1 The New Neighbor Wednesday, 31 July 2019 (1/2)

In the shadowy forest of Summerland Townsville, Apollo was running faster than a speeding bullet. Like Usain Bolt, he was breaking the record of 37.58 kilometers per hour in the 2009 World Championships. It wasn't an exaggeration. This level of willpower can miraculously possess anyone after seeing an old hag with long silver hair. And hearing an eerie screeching sound come out of that woman's wrinkled mouth could break the world record. It was the most unfathomable fear. If Apollo had foreseen this experience, he would've chosen to faint or play dead.

He settled in a treehouse with high hopes of a protection spell surrounding it. ”How did I climb up to this self-proclaimed hiding place?” He thought momentarily but couldn't remember. He wouldn't dare peep into a tiny hole one inch apart from his clammy face, but the moon decided to focus its brightness into that very space. ”Traitor!” He thought. Apollo sat awkwardly with both arms squeezing his knees, making sure he didn't move a muscle, but knew he had to move away from that freaking hole. Imagining the old hag's glaring eyes suddenly popping from it, he cautiously did a backward crabwalk and stopped when mist started to get through the tiny hole.

”Apollo.” His eyeballs almost exploded. It sounded like the angel of death coming to get him.

He closed his eyes and prayed silently with all sincerity. ”Dear God, I'm only twenty-one and hadn't had sex in a year. I know your bible says procreate. Please allow me to reinforce your command by letting me live. Please. I'm begging you and if this isn't enough, I will donate my mother's books to the sexually oppressed women.”

As if God heard him, he opened his eyes to realize he was back in the real world. It was just a bad dream. He thought.

The cellphone resting right beside his pillow showed 3am, an hour earlier than the alarm he set for his daily routine. He didn't feel any hint of sluggishness despite waking up too early so he got up, washed his face and took a shower like any neat and handsome guy would do.

Three steps before reaching downstairs, he saw a face of a woman illuminated by the laptop's brightness. He slipped but quickly recovered. ”What are you doing so early in the living room, mom?” He asked, breathing heavily with his right hand holding his chest as if to safeguard it from a heart attack.

Mrs. Rodriguez giggled, closed her laptop and walked to the kitchen behind her. ”You're so edgy, baby. Why? Is there a girl hiding behind you? Are you sneaking out with her early in the morning?” She opened the fridge and pulled out some tomato and lettuce.

Apollo's face transformed into a revolted grinch. ”Good morning, mom.” He uttered in a sarcastic tone. ”I'm not having my breakfast yet. Don't make me a sandwich.”

”I'm not. This is just for me.” She sounded defensive while opening a bottle of mayonnaise.

He knew that sandwich was for him because she always made them the minute she saw his presence. ”Right. Right.” He gave her a skeptic look. ”I'll be back in an hour.”

”You sure you're not hiding a girl in here?” She teased.

”No, mom!” He rolled his eyes and took off.