Almost relieved, Jamie sighed and said, “For one thing; you can live your normal life. You can appear to grow
old with your family and friends, then make it appear as if you’d died.” Shrugging, Jamie said, “That way no
one suspects, and you can started your new life and repeat the process.”
"I didn't think about that." surprised, Erin said, blushing.
"The book doesn't tell you everything." giggling, Jamie stated. "Some things you need to learn from
experience."
"Why did you choose me to take your place?" suddenly, I asked. "Why didn't you do this to a girl?"
"Please understand." wincing, Jamie said. "I was trapped, just as you were. It was not a matter of choice but
of timing."
"What do you mean?" curious, Erin asked.
"I too was a reluctant genie." tearing up, Jamie said. "Only, after 50 years, I made the mistake of allowing
any wish to granted. Once I got into that habit, the curse was triggered and I became an eternal.."
“What!?” startled, I said, “A…c-curse?”
“You see, Carly; there are many laws regarding the use of a genie’s power. The mystics who created those rules
left for a higher plain centuries again.”
Confused, Erin said, “What?”
Pausing to rephrase, Jamie said, “They died out, and didn’t leave instructions on how to change the rules.”
My curiosity peaked, I said, “What kind of rules?”
Raising an eyebrow, Jamie said, “Regarding what I did you?” pausing, she said, “I could only force a mortal to
take my place during the very height of the Spring Equinox; when the planet is perfectly aligned.”
Looking at Jamie, I said, “But why me?”
“It only lasts for a few minutes. So,” Looking regretful, Jamie said, “Once you had the lamp at the right
moment, I had to act.”
“I-I see.” Stunned, I said, “I’d never do that to someone.”
“Wait a few hundred years, Carly.” Turning serious, Jamie said, “Believe me, it will be tempting.”
Looking at her, giving her another chance, I said, “Is there anything you can do to help us?"
“Well…I could teach you some tricks people might use to get a wish. You’d be surprised by how underhanded
people can be.” Suddenly she blushed, looking very hurt, “I…I guess I walked into that one.”
Sighing, I said, “Perhaps you can tell me the tricks sometime.”
“Sure.”
“Perhaps you’d like to join us for a shopping trip tomorrow?” jumping in, Erin said, “I’m sure you could use a
fashion update more than Carly.”
“That sounds good.” Smiling, a look of relief on her face, Jamie said, “Where would you like to meet?"