Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize in this story, or I would be really rich right now.

Chapter Eleven

The cold air sliced through Brooke's body as if it had nowhere else to go, making her pull her coat tighter around her, trying to force the cold that was seeping deep into her bones. She didn't know how the English could live in such a dreary, bone-chilling place, even if she were one herself. Hurrying down the street, Brooke looked up to look where she was going.

Stepping around a fish cart, Brooke found herself standing in front of a formidable iron fence. Making sure that no one was watching her, she stepped up to the fence and rested her hand on the cold iron. She always saw this place at a distance, but never up close. People at her work whispered that it was the famous Willy Wonka chocolate factory, the most famous chocolate maker of all time.

Brooke Carpenter had lived in Manchester all her life and had moved to London to music and theatre while working at one of the candy stores near her apartment. Little did she know that she lived so near the famous chocolate man.

"Magnificent place, wouldn't you say, miss?" a man called from behind her.

Brooke smiled back at the man. "Magnificent indeed. Funny how I never see anyone come or go, though."

"Ah, Mr. Wonka's never seen coming out of those gates. Now, occasionally you can see his apprentice, the master Charlie Bucket coming or going, depending on the hour of the day. Or one of his family members," the man said, chuckling at the sight of Brooke.

"Indeed," Brooke answered and continued to stare up at the pillared buildings of the chocolate factory.

"I wouldn't waste my breath on waiting though, madam. Master Charlie rarely comes out as it is. Only on business since the owner won't come out for nothing."

Brooke turned to look at the man again. "I'm sure you're well meaning, sir, but I was just admiring the architecture and not waiting for anyone. I'm sure you understand?"

The man bowed slightly. "Of course, m'dear. Please forgive an old man. I shall be on my way."

Brooke didn't watch the man leave, but continued to stare up at the building. What would it be like to live in there and not have to worry about anything else for the rest of your days, too rich to even go out and work, everything set up. She wished that were so for her, but unfortunately, she had to make her own way in the world. She had no one else to help her.

"Quite a view from out here, isn't it? It's much nicer from the air, I think."

Brooke sighed in frustration, wondering whom else was going to bother her now? It seemed like everybody wanted to talk in London. At least those who didn't already have another destination in mind and glared at the passerby who blocked them to their destination.

"I'm very sure it is, but not many of us have the luxury of spending the money to go up in the air," Brooke growled at the man who was talking to her.

She was surprised to see that this man was really young, no more than twenty at the most. He was quite handsome actually; dark hair flopping into his dark blue eyes and freckles dusting his face. The kind of man she always envisioned for herself; or at least someone similar to that.

Brooke blushed and she quickly bowed her head. "Forgive me, sir, I've had a long day and I'm a little irritated."

"Quite understandable. I've had those days myself and they're not very fun, if I do say so myself," the man smiled.

"My name's Brooke, by the way," she said quickly, trying to establish an acquaintance. "Brooke Carpenter."

"And I'm Charlie. Charlie Bucket," Charlie introduced himself.

Brooke's eyes widened in surprise. "Not the famous apprentice Charlie Bucket that lives here with the famous Willy Wonka?"

Charlie smiled. "The one and the same."

"Oh, do forgive me, I didn't know what I was thinking. Really, I must be going on home now, I have classes in the morning," Brooke blushed and tried to push past him.

Charlie grabbed her elbow, forcing her to stop in her tracks. "Really, it's alright. I was not offended. I really like you, Brooke. How about we meet tomorrow for lunch? We could meet at the Tower of London and decide where to go from there."

Brooke saw the warmth of his eyes and couldn't help feeling warmth toward him. He really was a polite, caring man. She thought all the rich and famous were rude and couldn't care less about the lesser classes.

Brooke smiled. "I would be delighted to, Mr. Bucket. Let's say at noon that we meet?"

Charlie let go of her elbow and nodded, returning her smile. "That would suit me perfectly. I'll see you then."

Brooke hurried away towards her apartment. She had snagged a man after all, which she never thought was possible, and the apprentice to Willy Wonka, of all people. Nobody at school or at her work would believe this if she told them. But it brought a smile to her face and kept her warm at the thought of it as she hurried through the cold streets of London.

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Author's Note: I thought I might add an original character to spice things up a bit with the story. Don't know what I'm going to do with it at this point, but it might prove itself later in the story. Hope you all enjoy the chapter and keep writing. I'll update when I can.

Thanks to Jemma Gaze for the wonderful constructive criticism that you gave for the last chapter. I'll take heed of what you said, though I'm trying very hard to not make it mushy (I'm not a very mushy person, myself, heh). But thanks for the review anyway, and I hope you continue reading.