Granting one last wish

ABBY

I can’t thank enough, and I want to yell out loud as soon as I step outside the exam hall. I can finally breathe—breathe some fresh air. This year is the most exhausting year for me, and all I need is a long vacation—spread a blanket in the sand, drink a cocktail while reading good books.

I sigh.

I pick my phone from my bag. I have five missed calls from my best friend, two from Dad, but sadly, still nothing from Mom. I feel sick in my stomach. Is she ignoring me? I ignore those messages in my inbox.

My parents are still out of the country celebrating their anniversary. Mom is always Mom who worries too much. A few days ago, her call was a little bit odd.

“Hey, Mom. How’s the honeymoon? I mean not that part, you know?” I beam even though she can’t see me.

“Oh, honey, I know, and I wish you’re here. You’ll love this place, but we can take you here anytime. How’s college?” 

I sigh. “I’m sure I’ll love it, Mom. And college is still college, and it’s almost finals. Where’s dad?”

“On the phone, honey. Got a call from Grace.” I knew Grace—she’s Dad’s PA.

“You must be too tan right now. Why don’t you send me some photos?” She can’t tag me. I don’t have a social media account. Pathetic, isn’t it?

“I will, honey. So tell me, are you dating anyone? I wanna meet that guy.” Date? Since when am I allowed to date? I furrow my brows.

“Mom, did you forget you said I’m still young to date? What happened to the focus first on your school, boys later?” 

“Honey, that was three years ago.”

“Oh, yeah? But you didn’t tell me either that I’m already allowed to date.” Pathetic of an excuse because I know why I don’t date.

“You’re not sixteen anymore. You should at least date and try making new friends.” Mom’s enthusiastic voice fills my ear, and I close my eyes because I missed her.

“Mom, I have friends. I mean, I have a best friend, you know.” I feel suddenly alone.

I still remember when she told me how she and Dad met, and how she knew Dad is her soulmate. They can’t just keep their hands off of each other even until now. When I said eww, they just laughed at me.

“See, honey. I’m not forcing you into a date. Just try to go out there. Your therapist suggested that you should make friends, right?” She always encouraged me, but she worried too much at the same time.

“Yeah, I know. Making friends and dating are two different things though, Mom.”

“Mack, I know smarty-pants, but promise me, you’ll live your life to the fullest. Be happy, have friends, date someone, travel around the world, see new places, appreciate things because life is too short to focus on just one thing, honey. Don’t let your past hold your future, promise me, Mackenzie?” Now, I want to cry. My lips start to quiver.

“Mom, why are we talking about this right now? Jeez, I’m not that old to miss the fun and date. Maybe one of these days, I’ll bump into Sam Caflin or Chris Hemsworth, and maybe, one of them asks me for a coffee.” I roll my eyes.

“Don’t do that. I can see your eyes rolling, young woman. Try trusting someone. You’ll feel right when it is. Trust your instinct, honey.” 

I take a huge breath. I try making excuses to drop this subject. “Okay, I promise, and Mom it’s Abbygail. And trusting someone is not just buying sweets from the candy shop. Dad will definitely freak out about me going out on a date. Does he even know that you’re telling me this?”

“Why would I let Daddy know? You know it’s our secret,” she whispers.

I chuckle. “And you’re terrible at keeping secrets to Dad. I’ll let you know when I meet someone that worth my time.”

“Good, now talk to daddy.” 

“Hey, pumpkin. How’s my girl?” Dad’s voice sounds

how old am I? And I’m great by the

girl, sweetheart. Why?” 

with a name pumpkin. Secondly, I’m already an adult to

dating anyone, Mackenzie? Why didn’t you mention you meet someone? We talk almost every day, and I don’t like that idea of you keeping something from me, young woman.” Oops... Sorry, Mom. 

not dating anyone, but maybe soon. I’ll start dating since it’s the end of the school year, you

allowed to date? I didn’t remember permitting you, Mackenzie.” I can feel his

I can go out on a date.”

know

know, but until when I’ll stay away from people? What if Drew will live out with his girlfriend, and I’ll

hard it is for you, and I

promise I’ll let you know. Tell mom I love her and give

girl. We’ll see you

both, Dad.”

rival companies, but it didn’t stop them from falling in love. Later on, both companies had merged. It took five years for mom to get pregnant, and they almost lost hope. They planned for adoption, but before it

number, and

are already in my apartment, and we’re going to have

hear his breathing from the other line.

the ignition, but before I

the worst one, but it never occurs to me how strong the impact until it

through my body. I gasp, and my hand covers my mouth. I don’t even realize my phone falls from my now trembling hand. I feel boneless, speechless, and breathless. I feel like I’m ice in the middle Sahara Desert, melting rapidly, and

stops.

is supposed to be a happy family get-together because, after a year in college, I can finally spend with my parents for months. Now it will never be the same again—everything has

tightly gripping on the steering wheel as if it gives me strength. I wish I’m with Dad when things like this happened. How did he manage

Breath...

Breath...

Breath...

door at first. When I get out of my car, I launch myself into him, and I hug him so tight and bury my face in his

She’s like a mother to me. I know it

I know you would be here. I can’t even drive, Abby. I’m still in shock.” He

bed, bury my face in

refuse to open. Then I remember

to get up, and I have something to tell you.” I open my eyes, and I see my mom’s beautiful smile. Her eyes are twinkling like a million stars in the skies, and

bowl in his hand.

I shouldn’t ask, but how’re you feeling?” He manages to smile though it

head is about to explode. My eyes are heavy. Everything hurts like hell.” I start crying, but I’m also hungry, and my stomach keeps grumbling.

wanted to send the jet, but I told him not to bother. I booked a flight for us, so we have to hurry. Eat your food, then freshen up. We’re leaving as soon as you’re ready. I’ll get

strides toward my bathroom, and I hear a cabinet opens and closes. He places the tablets of Tylenol at my bedside. I force myself to eat the food he offered. I don’t realize how famished I am until

when I stand up abruptly. Drew manages to hold me before I fall to the

need help undressing?” Drew asks as we

from here. I’ll get a quick shower. I let you know if I need anything.” I lock the bathroom door and take

and my skin looks so pale. I close my eyes and take a deep breath and whisper, “ I am strong. I survived once, and I

***

Drew nudges me on my shoulder

slept well too?” I say

“I sleep as soon as I hear you snore on