As he handed me the old book, I felt something change. That something flowed from the leather of the book through my fingers to my entire body. It lasted only a second, though, before the feeling was gone. Then nothing was left other than the book and his gentle smile.
"What did you say?" I asked him.
"I said enjoy your new book. It's a doozy," he replied.
"Thanks," I said slowly.
Maybe it was his smile or maybe it was that feeling a second ago, but I knew I overstayed my welcome. With a nod, I put the book into my school bag and headed back to my dorm room.
The book store was within walking distance my college, so it worked out well when I wanted a book. And, this book certainly caught my eye. I was always into other people's tales, new and old. And this journal fit that bill perfectly. I happened to notice it while looking at the used book bin by the front door. As soon as I flipped through it, I knew I had to have it. And, I had the added benefit of having no more classes today, so I could read it to my heart's content.
"Ken!"
My feet paused mid step as I looked for who called my name. half way down the path, I saw Jen walking up to me. She wasn't a tall girl, but she certainly had looks. Her face was gentle, going nicely with her short, black hair. Her figure was slim, but not too thin thanks to the muscles from the track team through the years. She didn't have a lot in the chest or hips, yet she played both areas perfectly with outfits that revealed just enough to make you wonder. Today was no exception with her white spaghetti strap, unbuttoned, black over shirt, and jean shorts.
"Damn," I whispered under my breath.
"What was that?" she said as she reached me.
"Oh, nothing," I replied quickly. "Just speaking to myself again."
"Such a strange habit," she said with a shake of her head. "Anyway, I was hoping you could help me out."
"With what?"
"You know that math test we have coming up? Could you help me study for it? I don't want to get my butt kicked again."
"You didn't do that bad," I said, smiling.
"I got a seventy-four."
"That's passing with a C."
She hit me in the arm playfully. "I'm serious here. I know I can do better, but I can't focus. The numbers just get jumbled in my head. Please?"
"Alright, alright. How does tonight sound? Eight thirty? It's either that or tomorrow after nine."
"Both?"
I laughed slightly. "Both it is."
"Thanks so much!" She looked down at her watch. "I got class, now, so I'll see you tonight. Eight thirty sharp."
"Eight thirty."
"Thanks again!" she shouted as she ran down the path toward the library.
I watched her go, torn between watching her tone ass and her shapely legs.
"One day," I thought out loud. "One day..."
With a glance at my own watch, I saw it read one fifteen. That gave me plenty of time to dive into my book and eat before she came over. Not wanting to waste any more time, I made the rest of my way to my room.
My dorm room wasn't much to look at, but it had the perk of being a single. Before, I had to share a room with a guy who always had his girl over and I got tired quickly with getting kicked out. Now, I dealt with the sound coming through my walls at most. My computer sat in standby as I passed through the door and placed my bag on my small bed. Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see the gaming posters that lined my walls, but my main focus was on the window as I moved to close the shade following by a flick of my light switch.
I paused slightly in front of my full length mirror to look at myself. I wasn't much to look at, but I felt better knowing I wasn't overweight. More of a beanstalk, I stood taller than most with thin arms and legs. My coaches in high school always tried to get me to play sports because of my height, but I never had much of an interest. I would rather sit in front of a computer screen or put my face in a book than run around a gym. I noticed my brown hair was getting long again and was going to need a cut soon. That combined with my almost baby face and I was destined to be put into every girl's friend zone. It didn't help that my fashion statement of gaming t-shirts was outdated.
"I need to do something about my image," I said to myself before walking to the bed.
I pushed the thought into the back of my mind, though, as I turned my attention to my new book. Reaching into my bag, I pulled the book out and leaned against the back board of my bed with the pillow propped up. The instant I opened the book to the first page, though, I was floored.
It was blank.
"What the...?"
I flipped through the pages to find every single one of them blank. I clearly remembered it being filled before with hand written words. There were dates, times, and tons of memories. Yet, here the book was, blank of even a single pen mark. I tried to think back if the book could have been switched out when I bought it, but there was never a chance. I was sure it was the same book.
"What a load of bull."
I flipped to the first page again in one last, vain hope and noticed something. On the inside cover, there were words branded into the leather. I barely noticed them because of how well the blended in with the cover itself. Looking closely, I was just able to make out the words.
"Bind to me until freely passed."
I reread the words a few times, but couldn't make heads or tails of them. In the end, I threw the book at my covers in frustration.
The book never hit the bed.
I watched in awe as the book hovered a few inches above the bed. It stayed there, motionless for a second before it started to rise up higher into the air. At the same time, the cover and pages started to glow with a pale light. As the book rose higher, the glow got stronger until I could barely make out the outline of the book. Suddenly, the light flashed brightly, bathing the room in a blinding light. I shielded my eyes in vain as the light drowned everything else out. Then, as quickly as it came, it was gone. Instead of a book laying at the foot of my bed, though, was a girl kneeling in front of me.
She looked no older than me, but stunning in every way. Her dark, auburn hair cascaded from the top of her head to the small of her back with just a small layer of bangs in the front. Her face was round and gentle, combining with her hair to make a mix of exotic and elegant beauty. There was little to no fat on her body, giving her a flawless, hourglass figure. Her milky skin shined slightly in the light of my lamp, almost giving her a goddess vibe. The clothes she wore enhanced that feeling, for they were nothing more than a sheer top and pants with gold bands holding them to her body. If they were any thinner, I was certain I would see more skin than I should.
"Hello Master."
Her melody filled voice snapped me out of my daze and caused me to jump back. But, since I was already against the back board, all I ended up doing was hitting my head on my wall. I saw her flinch as I struck myself and moved to rub my sore skull.
"Sorry," she said softly. "I always seem to get someone hurt the first time."
"What... Who..." I said, trying to get my thoughts in order.
"Let me try again." She gave me a sweet smile that almost made me forget that she appeared out of thin air. "My name is Catrina and it is a pleasure to meet you, my Master."
"Master?"
"Yes," she said with a nod. "You are now my Master and I am now your genie."
I sat against my wall, silently still rubbing my head.
"I believe you are confused," she said.
"Utterly and completely."
"Yet, you are not freaking out. That is a good sign."
"That's probably the shock keeping me numb at the moment."
"Understandable."
"Any chance you can explain all this?" I asked.
"Certainly," she said, the smile still on her face. "When you read those words in the book out loud, you released me and bound me to you until you choose to pass me on. During that time, I will grant any wish I can for you, within the rules."
"Any and all wishes? There isn't a limit?"
"There is no limit to how many, but there is a limit to what. There are rules set out to keep things in order."
"Like what?"
"The rules are simple," she said, raising one finger on her delicate hand. "You may not wish for any harm on yourself or others. This includes wishing for someone to harm themselves or something that can cause harm in the future." She raised a second finger. "You cannot reveal or make a wish that will reveal my powers to anyone. Magic outside of this contract is forbidden because it may hold dire consequences if left unchecked." A third finger. "You may not use my power to ascend to power yourself. Nothing that grants you a throne or seat of power." A fourth finger. "You may not wish for you to cast magic yourself. Only powers bound by the limits of my magic are allowed." A fifth finger. "Finally, you may not extend your life in anyway. You may affect your health and appearance, but not add years to your lifespan."
