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 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 lived this already when Zyfan was my
room mate and Karanthir would slither in here every
chance he got. I’m not going through it 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. Hell, I guess by now those two
fairies are blabbing about it to the whole world.
MEZ:
Zyfan’s too honorable for that,and Karanthir,
well, he’d rather hold it over your head.
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 so he could ask a questions He says it all the time - he lives
to serve, and he means it.
