jolly-bee-ness (the prophecy)

8/14/2019 Jolly-Bee-Ness (The Prophecy)

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and inserted it at the keyhole. She turned it clockwise and when

she heard a click, she opened the door slowly.

Tara is bewildered, she was not allowed to be near that door

ever since and had always been curious of whats inside of it. Nowher curiosity will be answered.

The Queen entered the chamber and asked Tara to follow.

The passageway was dimly lit and Tara nearly stumbled when she

almost collided with the Queen who stopped abruptly from

walking. The Queen touched the wall on her right side, feeling for

the switch for light and ventilation and when found, turned them

on.

When the whole room was bathed with light, Tara is

surprised at what she saw. The room was so beautiful that shes

still gaping when the Queen turned to look at her. With a smile,

she gestured Tara to go on.

With questions in her eyes, Tara walked ahead of the Queen.

She looked at the portraits surrounding the wall and read theengravings at the bottom. She learned those were of her ancestors.

Looking at the ceiling, she found the most exquisite chandelier she

had ever seen. Lights glow from the brilliance of the three-tiered

diamond stones, encased in gold, forming like a bunch of grapes,

encircling its gold plated holder of intricate design. The floor is

made of rosewood marble which she knew was no longer allowed

to be quarried. In the four corners of the room, she found sculpted

lions heads in bronze and over each head, there placed a vase of

different fresh flowers. She was informed that they were changedeveryday, because it was believed that the ancestors still savored

its nectars. The windows were draped with double brocade

curtains. At the center of the room, a big urn made of bronze was

nestled.

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The Queen asked Tara to come near the urn and said, This

urn is the resting place of our ancestors. My Queen mother and all

the Queens before her had made their vows before this urn

granting their daughters three wishes for the continuity of a blessed

life for her and for all her subjects. And now, my dear Tara, it isyour turn. After saying this, the Queen took the golden hilt

dagger placed at the foot of the urn.

With the dagger in her hand, the Queen stretched her arm

above the urn and prayed to her Lord and to her ancestors, My

Lord I come to you with open arms. Let me have the courage and

power to heed my daughters wishes. To you my Queen mother

and all the Queens before you, let us be one in granting Tara, herhearts desires.

After the prayer, the Queen nipped her finger and squeezed it

for the blood to flow to the urn. Then she turned to Tara and said,

You may now have your three wishes.

Should I wish now for all the three? asked Tara. You can

ask for one and then later for the rest, when youre ready to do so.Now close your eyes and wish, commanded the Queen.

Tara complied, but because shes unprepared for the

situation, what she wished pertained to the matter of her heart.

Eyes closed, she silently wished that her mother would not oppose

who ever she chose to marry. Afterwards, she opened her eyes.

Are you through, asked the Queen. At Taras nod, the

Queen said, Give me your hand, this will hurt a little.

Tara offered her hand and the Queen nipped and squeezed it

and let the blood flowed to the urn. She then held both Taras

hands and vowed, This I vow, your wish is my command. As my

mother granted me, same I grant you thee.

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As she uttered those words, the Queen felt some foreboding.

She could not explain her agitation. She hurriedly left the room

and flew leaving Tara behind who was wondering for such

unseemly behavior.

Unconsciously, Tara hugged herself. Theres an eeriness

permeating in the room and when she looked up at the portraits,

she felt all eyes were staring at her accusingly. Uneasy, she left

the room and closed it.

II. LOVE AT FIRST DANCE

Came her birthday, Tara was awaken with a thud in her heart.

She felt sure that something important would happen and she

couldnt explain this feeling of anticipation. Shaking her head, she

got up from the bed and readied her toiletries.

At the garden the last minute preparation was being done.

The flowers were arranged forming an aisle and at its end, a daiswas placed where Tara and the Queen will be seated and received

their guests.

At exactly 10:00 am, the sound of the trumpet was heard,

signaling the Queens arrival at the garden, followed by her

entourage. As the Queen was seated, the herald announced the

arrival of Princess Tara.

One by one, the guests paid homage to the Queen and gavetheir gifts to Princess Tara, who acknowledged them with a smile.

After which, they found their places in the garden and started to

partake of the feasts, the palace had prepared.

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Different forms of entertainment were presented by the

Queens subjects to everyones delight. Some did acrobatic stunts;

others sang a merry tune and there were jugglers too.

However, all eyes were riveted when one of Taras friend,Xylene, stood up and came forward, bowed to the Queen, Your

Highness and to Tara she said, My dear Princess and friend, may

I present to you our humble gift for your birthday. She then

motioned her cousin Xavier and the group to start the dance

number.

Xavier readily handed the music to the sound director and

signaled the group to form the line at the center of the aisle. WithXavier and Xylene at the lead, they soon danced as the music was

played. On the side, guests were tapping their feet and fingers to

the beat and some could not contain themselves, stood up and

followed the dance steps.

At the dais, Princess Tara was thrilled and excited. As a

dance lover herself, she stood up and started stepping down to

participate in the dance.

Noting this, Xavier came forward to assist and offered her his

hand. As soon as their hands had touched and their eyes had met,

they felt as if an electric current passed through their bodies. They

couldnt take their eyes off each other and it seemed that the clock

had stopped ticking.

To catch their attention, the Queen coughed a little. Coming

to their senses, they laughingly joined the dance group. Xaviermotioned for the sound director to replay the music from the

beginning. Feeling awkward at first, Princess Tara easily learned

the steps and happily danced until the music stopped.

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Still catching her breath, Princess Tara hugged Xylene and

beamed, I truly enjoy this, thank you very much.

Gazing at the princess, Xavier asked Xylene, My dear

cousin, wont you introduce us?

Startled, Xylene presented Xavier to the princess but felt

flustered when she found she was not being heard at all by the two

whose eyes were only for each other. She looked at the Queen

who was frowning and at the guests whose eyes were all watching

at what was happening. She pinched the side of his cousin and

laughed to down the hurting sound Xavier had uttered. Facing the

princess, she said, Im glad you appreciate it, and then curtsied.After which, they all bowed to the Queen.

Silently, they flew towards their seats and waited till the

party had ended. As the guests started bidding farewell to the

Queen and the Princess, Xavier hastily wrote down a note asking

the princess to meet him again and begged Xylene to give it to her.

Xylene was hesitant but when it was their time to bid the Queen

goodbye, she kissed the princess and secretly gave her the note.

When all the guests had gone, the Queen chastised the

princess for her unseemly behavior. But the princess did not hear

her at all for she was on cloud nine and still reliving what had

transpired at the party while tapping her finger at the note on her

pocket.

In her sleep that night, Princess Tara dreamt that Xavier did

not leave the palace. He was outside her bedroom asking her toopen the window. Afterwards, she heard a voice singing a

beautiful love song. When the song was finished, she felt a kiss in

her cheek. After a while she was jolted and awakened. Feeling the

cold breeze in the air she found her window was opened. She rose

and closed it but when she came back to bed, her gaze fell to a very

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beautiful red rose lying in her pillow. She smiled and thought, It

was not a dream after all.

From that moment on, the princess was constantly seen in the

company of Xavier. She was blooming and everybody found hermore beautiful and happier than ever. She was in love.

The Queen, upon learning of the blossoming affair,

summoned the two in her receiving chamber. She interrogated

Xavier thoroughly about his background and when she learned that

Xavier was actually from the south and not from where she

believed him to be, she was stunned. She them asked him to take a

moments leave for she had something to discuss with PrincessTara. Xavier bowed and took his leave.

Princess Tara was furious for the way her mother questioned

Xavier. So when they were alone, she faced the Queen and asked,

Whats all about? Why do you have to ask him that way?

Instead of answering, the Queen commanded Tara to stop

seeing Xavier.

Bewildered and hurt by the turn of events, Tara cried, it was

my wish and you vowed to honor it.

Remember the day when you made your wish at the

chamber and I left you with so much haste? asked the Queen and

then continued, I felt some foreboding then, so I went to see the

Elders.

Suddenly, the door to the chamber opened and the Elders, the

wise who have the gift to glean at the future, had entered. Upon

seeing them, the Queen sighed with relief.

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As they came nearer, the Elders bowed to the Queen and one

of them faced Tara and said, Dont blame the Queen. Shes your

mother, but, first and foremost shes the Queen of us all. Facing

the Queen, he continued, She only acted for the best interest of

her subjects.

I dont understand. Whats it got to do with me and

Xavier, asked Tara.

Another Elder answered, It is written, your alliance with

someone from the south would bring death to us all.

Its not true, shouted Tara. Turning to the Queen, she begged, Mother, please dont believe them. But finding the

Queen agonizing on what to do, Tara determinedly said, If that is

your belief, then I will leave with him and fear not I will bring

disaster to your kingdom. With those words, Tara left the

chamber and went out to look for Xavier.

The Queen still arguing with the Elders finally said, I could

not dishonor my vow, so Ill let Tara go and give them myblessing.

With heavy heart the Queen bid Tara and Xavier farewell.

III.A JOURNEY TO HAPPINESS

As Taras previous travels were confined only in the vicinityof their holdings and the nearby towns, she was awed of the things

she saw on their route to the city. They flew alongside the express

lane where huge billboards can be found and fast cars were

abounded.

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Are you tired? We can rest there and eat, asked Xavier

while pointing to the garden that can be seen from the side of the

road.

Hand in hand, they flew towards the garden which was full of

flowers. While taking their rest, Tara was full of questions about

the city. Xavier obligingly answered them all.

After resting, they continued their travel at a leisurely pace to

enjoy the surroundings and took a rest when feeling tired. After

the long journey, they reached the city called Meycauayan, where

Xavier was staying for so many years. He had found there a placewhere the owner seemed to understand him.

Here we are, Xavier said proudly as they reached the gate

of EMCCO Subdivision. Look there, thats my place, continued

Xavier while pointing to the garden of different flowers and of

different colors.

Its so beautiful, gushed Tara. But what about the ownerof the house, would they let us live there? she asked warily.

Do not worry, Mr. Artho and family are very understanding.

He actually encourages me to feast on the flowers. Xavier assured

Tara. There he is, come Ill introduce you to him, Xavier

continued, while tugging Tara to the said place.

Mr. Artho, as Xavier called the master of the house, was a

Swedish biologist. He and his wife Rose had three children,namely: Cheska, the eldest who was ten years old had a matured

outlook in life, Nicolai, the only son who was seven years old was

hyper active and the youngest, Katya who was three years old

going four, was the cute and bubbly one.

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The children, especially Katya, inherited their fathers love of

gardening. Whenever they were at home, they can be seen

pottering around the garden. It was one of those days that Xavier

and Tara had found when they arrived.

Mr. Artho was pulling out weeds, while Katya was watering

the plant holding a small pail. Cheska was preparing the table in

the little hut while Nicolai was bringing in the food prepared by

their mother Rose.

They were all busy, when suddenly, Mr. Artho exclaimed,

Oh! You came back and you have a little missy with you. So

thats why youve gone, he continued.

Who came back, Dad? Katya asked curiously while trying

to look over her Dads shoulder.

Katya and Nicolai run towards them and excitedly asked

what was happening.

Its our friend, Mr. Bee and his girlfriend, answered Mr.Artho while pointing to Xavier and Tara atop one of the blooms he

was tending. Soon they will have their own family. He

continued.

Wont they bite us? chorused the three.

No they wont, as long as you dont hurt them, answered

their Dad. Continuously, he said, they help in the pollination of

the plants, so let them roam in our garden. Besides they are livingthings too.

Unused to hearing human voice, Tara was terrified.

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Xavier assured her that it was natural so theres nothing to be

afraid of.

Its odd, we can hear them loud and clear, but, can they hear

us? asked Tara.

Because of our smallness, what they can hear of us is just a

buzz, explained Xavier. Continuously, he said, You have

nothing to worry, Mr. Artho understand the likes of us. He has the

knowledge of our nature and our importance. Look, they are

happy to see us.

Seeing that the family was welcoming their presence, Tarafelt relieved.

Soon, Tara had adapted to her surroundings. She was

enjoying herself, especially when Katya was around, who called

her Mrs. Bee. She would come near the little girl and buzzed in her

ear. She would fly away when Katya would try to catch her. It

was the game she and Katya loved to play. Sometimes she missed

Beetown, her mother and her friends. She just consoled herselfthat it was for the best to leave the palace.

Days have gone bye and soon Tara was heavy with little bee

in her womb. She was preparing things for her birthing, when she

heard a commotion outside of the garden. And then suddenly

Xavier barged into her room and excitedly asked her to come out

with him for he had something to show her.

Silent and curious, Tara followed Xavier. They stopped andperched on the branch of Macopa tree where they have a good

view of the house. There was a celebration going on and when

Tara asked Xavier, she learned that it was Katyas birthday.

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At the table, Tara spied so many delicious foods. There were

humburger, fried chicken, spaghetti and sundaes too. She was

amused watching the children. Some were eating and others were

dancing, when suddenly, she heard them singing a birthday tune.

And there she saw Tara in a sparkling red gown, her face isglowing with happiness.

She and Xavier flew towards Katya who opened her palm

inviting them to eat. Finding them hesitant to come near her,

Katya put some food on the table which nobody was using.

Atop the table, they perched and happily ate what they can

while watching the children participating in the games played.

Tara, enjoying so much the party, wished that her unborn

baby bee would just be like the children, especially Tara who

glowed with happiness.

As she uttered those words, afar she heard the sound of

thunder. And then the sky had darkened and a little while, the rain

poured.

Afterwards, Tara felt a sudden pain in her abdomen. It was

time the baby bee would like to come out, so they grudgingly left

the party and flew towards their home.

That night, Tara gave birth to a healthy and glowing Jolly.

I still have one more wish to make, Tara said as she ended

her explanation.

Understanding it all, Xavier accepts the fact that his son is

different from them and surprisingly, the rain stops.

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IV. THE PROPHECY AWAITS

The next day, when Jolly can already flip his wings, they all

go out. Still wobbly, Jolly is supported by his parents. And theyall happily feast on the flowers.

They are all busy eating when Katya comes and sees them.

She cries in delight upon seeing the little bee. .

Beaming, Katya offers her finger for Jolly to step on.

At first Jolly hesitated but looking at Katya who is all smiles,he steps on as offered, while his parents are happy and proud

watching them. As he touches Katya, he feels an urge to wiggle

and tap his feet. Unknowingly, he starts to tap dance.

Tickled, Katya giggles and looks closely on Jolly. She is

amazed to see him dancing and then she dances too.

Inspired by what she is seeing, Tara bows her head andmutters to herself, I wish Jolly and her friend Katya would

understand each other.

The next morning, Katya comes looking for Jolly who flies

towards her upon hearing his name.

Good morning, greets Katya.

Good morning, too, Jolly responds.

Tara is surprised and couldnt believe what she hears. So she

looks intently to Jolly and asks him if hes really the one who

answers him.

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Yes, its me. Arent you glad I could talk to you? answers

Jolly.

But how? asks Katya.

I dont know, really. But what is important, we can

understand each other. Just promise me, it will be our secret,

replies Jolly.

Being a child of four, Katya couldnt contain herself. So

when she enters the house and sees Cheska she excitedly tells her

of what has happened in the garden. But Cheska doesnt believe

her and tells her to shut up when she continues to insist that it isthe truth.

Hurting, she cries and runs when she bumps into her dad.

And when he asks what the matter is, in between hiccup, she tells

him about Jolly.

To pacify her, they both go out to find Jolly. Katya asks him

to show his father that he can talk and can understand her. Sowhen she asks him to tickle his fathers nose, Jolly flies and landed

on the nose of Mr. Artho and tickles him as Katya asked him to do

so.

Mr. Artho is mystified and advises Katya to tell no one about

it in order to keep Jolly out of harm. Satisfied, Katya makes her

promise. With that, Mr. Artho leaves them and they continue

playing while Tara and Xavier are at a distance watching them.

Every day after school, Katya would look for Jolly and play

with him. She would talk to him about her day in school. And

sometimes when she, Cheska and Nicolai have eaten out, she

would talk about the food they ate and the places they have gone

to. Other times she would teach him the songs and dances she has

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learned from school. It is their daily routine and both their parents

are content seeing them happy.

One day, Tara learns that her mother, the Queen, is dying and

asking to see them, so she and Xavier decided to leave the citywith Jolly.

So come morning, Katya could not find him. She cries when

she realized that he is really gone. Cheska, seeing her crying, hugs

and pacifies her and says sorry for not believing her.

V. THE TRAGEDY

Unlike their journey before, they have no time for sightseeing

and the only reason for stopping is when they feel tired and need to

eat and rest.

Soon they reach the gate of Beetown, where all the Queens

subjects have lined up, waiting to greet them and have a glimpse ofJolly. But they are all shocked at seeing him, as he is very

different from them.

At her sickbed, the Queen, surrounded by the Elders, is

waiting for Tara and family. So when they appear, she motioned

Tara to come near her.

Crying, Tara embraces her mother and hears what she has to

say.

The Queen asks one of the ladies in waiting to hand her the

tiara which is placed at her bedside table. While holding it, she

motions Tara to kneel beside her, places it on Taras head and then

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weakly tells everyone in the room, Hail to your new Queen. Give

her your obedience as you gave it to me.

Everyone including Jolly bows to Tara, the new Queen of

Beetown.

Tara moves toward Xavier and Jolly and leads them to her

mother. She introduces Jolly who bends and plants a kiss to the

Queens cheek. The Queen mother is happy to see them all and

one more time, asks Xavier to take care not only Tara but Jolly too.

As she hears him promised, she closes her eyes and takes her one

last breath.

Everyone in town pays their last respect to the Queen mother,

bows and pledges their loyalty to Tara, their new Queen. Xylene

and the others give support to their grieving friend.

In the morning, after the Queen mother is laid to rest, Jolly

goes outside the palace. He roams the surrounding hoping to find

somebody whom he could be friends with. However, everyone

avoids him because of the prophecy.

But soon, they overcome their fear when they get to know

Jolly. They all get attracted to Jollys friendly and happy nature.

He is now the leader of every bee of his own age. He teaches them

songs and dances he learned from Katya. He also advises them to

love and be happy with their work. Following the advice has its

advantage as they dont tire easily and could gather more nectars

than before. So everybody in town gets used in seeing them

singing while working.

While everybody is amused with their antics, the Elders are

not glad with this development. They are afraid it could be the

beginning of the prophecy, so, they advise Tara to reprimand Jolly

from teaching the others of his ways. However, Tara could not see

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any harm it would cause so she doesnt heed the Elders advice.

Jolly and his friends continue being happy as they can be.

One sunny day, Jolly and his friends lead the other bees to

gather nectars beyond the gate of the palace. They are singing ahappy tune while flying towards the field full of flowering plants.

Unknown to them there is a farmer tending the field who hears

their buzz. Thinking he is about to be attacked by a swarm of bees,

the farmer readies his spraying machine and when Jolly and the

others come nearer, he sprays them with insecticides.

Jolly at the lead, tells others to take cover at the first whiff of

the spray. Some is able to do as told while others not knowingwhat hit them are felled. Jolly and the others wait for the farmer to

leave before going out of their cover and look for the others.

Jolly is devastated when he finds out that many have died in

the attack. He blames himself for the tragedy even with the

assurance of his friends that it is not his fault.

When they return to the palace, carrying the dead with them,the Elders hurriedly come to meet them before others do. They

instruct Jolly to go to the palace at once before he is mobbed by the

parents of the victims. At first, he doesnt want to go but his

friends persuade him to do as advised.

At the palace, the grief stricken Jolly tells his parents of what

has happened. Tara embraces and assures him that he is not to be

blamed. She is thinking of what must be done, when her lady in

waiting announces that the Elders are waiting for her in thereceiving chamber. Immediately, she flies to see them and hears

what they have to say.

After bowing, one of the Elders says, He must leave at once.

Your subjects are outside and they are very angry. This is what

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we are afraid of and this is just the beginning of the prophecy, the

other Elder continues.

Tara tries to reason with them, but Jolly who follows and

hears all about the prophecy, decides on what to do. He informshis mother of his decision to leave as it is best for her and her

subjects.

Feeling that Jolly can no longer be dissuaded, Tara gives him

her blessing. She embraces him and whispers, We love you,

dont forget that. If ever youre in trouble contact me with this,

touching Jollys antennae.

Before leaving, Jolly meets with his friends. Teary eyed, he

gives them thanks for every glorious moment he spent with them.

His friends embrace and assure him that they will always be there

for him and ready to help whenever he needs it. With a heavy

heart, Jolly flies, going back to the city and to Katya.

VI. THE REDEMPTION

Still longing for his friend, Katya is always at the garden

hoping for Jollys return. Her dad has built her there a swing so

she could amuse herself while waiting for her friend.

When Jolly arrives at the place, he finds Katya at the swing

looking lonely, so he sings her favorite song.

Upon hearing his voice, Katya jumps in delight. She

couldnt contain herself for the joy of seeing him again. She calls

her sister and brother, who come hurriedly when they learn that

Jolly has returned. They are all happy to see him.

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Katya excitedly asks Jolly, What has happened to you? I

have waited for you so long, I thought you wont come back

anymore.

Realities all come back to Jolly after such happy reunion. Hetells Katya about the prophecy, the tragedy that took place and the

anger towards him of the victims family. He also tells her that his

mother is the new Queen and in order to have peace, he has to

leave the palace.

Feeling his pain, Katya thinks how she can console him.

With a twinkle in her eyes, she says, I know what to do!

What? Cheska, Nicolai and Jolly simultaneously ask.

Katya answers, Jolly will come to me at the school and meet

my friends.

True to her words but unknown to her parents, Katya brings

along Jolly at the school. She hides him in her pocket and begs her

sister and brother not to tell on her, which they promise.

The three are studying at Meycauayan University, one of the

most prestigious schools of the city. It has preparatory,

elementary, high school and college levels. Katya is at her

preparatory level while Cheska and Nicolai are at their elementary

level. The school is celebrating its foundation week, so there are

booths and exhibits at the school ground.

They are passing at a game booth, which is called Find Me,when Jolly tugs Katyas pocket and asks her to let him see the

booth.

The game master is explaining the mechanics of the game.

He will describe a place and in order to win, the contestant must

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locate it within 10 seconds at the improvised map tucked at the

wall of the booth.

While nobody is looking, Jolly flies towards the map and

traces the location of Beetown. He couldnt believe himself that heis able to find the place. Happily, he informs Katya about it and

encourages her to join the game with his help.

Katya refuses and explains that it would be cheating which

Jolly understands.

Cheska notices their whispering and asks what it is all about.

When she learns what Jolly has accomplished, she asks what elsehe can do.

I could smell delicious food, Jollys reply to Katya while

trying to find where it comes from.

Oh! I remember theres the food booth at the sunken garden.

Come, lets buy fried chicken and French fries, Katya excitedly

tells him, while tugging Cheska to the place.

While on their way to the sunken garden, Lisa joins them.

She is the only daughter of the city mayor, classmate and best

friend of Katya. They discuss the birthday of their classmate.

Both of them have already asked their parents permission and they

agree that Katya will go with Lisa at her service car.

They are eating happily when they spot their favorite teacher,

Miss Salvador.

Good morning Teacher Mina. Please join us, request the

two, which the teacher obliges with a smile.

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Whos your friend, asks Teacher Mina, pointing to Jolly

perched on Katyas shoulder. Careful, it might sting you, the

teacher continues, while taking the food offers by Lisa.

Teacher Mina, Lisa, meet Jolly, my friend, Katyaintroduces and continues, Dont worry, he wont hurt us.

After the introduction, they continue eating, tease Teacher

Mina with Teacher Gerry who is still single and joke about

everything they could think of, while Jolly enjoys watching them.

After which, Teacher Mina takes her leave enjoying the happy

banter with the two.

The two together with Cheska and Nicolai, visit other booths

and exhibits which they find exhilarating at the end of the day.

Come next morning, Katya is preparing for the birthday

party, when Jolly asks if he could go with her. She thinks, why

not, but before she agrees she makes him promise not to get out of

her pocket once they were at the party.

An hour later, they hear the sound of Lisas service car.

Katya readily gets her things, kisses her parents goodbye and goes

out to join Lisa.

At the back of the car, Lisa excitedly asks Katya if Jolly is

with her. As he hears his name, Jolly gets out of his hiding and

flies towards Lisa, who is delighted to see him. He shows her

some antics which the two find amusing. While enjoying

themselves, they soon reach the place where the party is beingheld.

Katya and Lisa with Jolly hiding in the pocket, join their

classmates in the different parlor games. Some they win, others

they lose which truly dont matter as they enjoy the party.

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Each hugging the teddy bear they won in the game, they

leave for home. Their car is cruising the street when it suddenly

stops. Theres a van in front of them and three masked men with

guns commanded their driver to open the door. Lisa and Katya areforcibly taken and transfer to the van. With speed, they are gone

and their driver is left, still shaking with fear.

Hands tied, mouth taped and tears rolling, Katya and Lisa are

afraid while Jolly is bewildered at what is happening. Soon they

find themselves in a field and the masked men force them to enter

a barn. They are told not to make any sound and not try to escape

and when they nod, one of the men unties their hands and takes offthe tape in their mouth.

When they are left alone, Katya readily takes Jolly out of her

pocket. She asks him to flies out and finds what he can about the

place. Jolly readily obeys and when he comes back he tells Katya

of what he learns.

The place looks familiar to Jolly and when he sees theexpress road, he remembers that he had passed it when he left

Beetown and went to the city.

When Katya is told about it, she instructs Jolly to go back to

the city and try to tell her parents of where they are.

Jolly soon flies out and while on his way, he contacts his

friends at Beetown. He asks them to come and help him rescues

his human friends.

Meanwhile, Katyas family is all frantic when she didnt

come home. Mr. Artho went to Lisas house and there the city

mayor informed him of the kidnapping. Detective Juris, head of

the rescue group, assured him that they will soon find the children.

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While waiting for any development, Cheska arrived. She took his

father aside and told him she has Jolly with her and it seems hes

trying to say something and he was with Katya when they were

kidnapped

Mr. Artho opens her palm which Jolly steps on. Jolly is

making action which Mr. Artho tries to interpret. After some

minutes, Mr. Artho says, School, Map.

As she hears those words, Cheska tells her father about the

day Katya brought Jolly at the school and how he could locate

places in the map.

So, what he is trying to say is that he can show us where the

children are, Mr. Artho finally interprets.

At last, he understands, Jolly sighs with relief.

Mr. Artho immediately informs the mayor of what he has

learned. However, Detective Juris doesnt believe that a bee could

help in the rescue operation, but the mayor asks, Do you have anylead Detective? When he answers none, the mayor decides that

theres nothing to lose in believing and soon they make a phone

call to the schools president and afterwards they leave.

At the school, Mr. Orosco, its president, is already waiting

and ready to help in whatever way he can. Cheska and Jolly

immediately find the booth where the map is tucked. He cries

triumphantly when he locates the place and motions Mr. Artho to

take a look at it.

When they finally understand what Jolly is pointing at and

determine the exact location, Detective Juris calls his men. They

discuss the strategy they are going to take in rescuing the children.

After the briefing, they are on their way with Mr. Artho and the

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City Mayor coming along. Cheska is instructed to go home, while

Mr. Orosco is profusely thanked by the City Mayor.

While on their way, Jolly, sitting at the shoulder of Mr.

Artho, is in constant communication with his bee friends. They allagree to meet at the site and wait for the right moment to help.

Some meters away from the barn, the rescue team position

themselves. We couldnt just get near them. If only the children

could be somewhere and out of the line of fire, one of the men

whispers.

Hearing this Jolly gets an idea. He soon talks with his friendswho all agree on what to do. Silently, they get near the barn which

Jolly enters alone and talks to Katya.

Understanding what Jolly wants them to do, Katya acts at

once, Lisa follows and then they both cry for attention.

Whats happening here? asks the man guarding them.

I have to pee, Lisa answers, while Katya says, I have to

poop- poop, both holding their stomach writhing.

Better get them outside. I dont want this place to have a

foul smell, the leader orders.

Outside the barn, Jolly and his friends are waiting and when

he sees the children going out, he motions the others to wait for his

signal before they attack.

Finding the place to pee, the children stop and ask the guard

to stay a little far away from them. And when the guard gives

them some distance, Jolly commands, Now!

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While the bees are attacking the man who immediately runs,

Jolly leads the children to a safe place. Amazed at what they are

seeing, Detective Juris and his men, with their guns ready, make

their move. Taken by surprise, the kidnappers are soon disarmed

and held captive.

Crying in delight at seeing the children safe, the City Mayor

asks Mr. Artho to thank Jolly and his friends and further says, Just

let me know how I could return the favor.

While embracing Katya, Mr. Artho answers with a smile,

Theres one thing you could do Mam. He then faces Katya and

says, You little lady, has something to answer for.

Katya grins and says impishly, But dad, I have to bring him.

He is lonely.

Mr. Artho messing Katyas hair replies, Im glad you did.

To celebrate the safe return of Katya and Lisa, the City

Mayor holds a party, picnic style at the farm she owns.

It is attended by the city councilmen with their children and

some of the respected people of Meycauayan City. Katya and

Lisas classmates are there too accompanied by Mr. Orosco,

Teacher Mina and other teachers. Mr. Artho and his family

together with the guest of honor, Jolly, are especially present.

The children, with Jolly at the lead dance to everybodys

enjoyment.

At a distance, Queen Tara and her subjects are also partaking

at the feast. She is very proud of her son and glad that her subjects

are no longer afraid of the prophecy.

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The City Mayor has declared that the farm is a protected

sanctuary for bees, butterflies and the likes. She has also sign an

ordinance prohibiting men from killing them. She has encouraged

her constituents to help in their propagation through planting trees

and flowers in their own place.

With this development, men learn the importance of bees in

the ecology and therefore treat them kindly, and in return bees

provide men with honey.

And they all live harmoniously.Together. Forever???

SUBMITTED BY:

CHARITO A. ANTONIO

Lot 15 Blk 2, EMCCO Subd., Pandayan, Meycauayan City

Email Address: [email protected] No. 09279745313
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

jolly-bee-ness (the prophecy)

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