22 Final Chapter (1/2)

The biggest perk about being a paranormal investigator was having government connections. Leslie used that to distribute information about the sequoia leaves. Drug development companies immediately worked on a new drug discovery using the mystical leaves of a sequoia tree, then preclinical testing was conducted. The drug molecules were examined in test tubes then on animal models and in other living cell cultures. An Investigational New Drug application was submitted to FDA preceding human clinical trials. After three phases of clinical studies, New Drug Application was filed, and FDA finally approved what the whole world was waiting for – a cure. In less than six months, some things started to go back to normal. The lockdown was lifted so some business establishments were up and running. Malls have opened but movie theatres and arcades stayed closed. Masks and social distancing still carried on for another year and crowds of more than 10 people were still prohibited. Most corporate companies migrated to online platforms for homebased jobs. The entertainment industry had used online platforms as the main source of entertainment that even concerts and fan meetings were done through live streaming. It wasn't until 2022 that the world completely went back to normal – no masks and no social distancing. Movie theatres, schools, churches, and other crowded places were finally open. All anticipated concerts and other social events that have been postponed in 2020 gradually pushed through.

It was December 31, 2022, New Year's Eve. If it weren't for Mrs. Rodriguez, Apollo would've gone insane. He had tried his best to act normal by carrying on with his life day by day. He tried to be cheerful that the world had gotten rid of the pandemic, but then time was fleeting so fast and there was still no sign of Betha. Nevertheless, he had to welcome and celebrate the new year with a smile on his face.

Apollo, Mrs. Rodriguez, Gab, and Leslie looked like a happy family during dinner. They laughed at throwback stories and filled their bellies with roasted beef tenderloin, buttered shrimp, pork chops with bourbon-molasses glaze, rice, mashed potatoes, spaghetti, cranberry tart, and pomegranate-rum punch. Gab excused himself twice for his burps, still savoring the taste of punch. ”I'm not sorry. Burping is fundamental in showing appreciation to a sumptuous meal,” said Gab. Everyone chuckled. ”What is that expensive looking box over there?” He pointed near the edge of the table. Mrs. Rodriguez just absent-mindedly placed it there after Luke unexpectedly dropped by to hand it over.

”It's a gift from Luke.” She answered casually then extended her arms to grab it. ”I forgot to put this upstairs.”

”What could it be?” Gab clearly wanted her to open the gift in front of them. His voice sounded a little jealous.

Mrs. Rodriguez didn't mind opening it, so she easily unwrapped the box, revealing a perfume. ”Oh, okay. Not my kind of perfume, but it's the thought that counts.”

”Cool Water?” Gab stated. ”Yeah, the scent is too strong for you.”

Leslie was about to say something when she suddenly noticed Apollo who was sitting across her. He was seated next to Mrs. Rodriguez and was looking at the perfume like it was the saddest thing he had ever seen in his life. ”Apollo, are you okay?”

Mrs. Rodriguez had noticed it, too and so did Gab. ”Apollo?” They uttered in unison.

Apollo burst out crying like a baby and all they could do was embrace him. But then no one was able to give him the comfort he wanted. That perfume was his gift to Betha on Valentine's day and remembering that opened a well of emotions. He needed Betha. He wanted to see her so bad.

The next morning, Apollo woke up with puffy eyes. When he looked at the date, he was teary-eyed again. It was January 1, 2023. The last time she saw Betha was April 7, 2020. How many leaves were used to cure the entire world that it's taking too much time to replenish? How long did he have to wait? Is she ever coming back? These were his thoughts as tears streamed down his face. Instead of getting up to get ready for the Sunday mass, he went inside his blanket and slept again. A few minutes later, Mrs. Rodriguez knocked on his door. It was his queue to really get up and take a shower. ”I'm up, mom. Be out in 30 minutes.”

”Okay, dear. Take your time. We can attend the next mass if we don't make it by 7am.”

Apollo and Mrs. Rodriguez made it by 7am. When the mass ended and they squeezed themselves out of the church, Apollo was taken aback by someone with long black hair. ”What is it, baby? Is something wrong?”

”Betha.” Apollo uttered; his eyes fixed on the young woman. When he realized it wasn't her, he looked down with a crestfallen face.

Mrs. Rodriguez was teary-eyed. ”Oh my God, baby. This is déjà vu.”

Apollo felt bad for making his mom feel sad again. ”No. Please don't cry this time, mom. You'll take hours redoing your make up.”