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.” 

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

“Dad, how old am I? And I’m great

girl, sweetheart. Why?”

to date some pretty lately with a name pumpkin. Secondly, I’m already an adult to be pumpkin, and lastly, I missed you, Dad,” I sing at the

you 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. 

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

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

adult. Meaning, I can go out

know, but you’re still my baby, and the last time you went out, you know what happened. I’m sorry,

Drew will

is for you, and I know I’m just

when I’ll go out with someone, I promise I’ll let you know. Tell mom I love her and give her a kiss for me.”

sweetheart. Take care, and be a good girl. We’ll see

“Love you both, Dad.”

Later on, both companies had merged. It took five years for mom to get pregnant, and they almost lost hope.

Dad’s number, and he

are already in my apartment, and we’re going to have lunch at our restaurant.”

silent, but I can hear his breathing from the other line.

and turn on the ignition, but before I can drive, I stop.

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

my blood rushing 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

Everything stops.

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 changed.

when things like this happened. How did he manage to handle

Breath...

Breath...

Breath...

I’m sure I look worst. I struggle to open the 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 chest.

Abby. She’s like a mother to me. I know it hurts, and I’m so sorry.” Drew keeps rubbing my

took a cab, and I know you would be here. I can’t even drive, Abby. I’m still in shock.” He helps me

cry to my bed, bury my face in the pillow, and sob again.

I remember what happened before I sleep. I

my mom’s beautiful smile. Her eyes are twinkling like a million stars in the skies, and she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve

a steaming bowl in his hand. He

know I shouldn’t ask, but how’re you feeling?” He

“My head is about to explode. My eyes are heavy. Everything hurts like hell.” I start crying, but

won’t, but you have to eat. You need your energy. Your dad called back while you were sleeping. We’re leaving in two hours. Your dad 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 Tylenol

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 I empty the bowl. I

stand up abruptly. Drew manages to

“Do you need help undressing?” Drew asks as

I let you know if I

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

***

entire flight. Drew nudges me on my shoulder

you slept well too?” I

as soon as I hear you snore on