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.”

not that bad after all. Thank God.

the trust you gave 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,

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

a pendant—a tulip, our favorite flowers. My daughter likes red, and I like purple. So don’t

I fold the envelope and tuck it

doesn’t like purple, huh? I keep that in mind.”

I can’t repay you anymore, but I know my daughter will.

breaths hard, and I panic and shout for Mike, who rushes in immediately.

All I can hear is her last words in my ears and my head. “Tell

promise Catie.

***

I look down at the delicious food on my plate, and suddenly, I lost my appetite. I push it away, still recalling the event earlier.

A long hot shower might help to calm my nerves. I stand under the showerhead until I can’t

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

is mourning for the loss of his wife, and there’s a daughter who just lost a

I’m such an

cousin and my best friend, Patrick. After the third ring, he

left your office early today, and that’s new. ‘sup?”

but I can’t tell him family

so...” I lost words. He knows me too well, and if something’s bothering me. I’m not good at lying, and I never lied to him and neither to Trixie. Our family treated us as

I can hear the worry in his voice.

up. I know he’s going to find out. I already told my parents,

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

Is Aunt Jules okay? Or your dad? I don’t think it’s about work

cut in before he can continue, “Pat, they’re okay. Don’t worry. Why don’t you pass by, and we’ll talk about it.

I never invited anyone in my lair. I never bring anyone here or throw a party. I stay here on weekdays. It’s close to my office, and I spend my weekend at

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

but I know he’s just trying to

didn’t knock her up She isn’t definitely my 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. “I’m sure my future wife is not yet even conceive. Get in here before I change my mind and go to sleep.”

suit one button open, loosened the tie, and wearing a huge grin on his face telling

way to my minibar and pour ourselves two glasses of

I’m always responsible when drinking. I sit on his opposite side and rest my head as I rub my temples.

day, huh? And man, are you trying to kill me from anticipation? Or you’re gonna keep me from guessing? I get it. It’s bad news,” he talks while I’m looking