SaintFan- Fucktard can be used by anyone! It's fun to say . . . (shifts eyes) Fucktard! lol
peachy-pebbles- Aww. I love Bianca too . . . And think all you want you'll never come up with a plan! Mwahahahaha! But still hold you up for the sketch offer! (smirks)
Oo-Arisu-chan-oO- Wow . . . you're determined that they be together, huh? lol Well, maybe Bianca will forgive Willy . . . the only wat to find out is to read on!
Jack's Sally- Oh . . . you're really gonna hate me in this update! lol
bobdafrog- I'll take the arm . . . you can keep the leg and first born.
Fala Delacroix- Mmm . . . you're such a yummy secret lover! (huggles back) Tolko ti znaesh', ya ochen hochu tebya. Ya ved' teper'... Nich'ya... I LOVE YOU!!!!!
Check Your Reflection- Yeah . . . this isn't the time of the month for horrible things to happen! Oh well . . . at least I hope the cookie dough is good!
A/n: I hope everyone had a happy christmas! I had a lovely winter solstice and christmas! So I guess this update will be a late christmas gift for everyone! I would also like to call to everyone's attention that after this chappie there is only SEVEN MORE CHAPPIES LEFT!!!! Amazing huh? It seems like yesterday that I started this whale of a tale! It's been almost a year since I put up the first chappie on (sighs) Anyways, enough chatting! Here's the new update! Enjoy! Or at least try to . . .
Chapter 45: Once Upon A Dream
Dear Mummy,
Everything seems just as it was since I came back to the factory. Of course Aunt Arlene asked a lot of questions, but nonetheless welcomed me back with open arms. School is fine as usual and the factory is as marvelous as ever. The only thing that seems to be missing is Mr. Wonka. He's here everyday, but the usual (or unusual) cheeriness is gone . . . It's as if his soul has been sucked out of his body. I suppose the recent drop in candy sales hasn't helped his mood. He seems really empty since you've left . . . And he's not the only one.
Love your daughter,
Emmy
I sigh and fold the letter back up. As I pocketed the letter I look out the window from the attic in The Red Rat. The factory stood still looking desolate, but I knew better. Inside, my family lived a normal life. The Oompa Loompas worked busily as they do every day. And the owner of the factory . . . It hurt to even think about him.
In over a month I've been living with Roland, and it's been a real nightmare. I'm grateful that I let Emmy go . . . I couldn't bear for her to have another abusive father figure. And just a little while ago Roland announced our engagement. The press had a field day once the news got out. I can only imagine the reaction of my family . . . And of a certain chocolatier.
I can't believe I'll be married to another monster.
A tear leaked down my cheek. As far as I know the date of the wedding has been set to take place at least two months from now. Some days I have the sudden urge to run from him and all of my fear . . . But then I think of Emmy. I think of my family . . . And even though I won't admit it I especially think of Willy. The images of their bodies burning would run through my head, and reminds me why I'm doing this. Their lives will be safe and secure if I go on to suffer under the hands of Roland.
"Bianca?"
I'm quickly brought back down to reality at the sound of Titania's voice. Quickly wiping the stray tear from my face I look back to see her at the attic doorway. "Are you okay?" Titania asks carefully, noticing that I was gazing out at the factory. I nod vigorously. "Yeah . . . I was just reading a letter from Emmy that I received earlier today."
"Aww . . . How is she?"
"She's fine."
"That's good." Titania reluctantly walks in while examining me closely. I knew she was looking at the scar on my neck that Roland left was a warning . . . And of course I've heeded it. I clear my throat and make my way to the vanity. Tonight is another performance. I clean my face, trying to calm my nerves from emotional memories going through my head. It wasn't long until Ewan came up to join us. He also studied me closely as I was preparing to put on whatever custom he had planned for me. Getting fed with their staring eyes I finally question them.
"What's so amazing about my body that you both can't look away?" I asked slightly annoyed.
Ewan and Titania look at each other. Titania motions Ewan to explain. Ewan at first refused, but sighs and begins to answer. "Well, we've noticed that scar on your neck . . ."
"And the numerous bruises on your arms," Titania said quietly.
Ewan nods. "And more scars . . . Along with some bruises . . . Seem to appear more and more every passing day."
"What are you trying to say?" I ask as innocently as possible, hoping they wouldn't catch on.
Ewan lets out an aggravated sigh. "We think those scars and bruises came from Roland's hand!"
Nothing can get past them, I thought as I tried to keep my face together so it wouldn't give away the truth. Roland of course never held back from abusing me. It mostly happens when he was angry or when I decide to be a smart ass. Usually after hitting me he would remind me of his plan to blow up the factory. That kept my mouth shut like it would now.
"What makes you think Roland would hit me?" I asked challengingly.
"I don't know . . . But every day you have a new bruise on your arms or face. You live with Roland . . . Who else could be giving you all these bruises?" Titania asked smartly.
"Does it have to be someone giving me these bruises?"
"Well, what caused these bruises?" Ewan asked curiously.
I quickly swallow back my nervousness as I desperately thought of an excuse that's believable. "Umm . . . The bruises on my arms probably came from carelessness like bumping into tables and doors. I do bruise like a banana."
"What about the ones on your face?" Ewan questioned as he narrowed his eyes at me.
"If you have to know I'm so clumsy . . . I occasionally walk into a wall."
"But what about that scar?" Titania pointed at my neck. I cover it up with my hand. Swiftly I remember that one of the orchestra's instruments had a malfunction. "One of the violin's strings popped and sliced my neck."
"How'd it do that?" Ewan asked with an eyebrow arched.
I roll my eyes. "I was holding it of course! Anymore suspicions ya'll are worried about?"
"Well, since we're being honest . . . Why are you engaged to Roland? I mean you hated him a while back! And now you're living with him while Emmy is back at the factory!" Ewan seemed angry now. Although I felt sick defending Roland, I bite back with as much anger.
"Emmy is at the factory because I can't provide her a decent home! And I'm engaged because Roland treats me a hell lot better than Willy did!" I choke as I mentioned his name. Just the sound of his name made my heart ache.
Ewan and Titania's eyes soften as they realize they've upset me. Titania wraps her arm around my shoulders as she coos me. "Shh . . . It's okay. We're just worried for ya, that's all. Ever since W- . . . I mean he left you . . . You've been a little unstable and not yourself."
"We're just looking after you," Ewan added.
"Just trust me when I say you have nothing to worry about," I say quietly, regretting it as soon as I said it. Half of me wants to tell them everything, but I knew that would be a disaster waiting to happen.
"C'mon, Snow White . . . We need to dress you up!" Ewan said in a bright tone. I gave a little smile and let Ewan work his usual magic. I still feel that Ewan and Titania are skeptical about Roland, but I didn't care . . . As long as they don't ask anymore questions I wouldn't have to lie.
Tonight's custom almost made me cry . . . It was the exact shade of Willy's eyes. The dress draped off my shoulders and the sleeves came up above my elbows. A light violet corset kept the dress in place. The laces of the corset are in front and are a dark violet. Light violet stockings covered my legs and met my dress about mid-thigh. Dark violet flowers decorated the stockings and a strip of dark violet ended to the stocking on my thigh. As soon as the make-up was done Ewan choose to let my hair down with a light curl at the tips. A wreath of dark violet roses decorated the top of my head. Although the dress was beautiful it was hard not to think about him and those unforgettable eyes . . .
After all was done I headed downstairs. I was met with an unpleasant sight. Roland was waiting for me at the end of the stairs. A slight smile was upon his lips . . . This made my stomach churn with fear.
"Hello, my dear . . . How are you?" he asked pleasantly.
"I'm fine," I replied stiffly. He seemed very happy . . . This made me feel really uncomfortable.
"That's good . . . Because this is your last performance ever!"
"What? How is this my-"
"Did you actually think I would let you continue singing while married to me?" He chuckled. "That would cause too much suspicion! I attend to lash out on you and use you until it drives you to your grave."
I gasp out in horror. "You can't do that! I love this job!" Without thinking I push Roland away from me. Roland's eyes grow angry with mad heat. He grabs my tender arms and swings me around until I hit the wall in the corner of backstage. I scream out in pain, but Roland quiets it with his hand.
"You should know better by now, Bianca," he said warningly. "When I said I was doing this for revenge . . . I really meant it and I'm going to enjoy it for all it's worth."
Tears formed in my eyes. Roland increases the pressure of his hand gripping my arm. I helplessly yelp behind his other hand. "This will be your last performance, Bianca. Do you understand?"
I nod vigorously. Roland smirks in satisfaction as he releases me. I should've known that this would happen. It's foolish of me to think that I could fulfill my dream while married to this horrid monster.
"Glad that's settled! I'll be watching from backstage since I go on a little after you. So break a leg and give it your all!"
With that said he leaves. I take a second to collect myself, taking slow deep breaths. After a while I join Letta backstage to wait for my queue to take center stage. When that moment comes I slowly take the stage, already stocking up on memories about the stage: the smell, the sight, and the rush of excitement that would normally go through my body when I perform. I'm really going to give it all that I got tonight, I thought as I took my position on stage. As soon as the harp intro finished I began to sing the sad yet beautiful song about better times that are now fading memories:
When this all began,
We knew there'd be a price...
Once upon a dream,
I was lost in love's embrace.
There I found a perfect place,
Once upon a dream.
Once there was a time,
Like no other time before,
Hope was still an open door,
Once upon a dream.
And I was unafraid,
The dream was so exciting!
But now I see it fade...
And I am here alone!
Once upon a dream,
You were heaven-sent to me,
Was it never meant to be?
Was it just a dream?
Could we begin again...
Once upon a dream.
Applause broke out. Tears formed in my eyes, but I tried my best to hold them back. This is the very last applause I'll ever hear before succumbing into a long black period. I take my last bow before exiting the stage. As I exited the stage I take one more look at the audience. My heart froze. There in the back I see a familiar face lurking in the shadows. Before I could look closer Letta calls me off the stage. When I get backstage I look back at the audience. The familiar face is gone.
It was probably Arlene or someone else from the family . . . Or just my imagination.
I shake my thoughts away from it. Turning around I head back to the attic to wait for Roland to get done with his act and go home. But when I got to the stairs I feel something grab my arm, pulling me towards the back exit. I begin to scream, afraid that it was Roland pulling me to the alley because he was on one of his destructive rampages.
A purple rubber-clad hand pressed against my lips gently while leading me outside. A soft, child-like voice began begging me to calm down . . . A voice that once made my heat sing, and still does to this day.
"Shh! Bianca, calm down! It's me . . . Willy."
A/n: WOOT! WOOT! Cliffhanger Express strikes again! MWAHAHAHAHAHA! I am such a bitch . . . oh well! Maybe if you leave a review I might just update a tad quicker! Until then REVIEW!!!! The story is almost over . . . (begins to sob)
