Visions of Greed

Chapter 2: To Our Future Success

Recommended Songs: Hey Look Ma I Made It- Panic At The Disco, Roaring 20s- Panic at The Disco, Mr. Terror- Dance With The Dead

After a long work week, the evening of the charity gala had finally arrived. Just before the event started, Once-ler's limousine pulled up to Greenville's fanciest hotel, where the party was taking place. After the vehicle came to a stop, Once-ler's driver got out and opened the passenger door. Once-ler, wearing a silvery gray suit, exited the limo first, and then extended his hand to help his mother, who was wearing a gold gown, step out of the car. As second in command of Once-ler's company, Isabella was invited to attend the gala as well, much to her delight. Together, mother and son walked down the red carpet that led to the hotel's ballroom.

"Isn't this incredible Oncie?" Isabella remarked, "Who would've thought you'd ever be invited to something like this?"

"It's amazing? Isn't it?" Once-ler replied, oblivious to her veiled insult.

He was happy to see his mother being so pleased. Once-ler knew that she enjoyed being in a fancy hotel, surrounded by the richest and most influential people in town, which now included her very own son. The two continued to make their way towards the ballroom, where they, along with the other guests, faced the stage. They were all waiting for the President of the charity to begin a short introductory speech before the party officially started.

"Welcome to our annual gala. It has been another fantastic year for our organization, thanks to all of our top patrons...." the President of the charity began.

Once-ler smiled in anticipation as he waited for the President of the charity to mention him and Thneed inc. He glanced over at his mother, who was also smiling. Once-ler was both excited and nervous about being at the gala. Like his mother, he also enjoyed being surrounded by luxury and he was thrilled to have been invited to such a fancy event and recognized for his accomplishments.

That being said, he was not particularly fond of crowds and socializing. Rural living on a farm had kept the family somewhat isolated from others. Even among his own family, Once-ler was different, being more quiet and reserved. Growing up, while his rowdy brothers often ran around together outside, Once-ler would often knit, draw, or play guitar by himself. His family did not share his interests, and at times would ridicule him. They especially considered knitting to be "unmanly". That was until the thneed became such a success.

"...and we would like to extend an extra special thanks to Mr. Once-ler, President of Thnned, inc., for being one of our top sponsors this year." the President of the charity announced. "Due to a portion of his thneed sales going to our charity, we were able to double our amount of revenue compared to last year."

The crowd gave a round of applause. Isabella's smile grew bigger. Then she gave Once-ler a congratulatory hug and whispered. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you Mom," Once-ler whispered back to her, as he forgot her earlier criticisms, and let the feeling of his mother's approval sink in. That was one of the main reasons he worked so hard so that his mother and the rest of the family would be proud of him. Once-ler was grateful for the success of the thneed. His invention's popularity was slowly earning him recognition and making him richer by the day. Allowing him to finally earn his family's respect.

"We would like to once again thank all of our sponsors. Please enjoy the party everyone," The President of the charity concluded the speech and left the stage.

The guests were then free to mingle among themselves. Throughout the room, waiters carried trays of champagne and offered them to guests. Once-ler and his mother each took a glass of champagne, then turned to socialize with the other patrons. Isabella immediately recognized some local celebrities she admired and went over to talk to them. While Once-ler went off in the opposite direction.