It didn't take long for the Buckett family to warm up to its latest member. Out of all of them, Mrs. Buckett was the most eager to help Rachel settle in to her new home. Even guiding the blind girl around the house, pointing out any little thing that might trip her up.

"It's okay, Mrs. Buckett" Rachel reassured. "I'm pretty good at navigation. Watch."

Picking up her stick, Rachel proceeded to slowly walk the perimeter room. Counting each step and keeping track of everything in her path.

"Why do you do that?" asked Grandma Georgina.

"The counting?"

"Yes."

"It's a little thing that helps me remember how where everything is" Rachel explained. "For example, the bed is exactly twelve paces away from the door. Whereas the steps to Charlie's bedroom is only seven paces. And watch this."

Putting down her walking stick, Rachel began to twirl around in a circle. Willy watched with a slack jaw. Afraid the girl would become hopelessly disoriented and trip over something. But after a few clumsy gropes, Rachel righted herself.

"The table is six paces to the left. And judging by the smell in the air, Mrs. Buckett made beef stew for supper."

Willy's lavender gloves broke the stunned silence with a rousing applause. The rest of the Buckett family quickly followed.

"We'll let you know in advance if we rearrange the furniture." Charlie offered.

"That would be great."

Taking their seats, Willy and the Buckett family tucked in to their steaming supper. The hearty aroma of the soup floating up into the air like a thick curling dream.

"So have you made any arrangements for the baby?" Mr. Buckett spoke up.

"Not yet" sighed Rachel.

"Don't worry" assured Mrs. Buckett. "I'll take you shopping tomorrow. We'll get you everything you need. Clothes, toys, blankets, diapers-"

A small gag managed to escape Mr. Wonka's throat

"Sorry, Willy" Rachel giggled.

"You should also get yourself seen to by a doctor" added Grandpa Joe.

Another gag from Willy.

"What is is?"

"I don't like D... D-D... Doc..."

"Doctors?"

"Yeah... them..."

"It's not like you're the one who's getting the sonogram" the girl smirked.

"I know. Its just that... I... I mean, you..."

A cold sweat dripped from the back of Mr. Wonka's neck.

"The oompa loompa's have the best midwives around. They can help you with whatever you need."

Rachel cast Mr. Wonka a puzzled glance.

Squeaking his gloves, the chocolateer pulled out a candy cane colored cell phone.

"Hello, Doris? Yeah, could you and the gals come down to the Chocolate room when you get a chance? I got someone here you should meet?"

No sooner did he hang up, a flurry of knocks sounded against the door.

"That was fast" exclaimed Charlie.

Soon the room was filled with female oompa loompas. Each dressed in smart little secretary outfits.

"Ladies" said Willy. "This is Rachel. She's the one I told you about."

Remembering her manners, the young woman quickly extended her hand. But no one took it.

"You're going to have to kneel down a bit" whispered Charlie.

Rachel obliged.

"Lower..."

She dropped her hand to her waist.

"Lower still..."

By now, Rachel was almost on her knees.

"Just a smidge more."

How short are these people, Rachel thought to herself.

Suddenly a tiny hand grasped her index and middle finger, cordially shaking them.