Aida was sure that Haifa was probably just saying that because she found it funny, but Francisco, in his hotel room did not find it funny. Even though he knew nothing about the conversation between Aida and Haifa, had the same things going through his mind, but in different terms. That Cazeem was interested in Aida, and he was trying his best to get her to notice him. And from the looks of it, he had succeeded, to some point, but not very far. Hmm, he would have to find a place here, where he could get some good tequila and cigars. What he had with him, was almost out, and he had no plans to go home soon. At least not right now. He should have no problem competing with him. Francisco was sure that he had the advantage. However, he must not underestimate his opponent. It was times like these, that he needed his right hand man, but he was at Dzonot, not here, in Agrabah, and he wouldn't be able to send for him, at least not right now.
Iago tiptoed toward the kitchen. They had finally finished preparing the nursery, but Genie said that tomorrow, they would be starting phase two. Iago wasn't sure what phase two was, and he really wasn't interested, but he was sure it would mean more work. Anything but that, he thought. This was worse than he could imagine. Much worse than that carpet ride when they were following the Fourty Thieves, to their hideout to rescue Aladdin's dad. Right now, what would be a good idea, would be to sneak for some food, pack some, and run until Genie was over this paranoid stage. Suddenly, there was something of his tail feather. He turned around, and saw Rajah, with an angry scoul on his face.
"Oh, Genie just said that we needed to start packing our own lunches, you know, that way we won't waste time going to the kitchen."
However, Rajah didn't seem to believe it. He took Iago in his mouth, and carried him back to Genie.
"Twice. Deserting twice!"said Genie. "This calls for severe punishment. Hmm. Deserting twice, he will work twice as hard! It's only fair. The chains been twice as heavy, and his rations twice as small."
"Genie, what are you doing?"asked Aladdin, sleepily.
"Just trying to think of a good sentence, for this deserter, Al."
"Deserter?"
"Yes. He was on his way to who knows where, to leave his share of the work to our other cadets here."
"Cadets? Genie, don't you think they deserve a break?"
"The one who deserves a break is you, Al. Now off to bed to you, now. Off."
"But Genie,…"
"No, no, no. No excuses. Off to bed with you."
Aladdin just rolled his eyes and shrugged. It looked like Genie would not listen to reason, at least not for a while.
Francisco decided that he would just let things keep their course, at least for a while. Perhaps he was mistaken. Perhaps he had imagined everything. After all, what interest could Aida have in Cazeem, even if he was interested in her? He decided to use all the qualities that he had been taught in his boyhood, on how to impress women. He usually bought Aida expensive gifts, after all, his own mother always liked and appreciated jewelry.
"Oh, wow!"she said, opening one of them. "Just where did you get this?"
"I had it made especially for you. I know it's a little unusual, but I always thought they looked pretty elegant. At least when people found them."
"I thought you just said you had it made especially for me."
"I did. The idea came to me from catching glimpses of Mi Gorda Bella."
"What's that?"
"Oh, it's this unusual telenovela."
"I think I've heard of telenovelas. What are they like?"
"Oh, it's nothing special, really. You see, this particular one I'm talking about, it was about this girl, who was overweight, she went on a trip to Spain for a year, lost weight, came back irrecognizable, determined to get revenge on all those who had caused her so much misery, and to tell everyone who murdered her father. Something like that. Well, there was this character, he was the one who was in love with her, despite her weight, and all that, who apart from playing the role as her one and only love, he also had another role, as El Lirio de Plata. He would steal from rich people whom he knew had illegal businesses, and use the money to help poor kids. Whenever he stole something, he always left a lirio de plata. It means something like a silver flower. That's what he called himself. Now how he came up with that name, now that's another story. And he didn't come up with it. It was the name of a boat, but, like I said that's another story. And that's what he left. The ones they used there, were obviously not real, of course. But this one, obviously is."
"Is that the only one you've watched."
"No, I've watched lots."
"What other ones."
"The list could go on and on and on. But let's see, there were Alondra, Amor Real, Ramona, and Corazon Salvaje, there's been Salome, Mujer de Madera, Mariana de la Noche, Amigas y Rivales, Locura de Amor, Apuesta Por Un Amor, gee, and that's not even half of it."
"Are they interesting?"
"If you like them, yeah. Very interesting."
"And if you don't?"
"Then they are a waste of your time. It depends on what you think. Kind of like that thing about our eyes. All of them have the same mechanisms, but we see different things. You know, what may be normal to you may not be normal to someone else. That's why I enjoy travelling. You never know what you might learn."
"I will agree with you on that. My aunt also did a lot of traveling, and of course, I went with her. You can't exactly say I've seen the world, but I've seen some of it. Or most than other people."
"Ah, something else we have in common, then."
"I guess so. I'd like to see that Gorda Bella for myself sometime."
"Well, I don't know if they're ever planning on giving it again. They might. They usually do. Especially if people ask for it. They have to really, really, insist, though. But who knows, we might get lucky."
He saw Cazeem streem by, talking to Aladdin.
"Your sister's father-in-law still here?"
"Why, yes, of course."
"It's very odd that someone should have their father living with them after they're married. Did he go broke, or something, after your brother-in-law became sultan?"
"Broke? Oh, no. Aladdin just likes to have him around."
"Wow, they must really get along, then, because most people can't wait to get away from their parents. The same vice versa."
"Oh, well, they did have a few differences, but they get along very well."
"Do they? Why do I get the impression that he is not a gentleman in any way? Not the sultan, but his father."
"What do you mean?"
"Just that."
"You can't say he has exactly good manner, could you? He doesn't seem to have any culture at all."
"I think he is very cultured. Very refined."said Aida coldly.
"Do you now?"asked Francisco, not having taken his eyes off Cazeem for a second, and noticing the way he looked at Aida.
Before he left, Francisco gave a note to one of the servants, to give to Cazeem. It said to meet him. It gave the hour, and the place. Normally, Iago would have gone with him, but since now Iago was under Genie's iron fist, he couldn't leave the Palace, not for a second. Cazeem chuckled to himself.
"Good. I was expecting you. I really didn't think you would have come. You're late. I asked that you be here at least half an hour earlier."said Francisco. "Then again, I don't suppose you set much store by punctuality. You really don't look like the kind of person who would. Can you even tell time? I seriously doubt you can even do that."
"Of course I can tell time."said Cazeem.
"It certainly didn't show."
"Why did you want to talk to me?"
"Listen to me. I want you to stay away from Aida, you got it? I'm asking you nicely."
"Why would you ask me to stay away from Aida?"
"I'm not an idiot, so don't try to play innocent with me!"
"Well, even if I'm not playing innocent, you have no right to tell me what I can or can't do."
"Yes I am. Or if I'm not, perhaps you're common sense or your conscience might. Look, I know you're interested in her. It shows, and I'm asking you to stay away from her. See, your son may be the sultan, however, I'm a much, much better match for her anyway. What makes you think that her father would ever let her marry you?"
"I ask you the same question."
"Very well, I'll answer it first. Let's see, I'm closer to her age, I have money, I have a good name, and I can give her a much more comfortable life. And those are just four reasons. I'd like to hear from you now. Tell me, what can you offer?"
"Well, I don't have to answer that."
"Perhaps because you have no answer. Supposing you were to marry her, then what? You're just going to keep living on your son's charity? That has got to be embarrassing. Why do you live on your son's charity? Because it's more comfortable? Gee, I always thought it was supposed to work out backwards. The parents supporting the children. How odd. I've never come across a family that would have that backward. Was it the same before? The boy went to work, doing whatever he could, just so Daddy can have a lie in, and he could bring Daddy money. What for? For drink? Listen to me. You had better do what I ask, because if not,"Francisco took a gun out, and pointed it at Cazeem. "I really don't want this to go to extremes. However, if it's necessary, I won't hesitate. I don't know anything about you, except that your son is the Sultan. But that doesn't mean I can't find out more. Everyone has their past. Even if people know about your past, there is always more. There's a saying, back home, 'todos tienen cola quele pisen'. In other words, everyone has some dark secret. I'm sure you're no exception. I just hope you keep that in mind. I wish you a good evening."
Francisco turned around and disappeared out of sight.
