Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 58

Ashley entered her office that afternoon in quite a good mood. One week previous, Mike and Melody had called her to announce their engagement, and wanted her to perform the ceremony. Naturally, she was ecstatic at being able to marry her childhood friend, but even more so that he had finally found the perfect girl for him.

Still, a small part of her was worried, as Mike’s follow-up texts asked to start the premarital counseling quickly, and that they had something important to talk with her about. She doubted that they were having any issues between them, but as a professional minister, she had learned well never to make assumptions, particularly about members of your own congregation.

As she finished checking her emails, there was a knock at her office door. “Come in,” she said.

Opening the door, Mike and Melody entered and greeted Ashley. “Hello friends!” she said, hugging both of them warmly. Ashley motioned to the part of her office away from her desk, which contained a small, round table and some chairs. The group made their way over and sat at the table, with Mike and Melody sitting across from Ashley.

“Well, first of all, congratulations to both of you,” Ashley began.

“Thank you, we’re very excited,” Mike replied. Melody enthusiastically nodded in agreement.

“I am too. Thank you again, by the way, for asking me to officiate your wedding. Few things make me happier than marrying my close friends.”

“Ashley, there’s nobody that I’d rather have marrying us. Aside from Mike, there isn’t anyone I trust more than you,” Melody said.

“And honestly, that’s why we wanted to meet with you so soon,” Mike continued. “I firmly believe in having no secrets from the person performing our wedding ceremony, and… we have a pretty big secret that we haven’t told to anyone.”

Her interest peaked, Ashley stopped him and replied, “I totally respect that about you Mike, but I want to make sure you aren’t telling me anything that you don’t genuinely want me to know. And please, rest assured that anything you do tell me here in this office is safe and confidential from everyone, even Trey.”

The couple looked at each other, nodding in confirmation at what they were about to say. “Ashley,” Mike said hesitantly, “Melody is not human.”

Ashley gave no reaction or hint that she’d heard anything at all. “What do you mean by ‘not human’?” she finally asked.

Clearing her throat before speaking, Melody said, “I am… a genie.”

“A genie… as in, Aladdin?” Ashley asked skeptically.

“Similar, yes, though not exactly. The idea of ‘three wishes’ is merely legend. Rather, as the one who released me, Mike is now my master for the rest of his life, and is able to receive as many wishes from me as he wants, as long as they are within the realm of my powers.”

Sitting stone-faced for a few moments, Ashley replied, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude. It’s just… this is so farfetched. I’m having a hard time wrapping my brain around everything you’ve just said.”

“I understand,” Mike said. “We actually can prove that we are telling the truth.”

“Ok?” Ashley said hesitantly.

Turning to Melody, Mike said, “I wish to have jet black hair.”

Tingle. Flash.

Instantly, Mike’s blonde hair turned as dark as tar. It kept its same style, length, and volume, but he now appeared to have had this hair color his entire life.

“WOAH!” Ashley exclaimed, falling backwards in her chair to the floor. “You… you’re telling the truth?!”

“Ok Melody, that’s enough. You can change me back to normal.”

Tingle. Flash.

As quickly as before, Mike again had the same appearance he always had. Extending his hand, he helped Ashley up off the floor, sitting her back in her chair. “Wow… Mike, this is unreal… so many questions, but where to begin…” she said, almost in a daze.

“That’s understandable. You wouldn’t be doing your job as our minister if you didn’t have questions,” Melody replied.

Eying Melody warily, Ashley asked her, “Was any of it true? What you’ve told me about Mike’s faith and wanting to be a part of it?”

“Every word,” Melody replied. “It’s what has made him the incredible man I’ve fallen in love with. I… I am so sorry to have concealed this from you, but it was necessary for Mike’s protection. Letting this secret be more widely known could, shall we say, bring about unwanted attention, as you can probably imagine. However, despite this, my time spent in your classes is one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”

“Thank you,” Ashley said quietly. “So, you said that you grant Mike any number of wishes he wants, as long as they are in the realm of your powers. Could you tell me more about that?”

“Are you sure you want to know the answer?” Mike asked. “You may find it… a bit uncomfortable.”

“More uncomfortable than finding out my childhood friend has a genie?!” Ashley joked. “Mike, seriously, I’m ready for anything after that.”

“Ok, go ahead Melody.”

Taking a deep breath, Melody said, “My nature is that of a sexual servant. Upon my release, I was instantly bound to be Mike’s slave for eternity. This is the realm in which I can grant wishes, along with other general things, such as his appearance, as you previously saw.”

Pondering this for a few moments, she finally replied to Mike, “Sexual slave? Did you know about any of this before… releasing her?”

Replying in the negative, Mike related the story of the locket to Ashley. He explained the strange circumstances by which it was given to him, showed her the inscription on the back, and described the music that ultimately opened the locket and released Melody.

“Wow… that’s pretty amazing,” Ashley said, before hesitantly continuing, “As your minister, I would be remiss if I didn’t bring this up. Are you at all concerned that you’re participating in something that could ultimately do serious damage to you spiritually? After all, if what you’re telling me is true, you are a willing participant in the enslavement of Melody, an intelligent, living being.”

“I had that same concern upon first releasing her,” he replied. “My first thought was to free her, until she explained that doing so wouldn’t accomplish the goal I had in mind. Freeing her would only release her from me, and would allow the next person who finds the locket to gain control of her and her powers.”

“What would that realistically mean?” Ashley asked.

Melody chimed in, saying, “My master is allowed to do anything he wants with me. I could be locked up, kept in chains, beaten daily, or even destroyed. All are allowed, as I am considered my master’s property.”