The Hershey Conspiracy

Prologue, Part 2

A/N: Thanks so much to everyone who everyone who reviewed! I even got added to a C2 group, and that really surprised me. Well, I watched the movie again just to check on where everyone lived. I think I'm good until it hits DVD now. That plot bunny has grown to the size of an elephant! It likes reviews a bit too much, hint hint.

Veruca,

Funny you should mention Mike; we talk online all the time. No, he doesn't live anywhere near me. There's practically a whole continent between us. We met again last year at the National Spelling Competition in New York where I wiped the floor with his behind and took third place. Mom wasn't happy I lost, but I didn't care. Mike was really gracious about it, not at all like the jerk I remembered from the Factory. (We've all changed for the better since then, haven't we?) After the competition we went out for coffee and we've been friends ever since. You should see him, Veruca, he's gotten really tall. I keep telling him to get off his butt and try out for basketball, but he's glued to the keyboard. Better that than video games, I guess.

Thanks for taking the time to check out Hershey for me. Mom and I had a "discussion" (that is we were at each other's throats) about it a few days ago. I can't believe she sent them that application without even warning me about it! She denies it but I know it was her. God, I really hate that woman. You're right, I will happy to be rid of her.

I can't wait to see you again either! We should have a Tour reunion. Mike said he's going to send in an application too. He's sure to get in with that gigantic brain of his, I'm telling you.

I'm still blue, but it doesn't bother me much. It's a small trade off for being the best gymnast in the area. I almost made it to the Junior Olympics one year, but I think I didn't get it because they didn't want a blue girl representing the United States. Stupid people. But other than that nobody bothers me about it anymore. They're just used to it, I guess. I don't know how they'll treat me at that school, but I'm confident they'll shut up if I threaten to pound somebody's face in. I'll just pull out the old bad girl routine and no one will want to come within twenty feet of me. Just kidding, I don't really pound anybody's faces in… Any more.

I can't see a blueberry pie without freaking out, though. I'm still working on that with my therapist. Mike has a similar problem with bright lights, but he never would tell me why. He wears sunglasses indoors and stuff… At first I figured he was trying to look cool, but now I wonder if Wonka partially blinded him or something. Wouldn't put it past him.

On that lovely note,

Violet

Hi Vi, something interesting just happened that I thought you should know about. I decided to check the mail before filling out that online application and wouldn't you know it, I got a letter from Hershey. Inside was a scholarship offer. Something fishy is going on here and I don't like it. I think someone's trying to round us all up. If Veruca gets one too I'd bet my anime collection on it.

-Mike

Dear Violet,

I took a ride into London to pick up an application for Hershey Academy yesterday. While taking a tour of the facilities you'll never guess who I ran across. It was Charlie Bucket, you know, that extremely quiet kid from the Tour? He had his parents and that awful man with him, who looked about as out of place as a clown at a funerary procession. Charlie said he received a scholarship from Hershey simply out of the blue. Isn't that peculiar?

It's good to hear you and Mike are such good friends, and that being blue doesn't bother you much. I know it would bother me, but perhaps that's just my vainer side shining through. If I am reading your letter correctly, I do believe it sounds like you fancy Mike a bit. Am I right? Don't worry, I won't tell him!

I'm positively bubbling with excitement over meeting the two of you again. You and I must go shopping. I know of the cutest boutiques where the ladies can turn your wildest ideas into costumes fit for princesses. And don't fret about the money, I have that all covered. Oh, and the clubs! We'll have a blast, Violet, I promise you. I can't wait!

Cordially Yours,

Veruca