Family Ties

Willy's interest was sparked once Kim brought up his mother. The only thing the man ever possessed of hers was a silver locket. When he was seven, however, his father took it!

He had told Charlie all about it. How it was heart shaped and had a picture of her inside. More than anything the man wanted it back. The man wondered if Kimberly had anything to do with it.

" Mr. Wonka, I found it!"

Willy snapped out of his trance to meet the gaze of the girl.

" What did you say?" he asked.

Kimberly responded by holding out the infamous locket, to which Willy quickly grabbed. He stood there for a moment, stroking the heart shaped pendant, then looked up, only to find himself staring straight at Kim.

Willy had to admit, she was very pretty. Almost like a dark version of Snow White, with her long, flowing black hair, bright blue eyes, china doll face and lips that were the colour of freshly picked cherries.

" Uh…thank you! But how did you get it?" Willy asked.

" Well I was paying a visit to your father, and when I was in his office, he showed me your mother's necklace. He then went on to say that you were too absorbed with the object, so he took it! I really thought it would be best if you had it back so I…." she then paused.

Charlie gasped." Kim…..you didn't steal it….did you?"

Kimberly took her time responding. Finally, she nodded.

" I didn't mean to! It just sorta….happened!"

" Bit of a pirate gene in you?" Willy asked with a huge grin.

The girl shifted from foot to foot." I guess!"

She then proceded to put her hood back on.

" Now that you have your trinket back, I guess I shall take my leave!"

Willy watched her walk slowly toward the door. It was so thoughtful of her to return the locket, though he may never admit it. Just when she had her slender fingers wrapped around the door he called out: "Wait!"

The girl turned around." Yes?" she called back.

" Please…uh….you can stay, if you wish it!" Willy said.

The response was a look of glee from Kim and a look of horror from Charlie.

" Mr. Wonka, what are you?….."

But Willy stepped on his heir's foot." Be nice to our guest, Charlie" he said through gritted teeth.

Kimberly walked back toward Willy.

" Wow! Thanks Mr. Wonka!"

All the candy maker did in reply was let out a soft moan, followed by a curious glance from the girl.

" You alright Mr. Wonka?"

Willy smiled. " Of course!"

But Charlie was starting to get suspicious.