Betha and Apollo savored their meal like hungry warriors. The minute their Meat Overload was served, there was total silence; only the sound of their utensils and other customers resonated. After finishing their protein-packed dinner, Betha excused herself.
She went to the restroom to fix her hair, brush her teeth, and retouch the colors on her face to look fresh. Apollo also did his own business in the male restroom. He didn't have a toothbrush but he had two gums with strong menthol. From both ends they looked at themselves in the mirror and uttered in unison, "Today is kiss day."
Betha almost bumped into Apollo at the hallway when he suddenly came out of the male's restroom as Betha passed by. She was quick to avoid him, not knowing it was actually Apollo. When she realized it was him, she said, "Hey."
Apollo was surprised. "Sorry I almost bumped into you."
"It's fine. I've got quick reflexes." She smiled. "I guess, let's go now?"
"I hope not home though." Apollo teased.
"Of course not." Betha said in a rather flirtatious tone then smiled with all 32 white beaming teeth showing.
Apollo's heartbeat raised and he thought he was going to have a heart attack at the sight of her perfect face. But the momentum got ruined when he realized he and Betha were blocking four guys from exiting the male's restroom. They both gave way then moved out of the restaurant.
"I heard that this place has a rooftop. Do you wanna go there so we can view the entire Summerland?" Betha asked then thought to herself, "I'll have you all to myself tonight."
"Sounds perfect. Let's go." Apollo confirmed, unaware of her real intentions.
As they both walked their way to the escalator, Betha surveyed the surroundings. The third floor had one big food court, some famous fastfood, and restaurants. It was her first time at Daylight Avenue and now she knew where to go if she needed anything: the ground floor had boutiques, antique shops, and bookstores; the second floor had all the top-selling clothing brands like Armani, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Prada, Hermes, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and a few more.They rode the escalator to the fourth floor then climbed two flights of stairs. When they were finally at the rooftop, Betha was pleased to see that no one else was there to disturb them. She thought, "Oh bless the evils of the deep south. They're on my side." She let out a wicked smile though Apollo couldn't see it from behind.
The minute Apollo realized they were alone, he was ecstatic and at the same time, nervous. He didn't want to ruin his chance with Betha so despite his growing desire to touch her and kiss her, he was willing to wait. He would only hold her hand and kiss her if she gives him even the slightest touch; it would be his cue. It would mean she wants him. They rested their elbows on the thick walls that served as rooftop railings and enjoyed the panoramic view.
"Have you always lived here in Summerland?" Betha asked without looking at Apollo. Her admiration for the clean and somewhat standard blue and white hues of the entire metropolis gave her an innocent feel. Except she wasn't the innocent type and for the first time, she realized she didn't belong in Summerland. But she suddenly wanted to belong.
Apollo took a glimpse of her then continued to look around. "Yeah. This has always been our home. My mom and I never thought about leaving. We're at peace here. All the streets are close to civilization. From residents, it only takes two to ten minutes tops to reach here...downtown."
"Nice. I have another question."
"Shoot."
"Why are you not disgusted with my banshee form? Or maybe you are? You're just probably not showing it."
Apollo smiled and looked at her. "I would lie if I say I didn't feel disgusted. Of course I did at first and probably the second time too. But I'm just a normal guy like everyone else. We tend to look at the physical aspect of girls at first. I was terrified when I saw you transform. Gab was too. But as I got to know more about you, I got more interested and excited to know more. I mean, all of this is so supernatural. Who would believe this kind of amazing thing exists? That a banshee heroine is bound to save Summerland...and who knows? Probably save the world too. You're a good person. Your banshee form is part of you so I like it too. I mean, I'm the worst person to consult about anyone's persona because I suck in identifying who's good and who's not but I think this time, I'm right about it. I'm sure I'm right when I say you're a true angel in the form of a beautiful banshee."
Betha's eyes as he looked at Apollo who never took his eyes off of her almost leaked a tear but she looked away hoping he didn't notice it. She suddenly felt guilty. He was right. He's not a good judge of characters. She had been wanting an opportunity to kiss him so she can absorb his youth and be beautiful forever, even if it meant death for him; it was her greatest desire until this moment. She realized, she didn't want him dead and she didn't want to leave Summerland. Her greatest desire now is to belong and leave her dark past behind. "Apollo, you're something. You have no idea about what I was thinking before all this."
Apollo suddenly got curious about what she meant but he didn't want to ask. He just wanted to stay silent and look at her.
For the first time, Betha could clearly see Apollo as the moonlight shone on his face. She realized she actually liked him. She knew he was attractive from the beginning but it was the first time she was really seeing him as person -- a good person who unconditionally likes her, and possibly loves her. She gave him a sweet smile to break the awkward stare they've been giving each other then she lightly tapped his hand. "I never thought I was going to say this before you did but I like you, Apollo."
His eyes glistened and everything felt clear now. He thought, "She touched my hand and said she likes me. This is my cue. It's time to kiss her." He slowly held her hands together. Her eyes seemed inquisitive at his romantic move but she didn't pull away. He released her left hand so he could use his right palm to cup her face . Her eyes widened then she started to blink a few times. She looked a bit scared, but Apollo was not going to back down. He was too close in kissing her when...
"No!" Betha pulled away. "You should never kiss me!" She cried out.
Apollo was taken aback and got frozen at Betha's intense reaction. The next thing he knew, she disappeared.