Chapter 10 – A Red Carpet Welcome

Just a tiny, short little update before the main events start. Enjoy.

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The crowd was quiet as the tenth bell fell silent.

All eyes were glued to the front gates, even the journalists had forgone their usual mindless chatter.

Isabelle forgot to breathe.

Everyone waited… and waited… Just as the crowds were beginning to shift uneasily, a small, hidden door that looked to be part of the wall, opened and Willy Wonka made his first public appearance in a decade.

Isabelle wasn't sure what she had been expecting, but this wasn't it.

The enormous front doors of the factory building had swung open silently behind him as Willy Wonka manoeuvred down the steps and walked slowly towards them. Only, he didn't walk, he hobbled.

Maybe Isabelles private perception of Willy Wonka had been coloured by both grandpa Joe's and Charlies stories. Maybe her thinking had been influenced by the countless news stories and old video clips that showed a lively and animated showman, full of colour and flair.

The man who hobbled down the red carpet towards the gates seemed somehow, less than expected.

Physically, Willy Wonka looked every bit as the media had portrayed him.

Tall and lanky with wild orange hair and bright blue eyes; he was dressed in his trademark top hat and was wearing an outrageous purple jacket that appeared to be velvet, or velour.

But that was it. His famous sparkling personality and flamboyance were nowhere to be seen.

Isabelle grew nervous and her stomach twisted into knots as Wonka drew closer; cane clacking on the ground as he veered slightly off course along the red carpet.

It hadn't really occurred to her that Charlie may be sorely disillusioned by meeting his idol. That fact hit her hard right at this moment. The man didn't even smile.

She watched with bated breath as the famous chocolatier drew closer.

Suddenly his cane became lodged in the pavement next to the carpet. Isabelle gasped as he took another step without its support and watched as his hand grasped at nothing. His face creased with momentary worry as he began falling forward.

Isabelle automatically tried to rush forward to stop him from falling over, only to be held back by the barricade.

As he fell forward, Wonka did a somersault and sprang up again with a big grin on his face and threw his arms out wide. He removed his top hat and bowed to the crowd, blue eyes twinkling with delight as they went wild, eating up his performance with glee.

The band once again began playing and the people started waving their flags and shouting with delight. The din was fantastic.

Isabelle remembered to breathe as Wonka unlatched a small part of the ornate iron gates and beckoned the winners forward with a wave.

The ticket winners almost fell over themselves to be the first one off the stage.

Both Bill and even Mr. Wilkinson gave the children a big thumbs up as they rushed past. Isabelle was too busy staring at Charlie to notice.

Naturally, Veruca managed to be the first and arrived at the gate ahead of everyone else. She handed Mr Wonka her ticket and introduced herself with a curtsy.

Wonka touched the brim of his top hat with one hand, whilst taking the ticket from the young girl with the other.

"My, my, Miss Veruca, it's a real pleasure to meet you. What a beautiful coat you're wearing today." Mr Wonka spoke eloquently and quietly.

"I have three others just like it at home." Veruca waltzed off to the side and began photographing the crowd as her father, Henry Salt, introduced himself.

Isabelle watched Mr. Salt hand over a business card after his introduction and smothered a laugh as Willy Wonka took it and immediately threw it over his shoulder.

It happened so quickly before the handshakes, that she doubted Mr. Salt had even noticed.

Next came Augustus Gloop, who handed over his munched ticket with glee. "Do ve get our chocolate now? I'm hungry!" He questioned.

"Patience young Augustus." Wonka admonished with a mischievous wag of his finger. "This must be your mother, the radiant Mrs Gloop, how lovely to see you."

He ushered the pair to stand next to the Salt family. As he straightened up, a hand was thrust into his line of sight as Violets mother held out her daughters' ticket. Mr. Wonka smiled politely and took it from her.

"This is my daughter Violet" she cleverly manoeuvred her daughter into view.

"Ah, dear Violet, hello. I hear your father is quite the successful salesman." Wonka commented, deftly avoiding her pouting mother. "I saw your interview, you have many talents my dear, it is lovely to meet you."

Violet smiled brightly at the compliment and happily blew a large gum balloon as she moved over to join Veruca, who was now absorbed with snapping selfies.

"Wham, I'm Mike!"

Mike punched the air karate style as he jumped in front of Mr. Wonka, who instantly played along and acted all surprised at the sudden attack. "My goodness Mike, you startled me." Wonka laughed, then stood up straight and stared sternly down at Mike.

"You're the little devil who cracked my code." Mike just stared defiantly up at Wonka, who quickly broke the heavy tension by laughing and enthusiastically shaking Mikes hand.

"Well done, I congratulate you Mike. I'm sure you have an illuminating future ahead of you." Wonka gestured grandly to the side and Mike strode over toward the others, standing just slightly apart from their group as his father timidly stepped through the gate behind him.

"You raised a very smart young man sir, welcome to my factory." Wonka greeted Mr. Teevee politely and herded him over to stand with the others.

Isabelle held her breath again, as Bill squeezed her shoulder in excitement. Mr. Wilkinsons hands tightened on the barricade. At last it was Charlie's turn.