4 Betha MacSweeny Thursday, 1 August 2019 (1/2)

Pure shade of darkness with phosphenes were moving about like stars. The brightness concealed behind them became more vivid as Apollo's eyes squinted to see Gab's face examining him. ”My goodness, dude. You scared the shit out of me.” A recollection of what happened gave Apollo chills but as he scanned the room to realize he was in Gab's place, relief took over.

”Dude, I had the scariest dream you could ever imagine.” He said in a hoarse voice but a woman's presence by the door brought back the horror of that implausible memory that Apollo felt strongly happened in real life. He curled up and covered himself with a blanket the way that Harry Potter would use his invisibility cloak.

”Relax.” Gab expressed. ”I would've passed out too like you did because I was scared as hell, but she climbed up and helped bring you down from the oak tree. She's not a bad person at all, dude. Otherwise, why would we both be here still alive? Right, Nike?” He wanted Nike to explain things herself so he beaconed to her with a nod as an affirmation that she can speak.

Apollo's gaze went from Gab to Nike who was no longer an old hag. She gave her most angelic smile and Apollo gave away. How can you be scared at her looking like that? But then what if she transforms again? Would I faint every single time? Apollo thought overwhelmed by the indecisive feeling that was running through his system.

She moved closer and sat carefully at the right end of the bed. ”Betha MacSweeny.” She said and extended her hand, hoping she'd get a handshake. ”It's my real name.”

”Oh.” That was all he could say. Gab tilted his head, signaling Apollo to shake her hand. When he did, he thought, she didn't feel cold, so she wasn't a ghost. She was human though he was skeptic at first. ”Na…nice to know your real name.” He stuttered.

She smiled once again, and Apollo felt that he might be able to get used to this. All she had to do was smile and the world was normal again. ”My mom's Irish and my dad's American so I'm half Irish, half like you guys. I was raised here though. Maybe just two towns away from Summerland.”

”Okay.” Apollo said.

Still not knowing how to ask her about what happened, Gab must've read his mind. ”Why don't you explain everything to him like you did to me so he could start acting normal again? He still looks reserved and I'm not used to it.” He giggled.

”Yes. Of course.” More than serious, Betha looked relaxed. ”You might've been taken aback by what you saw…”

”I was petrified.” Apollo interrupted.

”I'm sorry. It's something that I couldn't control. It happens every now and then but not always.” She sighed. ”I'm a Banshee.”

What did she say? The clueless look on Apollo's face was too obvious.