Three Wishes by Deborah Kreiser

have been chock-full, because one or another of Pete’s friends is always having a party or some other get-together. Unfortunately, cute and popular little Kaydee runs in the same crowd, and she seems to make a point of picking on me anytime Pete’s not around, still calling me Beanie whenever she gets a chance.
    Between homework, daily runs, twice-a-week weightlifting sessions, and four two-hour swim practices each week, my free time has become Pete time. I don’t have practice Wednesdays, when my grandparents both happen to work late. Pete and I have had some pretty hot make-out sessions, and I know he’d like to take it further. There’s no way I’m ready, and he’s not pressuring — for now.
    Leia’s been keeping her distance since Pete and I hooked up. A couple of times I’ve had to cancel plans with her when something came up with Pete, and she hasn’t been very understanding about it. Even when I invite her along to one of these parties where she can meet the popular crowd, she does so only reluctantly. I’ve always envied Leia in that regard. She’s always been friendly to everyone, regardless of social status. Everyone knows Leia, and everyone has an opinion of her, good or bad, but she doesn’t care.
    It’s true she and I haven’t had much alone time — and I still haven’t screwed up the courage to tell her about being a genie — but I would have thought she’d be happy for me. I want to help her find the same happiness, and I have a plan. Then maybe she’ll lighten up on me.
    The Friday before Christmas, the last day of school before break, I find Joel at his locker between classes. “What’s up?” I greet him, leaning up against the locker next to his.
    He inhales, releasing his breath as he gets his books out. “Not much.”
    I can’t keep my smile from spreading when he glances my way. “Got any plans for tonight?”
    His eyes light up. “Got something in mind?”
    â€œI was thinking it could be fun if you and I—”
    â€œYeah, sounds good,” he interrupts.
    â€œYou didn’t let me finish!” I tease. “If you and I and Pete and Leia all hung out tonight.”
    His face smoothes out. “Um, yeah. That could work. Where should we go?”
    â€œThere’s a movie Pete’s dying to see — Gunrunners III . Sound okay? Maybe we’ll go out for a bite beforehand.”
    â€œSure. Count me in. Should I meet you there?”
    â€œLet me talk to Pete and Leia and figure it out. I’ll text you the deets later.”
    â€œSee you then.” He nods and walks away as Pete comes up to me.
    â€œWhy were you talking to him?” he asks, glaring at Joel’s back as we head to the parking lot.
    â€œYou and I are going on a double-date tonight,” I tell him, ignoring his expression, which soon changes to amusement.
    He snorts. “Who’s going to date that guy?”
    I punch him in the shoulder. “C’mon. Joel’s my friend, and he’s perfect… for Leia.”
    Pete gives me a look and twirls a finger around his ear like I’m crazy. “Leia is a nut-job, too.”
    Now I’m getting annoyed. “Shut up! She is not.”
    He sees my expression and tries to erase his smirk. “No, she’s not. You’re totally right. I’m sure it’s going to be a great night.”
    I settle into the passenger seat, and Pete tosses our bags into the back. I text Leia and get her to confirm she’s willing to come along, though I don’t reveal my plan. Checking my phone for movie times, I go ahead and buy four tickets to the nine thirty-five show while Pete drives me home.
    â€œWhere do you think we should get dinner?” I ponder.
    â€œWhy not pizza?” he grumbles.
    Um, no. “Can’t we upgrade a little?”
    He rolls his eyes. “Okay, Chinese? It’s not like we have