“I will advise we stay locked up, bro….if our days are numbered…then…..”

  “Come on. You can’t give up just yet. We may be able to handle this. The last time, they’ve discovered two cases, and it was managed.”

  “I doubt their ability to manage this forever….The fear is that not everyone will present at the hospital, so we don’t know how many people are affected.”

  “That’s true, Arhhggg, the fact that we can’t find a cure to this illness hits deep….”

  “Scientists worldwide are struggling. I heard few are still working hard on it.”

  “They won’t find a cure, Ryan, this illness is like no other. It is beyond our labs. I don’t just believe in the supernatural, but if I did, I’d say this wasn’t natural.”

  “Is there no hope?”

  “My dad spoke about an idea today, but it’s not that simple.”

  “Are you for real?

  “When can you come over?”

  “Right away, but this whole news, I am trying to be careful.”

  “I understand. I will come over instead.”

  “Sure, that’s safe?”

  “Of course.”

  “Alright, see you soon.”

  Before leaving, he stepped out of his room and briefly met his father in his study.

  “Did you see the news?”

  “Yes, father, I did…..”

  “So, do you want us to power the time machine……?”

  “Father, I have another idea. What if we announce this to the world. We put out an opening for a volunteer. Damages will be paid to the family of the person if anything happens. We tell the person of the risks, and the benefits - that may mean staying in another time and if this pandemic wipes our generation out. We make it like a contract.”

  “Brandon…the time machine has been a secret for years, and you just want us to announce this to the world?”

  “Yes, father and a lot of people will jump at this; we will get lots of volunteers.”

  “This isn’t just about volunteers Brandon. We need a scientist. Someone who can go back in time and ascertain the cause and deal with it.”

  “We can get them too dad, think of the bright side, a lot of scientists will give anything to be the next person in history to use the time machine….”

  “You have to be the one to go, Brandon… I trust you more than I trust a thousand scientists put together.”

  “Father, it doesn’t have to be me…..please, there are brilliant minds out there.”

  “It has to be a Demarco Brandon…….”

  “Dad ...I won’t do it.”

  “What happened to my son who wanted a solution at all cost?”

  “Father, this is different. What if I am stuck in the ’50s or whatever year? how can I live knowing you’re all gone?”

  “You may not be stuck. There is a chance that the time machine will function well, son.”

  “A chance does not equal a guarantee, father,” he said, getting up.

  “I’m stepping out to see Ryan,” he added when he got to the door.

  “Brandon…..”

  “I’ve never said no to your request, dad, but this time around. It’s a no.”

  He walked out and went straight to his car.

  “Just saw you walking out the door. Are you leaving?” a text came in from Priscilla.

  “No…I’m going to Ryan’s house.”

  “Oh, say hello to him for me.”

  “Sure.” He replied, smiling.

  Twenty minutes later, he was at Ryan’s apartment. His best friend was staying alone in a three-bedroom bungalow. It was not as exquisite as Brandon’s, but it was well furnished, and one could tell Ryan was doing well for himself.

  “Beer?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “You don’t look good. What is this about, the recent news or the solution you spoke about?”

  “Both. Ryan, I am about to tell you my family’s secret.”

  “Secret, what do you mean?”

  “It’s something we have kept hidden for years.” Brandon kept a straight face and drank the whole cup of beer.

  “Oh, wow, you are actually serious. Okay, I’m listening.“

  “The time machine wasn’t destroyed in the fire.”

  “What….????”

  Ryan laughed, expecting Brandon to laugh along and tell him he was messing around, but Brandon didn’t. Instead, he looked and said, “I’m serious.”

  Chapter Five

  “But….the fire, the story?”

  “It was all a lie, Ryan, my great grandfather’s life was in danger. A lot of people wanted to get their hands on the time machine. Threats, murder attempts, etc. He had to lie, and we all had to live that lie to keep the Demarco’s empire safe.”

  “You told me it was destroyed too. I asked…”

  “Ryan, you are my best friend, and we are like brothers. No, we are brothers. I shouldn’t have kept it from you, but we all swore not to tell anyone.”

  “I know you may be upset…and I understand,” he continued.

  “Upset???....the time machine is still in existence….how can I be upset??… I am elated….the time machine is still somewhere,” he said, raising his voice.

  “Shhhh……”

  “Sorry….I am just so excited…. And I understand family comes first.“

  “You are family too, Ryan, I should have told you. I know you would have told me.”

  “True, I probably would have ….but then this relative too. If it were something more personal, maybe I wouldn’t have been happy, but this?...it was beyond you. Promise me something, though. Can I see it.?. Even if it’s just once?”

  “I’m not sure of that, Ryan, I’m not even meant to be telling you. Though you are family, I don’t think my parents will mind. The issue now is that the solution lies in the time machine.”

  “How?”

  “My great grandfather foretold the pandemic, and the only way to reverse it or stop it is to go back in time to find out the cause.”

  “If the cause is known, we will know how to devise a cure or prevent it completely. We would all be fine. The pandemic would never exist.”

  “Yes…oh my God, I can’t believe this. So, when will this happen? Who is going back in time?”

  His smile dropped when he saw Brandon’s countenance.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s not that simple, Ryan, there are risks.”

  “Like?”

  “The person could get trapped in the other life forever. They could die or suffer damage to their heart. The time machine hasn’t been used in ages, it has a manual, but no one can ascertain anything right now. It hasn’t been powered for about 200 years.”

  “Why not power it first and see?”

  “I know….”

  “You don’t want to go, Brandon….it’s pretty obvious…but why?... You’ve been so frustrated that you could do nothing about this pandemic. Now the universe Is offering you a solution via your great grandfather’s legacy. God bless his soul, and now you want to throw it away….”

  “No…Ryan…I just…..”

  “What exactly is the issue?”

  “I could die, for goodness sake, or get stuck in the past life…..”

  “And if the pandemic wipes us out, you get another chance at a long life, Brandon…”

  “Stuck in the ’50s, with no family, knowing everyone dies?...not interested.”

  “So you are afraid….I can’t believe my friend is being a coward.”

  “Why not go…if it’s that’s easy?”

  “I can…right away. Call your dad now that I am willing to go back in time to sort this out…..do you know how many people will do anything to have this opportunity?”

  “You can’t go, Ryan, only a scientist can sort this out….you are a businessman. If you go, you’d be better negotiating with old entrepreneurs rather than sorting out the pandemic….”

  Ryan laughed.

  “You still have a fire I admire, Brandon…a desire for change….don’t let it die because of fear…….hope will always be mixed with uncertainty….”

  “Now you sound like my father ….” Brandon whined.

  “Just know I believe in you, and I know you can do this…..and you will come back alive, with the answer….”

  “Hmm……thanks, bro…”

  “Time is ticking. The world needs you.”

  “Arghh….okay fine….I will think about it.”

  “I hope so….”

  “That aside, do you believe my whole family ganged up against me because I said I wanted to move back into my apartment.”

  “At times like this, I would give anything to have a family who loves me and wants us to spend this time together.”

  Brandon looked at him and shook his head.

  “Sometimes I wish you were my biological brother, and at other times, I’m grateful you are not… because you are always on their side.”

  “Come on….did you even hear yourself? We are unsure of what tomorrow holds, and instead of spending time with those you love, you want to be alone? Really?...”

  “I won’t be alone, Ryan….”

  “Oh….the women…Is that what your problem is?”

  “A man needs some loving too….”

  “How can you even think of that at a time like this?”

  “I don’t believe in being miserable because of the situation…….if I’m gonna die, let me enjoy myself….”

  “Or better still, go back in time and fix this…..but the former is easier, isn’t it?...you would rather run…..”

  “Are you out to hurt me?” Brandon asked.

  “No, bro….just telling you the truth.”

  “We’ll see Ryan...”

  “Whatever you do, ensure you call me if you power up the time machine. I want to see it.”

  “I will, Ryan…..Priscilla told me to say hello to you,” he added that last part deliberately.

  “Ohh…that’s sweet of her,” Ryan said, smiling.

  “Ryan, do you like my sister?” He blurted out.

  “Is it that obvious?” Ryan asked, smiling.

  “Yes, and I have known for a while now. Just been wondering why you didn’t say anything to me or her.”

  “I wanted to be sure of what I was feeling. She isn’t just anyone. She is your sister.”

  “Hmm….time is ticking….you guys will make a good couple,” Brandon said, getting up.

  “You think so?”

  “I know so, Ryan.”

  They talked for another hour before Brandon left his house.

  The next couple of weeks threw the city into a national emergency. The health care system was losing its firm hold as the incidence of new cases kept rising daily into hundreds and thousands. Health workers abandoned their jobs to minimize the risks of infection. Hospitals began closing down. The US started losing its grip on the pandemic, cases were rising, and the death toll was increasing daily. Typically when world leaders are called upon for online meetings on national security, the response is always swift. This time around, meetings were declined, and no one was even sure of the existence of smaller countries anymore. Scientists who were eager initially kept on declining calls. No one wanted to talk anymore. Panic, fear, and anxiety became the order of the day. The machines that detected the virus were rendered pointless.

  Although the pandemic was raging across the world, the UK still tried to curtail its spread, though its grip was weak. The lockdown rules became stricter. No one could go out except when essential. However, for the first time in history, patrol officers refused to come out for fear of their lives. So the rules were easily broken. Though most people stayed home for fear of their lives, some people still broke the rules.

  The rules didn’t stop Brandon, though, he kept on sneaking out and bypassing laws to get to clubs. He drank, laughed, danced, and had sex non-stop. There were many people like him who felt if they were going to die, they wanted to enjoy as much as they could before dying.

  He avoided his father a lot deliberately because every time they spoke, his father always brought up the idea of going back in time. Even if he was silent at times, he could see the words in his father’s eyes. He was avoiding his father, not just because he didn’t want to go, but also because he couldn’t stand the disappointment in his eyes.

  He has been a faithful son and a true Demarco, but he was too scared to risk his life in the time machine. The world would come to an end anyway. There’s been news of global warming and a lot more, it was bound to end someday. Maybe it was time to let it all go.

  “Hi, beautiful,” he said, winking at an American lady sitting by herself at the edge of the bar.

  He was at a bar around 11pm on a Saturday night, and he didn’t want to leave without a lady. He had been looking for a while and was about to leave when she caught his attention. She wasn’t just beautiful but also endowed, her boobs spilled out of her scarf top, and they were full, her dark caramel skin glowed under the dim light, her hips flared out from her tiny waist, and Brandon guessed she had a perfect ten figure.

  “Hi,” she responded, smiling back at him.

  “Can I buy you a drink? He asked.

  “That’s fine. I have had enough for the day. I was about to leave.“

  “Come on…just one more ….for me,” Brandon smiled warmly, hoping his charm would work. He wasn’t going to let her slip away.

  It worked because he could see that she was checking him out.

  “Okay,” she relented.

  He got her a drink, and they spoke about everything: her life, the pandemic, jokes, and a lot more.

  “Wait, you are Brandon Demarco?”

  “Yeah…..”

  “You must be kidding me?”

  He laughed.

  “Wow, I heard your great grandpa made an awesome time machine.“

  “Yes, do you want to hear all about it in my apartment?’ he asked. He couldn’t go to a hotel because most hotels were locked up. All hotels, because he had tried going to a few, but they were all closed now.

  “Sure, why not,” she responded.

  And that was it, he took her home, and of course, instead of the conversation they intended to have, they had sex all through the night. Brandon’s sex drive had increased significantly over the last couple of weeks, probably because he’d been having so much sex. But what impressed him was that she was able to meet up with his drive and even surpassed his expectations.

  He wasn’t going to let this one go just yet.

  “Gosh, you are hot,” he said, getting up naked from his bed to reduce the air conditioner's temperature.

  “You are not bad yourself,” she said, smiling.

  “I should leave soon. My folks will be looking for me,” she added.

  “You are not leaving just yet, baby. How can you just leave me all alone?”

  “I could come around again if you want….”

  “Of course, I do, but I want you to stay right now. I haven’t had sex this good in a long time….”

  “Hmmm…okay…I will stay back a little longer....but let’s play a game…..whoever gets tired first pays the other person….”

  He laughed….”Are you sure you can beat me at that?”

  “Why not let’s try and see…….” She said, getting up. As soon as he saw her endowed naked body, he got turned on again and rushed into bed with her. That was Brandon’s routine. He was still staying at his parent’s house but spending time at his apartment.

  “You need to be careful with the way you go out, bro. You are putting us all at risk.”

  “Calm down, Priscilla. Nothing is going to happen.”

  He responded to his sister when he raised concern about his movement.

  The last few days at home had been good with the family. He didn’t move out as planned eased the tension, though he still went out every week.

  Chapter Six

  Brandon’s exit from the house was halted when two new cases were discovered in two residents from the estate adjacent to theirs. His scientific sense kicked in, and he knew he could get infected if he kept going out.

  Brandon’s mother found out her husband told him about the possible solution to the pandemic. She was so upset, and it led to a palpable rift between herself and her husband. She started calming down when her children got involved and began to see reason when they got stuck at home. But she still wasn’t willing to let Brandon go.

  “What if we send the children off with the time machine into the past and leave them there. Then we destroy the time machine. That way, they get to live while me and you die in this pandemic,” his mother said to his father one night in their bedroom.

  “That’s selfish. Why save only our children when we can save the whole world?’

  “I’m just thinking out loud, James. I don’t know what to think anymore.”

  “Brandon can do this. I am convinced. Just stand with me, please. If you talk to him, he will listen to you. He listens to you.”

  “You understand I could be sending my son to his death ….”

  “Even so, wouldn’t it be better if he died a hero trying to save the world rather than dying a miserable death with the pandemic.”

  She sighed in deeply. Her husband was right.

  Maybe it was time to let go. She has seen the news and the headlines keep decreasing daily as the pandemic swallows up underdeveloped countries. Everyone was tired of talking. Despair was everywhere. There was no hope anywhere, and if at all there was a tiny ray, she would grab it.

  “Okay, I will support this.” She said, swallowing hard.

  He held her hand and tightened his grip.

  “Thank you.”

  However, even his mother’s involvement didn’t make Brandon change his mind. He refused and insisted he wasn’t going to go back in time. Despite the pleas from even his best friend, Brandon didn’t give in.

  “What exactly is wrong with you?” Ryan pushed.

  “You all are just thinking about yourselves. I’m not even bothered about death. If I die, that’s fine, but do you know what it will feel like living in another era with just the memory of your loved ones. Knowing I’ve failed to change anything.”

  “Oh my God, Brandon….I didn’t think of it that way.” Ryan said

 

1 2 3 4