Albert Hillsborough had made the decision yes. He had wanted to remove everything that reminded him of the FAYZ from his sight. So he had ordered everything in the previous FAYZ to be cleaned, so that construction for the new school could be made. England wanted to keep some of the debris to put in their museum. Albert agreed for a respectable amount of money. Albert was all about money. He was famous now. Famous for keeping children from starving and now he was responsible for this.
"I said to directly send all the junk to England, then why in goddamn hell did it end up in Italy?"
Brenda shook her head. "I sent all the documents to Italy, and had them sign the disclosure form as well. It was sent this morning along with the letter."
Albert grabbed the letter and looked up. "It's happening."
Albert knew the signs all too well. A barrier had appeared in Italy, similar to the one here in America. Of course FAYZ talk wasn't popular in Europe but still people knew about it. There were movies made, spearheaded by J-Todd, books published and blogs recounting the kids experiences in the FAYZ. But for it too all happen again - Albert's worst nightmare.
Brenda left. She had assured Albert that the England situation was under control. But Italy...that was Albert's doing. He looked at the documents in front of him. The cargo left for England, but somehow the new FAYZ had started in Italy. Why?
Had he recreated the FAYZ?
He needed to figure this out and that meant help.
"Brenda to main office." He said into his phone but Brenda was already at the door.
"Mr. Hillsborough, there's a group of people outside-"
Albert nodded. He expected this. "Send them in."
The doors were slammed open. Albert had expected this too. And then there was Sam. His face ablaze. Astrid next. She was older, her blond hair in a bun. She was wearing glasses. He wouldn't have expected anything less from the new publisher. Diana was as beautiful as ever, her ring gleaming on her hand. Newly engaged. Lana was the same, brown hair to the side an angry expression on her face. Her arms were laced with Sanjit who looked the same as usual, bright, happy, but with a look of dread as if he'd expected this. Roger and Edilio too. Married now. A surprise was Cinder in her usual black affair. Quinn, now founder of Quinn's Supreme Seafood, a world wide loved franchise, stepped in. He was fitter than ever. Brenda was losing focus. Not to self, Albert thought. Keep Quinn away from his future was next. Dekka was last, her hair now a vivid red. Her last tribute to Brianna.
There was a rush of hugs and crying and then everyone was seated.
"Albert!" This was expected of Astrid.
"Good morning to you too." Albert smiled. "I read your book, got my very own copy. Just needs an autograph."
"That's not why we're here." Dekka said. "But you know that already."
"Long time no see." Sam said finally. "How is it possible?"
"I don't know." Albert was pacing now. "I sent all the artifacts to England, somehow it ended up Italy, and somehow restarting the FAYZ."
"Don't say the name." Diana was fanning herself. "Brings back memories. By the way, how many months?"
Lana raised a brow. "You can tell?"
It was Astrid's turned to be surprised. "You're pregnant?"
Lana punched Sanjit. "I blame you."
"What can I say, my charm is irresistible." He winked.
Quinn was quiet. "Congratulations."
Edilio and Roger nodded as well. "So Albert care to explain?"
Sinder propped her legs on the table. "It's happening again isn't it?"
Albert nodded. "I'm afraid so."
Sam shook his head. "This time it's different. We know what happens, we know all the links, the weak spots- we can help."
"We can't be the heroes this time Sam." Diana said "Caine tried and you saw what happened."
Caine's name brought a chill in the room. It was reminder of what they had lost. Caine. Brianna. Mary. Francis.
"All we have is hope." Astrid said. "Hope. That this generation is stronger than we ever were."
"And that they don't have to see what we saw." Sam finished. "So how are we getting to Italy?"
Albert Hillsborough had not expected this.