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. 

a lot? Not much,” I answer.

at me.

not comfortable sharing that horrific night even to my Doctor. It takes a

I completely understand. It took

shrug. “Soon, hopefully. Thanks.”

always dropped by after my session. Andrew mentions that he crashes the couch of one of his friends, and he’s still looking for a decent apartment

dad who was so pissed

with you, and a man for God’s sake. I’ll talk to

lip. Howard is going

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 again. He thinks

you want me to calm down? You’re living with a stranger who could be a psychopath. You’re not

please, try to meet him and

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

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

me yet, young woman, and don’t tell

I stop. My brows furrow. “And why not?”

find out.”  He

I jolt in my seat when someone pats my

notice me coming in. What’s with zoning out?” His brows creased,

about my exams

don’t have to worry about it. I’m sure you’ll ace your exams.” He gives

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

friend can cook. He could make something from

He’s already sitting on the stool, leaning his elbows on our granite countertop. I open our dark brown cabinet that matches the color of our cupboards.

me pizza. How about you? What you’re gonna eat?” I take plates and cutlery for us.

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

“You still didn’t answer me. Why aren’t you going to have dinner with me? Going out with friends?” I sit

“Actually, ivadet.”

My brows

have a date tonight.” He didn’t

came from his mouth, my

wow! My God, my best friend is dating. I mean, you start dating. That’s good news.

tonight with a woman. Do I know her? 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 to pretend I’m sleeping and wear a headset?” I grin like an idiot.

funny. Did you check that I have a condom on my nightstand? I’m not getting laid tonight, Abby, and it’s our first date. Jeez, you’re far too excited than me.” He crunches his nose, and

not? Why torture yourself until the third date when you’re both attracted, duh!” I roll

course, when you’re serious about dating

second slice of pizza, and it’s nice

people like to make their life so difficult. 

“Isn’t it most men think sex like every seven seconds?” I inquire and laugh

really serious with this one and not just a fling or maybe a one-night stand

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

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 apartment. She’s beautiful. I even follow her to the grocery store like a crazy stalker.”

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

tall, blue skin, yellow eyes, with tail, and says I see you,” I mimic Neytiri,

laughs at my lame joke. We always choose the