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Chapter 38 - Chapter 38 - Little Genie

Jackie Tyler lay in the bed in the med bay of the Doctor's ship. Pete Tyler sat next to her, holding baby Samuel. Young Genie and the younger Tony both were in the bed with her. Tony was reading her a story. She smiled and kissed him on the top of the head. "This is wonderful."

Little Genie asked. "Are you sick?"

Pete looked up from holding Samuel. "She's fine, Genie."

Genie smiled as she looked at her Grand.

Jackie kissed her head. "I'm just fine. I believe your Dad likes to keep me here because he knows where I'm at."

"And it keeps her from cooking." Pete teased.

Genie and Tony both laughed.

Someone tapped on the door.

They looked up to see the adult Genie with Legate.

As soon as little Genie saw Legate, she jumped off of the bed and ran to jump into his arms. "Legate!"

He picked her up and hugged her tightly. "Oh, I missed you."

She giggled, "And we have lots of Candyland to play. And Chess."

"Chess, huh?"

Young Genie nodded proudly. "Yes! I've been practicing and I'm going to beat you."

The adult Genie smiled at them and walked into the room to sit beside of Jackie in the bed. She took her hand, "Are you alright?"

Jackie smiled, "I'm fine, Sweetheart. Boy, such a fuss over me."

The older Genie hugged Jackie. "You're sure?"

"Yes, dear. I'm sure." She smiled. "Completely alright."

The older Genie sat back and looked relieved. "Good."

Legate still held Little Genie who was looking at the older Genie. "Gosh, you always look so lovely, Sara."

Legate walked into the room. "Doesn't she?"

Young Tony Tyler sat the book he had been reading down and couldn't help but be cheeky. "Yeah. Sara. What do you see in Legate? He's a bit of a doof."

The adult Genie looked surprised, "A doof?"

Tony shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah. Trust me. I've known him longer than you. He's…."

Legate grinned. "He's what?"

Pete tapped his son on the shoulder. "I'll remind you that he can break your back with two fingers."

Tony smiled, "Yeah, but he wouldn't do that. He's too nice of a guy."

Young Genie hugged him again tightly, "Legate is the best! Completely brilliant!"

Legate held his tongue out to and made a strangling sound.

The older Genie smiled, "Don't let this go to your head, Legate."

Legate looked over at Pete and Samuel. "He's being quiet."

Pete looked down at Samuel, "He just woke up."

Samuel yawned just as Pete said that and snuggled back into his grandfather's chest.

Jackie kissed Tony Tyler's head. "Why don't you children go and play? Let us chat with this lot."

Tony turned and looked at his Mum. "You can just tell us to get out of your hair, Mum."

She pointed at him. "Don't be cheeky."

Tony Tyler ran out of the room.

Young Genie looked back at Legate. "When will you come back to see me?"

Legate put his forehead to hers. "I'm not sure. But, know that I'm thinking about you. And if I'm not there to keep you safe, it's because your Dad and your Papa have declared that I'm needed someplace else. And someone else will keep you safe. Someone will always be there to make sure you're alright. Okay?"

Genie smiled. "You always tell me the truth."

"It's easier to remember." He grinned at her. "I'll probably not be around as much though. But, it's because I'm with Sara. She has me working at the school she runs and keeps me very busy."

Genie looked back at the older version of her. "She's so pretty, Legate."

The older version of Genie smiled, "Thank you."

Legate kissed the little girl's cheek. "She reminds me of you."

Genie giggled. "She has the same eyes as me!"

Legate looked back the older Genie and smiled. "She does. That must be it."

Genie hugged him one more time and he sat her down. "Go play. I'll see you soon."

"Bye!" She turned and waved as she ran out of the room to go play with Tony.

Pete grinned, "Handled nicely, Legate."

Legate leaned on his outreached hand and sighed. "I hope that helps. John isn't going to allow her to be my primary any longer."

Jackie asked, "What? Why?"

The older Genie shook her head and sighed. "Oh, Grand. It's such a mess."

Pete pointed at the chair, "Have a seat, Legate."

Legate sat down. "Cheers."

Genie took Jackie's hand. "I don't even want to get into it."

Jackie nodded. "I understand. Fighting already? With John and Rose?"

Genie shook her head. "Really don't want to talk about it."

Pete looked up at his granddaughter. "How is Karen?"

Genie sighed. "She's…"

Legate spoke. "Her and Sammy are both upset. This has been hard for them both."

Jackie shook her head. "I need a proper catch-up with that boy."

Genie grinned.

"Pete said Sammy is going to be a father?!"

Genie looked back at Legate who smiled. "Samuel is going to be a father. Yes."

Genie giggled. "Yes, Grand. They are having a little girl. Arles is convinced it is a boy. He's mental."

Jackie clapped her hands in excitement. "So, it is true! Wonderful! Now, we just need to get them married."

Genie looked back over at Legate and smiled.

Legate returned her gaze and nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

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