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, Imposter-Red

  After a long work week, the evening of the charity gala had finally arrived, and Once-ler was getting ready inside his penthouse. Once-ler had just put on a silvery gray suit and was adjusting his tie in front of his bathroom mirror when the doorbell rang. Hearing this, Once-ler quickly left the penthouse, made his way downstairs to the lobby, and exited the factory.

Just a few feet away from the building, Once-ler's driver stood next to the door of a white limousine. As Once-ler approached the vehicle, the driver opened the door to let him inside, where Once-ler's mother, wearing a gold gown with cream colored opera gloves, was already waiting for him. As second in command of Once-ler's company, Isabella was invited to attend the gala as well, much to her delight. After Once-ler and his driver settled into their respective seats, the latter made his way towards Greenville Grand Hotel, where the gala was taking place.

Once-ler looked out the limousine window as they rode away from the factory, where he saw a several tree stumps scattered randomly across the forest. As Once-ler took in the sight, he felt slightly uneasy.

"Now son, remember what I told you." Isabella suddenly spoke, interrupting Once-ler's thoughts. "This is an important event for the company, so make sure you don't embarrass yourself. "

"Yes mom," Once-ler replied nervously

A few minutes later, Once-ler's limousine pulled up to the front of the hotel's ballroom. After the vehicle came to a complete stop, Once-ler's driver got out and opened the passenger door. Once-ler exited the limo first, then extended his hand to help his mother step out of the vehicle. Together, mother and son then walked down the red carpet that led to the ballroom entrance.

"Isn't this incredible Oncie?" Isabella remarked, as the doorman checked their invitations. "Who would've ever thought someone like you would ever be invited to a fancy party such as 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."