Chapter 5

Opening the door at 7 PM on the dot Sue gasped as she saw Jack, he was wearing black jeans, a dark blue sweat shirt and his leather jacket. If it were possible he looked even hotter than usual.

Handing her a small bouquet of flowers Jack stared at her in wonder; Sue was wearing dark blue pants and the top she wore the night they kissed.

He swallowed hard trying to remember how to breathe…….. it hadn’t been that difficult up until the second she opened the door and then all rational thought went out of his head.

As they stared at each other Levi stared at both of them, almost willing them to kiss while Gordon found himself flung backwards across the room, propelled by the invisible electricity which flowed between them.

‘So….. you ready?’ Jack murmured, finally capable of some train of thought.

‘Yeah……… night Luce…….’ Sue picked up her keys and Levis’ leash and together they headed out of the apartment block, Jacks’ hand securely fastened to the small of Sues’ back.

‘He’s a real gentleman isn’t he?’ Gordon whispered as Jack opened the doors to allow Levi and Sue to enter the car.

‘That’s what I was telling you……… if anything he is too much of a gentleman……. any other man would have kissed her by now, declared his feelings but not Jack………. we cannot afford to mess this up………’

‘No worries, mate…….. a couple of drops of this and they will be declaring love and devotion to each other…….then I can think about wishes 2 and 3 which may be a little more problematic….’ Gordon patted the dog on the head and Levi sighed settled happily to sleep on the seat.

Levi is going to be devaststed if this doesn't work. Great Job Cath.

Kim

Yes, Jack is indeed a gentleman. You gotta love that. Please post more about the evening.

This is going to work, isn't it? Or do you have something devious up your sleeves. I'm thinking not, because you still have to get the other two couples together...right?

kav

Um somehow wishes 2 and 3 seem easier than wish one, knowing how Jack is and everything. But it seems to have got off well, so maybe everything will be fine .

I agree with you there Rosa, this will work won't it Cath??

Sam

I gotta ditto with you two...Wishes two and three might be easier than wish one...

"A couple drops of this stuff....." - with the way Levi and the electricity between Jack and Sue keeps throwing Gordon around, I can see him emptying the whole bottle on the pizza!! In that case, Gordon is right, Levi better stay away - and, what's it going to do to Jack and Sue???

Joy

Jack was wearing black jeans, a blue shirt, and his leather jacket? Be still my heart!!!! Well, not too still...

Sorry, got distracted...

A great post Cath! I so look forward to reading more!

Tracy

since i'm feeling generous i thought i'd whack up another post

Chapter 6

Having ordered their pizzas and drinks Jack turned to Sue, ‘so…….. any plans for Halloween?’

Sue shook her head, ‘No……… Luce invited me to a party she’s going to but I don’t do well when it’s dark…….. I can’t see to read lips and with balloons and things floating around and getting in the way signing is hard too…. I might just go the movies…… if I stay at home the kids are ringing the bell outside and Levi is up and down all night telling me and it’s not fair on him……. You?’

Jack shook his head, ‘No……nothing…….. why don’t I take you to the movies or you come to mine and have a take-out and DVD evening…….. Levi never alerts you to my bell so he’ll get a night off………..’

‘Movies sounds good……… as long as I get to pick……. No horror films for me……..’

‘Guess that means I have to sit through another chick-flick……’ Jack sighed loudly, ‘……..I’m a martyr to them………..’

‘You choose then but I pay……..’

‘D-E-A-L’

‘This is good………..’ Jack murmured as he ate his first slice of pizza.

‘Mmmmmm……… good choice of yours Hudson, hope you make a good choice with the movie……..’

Waking up from his wonderful dream about chasing squirrels up trees Levi shook his head suddenly aware that they were already eating.

Shaking his head he called Gordon who was floating around the pizza place staring at all the food.

‘They’re eating………. get on with it before they finish………’ he growled, hoping Sue didn’t hear him……. wishing it was all over…….

‘Keep your knickers on you great ball of fleas’ Gordon snapped as he uncorked the bottle of love potion.

‘I don’t wear knickers and I don’t have fleas………. Hurry up…….’

As Levi put his head down he thought about the time his flea medication had sent him crazy and about how lonely and scared he’d been and how much he’d missed Sue and Jack at that time.

‘Here you go buddy……..’

Levi lifted his head to see Jack passing him a small piece of pizza which he gratefully accepted.

‘You spoil that dog Hudson………’ He heard Sue speaking but knew she wasn’t angry, her voice was soft and gentle with a hint of a laugh and he guessed Jack was probably trying his best to look vaguely apologetic and repentant.

‘He works hard, every member of the team deserves a little treat now and again and he is no different…….’

As Jack passed Levi another bit of pizza Gordon returned wearing a big beaming grin, ‘mission accomplished my furry friend…….. mission accomplished………..’

Levi lay back on the floor waiting patiently for passionate declarations of love……. or at the very least gentle whispers of love.

Instead he heard splutters and choking.

‘Sue……… does your pizza suddenly taste off?’ Jack asked as he spat out a mouthful of pizza and swigged back half a glass of water to wash away the taste.

Sue nodded furiously trying to spit out the pizza she had in her mouth without appearing unladylike. Wiping her mouth with the serviette she took a gulp of water.

‘Yours too?’

Jack nodded, ‘it was great at first but now……… tastes like old socks……. Not that I’ve ever tasted old socks of course…….’

‘Glad to hear it Hudson……… I already worry about your taste in food….. first raw fish and then old socks……….’

Jack cast her a withering grin as he called the waitress over.

‘I’m afraid this pizza just doesn’t taste right……. Or my friends’…….the first couple of slices were beautiful but the last one we tried……… yeuk……’

The waitress picked them up and sniffed them, ‘I’m sorry sir………. they both smell a little off……… can I get you replacements……. on the house sir and vouchers to come again………’

‘Thank you…… that Ok with you Sue?’ Jack signed as he spoke, aware that the reason for them coming out tonight was to practice his signing.

Sue nodded quietly, any excuse to go out again with Jack.

Under the table Levi glared at Gordon and snarled, ‘what did you do you annoying little fairy?’

‘I am a Genie……… not a fairy…… totally different species…….. I placed some drops on their pizza as directed on the bottle…….’

Levi snatched the bottle with his teeth before placing it on the floor and staring at it, ‘Gordon you numbskull, you idiot, you buffoon………… you galah…….. you….. you…. brainless little sprite……… you used half the bottle and it says 2 drops per person………… and look at this,……… use before 1115……….’

Gordon looked at the clock on the wall, ‘it is before 11.15…… it’s only 8.15……’

‘Not 11.15 time, 1115 in years you dipstick…… you wally….. It’s 800 years out of date……….. they’re supposed to be falling in love with each other tonight not having their stomachs pumped because you’ve poisoned them………… you are about as much use as a chocolate teapot………’

‘Teapots are very useful items, Levi…..’ Gordon crossed his arms and huffed loudly.

‘Yes but if you pour water into a chocolate teapot it melts so it is no use…….. is it…………?’

Levi stood up and whacked Gordon with his tail, causing Gordon to fly though the air and out of the door as new customers poured in.

Glaring at Gordon as he flew around outside banging pathetically on the window Levi curled up and went to sleep to await the next tasty titbit to be presented by Jack.

Exiting the restaurant followed by Levi who was totally stuffed with bits of tasty pizza, Jack suggested walking Levi before having coffee at his place.

‘Looks good…… then we can pick a movie to watch……..’

Sue grinned as she watched Jack think about her last comment, ‘hang on a minute Thomas…… I thought I was picking the movie……’

‘Changed my mind…… a womans’ prerogative, Hudson…….’

Jack shook his head in bewilderment and looked at Levi; he knew that as long as he lived he would never, ever understand the way her mind worked.

Taking her home in the early hours of the morning after they’d watched a couple of DVDs Jack had bought he watched her enter the apartment block, thankful for her friendship but aching for more.

Thank you for the extra post, Cath. Poor Levi, things are not working out at all the way he planned, but I have a feeling maybe Sue and Jack might not need his help after all.

Kim

Outdated! No wonder the pizza tasted off. Now what is our bumbling genie going to do? I agree that Jack and Sue seem to be doing pretty well already.

It's a guiet Sunday afternoon here, so the extra post was fun. Thanks.

I don't think this potion thing is as smooth as it should be.
thanks,
Terie

if you ake for more....do something about it then it's not that difficult you know

Glad you were feeling generous, Cath! Thanks so much for the extra post.
It was great!

Tracy

I was reading the post - it was going really nicely - I was begining to climb onto I thought this is going to be a short story as Jack was going to declare his love to Sue - then the final bit of the post happened and I realised that I should have known better than to think that getting Jack to declare his love and intentions was ever going to be easy or quick - what was I thinking

Fabby post Cath, outdated.......

Just great!!! They could carve a and then have a pumpkin-inside-bits-fight!!!!

Jen

Chapter 7

The following evening when Sue was asleep Levi and Gordon regrouped.

‘So what plans to you have then Gordon? I’m all ears……..’

‘I’m thinking love powder…….. I paid a visit to the Genie shop and I have this……..’ he waved a small package about the size of a teabag under Levis’ nose causing the dog to sneeze furiously.

‘And what exactly does it do?’ Levi queried when he’d finally stopped sneezing and rubbed the tears from his muzzle.

‘Same principal as the love potion……. Some of this in an enclosed space and they will be head over heels in love………..’

Levi huffed loudly, ‘they already are head over heels in love, Gordon………. they merely need a push to actually admit to themselves and each other………. and after the fiasco at the pizza place I’m not sure you’re the man for the job………’

‘A little trust goes a long way mate…..we wait till they’ve watched the movie and are sitting in the car…….. then I float gracefully around sprinkling love powder and Bob’s your uncle……….’

Levi stared in amazement, ‘I don’t have an Uncle Bob…….. or at least I don’t think I do………. I could of course because I don’t remember my parents……… unless you mean Bobby Manning……… is he my uncle?’

Gordon shook his head in amazement, this was turning in to the weirdest assignment he’d ever had.

Picking up the tickets for the movie Jack checked with Sue where she wanted to sit.

‘Back row……. then no kids can kick the back of my seat…….. drives me nuts when they do that………’ she suggested quietly.

Jack nodded quietly swallowing hard as he did so, ‘pop corn, hot dogs?’ he suggested when he could finally remember how to speak.

‘That would be great, I’ll buy……….’

Gathering food and drinks they headed in to the movie theatre to watch Sleepless in Seattle

Sitting at the end of a row so Levi could sit comfortably on the stairs they settled to watch the movie, sharing popcorn and drinks.

‘YOU LIKE FILM?’ Jack signed knowing Sue would have no chance of reading his lips.

‘YES CHICK FLICK I LIKE’

Hoping Sue wouldn’t notice Jack slipped his arm behind Sue, resting it on the back of her seat, breathing a sigh of relief as she lent back against it and moved closer.

Exiting the theatre Jack placed his hand on her back as they walked to the car.

‘WE WALK LEVI? I BUY COFFEE US?’

‘Looks good Jack, and thanks for tonight…….. I had fun…….’

As he watched her smile his heart almost forgot to beat and he had to swallow hard to focus his mind on opening the car door.

‘Yeah…. me too…….. certainly beats answering the door a hundred times……….’, his lopsided grin had Sue almost swooning at his feet.

‘So…… I thought we’d head to the park by mine then grab coffee at Starbucks and I’ll take you home after……. Should miss all the trick-or-treaters by then…….. is that OK with you?’ he asked when they were in the car.

‘Sure, looks good………. You don’t have to walk with us…… if you want to take me back I can walk Levi by my place…. then you can get home…..’

‘Trying to get rid of me Thomas? I am deeply wounded………. anyway, there is no way I’m leaving you and my favourite Wonderdog to walk alone at night……… especially not tonight…….. ‘

She could tell he was firm on the matter by the set of his jaw and bowed to his wishes, grateful that he wasn’t going to leave her to walk Levi alone. She enjoyed his company and the view wasn’t bad either, either from the front or behind…….

‘Ok………. let’s go…….’ He grinned at her and steered the car out into the flow of traffic.

As Gordon flew to the windscreen to sprinkle the powder Jack swore lightly under his breath as a group of drunken lads staggered out in front of him, dodging cars as they swayed across the road.

Slammed up against the windscreen as the car ground to a halt, Gordon tipped the contents of the package over Jack and Sue who began to sneeze violently.

Pulling up at the side of the road, Jack opened the door to allow some air in as Levi began to sneeze uncontrollably.

‘OK YOU?’ he signed to Sue before she opened her door and stepped out on to the sidewalk.

Watching as she nodded Jack stepped around to release Levi from the car as the dog continued to sneeze.

‘What the heck happened there Jack?’ Sue gasped as she finally managed to stop sneezing.

‘I have no idea…… I guess that the idiots who stepped out in front of me must have thrown something at the car which got sucked in through the air conditioning……… are you OK?’

Jack lifted her head, gazing at her red and tear stained face, wiping away the remnants of tears with his thumbs.

‘I’m fine……… you ok?’

Jack nodded as he knelt down to check Levi over, ‘you Ok Buddy?’ he ruffled the dogs’ ears as he spoke, relieved that he’d finally stopped sneezing too.

‘Change of plan……. We’ll head to mine, you can make the coffee and freshen up while I walk Levi and I’ll call you a cab home……. I can take the car to Charlie tomorrow and ask him to check it out for me……… and no arguments Thomas……. here…..’ He slipped his jacket off and told Sue to put it on. ‘You’ll be cold with the windows open……..’

The look he gave her reduced her to silence until she noticed him shivering.

‘Jack……. you’re cold, have the coat back….. please.

He shook his head, signing ‘I OK’ before turning his head to concentrate on the road ahead.

Pulling up outside his apartment he walked Sue up before taking his jacket and heading out to walk Levi.

As Jack ambled round the park Levi had a very heated discussion with the ‘idiotic Irish elf’.

‘You were supposed to be spreading a little love powder, not causing them to almost crash the car, sneeze themselves to death or cause Jack to have a heart attack……… he has a heart condition and you almost killed him…….. did they lock you in a lamp for a reason……?’ he snarled.

‘Firstly I am an American Genie, not an Irish elf……….. Ireland has leprechauns……… and how was I supposed to know that just as I positioned myself to spread love and joy Jack was going to slam the breaks on…….. my little Genie behind is sore and bruised…… I won’t be able to sit down for a week……..’ Gordon rubbed his butt and whimpered with pain but Levi chose to ignore him, still suffering the effects of excessive sneezing.

‘I don’t care what you are or where you come from…… I have no idea when we can fix Jack and Sue up together again and to be honest I am beginning to wonder how you will achieve wishes 2 and 3 when you can’t even achieve wish one which is the simplest……’ Levi snapped at him before beginning to sneeze loudly.

Before Gordon could reply Jack bent to look at Levi, ‘you Ok there buddy?’

Levi whimpered and tried to look pathetic, he’d been looking forward to coffee at Starbucks, they served tasty pastries and Jack always slipped him a few crumbs when he thought Sue wasn’t watching.

‘Tell you what buddy, how about we call in and see if my favourite waitress is working…… she might have something to take out.’

Levi practically galloped down the road to Starbucks where Jack was able to buy some pastries before heading back to the apartment.

Sitting on the couch together, Jack slipped Levi some chunks of one of the pastries, earning himself a slap from Sue who told him off and informed him that he would have to walk Levi when he got too fat.

‘I have just walked your dog Thomas……..’

‘Yeah, walked off the bits of popcorn and hot dog you slipped him during the movie………’

Jack looked sheepishly at Levi, ‘sorry buddy…… looks like she sprung us both….’

Levi looked at him and whimpered before placing his paws over his eyes causing both of them to laugh at him.

‘Sue………. I was wondering……. If my car is back tomorrow……. Do you fancy coming to the ice rink …. I haven’t been for a while and I’d like some company…..’

‘Yeah…….. that would be good……. I can drive if your car isn’t ready…. I can pick you up from Charlies’ tomorrow if it would help….. save you getting a cab…..’

‘Yeah, that would be good, thanks…… I’ll call you a cab when you’re ready to go…….. ‘

As they finished their coffee and pastries Levi and Gordon planned for another assault at the ice rink.

‘Just remember Gordon……. You’ve struck out twice……… three strikes and you’re out……….’ Levi warned him with a soft growl.

I can sure see why Levi has lost confidence in Gordon's abilities as a genie. Looks like this genie has one last chance to redeem himself.

Ditto!

Cath, that was a wonderful post! This story is so much fun!

Tracy

Oh dear the first wish is taking the genie much longer than he thought it would but it's fun to read his antics.

gordon is the worse genie i have ever read about.....but it sure makes a funny story out of it

Cath, you have me rolling on the floor with Gordon's antics!! I love it when Levi asked him if he had been locked up in the bottle for a reason!!!

Joy

I am laughing so hard!

thanks,
Terie

Chapter 8

Before closing the door of the cab Jack quietly asked Sue to ring him when she arrived home.

‘Jack……. this is DC not Baghdad………’

‘Sue, I want you to ring when you’re home……… please or I’ll be awake all night worrying…….. and my poor heart needs lots of sleep and rest…….’

Jack did his best to look sad and pathetic which caused her to laugh, ‘Ok…. If it will make you feel better I’ll call you….. but I will be Ok……’

‘Sue, please…….. I hate not taking you home…….. and I always wait until I know you’re safely in your apartment before I drive away………….’

Jack ground to a halt and stared at the floor, ‘Busted’ he mumbled.

‘You do?’ she whispered.

He nodded sheepishly, ‘put it down to overprotective genes……… inherited from my dad……..’

‘I had no idea…….. that’s really sweet Jack………’ she smiled warmly at him as his heart began to pound wildly.

‘That’s me…….. a really sweet guy’, he shrugged, feeling his face beginning to get hot.

‘YOU COMING LADY OR YOU GONNA SPEND ALL NIGHT SAYING GOODNIGHT TO YOUR BOYFRIEND??????’

Jack jumped a mile as the cab drivers’ voice boomed out but Sue was oblivious to the comment, her attention focussed totally on Jacks’ lips and eyes.

‘Guy’s getting impatient…… I’ll see you tomorrow……’

‘Bye Jack…… and thanks again for tonight………’

Jack waited until the cab was out of sight before turning to his apartment block.

Changing for bed he waited for Sue to ring.

‘Hi Jack……… I’m home………. If you ring tomorrow I’ll pick you up from Charlies’…………’

‘Great, thanks……… glad you’re safe……..’ he murmured.

‘You worry too much Jack…….’

‘That’s what…….. people in lo….. good bosses do…….. worry……..’ he hoped the operator didn’t relay the incomplete word.

As Sue slept Gordon explained his plan for the ice skating as Levi listened sceptically.

“
“

‘So……… what did Charlie say?’ Sue asked as Jack returned from collecting his car.

‘He couldn’t find anything in the air conditioning system but he did find some powder over the front seats and the floor and a little over the back………. He reckons it might have been pepper but he’s cleaned it all up for me so we’ll be good to go tonight…….. we are still going aren’t we…?’

‘Sure……. It’ll be fun…… ‘

‘Great……… I’ll pick you up at 7 then we can have take-out at mine later……… OK with you?’

‘Looks good Jack……..’

As he turned away Jack hoped that nothing would go wrong, he was beginning to think he and Sue were jinxed, first the pizza then the pepper…….’

Ice skating sounds fun. Hope they have a wonderful date and Gordon's third time is successful.

An overprotective Jack is an adorable Jack!!!

Joy

Just had a thought if Charlie cleared up the powder, will it effect him? Will that mean Charlie falls in love ?

oh good one, but who would he fall in love with then, because he still is verymuch in love with martha

This made me laugh....if Levi was human I can just imagine what is confused face would look like.

~laura michelle~

Pepper my left foot!!! levi and Gordon are hilarious!!!! Cath, you write humour so well!!!!!

Great posts, I LOVE this story!!!

Jen

This has been a laugh a minute.
thanks,
Terie

Chapter 9

‘And you are sure this will work are you Gordon?’ Levi whispered as they watched Jack and Sue lace up their skates before heading on to the ice.

‘Piece of cake my man……..’

Levi huffed loudly, ‘yeah….. that’s what you said about the love potion and the powder…….. one almost poisoned them and the other almost sneezed them to death………. If this doesn’t work you will be back in that bottle before you can say ‘Rip Van Winkle…………’’

‘Who……….?’

‘Never mind………’ Levi lay down at the side of the rink to watch his two favourite people having some fun together.

Half an hour later Gordon stepped up to the plate, ‘watch and learn Levi, watch and learn………….’

Levi watched……….. and learnt how to foul up yet another excellent opportunity.

He watched as Gordon slid under Sues’ skates and applied a little something to make them glide faster over the ice……….. he watched as Gordon gently pushed an overweight man causing him to slide uncontrollably into Sue………. And he watched as Sue slid quickly, not in to Jacks’ waiting arms but crashing into the hoardings surrounding the ice, smacking her head as she did so…………swiftly followed by the overweight man.

Watching in horror Jack was initially frozen to the spot before shouting her name and dragging the man away.

Kneeling beside her he checked her pulse and breathing and signed in to her hand.

Receiving no response he demanded someone call 911 as Levi turned to see Gordon slinking off.

‘Don’t bother coming back……… you imbecile…….. you buffoon………. you dipstick………’ he barked.

Cradling Sue in his arms Jack fought back the tears as he signed on her hand that help was on its way.

Levi sat at the side doggy tears rolling down his muzzle as staff evacuated the ice.

Sitting in the ambulance with Sue and Levi Jack wondered if God was telling him that he and Sue should not be dating.

Levi whimpered and rested his head on Jacks’ thigh as Jack continued to sign into Sues’ hand.

Receiving the good news that she was merely concussed with no brain or spinal damage Jack quickly walked Levi and rang Luce before returning to Sues’ bedside where they remained for the night.

I think Gordon should hand in his genie magic and his lamp and go find some house to haunt, unless he gets his act together!!!!!

Great post Cath, poor Sue!!! Maybe an would help!!!!

Jen

Oh dear Gordon, maybe Levi should have asked for references from your previous wishes.

It was very sweet with Jack, even though not so a happy event I am sure he will eventually find the words he needs to tell her how he feels, with or without help from poor Gordon. )

Gordon, you almost did Sue in.

Can't Gordon just blink his eyes, twitch his nose or something rather than moving?? When he actually moves, he's a menace to Jack, Sue and Levi!!!

Joy

wow i think gordon doesn't have his genie lisence...did gordon actually went to genie school, because he really has no idea does he....i bet he failed every class

and jack you are worthy of dating sue but you just got to ask her

~so not ture....you're ment to be...



~I could use some other choice words...


Great post....

~laura michelle~

Oh this is not good!!!! That genie is defective!!! Levi needs to trade him in! And Jack what are you thinking!???! Ack.
kav

Oh my! Jack should not be thinking it is a sign not to date Sue. He should take it as a sign that Sue needs him around to take care of her. Think Jack! Think!
thanks so much for this very humorous story,
Terie

Chapter 10

Feeling her hand moving in his Jack stirred a little, ‘HI…… OK YOU?’

‘I’ve felt better………. What happened…….?’

Jack quietly explained about the man who crashed in to her and she smiled.

‘Guess that’s why I feel I’ve been hit by a Mac truck’ she smiled.

‘I’ll go get the nurses and walk Levi….. and I’ll ring Luce, let her know you’re awake……..’ Jack reluctantly released his tender grip on her hand.

Returning later Sue informed him that she could return home if she had something to eat and drink and didn’t vomit it back.

‘Great…….. I’ll fetch my car from the rink, ring D and tell him I won’t be in then I’m staying at yours for the day……… well until Luce gets back……….’

As Jack turned to the door to make arrangements he was stopped in his tracks by Sues’ next words………………..

COOM BACK HERE AND FINISH THIS......you can't leave me hanging like this.....my heart can't take it....

~laura michelle~

And just what did she say that stopped him in his tracks?

Come on, Cath, don't start teasing us!! What did Sue say???

Joy

I couldn't agree more!

Kim

Okay, so I catch back up on this wonderful story just in time for a cliffie!
Three great posts, although it seems the last one is missing a little something...like
what did Sue say?

Tracy

So what would they be then?

Oh no the dreaded cliffie!
thanks,
Terie

What?! What did Sue say?! Cath - come back!

Em