STORIES
136 - Whatever Works
2007
Friday afternoon ...
JESSE:
Damn ...
JESSE:
… Every freakin’ time I fall asleep!
Later in the study…
ESMODONTI:
Hey Jess, isn’t it a little early to be in your ‘jamies.
Ya sick or something?
JESSE:
Something.
ESMODONTI:
Something - huh?
JESSE:
Es I really did it this time. Man, my life sucks.
ESMODONTI:
Jess ya gotta stop sayin’ that. Maybe I can help?
JESSE:
Yeah. Of course, you're just what I need.
ESMODONTI:
What do ya think you’re doing?
JESSE:
Makin’ sure everything’s still wired right.
ESMODONTI:
Stop it right there soldier, and if ya try that again – I'll
fix it so your wire’s permanently disconnected. Get me?
Now what’s up - besides your libido.
JESSE:
If I tell ya something, will ya promise not to tell anyone else?
ESMODONTI:
You know no one can keep a secret better than Es.
JESSE:
OK, here it goes - I slept with Io.
ESMODONTI:
Our hot little genie? How cool is that!
JESSE:
It’s a not cool at all. I like girls – at least I thought I did.
ESMODONTI:
If it feels good do it, right?
JESSE:
It was only that one time, and I was drunk,
so it doesn’t count, right?
ESMODONTI:
Whatever works for ya, hon.
JESSE:
I can’t stop thinking about him.
ESMODONTI:
Ya got it bad for him. What’s Io's take on this?
JESSE:
How the hell should I know?
ESMODONTI:
Ya haven’t talked to him? Don’t you guys share a room?
JESSE:
Yeah but he’s in his lamp. Es how could I be into
him? I mean he’s a dude for Christ’s sake.
ESMODONTI:
Yeah, but he’s also a genie, a magical being. Maybe that’s part of the allure? What does it matter - as long as it’s all good.
But, you won’t know what’s what till ya talk to him.
What are ya waitin’ for - go.
Then ...
JESSE:
Hey Io.
IO:
Hello Jesse. Do you want the genie to go into the lamp?
JESSE:
No. Look Io, I don’t want it to be weird because we,
because of the other night.
IO:
The genie understands. Mez explained it.
JESSE:
You talked to Mez! You told him?
IO:
Was that wrong?
JESSE:
Holy crap! Yeah it was wrong.
IO:
But Jesse, the genie only wanted to
understand. Mez tried, but it was the
prince who was most helpful.
JESSE:
You mean Zyfan? Zyfan knows! Holy crap – if he
knows then … please tell me you didn't tell Karanthir.
IO:
I didn’t, but he was there.
JESSE:
So everyone knows?
IO:
No. It was only Mez, the prince and Karanthir. Please do not be angry with Io ...
JESSE:
Io - I was drunk! It was a mistake. I don’t even know if I wanted you. I just wanted someone.
You were just - there.
IO:
Io was happy to serve you. The genie didn’t know it was a secret.
JESSE:
What am I gonna do?
IO:
Punish the genie for doing wrong? That is
what the previous master would do.
JESSE:
What? No. Just shut up and ... let me think.
IO:
Yes Jesse.
JESSE:
Come sit with me.
JESSE:
…What we did, I never did with a guy before. It was OK right?
I mean, I didn't hurt you or anything?
IO:
Was that your intention?
JESSE:
No. Why the hell would you say that?
IO:
There have been many times when the genie’s discomfort
seemed necessary, in order to please others. Io lives to serve.
JESSE:
Stop saying that. You’re not serving me. Now let me
figure out what’s next.
IO:
There is to be a next?
JESSE:
I don’t know ... if you were a girl, we’d hook up and it'd be great for
a while. Then I’d screw up. You’d get pissed off, maybe throw
some heavy objects at me and tell me to piss off.
IO:
And if we did all this, it would make you happy?
JESSE:
No. I just suck at relationships.
IO:
Is this a relationship?
JESSE:
No, but, I can’t keep my hands off you and … Damn it Io,
what are you doing to me? I’m not gay. I’m not.
IO:
Is this chant of yours necessary, before seeking pleasure?
JESSE:
You’re funny, you know that?
MEZ:
Not again! I did this already - when Zyfan was my
room mate - Karanthir would slither in here every
chance he got. I’m not going through this again.
Jesse get away from my genie.
JESSE:
It’s not what ya think. We’re just talking. Tell him Io.
IO:
It is as he says.
MEZ:
Io, I want to talk to Jesse alone. Why don't you grab
your book and go to Grace's room?
IO:
As you wish.
JESSE:
OK, so you know, and I guess by now those
two fairies are blabbing about it to the whole friggin’ world.
MEZ:
Zyfan’s too honorable for that, and Karanthir,
well, he’d rather hold it over your head, forever.
MEZ:
… Jesse just what are you doing with my genie?
JESSE:
Damned if I know.
MEZ:
I don’t think he has a lot of experience with free will.
When he first got here, I had to make a wish - for him to be able to ask questions. He says it all the time - he lives to serve - and he means it.
