Chapter 4 - The Man Behind the Chocolate

I nearly had a heart attack waking up the next morning, due to Charles jumping on me. "Alex wake up! It's the day we get to go to the chocolate factory!" He smiles at me. I laugh at him and kiss his forehead. "Alright Charles. I'm up, I'm up." He ran downstairs to wash up as I got dressed for the chocolate factory. It was the only nice pair of clothing I had. I actually don't even know how I got it.

I went downstairs to brush my teeth and wash my face. Mom and Dad were already sitting at the table. "Alex, make sure Charlie doesn't get into any trouble." Mom looked at me. "Mom, Charlie has never gotten into any trouble. Especially when I'm around. Charles and I will be fine." I smiled at her, brushing my hair out making my waves more prominent. She let out a sigh, "I know that. I'm just so worried. You guys have never left the house for something like this."

"Mom, we'll be fine." Charlie said, dressed and ready to go. "Well then, better start leaving." Dad commented, the time already being 9:30. Charles and I said goodbye to the elders. Mom and Dad walked us down to the chocolate factory, three of the winners already being there. We stood next to the Gloops, and once again is Augustus shoving a chocolate bar in his mouth, which is covered in chocolate.

I put an arm around Charlie, smiling at him. He was so excited, and I think I was just as excited as he was; maybe even more. Grandpa Joe was working for Willy Wonka when I was just younger than Charlie. I've always wanted to meet him, due to Grandpa Joe's stories. The Salts had showed up, standing next to Charles and I. We turned back to wave at Mom and Dad. They waved back at us and we turned back towards the gate.

"Daddy, I want to go in." Veruca told her father, the brat coming out of her already. "It's 9:59 sweetheart." Mr. Salt said, slightly scared of her reaction. "Make time go faster." She snapped. I shook my head, this why you don't spoil kids. We waited a bit more, my excitement radiating off my body. Charles laughed at my giddiness. Then, the gates started opening. My heart started racing. "Please enter." A voice said.

We basically ran inside as we were told to do so. "Come forward." We walked until we were in front of the factory door. "Close the gates." I looked back as the gates slammed shut. "Dear guests, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to my humble factory. Who am I? Well..." Then the doors opened, revealing a red curtain. Music started playing. The curtain opened to reveal animatronics.

Willy WonkaWilly WonkaThe amazing chocolatierWilly WonkaWilly WonkaEveryone give a cheer  (Hooray)

He's modest, clever, and so smartHe barely can restrain itWith so much generosityThere is no way to contain it

To contain it To contain itTo contain, to contain, to contain

Willy WonkaWilly Wonka He's the one you're about to meet Willy Wonka Willy Wonka He's a genius who just can't be beat

The magician and the chocolate wizThe best darn guy who ever livedWilly WonkaHere he is

The song was quite catchy, I kind of danced along in place with it. As the song finished, fireworks went off and a chair arose from the ground. Though, the chair was empty and the puppets caught on fire. Everything stopped moving and the puppets sat there, melting. There was clapping and laughing.

"Wasn't that magnificent? I was worried that it was getting a bit dodgy during the middle part but then that finally! Wow!" The man smiled at us, then moved to stand in front of us. "Who are you?" Violet sneered. I rolled my eyes at her question. The answer is quite obvious. "He's Willy Wonka." I answered, smiling as the genius behind the chocolate stood in front of me. "Really?" Charlie smiled.

"Good morning starshine. The earth says hello." Mr. Wonka said. Everyone looked at him weirdly at his attempt to greet us. He then pulled out cards to read off of. "Dear guests, greetings. Welcome to my factory. I shake you warmly by the hand." Mr. Wonka offered his hand but immediately retracted it as he noticed how many of us were. "My name is Willy Wonka." "Then shouldn't you be up there?" Veruca pointed to the chair. "Well I couldn't very well watch the show from up there now would I, little girl?"

"Mr. Wonka, my grandfather used to work for you in the factory." Charlie spoke up. I smiled at him, as he thought of somehow including Grandpa Joe in this experience. "Was he one of those despicable spies who every day tried to steal my lifes work and sell it to those parasitic copycat candy making cads?" Mr. Wonka asked, his tone of voice darkening; which strangely attracted me to him. "No sir." I answered for Charlie as he was slightly intimidated by Mr. Wonka.

"Good. I hope he's doing well." Mr. Wonka smiled, going back to his happy tone of voice. "Let's get a move on. Far too much to see." He then turned around and led us through the smokey walkway. "Don't you want to know our names?" Augustus asked. "Can't see how it will matter." Mr. Wonka replied. Maybe you'll know the kid who won. You know, just a thought.