Video Games ? Mike Teavee

26- A Final Goodbye

'Charlie.' A man, who looked like Charlie, said. Charlie's father.

'Charlie.' Charlie's mother said.

'Goodness.' Charlie's father examined the damage.

'This is Willy Wonka. He gave us a ride home.' Charlie said.

'I see that.' Charlie's mother said.

'And this is Bailee, and Mike.' Charlie said.

'You must be the boys...' Wonka trailed off.

'Parents?' Charlie's father said.

'Yeah. That.'

'He says the kids have won something.' Charlie's grandfather said.

'Not just some something. The most "something" something of any something that's ever been. I'm gonna give these children my entire factory.' Wonka grinned.

I gasped, in surprise. Charlie's face lit up. Mike started choking on nothing. We were going to have an entire factory. Life would definitely improve.

'You must be joking.' Mr Teavee said.

'No, really. It's true. Because, you see, a few months ago, I was having my semi-annual haircut... And I had the strangest revelation, and there was this one silver hair. In that one silver hair, I saw reflected my life's work, my factory, my beloved Oompa-Loompas. Who would watch over them after I was gone? I realised in that moment that I must find a heir. And I did. You three, although I originally planned on two.' Willy Wonka said.

'Why two? Why not one?' Mike asked.

'Backup. In case, something happened.' Mr Wonka said.

'That's why you sent out the golden tickets.' Charlie said.

'Aha.' Wonka smiled.

'What are Oompa Loompa's?' Charlie's mother asked.

'I invited six children to the factory and the two who were the least rotten would be the winner. Although, there's three now,' Wonka said 'Are you all ready to leave all this behind and come live with me at the factory?'

'Yes, of course!' I nodded, eagerly. I wanted nothing more.

'I guess.' Mike shrugged.

'Sure. Of course. I mean, it's all right if my family come too?' Charlie smiled.

'Oh, my dear boy, of course they can't,' As Wonka said that, my heart dropped 'You can't run a chocolate factory with a family hanging over you like an old, dead goose. No offense.'

'None taken, jerk.' One of the old people said. A grumpy-looking old man. I looked at Mike. He'd stay behind, with his mother, and father, and if I went, I'd probably never see him again, although, I would never have to worry about Miss Prince or bullies or anything bad that happened in my old life.

'A chocolatier has to run free and solo. They have to follow their dreams. Gosh darn the consequences. Look at me. I had no family, and I'm a giant success.' Wonka said. I bit my lip, watching Mike

'So if Mike, Bailee and I go with you to the factory, we won't ever see our families again?' Charlie asked. I decided not to correct him on the fact I had no family.

'Yeah. Consider that a bonus.' Mr Wonka said.

'Then I'm not going. I wouldn't give up my family for anything. Not for all the chocolate in the world.' Charlie said.

'I don't think I will either,' Mike decided 'What the point? I hate chocolate anyway.'

'Oh, I see... That's weird.' Wonka said.

'I-I-m...' I looked between Wonka, and Mike 'I'm going.'

'Then, so am I.' Mike said.

'Mike, n-' Mr Teavee started

'Dad,' Mike groaned 'I'm eleven, I can do what I want. I'm going, whether you like it or not.'

'No, you're not.' I said.

'Yes, I am.' Mike protested.

'No, you're not! I'm not going to let you.' I said.

'Why not?' His eyebrows furrowed.

'I'm not going to let you leave your parents for me. Please just don't come.' I looked up at him, with sad eyes.

'But-'

'Please. I promise you that you'll be happier, with your parents, and without me.' I bit my lip.

'No- fine. Are you sure?'

'Yes.' I nodded my head, not looking at him.

'Only the little girl's coming?' Wonka frowned 'There's other candy, too, besides chocolate...'

'I'm sorry, Mr Wonka. I'm staying here.' Charlie said. Mike said nothing, just shaking his head.

'Wow. Well, that's just... Unexpected... And weird. But I suppose, in that case, I'll just... Goodbye, then. Sure you two won't change your mind?'

'I'm sure.' Charlie said.

'Agreed.' Mike said, in a low voice.

'Are we going to go now?' I asked Mr Wonka. He nodded.

I started to walk towards the elevator, but before I entered, I quickly walked back, giving Mike one final awkward hug.

'I'll miss you.' I said, tearfully. He said nothing. I sighed, and went back to the elevator, stepping in, followed by Mr Wonka.

'Bye.' I mumbled to everybody.

And then, we were off.