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. 

I swear a lot? Not much,”

He laughs at

here 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 somehow listens to what I

me if you’re not ready. I completely

shrug. “Soon, hopefully.

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 a decent apartment with a decent price and that he needs a roommate.

without even telling dad who was so pissed at me

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

I bite my lip. Howard is going to lose his job.

to and do a background check. He’s a good person, trust me.” I roll my eyes because he’s overreacting again. He thinks all the people around me

calm down? You’re living with a stranger who

him and just give him a chance.” 

like to meet him, and if I don’t like him, he’ll be out of your apartment and end of discussions.” 

I’ll let him know. Thanks,

young woman, and don’t tell him that I’m coming over.”

I stop. My brows furrow.

find out.”

someone pats my shoulder. And speaking of

already. You didn’t even notice me coming

I was just thinking about

sure you’ll ace

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

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

our granite countertop. I open our dark brown cabinet that matches

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

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

answer me. Why aren’t you going to have dinner with me? Going out with friends?” I sit beside him and open the box of Greek Pizza.

ivadet.”

I stop. My brows crease.

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

his mouth, my eyes grow big in

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

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

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 I can see

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

“Jeez, Abby. Not everyone went out on a date just to have sex. Of course, when you’re serious about dating her, you can wait until

my second slice of pizza, and it’s nice to eat directly from the box. No

people like to make their life so

every seven seconds?” I

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, and that was over

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

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 me. 

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

lame joke. We