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. 

lot? Not much,” I answer.

laughs at me.

a month ago, and I’m still in college,” 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

I completely understand.

I shrug. “Soon, hopefully. Thanks.”

he crashes the couch of one of his friends,

even telling dad who was

we 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 to Howard later. How he didn’t

Howard is going to lose

down. And it’s Abby’s dad. You can meet him if you want to and do a background check. He’s a good person, trust me.” I roll my eyes because he’s overreacting

me to calm down? You’re living with

“Dad, please, try to meet him and just give him a chance.” 

would like to meet him, and if I don’t like him, he’ll be out of

him know. Thanks, Dad. I love you!” I grin and jump.

thank me yet, young woman,

stop. My brows furrow. “And

“That’s for you to find out.”  He

in my seat when someone pats my shoulder. And speaking of the

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

thinking about

sure you’ll ace

you cook for us tonight?” I follow him, passing by our small living room to

friend can cook. He could make something from scratch, and good

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

How about you? What you’re

directly from the box. Why bother the

dinner with me? Going out with friends?” I sit

“Actually, ivadet.”

I stop. My brows crease. “What?”

tonight.” He didn’t look

words came from his mouth, my eyes grow big in surprise.

dating. That’s good news. I’m

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

our first date. Jeez, you’re far too

not? Why torture yourself until the third date when you’re both attracted,

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

my second slice of pizza, and it’s nice to eat directly

Rich people like to make their

it most men think sex like every seven seconds?” I inquire and laugh at

this one and not just a fling or maybe

chance to meet anyone he dated, and that was over a year ago, then he

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

works at a security agency for three years now, but I didn’t meet his co-workers yet. He said they

tail, and says I see you,” I mimic Neytiri, but fails miserably. I love that movie.

he even laughs at my lame joke. We always choose the same movie to watch, even a crappy rom-com—no arguments.