Disclaimer: I don't own the Twilight series. Stephenie Meyer does.
BPOV
The beautiful man looked at me sceptically.
"Prove it," he challenged.
I sighed. This had happened before. I didn't really mind doing something to prove my powers as I loved watching their reactions.
Deciding to go with something simple, I closed my eyes and clicked my fingers (the finger clicking was only for dramatic effect) with a bored expression on my face and an exaggerated arm movement, and a plate of hot and steamy chocolate chip cookies appeared on the kitchen counter beside the glass bottle that contained my home.
I pulled myself onto the counter, and began swinging my legs, whilst grabbing a cookie and devouring it, missing the taste of food.
"Uh... wow. I'm sorry, this is just all so... surreal," he murmured, looking back and forth from the cookies to me. "Oh, I'm Edward, by the way," he added at the end, almost as an afterthought.
Edward. Hmm. Great name to suit someone who was so handsome. When I was pulled out of the bottle, coming face to face with the gorgeous young man with bronze hair, perfect features and striking emerald eyes, I could barely form words. Then I thought about how looks can be deceiving. I had definitely learnt that from that from my old master, Jacob, however many decades ago that was...
Edward walked over to the counter and leaned against it, grabbing a cookie and nibbling on it distractedly. He suddenly froze and met my gaze.
"You just made that appear here, just like that?" he asked, clicking his fingers at the 'that'.
"Yeah..."
"So could you do it with animals?" he asked curiously.
I closed my eyes and a cockatoo landed on my shoulder. It took off and flew around the kitchen for a few seconds before I willed it away so it would not destroy anything.
Edward was gaping at where the cockatoo had just disappeared. I smirked. This was rather entertaining.
"But how could you do that? I mean... I don't know, ever heard of spontaneous generation and how that was proved untrue?" Edward asked incredulously.
I laughed. He was going all scientific on me and I couldn't help myself. After a minute I replied, "Yes, but I did not create that bird. I simply take them from somewhere else on the globe. Those cookies, for example, probably came from someone's kitchen or a bakery or something. I could have made them from scratch but that would have taken more concentration."
"Huh... so then what's the deal with genies? Five wishes, just like that? I mean, that's really great and all but there's no catch? You aren't going to make me fill in a survey or subscribe to something are you?" Edward joked, chuckling.
"Uh, yeah, pretty much. No catch. So let's get started, shall we? Or do you want to think about it?" I was sure he would want to think about it. He wouldn't be like greedy little Helen in the 70s who had used up her wishes within minutes... I laughed quietly to myself.
Edward looked at me curiously when I laughed. I liked this guy. And I hadn't talked to anyone in years, which was always the case, so if the person was nice enough, I tended to befriend them before I was on my way again. So I recounted the story with Helen.
"The 1970s? How old are you? How did... how ... wha...?" He was looking at me dumbstruck, with awe-filled eyes. I figured now was the time to fill him in on the rules, and the facts.
"First, yes, the 1970s," I clarified. "Secondly , I am twenty two. Thirdly, well, I am immortal. I have been around for a long time. I have had many masters and I have done this for as long as I can remember. Now for the rules-"
"As long as you can remember? How did you become a... genie?" Edward asked, hesitating on the last word.
I paused, thinking about my answer. How? I could not remember that fact.
"I can't remember how I came to this life. I can remember a few parts of my pre-genie life. Like my mother's crazy yet loveable antics. And my father's crinkly smile. And my sweet friend Angela... But I cannot remember what links that life to my current way..." I looked down, sighing. "I have been around for several decades, at least, leaning onto a century."
"Wow... so what were the hippy days really like?" Edward teased, trying to lighten the mood, yet still looking at me with wide eyes.
I appreciated his effort and laughed, but changed the subject back to the rules. They were important.
"Now, I should explain the rules... okay, so you get five wishes, you cannot wish for anything crazy like world domination or for someone to just drop dead, or ... OH! Yeah, you can't wish for anything that affects someone's will power. You know? For example, for someone to fall in love with you.
"You do not have any time limit with your wish making. You cannot assault the wish granter – i.e. myself – or there will be horrific consequences. That is actually up to me, so you should don't try anything foolish, or you could end up like the other morons who messed with me... but don't worry, I like you. I don't think you'll try anything..." I murmured the last part to myself.
I continued, "Also, no wishing for more wishes, or any nonsense like that. And when you use up your wishes you cannot give the bottle to a friend or anything. I get sent off to somewhere else in the world to be found, so it really wouldn't work...
"And, anything else I think of I'll tell you..." I smiled at him.
"Oh, all right." Edward yawned. "Well, I'm going to head off to bed now. Do you want to stay in a room, or do you stay in that little bottle...?" he gestured to my small home. I grimaced.
"Well, it does feel a little uncomfortable constantly squeezing in and out of that bottle... so..." I trailed off uncertainly.
"Ok, follow me."
I followed Edward up a staircase onto a landing with three doors leading into different rooms.
"This is the bathroom" – he gestured to one door – "this is my room" – he gestured to another door - "and this is the guest bedroom, aka, your room." Edward led me in, and then bade me goodnight and left.
I looked around the room. Its walls were beige, matching the comforter of the queen sized bed. The window on the left side of the wall sat next to a small dresser and a full length mirror. I walked over to the bed and plopped down. With the last bit of concentration, I changed into my pyjamas and fell asleep.
I woke up when it was still dark but got up anyway and had a shower, changing into another pair of jeans and tee shirt. Heading downstairs, I noted that Edward's door was still closed, so when I got to the kitchen I conjured up a plate filled with chocolate chip pancakes, with syrup on the side, and a jug of orange juice.
As I was finishing my serving, I sighed, slumping down in my chair, patting my stomaching, extremely satisfied, when Edward walked in. He seemed to be still half asleep, and in his pyjama pants and plain white tee shirt, and when he saw my posture, he laughed. He then turned to the food, eyeing it hungrily.
"For you. Sorry I started before you came down. You have no idea how long I waited to eat... mmm..." I sighed, a small smile creeping up onto my lips and closed my eyes.
Edward dug in, asking me, "What do you mean by that?"
I hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Well, for me it is not necessary to eat unless I am granting wishes because they generally use quite a bit of energy. So I haven't eaten anything since I last had a master. I mean, I don't get hungry or anything, I just feel satisfied when I actually get around to eating, ya know?" I explained to Edward who was looking at me curiously. His expression made him look so cute.
"Besides, there wasn't a bathroom in the bottle, and it would take up too much room if I put one in..." I mused, mostly to myself.
Edward didn't answer, but continued watching me while he ate. I began to feel a little self conscious under his unrelenting gaze, so I tried to start some conversation.
"So how old are you? Have you got a job? Thought about your wishes? Does your family visit you here often? I mean, since I am staying here, won't they find out. Unless I could go into the bottle while they are around..." I rambled off, feeling like an absolute moron.
Edward smiled at me, chuckling slightly. "I am 24, I am currently unemployed as I just moved back here from Chicago, so I am kind of looking around... My parents live about ten minutes away, as do my sister, brother, and their spouses... I'm sure they would like to meet you. You don't have to hide. And no, I really haven't thought about the wishes yet. I am still a little bit overwhelmed, you know?" He looked down, sighing. "I'm sorry, Bella, if I have to keep you here. I'll try to not take too long, so you can leave if you want. I'll just say I don't want my wishes or –"
"No, no, no!" I interrupted him. What was he thinking?! By this gesture I could tell he was by far the nicest, most considerate – and I could already tell he was by far the best looking – of my masters (Ugh, I hated using that word. As if they are superior to me. Ha! My ass!) and I would not let him do this. So I told him, "You keep your wishes! Think of things that you really want; I'm sure you deserve whatever they are. Besides, I like it here. I don't like that glass prison."
Edward smiled a beautiful crooked grin that made my heart flutter. He then stood up, taking his plate to be washed. I made it disappear out of his hands before he took another step and he jumped with an, "Argh!" then stumbled back a few steps.
I could hardly stifle the giggles trying to pour forth so I clamped a hand over my mouth. But I am sure that Edward could see the joy and amusement in my eyes, because he narrowed his, though his mouth was twitching, fighting a smile.
I decided to change the subject. "So what's on the agenda for today?"
"Well, actually, Alice, Emmett, Jasper and Rose – they're my siblings and spouses, respectively," Edward answered the question in my eyes, then continued, " and I were invited to my parents house for dinner. You can meet them then. Is that okay with you?" He looked at me with hope in his eyes.
I smiled warmly at him. "That'll be great."
He smiled back in response and looked slightly relieved. Why? I have no idea. I mean, he really doesn't know me that well and he wants me to meet the most important people of his life? The idea made me smile. Then my next thought made my smile falter. What if he has a girlfriend? I mentally slapped myself. DO NOT get attached that way!! I though frantically. Making friends is all and well, but I cannot think of him in any other way otherwise it will just hurt all the more when he makes all his wishes and I get sent away.
We spent the rest of the day reading and relaxing in each other's presence, and every now and then we would ask each other a question and learn a bit more about one another. Edward still didn't know what to wish for, but that was fine. It hadn't been long and it could be life changing, depending on what you wished for.
Edward told me about his hyper sister, Alice, who loves shopping, and her reserved, but kind husband, Jasper. He would reminisce about the time, Emmett, his large, goofy brother, did something funny, and how his wife, Rosalie, loved fixing cars. His father, Carlisle, was a doctor at Forks hospital and Esme, his mother, was an interior designer.
He asked about many aspects about my genie life. One revolved around the golden bracelet-like bands on my upper arms.
"These are a sign to show what I am. It is a bond between me and my glass bottle, preventing me from any escape. I cannot use my powers to get them off because these were created and placed on me with a stronger sort of magic," I told him sadly. He looked at me sympathetically.
Soon it was nearing five o'clock and Edward said that we should be getting ready. He began heading upstairs to change, leaving me sprawled on his sofa. I instantly changed into a smart, yet subtly sexy, navy blue dress that fell down to my knees and flats, also having fixed my hair, then I called up to him, "Yeah, ok! I'm ready!" He was not even at the top of the staircase.
Edward laughed, replying, "Not all of us have crazily awesome powers."
Not too long after, Edward began heading down the stairs again, so I stood up, ready to leave. He entered the room wearing a smart pair of dark jeans and a white button down shirt. The choice of clothing seemed to enhance his beautiful features even more, taking my breath away.
He was staring at me with an unfathomable expression, when suddenly he flushed and looked down. Then, shyly, he looked back up at me and said, "You look beautiful, Bella."
This, in turn, made me blush. I hadn't blushed in ages, due to being in a glass bottle for years, and not having come in human contact for that long!
"Thank you, Edward. You look handsome, too," I replied. To this he smiled and led me out to a silver Volvo.
The drive to his parents' house was short and was spent in comfortable silence. He was driving along a road when suddenly he pulled into a driveway that one could hardly discern, as it blended in to the trees and other vegetation surrounding it. It was long and windy and led to a beautiful off-white, three story Victorian style house.
"Wow," I murmured, wide eyed. "It's beautiful."
"Yes. Esme, my mother, did it herself." When Edward spoke of his mother he got a loving look in his eyes. It was so sweet, but still made me a little sad. It would make me think of my mother and how I was pulled out of my life with her to be forced into a life filled with granting people's wishes, encouraging their greed.
Edward suddenly groaned and turned to me, frantic.
"Bella, I am going to ask you to do something for me, but you do not have to if you don't want to. You see, my parents have taken to trying to set me up with a family friend, Tanya, but I really don't like her that way," – this made me lighten up a little – "and that is her car right there," – he pointed to one of the few cars parked at the front of the house – "so..." He trailed off, looking away.
"Just spit it out, Edward," I told him gently but firmly.
He glanced back up at me and began.
"Would you please act like my girlfriend just for tonight so I can avoid this Tanya issue? I am so sorry to put you through this, but I really didn't think this would happen." He looked at me with hope-filled eyes.
"Sure, Edward, that's fine," I replied, a little more excited and happy than I should be.
"Ok. I'll come up with the story. Yes, I'll think of something. Hmm...." He looked off into the distant, lost in thought.
"Come on, let's head on in." Edward grabbed my hand and we approached the door to his parent's house. Ah, the moment of truth.
He opened the door and walked in, pulling me in behind him.
"Carlisle, Esme! Alice? Em? Helloooo?" He called.
All of a sudden there was a squeal and there was a black and white blur moving at us. It stopped abruptly in front of us, when I noted it was a small girl – well, woman, she was about my age. She had short, spiky black hair, hazel eyes that glowed, and the most massive smile that I thought her face would break.
"Hello, Alice," Edward said. "Alice, this is my girlfriend, Bella. Bella, this is my sister, Alice." At the word 'girlfriend', Alice raised her eyebrows.
"Hi, Alice. I've heard so much about you and it's nice to finally put a face to the name." I smiled shyly at her.
"Hey, Bella! It's great to meet you, though I must say I have not heard about you." Alice shot a glare at Edward, but then cut him off before he could explain. "Later, Edward, Esme and everyone else will want to know too. Tanya is not going to be happy." Alice added the last part quietly but with a small smile on her face.
Alice led us down the corridor into the living room, where there were some people seated around a large television, though they were ignoring it, and were making conversation.
Everyone looked up when we entered the room. A look of confusion crossed each of their faces simultaneously that it was rather funny.
"Hi there! I don't know who you are, but I'm Emmett!" A large man with curls and a dimply smile, and who looked like he was on steroids, stood up from his seat next to a beautiful blonde woman and walked up to me, sticking out his hand. I shook it, smiling at him, while Edward introduced me to everyone.
"Everyone, this is my girlfriend Bella. Bella, this is Rosalie, Tanya, Carlisle and Jasper. Where's Esme, Carlisle?" Edward inquired the last part to his father.
"She's cooking." He turned to me with a warm smile on his face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella."
"You, too." I said quietly, blushing at all the attention. Just then another beautiful woman, this time with caramel coloured hair that fell just past her shoulders, walked in the room and smiled at us.
"Hello, Edward, and who might this be?" Esme asked, smiling warmly at me. To this, Edward introduced me once more.
"I didn't know you had a girlfriend, Edward? How long?" Esme asked. People were all waiting expectantly for his answer and he looked a bit sheepish. After he didn't respond, clearly thinking of some reason good enough, people were beginning to get impatient, and suspicious, so I spoke up.
"We're sorry, everyone. You see, we just didn't want this relationship to stuff up so we just kept it secret so we could get to know each other without the influence of others affecting our view of one another," I explained, squeezing Edward's hand tighter and leaning into him more. All a part of the act. Sure, a voice in my head told me sceptically.
Edward kissed me on the head and murmured so only I could hear, "Nice save," to which I replied by smiling up at him sweetly.
Everyone looked satisfied with my answer; though Tanya looked a bit disappointed at the news that I was Edward's girlfriend. Esme actually glowed with the news and smiled brighter at me.
He then apologised for not telling them about me sooner, and warning them about my coming.
"It's no problem, Edward, we'll just set an extra place. And there is more than enough food. We always have to have extra in case Emmett eats more than his share." Esme laughed at this and gestured for all to follow.
"All right. Well, come on, then! It's time for dinner."
We all followed Esme into the dining room, to the dining table, where we were all seated. I was seated with Edward to my left and Alice to my right.
As we ate dinner, a constant stream of casual conversation was kept up. I told them I was, too, unemployed, just moving up from Phoenix to live in Forks, when I met Edward. Alice would always happily chat with me, telling me about going shopping (not that it was necessary with me; what with being able to conjure any outfit I wanted...) to which I wearily agreed. Tanya would always eye me with a look that seemed more speculative than it was resigned, but would always keep a small smile on her face when I looked at her.
Soon dinner was over, and everyone moved back into the living room while happily conversing. Alice kept on watching me with what I thought was suspicion, but I couldn't be sure, so I turned away and leaned up to Edward and kissed him on the cheek.
He flushed and smiled at me, then looked at me questioningly. My eyes flicked to Alice as an explanation, who was still watching us. But now she had a wide smile on her face.
Edward reluctantly, it seemed, let go of my hand, but instead wrapped his arms around my waist. I blushed, heart thumping in my throat, smiling at him.
We spent a little while longer at the Cullen house until I began falling asleep, still with Edward wrapped around me. The last I remember was succumbing to the darkness and being lifted by a pair of familiar arms.
A/N: Hi everybody! Thank you for the reviews. Now, I was wondering if any of you had any ideas for Edward's wishes? I don't want him to be the greedy type, and not the 'oh my gosh, aren't I, like, so selfless? Haha!' either. I do know one of his wishes, but I am saving that for last. Though I think it'll be easy to guess what it'll be.
As for Tanya, I get kind of irritated how people portray Tanya as slutty or bitchy or anything of the sort. From Breaking Dawn, she seemed very nice to Bella and everyone. So I didn't want to portray her as someone with bad intentions.
So, please review! Tell me what you think!
SultanSteph