Chapter 14
Three weeks had past before Will received a pink envelope from Paris. Letter in one hand and a cane in the other, he quickly marches his way to his new elevator, no longer able to take the stairs. Once in the privacy of his office, he delicately opens the letter, hoping not to damage any aspect that could hinder the ability to read the words from his runaway girl.
Dear Mr. Wonka
I have written and rewrote this letter at least a dozen or so times now. Not once have I managed to express an apology that you deserve. This one will probably not serve you justice either; however, my hand is cramping and I am to afraid to pick up a phone- so this will have to do.
I woke up in your arms. The amount of happiness I felt extended any expectation I ever dreamed of having, and yet, it was quickly squashed by a flood of pure panic. You've been on medication. You were borderline drunk. You were vulnerable. I took advantage. Don't argue with me on this. I knew your feelings towards me. I knew that you were just hurt. Nevertheless, I took advantage for selfish purposes.
That night I stayed quiet as I could throughout our whole interaction. You can't possibly understand the guilt I was feeling. I never expected you to willingly kiss me, let alone take me to your bed. I was so in love with the idea of being in love with you, that I fell into the delusion that you felt the same way. It was a wonderful night for me. I don't know if you remember it.
When I woke up, I knew right away I had to leave, before you stirred and realized what had occurred. I couldn't take the rejection after what we did. I don't regret a thing, but I know you do. So, while you slept, in the early morning I called and made arraignments.
Doing what I did was for the best.
I could not lie in your arms for a second longer, knowing you had not felt the same. This separation from you should fix me. I promise, when I do return, whether it be for a holiday break or graduation, I will no longer love you the way I did, but as only a friend.
Forever yours,
Madison La Bouff
Will read it, then reread it, before letting out a laugh in pure frustration. How could this girl not know how much he adores her? Beyond adoring, he is enamored with her. He loves her. Against all his morals, Will loves her. And he thought he told her that. He thought he showed her that. Quickly, he folds the letter back up, places it back in its envelope, and places it in his top desk drawer. He then pulls out his own sheet and writes back.
My Dearest Maddi,
Really? I do believe we are past the formal introductions. Moreover, as for your apology, you are not forgiven. Yes, the night is a little blurry, but I remember the important details. I especially remember that your hair smells like strawberries, you have a sensitive spot on your neck, your touch is like fire on my skin, you have a freckle under your right nipple, and you taste better than chocolate. That night I didn't get lost in you, I drowned. And you took the morning away.
Sincerely,
Mr. Willy Wonka, Master Chocolatier and Extraordinary Lover
P.S. "You have pierced my soul. I am half agony, half hope."
It would be two more weeks before Will receives another pink letter. He is in a meeting with more attempting entrepreneurs, wanting to use his name to jump start their dessert creations. Every day he thought about his letter and how she would respond. Slowly it pushed him deeper into depression. He should have been more modest. Should have played it off as if he didn't care and accepted her apology. However, deep down, he knew it wouldn't be honest. On the other hand, did she really deserve an honest reply. Will did remember putting her in control and begging her to stop him. He should have had more control. As pure usual, Maddi was right, there were many factors that cause his lapse in judgment, when he asked to kiss her. Yet, he did not regret it. He did regret the timing and the fact that he didn't convince her he loves her before making a pass. But, no matter how much he could wish upon stars, the past would not change; therefore, the only action he could do is convince her that, that night meant more to him that she believes.
When Foster interrupted the meeting with the pink letter in hand, Will immediately took it from him and left the room. A smile spreads on his face as he makes his way to his office.
Wonka,
Do you have no modesty? Do you have no respect for me? Do you really care that little for me that you have to turn an honest apology into a mockery and answer spitefully? As of now, I don't care if you wish to accept my apology or not.
I do care, however, about the factory. I have asked Foster to keep me updated, but as you are the CEO, if you wish to keep me updated as well, I would be happy to read your letters. As of our friendship, I don't know where you stand with it, but if you can regain your maturity, I would like to try again and forget about what happened.
Yours,
Madison La Bouff
Will expected a reply like this. He should not have added the last detail to his previous letter. Maddi, much to his astonishment, still wished for his contact and friendship- he was not going to disappoint. If along the way, he could convince her his feelings were true, it would be the caramel in chocolate, but if not, he would willingly accept the plain milk chocolate she offered. With much haste, he replies.
Dear,
I am sorry you thought my previous letter was a joust at you. It was not my intention. I value you far more than you could ever imagine. Against my better wishes, I will follow your desire to not speak of that night.
The factory is doing well. The workers are fine. Hired a few more to keep up with the pace. Watching people's faces light up as the enter my factory is something I never thought I would enjoy, but being on my own, I have been finding joys in little things. We are also looking into a new type of chemical that should change the flavor of gum the more you chew. Still in the research process of this. I will let you know if anything comes from this discovery.
Sincerely,
Wonka, a man with the maturity of a child
P.S. "No mere human can stand in a fire and not be consumed."
Will waited and waited for his next letter, for what had seemed like months, but in reality was mere days. Foster took notice of his friend's obsession with the mail, but would not comment due to his understanding, or rather lack of understanding of the situations between Will and a young French girl. The next letter arrives in a familiar pink envelope during lunch, and Will quickly parts, leaving before Kelly can serve the meal.
William Wonka,
I don't believe I have ever told you, that I am quite fond of your full first name. It flows rather easily to your last. Thank you for the update. Please, for Foster's sake, continue your research until you cannot find anymore info. He does not need another experiment gone wrong to add to his plate, after how busy you are keeping him. I am glad to hear that the factory is becoming popular and I wish I was there to help.
As of my life currently, I am enjoying Paris. My French, by no fault of yours, but my own, has failed. I have enjoyed learning the new slang terms and practicing my native tongue. I have also been making some friends: Charlotte, Nathalie, and Peter. Charlotte and Nathalie are twins and their parents are chefs. They have been teaching me new recipes, which I will send you a copy of for Kelly. Peter works at a café near the school. He is quite the charmer- by no means is he as charming as you, but he could out charm Foster. I am not sure I should be telling you this. After all we are friends, and I did say I would move on... He asked me on a date. My first real date. It's kind of exciting.
Yours,
Maddi La Bouff
Will stares at the last couple of sentences. Maybe if he looks at them hard enough, they would disappear. He contemplates catching a plane to Paris and meeting this "Peter;" nevertheless, he quickly removes that idea. As he thinks about his reply, he taps his cane upon the shoe, crossed over his knee. How does one reply to the one they love, when they have told them that they are being wooed by another?
Dear Maddi La Bouff,
The research is progressing. It won't work with certain flavors. Blueberry appears to be a problem, but I will see if I can alter the formula. There was a leak in the chocolate room on Monday. I somehow managed to fix it myself. Unfortunately, while doing so, I fell into the chocolate river. All of it therefore had to be thrown out. Such a pity.
Sincerely,
William Wonka
P.S. "Oh the heart that has truly loved never forgets,"
Will waited three weeks for his next letter. His mood deepened with each passing day. He surrounded himself with work, attempting to create any idea the would spring into his mind. Foster finally decided to confront Will, before handing him another letter.
"Explain yourself," Foster says, crossing his arms across his chest, not hiding the letter sticking out of his front suit pocket.
Will turns in his office chair, to face squarely in front of the other man, mimicking his movements, "Explain what?"
"How you let your life revolve around a pink envelope?" Just as quickly as Foster says this, the meaning hits Will hard. He looks down at his hands ashamed. Biting inside his cheek, he picks his head back up, eyes meeting Foster's.
"Its my only connection to her," Will says earnestly, "It's stupid, but I can't function without her. I'm trying, Foster, I really am. I know I sound pathetic, but I can't control it. There has been a hurricane of emotions for far to long, and it picked up and left, leaving the wreckage behind. At least, I'm still myself and doing work. Just instead of having my personal ball of sunshine everyday, I only get it once every few weeks, if that. I'll adjust. Just give me a month. Or two. Maybe a year."
Foster hands Will the letter and then walks out.
William Willy Wonka,
I am happy. Happier than I have been in a while. Peter is amazing. You would like him. He actually reminds me a bit of you. Not in looks, but you have similar personality traits. He is a genius and very creative just like you, but in different ways. Our last date at the park, he sketched a picture of me. It was so well done- it was like looking into a mirror. He is also very musically talented- he can play the guitar, piano, and violin. I believe you once told me you play the piano as well.
A break is in a few weeks. I am thinking about bringing Peter home with me. Would you be okay with that?
I am sorry to hear about your accident. Is your knee okay?
Yours truly,
Maddi
Will places his head against his desk. He wanted nothing more than to strangle something at this moment. However, he replies, in kind. After all, this is a letter to Maddi.
My Maddi,
You know I can never tell you no. If you believe this Peter lad to be qualified to have a part in your life, then I, by no means, have the right to stand in front of that. Therefore, he is welcome and I look forward to seeing you both.
As for my knee, it was a little sore, but it doing better. I don't know if Foster told you, but we have installed an elevator. It has been a blessing, but makes me feel old.
Always yours,
William Willy Wonka
P.S. "Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar."
One week later, storm Will would never forget hit just about all of England, as if the place wasn't already as gloomy enough. Power was going out around the town. Luckily, Foster convinced him in previous events to have back up generators, so the candy would be fine.
As he was returning to bed for the night, he heard a bang. At first he believed it to be thunder, but the it happens again. He quickly makes his way to his front door, worried for who might ever be out at such a night like this. Will opens the door and his stomach drops.
There, making her way past him into the foyer, soaked to the bone, is none other than the girl he loves, a few weeks to early. Will stares at her in disbelief, hoping this wasn't another fever dream.
"Will," She says, breaking his focus from his thoughts, "We need to talk."
"N…No," He replies, "You need to go get warm. Go upstairs and take a shower."
"Will, please," Maddi walks closer to him, "We need to talk while I still have the courage."
"But you're cold," Will's feet remain glued to the floor, "And you're wet. And you don't have any luggage…you need a shower and warm clothes. We can talk later."
"No, we can't," Maddi places her hands against his chest, "I need to talk to you now. I need your help."
"My help?"
"Yes," She replies, and he can suddenly see the tears falling from her eyes, "Will, I am pregnant and I don't know what to do."
He is going to kill Peter, that's what he is going to do. How dare that boy take advantage of his Maddi! They had been together for only a few weeks. Now he's done whatever to her to send her back home in tears. Will is going to rip that boy's throat out.
Author's notes
The p.s. quotes in order
-Persuasion by Jane Austen
-Possession by A.S. Byatt
-"Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" by Thomas Moore
-Hamlet by William Shakespeare