Unfortunatly, Charlie wasn't able to see the main part of the room they were in, as it was suddenly pitch black, allthough he could clearly make out a vast skylight, and a flash of lightning showed a room as large as the Chocolate room in the factory. However this was put aside as a spotlight suddenly turned on in the middle of the room. The spotlight focused on Leonard O'brian. He was decked out in a black tuxedo with a white bow tie, but was glowing slightly and was partially transparent. He carried a long black cane. If he was alive he could be described as a middle aged man with a crew-cut of brown hair and a handlebar mustache. He slowly said, "And a one, and a two."
Then suddenly the kids could see the ghost orchestra Mike refered too, and ghost clowns came in and started dancing around. Mr. O'brian started waving his cane around and started singing.
Welcome to the party tonite!
The greatest in the world I say,
today will be your happiest day.
Welcome to the party tonite!
We'll dance and sing the whole night through
To bring a joyful smile to you.
Welcome to the party tonite.
I've gathered in my house the greatest sights around.
I've done my best to make this house the funnest place from roof to ground.
Welcome to the party tonite!
Created to bring amazing joys
To all you little girls and boys
Welcome to the party tonite!
You great kids gathered here
will see the a most amazing sight.
WEL-Hel-come to the par-ar-ty toniiiiiiight!
As the kids just stared after the music died down Leonard O'brian said, "Allright, I understand that this whole situation is a liiiiitttle creepy, but thats no excuse for not applauding a expert showman when he gives you a special performance."
The six kids shrugged at each other, than each clapped their hands as much as they can muster.
Leonard O'brian continued with, "Well, I guess the obvious thing you kids want to know is why am I here instead of the proverbial better place?"
Charlie said, "That is a good question don't you think?"
O'brian replied, "Yeah, I wish I knew myself. Believe me, I wish I were there. I mean, I've got no unfinished business except I never gave my granddaughter Scarlett her birthday present."
Violet stepped forward and said, "Well give it too me then. I'm your great-granddaughter. Hi, my name is Violet Beauregarde. Scarlett is my mother, and today is my birthday actually."
O'brian seemed amazed, "Really! You do have the family nose. Very well come this way."
As O'brian led them up a staircase, Angela asked, "I understand you and the performers being here, in life they worked here, but why the kids?"
Another voice from around the room saying, "I can explain that, Angela." drew the attention of a young ghost girl with long brown hair."
Violet and Angela responded in unison, "TRISTA!"
Mike said, "You girls know this girl?"
Violet said, "She was on my gynastics team, until she fell off her bar and broke her neck."
Trista continued with, "Hi, Violet. Hi, Angela. Whenever a kid dies in the immediate vicinity of this house their soul gets dragged here. It's awfully boring. I've seen every act this circus has to offer a hundred times."
They arrived at a bedroom and O'brian started searching through it. Then he called out to the kids, "Oh by the way, if you want to spend the night here, don't go into the funhouse."
Charlies curiosity perked at this and he asked, "Why what's in there?"
O'brian continued, "Before I died, some animated robots I built and a hall of mirrors. But after I was killed a mysterious magical barrier surrounded it preventing all ghosts from entering."
Charlie asked, "What about living people?"
O'brian said, "We tried that, one kid visited us, and entered the funhouse."
Veruca said, "What happened?"
A little boy ghost who was passing behind them said, "I died. Can't remember how though."
"HERE IT IS!" Leonard O'brian emerged from the room carrying a lacy blue dress. He gave it too Violet saying. "It looks about your size."
Violet took it and said, "I want to try it on." She rushed into the bedroom closing the door behind her, then a few seconds later emerged tossing her newly longer hair about. She then exclaimed, "I love it, Grandpa. Is giving it too me helping you cross over?"
After a few seconds, O'brian said, "Nope. Still here. Sorry."
Violet then turned to the boys and said, "How do I look, boys?" After the boys gave a mixed cheer of praise to Violet's new look she ran over too O'brian, and said, "So where's great-grandma?"
O'brian smiled and said, "This way." and started leading the kids down a hallway.
Charlie was about to follow when Angela grabbed his arm. "So tell me, how much did her plan to get a rise out of you by showing off her new looks work?"
Charlie was about to deny feeling bad, but didn't have the heart to lie, "Pretty well. Angela, you know us well, what should we do?"
Angela replied, "The question is not what should both of you should do. The question is what should just you do. The only way you can and probably should be happy with your relationship is by telling her you love her, and because you know it too be true not because its true."
Charlie said, "Believe me, I tried, but my tounge keeps ending up in knots."
Angela put her hand on her forehead in exasperation and said, "Well, let's practice by telling me that you love her, which my experience says with the way you are around her is true.
Charlie replied, "Okay, I-I-I"
Angela stopped him with, "Forget it. Let's catch up.