Page 18

Chapter

Eighteen

Mandy sat in her favorite recliner, the pendant's familiar warmth pulsing against her palms. Her cats lounged nearby - Mozart sprawled across the back of the couch while Bach perched on the window sill, watching birds at the feeder.

She drew in a deep breath, steadying her nerves. "Kieran? Could we talk?"

The air shimmered with that distinctive trace of magic as he materialized in her living room. Today he wore midnight blue robes embroidered with silver threads that caught the afternoon light. The formal attire still struck her as a bit excessive for her modest apartment, but she was starting to find it oddly endearing.

"It's about the first wish," she said, her voice stronger than she expected. "And I think I'm ready, but - I thought of something else I'd like to discuss about it, if that's okay."

Kieran settled into the armchair across from her with fluid grace, those ancient eyes fixed on her face with that intense focus that still made her stomach do little flips.

"Of course." His deep voice carried that otherworldly resonance that made the hair on her arms stand up. "It is best for us both to be clear on exactly what you're wishing for."

Mozart abandoned his perch to investigate Kieran's robes, apparently deciding they needed a thorough inspection. The Djinn automatically reached down to scratch behind the cat's ears, even as those ancient eyes remained fixed on Mandy's face.

"Yes. I want to make sure I understand exactly what's possible, and what the limitations might be." She twisted the pendant between her fingers. "And… and there's still a part I'm not sure about, that I wanted to ask you."

"Well, when you mentioned restore points..." She paused, moistening suddenly dry lips. "You said the magic doesn't care when the restore point is, as long as the Djinn identifies the right time."

Kieran nodded once, a graceful inclination of his head that somehow managed to convey both encouragement and curiosity.

"So I was wondering..." Heat crept up her neck as she forced herself to continue. "Could I choose any restore point? I mean, does it have to be just before the stenosis started, or..."

Her voice trailed off as she struggled to articulate what she meant without sounding greedy.

"What exactly do you mean?" Kieran's deep voice carried no judgment, just genuine interest.

Mandy hesitated, then pulled up her phone's photo gallery. Her fingers trembled slightly as she navigated to the ancient scanned images from her family albums.

"Here," she said softly, turning the phone so Kieran could see.

The image showed a young woman standing in bright desert sunlight, her dark hair tumbling loose around her shoulders in the wind. She wore rust-colored corduroy jeans that hugged lightly rounded hips, and a lightweight plaid cotton top that emphasized her trim waist and the curves of her breasts. Her face glowed with youth and vitality, caught mid-laugh at something beyond the camera's view.

Mandy's sighed faintly as she studied the old photo. "I was nineteen there, and my husband and I were both home on leave from the Army. We took a road trip across the country - this was somewhere in Arizona. Or maybe New Mexico. We stopped at so many places, I can't remember exactly where this was taken."

Her thumb brushed across the screen, remembering that carefree day under the desert sun. The young woman in the photo seemed like a stranger now - someone from another lifetime who had no concept of the limitations and pain that lay ahead.

"That's... that's the restore point I'd like," she admitted quietly, unable to meet Kieran's piercing gaze. "If it's possible. If it's not asking too much."

Mandy's stomach clenched as Kieran studied the photo, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched between them, broken only by Mozart's contented purring as he rubbed against the Djinn's robes. She fought the urge to snatch the phone back, to hide away that glimpse of her younger self. What had she been thinking? Of course it was too much to ask.

The muscle in Kieran's jaw twitched, a tiny movement that seemed thunderous in the quiet room. Finally, he lifted his gaze from the phone. Those ancient eyes met hers with an expression she couldn't quite read.

"I cannot make you young again," he said, his deep voice carrying a note of finality that made her heart sink.

"What?" Horror flooded through Mandy as she realized what he thought she was asking. "No, oh no!" The words tumbled out in a rush. "That's not what I meant at all!"

She almost shuddered, remembering her painfully naive younger self - the girl so desperate to belong, who rushed headlong into life without considering consequences. The girl who hadn't yet learned about loss, about pain, about the true cost of choices.

"I would never want to be nineteen again," she said firmly, her voice steadying as she met those silvery-blue eyes. "God, no. The drama, the uncertainty, the... the sheer stupidity of youth?" She shook her head emphatically. "I like who I am now. I've earned every bit of wisdom and experience that comes with age."

The pendant pulsed warmly against her skin as she struggled to explain. "It's just... that body." She gestured at the photo still displayed on her phone. "Strong and healthy, energetic, not worn down by time and arthritis. That's all I meant - just the physical restoration, not... not turning back time on everything else."

Mandy twisted her hands together, distressed that Kieran could think she wanted to erase decades of life experience. "Those years shaped who I am. The good and the bad, the triumphs and failures - they're all part of me now."

Her voice strengthened as she continued. "I wouldn't give up a single memory. Not the joy of holding my daughter for the first time, or the pride of watching her grow into an amazing woman. Not even the hard times that taught me what I'm capable of surviving."

The pendant pulsed warmly against her skin as she met Kieran's silvery-blue eyes. "I just want my body to work properly again. To be able to move without pain. To swim and dance and..." Her voice caught. "To live fully in whatever time I have left."

Kieran's austere features softened almost imperceptibly. "I understand now. You wish to retain your current self, but in a body free from the ravages of time and illness."

"Exactly!" Relief flooded through her at his understanding. "Just... fix the broken parts. Make everything work the way it's supposed to."

A rich, deep sound filled her living room - Kieran's laughter, she realized with astonishment. The sound held echoes of wind through ancient caves and the distant roll of thunder. "You continue to surprise me," Kieran said, amusement still coloring his deep voice. "Most humans I've encountered would jump at the chance to restore their youthful appearance completely."

Mandy scowled at Kieran, her brows drawing together. "And how exactly would that work? A sixty-seven-year-old woman suddenly running around with a nineteen-year-old face?" She shook her head emphatically. "Talk about drawing attention! Not to mention, vain. Ugh."

"Although..." Heat crept up her neck as she glanced at the old photo again. "Okay, so maybe a little vain. If it's possible... my hair used to be so thick and full back then. And I'd have loved if my hair had gone silver in some respectable way, not just salt-and-pepper until it's just … blah."

His gaze held that unsettling intensity. "These requests are well within my capabilities. The physical restoration - all of this can be accomplished with a single wish."

Relief flooded through Mandy, making her feel light-headed for a moment.

"However," Kieran continued, his deep voice carrying a note of concern, "such dramatic changes will be noticeable to others. Have you considered how to explain this transformation?"

"Of course." Mandy nodded firmly. "That's what I needed the extra time for, to make a plan." She grinned at him. "I like plans."

At his appreciative laugh, she continued. "I'm going to tell everyone I finally agreed to that back surgery the VA's been pushing for years." Her finger traced down the carefully organized timeline. "Given that I live alone, they'd insist on inpatient rehabilitation afterward, which would be a total of about four weeks. That gives me the perfect cover for being away long enough to explain the changes."

Kieran's brows rose. "You have given this considerable thought."

A smile tugged at Mandy's lips as she scratched behind Mozart's ears. "Actually, I have." She allowed mischief to creep into her voice. "I made another spreadsheet."

Kieran pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes closed. "Of course you did."

Mandy couldn't help the giggle that bubbled up from her chest. The sight of this ancient, powerful being looking so utterly exasperated by her spreadsheet struck her as hilarious.

"I know, I know." She waved her phone at him, still grinning. "But look - I've got everything planned out. The timeline, the cover story, even potential places to stay while the 'rehabilitation' is supposedly happening. There are some great AirBnb's, some with swimming pools, and I can even take the cats. There are pet-friendly AirBnBs that would work perfectly."

Those silvery-blue eyes opened to fix her with that intense stare, but Mandy caught a glimmer of what might have been amusement in their depths. "You truly do plan for every contingency, don't you?"

"I've been on my own, pretty much all my life," she said, shrugging. "Someone has to do it, and there's no one else but me." She tapped her finger on the laptop screen. "And honestly, spreadsheets and task lists help me think things through. It's a way of creating order out of chaos."

Kieran waved an elegant hand at her laptop, where her meticulously organized spreadsheet filled the screen. "How long will you need to prepare?"

Mandy's throat tightened as the reality of what she was planning hit her. This wasn't just theoretical anymore - this was actually going to happen.

"Just overnight, I think." Her voice came out steadier than she expected. "I need to research Airbnbs and make a reservation somewhere suitable that I can check into tomorrow afternoon. Plus, I need to let management know I'll be gone, so they can keep an eye on my apartment."

Mozart bumped his head against her hand, demanding attention. She stroked his silky fur absently as she continued, "And I'll need to let Sabrina know about the surgery, of course, and know I may be in and out of contact for a bit, so she doesn't worry."

The thought of deceiving her daughter, even for a good reason, made her stomach clench. But there was no way to explain the truth - that magic was real, that Djinn existed, that her entire life was about to change because of a wish.

"A few days of preparation seems reasonable," Kieran's deep voice rumbled through her living room. "You've clearly considered the practical aspects thoroughly."

Mandy dipped her head sheepishly. "That's what I do - plan and organize. It helps keep my anxiety under control." She gestured at her laptop. "When everything's laid out in neat rows and columns, or checklists, it feels more manageable somehow."

"Then I shall leave you to your planning," Kieran said, rising from his chair with fluid grace. His midnight blue robes rippled with silver threads that caught the afternoon light. "Contact me once you have secured the accommodations you require."

Mozart still seemed fascinated by Kieran's robes, and the ancient Djinn reached down to scratch behind the cat's ears, a gesture that seemed oddly domestic coming from such a powerful being.

"Thank you," Mandy said softly, her fingers finding the pendant's familiar warmth. "For understanding what I meant about the restore point, and for not thinking I was being greedy about it."

Kieran's eyes met hers with that characteristic intensity that still made her stomach do little flips. "There is nothing greedy about it. Your request is both reasonable and well-considered. I look forward to hearing your arrangements."

With that, he vanished in that distinctive shimmer of magic, leaving only a trace of otherworldly energy that made the hair on her arms stand up. Bach meowed plaintively at the spot where Kieran had stood, apparently disappointed by the abrupt departure of his new friend.

Two hours later, Mandy sat back in her desk chair, exhausted but thrilled. Her fingers ached from typing, but she'd secured two perfect reservations. Mozart sprawled across her desk, occasionally batting at her mouse cursor as she scrolled through confirmation emails.

The AirBnB she'd found nestled against the Catalina Mountains took her breath away. The photos showed a Spanish-style home with a courtyard and pool, perfect for swimming practice. Red tile roofs and cream-colored walls gave it that classic Southwestern feel she loved. Best of all, it was completely private - no shared spaces or nosy neighbors to notice any dramatic changes. Also, wi-fi.

But it wasn't available for four more days.

Her stomach had churned with anxiety as she debated waiting. The thought of delaying her wish, now that she'd finally decided, made her physically ill. After thirty minutes of agonizing, she'd found the perfect solution - a luxury hotel in Oro Valley for the first three nights.

The hotel's website showcased elegant rooms with mountain views and room service, plus both indoor and outdoor pools. Plus, the hotel's location near major shopping centers would make it easy for expeditions to replace her entire wardrobe.

Mandy pulled up both confirmations again, double-checking the dates, in a bit of a quake. Was this really happening?.

Mandy stared at her phone, her hands trembling so badly she nearly dropped it. She'd rehearsed this conversation in her head a dozen times, but now that the moment arrived, her throat felt tight with anxiety.

"Get it together," she muttered to herself, taking a deep breath. "It's just a phone call."

The phone rang twice before her daughter's cheerful voice filled the line. "Mom! I was just thinking about you!"

"Hi, sweetie." Mandy's voice cracked slightly. She cleared her throat and tried again. "I've got some news."

"Everything okay?" Concern crept into Sabrina's tone.

"Actually, yes." Mandy twisted the pendant between her fingers. "I've decided to go ahead with that back surgery the VA's been recommending."

"Oh my God, Mom!" Sabrina's squeal of delight made Mandy pull the phone away from her ear. "Finally! When? How soon can they get you in?"

"Well, that's the thing." Mandy's fingers found the pendant's warmth again. "It was going to be a few months, which is why I hadn't mentioned it yet, but I got a call this afternoon. They had a cancellation, and... I'm scheduled for day after tomorrow."

"Day after tomorrow?" Sabrina's voice rose in pitch. "But... but that's so soon! I thought these things took months to schedule!"

"Usually they do. But I'd already had my preop, so when someone cancelled at the last minute, and they offered me the slot, I decided to just go for it before I could talk myself out of it again."

"I think it's fabulous!" Sabrina's enthusiasm was clear, as was the rush of relief in her voice. "You know I've been saying for years you should have it done."

"The surgery itself will take between four and six hours," Mandy said, her nerves steadying at last. "They want me there tomorrow afternoon, and they'll start prepping me for surgery in the morning."

"That long?" Worry crept into Sabrina's voice.

"It's pretty involved - they'll be replacing some discs with titanium." Mandy twisted the pendant between her fingers. "But the surgeon's done hundreds of these procedures. He explained everything really thoroughly. I should be able to call you by late afternoon or early evening, once I'm out of recovery."

"Promise you'll call as soon as you can?"

"Of course, sweetie." Mandy's throat tightened at the concern in her daughter's voice. "They're keeping me in the hospital for three or four days postop. Besides, I can call you once I'm all checked in for the evening tomorrow. You can keep me from talking myself out of it and fleeing the hospital in the dead of night."

"Don't you dare!." Sabrina scolded instantly. "You know you need to do this. But then what after the surgery? You can't go straight home alone after something like this."

"No, of course not," Mandy reassured her. "I'll be transferred for inpatient rehabilitation in another wing of the hospital. That's standard procedure when someone lives alone. I'll be another three weeks for that. On the bright side," she said, injecting cheer into her voice. "Just think how much more fun we can have when I come up at Christmas."

"Oh my gosh, yes!" Sabrina's enthusiasm bubbled through the phone. "Maybe we can finally do that holiday craft fair I'm always telling you about. You know, the one where they have all those amazing glass ornaments?"

Mandy's throat tightened at her daughter's obvious excitement. "That sounds wonderful, sweetie. And maybe we could check out that new aquarium they built?"

"Mom, that would be amazing! The kids would love showing you around." Sabrina paused for a moment. "Are you sure you're okay? You sound a little... I don't know, different."

"I'm just nervous about all this," Mandy said quickly, with absolute truth. "But excited too. It's been so long since I could do things like that, you know?"

"I know." Sabrina's voice softened. "I'm so proud of you for doing this, Mom. I know how scary surgery can be."

"Thanks, sweetie." Mandy blinked back sudden tears. "I should probably get some rest now. Big day tomorrow."

"Call me the second you're able to after the surgery, okay? Even if it's just to say you're awake."

"Promise." Mandy's voice wavered slightly. "Love you."

"Love you too, Mom. It's going to be fine. Better than fine - it's going to be amazing."

After hanging up, Mandy sat quietly for a moment, the phone clutched against her chest. Mozart bumped his head against her hand, demanding attention. She scratched behind his ears automatically, her mind still processing the conversation.

The familiar zing of Djinn magic prickled across Mandy's skin moments before Jacinth materialized in a swirl of bright colors and jingling bangles. Her dark eyes sparkled with excitement as she bounced on her toes, her long black hair swaying with the movement.

"Oh my goodness, Kieran just told me about your wish!" Jacinth clapped her hands together, her entire being radiating joy. "I'm so thrilled for you!"

Mozart and Bach scattered at her explosive entrance, diving under the furniture. Mandy couldn't help but smile at Jacinth's enthusiasm, even as her own nerves fluttered in her stomach.

"You should have seen Kieran's face when he told me." Jacinth dropped onto the couch beside Mandy, her bangles chiming musically. "He was trying so hard to maintain that stern expression of his, but I could tell he was pleased. And a checklist!" She dissolved into musical laughter. "Only you would create a detailed timeline and checklist for a magical transformation."

"Well, someone has to think these things through," Mandy said, heat creeping up her neck. "It's not like there's a guidebook for 'How to Explain Your Magical Makeover to Friends and Family.'"

"But that's exactly what makes it perfect!" Jacinth grabbed Mandy's hands, practically vibrating with excitement. "You've thought of everything - the cover story, the timeline, even arrangements for these precious babies." She gestured toward the cats, who were cautiously emerging from their hiding spots. "Most people just blurt out their wishes without considering the consequences. But you..." She squeezed Mandy's hands. "You've planned it all so carefully. I knew you were the right choice for Kieran's vessel!"

The pendant pulsed warmly against Mandy's skin as Jacinth's joy washed over her. The younger Djinn's enthusiasm was contagious, making her own carefully contained excitement bubble to the surface.

"I just got off the phone with my daughter," Mandy admitted. "Telling her about my supposed surgery. She's so excited about all the things we'll be able to do together at Christmas."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Jacinth bounced in her seat. "Just imagine her face when she sees you! And think of all the adventures you'll have once you're free to move without pain. Swimming, dancing..." Her big eyes sparkled. "Maybe even a trip to Cairo?"

Mandy threw up her hand, halting Jacinth's enthusiastic planning. "Wait, please. I can't... I can't think that far ahead yet." Her voice trembled as the reality of what was coming crashed over her again. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that I'll be able to walk without a cane."

"Just... let me start small, okay?" Mandy's voice steadied. "Let me get used to the idea of standing up without calculating pain levels first. The rest... the rest can wait."

Jacinth nodded, her long black ponytail swinging with the movement. "Just one step at a time, I got it."

"Yes." Mandy smiled, relieved at Jacinth's understanding.

"So tell me how you've planned it out!" Jacinth leaned forward, eyes sparkling with interest.

"Well, I found this gorgeous AirBnB," Mandy showed Jacinth the photos on her phone. "But it's not available for four days. So I found this luxury hotel in Oro Valley for the first couple nights." She switched to the hotel photos. "Look at those mountain views! And they have both indoor and outdoor pools. The location is perfect too - close to shopping centers where I can get new clothes. Because obviously nothing I have now will fit after..."

Her voice trailed off as the reality of the changes ahead hit her again. She took a deep breath and pulled up the AirBnB listing again. "But look at this place - it's worth waiting for!"

Jacinth's eyes widened as she studied the photos. "Oh, it's beautiful! Very Spanish colonial."

"Exactly!" Mandy's excitement bubbled up again. "It's not all that large, only two bedrooms, but it has a study, and this gorgeous courtyard with a pool, and it's completely private. No shared spaces or nosy neighbors to notice anything unusual. Plus, it's pet-friendly so the boys can come with me." She scratched behind Mozart's ears. "I've booked it for three weeks, which should be plenty of time for my supposed 'rehabilitation.'"

"You really have thought of everything." Jacinth's smile radiated warmth.

Mandy caught a familiar gleam in Jacinth's chocolate-brown eyes, one that reminded her of Mozart right before he knocked something off a shelf. The younger Djinn's smile turned sly as she tilted her head.

"Would you like some help packing?"

"Sure," Mandy said, curious what the mischievous Djinn had in mind. "Though I warn you, I'm very particular about how things are organized."

"Oh, I know." Jacinth's bangles chimed as she gestured toward the bedroom. "Why don't you get your suitcase and show me what you want to bring?"

Mandy retrieved her largest rolling suitcase from the closet, laying it open on the bed. She began gathering items - comfortable loungewear, her favorite nightgowns, the loose cotton dresses she wore around the house. Each piece she folded carefully and placed on the bed beside the suitcase.

Next came her toiletries bag, filled with essential medications, makeup, and skincare products. She added her laptop, tablet, and their chargers to the growing pile. A few books joined the stack, along with her journal and favorite pens.

"Is that everything?" Jacinth asked, those dark eyes sparkling with barely contained glee.

"I think so." Mandy surveyed the neat piles. "Now I just need to pack it all properly so everything fits-"

Jacinth waved her hand in an elegant gesture. The items rose into the air, swirling like autumn leaves caught in a magical wind. Mandy's jaw dropped as she watched her belongings dance through space before settling perfectly into the suitcase - clothes folded with military precision, toiletries nestled securely in their proper compartments, electronics cushioned between layers of soft fabric.

The suitcase zipped itself closed with a flourish, leaving Mandy staring in amazement at the most efficiently packed luggage she'd ever seen.

Mandy stared at her perfectly packed suitcase, then at the still-giggling Djinn. "I hate you," she said.

Jacinth collapsed onto the bed in heap of colorful fabric, her musical laughter filling the room. "Your face!" she gasped between giggles. "Oh, you should have seen your face!"

"Show off," Mandy muttered, which only sent Jacinth into fresh peals of laughter.

The cats, apparently deciding Jacinth's giggle fit required investigation, climbed onto her stomach. Mozart head-butted her chin while Bach started his determined assault on her bangles. Their antics reduced Jacinth to breathless squeaks of delight as she tried to fend off their attention.

"Help!" Jacinth gasped between giggles. "I'm being attacked by ferocious wild animals!"

Mandy snickered at the sight of both cats thoroughly investigating the giggling Djinn. "Eau de catnip," she stated knowingly.

Jacinth finally managed to sit up, displacing the cats who gave her offended looks before settling nearby to groom themselves.

Glancing at her phone, Mandy groaned when she saw it was nearly 10 PM. "How am I supposed to sleep tonight? My mind's going a million miles an hour."

"Movie night?" Jacinth suggested brightly. "Something light and fun to help you relax?"

"Ooh, actually..." Mandy brightened. "I have some amazing brownies I made yesterday. They're my grandmother's recipe."

"Perfect!" Jacinth's eyes sparkled. "I'll provide the tea and popcorn." She snapped her fingers, and a familiar ornate tea service appeared on the coffee table, along with a large bowl of perfectly popped kernels dusted with what smelled like real butter and sea salt.

Mandy scrolled through her streaming options, bypassing the horror selections with a shudder. "I can't do scary movies. My imagination's too active - I'd be up all night."

"Oh, me neither!" Jacinth settled deeper into the couch. "Though I did watch some romantic comedies with my friends in New York recently. But maybe something with more action?"

"How about True Lies?" Mandy suggested, selecting the movie. "The series, not the movie, but it's got everything - action, comedy, romance - and with Arnold Schwarzenegger in a funny role, and Jamie Lee Curtis as his wife who finds out he's actually a spy, and gets herself recruited, I swear, it's just hilarious."

"I haven't seen that one!" Jacinth's eyes lit up as she reached for the popcorn.

They found it on streaming, and Mandy relaxed into her recliner, Mozart claiming his usual spot on her lap while Bach stretched out next to her knees. The familiar opening scene played out, and she found herself grinning at Jacinth's delighted reactions.

"Oh my goodness!" Jacinth squealed during the horse-and-motorcycle chase scene. "Through the building? Up the elevator?" Her musical laughter filled the room. "This is so ridiculous, I love it!"

They paused between episodes for fresh tea and more brownies. Mandy couldn't remember the last time she'd enjoyed a movie night this much. Jacinth's running commentary added an extra layer of entertainment, especially during the tango scene.

"That poor woman has no idea her husband's a spy!" Jacinth clutched a throw pillow to her chest. "And he's just... oh! The dip! That was smooth!"

Somewhere during the fourth episode, Mandy felt her eyelids growing heavy. The combination of warm tea, comfortable chair, and purring cats worked their magic. She tried to focus on the screen, but her head kept nodding forward.

"Maybe we should call it a night," Jacinth's voice seemed to come from very far away.

"Mmm," Mandy managed, already half-asleep. "Just need to... rest my eyes..."