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.” 

How’s my girl?” Dad’s voice sounds restraints.

how old am I? And I’m great by the

baby girl, sweetheart. Why?” 

“I’ll tell you why. First, don’t call me a pumpkin. No one likes 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 end.

you meet someone? We talk almost every day, and I

maybe soon. I’ll start dating since it’s the end of the school year, you

allowed to date? I didn’t remember permitting

“Dad, I’m an adult. Meaning, I can go

went out, you know what happened.

people? What if Drew will live out with his girlfriend,

know how hard it is for you, and I know

know. Tell mom

and be a good girl. We’ll

both, Dad.”

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

my Dad’s number, and he picks up almost instantly.

already in my apartment, and we’re going to have lunch at our

can hear his breathing from

the

circumstance that reminds us to expect the unexpected and that life is inevitable. Expect even the worst one, but it never occurs to me how strong the impact until

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

stops.

is supposed to be a happy family get-together because, after a year in college, I can finally

it gives me strength. I wish I’m with Dad when things like this happened. How did he manage

Breath...

Breath...

Breath...

When I get out of my car, I launch myself into him, and I

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

drive, Abby. I’m still in shock.” He helps me to passenger seat

bury my face in the pillow, and

my shoulder, but my eyes refuse to open. Then I remember what happened

eyes, and I see my mom’s beautiful smile. Her eyes

bowl in his hand. He must

feeling?” He manages to smile though it doesn’t reach his eyes.

Everything hurts like hell.” I start crying, but I’m also

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.

the tablets of Tylenol at my bedside. I force myself to eat the food he offered. I don’t realize how famished I

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

need help undressing?” Drew asks as we

a quick shower. I let you know if I need anything.” I lock the bathroom door

almost don’t recognize myself with glassy green eyes, fluffy eye bags, stuffy red nose, full red lips, and my skin looks so pale. I close my eyes and take a deep breath and whisper, “ I am strong.

***

throughout our entire flight. Drew nudges me on my

guess you slept well too?” I say while yawning.

I hear