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,”

He laughs at

short. I’m still not comfortable sharing that horrific night even to my Doctor. It takes

not ready. I completely understand. It took a while for me, too.”

shrug. “Soon,

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

even telling dad who was so pissed at me after

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 so furious over the phone.

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

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

want me to calm down? You are hundreds of miles away from me and your mom, and you want me to calm down? You’re living with a stranger who could be a psychopath. You’re not an adult yet Mackenzie. Does he even know?” he continues yelling to my ear.

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

if I don’t like him,

smile widens. “Great. I’ll let him know. Thanks, Dad. I love you!”

me yet, young woman,

I stop. My brows furrow. “And why

find

I jolt in my seat when someone pats my shoulder.

clock for a few minutes already. You didn’t even notice me coming in. What’s with zoning out?” His

thinking about my

I’m sure you’ll ace your exams.” He gives me an enigmatic

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

Yeah, my best friend can cook. He could make something from scratch, and

already sitting on the stool, leaning his elbows on our granite countertop. I open

about you? What

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

and water for me from the fridge. “You still didn’t 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. I grab one slice and start digging.

“Actually, ivadet.” 

My brows crease. “What?”

said I have a date tonight.” He didn’t look

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, pull him into a hug.

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

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

the third date when

date just to have sex. Of course, when you’re serious about dating

second slice of pizza, and it’s nice

to make their life so difficult. 

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

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

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

“She’s different, Abby, and I 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.”

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

yellow eyes, with tail, and says I see you,” I mimic Neytiri, but fails miserably.

joke. We