In Deep Fudge

Chapter Two: Breakfast With the Family

Willy decided to discuss matters once again, with the Buckets over breakfast (Mrs. Bucket was especially good at breakfast). Willy had begun to rely on the Bucket family, when he needed advice and support, especially Grandpa Joe, who treated Willy like a son.

The chocolatier had tried to protect Charlie from all the details of this drama, but Charlie, being an empathetic and intuitive child, had figured out most of it on his own. Charlie had not been afraid. He had seemed more worried about Willy and his family than anything else, (which made Willy even fonder than ever of his heir), but he had insisted on being in on things. Willy discussed it with Mr. and Mrs. Bucket, and they agreed to allow Charlie to be involved, within reason.

Willy made his way to the Bucket’s tiny little house in the Chocolate room. Charlie opened the door, when he heard Willy’s knock. “Good morning Mr. Wonka (Charlie never called him Willy). Come in.”

“Good morning, Willy. Hungry?” asked Grandpa Joe cheerily, as he motioned him to his usual chair at the table.

“Famished!” Willy responded enthusiastically. “ By the way, good morning, Buckets. I trust you all slept well. Breakfast smells wonderful, Mrs. Bucket, I can’t wait.”

Mrs. Bucket smiled, “You seem like you’re in a good mood. Are things looking up?”

“Well since you brought it up, I wanted to talk to all of you about that. But I hate to ruin a lovely breakfast with ugly talk.”

“Willy, “ interrupted Mr. Bucket. “We appreciate that you are trying not to worry us, but we know things are serious and, we also know how anxious you are. We really want to help.” The others nodded sympathetically as they took their seats at the table.

Willy shook his head and sighed, “Thank you all. I don’t know what to say. You are all so dear to me. Things are getting out of control. The police haven’t been much help, and the security I hired hasn’t really solved anything. I think it would be good idea for the safety of you all, especially Charlie, if I relocate you somewhere far from the factory. I just can’t stand the thought of something happening to any of you.” Willy dropped his head into his hands.

Mr. and Mrs. Bucket looked at each other, eyes full of sympathy for the man that had become part of their family.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Grandpa George abruptly broke the silence. “We aren’t going anywhere. We are as safe here as anywhere. And besides, who will look after you if we’re gone, the Oompa Lloompas? Give me a break. Now, let’s have some breakfast. Then, we can put our heads together and figure out what to do about this crap.” Everyone was speechless, except Grandma Georgina. She grinned and threw her head back laughing, “Ha, ha, ha, George said ‘crap’, ha, ha, ha…..” Everyone joined in the laughter and, the tension lifted immediately.

They enjoyed a wonderful breakfast taking pleasure in each other’s company and momentarily forgetting their problems.

When the dishes were cleared, Charlie looked at Willy with a serious expression on his face. “You know, Mr. Wonka, since I have an appointment with your dad today, maybe you should take the chance to ask him for advice.“

Willy grimaced. He had only recently started reconnecting with the father he hadn’t know for many years. Willy had been taking all of the Bucket‘s to see his father for several months, trying to catch them up on long overdue dental care (and also as an excuse to get to know his father). They were slowly growing more comfortable with each other, but things were still somewhat awkward.

Uhm….well, I’ll give that some thought, Charlie. Thank you.”

Honestly, Willy had forgotten about the appointment, as he hadn’t checked his schedule today with his tiny Oompa Loompa receptionist.

But, it brought up another major concern: the trip to his father’s office. Willy had decided against the use the glass elevator as it would attract way too much attention. They had planned on taking the Wonka limo, which was extremely large and colorful and was, therefore, fairly conspicuous (like its owner). Arrangements had been made to have a police escort and there would be security stationed at Wilbur Wonka’s office.

Nevertheless, Willy was fearful. He was afraid for Charlie to go with him or without him. If he didn’t go, the writer could easily use Charlie to get to Willy, or his presence could attract the villain. (The proverbial rock and hard place) He decided, in the end to go, mostly because he couldn’t stand waiting at the factory wondering what was happening.