Blueberry Inflation Literature Collection: Volume III

Verucaberry

Series: Wonka
Character: Veruca
Synopsis: Veruca likes gum more than Violet.
Contains: Blueberry inflation.

"Finito!" Wonka said, holding up the tiny strip of gum.

Veruca stepped forward, unimpressed as always. "That's all?"

"'That's all'? Don't you know what this is?"

"By gum, it's gum!" Violet said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. The brown-haired gum-chewer looked at the piece hungrily.

"Wrong!" said Wonka proudly. "It's the most amazing, fabulous, sensational gum in the whole world!"

Violet wrinkled her nose. "So, what's so fab about it?"

"This little piece of gum is a three-course dinner."

"Bull!" Mr. Salt sounded skeptical as only a seasoned entrepreneur.

"No, roast beef, but I haven't got it quite right yet..." Wonka started to say, as he turned to face Veruca's father.

For a moment, it looked like Violet was about to say something. Before she could, however, Veruca's hand shot out, grabbing the strip of gum. "Well who cares about something like that?" She turned away, holding up her prize between her middle and index finger, while Violet glared at her with a strangely jealous look.

"I wouldn't take that if I were you." Wonka's tone was flat, and matter-of fact. "I really wouldn't."

Veruca scrunched up her face in frustration. "Who are you to tell me what I can't have? I want this gum, and I get what I want!" she said in her snotty growl, and made to put the gum into her mouth.

Mr. Salt, having seen what happened to Augustus in the chocolate river, looked concerned. "Veruca dear, we can get you a three-course meal any time you like, once we get home..."

"Oh, shut up, daddy!" Veruca groaned. "I don't want some stupid meal later, I want this gum now!" She shoved the strip into her mouth.

Veruca walked over away from the group, with the other children following after her. "W-what's it taste like?" Charlie asked.

"Tomato soup!" Veruca shouted gleefully, enjoying the looks she was getting from her father, Violet, and Wonka himself. "Hot and creamy, it's like it's actually running down my throat!"

"Stop. Don't." Wonka was sarcastic and disaffected as he watched the unruly gum-thief.

"Why doesn't she listen to Mr. Wonka...?" Charlie asked his grandfather.

Grandpa Joe leaned in and said, "Because, Charlie, she's a spoiled idiot!"

Meanwhile, Veruca was loudly talking about the delicious flavors. "Oh, this is such delicious soup. How I do wish you could taste it~" She chewed in big, rude smacks. "Oh, but I guess I'm the only one who can have it, isn't that a shame? Every chew only seems to get better and better!" She laughed, cold and condescending. Then, her smile grew even wider. "Oh, second course already? Roast beef and a baked potato, how delightful!"

"Don't forget the sour cream, darling!" Mr. Salt chuckled, his earlier worries forgotten. He had little resolve when it came to allowing his daughter what she desired. "What've they got for dessert, Veruca?"

"I'm getting to it, Daddy!" Veruca screeched, scowling at her father. "Here it is... Blueberry pie, ice cream... Oh, this is such marvelous pie!" She sounded genuinely excited, taking even more pleasure from the flavors than from being the center of attention.

"D-darling..." Mr. Salt started to say, suddenly sounding deeply uncertain with himself once more. "What's... what's happening to your face?"

As she chewed, Veruca's face deepened from its pale ivory tone to a vivid purplish-blue. She rolled her eyes at her father's words, unaware of the change. "Oh, do shut up, Daddy, you'll ruin my dessert!"