Granting one last wish

ABBY

Three years later…

I have to flex my neck a couple of times after hours of review for my finals tomorrow, and I feel drained. I study hard to get good grades and to make my parents proud.

I don’t have to go to college to get a job to pay my bills. I don’t have to work at all. My parents are loaded, and I can have everything I ask for. I can buy whatever I want, travel around the world, dine in the most expensive restaurant, spend summer in a yacht, drink the most expensive wine, and have the most luxurious penthouse in Manhattan or have the fastest car in the world, and date the world sexiest man.

My parents own the biggest hotel chains in the world, King Hotel chains, and Restaurants, and I’m the only heiress. My dad is Michael Aaron King, the best dad every girl can dream of, and Catherine Elizabeth King is the most beautiful woman and the world’s number one mom.

I don’t need an annoying private tutor because I excel academically. Yeah, I’m on my third year in college at Boston State University, two hundred and sixty-six miles away from home, away from my parents, and away from friends.

My life sucks! Just kidding.

I am with my roommate/best friend in an apartment that’s not world-class, but not that bad either. I don’t have a friend. I know it sounds pathetic, but whatever.

I met Andrew three years ago during my therapy. He’s also seeing a doctor who was just another floor down my shrink’s office. We met at the reception, and we clicked right away. I guess we have something in common.

“Hi, um, you’re seeing a doctor here?” he asks me shyly.

“Yeah. For a couple of weeks, you?” I answer and ask back with a little smile. Not all people are good at sharing that they are seeing a therapist, but why should I be ashamed of I if I need one.

“Dr. Peters.” He smiles.

“You?”

“Dr. Wallerman,” I tell in a low voice.

“Hmm. Rich people.” He scrutinizes me from head to toe. Dr. Wallerman is famous for her practice, and I don’t look like I can afford to pay a doctor like her.

“Excuse me?” I ask him when he raises an eyebrow.

“She’s like a celebrity doctor. I’m Andrew, by the way.” He offers his hand for a handshake. I hesitate, but he keeps his hand and waits for me to shake it.

“I’m Ma— I’m Abbygail. Please, call me Abby.” I shake his hand, and then we walk me out of the building.

“Sure, Abby. It suits you. Beautiful name.” He winks at me, which makes me blush. I don’t talk to strangers, and I don’t mingle too when someone gets close to me. The bodyguard Dad’s assigned will automatically shoo them away.

“Thanks.”

“I’ll walk you to your car,” Andrew offers.

I pause and face him. “Actually, I’m walking to a coffee shop.” 

His eyes widen as if he has an idea. “Would you mind if I tag along?

“I don’t mind at all.” 

“Good. Just only been here for a couple of weeks. I’m an ex-military, and you know this PTSD kind of shit. Oh sorry, I swear a lot. Used to in the military. How about you?” he says easily without a single flinch. 

“If I swear a lot? Not much,” I

laughs at me.

I cut it short. I’m still not comfortable sharing that horrific night even to my Doctor. It takes a while, but I feel better that there’s someone who somehow listens

have to tell me if you’re not ready. I completely understand.

I shrug. “Soon, hopefully.

We talk as we walk to the nearest coffee shop where I always dropped by after my session. Andrew mentions that he crashes the couch of one of his friends, and he’s still looking for

I offered without even telling dad who was so pissed at me after that.

already talked about not talking to strangers, and you’re not just breaking my rules, you let a stranger live with you, and a man for God’s sake. I’ll talk

Howard is going to

if you want to and do a background check. He’s a good person, trust me.” I roll

me to calm down? You’re living with a stranger who could be a psychopath. You’re not an adult yet Mackenzie. Does he

him and just give

I don’t like him, he’ll be out of your apartment and end

smile widens. “Great. I’ll let him know. Thanks, Dad. I love you!” I grin and jump.

don’t thank me yet, young woman, and

furrow. “And why not?”

“That’s for you to find out.” 

when someone pats

been glancing at the clock for a few minutes already. You didn’t even notice me coming in. What’s with zoning out?” His brows

thinking about my

You don’t have to worry about it. I’m sure you’ll ace

I rise from my chair. “What do we have for dinner? Or would you cook for us tonight?” I follow him, passing by our small living room to the kitchen.

make something from scratch, and good thing, I have fast metabolisms otherwise, he’s turning me into a hippo because

countertop. I open our dark brown cabinet that matches the color of

“What do you mean you got me pizza. How about you? What you’re gonna eat?”

directly from the box. Why bother the plates, Abby? You’re so rich that

aren’t you going to have dinner with

“Actually, ivadet.” 

My brows crease. “What?”

a date tonight.” He didn’t look at me

As soon as the words came from his mouth, my eyes grow

I mean, you start dating. That’s good news. I’m happy for you.” I put down my pizza,

What is she like? I mean I’m sure she’s pretty. How did you two meet? When did you replace your condom in your drawer? I’m sure they’re expired two years ago. Do I need to leave before you come home? Or do I just need

tonight, Abby, and it’s our first date. Jeez,

yourself until the third date when you’re both attracted, duh!” I roll

date just to have sex. Of course, when you’re serious about dating her, you can wait until you both are ready, so start on getting to know each other

pizza, and it’s nice to eat directly from the box.

their life so difficult. 

sex like every seven seconds?” I inquire and laugh at

add, “So, you’re really serious with this one and not just a

I didn’t even get a chance to meet anyone he dated, and that was over a year ago, then he stopped dating all of a sudden. The reason? I don’t know.

Abby, and I like her. I met her last week. She’s our new client. I happened to be the one who installed the security system in her

years now, but I didn’t meet his co-workers yet. He said they would just

yellow eyes, with tail, and says I see you,” I mimic Neytiri, but fails miserably. I

laughs again and sips his soda. See, he even laughs at my lame joke. We always choose the same