Chapter 3:

The next few weeks were packed full of all sorts of fun activities and passed quickly for the teens as a result. Some days Henry would take them around the city, showing them the sights. Other days they just stayed at his house and Henry would tell them stories from his past, particularly from when he still worked at the studio, and show them his favorite Bendy adventures, even a few that were never aired. Every now and then, Henry would have to work on a few drawings for work and the teens loved seeing him bring his pictures to life. All in all, it was a wonderful time and the teens wished it would never end.

One morning, Adrian awoke before everyone else as was usual for him. By this point, he and the other teens had all adjusted to the time difference, but Adrian was so used to getting up at a set time that he had a hard time sleeping in like the others. Adrian didn't mind it though, enjoying the quiet and personal time. Adrian had just walked down the stairs, thinking of reading another of Henry's books, when we were surprised to see a light on in the kitchen already.

Curious as to who else was up this morning, Adrian entered the kitchen. He found Henry sitting at the table. He was holding a cup of coffee, but it seemed untouched. Henry seemed to be deep in thought about something and hadn't even noticed Adrian yet. Adrian coughed lightly to inform his uncle of his presence. Henry jumped a little, though no coffee was spilled.

"Hey Adrain," Henry greeted, putting his cup down. "I didn't see you there. What are you doing up so early?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Adrian joked as he sat down at the table. "I'm usually up at this time, but you aren't. So what's on your mind?"

"I got this letter last night," Henry replied, handing Adrian a piece of paper. "It's been on my mind ever since and I could barely sleep as a result. I'm just not sure what to do about it."

Confused and a little concerned, Adrian read over the letter.

Dear Henry,

It seems like a lifetime since we worked on cartoons together. 30 years really slips away, doesn't it? If you're back in town, come visit the old workshop. There's something I need to show you.

Your best pal,

Joey Drew

"Joey… isn't he the guy that fired you from the studio?" Adrian asked once he finished reading the letter.

"Yeah," Henry nodded, glancing at the name on the letter. "We were best friends and even co-founded the studio, but we haven't spoken at all since the fight. I want to believe he's finally come to his sense, but I can't help but be suspicious. Why now? After all these years why reach out to me now?"

"Still… I think you should go," Adrian reasoned, drawing Henry's attention. "You may not know why he's reaching out to you after all this time, but he might actually want to reconnect. And even if he has some other motive, you should still go. You've regretted being away for so long, you need this closure."

"True, if I don't go I'll be spending the rest of my life wondering 'what if'," Henry agreed, leaning back. "But I don't know how long thus meeting could take and I don't want to just leave you kids here alone."

"Then take us with you," Adrian suggested. "This is important to you so don't let us stop you. I'm sure the others will be happy to agree to come once you explain the situation. Plus, I would love to see the studio after hearing so many stories about it."

"Can't argue with that," Henry chuckled, finally drinking his coffee and grimacing slightly when he realized how cold it had gotten. "We'll have to ask the others when they get up, but it seems we'll be going."

"Can't wait," Adrian agreed with a smile. He then got up and helped his uncle make breakfast. The smell of food soon brought the others down and after everything was explained to them, they readily agreed to accompany Henry to the studio. Once breakfast was eaten and everyone was ready, they piled once more into Henry's car. The teens joked and theorized what the would see in the studio and what Joey would want to tell Henry. Before they knew it, Henry was pulling up it the parking lot and the teens eagerly poured out of the car.

"This place looks pretty run down," Mariette commented as she looked at the building once she got out of the car. Most of the windows were boarded up and there were weeds growing all over the parking lot. "Are you sure this is the right place?"

"I would never forget where it is," Henry assured, coming up next to her. "And I'm not surprised that this place is falling apart a little. I heard from some of my friends that had still worked here after I left that they started having trouble soon after I was fired. The studio officially closed about 10 years later."

"Then why would your friend want to meet you here?" Nino wondered, adjusting his glasses.

"Joey loved this studio," Henry replied. "He practically lived here before and he's stubborn enough to stay even after it was shut down."

"Well we're not going to get any answers just standing around here," Alya declared, gesturing to the entrance. "So let's get going already."

"Right," Henry nodded, leading to the group to the door. He paused for a moment and to a deep breath to ready himself. He then reached for the nob and pulled the door open. "Alright Joey I'm here, So let's see what you wanted to show me."