“O-Okay. But,” casting a glance to Erin, Jamila said, “That’s difficult wi-with your ha-hand on my throat.”
I could tell Erin wasn’t very happy; but she slowly released her grip on Jamila’s throat. “Alright.” Staring
at Jamila, she said, “Tell us everything you know.”
“I will. But,” sitting on the bed, Jamila said, “First I want you to promise me something.”
I had to admit she had a lot of nerve; asking us for a favor after what she did to me. Casting a quick glance
to me, Erin said, “Fine, what do you want?”
“I’m new to this century, I don’t know how to fit in.” sighing, Jamila said, “After I explain everything, I
want some advice on how to fit in.”
“Agreed.”
Jamila spent the next 2 hours telling Erin and me everything she knew; including how she became trapped in the
bottle. Evidently, she crossed a sorceress, who was a descendent of the one who'd trapped the genies in lamps,
and was cursed to live as a genie until she was freed.
She went on to explain that everything was fine for the first 50 years, she'd been passed down through a
thoughtful and loving family. That all changed when her lamp was stolen by thieves. On the ride back to
Greece, the lamp fell off the wagon and rolled into some trees. The lamp stayed there for 750 years; slowly
covered up by dirt and debris, until I tripped over it.
When she was finished, Jamila said, “As I said before I’m truly sorry for this, Carly.”
“You could’ve asked me; instead of forcing this life on me.”
“I couldn’t risk you saying no.”
Silent until now, Erin said, “So instead you forced this life onto Carly against her will?”
“How many times do I have to say it?” turning to Erin, an annoyed look in her eyes, Jamila said, “I’m sorry;
but I didn’t have much choice.”
It looked as if Erin were about to say something else; when she said, “You held up your end of the bargain;
guess it’s my turn.”
Chuckling, Jamila said, “Thank you.”
“I…I wish that Jamila knows everything she needs to live in this century.” Turning to me, Erin said, “In
addition, I wish that she has a new identity in this world; complete with family and friends.”
Looking at Jamila, I snapped my fingers and said, “Granted.”
Instantly a purse appeared next to Jamila. Taking the purse, Jamila looked through it and found an ID, cell
phone and a wallet with $50 in it. Looking at the ID, Jamila said, “Looks like my new name is Jamie Brockwell;
and I live in…Maryland.”
Grabbing Jamie’s new phone, Erin said, “I’m going to put my phone number in here; you can call me if you ever
need help.”
“Thank you.” Getting up, Jamie said, “I appreciate that.”
Handing Jamie’s phone back, Erin turned to me and said, “Could you do something about her outfit; something
more fashionable then what she’s wearing?”
“Okay.” With a snap of my fingers, Jamie’s outfit was replaced with a skirt and top. “How’s that?”
After examining her new outfit, Jamie said, “Before I go, there’s one more thing I want to ask of you.”
“Okay.”
Walking over to my lamp, Jamie picked it up and carried it over to Erin. “You must promise to guard this lamp,
and Carly, with your life. There’s no stronger bond then that between a genie and their master.”
Taking my lamp, Erin said, “I promise.”
Jamie left a few minutes later; now fully prepared to go out into her new world.
Looking at Erin, I said, “So what now?”
“Well.” Pausing, Erin said, “Our flight leaves in 5 hours, so I think we should start packing.”