Page 19 of Genie's Boy
“So different than what you’re used to.” Genie’s words were heavy in understanding, having watched over me all these years. “I should’ve done more than I did, but I thought staying back and letting you live your life was the best decision when in fact, it wasn’t. Will you ever be able to forgive me, sweet boy?”
“Forgive you? There’s nothing to forgive. It wasn’t your job to take care of me, yet you still did. You can’t change everyone’s opinion of my family, nor can I. I never stole, never begged, never borrowed, yet all they saw was a waif. The son of thieves, and their minds will not be changed. I’m thankful for all you provided me. You kept me from having to break the law and that alone is worth more than you know. In case I haven’t said it enough, thank you, Genie, for everything you’ve done for me.”
“No need to ever thank me, my love. Now, shall I order for us both?”
“Yes, please. I trust you. Plus, I don’t read Italian.”
Genie laughed. “Point taken.”
I have no idea what he ordered but it smelled wonderful and that first bite was so good, I shoveled in the next, and the next.
“Slow down, Raj, you’re gonna make yourself sick.”
I took my time finishing as Genie regaled me with stories of times from his past and friends he’d met across the globe. I could listen to him talk for hours and never be bored, but I ate so much my stomach hurt. The sauce was rich, and the flavors were like nothing I’d ever tasted before.
“I think I need to walk this off. I’m so full it hurts.”
“My sweet boy, I warned you. Your palate is used to different flavors and spices, you must take it slower next time. Savor the food the way it’s meant to be, and it’ll hurt less in the end. But come, let’s walk.”
We toured the rest of thepiazzaand had gelato. It was so good, I nearly asked for seconds until I remembered what happened after lunch. We watched another glorious sunset and then sadly, it was time to go home.
Every day forward was a trip to a new land. Fish and chips in London, escargot in Paris—though one was more than enough for me with that delicacy—and momos in Tibet. Genie had me make a ‘travel bucket list’ as he called it, and one by one, we checked each adventure off. We’d eaten amazing food I’d never known existed. Each time we stayed for the sunset, then transported back to my tiny place for the night. Coming back to this depressing shack had taken its toll on me after visiting such wonderfullywelcoming places. Genie tried his best to make my home happier. He’d brought over new sheets and pillows and filled the cupboards. But everything of value I told him to leave in the lamp. It was likely to get stolen here or stir up many questions as to how I got it when I barely made enough working for Amir to feed myself.
Spoiled wasn’t a good color on me.
“Good morning, sweet boy.”
Today I woke to Genie beside me rather than with the Maharajah.
“Good morning, Genie.”
“Come, eat. Let us discuss our day.”
He was oddly perky for a man summoned at the crack of dawn most days. I’d be grouchy, though that would likely have cost me my head. Truth be told, I was tired of coming back here each night after the glorious days we’d shared away.
“Why so down today, my love?”
I contemplated my words, knowing there was nothing Genie could do about his current predicament, though he wished he could. “Do you think we could spend the day at the island?”
“Absolutely, but why do I feel there’s more you’re not sharing?”
Far too observant, this one was.
“I really like it there. It feels like home, more than this place does.” Though it was the only home I’d ever known.
“All right, as soon as you’re ready, we’ll go.”
True to his word, as soon as I dressed, we transported. When I opened my eyes, relief flowed through me at the familiar place I’d come to love.
Genie rubbed my shoulders. “You seem more relaxed now.”
“Mmm.” I leaned into the massage. Genie and his magic hands, how I loved them.
“Don’t fall asleep, I have plans for you today.” His voice was a low growl, right beside my ear. Hidden meanings of promises to come. Maybe today would be the day he made me his, as he'd said before.
I’d asked numerous times for Genie to take my virginity. It was a craving like no other and one I couldn’t explain. To have all of Genie, deep inside me. Claiming me. If it was wrong to feel this way, then so be it. I loved him more than words could say.
“Come, my love. Let’s go inside.”
