Reanimate The Future

Chapter 1: Letters From The Past

10 Years Later...

It was another ordinary day for Ben and Henry. Getting up, getting ready and making head way into their day. Ben was in the kitchen sorting out a few things for work, while Henry was up in his room. Letting his mind wonder again... knowing that time of year was coming around soon. Looking at an old photo of him, his father, Joey and Cherry. A light sigh left his lips as he walked out of the room. Making his way down stairs to see his Father. Seeing Ben with a shoulder bag packing a few things into it.

"Morning Father" Said Henry with a hint of sadness as he walked up to his Father's said, grabbing some cereal out of the cupboard above him.

"Morning Son... how are you doing?" Replied Ben as he looked over at his son walking to the table, already knowing something was wrong with his boy.

"Alright... I guess" Muttered Henry as he started to eat his breakfast, a blank and lifeless expression covered his face.

Ben raised an eyebrow, knowing full well something was troubling Henry. Slowly he strolled over to the table and sat down just next to his son. Gently placing a hand on top of Henry's so he could get his attention.

"Come on Son... you know you can tell me anything" Encouraged Ben as he looked Henry dead in the eyes, seeing the sadness cloud his eyes.

"It's just... it's getting near that... time of year again... when... Cherry..." Started Henry as he stopped for a moment, covering his eyes as he let the tears fall from them.

"Come here" Said Ben as he and Henry both stood up, wrapping each other in a tight hug.

The memories flooding back to the pair of them...

"It's hard I know... with your Mother being away and your Sister at Uni... But things will get better... trust me Son" Whispered Ben as he placed a hand on the back of Henry's head, gently resting Henry's head against his chest as he continued to cry his heart out.

Suddenly they both her the post box flap open and some letters drop onto the mat. Making both of them pull apart and dry their eyes.

"I'll get it" Said Henry as he walked out of the kitchen, heading down the hall and grabbing the mail.

Bending down to grab the small pile, flicking through them. Not paying much attention until on caught his eyes.

"Hey Father" Shouted Henry from the corridor as he looked down in horror at the letter, slowly making his way back to the kitchen.

"What is it Son?" Replied Ben as he looked over at the doorway, seeing Henry horrified looking at the mail.

Without saying a word Henry passed one of the letters over to Ben. Seeing the exact same reaction appear on his face as well. Dropping the others on the kitchen table as they stood side by side. Taking a shocked glance at each other as they looked back at the yellow tinted paper. Carefully Ben opened up the letter and pulled the same coloured paper out. Unfolding it and both of them reading over the words written down.

"Dear Ben and Henry,

It seems like a lifetime since we last saw you. Ten years really does fly doesn't it?

When you two have some free time why not come back and visit the old studio. We miss having your talents in these wall.

Your Best Pals,
Joey and Cherry Drew"

"I thought Cherry died?" Questioned Henry as he looked up at his Father, tears almost threatening to fall from his eyes again.

"So did I" Answered Ben as he looked back at the letter, not knowing what to think anymore.

"Can we actually go back to the Studio Father?" Asked Henry as he looked up at his Father, the tears now starting to fade away.

"I can't go cause I'm working away for the weekend, but there's no reason why you can't go" Answered Ben as he grabbed his bag off the counter, giving his son a half hearted smile.

"Why not take your girlfriend Bridgette won't you, I'm sure they wouldn't mind her going with you" Continued Ben as he grabbed his jacket from one of the kitchen Chairs as him and Henry both walked to the front door.

"Yeah maybe I will" Said Henry with a slight smile, feeling a slight pang of happiness spark inside his soul.

"Right, I'll see you Monday my Boy" Stated Ben as he gave his son a last hug before he stepped out of the door, getting in his car and driving off.

Henry stood in the doorway and waved his Father off. Before steeping back inside and closing the door. Like lightning he was rushing about to get all his things together. Making sure everything was turned off before he left to go and get Bridgette. Grabbing his car and hours keys, locking the house up then making his way to his car. Sitting in the drivers set and starting the engine. Driving down the roads toward his partners place. Pulling into the driveway and turning the engine off.

Getting out of the car and walking up to the front door. Giving a light knock as he waited for Bridgetteto answer the door. Clearly hearing mumbling and some communion going on inside. Making Henry raise an eyebrow slightly as he continued to wait. Finally someone opened the door and it was Bridgette. Looking a complete mess, with hair spread around wildly. Panting slightly as she looked horrified at Henry standing at the door. With a blanket wrapped around her body keeping it held up with one arm.

"Henry... What... what are you doing here?" Questioned Bridgette in a slight panicked tone, her eyes darting about the place.

"I got an letter from some old friends who wanna see me again... I wanted to know if you wanted to come as well" Asked Henry as his mind started to wonder why Bridgette was such a mess at this time, and hoping that she would be interested to come with him.

"Yeah... Yeah... ummm... just give me a few to get some clothes on" Replied Bridgette as she gestured towards Henry's car, closing the door behind her as she went to get ready.

With that Henry walkedback to his car and lent against the side. Taking the letter out of his pocket and scanning back over it. Something deep down was saying something wasn't right, and the other was in hysterics not believing this was happening. Suddenly he heard the door open again, looking up and seeing Bridgette locking the door.

Like a gentlemen Henry opened the door for Bridgette as she got in. Not looking to happy to be here. Henry made his way to the drivers side and started the engine. Pulling out of the driveway and driving down the road.

"This better be worth it Henry" Stated Bridgette as she looked out the window, watching the world pass them by.

"You said you wanted to know about my past and where I started... we're going there to see some old friends" Replied Henry as he carried on driving down the road, already telling that Bridgette was in a bad mood.

After the rest of the trip was sat in a deathly silence. They both arrived at the old studio. Getting out of the car and standing in the parking lot. Looking at the old building still standing and still looking the same as it did ten years. Deep down this studio was not the same as it once was. Henry was about to learn that truth, one way or another...