Penname: Lyta7

Original or Derivative (fanfiction): Derivative

Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T

Disclaimer: All copyrights, trademarked items, or recognizable characters, plots, etc. mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without their express written authorization.

Prompt: Scenario (You rubbed the lamp and the genie is now asking you for your three wishes. What are they?)


"I don't understand it, Mom," Alice sniffled.

Esme sat down on the couch next to her daughter and put her arm around her. She said nothing, just listened.

Alice continued her vent. "I mean, Edward and Bella are finally in a healthy, committed relationship with each other. My vision has finally come true. And they don't need my help anymore, which is good. So why am I depressed? I am happy for them, really!"

Esme nodded. "Yes, we're all happy for them. But Alice, you spent quite a lot of time and effort helping them work through their issues. It kind of became your life too for a while. So I think it's natural that you feel a bit down when all that goes away, even if it was a positive ending. Maybe you just need to find a new focus."

"I suppose that's probably it. I wish Jasper were here - I feel so much more alone now that everything has calmed down and there's no distractions. I was too involved with other things and should have listened to his frustrations. And now it's too late and he's left me." She wiped away a small tear.

"Honey, you're like the genie in the lamp. You're always so focused on doing whatever it takes to make everyone else's wishes come true. But in the end, if you don't take care of your own wishes, you're still stuck in the lamp."

Alice pondered that thought a bit. "You're right. I suppose I have neglected my own life for a while. My house could certainly use some focused attention," she laughed. "Thanks, Mom. It always helps to have another perspective."

"Anytime, Alice. You know that. I'm always ready to listen."

Alice went back to her apartment and thought about the afternoon's conversation while she cleaned up. When she was finished, she plopped down on the couch.

"So what now? How do I move forward?" she wondered. "Hmm, what would be my first wish?" Suddenly she knew what to do and grabbed her phone.

"Hello, Jasper? Do you think we could talk?"