Pure Imagination [COMPLETE]

Golden Wishes

Narrator

Weeks pass and the golden ticket search started, setting the stage for upmost madness. Alex's lovely dreams began to dwindle as she continued on her job search, ignoring the ticket hunt because she had no money to buy Wonka bars.

It's later evening when she returns to the Bucket residence, even Charlie's back before her. The adults fall asleep quicker then usual, leaving the youngsters to talk.

"Alex did ya hear? They found the third ticket today." "Boy or girl?" "Girl, name's Violet. She's kind of cute minus her habit." "Habit?" "She chews gum all the time except at meals when she sticks it behind her ear." "Gross." "Ditto." Pause.

"Alex, what would you do if you found a golden ticket?" She smiles. "I'd sing a little, dance some, and have a reason to wear my favorite dress." "Could you show it again please?" "You've seen that old thing billion times." "Might as well see it again if you're not planning to wear it anytime soon." Sighing, she retrieves the large box from under his bed and opens it on their laps.

"It's so pretty Alex. Why don't you wear it to your job hunts?" "It's too freestyle. I originally bought it for a party of perhaps when I found the perfect place to live with the one I love.(Sigh) But lately it seems like that's never gonna happen." He runs his palm across the skirt, head resting on her shoulder. 

"Alex?" "Yes Charlie?" "Would you say this is your home?" She pauses to think about it. "I suppose so." The young boy smiles and cuddles closer, unaware of her nervous eyes as she contemplates whether this statement is true or not.

~

Some days later, Alex is home way earlier then usual with a secret that weighs her down; there's no more opportunities for work. What's worse, the dreams she always looked forward to are officially extinct, never to return. It must've been when he kissed my hand, she sadly reflects, we never made that kind of contact before. And now...we'll never see each other again. She sighs softly so no one hears. "So much for a fairytale."

The sudden bang of the front door opening makes her jump. She strides into the living room, before she can get a word out Charlie bounces over, something shiny in his hand.

"Alex look, the fifth golden ticket, it's mine it's mine!" Her eyes bug out. "WHAT?!?!" Unfazed by her increase in volume, he holds up the object which she takes and looks over.

"Well I'll be." When she raises her head, her eyes are bright as stars.

"You did it Charlie, you did it!!!" She sweeps him up in a hug that lifts him off the ground, soon they're both laughing joyfully. Until Mrs. Bucket points out the opening's tomorrow and someone needs to go with Charlie.

"You can come Alex." She turns to him with a gaping mouth. "Me? But it says a member of your family." "No one has to know, we could say you're my older sister." "I don't know..." "Say you'll do it Alex. Please?" She glances around the room and sees everyone looking at her, there's a pause before she rolls her eyes with a slightly annoyed sigh.

"Oh why not?" And to his loud cheer she can't help smiling.

~

As bedtime falls, the two friends are too excited to fall asleep. When he's sure no one else will hear them, Charlie nervously tugs at her arm.

"Alex, I almost forgot to tell you. On the way home today I ran into Mr. Slugworth." And suddenly Alex realizes it's gonna be a long night.