Saturday Sample: A Gentle Nudge, Mason Bushell, A Chance Encounter with Love, spring water,

  

The clouds were gathering beyond the silvery surf this afternoon. Glen and his dog Willard always walked the clifftop path each day. At thirty, Glen had a hole in his heart. He’d felt love for a girl just once as a teenager. He failed to make the connection he felt in his heart with her though. Maybe Remy was why fourteen years later, love had never blossomed again.

Those thoughts left him wistful on days like today. He felt as though love would never come now, he was too old for such a thing – wasn’t he?

“Come away from the edge, Willard!” he called to the brown-and-white English Pointer.

Willard returned a wag of his thin tail and obeyed.

“Good, lad.” Glen gazed ahead, watching a lady in a burgundy and black running vest and shorts, jogging toward him. Even from three-hundred-yards, he could tell her titian hair was the same shade and ponytailed just as Remy’s always was at school.

Willard looked to the moody skies and barked.  

“I agree, a storm’s brewing up there.” Glen cast his eyes over the scudding clouds. “Time to get h—”

Lightning tore open the darkened skies. The thunder which followed was like a monstrous bowling ball crashing down the alley. There was something more. As the rain began to deluge the cliff face, Glen heard a terrified scream.

Willard howled and ran to his master.

Glen couldn’t see the runner anywhere; she’d gone. Realising why, he burst into a run . Sideways rain whipped across the clifftop as the squall storm arrived in a fury.

The thunder rolled with such intensity it made man and dog cower as they sprinted through the torrential downpour. Both Glen and Willard were soaked in seconds but pushed on regardless.

The clifftop used to have safety railing. Erosion had sent many of the bars to the beach almost a hundred feet below. Even now the rains were causing more of the clay to slide and fall from the face. 

Glen ran to where he thought the runner had been before the lightning struck. He forced his eyes open against the wind and rain and started searching for her. “Lady! Where are you?”

Willard had gone on further; he pawed at the ground and barked.

“I’m here!” she cried from below him.

“Good, boy!” Glen ran to him and scratched his soggy ears for a moment. There was one upright post of the old railing left here. He wrapped the dog’s lead around it and secured it to his belt. “Don’t move!” he threatened the post as he dropped to his belly and leaned over the edge.

The beach seemed to rise toward him. There was a lot of rock down there; a fall would almost certainly be fatal.

The lady screamed.

Glen snapped back to reality, threw out a hand and caught her about the wrist as the cliff fell away beneath her, “Kick your feet in. Get a grip!” he urged while fighting not to let her slip through his wet hand as the storm raged on.

“Help me!” she cried scrabbling helplessly.

“Kick the wall and get a foot in!” Glen yelled over another deep rumble of thunder.

She did and this time she made a solid purchase on the clay wall. As she held on she looked straight into her rescuer’s face.

Glen felt like he’d been shot by the lightning. Rainwater flooded his eyes leaving his vision blurred, a sensation which only added to his heart pounding madly in his chest. He flashed back to an earlier time on the school playing field; wishing she would notice him, yearning to kiss her. Those amber eyes were still the same. His soul told him this was her. “Remy?”  

“I’m slipping!” she cried.

“No, you’re not!” Glen reached down as far as he could and latched his free hand under her arm. “Get up her-argh!” he roared as he forced his muscles to lift her.

Willard took hold of his belt and hauled on him as well.

“Good boy, Willard!” Glen gritted his teeth. “Come on!”

Inch by inch, the lady was pulled through torrents of water and mud until she was lying on the cliff top, exhausted but alive.

Glen collapsed beside her with Willard licking his face. Despite the ordeal, he was smiling at the chance encounter. Above him, a golden light had come over the storm clouds. Sun began to split through the darkness. Glen felt fingers take his hand and hold tight.

“You saved me,” she said.

“You near gave me a heart attack disappearing in front of me like that!” he replied still sucking in deep breaths. “I’m glad you’re alive.”

“Me too! I’m a little wet and dirty, but I’ll be fine thanks to you — Glen.”

Glen rolled to face her. “Remy, it is you.”

She nodded. “I remember you. Always in the background smiling toward me but never having the courage to speak to me.”

“Yup, that was cowardly me,” Glen admitted.

“Then I was a coward too. I couldn’t bring myself to speak to you either. I was scared, I didn’t know what to do.” She giggled. “Silly kids, huh!”  

“Just a bit. What now?” Glen asked. All these years later he still didn’t know what to do.

“Look.” Remi accepted a lick from Willard and pointed to the sky. A beautiful rainbow spanned the cliff top, splitting the ominous clouds into the most mesmerising prism of colour and beauty.    

“Oh, that’s magic!” Glen grinned having rolled on to his back again.

“It’s more than that. It’s the sign I’ve been waiting for.”

“I don’t understand.”

“When the sky is turned aglow by the colours of a magnificent rainbow. Your soulmate will be there to take your hand and hold your heart forevermore.” Remy said.

“That’s beautiful.” Glen frowned as she beamed toward him. He felt sure he’d missed something.

“A fortune-teller told me that when I was twenty-five. I never believed in such things until you rescued me by taking my hand and then the sky gave us this magical rainbow.” Remy sat up and looked into his eyes.

Glen returned the look. “I’d be happy to hold your hand and take care of your kheart forever, Remy.”

Remy reached forward and brushed her cheek against his as she kissed him.

For the second time in five minutes, Glen felt struck by the lightning. Her energy filled every cell in his body with euphoria.

Willard had seen enough; he began kissing both of them with enormous doggy licks.

“Pah! You know, Glen. If we’re going to kiss more often – and I hope we are - we’re going to need different arrangements for this guy!” Remy poked the dog in the nose, laughed and hugged him and Glen together.

Glen just looked to the rainbow and grinned. “Thank you, Mother Nature.”

 

Saturday Sample: The Jinn by Mason Bushell, coffee

 

The Talia and the Jinn

 Enough was enough for Talia, she was done being the victim. She was done getting beaten and bullied every day. The cherry blonde sat cross-legged on her bed, wearing her nightdress. Her emerald eyes shone as she took in the effigy of a creature of myth. A terrifying horned creature of fire, upon a talisman in her hand. The fire demon would make things right. Talia pressed the coin between her palms and uttered the summoning spell. At once her cool room became muggy warm. An orange hue came over the blue walls. Her computer screen blinked out, and the mouse crashed to the floor.

“You summoned me,” said a booming voice, one that sounded quite fed-up. Talia looked about her room, seeing nobody. Shuffling along to her desk, she let her bare legs hang off the bed. They felt warm like the desk was on fire. “Well, what do you want me to do?” said the voice. This time Talia saw him. A figure whose mighty muscles appeared carved from granite. He was fiery orange, dripping in flames. Even his hair was aflame rather like a candle, with him being just five inches tall. 

“I was expecting you to be taller, and more frightening.”

“Huh, they all do, but nobody ever summons me right.” The Jinn folded his arms and looked up to Talia, sat like a giant before him. “You must do the spell when you’re angry, and with destruction in mind if you want the demon to come and burn your bloody house down.” 

“Sorry, I didn’t know. I hoped you could go to my school and take care of those who bully me.” Talia sighed. “But you’re too small.” 

“Really.” The Jinn unfolded an arm and pointed it at her. At once she squealed as her nightdress burst into flames. She was forced to pull it off and stomp it out, revealing her bruised body.

“That was unnecessary, you’re supposed to help me, not torch me.” Talia padded to the wardrobe and pulled her dressing-gown on. 

“Well, now you know I’m diminutive in size but not power.” The Jinn began pacing, his footsteps causing the desk to smoke as he moved. “So, let me get this straight. You want me to go to your school and what, burn it down with the bullies inside?”

“No, I wanted you to find those who hurt me, and burn their homework, punish them and teach them a lesson.” Talia picked up her coffee, and put it down at once, it was cold. The Jinn touched the mug, it was the same size as he was. Inside the brown liquid became to bubble and steam, leaving the girl smiling at him. “You still have uses though.”

“Watch it, I’m not going to be your bloody butler.”

 

“Touchy, aren’t you?”

“Hundreds of years getting mis-summoned for stupid vendettas does that to a Jinn.”

“So, you won’t help me then?” Talia sipped her coffee, her eyes on the fiery figure, now melting a rubber pig he was leaning on.

“I can’t.”

“Sure, you can, you burned my nightdress.” Talia kicked the still smoking garment with her bare toes.

“Burning a bully’s pants off won’t make them stop hurting you.” The pig suddenly collapsed pitching the Jinn off his feet. “Oh, I wish I could turn my flames off,” he complained while getting up. Talia giggled at him. 

“You’re funny.”

“I’ll be on stage every night at the comedy club.” The Jinn snorted and paced again. “Look bullies attack people because they’re jealous of them, or because they’re the weakest in class. You must figure out which and confront them.”

“Charlie and Paulette are just horrible though. You saw my bruises.”

“I did. I trust your tutors do nothing?”

“They give out detentions. Missing a lunch break never stops them. In fact, it makes them worse.” Talia felt tears prickling her eyes. If the Jinn wouldn’t help what more could she do?” 

 

“Hey, no tears, that’s not going to beat those bullies. I want you to go to school and catch Charlie and Paulette on their own. I want you to get in their faces and demand to know why they attack you. Let them see you’re not scared, and that you’re going to start swinging for them if they don’t quit. That should stop them.” 

“If it doesn’t, then what Jinn?”

“Well.” The Jinn smiled at her. “If it doesn’t, I’ll go and torch their homework and burn their pants off.”

The Homeless Man and the Jinn

by Mason Bushell

black coffee

Rupert Hutton was homeless. He’d been a wealthy businessman until a couple of years ago. Now instead of a nice comfortable home, he lived in a doorway with a single duffle bag of possessions. He was no victim of recession or joblessness; his fate had been much worse. He could handle wearing his stinking, scruffy suit. Even his long unkempt hair and itchy beard weren’t completely unbearable. No for Rupert it was cold, harsh rain which left him miserable about his situation.

This evening like most, Rupert had gone to the park. It was drizzling but a few stars were beginning to peak through the clouds. Rupert liked to walk among the borders and enjoy the lights of the city twinkling around him. It was especially nice after dark as nobody else would be there. Mr fox was about rummaging in the bins for food. Rupert smiled at him and perched on the marble side of the wishing fountain. He loved the gentle light shimmering from the fittings beneath the water - creating a soft relaxing glow. He’d often sit here and reminisce over the life he once had. Rupert had a secondary purpose for his visit. Checking the coast was clear, he slipped a hand into the water and scooped a handful of coins from the bottom. Many people came and tossed a coin into the fountain to make a wish. Rupert was well aware the coins were collected by the city council and used to make the councillors ever richer. Knowing this, taking a few to buy coffee wasn’t so wrong, was it.

Leaving the park, he crossed the road to his home. He always stayed in the Top-Boy fashions doorway of a night. It was deep and had a good roof covering against the elements. Reaching the recess, he let out an anguished groan and shook his shaggy head. The space wasn’t his anymore; a young man and his girl were hunkered in a sleeping bag inside now.

“Please, leave us. We have nothing but each other,” said the drawn, sad-looking man. He reached into the sleeping bag and drew a large flick knife. “Please, just go away!”

“Okay, take it easy! I know the feeling of having nothing, friend.” Rupert raised his hands and took a calming breath, “Look, you can have my doorway. I just want my bag, that okay?”

“Y-yeah sure, okay.” The man put himself before the girl and watched suspiciously.

“Thank you.” Rupert reached into the doorway and retrieved his duffle bag from a dark corner. The old army-issue bag was filthy and had a tear where the zip was coming away. It still did the job and would continue to do so for now. “Good luck, friend.” Rupert left as quickly as he could.

Rupert could have cried over losing his doorway. He felt homeless all over again, as he walked along the dark, cold street. Taking an alleyway, he came up behind some shops and sank against the wall between large rolltop bins and a pile of black bags.

“Damn you! Why can’t you just let me have the little I have and leave me be!” he let out a sob and wiped away the tears which flowed into his scruffy beard. Digging into his suit jacket pocket he found just one large coin. Looking into the pocket, he realised a new hole had robbed him of the rest of the change he’d collected from the fountain. Placing his shaking hands over his face he sat back against the wall in silent, wretched tears. He didn’t know how long he sat there disconsolate and heartbroken. It was only as his melancholy abated, he remembered the large coin. Holding it in his dirty hand he saw it was no currency at all. It bore the image of a demon surrounded in flames. He bit on it. ‘It’s solid metal,’ he thought. ‘Maybe I can sell it for a little real money.’ Peering closer he saw and read the inscription around the demon. “Funny thing. I’ll wait until morning and try and sell it,” he decided having laid back against the wall and closed his eyes in the attempt to sleep.

Something thudded among the black bags – a rat most likely. The rubbish began to glow orange; exuding heat as something smashed within the bags. Rupert snapped upright in time to see a bag catch fire as a little red-skinned and muscular man dived from it, rolling under the bins.

“Marvellous! Thank you very-bloody-much for summoning me into a pile of rubbish!” he said in a strangely deep voice for his five inches of height. He stalked out from beneath a bin and snapped his fingers; extinguishing the burning rubbish. Disaster averted, he folded his arms and glared at Rupert.

“I… er my apologies.” Rupert blinked, rubbed his eyes and shook his head - he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The little man had torn denim shorts and a woolly, blue beany hat on his head. “Wha — err. What are you?”

“I’m a Jinn, and I’m having a bad day. First Doris throws a bucket of vegetable peelings at me this morning and now you summoned me into the bleeding trash!” The Jinn took a breath and wrinkled his nose. “Phew! You haven’t had a bath in a while. Are you a vagrant?”

“Homeless.”

“Same thing. Well, you summoned me. I guess you’ll be wishing for money, a house on the beach and a holiday in Vegas, right?”

“I actually had all that once.” Rupert’s eyes welled with misery again.

“Really?” The Jinn summoned a little armchair and some popcorn. Both appeared with a click of his fingers and a flash of red glitter. He sat down and wriggled into a comfortable position. “Okay. So, what happened?”

“I was a well-paid insurance company manager. I had who I thought was a lovely wife in Gerri and a son and daughter. I was so proud of those kids.” Rupert fell silent; tears left track marks through the dirt on his cheeks. He rummaged in his bag, took out a photo of his family and looked at them with a sigh.

“Here, have some tissues.” The Jinn made a pack appear in mind air. He watched Rupert take them and dry his eyes. “Sounds like you had it good. How’d it go so wrong?”

 “Thanks. I … Erm. I had to be away from home a lot to work - that was the trouble. I’d leave Monday morning and return Friday night most weeks. One Friday two years ago, I got home to discover a nightmare waiting for me. My home wasn’t mine anymore. Gerri had waited for me to leave on the Monday. She packed our family out of the house, sold it and all my belongings leaving me with nothing.”

“What! Wow and I thought Doris was a pain in my backside pheeew!” the Jinn whistled in shock. “I mean that just plain nasty.”

“I know, right? I stayed in my car that weekend. Monday, I went to work and I’m summoned to the general manager's office. Gerri has reported me to the police accusing me of assaulting her. Damn it, Jinn. I would never touch a hair on that woman’s head. I loved her and my kids so much...” Rupert paused to take a breath and stop himself shaking with anguish. “My company couldn’t have anyone on any form of charges working for them and so my manager fired me on the spot.”

            “Despicable!” The Jinn sat opened mouth on his armchair. His popcorn spilt and forgotten around his feet through his growing anger at Rupert’s predicament.

            “I tried to fight but Gerri had found a new man and screwed me over rotten. I fought everything but lost. While I was acquitted of the assault, I ended up homeless, jobless and worthless in days. I’ve been like this ever since.”

            “I’m so sorry, you suffered so much. You know, the only thing worse than your situation is having to travel through countless dimensions looking for your boxer shorts.” The Jinn stood and started pacing. “So, how much do you want to get out of this situation?”

            “About as much as you really wanted to find your underpants apparently,” Rupert managed a small grin.

            “Those boxers were the most comfortable pair I ever had. And … Why the hell are we discussing my boxers?” The Jinn glared at the homeless man.

“You started it.” Rupert pointed a dirty finger then sighed. “Anyway, I can’t get out of this. I can’t have a job without a home and a rubbish-strewn alley doesn’t count. I don’t want to wish for piles of money either. I don’t deserve that.”

“Good, I can’t conjure you any money anyway.” The Jinn vanished his chair and stood tall. “Are you any good with mobile phones?”

“New-fangled contraptions,” Rupert mumbled. “I hate them.”

“Oh good - that makes two of us.” The Jinn grinned. “Time to learn all about the curse of mobile devices.”

The following morning Rupert did the best he could to tidy himself up. He took up a newly made sign that read ‘Make a donation and I’ll solve all your mobile device problems.’ And headed for the high-street. He sat in a good position not far from a mobile phone shop and started plying his new trade. To his delight, he was soon unlocking contracted phones, teaching tips and tricks, removing tracing software, installing apps, and fixing broken phones for many people.

“There we are, sir. Now your phone will install any app from any platform you desire.” Rupert said to one man wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase.

“Thanks.” He took back his phone and turned to leave.

“Excuse me. You didn’t make a donation.” Rupert pointed to his sign and the bucket he was collecting in.

“Tough luck, beggar.” The man smirked and made to walk away. It was then his briefcase flopped open spilling paperwork everywhere.

Rupert scooped up and returned some of the papers. “Rough justice, friend. You were greedy and you paid for it in seconds,” he commented. 

“Think yer funny do yer.” The man stuffed his papers in his bag, turned to leave and his belt broke and his trousers fell to his shoes.

A lady screamed having gotten an eyeful of his boxer shorts. “You dirty man!” she belted him with her handbag and dashed away.

“Ouch! That Karma really is kicking your arse today, isn’t it?” Rupert stifled a grin and looked up at the Jinn sitting on the very top of a lamppost.

“What are you up to, beggar?” the man turned on him.

“Me? Nothing. Oh, and I’m not begging. I’m offering a service and excepting donations for it.” Rupert listened to a young man then took his phone. He tapped away on it for a few moments, making it work again. The owner paid him five pounds for it and left as a car pulled up to the curb.

“Smart arse!” The man bent to restore his trousers. He turned to leave again and wham! the car door flew open, knocking him on his backside.

“Damn! You are having a bad day!” Rupert grinned as he took and fixed a tablet for another few pounds.

“I don’t know what this is, pal, but I’m getting mad!” the man took out his wallet and threw a ten-pound note into the bucket. This time the Jinn let him leave with a big grin on his face.

When night fell, Rupert had amassed quite a sum of money. He counted it with a smile on his face. “I want to thank you, Jinn. This is amazing and it was so rewarding earning it myself.”

“It was equally as much fun ensuring you got paid.” The Jinn was sitting on his shoulder now. “You did good, but we’re not done yet either.”

“Oh really! What’s next?”

“That depends on how much you want to grow and be successful from here.”

“So long as I can work for it and earn it - I’m willing to do anything to get it.” Rupert beamed at his pile of money. “I still can’t believe this.”

“Well, you should. All I did was impart some knowledge and you did the rest.” The Jinn created a shower of sparks with a snap of his fingers. “I didn’t even use any magic.”

Rupert went back to work on the high-street fixing technology for the rest of the week. By the weekend he’d amassed enough to rent a little room and buy a new suit. With a haircut and shave, he looked like his old self. The Jinn taught him more every day and pointed him in the right direction. By the end of the month, he’d gotten himself a job in at Gadgi-Tech computer and phone store as a technician. He surpassed his role in a week and soon had the managers position. It was then it happened.

Rupert was reprogramming a tablet while talking to its owner. The Jinn was sitting on a shelf of laptops, tablets and phones which Rupert had gotten ready for customers to collect. He’d made himself invisible to everybody except Rupert and was enjoying watching customers browsing the aisles of technology.

“There we are, sir. Now it works as intended.” Rupert gave him a smile and sent him on his way. Rupert was a new man in his suit and tie and well-groomed hair. He looked up swore under his breath and looked to the Jinn. “On no, Jinn you have to help me. That’s Gerri, she’ll ruin everything!”

“Relax. Be nice so she can’t get you fired and it’ll be fine.” The Jinn rubbed his hands together and lay in wait.

Rupert took out a laptop and read the repair order label on the case.

Gerri dressed in a simple black skirt, a cream t-shirt and a regular coat browsed a while.

 Rupert couldn’t help following her with his eyes until she spotted him and came over. To Rupert’s shock, she had tears in her eyes as she arrived at the counter.

“Hey, Ruppy. I didn’t expect to see you again. I heard you were living on the streets. I’m really glad you’re not,” she said.

Rupert locked his eyes on the laptop; reading the blue screen that appeared. He hated the fake affection in her voice. “Gerri. Can I help you?” 

“Oh, Ruppy. I made a terrible mistake two years ago.” Gerri leaned on the counter evocatively.

“You want that USB cord?” Rupert bit his tongue while trying to diagnose the boot issue on the laptop.

“No, I want a second chance.” 

Rupert was seething. He took a deep breath forcing himself not to rise. “I’m working. Are you buying that cord or not?”

“Look, I met a man who made me and the kids feel so loved. He made me sell our home and live with him. I —”

“I don’t care, Gerri. Slither back to him if you like.” On the desk, the laptop began rebooting itself without a hitch.

“I can’t; he kicked me out for a younger model. Me and the kids live in a two-bedroom flat now. You can visit them if you like.” Gerri delved into her handbag and produced her phone. “What’s your number? I’ll text the —” Red smoke started issuing from her phone.

“What about the restraining order?” Rupert turned his back and smiled at the Jinn.

“Oh, don’t worry, Ruppy. I’ll have it lifted for you.” Gerri swore at her phone. “Can you fix this?”

“No, it’s fried.” Rupert hid a smirk.

“Shame. Please, Ruppy. Me and the kids really need you.” Gerri scratched her nose.

Rupert watched her scratching it for a long few moments. “Got an itch?” he asked as she scratched again.

“Yeah, a really bad one.” Gerri continued to rub at her reddening nose.

“Perhaps you shouldn’t lie then.” Rupert put the repaired laptop away. “You’re not ruining my life twice. However, if you agree to lift the restraining order, I’d love to spend time with the kids again. Maybe I could have them come to my place once in a while too. Beyond that, goodbye, Gerri,” Rupert decided to leave his desk and get away from her.

“But, Ruppy. I still love you and we can get back together.” Gerri put her hand on his shoulder as he came around the counter.

“No, you love money. Goodbye.” Rupert shrugged her off and walked into the first aisle.

“But I love you, Rupargh!”

Rupert spun on the spot in time to see smoke erupt from Gerri’s skirt. She leapt about a foot in the air, screamed and fled the shop at top speed. “Jinn, what did you do?” Rupert asked with a little glee about him.

 “She was a dirty rotten liar. So, I set her pants on fire.” The Jinn said it without emotion but couldn’t stop his face lighting up with a big grin. He hadn’t done that in a while.

“Thanks, Jinn. Shame she left without paying for that USB cord.” Rupert burst out laughing as he headed for the canteen.

“Well, she’s dealt with. You have a new, happy life. My work here is done.” The Jinn looked pleased with himself walking along the tops of computer screens on the shelf.

“I want to thank you for your help. You allowed me to get a decent life back. To get my confidence and smile back. I’m eternally grateful to you for that.” Rupert said.

“Don’t be, you did it. I just gave you some information and an idea. You did the hard work while I had a little fun. Remember this to everyone you meet, ‘Anyone can do anything if they just work hard enough to achieve it.’” The Jinn levitated into the air. “It’s been fun, Rupert.”

“It has, good—” Rupert smiled. The Jinn had vanished in a shower of red glitter. Shaking his head with a grin, Rupert left for a sandwich. He was going to keep working, he had his eyes on the general manager's chair now.

Holly and the Jinn

by Mason Bushell

Earl grey tea

Evening service was due to start within the Workhouse Restaurant. Holly Ward took a breath, tightened her glossy black ponytail and focused on the space around her. A few students from the college were dining at the teak tables by the brown-framed windows. Holly smiled at a group of boys who were chatting about her, among other things. That was nothing new for her, she always just smiled or laughed off the attention. Pausing at the hostess stand she printed a dinner check. With it on a Workhouse diamond saucer baring mints, she took it to a couple of girls in the bar corner.

“Here we are. That’s twenty-one-pounds-thirty, please.”

“Thanks, those Workhouse Burgers are so good,” said one of the ladies looking to her blonde friend. “Harmony, are you sure you’re okay paying for everything?”  

“I told you, it was my treat, Amy. Had you not helped me get rid of that slime ball Terry at Halloween, I’d still be miserable and we wouldn’t be friends.” Harmony handed Holly some money. “Thanks, that was a delicious meal.”

“I’m glad, you enjoyed everything. Let me fetch you some change.” Holly beamed and swiftly went to the till to cash out the order. Coming back, she found the girls stood and ready to leave. “Here’s your change. Thank you for coming, and we hope to see you again soon.”

“Thanks, we’ll definitely be back soon.” Amy smiled. “Right, Harmony lets go and see the film next, shall we?”

Holly set about cleaning the table, “Have a good evening, ladies.” she called while polishing the diamond embossed surface. Straightening, her eye caught the light glinting off an object. A large silver coin lay on the seat Amy had been occupying. Holly took it into her fingers and looked for the girls. They were already gone. “Better, put this in the lost property then, I guess,” she said to herself. It was then piano music emanated from the stage. Holly gave pianist Tom Bowman a cheery wave and headed for the bar.

“Hello Holly. I’m really sorry, I’m late. I got held up in my damned lecture.” Waitress Tierney Williams had come out from the back looking immaculate in her chocolate brown Workhouse apron over black blouse and trousers. She looked a little flustered and strained from being late.

“Hello, Tee. Its no problem. Thanks for calling to let me know, though. Everyone’s fed and happy in here, so don’t worry, okay?” Holly gave her shoulder a squeeze.

“Thanks, Holly. I’ll get us ready for service.”

“Great, I’m going to fill out a lost property form, then I’m coming back to steal that cute dove hairclip you’re wearing.” Holly really did think the white bird clip looked stunning in her friend’s chestnut ponytailed hair.

“Then I’ll be keeping my eye on you.” Tierney narrowed her eyes. Both girls were giggling as they parted.

Holly shot into the office for the form and decided to have some tea whilst filling it in. She entered the staff lounge and made herself a cup of Earl Grey. The Ward family ladies, rarely drank anything else as was tradition. Sitting at the little round table, she flicked the coin on to the surface with the form. As it settled, she noticed it was etched with a horned demon surrounded with flames.

“So, what are you?” Holly picked out the inscription around the demon. “Evocatus illuc auxilium. Excitandum ditans guttura. Largítor votum meum et vocavi te.”

“Pardon?” said a deep, rich voice.

Holly looked up and smiled at the restaurants Congolese bartender stood in the doorway. “Hello, Masego. That’s Latin. If I remember my granddad’s teachings, it means: Summoned to help. Evoked to empower. Wish granter, I summon thee… So, this must be a talisman.”

“Be careful then. You might summon a demon.” Masego winked and left with a chuckle.

Holly started filling in the form, never realising the kitchenette counter was glowing orange behind her. The splintering crash of a mug slamming into the floor, followed by a volley of swearing caused her to flinch in fright.

“That’s it, go on obliterate everything, Jinni! You’re supposed to help people when they summon you, not cost them a fortune.” Came a low female voice.

“Ahh, shut up, Doris,” answered a deeper male voice.

Holly jumped off her chair and found her feet surrounded by the remains of a broken mug. She focused on the coffee machine and felt her mouth drop open. There stood a five-inch tall man. He was wearing smart black shorts and sunglasses shaped like a bowtie. The rest of his bare body was fiery red and granite-like with muscles.

“Sorry about the mug. Anyway, you summoned me?”

“I—”

“Of course, she did. Nobody else could have.”

The waitress looked for the owner of the shrill voice and discovered an overweight fairy with grey hair. She stood no taller than the red-skinned man. She was wearing a daisy patterned dress and a displeased scowl.

“Doris, darling. I told you, that talisman summons me all over the place. That means, I have to check that I found my summoner to prevent me from granting wishes to the wrong people and getting trapped on Earth.” The Jinn sighed and looked up at Holly who was now stood shaking in shock while absently smoothing her ponytail. “Sorry about this. Doris was holding my hand when you summoned me.”

“Its- It’s okay. I…” Holly thought she was an intelligent girl. Seeing these two little fantastical beings in the staff lounge, had her feeling otherwise. Logic told her that either they were real, or she was going insane. “Erm, so the talisman summoned you, right?”

“Yeah, that’s it, girl. You summoned my Jinni using that talisman. Now you have to tell him what you want, so we can go home,” Doris answered.

“Thank you, Doris. I’m quite capable of doing my job.” The Jinn rolled his eyes as he began causing the mug remnants to levitate and glue themselves back together.  

“Well. do it then!” The fairy folded her arms and nodded up at the waitress. “I don’t know about human men but Jinn’s are lazy boars, you know that?”

Holly giggled at the grumpy fairy. “Aw, I bet Jinni does a lot more than you realise.”

“Huh, you’re supposed to be on my side as a fellow female.”

“Sorry, I—”

“It’s alright, dear. Jinni makes me mad, that’s all. For example, I have to ask him a thousand times to do the laundry.”

“But I have six pairs of shorts in the basket to your fifty-two dresses. It’s hardly fair.” The Jinn set the repaired mug on the counter, then slapped his hips with his hands in frustration.

“Don’t you start with the fairness bit, Jinni. I—”

“Hey, that’s enough! Both of you hush.” Holly gave them both a stern look. “Let’s not argue and be friends, please.”

“Thank you.” The Jinn gave Doris a cheeky smile. “So, have you decided what I can do for you?”

“Yes, you must have wanted something when you summoned him. Or he wouldn’t have come,” Doris added.

Holly looked at the strange couple on the counter and shook her head. “I don’t want anything, thank you.”  

“There must be something you want.” The Jinn glanced up at Holly while scratching his chin. “You’re a waitress. How’s about help getting a better job?”

“No, I love working here for my mum, and with my team of friends. We’re like a happy successful family, here.”

“Well, that’s lovely. How about a hunky boyfriend? Jinni, might be able to help with that.” Doris gave a hopeful flutter of her eyebrows.

“Nope, I’m very happy with my darling footballer, Sam. thank you.” Holly couldn’t help a smile as she thought about him.

“Did I hear my name?” answered a voice edged with huskiness.

Holly felt arms come around and hug her from behind. “Hey, Sam. You did. Are you okay?” she asked as she turned her head to share a kiss with him.

“Hmm. My training went well, thank you, my precious. Who were you talking taah!” Samuel yelped having seen the Jinn and fairy on the counter. “Are they… What are… What's going on?” 

“Ooh, he is rather cute and handsome in a sporty way, isn’t he?” Doris made kissy lips toward the footballer.

Holly narrowed her eyes at the fairy but never got to retort.

“And I’m not, I suppose.” The Jinn struck a muscular pose.

Doris rolled her eyes at him. “You’re so muscly, it’s like jumping into bed with a wall.”

“I can’t believe you just said that. I—”

“Jinn, Doris, stop arguing, please!” Holly groaned. Although the feeling of Samuel smoothing her silky ponytail left her relaxed and content. “I think were safe, Sam. I apparently summoned these two by reading that talisman on the table.”

“Really? They don’t get on well, do they?” Samuel remarked. 

“Like two hurricanes fighting over ownership of the Florida Keys.” Holly giggled and nestled close to her footballer. “I’m glad we don’t have that problem.”

“Me too, I love how we can talk about things.” Samuel looked to the Jinn. “You should adopt that philosophy, both of you.”

“We’ve been trying, believe me.” The Jinn grinned and snapped his fingers. “She doesn’t wish for anything. Do you want something?”

Samuel made a musing noise. “I know- the flower shop was shut. Can you magic Holly some flowers, for me?”

“Sure, which kind? Marigolds…” the Jinn made an orange bloom appear before him.

“Yeah, there's a pair of those under the sink. You can do the dishes with them, when we get home,” Doris ordered.

“Whatever, darling.” The Jinn pulled a face and sighed. “Where were we… ah, maybe you liked some, chrysanthemums, peonies or sunflowers.” The Jinn made each appear as he named it. “Perhaps some anemones, daisies or caedes flowers —ow!”

Doris had slapped him for conjuring the vicious toothy-looking black flower. “Idiot! He wants to profess his love to Holly, not have her eaten by a carnivorous plant!”

Holly saw the fearsome plant lick its petals before the Jinn vanished it.

“Sorry! I was having a little fun with that one,” he said. “What about these?” The Jinn waved his hands and made some stunning Asiatic lilies.

Holly sneezed violently. Less than a second later she sneezed again.

“Jinn, get them gone quick!” Samuel demanded having grabbed some kitchen roll for her.

“Whoops, allergies. My apologies.” The Jinn vanished the lilies with a guilty look at Holly, who looked most uncomfortable just then.

“It’s okay, you didn’t know about my silly nose.” Holly said nasally as she took the tissue and blew her nose.

“I’m still sorry. Right, Sam. Try these.” The Jinn conjured a bouquet of beautiful red and pink roses.

“Those are perfect.” Samuel took them out of the air. “A magical bouquet for the enchanted lady who holds my heart.”

“Aw, thank you, sweetheart.” Holly accepted them and brushed her nose against his as they shared a kiss.

“Ahh, so romantic.” Doris knitted her fingers before her. Looking to the Jinn her enamoured look vanished. “Why don’t I get roses like that, huh?”

The Jinn created a matching smaller bouquet. “There you go darling.”

“Aw, thank you, Jinni.” The fairy dived on and assaulted him with kisses.

“Bloody hell, woman. I knew there was a reason why I didn’t get you flowers.” The Jinn shook free and smiled at her. “You are welcome though.”

“That’s much better you two.” Holly smiled at them.

“Thanks. The Jinn looked at himself. He wasn’t glowing. “You have to wish for something or I can’t go home.”  

   “I can’t.” Holly moved to put her roses in a vase. “I don’t want anything. What do you wish for Jinn?”

The Jinn sucked in a breath and blinked at her. “Who me? Nobody, ever asked me that before. Hmm…” The Jinn glanced at Doris who was looking expectant, then at Holly who nodded; urging him to say something. “I’d like a week with no summonses, that I can spend in Fairy Wonderland with my darling Doris.”

“Aww, that’s sweet.” Holly beamed.

“Would you really do that?” Doris gave the Jinn an interrogating look.

“If I could, yes,” The Jinn put an arm around her. “Seriously, Holly. I need a wish from you.”

“Okay, I wish for an apple custard Danish pastry for Sam. Some millionaire’s shortbread, for me….” Holly put her roses on the table and hugged Samuel again. “And a free week in Fairy Wonderland for you.”

“Fantastic! Consider it done.” The Jinn took Doris by the hand and snapped his fingers. “Thanks for the freedom, goodbye my friends,” he said as he and Doris glowed red and vanished in a cloud of glitter. A pair of thuds on the table caught Holly’s attention. There waiting for her were two huge plates; one loaded with Danish pastries, the other stacked with millionaire’s shortbread.

“Hmm, snack time,” she said.

“I think my football trainer is about to get annoyed with me.” Samuel gave Holly’s ribs a tickle making her squeal, then danced away from her. He picked up a Danish and bit into it. “Hmm, thanks for wishing for these.”

“My pleasure, sweetheart.” Holly tried a shortbread. “Wow, these are delicious.”

That evening Holly was driving her and Samuel home in her sky-blue and black trimmed Mini Cooper. She pulled over by the park.

“Why are we stopping?” Samuel asked.

“I have to pass this talisman on. I realise that the girl didn’t lose it. Magic coins like this, never stay with one owner.” Holly climbed from the car and entered the dark park beneath the velvety starscape, holding her footballer’s hand.

“Shouldn’t you try to keep it. I mean to be able to summon a Jinn and make wishes is a great tool, isn’t it?” Samuel looked at Holly in her Workhouse uniform. He’d fallen in love with her wearing that in this very park a couple of years ago.

“It sure is.” Holly lead him to the wishing fountain in the centre of the park. She glanced at all the pennies reflected in the lights beneath the shimmery water and smiled. “Yes, this is where is needs to go.”

“You sure? What if you need more millionaire’s shortbread and Danish though? What if you need the Jinn for something else?”

“I don't need the Jinn, Sam. I have my family, my friends, a lovely restaurant and most of all, you, sweetheart.” Holly turned her back, closed her eyes and flipped the coin over her shoulder. It splashed into the water behind her. “I dont wish for or need anything else to be happy.” she added while watching the coin sink through the rippling water of the fountain.

“Hmm, so long as I have you, I’ll always be happy too.” Samuel wrapped her in his arms. “You did wish for something before throwing the coin though, didn’t you?”

“I did. I wished for the coin to find its way to somebody who really deserves and needs it.” Holly felt truly content as she returned to her car and drove them home that evening. As for the talisman. We’ll soon see where it ends up next. You will join the Jinn to find out, wont you?