19 The Pandemic Monday, 6 April 2020 (2/2)
The three nodded though he had said it in a less serious tone. It was true that all they could rely on during that turbulent time was technology; it was the only way they could still communicate.
”We can actually gather together here in my house. They're just not allowing groups of ten.” Leslie responded
Apollo said, ”It's okay. We can meet up when we need to, but as much as possible let's just do what we can at home.” He paused and his face looked more serious. ”Anyway, the reason why we're having this talk is because Betha and I decided to find a cure for this pandemic.”
Gab looked skeptic about the idea. ”Okay. Did we consider that the geniuses called scientists in several countries have not found any cure to this virus? So how can four young adults with no expertise or knowledge in the science or medical field possibly find a cure on something that has already affected over 150 countries? I mean, I am all about helping, of course. I want to, but this mission seems a bit silly to me.”
Leslie did an eyeroll then instantly cooled down. She smiled a half smile that was more of an embarrassed response to her brother's comments. ”Okay, Gab. I sometimes don't get your pessimistic and impatient attitude but considering that we had successfully turned Apollo into a dog to successfully find a banshee, you're really just simply an annoying pessimist right now. We have done what scientists couldn't do because not everything has to be rational. Sometimes, it's the faith and the desperation that opens a door to possibilities. We were able to do that as a team before, why not now when there's not just one person in need of help but the entire world?” She explained, trying to sound more compassionate than irritated, and with a hand gesture and emphasis on the word 'successfully.'
Betha and Apollo's appreciation of Leslie's open mindedness and very positive attitude could be seen on their faces. Gab, on the other hand was not looking directly to the monitor now. His head was tilted to the left side and his eyes were staring at the wall.
”Gab? Are you okay? Are you in?” Apollo asked.
Gab looked at the monitor again and nodded but he looked upset. ”You know, Les. You really have a knack for making me feel unconfident about myself.” Leslie suddenly disappeared from the video call. They hadn't noticed that she rose from her seat and went straight to Gab's room. To his surprise, she barged into his room and hugged him. Gab looked disgusted but he smiled. ”What is it about social distancing that you don't understand, Les? Get out of here.” He said, still smiling to his sweet sister. He had always been annoyed that Leslie was always right, but she always made sure she didn't mean to offend him.
Apollo and Betha laughed.
”Well, now that we're all in agreement to be on this really big mission, Betha has something to explain,” said Apollo.
Leslie was quick to go back to her room at the basement, so she was showing on their screen again, breathing heavily from her swift move upstairs then downstairs.
”When I disappeared months ago, it was because I transported to a place that was just green all over it, it was like the perfect garden except, I learned that it was underground. It turned out to be a place under a tree where luckily, Apollo was able to find. I met a beautiful creature there that looked like a goddess. She wasn't human. She was more of an elf, but a beautiful one. She had green eyes, long green hair, pointy ears, probably as tall as I am, and I think she was wearing leaves but I'm not sure. Anyway, she said she's the keeper of that tree. I have researched that tree and it's commonly known as redwood, but its real name is sequoia. It's a giant sequoia. Now, this tree... I think I've heard from it through my mom and my grandmother who were both banshees and I believe it's a magical tree. I'm not sure how it could help us, but I need to be able to transport myself there again so that I could talk to the goddess or elf or I don't know. I feel that somehow she could help us.” Betha explained.
”Was that the first time you transported?” Leslie asked.
”Yes, and I didn't even intend to. I just did.” Betha answered.
”Do you know what triggered it?”
”Yes. At that time, I wanted to stay away from Apollo because he was trying to kiss me and it wasn't safe for him to do that because well, you already know he would die if we kiss. So, I guess the feeling of eagerness in protecting him led me to transporting myself to that place. The question is, why there of all places? There must be an explanation.” Betha explained.
Leslie stood up and was gone for two minutes. When she came back, she was holding the hardbound book they used to cast a spell on Apollo. She had already found the page she was looking for, so she showed it. It was a picture of an elf, just like how Betha had described it. ”Is this her? The one you saw?”
”Oh my gosh, Leslie. That's her!” Betha said, both with surprise and excitement on her face.
”Les, that book of yours really has all the supernatural beings?” Gab asked, looking surprise as well.
”Supernatural, paranormal…anything out of this world that nobody could explain is in here.” She smiled proudly.
”Well then, let's learn what we could and find a way to save the world.” Apollo uttered. They all had big smiles on their faces like they were sure there was hope amidst the world's most dreaded pandemic.