Page 27 of Charmed By Apollo

Geri’s heart sank at the woman’s words, realizing the unintended consequences of their presence near the balete tree. She exchanged a concerned look with Apollo, her mind racing with thoughts of how to remedy the situation.

“We’re sorry,” Geri replied earnestly, her tone apologetic. “We are here to meet with Lola Conching.”

The duende grumbled, her frustration evident in her tone. “That old witch,” she muttered under her breath. “Always making us her messengers.

“She had to help someone and said you should come back at lunchtime.”

Geri’s heart sank.

Chapter 4

Apollo

“What?!” Geri’s voice reverberated through the air, the sound carrying with it the weight of her frustration and despair. “That can’t be! She said to come back today, and here we are, bright and early. Did she say anything else? Where did she go?”

Apollo winced, knowing all too well the ferocity of Geri’s emotions when she reached this point. He had seen her anger flare before, but there was something primal and unrestrained about her howl that sent a shiver down his spine.

The duende’s expression hardened as Geri’s frustration echoed through the clearing, her offended gaze laser-focused on Geri. She was not impressed. “These giants just acting however they want,” she tutted.

“I’m sorry,” Geri murmured. “I didn’t mean to offend you, ma’am. And sorry about disturbing your son’s nap.”

She regarded Geri with a skeptical gaze, and her lips pursed in disapproval. But after a moment of contemplation, her expression softened slightly. “It’s alright,” the duende replied gruffly. “But next time, mind your manners.”

Geri nodded, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she glanced down at the ground, chastened by the duende’s reprimand. “What should we do now?” she asked.

“Come back later,” she suggested. “And bring lunch for Lola Conching and all us duendes that live in the balete tree. It’s tradition.”

She nodded in understanding, grateful for the opportunity to make things right. “Okay, where should I get the food from?”

“Go to the Point-Point restaurant on the corner and tell them you are ordering for Lola Conching. They’ll know what to do.”

“Hey, why don’t we grab a bite to eat at that restaurant?” Apollo proposed. Maybe this would be a good distraction for her.

Turning to the duende, he posed his question. “Is the restaurant open now?”

“Yes,” she replied gruffly. “People need their breakfast and morning gossip.”

With a grin, Apollo turned back to Geri, ready to whisk her away for a temporary escape. “Shall we go fuel up and get the latest gossip?”

As soon as she nodded, he ushered her to the corner, and they approached the makeshift stand that served as the local breakfast spot. Apollo’s heart sank slightly at the sight of the humble setup, realizing it wasn’t the restaurant experience he had hoped for. However, Geri’s reaction was unexpected.

Her eyes lit up with amusement as she surveyed the breakfast offerings laid out before them. With a grin, she turned to Apollo, her expression delighted. “Look at this!” she exclaimed, gesturing to the array of dishes. “It’s like dinner for breakfast, with rice and meat and everything.”

Apollo couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm, relieved to see her enjoying their unexpected dining choice. He nodded in agreement, his spirits lifting at her contagious excitement.

Geri remembered to place the order as instructed and talked to the woman at the counter, her tone earnest as she spoke to the woman behind it. “Hi, we need to order some food for Lola Conching and the duendes at the balete tree.”

The woman nodded in understanding, her expression thoughtful as she processed Geri’s request. “Yes, ma’am,” she replied with a warm smile. “We’ll take care of it for you and deliver it in time.”

Apollo let out a sigh of relief, glad that the restaurant had been able to accommodate their request. Geri spent a moment looking at the food and then ordered one of everything for themselves. Soon, they ate all kinds of marinated meats, fried eggs, and garlic fried rice.

“Oh, I didn’t realize how hungry I was,” Geri said, a contented look on her face as she sampled every dish on the small table.

He watched her with a sense of satisfaction, pleased to see her enjoying the local fare. He found himself nodding in agreement with Geri’s earlier observation about the unconventional breakfast of rice and meat.

“Yeah, it’s different, but I kinda like it,” she admitted with a chuckle, taking another bite of her own meal. “Who says you can’t have rice and meat for breakfast?”

He grinned. “I guess you’re right,” he replied, his tone lighthearted. “But it’s still weird to wrap my head around it.”

---