Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this story (nope, not even Veronica is mine. She's one of the kids that Willy goes trick-or-treating with in one of his flashbacks)
A/n: A HUGE thank you to my two reviewers from the last chapter (well, prologue, really)! You both get Wonka bars and a hug from Willy! Don't worry, I am not planning to quit writing my Changes story. In fact, you can expect a new chapter for that one very, very soon! As usual, your reviews will determine whether or not I continue this, so please review! Oh, and, in case anyone's confused, this chapter is back in the present again. From here on out, the only parts of the story taking place in the past will be flashbacks. Well, on with the story!
Chapter 1: An Old Friend
Ronnie sighed. It was almost time for her shift to be over, and frankly, she was very glad. Ronnie worked for Slugworth Chocolates Inc. Ronnie looked around to make sure no one was watching. Then, very carefully, she reached into her purse and pulled out a Wonka bar. Happily, she unwrapped it and began to eat it.
Ronnie secretly loved Wonka candy more than any other candy in the whole world--including Slugworth's. If it hadn't been for the fact that Willy Wonka refused to allow human workers in his factory, Ronnie would have gladly taken a job there. Come to think of it, there was something familiar about that name. Wonka…Wonka…Hadn't she once known someone named Wonka? Sighing again, she shrugged it off. She was probably just imagining things.
Ronnie looked down at her watch and was relieved to find that her shift was officially over. "Finally!" she said. Luckily, nobody seemed to have heard her! Gratefully, Ronnie gathered up her things and began heading for home. Unfortunately, Ronnie was so busy thinking about things that she forgot to watch where she was going. All of a sudden, with out warning, she crashed right into someone! Her stuff scattered everywhere as she fought to keep her balance. Luckily, she managed to stay upright.
Whoever Ronnie had just crashed into jumped away from her like they had been burned. Ronnie opened her mouth to apologize, but then had to quickly close it again to keep from laughing. The person she had crashed into was a man, a very strange looking man.
He appeared to be on the thin side and was wearing a long, black overcoat. His face was one of the palest Ronnie had ever seen. Ronnie couldn't tell what color the man's eyes were, because he was wearing a pair of huge, purple goggles. His chocolate brown hair was cut in a page-boy, and he wore a black top hat on his head. In addition to all of this, the man carried a cane that looked like it was filled with candy. It was hard to read his expression since he was wearing those goggles, but Ronnie could tell that he was NOT happy about being out in public.
Suddenly, the strange man said, "Good morning, Starshine! The Earth says 'Hello'!" Ronnie had to stifle a giggle. What a strange greeting (not to mention the fact that it was very nearly evening, and therefore nowhere near morning)! Still, Ronnie remembered her manners. "I'm so sorry, sir. I should have been watching where I was going," she apologized. The strange man just looked at her.
"Oh, don't mind him. He's just not used to being out in public," spoke up a friendly-sounding voice. It was then that Ronnie noticed the boy standing next to the strange man. Unlike the man, the boy was dressed very simply, in a sweater and a pair of brown pants. He had short, brown hair and brown eyes. "Oh, hi! My name's Veronica, but you can call me Ronnie," said Ronnie, extending her hand. The boy shook it. "I'm Charlie Bucket, and this is Willy Wonka," he said, indicating the strange man.
A/n: I hope you enjoyed it! As usual, please review!
Chapter 2 preview: We find out Willy's thoughts on the meeting with Ronnie, and Willy (surprisingly) invites Ronnie to the factory for a tour!