I do not own anything from Charlie and the Chocolate factory. All rights and likenesses belong to Roald Dahl, Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. No profit is being garnered from this work. Our next question for Tupik-Ra comes from Yva: What ever happened to the other winners of the Golden Ticket contest? Tupik-Ra replies: Augustus Gloop went on to live a better lifestyle due to an onset of juvenile diabetes – he lost nearly 85 lbs and is now a mentor for other children with diabetes as a motivational speaker. Violet Beureguarde has capitalized on her new abilities and now is the star attraction for the Cirque Du Soleil performance of "Deep Blue" at the Bellagio in Las Vegas; Veruca Salt entered therapy, filed for emancipation from her parents and lives quietly in London by her own support. Mike Teevee? We're not really sure – his parents have attempted to sue, but we lost track of his movement several months ago. – Stealth Phoenix

Chapter 28

The first thing she felt as Veronica awoke was the cozy warmth of her little cave under the covers. The IV had been removed from her hand and the sticky residue from the tape holding it in place had collected a thin film of grungy looking lint. The wound itself was scabbed over nicely without the usual resulting bruise.

She hesitantly pulled the covers down and the low light of her room momentarily shocked her eyes. Squinting, she could see the dim figure of Monica moving toward her. "Ah, you're awake. Ray-Nel, go ahead and get Won-Ka."

Ray-Nel quickly left the room and Veronica's eyes finally adjusted.

"How long was I out for this time? What time is it?" she asked, her voice froggy from lack of use.

Ew! Her tongue felt fuzzy and the taste was horrible – and she had to pee like nobody's business.

"It's about 11 a.m. on December 23rd – you managed to sleep about 17 hours in all," Monica replied.

Veronica pushed back the covers and staggered into the bathroom to relieve her aching bladder. Urge met, she stepped up to the sink to brush her teeth. Staring into the reflection, she froze in her reach for the toothbrush.

"Monica?" she yelled with a note of rising alarm, "Why does my hair look like a reject from Lord of the Rings?"

Her reddish-brown mop that had rested just at shoulder length when down last night had grown until it hung heavily past her hips - the end in a strange half-braid that was apparently where she had left it last night.

"Yes…about that…,"Monica hemmed and hawed.

Veronica took in the rest of her appearance. The ghastly grey pallor from last night was gone along with the deep bruised circles under her eyes. There was a flush of health across her cheeks that was previously lacking and she looked like she had just gotten back from a particularly good two week vacation. She looked down. There was still the slightly protruding ribs and collarbone, but there wasn't the edge of starvation-level thinness anymore.

Suspicions raised, she looked down and nearly shrieked – even the hair on her legs had grown to Neanderthal lengths. She quickly turned on the bath and grabbed her razor. This simply would not do.

Regarding the dainty razor with a raised eyebrow – wouldn't she need a chainsaw? - she started the clear-cutting of a forest of leg hair. The little razor seemed equal to the task and she finished shaving her legs, bikini area and underarms with minimal nicks. The cuts themselves seemed to heal up in a blink. She watched one such gash heal on her ankle after a good nick. What the hell?

Veronica brushed her teeth with a distracted air, what had happened to her last night to cause such a reaction? Not that she was complaining, but near-miraculous instantaneous recoveries don't just occur in every day life.

Finished, she pulled on the terrycloth robe hanging on the back of the door and returned to the bedroom to dress.

There was a knock on the door and Monica answered. Voices spoke, the sound too softly to be heard clearly and Willy stepped into the room. The small woman crossed her arm, bowed to the taller man and after shooting a mischievous grin Veronica's way, exited the room.

Willy Wonka, Chocolatier extraordinaire, seemed nervous. He was wearing a somber looking black jacket with a festive red shirt and red gloves on his hands this time. The top hat was tilted low, concealing his eyes. "Good morning. How do you feel?" he asked, his voice slightly higher pitched than normal.

"Much better thank you. What's going on?" Veronica asked, her voice held an edge of panic in it. Her thin hands twisted the belt of the robe tightly – eyes begging him for an explanation.

"Your IV had a little something extra in it to help you recover quicker. It's completely harmless – in fact it classifies as 'helpful'," He said, one hand balancing on his cane – body held unnaturally still, not wanting to spook her further.

"What did you give me?" she asked, she grabbed a hank of the long tresses down her back, "A little something extra shouldn't cause my hair to grow nearly three feet overnight."

"It's something I created. I call it Wonka-Vite," he explained, tilting the hat back sheepishly to meet her eyes. She calmed immediately – she knew that Willy would do nothing to harm her. For a moment there, she feared the worst – black ops, alien injections, super-soldier programs…geek horrors. Anything Willy came up with to help her she knew was benign.

Seeing that she wasn't going to freak out, Will suddenly grinned and broke out into a jingle.

"If you are tired and have the shakes, If all your bones are full of aches, If you can hardly walk at all,
If living drives you up the wall, If you're a grump and full of spite, If you're a human parasite,
then what you need is WONKAVITE!
"

A finger on the top of his cane started tapping, quickly followed by his feet.

His violet eyes started to glint and before she knew it, he was dancing around her singing, "Your eyes will shine, your hair will grow, your face and skin will start to glow, and your puckered lips will get so soft and rosy pink - that all the boys will smile and wink."

On that line he smirked and winked flirtatiously, making her laugh. He paused to take her hands and whisper surreptitiously, "And whisper secretly that this - is just the girl they want to kiss!"

Willy ever so gently placed a kiss on her lips, his tickling breath making her giggle, before twirling around and jumping onto the chair next to her bed, his top hat in one hand the cane extended like a conductor's baton in the other.

"So come, old friends, and do what's right! Let's make your lives as bright as bright! Let's take a dose of this delight! This heavenly magic dynamite! You can't go wrong, you must go right! IT'S WILLY WONKA'S WONKAVITE!"

Veronica applauded, laughing at the performance. Willy took a bow and stepped off the chair, "Thank you , Thank you! I'll be here all week. Please be sure to tip your waitress generously."

"So this Wonkavite has helped me heal up from all the damage I've managed to do to myself?" She asked, taking a seat on the bed to stare up at the man.

"Indeed fair maiden. Now promise me you won't turn around and undo it all again, please." Willy took her hand and sat next to her. "You scared me. Please don't do that again."

Her heart leapt painfully in her chest at the deep emotion contained in his eyes. Veronica recalled his words the previous night and she wondered anew at this wonderful man. How could someone like this claim to love someone as worthless as her. His eyes were intent and she found herself blushing under his scrutiny, "You seem to find yourself as my white knight on charging steed more often than not these days. Thank you again."

"You're worth it," he insisted. He shook his head in disbelief, "Why do you persist in thinking so little of yourself? You have created a masterpiece – not just anyone can do it. No one else could have pulled it off in the insane timetable you set for yourself."

Willy paused and scooted closer. "The project is 99.95 finished – a few touch ups is all that is needed. Can we have that promised talk yet?" Willy asked slowly.

"Now that you know the ugly truth about me, are you still willing to?" Veronica shot back.

"More than ever – it just shows me what a remarkable woman you are," Willy said, memorizing her face as she flushed with his compliment.

"Willy…I need to tell you something. It's very important and I'm not sure how to approach the topic gracefully…" Veronica said, her hand shaking slightly in his.

She could sense the rising apprehension as his grip tightened, "Nothing too bad – I assure you."

Veronica stared into Willy's eyes. They were as open and honest as a child's.

"I'm a bit of an emotional coward, after all – it has taken this long for me to confront my demons. You showed a tremendous amount of courage last night, telling me how you feel. I…I...just wanted to tell you…" she hesitated. Saying the words were the hardest thing she'd ever had to do, the most life altering, and she took strength from the man across from her.

"I love you Willy. No matter what happens next, I want you to know that I love you."

No sooner had the words cleared her lips than she found herself wrapped tightly in his arms, lips crashing down on hers. She knocked the hat from his head in her hurry to return the embrace. It was as if she were present for the big bang – the light and love that filled her. Veronica felt wetness on her cheeks and couldn't tell if they came from him or her. All of the pain, uncertainty, and fear melted away allowing her for the first time in many years to feel truly loved for who she was – she felt washed clean and new.

Willy pulled away reluctantly, "Thank God! I was afraid I'd made a fool of myself."

"No," she breathed, taking a moment to realize what had happened – that he felt the same way about her that she did about him. Veronica realized that she was grinning like a loon and Willy had a similar expression on his face.

Veronica took the incentive to collect a long slow kiss from Willy, one he gladly provided. He grunted suddenly and pulled away, "Mmm…wait a second."

He yanked off the bright red gloves and shot them expertly into the wastebasket across the room before thrusting his hands into the heavy weight of her hair to kiss her again - their tongues danced against each other with delight.

Veronica's breath started to come more rapidly and she could feel her nipple harden under the robe. She gasped with delight as his lips trailed down to nibble at the sensitive juncture of her shoulder and neck. The feel of his bare hand on her skin was threatening to overwhelm her self-control.

Experimentally, she took his hand and breathed gently on it. The fingers twitched and his breathing sped up. She kissed one of the soft fingertips and heard him moan softly. Greatly daring, she took the long digit between her lips and sucked softly, watching his face.

His eyes darkened and he closed his eyes and threw his head back, swallowing convulsively. When he recovered, he looked at her – eyes dark with passion and growled causing a rush of heat to rush between her legs in arousal.

Things were threatening to go horizontal quite quickly and she was half-of mind to let it. Judging from the heavy-lidded expression of lust on Willy's face he was willing to do the same.

They both jerked to glare at the door as they heard a giggle. Monica and Ray-Nel looked only slightly embarrassed at being caught.

"About bloody time - If you two hadn't confessed soon, we would have been forced to take measures," Monica huffed. "Forgive me, but I need to go tell Mic-Ka – he wagered me 50 beans that it wouldn't happen until after the ceremony."

The two heads disappeared. It was easy to tell their progress through the factory as the sound of distant cheers echoed through the halls.

Willy rolled his eyes; he'd never hear the end of it. Shaking his head he faced Veronica.

"Moving a little fast there," he admitted, stroking her wild length of hair, tilting his forehead to rest against her own. Veronica could feel the puffs of his hot breath against her face as she nodded.

"I'm supposed to go visit Reggie and Spencer today."

"When?"

"No specific time – they know how I get when I work."

Willy swallowed and Veronica was tempted to follow that bobbing flesh with her tongue.

"Who would you prefer to join you?" he asked, shifting uncomfortably and she sensed what his problem was with a smile - guy cramp.

"Whoever is available. Why, are you interested?" she purred, playing along.

"I might be. When were you planning on going?"

"As soon as I get dressed," she slid from his arms to cross to the dresser to grab clothes. Veronica could feel the weight of his eyes on her back. "I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with this mop though. Maybe I should chop it."

"Wait and see if you get used to it. I kinda like it," he said enjoying watching the hypnotic sway as she moved.

Rolling her eyes she retreated into the bathroom, "Great – we're a couple for less than 15 minutes and you're already telling how to fix my hair."

"No I'm not – I'm expressing an opinion," he called.

I'd love to see what it looks like sprawled across my bed, Bob muttered. Bob was kind enough to provide the mental image – Veronica, her head thrown back in ecstasy, nude body gleaming against his dark sheets, the waterfall of fiery hair strewn about her like a halo.

Not helping Bob, Willy thought – and concentrated on the ugly image of Slugworth and Prodnose again. Prodnose was squeaking, "Take me you savage beast!" to the flabby Slugworth.

Ugh!

Veronica came out to see Willy with his eyes closed and an expression of profound revulsion on his face. She watched curiously as he shuddered and opened his eyes. A bright smile lit his face as soon as he saw her.

"Problem?" she asked.

"Not anymore. Just a disturbing thought," he shrugged, climbing to his feet.

Veronica had donned the sage colored cargo pants and a cream- colored tee shirt. She pulled on the navy blue zip sweater before donning her worn coat. She had pulled the long hair into a ponytail and looped the length through the band several times making rather elegant folds that decorated the nape of her neck. Pulling on her boots, she indicated she was ready.

Willy grabbed his hat and pulled a fresh pair of gloves from his pocket, "Let me grab my coat from my office before we go."

Donning the hat, he pulled open the door to allow Veronica to go first. She froze when she saw an Oompa Loompa who'd been just about to knock. "Won-Ka, there is a strange man waiting at the gate. He has said that he bears a message for Ms. Carmichael."

"Are you expecting anyone?" Willy asked.

Veronica shook her head, rummaging through her brain for a clue to the unknown man's identity.

"Well, let's go see who it is," Willy's grin turned predatory. "Smily, please let someone know to meet me at the front door with my coat." Smily bowed and took off.

They took the Wonkavator to the long passageway that led up to the front door. Willy collected his long black coat and sunglasses from the red jumpsuited Oompa Loompa, "Thanks! Get back, it's cold out there and I don't want you or anyone else getting sick from the draft."

The huge doors creaked open and Veronica felt exposed to the huge cold world beyond. Willy squeezed her hand and whispered, "Don't worry. I'll be right at your side."

They strode out together. It was a short walk to the main wrought iron gateway into the factory, but to her it felt like at least a half a mile. She picked out the strange man Smily had mentioned. It was a large man, thick through the middle with a receding hairline and rich chocolate colored skin. His eyes were carefully blank and he wore a tan trenchcoat.

They approached the gate and stopped a few feet away.

"Ms. Veronica Carmichael?" asked the man in a surprisingly reedy tenor.

She nodded, unwilling to speak.

The man reached into his coat and she could feel Willy tense by her side. He stepped forward and in front of her protectively, his cane held defensively. The man paused, an expression of amusement on his face and Willy's posture and then proceeded to draw a plain brown envelope from the interior pocket of his jacket. He held the envelope through the gate, "This is for you ma'am."

Veronica cautiously stepped forward to take the envelope.

"You've been officially served. Have a nice day," the man said, and turned to disappear into the last minute holiday shopping crowd behind him.

She watched in confusion, glancing down at the envelope in her hands. She carefully tore the end off and slid the paper out. Reading it, she furrowed her brow. This has beyond a doubt been one of the strangest days of my life.

"What is it?" Willy asked.

"It's a restraining order issued against me. I'm supposed to stay 50 meter or more away from Victor and have no further contact with him." She read, further. "Supposedly I've been stalking him."

Willy quickly realized that Victor Brahm was doing his level best to throw Veronica off balance by throwing this restraining order at her. What he couldn't figure was what he hoped to accomplish by doing so. He watched Veronica anxiously, after the emotional upheaval of last night and the stresses she has gone through, he was honestly afraid she would pass out, or cry or break down into straight catatonia.

To Willy's surprise, she began to laugh.

He hadn't seen that one coming. Maybe it was a side effect of the Wonkavite?

"The silly ass. Why the devil would I want to even be in the same city as him, much less be following his every move," she giggled, her eyes merry. "Restraining orders are only effective if the person accused actually wants to see the offended party. This is rich!"

He hadn't figured it from that angle – Victor had indeed overplayed his hand and had managed to back himself into a legal corner.

Of course, rats were their most dangerous when cornered…

"Let's get out of here," Willy said, taking her arm back inside and to the Wonkavator to travel to Reggie and Spencers. She crumpled up the paper and jammed it into her ever present messenger bag, allowing herself to be led.

"I can't wait to tell Reggie this one."