Granting one last wish

SEB

I feel so terrified to hear from her saying she’s dying. How did her daughter take the news? Where is she, anyway?

“We both agreed not to tell our daughter. Not until tomorrow, at least, but I know she’s going to hate me for this or her father, Seb.” She pauses.

So, am I going to break the news to her? I never met their daughter, and I’ve never even seen her before. Mike and Catie seemed to be good parents, and if their daughter got the looks from both of them, then she is beautiful.

“Seb, I want you to promise me something.” She takes a long deep breath, and my palms turn cold clammy.

I hold my breath when I feel like I’m not going to like the next words will come from her mouth. In my twenty-five years of existence, I’ve never been in this position, making promises to a dying woman, which I know I can’t say no. So I have to do whatever she asks me to.

“Whatever, Catie. I’ll do everything you want.” I start sweating even the room is cold, and I feel claustrophobic.

I open one button of my shirt and loosen my tie.

“I know you’re happy with your life. You’re supposed to be the last person I asked a favor for, but I don’t trust anyone besides my husband. I’ve known you long enough to know what’s underneath that bad boy and playboy image, and you have a good heart, Seb. You have reasons why you choose this life, and you haven’t met the right one for you.” She takes a breath.

So that’s it, and now I’m getting more nervous.

I constantly swallow why a lot of jumbled thoughts pop in my head. Is this what I think it is?

Jesus. Good grace. Hallelujah.

This can’t be happening, and did I just promise?

Can I take it back? No.

I think I’m going to faint before her.

I feel that the worst day of my life is taunting me, and everything is flashing back in my head—it starts from the tabloid that ruins my life, to the meeting that gave me a headache, and to the last words of my dad.

And I’m still in front of a dying woman.

“Before I admitted myself, I finalized my Will, and even my husband doesn’t know most of it. Just me and my lawyer, Atty. Timothy Sanders. I made a copy for myself, and I want you to have it. You don’t have to be there during the reading of the Will, but make sure you secure it safely.” She breathes deeply again. “And you’ll know when the right time to open it, Seb.”

So it’s not that bad after all. Thank God.

me, Catie. I promise you to keep it safe, and I will make sure you won’t come to haunt me.” I want to see her smile at least, so I continue, “So, you will trust me for your daughter, too? You know my reputation, Catie. I mean, I, maybe we can be good friends.

with because I will never forget this moment for the rest of my life. She motions to the drawer. I stand up and pull the drawer at her bedside. I notice a manila envelope. I pick it up with my sweating hand. It is light, but there is something inside other than documents that

it to me. It has a pendant—a tulip, our favorite flowers. My daughter likes red, and I like purple. So don’t you ever give her purple unless you want to annoy her.”

know why. I fold the envelope and tuck it inside my suit.

“So, she doesn’t like purple, huh? I keep that

I know I can’t repay you anymore, but I know my daughter will. Please take care of her.

too weak, too pale, and she breaths hard, and I panic and

her last words in my ears and my head. “Tell her I love her so much, and

I promise Catie.

***

on my plate,

After keeping what Catie gave me, I strip all my clothes and head to my bathroom. A long hot

grit my teeth when I think again. For fuck sake, Seb. You just witnessed a woman

My good friend is mourning for the loss of his wife, and there’s a

such an ass.

calling my father about the sad news, I dial my cousin and my best friend, Patrick. After the third ring, he

“You left your office early today, and that’s

myself to play cool, but I can’t tell

some errands to run, so...” I lost words. He knows me too well, and if something’s bothering me. I’m not good

what’s wrong?” I can hear the worry in his voice.

long breath, I give up. I know he’s going to find out. I already told my

call today that’s why I had to leave soon,” I explain briefly.

I don’t think it’s about work

worry. Why don’t you pass by, and we’ll talk about it. I don’t want to talk over the

throw a party. I stay here on weekdays. It’s close to my office, and I

have sex with her? She isn’t your type, you know. You prefer blonde, tall and long-legged. She just wants your pocket

know

type, and all she had is my picture and before you can come up with an idea that I have sex video with her, don’t go there.” I pause.

stand up and walk to the door, and here he is, still in suit one button open, loosened the tie, and wearing a huge grin on his

make my way to my minibar and pour ourselves two glasses of whiskey. I give him his glass then I drink mine instantly. It burnt

I collect liquor and Wine, but I’m always responsible when drinking. I sit on his opposite side and rest

It’s bad news,” he talks while I’m looking at the high