Chapter 3

83 1 0
                                    

After that cold and dark night, when the sun rose behind the buildings, young Wonka was already in front of the large Galleries Gourmet, waiting for the colossal gates to open, behind him there was also a large group, who, perhaps, would be his first customers in a few minutes

He felt like his head was spinning, now that he was so close to fulfilling his dream, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed by it, but it was no time for nerves, because the huge gates opened in front of him

"It's time" Willy said to himself, holding his cane and stepping inside

His eyes fixed on the empty store that he planned to buy after getting enough money, approaching there and positioning his suitcase next to his cane

"I can do this" Wonka took a deep breath "Ladies and gentlemen! I would like your attention, please!" he shouted, quickly being invaded by the gazes of the people "My name is Willy Wonka and I would like to present you the best and most exquisite, chocolate ever!"

A huge crowd began to form around him, curious about his words

"So quiet up and listen down... no scratch that, reverse" the young man was silent for a few seconds "In a..."

"Jungle near Mumbai"

"There's a little hoverfly"

"Whose wings go at a thousand flaps a second, that's no lie"

"These microscopic fleas-"

"Like chocolates more than leaves"

"And when asked nicely, lay precisely-"

"One little egg in each of these"

Young Wonka took out of his hat a jar filled with chocolates to the brim. The people around him looked excited for what's to come as he continued on his song

"When it hatches from it shell"

"It gives a happy yell, Woohoo!"

"How thrilling to be living in a chocolate hotel!"

"It beats its wings with glee"

"And then as you will see"

Willy slowly removed the lid of the jar, letting the chocolates inside float out into the air, clearly causing astonishment to the expectant crowd "The chocolate will levitate... and float most gracefully" he said quietly, as the chocolates returned to the jar

"Well, there's chocolate!"

"And there's chocolate!"

"But only Wonka's makes your eyes pop out their sockelets!"

"Put your hand into your pockelet!"

"Get yourself some Wonka chocolate!"

"Come on, I insist!"

"You've never had chocolate like this!"

"No, you've never had chocolate like this"

As soon as young Wonka finished, applause spread around him "So, who wants some?" he asked

Before people had a chance to have a chocolate, someone raised his voice from behind the group "I would like to have a piece as well"

Wonka couldn't believe it, it was Mr. Slugworth, one of the biggest chocolatiers

"Me too!" Mr. Prodnose exclaimed, being followed by Mr. Fickelgruber

Despite how nervous he was feeling inside, Willy showed a warm smile as he extended the jar towards the three men who were approaching for a chocolate. Mr. Slugworth was the first to eat one, appearing indifferent until his eyes widened

"It's not just chocolate... is it?" the man asked "There's... marshmallow?" a smile spread across his face

"Yes, harvested from the mallow marshes of Peru" Willy said

"And caramel, but it's... it's..." Mr. Fickelgruber added, still continuing to savor the chocolate

"Salted, with the bitter sweet tears of a Russian clown..." the young man explained calmly

"And is that... surely not? Cherry?" Mr. Prodnose questioned

Wonka nodded "Cherry picked up by the pick of the cherry pickers, from the imperial gardens of Japan" he smiled

Mr. Slugworth adjusted his tie a little, clearing his throat "I've been in this business for a very long time... and I cam safely say without a doubt that this is the absolute worst!"

"Woo-hoo! An endorsement from Mr. S ... wait, the worst?" Willy was about to celebrate yet his face immediately dropped

Mr. Slugworth stepped forward "We are the fiercest of rivals and yet we agree on one thing, a good chocolate should be simple. Plain. Uncomplicated"

"Whereas this with all its bells and whitles... it's just weird" Mr. Fickelgruber added, with a nasty expression on his face

"...Oh well... if you think this is weird, you'll hate what happens next" Wonka said as a grin began to appear on his face

The three men suddenly began to float, causing people to gasp in surprise "What's happening?" Mr. Slugworth said, confused

"That's the hoverfly! It's broken out of its cocoon" Willy smiled as he crossed his arms

"You're off your rocker, Wonka!" Mr. Slugworth yelled "Who wants a chocolate that makes you fly?!"

Wonka watched as people eagerly ate chocolates and a few seconds later they began to float, laughing and admiring the place from above. He remained where he was, giggling as he looked around, noticing that at the entrance of the Galleries Gourmet was Noodle, with obvious astonishment in her eyes

The young man tipped his hat in greeting, showing a warm smile on his face, which she imitated

The fun was suddenly interrupted when police sirens began to be heard, one of the officers approached him "I'm gonna have to confiscate all of your belongings" he said, then took Wonka's jar of chocolates, including the sovereigns he made

"...Can I at least have one sovereign? I gotta pay for my room..." Wonka spoke desperatrly

The officer sighed softly, then reached into his pocket pulling out a sovereign and handing it to the young man, who smiled slightly

"Thank you..." he murmured, while looking askance at the girl, head down, feeling as if he had not only let himself down, but Noodle as well

Chocolate Heart (Wonka And Noodle) #1Where stories live. Discover now