Author's Note: Alright so first off, Marie's upcoming dress may not be accurate to the time period, but I couldn't get it out of my head so I caved in! Secondly, April 12th is Marie's birthday! Good time to update! Alright this is 19 pages and has been edited as of 04/13/13.
(The Lorax, songs titles and The Once-ler do not belong to me. They're Dr. Seuss' and Illumination's. Same goes for his family shown in the film. Marie and those cute toddler girls are mine!)
Chapter 27
"How Bad Can I Be?"
Once-ler's fame only skyrocketed more and it meant a great amount of attention. It felt satisfying with having the job of a C.E.O. and being appreciated. Once-ler spent several nights away from home, but they weren't that bad. It wasn't every night he was gone and he still got time to read bedtime stories to his sleepy girls. Though Marie didn't come to the gatherings she was interested in hearing about them when Once-ler snuggled up with her.
It was by chance that Hilda Drew, one of Marie's new friends, said they were going to a ball and insisted for her to come. The reason was held for a benefit and of all people who were invited, Once-ler had gotten the first invite. Marie knew she wouldn't pass it up! She could be near him without suspicion of the ever expanding press.
Isabella didn't seem happy and complained to Once-ler that it was supposed to be for Once-lers by blood. Then when Once-ler asked why she gave an excuse.
"That's how all our outings should be; just you, me especially, your brothers, great-uncle and great-aunt," she said as wisely as she could.
"If Marie is able to come then she should come," said Once-ler. That was that.
The benefit was set up in Greenville Suites' ballroom. Hidden among the hallways were little rooms with paintings and chandeliers. The reception was in the dining hall and the whole time they were there Once-ler kept waiting for Marie to show up. His party had taken Isabella's convertible which meant all the men nearly lost their hats as Isabella's insane driving kicked in. He had to quickly smooth out his mop of hair before he went inside because of the wind.
Marie took the Ferrari and parked far off in the dark of night. She wanted to surprise Once-ler with what she would wear and was amazed to spend an evening without the toddlers who were babysat by an ill Chet. Thankfully, they were asleep and wouldn't cause trouble or catch germs.
"As nice as Vera, Abigail and Hilda were to invite me I really want to see Once-ler handle himself," she thought. Seeing it up close and personal would be different than hearing about it.
The ballroom floor beamed like polished copper and the walls were a deep red. Marie socialized and nibbled on her appetizers as the evening progressed. Once-ler was passed from guest to guest with their long conversations. Much to his annoyance Isabella, doused in pounds of makeup, bragged about her Oncie.
"I always knew he would succeed," she lied. "I kept him motivated and on his toes so thanks to me he's at the top!"
Once-ler rolled his eyes as she gulped wine and continued to brag. Soon everyone, except two members, had wine and had gone tipsy. He spotted a particular lady making her way down a hall and followed her at a safe distance with a deep interest. The blonde haired woman peeked over her shoulder and put her hands behind her back as she continued her journey. She didn't seemed disturbed by the gentleman.
Marie paused and opened one door which led to a room with mirrors and angelic paintings. A windowed door led out to the courtyard of roses. With her high heels barely making a click she entered. She clasped her hands in wonder over her chest as she glanced out the windows which revealed a dark sky.
"Shouldn't you be out with the crowd?" asked a familiar voice.
"Shouldn't you be with your mom?" Marie asked. She glanced over her shoulder again and her dark blue eyes captured her sneak. "I mean, she is boasting about you quite a bit out there. You wouldn't want someone else's catching your eye. Do you?"
Once-ler let the door close behind him and Marie didn't feel fear when he managed to lock it from outsiders. With an easy stride he was behind her as she still looked out the windows. His arms slowly, but tenderly tightened around her waist. It was a breath of fresh air to leave Isabella and be out with Marie somewhere besides home, not that he hated being at home.
Marie looked ravishing in a black dress, long and silky. The fabric hugged over her curves and the straps fell loose of her shoulders in a drape. It was a unique design which she figured was the perfect match for Once-ler's style. She wore the locket Once-ler gave her at Christmas while they had dated. Then with her hair down and free, it was no wonder Once-ler kept staring at her.
"Ah, Marie," Once-ler breathed in awe of her. "You look so beautiful."
With that announced he leaned his head down, pulled back one of Marie's golden curls and kissed his wife's exposed shoulder. Marie pressed her head against his chest and closed her eyes. She felt happy and close to perfection. She didn't mind the idea of going somewhere and then catching up with Once-ler in a private area.
"I think we need a dance," said Once-ler brightly.
"No," said Marie lightly. "I'm not-" She was interrupted when Once-ler twisted her around and rested his gloved hands on her hip and in her palm.
"I didn't teach you how to dance just for the reception," he said and winked.
Marie followed at her pace with a blush. Slowly Once-ler led her around the room and both could hear the faint string quartet playing in the ballroom. He could feel the long skirt of Marie's dress swish against his legs. Later on, though neither was sure how long it had been, Marie let go of his hand and embraced her beloved. She caught their reflection in the many mirrors as they stood in the middle of the room and saw how happy they both looked.
From where she stood at height Marie could hear the pulsing of Once-ler's heart. There was a new scent of warm cologne mixed with the old cotton scent of his. She exhaled as she felt his arms, covered, but strong, enclosed around her. Marie didn't know if she'd go back out to her friends. Of all things, after giving her and Once-ler's time to others she felt a loving greed for him. And she knew he loved it.
Once-ler took a moment to pull a glove off (from his left hand) with his teeth. In the solace he took the time to experience for a millionth time Marie's beauty. The softness of her skin and the faint sensation of her coiled hair were in his grasp. That was something he cherished. Just to be in peacefulness with Marie and savor who she was. The rush of crowds and fame ended when he was at bliss with her.
"I love you Handsome," Marie managed to say while feeling overwhelmed with emotion.
"I love you forever Honeysuckle," he whispered back. "I always will."
Tilting her back a little, Once-ler grazed over her nose to her lips. Marie's eyelashes fluttered as she let his eyes, uncovered from the sunglasses, take her in. Perhaps the longing had gotten greater or the setting was just right, but either way Marie was dipped into the kiss. Her hands locked behind his head while his traveled to the small of her back. Marie's leg rose up to Once-ler's side in a bend. Her simple move only made the kiss escalate into passion and her moan urged Once-ler to ditch the whole event.
"Where are we going?" gasped Marie when Once-ler clasped her hand in his and led her out.
"Where else?" he smirked and opened the garden door. "I'd rather spend the night with you."
Marie laughed as Once-ler, cautiously at first, dragged her across the grass. Then she took the lead of where the car was and feeling giddy both went home. Nobody noticed they were gone and that was promising of more secret meetings.
The next day, a Sunday, Isabella called to complain of last night. She blamed her youngest child for her hangover because he didn't stop her from the wine. Marie said Once-ler couldn't talk with her because he was busy setting up the big girl beds for the twins. He was having fun with it since the girls tried helping. Isabella only clenched her teeth when she overheard the happy jabbering of the toddlers.
"They don't need beds," she snorted. "I kept my boys in cribs until they were four!"
"All more reason we're getting them out of their cribs now," thought Marie. She thought a four-year-old sleeping in a crib was bizarre. "Anyway the girls don't cause trouble. They'll be good on their first night."
On Monday Isabella came to work with a PR team to discuss new ideas for selling. Poor Once-ler seemed half dead in his office and Marie who had bags under her eyes carried a pot of coffee with her. Isabella smiled wryly over why they'd be tired and greeted Once-ler with her typical sticky, sweet voice.
"Good morning Oncie," she called and left the team outside the doors. "What's the matter? Bad night?" She kissed his forehead and left a smear of lipstick.
"Mmm," mumbled Once-ler. "The girls barely slept because of their new beds." He rubbed his eyes. "Natalie kept jumping around because she was excited and Chloe was scared that without the safety of the crib bars monsters would eat her."
"Oh that's a shame," said Isabella pitifully. "I wouldn't have done that so soon! Maybe you should take some of my motherly advice."
Once-ler didn't hear because he had nodded off. Isabella frowned at the disrespect and poked him to awake. She looked disgusted and shook her head.
"This is what happens when you pop out a brood of kids while you run a business," she thought. "Would've been better if Oncie and Martha had none." Then on she went complaining about what her youngest needed.
It had worked because Once-ler wanted bigger and better things. He said he needed more, but Marie didn't understand exactly why it was necessary. He had plenty for a business and for personal things. Yet, on orders went for a new work space and seat. A new desk arrived, wide and curvaceous in an ivory color. The towering, red chair which Marie thought looked ridiculous for Once-ler's taste was seated perfectly with the smooth curve. Once-ler had a new telephone and a tall intercom put in. Paintings of Truffula Trees were hung everywhere and one was on the desk. Marie didn't know that hidden in one of the drawers, below a bag of marshmallows, was a frame of Chloe and Natalie as flower girls. Once-ler didn't need a cottage to knit in anymore. He hadn't for a long time. All the biggering was only triggering something very bad deep down; greed with a side of pride. The forest guardian spotted it first.
"What's all this?" demanded The Lorax during a windy day.
"Blueprints," said Once-ler bitterly who was tired of The Lorax's big mouth. "I'm biggering my factory, staff and corporate sign. I need to and everybody knows that."
The Lorax barely recognized the human he once knew as an acquaintance. Something had changed him and it was bringing out a nasty side.
"You've got a pet!" snapped The Lorax so loudly it made Once-ler squirm. "It's called Greed! And you've got a nasty worm that you keep feedin' and it'll only want more! It's called pride!"
"You don't get it!" said Once-ler sharply. "My company is like an animal and its trying to survive. How's it going to survive? By biggering! You're just a walking mustache who knows nothing about business!" He pushed his chair closer to his desk with a thud.
"You dare to compare your huge piece of junk to nature's innocent creatures?" retorted The Lorax. He jumped on the desk in rage.
"You keep on bugging me!" argued Once-ler. It wasn't a mature response.
"Oncie!" cried Isabella down the hallway. She ran in putting a halt to the fight. "Look! Look what she did!" She waved an envelope in Once-ler's face.
"What?" said an irritated Once-ler. Then his face softened when he saw Marie near the doorway looking horrified.
"Your star secretary ruined it all!" wailed Isabella.
Marie gave a hand wave to encourage The Lorax to leave.
"What happened?" questioned Once-ler as he took the envelope.
"She mixed them up!" cried Isabella. "She sent the wrong envelope to Mr. DeSalvo! That's the one that was supposed to go Mr. Dake! Both have gotten the wrong information on how to help expand Thneeds Inc. It's her fault!" She pointed a manicured finger to Marie.
"I didn't send them to the wrong person!" said Marie in defense. "I put the one for Dake in the envelope addresses to Dake! Once-ler I promise you I did!"
"You ought to fire her!" sassed Isabella. "Imagine! Having family (if she counts as one) work with you! It's nepotism!"
"Mom," said Once-ler. "It was an accident."
"An accident that could've ruined everything Oncie," Isabella wailed on.
Marie sat back at her desk looking frantic. She was so sure she put the right letters in the right envelopes. If the letters got flipped the men would get the wrong information and if they did they would make the wrong decisions. The whole industry would tumble because of Marie! When she heard Once-ler begin talking on the phone to Mr. Dake she trembled. She probably ruined Once-ler's plans for expanding to other cities with the mens' help. It didn't help either when Isabella's glare bore into her. Seeing it was a certain time, Marie left the factory and drove out of the parking space for the employees to pick up the twins from preschool.
Along the way, Marie wiped away tears. It wasn't just out of stress. It was also her womanly time of the month so she was moody. The drive out for 8:30 and 3:00 were tiring when Marie had to do it herself to avoid suspicion. Anyone who saw her car in the morning when the factory opened thought she came too early for work and left too late.
"Momma?" asked Natalie on their way home. "Why can't we go around the mountains for home?" Her pronunciation on R's had faded.
Marie took a different path from Greenville and Thneeds Inc. instead of the usual road for the trucks and other workers.
"Daddy thinks this road is safer for me to drive on," said Marie.
The girls didn't know of tabloids or such, but all they knew was they were playing pretend with not knowing Once-ler. That's how Marie put it for them and it was a mere game. Nothing more. They had no other questions about the subject.
"Tomorrow is show-and-tell," chirped Chloe after a few minutes of silence. "I'm bringing my guitar!"
"You're guitar?" asked Marie. She looked in the rearview mirror at her.
"Yeah," said Chloe with a huge smile. "The one Daddy gave me."
"Daddy gave you one?" Marie quirked an eyebrow.
"A black one," said Chloe as she wiggled in her car seat.
A black one. Once-ler gave his old guitar to Chloe! What was she supposed to do with it! She was only three! And as of what happened the next day Chloe was persuaded (quite simply) to take one of her stuffed animals instead. Marie would put the guitar away until she was older.
However, until tomorrow came with show-and-tell or not, Marie thought of going home to listen to Once-ler about the sticky situation. She hoped he wouldn't bring it up until she was ready to speak. For one, she was starting to doubt herself. Maybe she wasn't cut out of be a secretary.
Marie had managed to get to bed without hearing anything of it. She folded the covers over her and hoped sleep would take her fast to dreamland. She wanted to forget the day, including Isabella's words. Those most of all had been the real thorn in her side. However, Once-ler came in and wanted to calm her. When Marie didn't greet him he spoke up.
"I'm not mad at you," he said when he closed the bedroom doors. "I know it was a mistake."
"Your mom said-" began Marie.
"Will you quit worrying?" reassured Once-ler. "It was a mistake."
"That could've ruined it right?" concluded Marie. "Once, I didn't study to be a secretary. You gave me the job because I'm your wife."
"I know you're good at it," he said. "One person can't make an accident? Mom didn't mean to upset you."
"Can't you make me work down below?" asked Marie as she yanked the covers over her. "I'd be better off packing boxes in trucks where nobody can mess that up!"
"I promised you we'd work together," said Once-ler almost as if he was pleading. "I'm not letting you go." He crawled over and pried the covers off her head, but Marie pulled them back.
"Once-ler this job is too risky for anyone to ruin. You fixed this mistake. What if you can't help the next one? I'll take any other job; just don't let me fail you as a secretary."
"You haven't failed. Mom panicked and got worried, but it wasn't hard to fix. You're meant to be here."
"I don't want to put you at risk again for causing a collapse in your business. I have to do something else." Marie's pleas were coming from a sudden fall in her self-esteem.
"It wouldn't be the same without you," said Once-ler gloomily. "It'd be boring. I don't know if I-" Then his eyes lit up and he smiled.
"What?" asked Marie who pulled the blankets off in interest.
"You'll see," he said slyly and playfully flipped the comforter back over her face. Then he went back to his office to make a preparation.
The next day Marie was made the shopkeeper of Little Saplings. The last one had been verbally abusive to the employees and was fired. There were four employees for the small store, all teenaged girls, and Once-ler was sure that Marie would make them feel comfortable. She accepted knowing that at least she couldn't destroy special papers for Once-ler while there. She wasn't easily welcomed because the girls called her "old and decrepit."
"They could be worse," thought Marie. "They could be like Isabella."
Much to Marie's annoyance Isabella insisted for Once-ler to let her be the secretary. If anyone didn't like it, it was certainly Once-ler. He preferred getting loving and sweet kisses from Marie than his mother's hands-grabbing-lipstick-smearing-smooches at lunch. It wasn't easy living without Marie in the day. It wasn't as enjoyable either. That made Isabella pleased.
Isabella had thought of Marie as too much of a distraction and had made sure she was out of the way. Poor Marie had really done nothing wrong with the switching of the letters. When she had gone to lunch Isabella had sneaked in when she was supposed to be overlooking the packing and switched the papers into the other envelope. She knew Marie would doubt herself and beg for Once-ler to make her quit. Now she felt like she had an even stronger hold on him.
The stronger hold did happen. It didn't really become clear until a year later. Before it had appeared it had been alright for the family. Once-ler refurnished the factory with more fancy touches, including a board that counted the selling of Thneeds. Sometimes late at night, Natalie liked to look at it and see if she could guess the number, but she couldn't get past ten. That wasn't a huge problem for The Once-ler family. More employees were hired, especially from poor families. The money kept multiplying and Once-ler's PR team stepped up with their ideas.
When Once-ler earned a plaque on his door in bright gold, an expensive investment for himself, then the strong hold became evident. More additions were made to the factory. A vaster garage was made for the machines and Ferrari. More parts and pieces for the conveyors belts were added with complicated gears. Once-ler considered it the principle of business and people who had money made the world spin. So to make that happen he had to keeping improving. Of course, Marie understood the principle, but what made her feel nervous was how Once-ler spoke of it. There would be something cocky in his voice when he talked about it. It sounded distant from the optimistic and quirky side of him. It made her even more nervous when she saw a nickname for Once-ler in the newspaper; "The Once-ler-in-Chief." However, he had enough of one already. When others heard it they heard wonder. To competition it struck fear. Mr. Dake and Mr. DeSalvo said no other man deserved the title. Marie heard the name every time she was in town; The Once-ler.
The factory slowly progressed into something of a monster. Pipes for smoke were installed and drains poured out into the river. It was disgusting to be a creature and hear the gurgling of schloppity-schlop make its way into the clean water.
"I'm gonna kill him," grumbled The Lorax one afternoon. "He thinks he's The Once-ler-in-Chief? I'll show him!"
"Kill who?" asked Chloe. She was near him and using a tree stump as a table for her tea set.
"Nobody," said The Lorax. Kids didn't understand the word kill.
"Why are some of the animals acting goofy?" asked Chloe after a pause. She noticed some were coughing or shaking.
"They're sick Creek."
"Sick?"
"Yeah," sighed The Lorax. He rubbed a Humming-Fish's head who was sitting next to him. "I have to make sure they get better."
Chloe got up and raced for the secret door in the factory. It was well camouflaged against the wall and had a little staircase lead up to the floor of Once-ler Hideaway. The Lorax had watched her leave and planned on how he'd chew Beanpole out for being such an idiot.
"Mommy uses these when Natty and I don't feel good," said Chloe when she returned.
The Lorax turned around to see Chloe with objects tucked under her arm. She had a thermometer, a thick blanket, a box of Band-Aids, a bottle of iodine, cough syrup, cotton swabs and a damp washcloth.
"Oh well-Creek," stuttered The Lorax. He was stunned by her naïve kindness. "I don't think those will work. Those are for people, not animals."
"Oh," said the little girl looking downhearted.
"But it was really nice of you to try to help," added The Lorax kindly after seeing her disappointment. Well, at least one of Beanpole's little bean sprouts cared an awful lot. Maybe she could…
"Say Creek," he asked. "Could you do one thing for me? Tell your pop he has to stop all the gluppin' and smoggin' or things aren't gonna get better. He's actin' bad."
"But-" began Chloe. "Daddy's not doing anything wrong." She looked hurt.
"No, no," The Lorax recovered. "I didn't mean-Creek I don't mean a bad bad. He's just-Creek!"
Chloe didn't hear him for she was running and running uphill. The Lorax should've known. Chloe and Natalie didn't think their father was a villain. He was just their dad and that's all they saw. They wouldn't confront him.
When dusk fell The Lorax stumped to the garage of the Super-Axe-Hackers. He found The Once-ler, coat and hat off, fixing one of the machines. Earlier he had been fixing the pipes for the factory's glup. The smog wasn't covering the whole valley, but it could if precautions weren't made. Finding his words the brave guardian made his presence known.
"Well, well," he said. "You make 'em and fix 'em! Why am I not surprised?" He leaned against the wall of the warm garage and crossed his arms.
The Once-ler turned his head and frowned in disgust. Then he went back to twisting some knobs. It seemed like every day he got an earful from the nuisance. He bit his lip and decided to not say anything. If he ignored him long enough he'd leave. Hopefully.
"Listen up here!" snapped The Lorax after a pause. "Do you know what you're doin' to the animals?"
"All complaints go in the complaint box," said The Once-ler who could no longer hold his tongue.
"I don't need a complaint box to talk to you!" said The Lorax who stood upright and pointed a finger in the air. "I am The Lorax and I speak for the trees and I also speak for the Humming-Fish, Swomee-Swans and Bar-ba-loots! They're gettin' sick! The Humming-Fish are covered in glop and the Swomee-Swans are flying in smoke! Oh and if you still care Pip is hungry from the small amount of fruit left!"
The Once-ler's back cringed at the name. He swallowed and felt concerned. Pipsqueak, little, cuddly Pipsqueak was sick?
"You know you haven't seen Melvin in a while too?" added The Lorax. "He's sittin' in that stable with nothin' to do!"
"He's Chloe's now," said The Once-ler. "Besides, he ought to be happy he's not doing any more labor."
"Happy?" cried The Lorax. "Creek may spend time with him, but he misses you! I can tell!"
"Daddy?" called Chloe. She hurried in, hugged The Once-ler's legs and the dashed for the open door. "I'm going to feed the animals some tarts Natalie made."
"Sounds nice Sweetie," said The Once-ler who smiled at her enthusiasm.
Chloe raced out with a platter full of tarts made from Truffula Fruit. When she was gone The Once-ler smiled smugly at The Lorax.
"You poor stupid guy," he said. "My Butterfly's got the food under control. Go hungry? Ha! Right!" He rolled his eyes and put the tools back in their box.
The Lorax growled, but glanced out from the garage to see a crowd of animals around the platter while Chloe walked for the direction of the stable with a hankie full of sugar cubes for Melvin. He was hers since Natalie detested animals and said Melvin stunk. She'd realize sooner or later that her sister had stolen her tarts and blow a fuse over them being fed to the creatures.
"There won't be enough if you're not careful," The Lorax said back to his foe. "It's not going to get better if you keep hackin', smoggin' and gulpin'! It's not!"
The Once-ler brushed it of like usual, but deep down there was a battle in his heart. The little piece of his old self that was brought out most by his little girls and Marie would whisper to him. Over and over he'd hear shame and warnings.
"You know better than that," it'd say. "What about your little friends? You shared your cottage with them and fed them!"
"Progress is progress," his greedy side would retort and win. "Progress must grow!"
The Lorax couldn't get Creek or Natalie (Brook he called her against her will) to question their father because both were too busy to ask The Once-ler about the trees if they wanted to. They were in preschool and most of their time was about the alphabet and numbers. They didn't get to see The Once-ler much, but when they did it was a great time. The past summer vacations when The Once-ler got called to conventions and make deals with others cities he'd book a room for his girls so they'd come. While they'd drive over, the girls would watch the Ferrari in front of them guide the route for Marie.
After losing her secretary job Marie was kept on her toes with running Little Saplings. It wasn't so bad though as she adapted. Marie liked putting Thneed dresses on the tiny mannequins and the employees had accepted her after she showed kindness to them. It was awkward to hear the teenage girls sometimes. Marie didn't exactly feel comfortable with young girls calling her husband "hot." It didn't bother her at first, but then it got creepy when the girls talked about kissing him with passion and what he'd look like shirtless. They were only teenagers and Marie wasn't worried about her love getting stolen or leaving her. She hadn't been since they dated so why would she now? It was just annoying, but teenagers were teenagers and most would grow out of it.
Marie did like being closer in town to pick up the girls and even take them out to lunch. She was the only one who went to the parent-teacher conferences and would report it back to The Once-ler. Usually they were good except with the occasional "Natalie is a picky eater at snack time," or "Chloe's a little slow with learning to write." The most common was "They are twins, but the girls don't interact with the other pupils much."
Marie also didn't use the car while in town often and took city transportation. Greenville was expanding with pedestrians and homes. Everyone wanted to live where Thneeds were originally from. It was nothing new to see newcomers in town. Marie saw more and more strangers as she took her girls from store to store.
A week after Marie's trio celebrated their birthday it was their spring break. The twins had turned four and The Once-ler was (quite amazingly to his wife) twenty-five. Marie took the opportunity to get the girls new clothes since they were sprouting which made her certain they'd be very tall with age. One day it was for dresses, the next accessories (Natalie had a fit over how one store didn't have the right shade of green for hair ribbons.) The next was for shoes and it took ages because Natalie, who was the fashion diva, wanted a specific pair of boots and they had to go across town to find the store that sold them. Chloe felt bad for the poor bus which had taken them back and forth and thought it needed to rest as they headed for the bus stop.
Marie sat down on the seat exhausted after shoe shopping. Natalie and Chloe were exhausted as well and dozed off while they waited for the bus. By the time Marie got on she had to carry them along with her shopping bags. Knowing they had a long way to go, Marie went far in the back. She collapsed down and let the girls rest their heads in her lap.
Natalie and Chloe toppled against each other as they faced their tired mommy. Their dark hair covered their faces. Marie sighed and looked out the window. Everywhere she went people asked about her kids. "Oh are they twins?" "Are they identical?" "How old are they?"
"Pardon me Miss?" said a voice in front of her. Marie looked up to a man, somewhere in his forties, looking over his seat at her. He held a map up. "Do you know where Thneeds Inc. is?"
"It's outside of town," said Marie who maintained to be polite while worn out.
"How far?" the man asked.
"It's about an hour's walk out of town," said Marie. "You'll see a big factory on a hill with smoke coming out in the valley. Can't miss it."
"Oh thank you," he said. "I haven't been in Greenville before."
"You just moved here?" asked Marie.
"No, I've been meaning to come for a while," he said. He adjusted his little sunglasses. "Finally found the time now."
"That's nice." Marie thought the conversation was over until he turned around to ask her another question.
"Where does, um, The Once-ler live?"
"I'm not too sure, but I've heard rumors he lives at his factory." Marie hoped she didn't give too much information. She had to act every day like she wasn't The Once-ler's wife to protect their daughters from the fame. The last thing either wanted was paparazzi snapping bright lights at them.
"In a factory?" said the man quietly. "Odd."
"I wouldn't believe rumors, but that's all I've heard," said Marie giving a smile. "Why do you want to know?"
"Well." The man turned around; easily he looked over at her because of his tall height. Marie estimated he was about six-foot two. "It's hard to explain, but I need to-aww!" He smiled seeing her children. "What beautiful girls!"
"Thanks," chuckled Marie.
"Twins," said the man thoughtfully. It wasn't a question.
"Yes," said Marie nodding. "Fraternal."
"I knew they were twins."
"How so?"
"I grew up with twins in my family," he laughed. "There's some things you can just tell. Are you going to have more?"
"No way. My husband and I agreed that two's enough."
"That's what my wife and I intended, but we had more." He looked gloomy at first, but recovered with a smile. Marie felt like she had seen him before.
"So how many kids do you have?" asked Marie to the man.
"Three. All boys. My oldest two are-"
"Mommy?" asked Chloe muffled against Marie's dress. "I'm hungry."
Marie looked down and stroked her hair. "You're hungry?"
"Very hungry!" Chloe stretched her legs out which made Natalie flinch in her sleep. "Can we eat? Pleeeasse?"
"Can you wait until dinner?" asked Marie. "We'll be home real soon." Chloe grunted and turned her head the best she could. Her hair wrapped around her face. Marie smoothed the raven curls back to show the little freckled face.
"My oldest two are twins too," said the man. He sounded like he had a catch in this throat. "How old are yours?"
"They're four," said Marie proudly. "The one who just asked about eating is Chloe. Natalie here is still sleeping." Natalie yawned and changed the note in her little snores.
"They're adorable. Um, Chloe looks a little like my youngest. Well, when he was little."
"How old are they now?"
"They're grown-up. I haven't seen them since they were toddlers. My wife and I split up. She just packed up and left me. She took my kids and I haven't seen them since and I bet they don't remember me."
Marie felt suspicious as the man talked and she had a feeling of why he wanted to see The Once-ler; her husband.
"That's really sad," said Marie sympathetically. "If you don't mind me asking, what were your kids' names?"
"It's fine," said the man. "I haven't had anyone to really talk about this-oh speaking of names! I didn't introduce myself!" He put a long hand out. "My name's Will."
"Marie," the mother of two answered and shook back.
"As I was saying," continued Will. "I haven't had anyone to really talk about this all these years. My family and I have had a rocky relationship since I married my ex-wife. It turns out I should've heeded their advice. She wasn't a good woman like I thought. So I separated from them. I found out about ten years ago that they lost our family farm and they have vanished from society."
"That's terrible, "said Marie.
"So as for the names," continued Will. He pulled his sunglasses off to rub his eyes.
"Whoa!" thought Marie. She looked at those eyes in shock as he rubbed them from weariness. They were a mirror of another set of eyes she knew too well.
"Once-ler's eyes," Marie whispered to herself. No doubt about it, she was speaking to her father-in-law!
"The twins are named Brett and Chet" said Will. "My youngest I sort of named after me. His name is Willard."
Marie had known her husband as Once-ler for so long it was sometimes shocking to hear his real name. Still, she knew his name. Willard.
"They're in their twenties now," said Will solemnly. "I don't know if they're married, what they do or if they have kids. There's so much I wanted to tell my family about, but I knew they'd say 'I told you so.'"
"Say Will," said Marie after a pause. "I don't have to go home right now so how about I buy us dinner and you can tell about what happened?"
"Dinner?" chirped Chloe as her little head popped up.
"I couldn't," said Will sheepishly. "I-I don't want your hubby getting mad about that."
"I'm sure he'd understand," said Marie. "He'd be glad I offered kindness and I'm sure you're a trustworthy man." She didn't want trouble, but Marie was 100% sure that Will was Once-ler's father and she wouldn't do it for anyone. She needed to tell him about his sons. "I'm sure you're tired and need something to eat. Please. It's my treat. I'll even point out the directions to the factory if you're still looking for it."
"I can't let you go through all that trouble," said Will shyly.
"I insist," said Marie. "I'd want help if I was in a new city."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes and besides-" Marie looked down at Chloe who seemed eager. "-this little one of mine is always hungry. We can go to the diner on Mulligatawny Street."
"It would be nice to talk to a friend of some sort," said Will almost to himself. "I'll accept your offer Miss Marie. Thank you."
"It's an honor," said Marie with a smile.
After a couple of stops, the bus halted at the corner of Mulligatawny Street. Marie gently shook Natalie awake and the little girl grunted in response. Natalie wasn't a morning person and she wasn't someone to disturb from a nap.
Spreckles Diner had been a sleepy restaurant with the typical checkered floors, rotating dessert display and neon sign until a famous milkshake had been produced. The Once-ler Supreme was a thick shake of mint ice cream, chocolate chips and marshmallow fluff with green sprinkles, whipped cream and mini marshmallows on top. Cherry optional. Of course the moment they walked in Chloe asked if she could have one.
"Have dinner first and then dessert," said Marie.
"Someone's got a sweet tooth," chuckled Will.
"It's genetic," said Marie.
Marie got a table and let the girls pick their seats. Natalie didn't seem timid of the stranger her mother had spoken to and began talking animatedly about pre-school. Chloe leaned back in her chair and eyed the man shyly.
"This is really nice of you to treat me Miss Marie," said Will. "I appreciate it."
"I would want someone to treat me well if I was in a new city," said Marie.
"Momma can I have pancakes?" asked Natalie. She batted her eyelashes.
"Pancakes are for breakfast," sighed Marie who had been over the debate before. "You already had some this morning."
"Please?" said Natalie folding her hands under her chin.
"Can I please have my shake?" asked Chloe who hugged herself and looked up sweetly.
"Alright you two," Marie gave in. "Just don't tell Daddy I gave you two plates of pancakes today or a shake so soon." Not that he would've minded and would've done the same thing.
"You're a little pancake lover aren't you?" laughed Will to Natalie.
She nodded proudly to answer. Chloe became cheerful and swung her legs when she got her order of the children's portion of spaghetti.
"So can you tell me why your wife packed up your children and left?" asked Marie politely when her children were settled.
"Well," began Will. "I suppose it's my fault." He took the ketchup bottle and pounded it to dress his French fries and patty melt.
"You?" asked Marie in puzzlement.
"I'm afraid so," said Will. "I wasn't doing much with my life around the time I met her or after we married. You see, I met her spontaneously one afternoon. It was a market day. My family would trade jam preserves, calico, animals and pies made especially by my mother and I spotted her in the distance. I didn't think too much of her until she came around when I was fixing the garden shed's roof. I don't think it helped either that I had my shirt off because of the beating sun. Funny huh? My family warned me about her and I was too late to see how nasty she was with money. That's all she wanted after I stupidly told her how much I had saved for a college education. I had just turned eighteen when we started a relationship and a month later I asked her to marry me-" Will lowered his voice in a whisper. "-because she was expecting our twins and I decided to join us all together."
"All I really did for a living was sell milk and eggs. I even fixed cars for people. I had thought of being a mechanic, but I didn't. I didn't work much after our third was born because he was premature. I spent most of time watching him from behind glass and worrying about his health." Will's eyes lightened up though as he started about his youngest. "My little Willard, my namesake. I was so happy when I got to bring him home, but Isabella seemed bitter about it. She didn't seem happy to have a son again; she wanted a girl. We didn't even plan for a third, but I always wanted a big family. If things had gone better we would've had more I'm sure."
Marie listened intently and waited for this Willard to be called the name she had always known him…Once-ler.
"Come on," she encouraged in her mind. "Say it! Say Once-ler. I know it's him!"
"Well," sighed Will. "That's mainly my past. Nothing else to say, but Isa left me and I've been wondering about my boys since then."
"That's sad," said Natalie.
"Yeah," agreed Will who looked a little surprised that Natalie had been listening. "I still love them though and that's what's most important."
"Chloe," said Marie abruptly. "Smaller bites."
The little girl had forked on huge globs of spaghetti and had noodles flowing from her lips.
"We've got most of their table manners down," said Marie with a smile.
"No shame in that," chuckled Will. "You should've seen my sisters when they ate. Having eight brothers they sometimes acted like them."
"So your wife wasn't happy with what you were doing and then what happened?" continued Marie after going on a quick bunny trail in the conversation.
"Well she wasn't the only angry one," said Will as he swirled his straw in his root beer. "I was mad at her too. I was sickened in how she wouldn't take care of Willard. Marie, what would you say if you saw a woman pick up her baby who had been ill the night before, hadn't slept and finally got some shuteye, but the mom shoves him in his high chair so she could watch her soap opera?"
Marie didn't know what to say. Then the image of a baby Once-ler crying from an earache and then from his mother's carelessness crept into imagination. Then she felt furious.
"Anyway," breathed Will to calm himself for his tone had risen at the memory. "I kept begging for her to start acting like a real mom. She wasn't being much of one to our twins either. So I found myself looking after them more often, especially when my uncle and her aunt didn't help."
"Ubb and Grizelda," thought Marie.
"Mommy?" asked Chloe. "Can we play the music?"
Marie nodded with a grin and slipped a handful of quarters to Chloe. Then both girls climbed out of their chairs and ran to the jukebox. Marie saw it as her moment to dig deeper into Will's past.
"Will," she said lowering her tone. She bent her head down and Will followed the motion. "Did Isabella leave a note in the mudroom of your house saying you had let her down?"
Marie had been told that by Ubb during one of their tuft plucking sessions years before. Will's ice blue eyes widened and he nodded.
"How did you guess?" he asked.
"Why do you want to meet The Once-ler?" asked Marie to avoid the subject for the second.
"It's for personal reasons," whispered Will.
"I don't think you're here just for some job," said Marie.
"What makes you think that?"
"You're here for a bigger reason. The Once-ler's your son."
Will bit his lip in horror and began to tremble. Marie leaned farther in, but it wouldn't have mattered for nobody was paying attention to them.
"I know he grew up without a father and I know what his mother is capable of. I know he moved outside of a town called Palmer when he was a baby and he doesn't look much like Isabella. He looks very much like you and I know he has two brothers who are three years his senior and they're called Brett and Chet. I know his great-uncle is named Ubb, short for Hubert and he has a scary looking great-aunt named Grizelda."
Will looked at the young woman in awe and suddenly his eyes watered.
"You're a friend of Once-ler's?" he managed to say. His face was in shock, but hope.
"First, closest and best," said Marie. "What's more-" here she placed her left hand in Will's right so he could see the jewelry as it hit him like a landslide.
"You…" Will looked like he would faint. He squeezed Marie's hand and stared into her eyes. "His?"
"I had to be sure," said Marie gently as she nodded. "I am certain though who you are and we need to get you to see them.
Will craned his neck to see Natalie and Chloe trying to do a Foxtrot to some Blue's. He stared back at Marie and it really hit him.
"Those are my-" he inhaled deeply.
"You're granddaughters," said Marie. "Just don't say anything to them yet. We need to get you back to your family for a reunion."
"Isabella is there too isn't she?"
"I wish she wasn't, but she is. Everyone's at work right now. Brett and Chet chop trees. Ubb's been looking over the machines and Grizelda helps with finances. Though I don't think she's the best at it. Isabella has taken over my role as a secretary."
"And you?" asked Will after a pause. "Are you a housewife or a working mother?"
"When we were eleven Once-ler said we wanted to run a business with me so I'm part of the job," said Marie warmly. "So I run one of the Thneed shops in Greenville. It's called Little Saplings and it was supposed to be for selling baby clothes back when Once-ler first quit the Thneed."
"Yet here we all are watching Thneeds get sold," said Will. After a very long pause he grinned a familiar grin. "I'm pleased to know Once-ler's stuck with you since you were kids."
"I first met him when we were eight," said Marie. "It feels longer when I look back on it, but it goes to show that some things last forever."
Will had been smiling, but then frowned with eyes full of concern. He squeezed Marie's hand again and took her other. He pursed his lips and clicked his tongue.
"What do I say?" he whispered. "I haven't seen them since..."
"What do you think you should say?" asked Marie and then waited. She looked gently at him.
"I feel like I should apologize," said Will half to himself. "I feel responsible for some of this. I could've been a better father."
"I think you're a good parent," reassured Marie. She was surprised he felt like it. "You still love them."
"Momma?" Natalie called. Marie let go of Will's hands. "Can we go home? I want to show Dad my new shoes." Then Natalie clicked her toes together as she wobbled on her heels.
"No," cried Chloe. "I'm not done with my shake!" She clambered back in her chair and took hold the tall glass.
"I'll talk to them if you come with me," whispered Will to Marie.
Marie only nodded and quickly finished her grilled cheese. Since she had decided to not take the bus she and her gang walked. While Natalie and Chloe skipped ahead Marie whispered about her private life from publicity. Will seemed puzzled about it, but only shrugged. He kept asking what Marie would do to introduce him and she comforted him that he'd be alright.
"Chet and Brett will love seeing you again," she said. "And can you imagine how thrilled Once-ler will be to finally meet you?"
"We have met," said Will a little glumly. "He just doesn't remember."
"But he won't forget this," reminded Marie. "Everything will work out. Besides, Ubb's your uncle he's got to stand up for you."
The walk took a long while, but Will didn't mind it. The beginnings of the sunset were radiant and glowing of a goldish red. It was nice to learn about his daughter-in-law and hear his grandchildren give funny interjections. Natalie was full of intelligence with her sayings. Chloe pointed out every tree stump and talked about how they had rings to tell their age. It was at the factory that Will felt anticipation. The factory had been photographed, but seeing it person was daunting. The smoke billowing and sounds of chugging were almost too visual.
"Wow," murmured Will. "It looks bigger in person."
"And we'll have to take the secret entrance to get in," added Marie.
Will was led up the stairway and inside. His jaw-dropped seeing all the toys in the playroom which was the first room he saw! A designer dollhouse, playhouse, pool table, two swings nailed to the ceiling, a little table with chairs and two tricycles filled most of the corners. On the purple trike was a slip of paper taped to the back that said "Buturfly," and the green one had a bell on it.
The twins retreated to the room and Marie asked them to not tell anyone about their guest until she said so. They obeyed and started tossing cute dress-up clothes out of a trunk. Natalie said goodbye to Will and that he should attend a tea party of hers one day. He smiled warmly and mussed her hair in return. When he was out of view she grimaced at how her long hair had been ruined. In the meantime Marie sat Will down in the kitchen and made some tea for them while they waited for the closing.
"I guess the boys don't like tea?" asked Will when he got his cup.
"Once-ler does," said Marie. "He doesn't like coffee and when he knits he usually has a mug nearby seeping tea."
"Huh!" chuckled Will. "I thought I was the only one who liked tea in my whole family!"
"Now," said Marie when she sat with her cup. "I'm not leaving your side until everything's alright. I'll start a conversation if you want. Most importantly, in my opinion, Once-ler needs to meet you. He has no memories of you and he should at least see where his beautiful genetics come from. Don't worry about what he'll say or Isabella. Don't worry about anyone's words. It's only your family here."
Marie waited until the sounds of employees leaving were dimmed, and all the way to the cars pulling out. When it was all clear, mainly with her brother-in-laws talking aloud of their day, Marie pried the door open. Giving Will a gentle touch to the arm she encouraged him out. Marie walked down the hallway to her husband's office with Will behind her. Isabella sat in what was once Marie's desk and closed her compact from a vain checkup. Brett and Chet were around it laughing over a crude joke of theirs.
Isabella looked up and a look of terror was etched in her eyes. Chet and Brett at first looked confused, but then their expressions softened and they looked in awe. Marie heard the footsteps of Ubb behind them whose jaw dropped. Grizelda was following him with a plate of drumsticks from last night's dinner. She looked disgusted. Perhaps she had secretly expected Will to show up. The only one who wasn't present was The Once-ler.