The Aftermath

What Now?

Then, an idea. Looking back up, eyes alight with hope, Wonka steps forward with his final persuasion. "There's other candy too besides chocolate."

Charlie's expression doesn't change. Nor does his decision. "I'm sorry Mr. Wonka. I'm staying here."

Wonka's smile disappears. Mind and spirit fading to silver and gray. "Wow..." He was completely lost. "Well that's just... Unexpected and... Weird." He looks at the boy standing in front of him. He's all he can see. He doesn't see the glaring eyes of other people that stand around him. He doesn't see how badly he wants to leave this cold, unforgiving life behind. He doesn't see why his family is so important to him.

"Then I suppose in that case I'll just..." He steps back into the elevator. "Goodbye then." Before he presses the button that'll take him back home, he tries again. Just one more time.

"You sure you won't change your mind?"

Charlie tries to steel himself. Holding in pain that the man before him doesn't understand. Never being more sure of anything. "I'm sure."

He can't believe it. He can't believe he just lost the perfect heir all because of some dumb family. He can't believe he gave up the chance to live in the largest and most amazing place in the whole world just because he wants to be with people he doesn't even need.

He's not gonna give them up. Wonka can clearly see that. 'Oh well.' He thinks flatly. 'Guess I'll just have to figure something else out then...'

He hates this thought. It's a thought he didn't know he'd have to think.

"Okay. Bye." He whispers. An unsuitably cheerful ding rings thru the tiny decrepit space with the press of a button. The elevator lifts off back to the factory, clouding the area with smoke. 'What now...?'

***

A couple days later finds Wonka sitting in his office. On a normal day he'd be filling out paperwork or tracking shipments on his computer. But today was different. His computer was turned on. Displaying the homepage of his company website. Arms rested atop the wooden desk while he blankly stared at the screen.

He hears a click and a creak. The sound of the door opening doesn't sway his attention in the slightest.

"Dad?" Came the voice of a 12 year old girl leaning into the room.

Closing the door behind her, she comes in to see the man sulking at his desk.

Her bright red dress looks like a blur in his vision, but she knows he can see her. His vacant staring was starting to get annoying.

"You know you only have one good option left. Your other one is probably home by now."

Wonka glared at her. She thinks it's as simple as 'just pick a different kid.' She'd suggested before that he pick one of the girls. Only Veruca would still be close by. She lived in the next town over while Violet lived on the other side of the world.

"I think she'd be perfect. The little twin sister that I never got to have."

Wonka looks at her from across his desk. Now that she mentions it, they probably could pass off as sisters. Their hair was the same color. Although Veruca's was much curlier and looked just a bit shorter as a result. Their blue and brown eyes don't match, but they're about the same height. The girl smirked at him. Taking his study of her as a consideration.

"Well how do you know she isn't older than you? She could have one of the nine months ahead of you."

"It doesn't matter. This factory is supposed to be mine anyway. So I have first rights to most things either way. Violet would've been a great choice. She's very skillful, talented, most likely a quick learner, and she's determined and ambitious. Perfect for running a business. And Veruca, I think we could teach her more easily."