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,” I answer.

at me.

“Just came 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

You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready. I completely understand. It took a while for

“Soon, hopefully. Thanks.”

crashes the couch of one of his friends, and he’s still looking for a decent apartment

I offered without even telling dad who was so pissed at

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

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

calm 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 again. He thinks all the people around me are dangerous.

down? You’re living with a stranger who could be

try to meet him and just give him a chance.” 

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

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

young woman, and don’t tell him that

I stop. My brows furrow.

for you to find out.”  He snaps.

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

few minutes already. You didn’t even notice

I was just thinking about my exams

have to worry about it. I’m sure you’ll ace your exams.” He gives me an

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

got you your favorite pizza. I’ll cook next time, but not tonight.” Yeah, my best friend can cook. He could make something

the stool, leaning his elbows on our granite countertop. I open our dark brown cabinet that matches the color of our

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

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

with me? Going out with

ivadet.”

My brows crease. “What?”

He didn’t

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

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

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

You’re so 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 I can see the glimmer in his eyes.

the third date when you’re both attracted, duh!”

a date just to have sex. Of course, when you’re serious about dating her, you can wait until you both are ready,

and it’s nice to eat directly from the box. No

to make their

like every seven seconds?” I inquire

with this one and not just a fling or maybe a one-night stand or a one week in

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

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

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

I see you,” I mimic Neytiri, but fails miserably.

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