Page 26 of Genie's Boy
“Pardon me?”
“While you are still cursed to walk amongst the humans for all eternity, it will no longer be alone. We cannot make you mortal, but we can grant Raj immortality if it is truly his wish.”
The fate turned to Raj. “Raj, do you wish to spend all eternity by Genie’s side as his friend, and lover?”
“Raj.” The fate whose anger triggered the thunder spoke. “Was the wish you made to be with Genie forever made of your own free will?”
Raj took my hand in his and gazed lovingly into my eyes as he replied, “It was.”
“Then so it shall be done.” The cuffs upon our wrists vibrated as lightning struck and connected the cuffs, then disappeared just as quickly.
“Two souls bound as one, linked for all eternity. Go forth, dear friends, and enjoy all this life has to offer, andbask in the knowledge you will never be alone again, nor will another possess the ability to control you.”
Raj disappeared before me, and I panicked.
“Genie, calm yourself. He is back on the island awaiting your return. Your magic as you once knew it has changed, and the lamp will no longer exist after you’ve gathered your possessions from it. You’ll be transported there momentarily and once you leave it, that’s it. You have centuries’ worth of things to go through, but only three days in which to do so. Choose wisely, my friend, as you have done when choosing your partner.”
Before I could utter a single word, of gratitude or otherwise, I was transported to the all-too-familiar gold tomb. Only this time, I saw it through a new set of eyes and with a new perspective. My sweet Raj waited for me at home while I ensured our future and gathered the priceless artifacts I’d collected over the years.
Artifacts, I had many. Those that belonged in museums, with the blink of an eye, were gifted to them, save a few favorites I redirected to the island. Raj was probably going insane with the many items I’d directed there. Furnishings we had no need for were properly sent out as donations to various charities and organizations. With all this underway it likely wreaked havoc wherever these things appeared. Humans were easily confused, though I sent along paperworkwith each silent donation. Well, they’d get over it soon enough when they realized what they now had.
Money was tucked away in banks across the world. Gold and jewels, I sent to the island. Clothing as well, what I would use that was. Beyond that, there was nothing left, and it was time to return to the love of my life. That one man, whom with a single wish proved his love for me, and I’d spend all eternity proving myself worthy of him.
The lamp was no more.
Gods, that was a wonderful feeling, and one more powerful than all the magic in the world.
Then exactly three days later, I returned to him.
“Daddy!” Raj screamed as I reappeared right in front of him. Good thing I had fast reflexes, as I caught him midair. “I missed you so much. I was going crazy with all this stuff showing up.”
I kissed him hard, and deep, conveying my love for this perfect man with our lips.
“I’m so sorry. The fates sent me directly to the lamp to clear my things out, and what I wanted to keep, I sent here. To our home.” There were some surprises for my beautiful Raj hidden within. Valuable trinkets I’d enjoy spoiling him with over the centuries to come.
“Home,” Raj repeated.
“Yes, my love.”
“Of the three days, I only needed one. Though it was still far too long to be without you.”
Raj’s happy giggles filled the air and warmed my heart. Nothing in this world, not all the gold, jewels, or priceless artifacts could hold a candle to my boy.
“Oh, Daddy.” Raj sighed as he melted into me.
“You gave me a gift that is irreplaceable and one I vow to never take for granted.”
“I want you to be as happy as I am. It was an easy choice to make. But, um…” He fiddled with my shirt. “Was it just me or were those fates kinda scary?”
I chuckled. “Well, yes, especially the angry one that brought the thunder. He hasn’t liked me from the onset.” I honestly believed that after that meeting, we’d no longer hear from the fates as the control the lamp once had over me had ended. “Though, my love, I’m actually quite tired. Looks like along with the loss of some magic, my body now requires sleep.”
“I’m glad you said it and not me. I haven’t slept at all.” My sweet boy yawned. “Oh no.”
“What’s that?” I glanced around the room, seeking whatever gave him pause.
“Does this mean we’ll have to learn how to cook?”
If I laughed any harder, I’d pass out from lack of oxygen. “I have no clue. What say we test that theory at breakfast?”
