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?

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

You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready. I completely

shrug. “Soon,

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

was so

thought 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 report this to me?” He sounds

Howard is

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.

and your mom, and you want me to calm down? You’re living with a stranger who could be a psychopath.

and just give

“Fine I would like to meet him, and if I don’t like

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

yet, young woman, and don’t

My brows furrow. “And why

for you to find

seat when someone pats my shoulder. And

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

about my exams tomorrow.” I lie.

sure you’ll ace your exams.” He gives

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

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

on the stool, leaning his elbows on our granite countertop. I open our dark brown

How about you? What you’re gonna eat?” I take plates and

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

a soda and water for me from the fridge. “You still didn’t answer me. Why aren’t you going to have dinner with me? Going

“Actually, ivadet.”

stop. My brows crease. “What?”

I have a date tonight.” He didn’t look at me in the eyes.

words came from his mouth, my eyes

wow! My God, my best friend is dating. I mean, you start dating. That’s good news. I’m happy for you.” I put down my pizza, pull him into a

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

it’s our first date. Jeez, you’re far too excited than me.” He crunches his nose, and

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

when you’re serious about dating her, you can wait until you both are ready, so

of pizza, and it’s

like to make their life

seven seconds?” I inquire and laugh at my question.

add, “So, you’re really serious with this one and not just a fling or maybe a one-night stand or a one week in heaven?”

dated girls but not too serious. I didn’t even get a chance to meet anyone he dated, and that was over a year ago, then he stopped dating

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

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

with tail, and says I see you,” I mimic

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