"

I grinned, cutting in. "Shut up. I'd love to."

We arrived at the gates once again. It was still light, but the clouds were slightly illuminated with an orange glow, suggesting that night would soon fall.

"It was nice catching up with you." I said, trying my hardest to keep my voice from shaking. What I would give to be under the covers in bed right now.

"The pleasure's all mine." He tipped his imaginary hat, with a wink.

I laughed, lightly punching his arm.

"Well, I should be going. I'll catch you later!" He said after a while.

I said goodbye, and he walked off in the opposite direction.

I rummaged around in my bag, and swiped my card in the lock. The small gate creaked open a tad, and I pushed it open, walking into the empty courtyard. A gust of wind blew slightly, making my hair whip around my face. Somehow, I managed to make it up the steps, and I opened the huge door. Too weak to open it more than a crack, I turned on my side and squeezed through. The beautiful heated air hit me, and I sighed in relief. I nudged the door shut, pushing down the deadlock and continued to the hallway, passing the puppets again.

I parted the long, crimson curtain to the side, and walked down to the Wonkavator. My steps echoed throughout the hallway. Tap. Tap. Tap.

The Elevator doors opened, and I stepped in and pressed the 'Cafeteria' button, wanting to get a hot coffee or something. It zoomed off towards the room.

Soon I arrived. Tim and Hayden sat at the table, sword-fighting with kitchen knives.

"Hey!" I greeted them, chucking lightly at their childish ways.

"Good Even', fair maiden." Tim called out mockingly, the use of his language contrasting awkwardly with his American accent.

"Like a sir." Hayden commented.

I pressed the 'Latte' button on the coffee machine, and leant against the counter, waiting.

I made small talk about my day while I waited for my coffee. Once it was done, I sat down near them. I didn't really want to sit on the same table as them. Not everyone wants to get stabbed, you know.

"You know, you should probably put those away before you poke someone's eye out. Or liver." With that, Tim's knife clattered noisily to the floor as he lost his grip on the handle.

"Victory is mine." Hayden joked. I stood up from my chair and picked the knife of the ground, turning around to put it back on the counter.

I heard Hayden say something about a coat, but I didn't quite catch it. I looked over my shoulder while still walking to the counter.

"Huh?"

Suddenly, my frame jolted as my arm collided with one of the red pillars that stretched from the floor to the ceiling. I momentarily lost balance, and swayed, in the process tripping over my bootlace.

I fell forward, and cried out as my forehead met the cold marble floor.

And then I felt the rip.

The rip of fabric and skin.

The metal sliced through my skin with little effort and dug straight into my stomach. After a second of heart-pounding, head-throbbing disbelief, I squealed out in pain, feeling the full effect of this knife.

A searing pain burned up my side, consuming me in agony and making my mind go blank.

Besides the pain, nerves were starting to rise in me. Would I make it out of this alive?

I heard a cry of realization, and a scurry of footsteps. I felt a hand on my shoulder, turning me over. I cried out in pain as the knife jerked inside of me with the sudden movement. My vision blurred as tears lined my eyes, I gasped for breath, my mouth open in a wide 'o'.

I heard voices shouting, but couldn't distinguish the words. The pain flared once again, as I was lifted up. I cried out in agony, trying to form the word 'stop'. I felt my top begin to soak with all of the blood, but I daren't look.

Spots of black blurred my vision, and then I let the darkness consume me.

Review! These freshly bakes e-cookies need a good home to go to!