Disclaimer: If I owned anything you recognize in this story, I would be rich right now.

Chapter Two

It had been years since that fateful visit to the famous Wonka factory and yet nineteen-year-old Veruca Salt still felt humiliated about what happened, the part where she fell down the garbage shute because she was a "bad nut". Though she had changed her ways since then, Veruca still hated how Wonka seemed to make fun of her, mock her when no one was looking.

Shaking her head, Veruca walked down the street, her thoughts still lost in the past. Smelling the sweet smell of chocolate, Veruca looked around until she saw the sign for the sweet shop. Crossing the street, she walked over and gazed into the shop window. Chocolates of every sort were displayed in the window. Not able to contain herself, Veruca felt her mouth water and began to head inside. She was going to get some chocolate whether she had resolved to or not.

Several moments later, Veruca came out holding a big bag of chocolates and sweets. Already she had unwrapped one and popped it in her mouth. Hearing the clock strike noon, Veruca started. Her parents would be wondering where she was; after all, she had said she would be home before noon.

Finally reaching home, Veruca slammed the door behind her and placed the bag of chocolates on the stand in the hallway. The servants would know it was hers and take care of it for her.

"I'm home!" Veruca called as she hurried into the dining room where the family took their meals.

"Where have you been, daughter?" Mrs. Salt asked her daughter, her reproving gaze penetrating through Veruca.

Veruca gave a smile. "I'm sorry for being late, but I was taking a walk through town and I lost track of time."

"You've been seeming to do that lately, Veruca," Mr. Salt exclaimed. "Is there anything wrong?"

"No, of course not, Father," Veruca said as she sat down in her usual spot, "is it so wrong for me to take a walk through town?"

Mr. Salt shook his head. "No, of course not. But it just seems a little strange to your character."

"We're just worried about you, Veruca," Mrs. Salt jutted in. "You're our only daughter and we have a right to be worried about you."

"Oh, honestly, I don't know what the fuss is all about. Please, can we drop it?" Veruca asked, a little too sharply.

"As you will," Mr. Salt and the silence resumed.

Veruca could feel the tension throughout the room, but tried her best to ignore it. After all, she didn't want them to know that she had been thinking about Willy Wonka. When she and her father had arrived home after that day at the factory, Mr. Salt had told his wife about what had happened and soon everyone was forbidden to speak about anything affiliated with Wonka.

"Veruca?" Mrs. Salt said after several tense moments.

"What is it, Mother?" Veruca asked through gritted through her teeth. She was still frustrated with her parents.

"While you were out, a letter came for you today, but we have not idea who it's from. The messenger said that it was for your eyes only and that you need to answer it as soon as possible," Mrs. Salt continued.

"Really? Where is the letter right now?" Veruca asked, intrigued. Who would want to write to her?

"It's beside your bed," Mrs. Salt stated.

"Well, I best go and see what it is, shouldn't I?" Veruca exclaimed, standing up.

"Surely it's not important enough to skip a meal for, is it?" Mr. Salt asked. "Why not until after you eat?"

"No, I want to know now. You've sparked my interest and I won't rest until I read it," Veruca said and she left the room.

Reaching her bedroom, Veruca found the letter and sat down on the edge of the bed. The writing looked oddly familiar, but she couldn't place the writing and there was no return address.

Opening the flap, Veruca pulled the letter out and unfolded it. Glancing down at the signature at the bottom. Seeing who it was, Veruca gasped and placed a hand to her heart. It couldn't be after all of these years…not the famous Willy Wonka?