Lyle's third wish

Lyle opened his eyes. He saw Emma leaning over him and jumped.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," She said with a smile, "Are you ok?"

He nodded, "Yes. I think so."

"Are you sure? I was worried when I heard a bang so I had to **** my way into the apartment. I found you collapsed on the floor. What happened?"

"I made a wish on a genie and it knocked me out." He said immediately. Then he covered his mouth. Did he really just say that?

She gave him a funny look, "Ok. Don't tell me. I'm Emma by the way. And you are?"

Crap. He was going to have to give a fake name. He could say he was his own sister...wait no. That wouldn't work. A girlfriend? Emma might be hurt to not know about it but that was the most logical excuse, "I'm Lyle." He said. Crap! That's not what he meant to say.

Emma looked confused, "Lyle? What's going on, why would you say that?"

"I..." Lyle hesitated. Then he realized the wish he'd made. He wished to be honest with her. He HAD to be honest with her. That's why he'd admitted those things. It was no longer possible for him to lie to her. He sighed, "This is going to sound crazy but please let me explain."

She thought for a moment then nodded, "Ok. I'll listen."

Lyle sat up and thought about where to begin. "Ok well I went into this shop, Celestial Delights..."

He told her everything. Once he started he found he just couldn't stop. The truth wanted to be free. He cringed as he told her about his crush and how he'd used his wishes but he couldn't even squeak the tiniest lie in. He finished with his most recent wish and passing out, then he waited.

She was silent for a while. Then she got up, found the lighter, and lit the candle. Sure enough minutes later the genie appeared.

Lyle expected to hear the genie's voice, but there was only silence. Then he realized it must be speaking only to Emma, as it's new Master. If she was speaking back to it he couldn't tell. She just appeared to be standing there. Then suddenly the smoke disappeared and the candle went out. He was confused, did she make a wish or not?

Emma turned to face him, "Lyle...I can't believe it. None of it. The magic...that would would make those wishes..." She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them she looked angry, "You were my best friend! I know I messed that up during University. It was my fault that I didn't make time for you. I was so happy when I ran into you and we were able to reconnect. I never once looked down on your for your job. I'm sorry I rejected you but you must now understand why I did. I can't believe you would do this to yourself. You think that's who I want to be with? Someone who would change their entire identity to be with me?"

Her words hit him like a bullet. He fought to keep himself from sobbing. He shook his head, "You're right. I'm sorry. I really didn't think."

"No. You didn't." She said angrily. Then she grunted, "Argh. Fuck. You are still my friend though so I'm not going to abandon you. First things first we need to get you some clothes. We aren't going to use the genie, I'll pay. Find something you can wear in public and let's go."

He looked up at her, "Really? Thank you so much. Ok, I'll be right back."

He found a pair of athletic shorts that he was able to tie tight enough to stay up, and put a big sweater overtop of the t-shirt. He looked ridiculous, but at least he could be seen in public. None of his shoes fit either, but he did his best with a pair of sandals. He stepped back into the living room to discover Emma had packed up the candle. He decided to say nothing about it, "Ok. I'm ready."

She nodded, "One thing first. I can't call you Lyle anymore. Not in public. How about Lily?"

He rubbed his chin, "Um...do I really have to change my name? I could still be Lyle." Emma crossed her arms and glared at him. He couldn't take that stare, "Okay okay. You win. Lily it is."

She smiled, "Good. Come on Lily, let's go shopping."