Genie-Us

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Jene refused to talk to me. I tried many times, but he went back to pretending that I didn't exist. As much as it drove me crazy, I had to accept that maybe I'd pushed him too far this morning.

I couldn't help but wonder if he ever treated Evil Isla this way. Did she have to put up with him acting as if she didn't exist? I didn't think so.

Remembering the way he smiled at her with the dopiest lovey dovey expression made me want to hurl. He didn't want me. He still wanted her. That had to be obvious to anyone who saw us together.

It bothered me more than I wanted it to, the way he acted towards me. After all I'd heard, shouldn't he at least act pleased to see me. It's not every day that a woman has a baby just for someone else to love.

The conflicting thoughts kept up a jagged, disconnected tune within my mind. It was seriously starting to drive me nuts.

Walking down the row of endless columns towards my mother's throne room was when the nervousness struck me. I didn't really want to see my mother. After everything that I'd learn yesterday, seeing her again left me with an awkward sense of responsibility. I also had a great deal of bitterness and growing resentment towards her.

"Do we have to do this today?" I tugged on Jene's arm, and he quickly pulled from my grip.

"Stop showing your irrational human side." Jene glowered at me, but that only managed to fan the flames of the burning coals of my anger.

"Believe it or not, Jene, but I'm part human. I have insecurities and anxieties over things that are far above your lofty genie status. You don't seem to have grasped how life changing yesterday was for me. I woke up human and went to bed not knowing who or what I was. So I'm sorry if I'm showing you my irrational human side, but right now I don't know what else to do." I admitted and Jene stopped walking. He even turned to face me, but his expression remained in its lofty pose.

"I do understand how you feel." He sighed and stared off into space for a moment.

"You do?" my argument died in my throat at his honesty.

"I went from being a blacksmith to a genie overnight, or that is how it seemed to me. In all actuality, I had separated from the human world for over a century. Time runs much differently in the Realm. Within the duration of that century, I forgot human nature and absorbed all that I required to be a genie.

"Your situation has happened far quicker. I understand that it must baffle and confuse you. In the end, you are here, and a part of you will always belong here. It has always belonged here. My point is that I do understand what you suffer through at the moment." His sincerity had tears pricking at my eyes.

"Are you saying we don't have to go in there?" I asked hopefully as I glanced at those imposing doors.

"I am afraid that I am suggesting the exact opposite. On the more positive side, once we have the wish removed, you will not have to return to the Realm unless you desire." He told me, and I mulled it over for a long minute.

"Okay, I guess that's the plan. Let's get it over and done with now." I pointed to the doors.

Knowing I wouldn't have to return to the Realm in no way calmed my nerves. I would still have to go in there and face my mother. There was no escaping having to talk to her to get the wish removed.

I probably resembled a twitching mess by the time we made it through the doors and down the rows of people. Facing my mother gave me mixed emotions. As pleased as I was to see her, there were many other more turbulent feelings bubbling just beneath my surface.