Granting one last wish

ABBY

These past few days of my life were so exhausting and full of pain and anguish. I can’t believe that I’m still breathing, barely. Barely breathing. I’ve been through a lot for my eighteen years of life but losing someone you love is different than being held captive and torture. Although I’m also affected mentally I’m not heartbroken, unlike mom’s death. 

Nothing in this world can ever replace my mother, I don’t even care about the Will, but it’s mom’s legacy. Her last will and testament will only remind me that my mother is truly gone and never come back. I just need to be strong, for dad, my only family left. 

Dad reminded me last night before going to sleep that today is the day of reading of mom’s will. I saw the pain in dad’s eyes no matter how he tried to hide. He just lost someone who we dearly love and who has been his life partner for almost three decades. It sucks! I know. 

Dad’s office reminds me of a lot of things, from my childhood until today. I still remember coming to this office when I’m still in grade school, I love reading books in this place even I have my own mini library and study room especially when dad’s around, but today it reminds me of Lost. 

I run my hand through dad’s book collections alphabetically arranged according to Author’s last name, I guess it’s in the blood of being a bookworm. His huge mahogany desk still the same for as long as I can remember. On the left side are few of his liquor collections although dad doesn’t drink much. He has his own cellar here in our home. 

Mom’s lawyer is already sitting in front of dad. I feel nervous but what ever written was mom’s wishes. She could just donate all of her money or sell her property to an auction and donate them to those in needs but I hope I can have some of her jewelry as her memories. Some are heirloom already that passes through generations of Hirlington. 

I knew mom’s lawyer. I’ve met him a couple of times. His on his late 60’s, graying thin layer of hair with thick rimmed glasses just on the tip of his nose but he is well known for his practice. Atty. Timothy Sanders started since his late 20’s. After extending my hand for him I sit comfortably. 

I take a deep breath. I didn’t pay much attention when he started mentioning mom’s name address, spouse etc., all I heard are money, bank accounts, properties and assets, and liabilities. When my name is mention I listen intently and something catches my attentions about three conditions. Three conditions??? Wait! What? 

I must have shouted the word “what?!” dad and Atty. Sanders’s attention is on me. 

“Let him continue sweetheart,” Dad says 

“Well I really don’t care about mom’s money, she is gone and it will not change a thing. She can donate them and I will not say a thing. You don’t have to continue Atty. Sanders.” I say and look at the Lawyer.

I tighten my lips then frown. 

“I know it’s hard for you Abbygail but let me continue. It’s your mom’s will. Honor her wishes, will you?” Atty. Sanders says. I nod. 

“Okay, please continue. I apologize for the interruption.” I narrow my eyes to listen carefully, my hands start sweating. 

“three conditions” as the lawyer continues. 

I listen half interested. I hear in between words and sentences.

my daughter Mackenzie Abbygail Catherine a.k.a Abbygail Catherine within three years otherwise all will be transferred to my representative permanently.” 

furrow. 

Christopher W. Hughes III within a month of my death, no divorce within three years otherwise all conditions will be forfeit.” my hands cover

by my representative within

remove my hands in my mouth,

take all the rights and ownership of all my properties after three years when any of my conditions are not met.” 

can’t believe this. I motion him to stop.

I observe both of them. Nobody talk.

the playboy, Badboy, man-whore?”

“ Unbelievable!!! Un-fucking-believable! Does he know about all of it?” No one answers 

for God three awful years of my life.” I look

me to enjoy life, have friends, travel all over the world and finish my MBA. I didn’t even go out on a proper date or yet even kiss. I didn’t even experience a teenage life and now everything is ruin because I’m getting married. What do you want me to do? Just pop out kids? And stay at home and make myself crazy waiting for my man-whore of a husband to come home and

money or anything

I’m standing dad catches my hand. 

that. Respect what ever is written there. You can’t change anything. It is already done.” Dad’s voice is composed

I look at the lawyer and I continue 

There must be a mistake. I’m sure he’ll not agree with this. He seems to enjoy his life well and he’ll not just agree to marry me. This is so ridiculous. I’m going to destroy his life, marrying him or forcing him into marriage is entirely insane. He’ll laugh

everything. It’ll be okay. We have a month to do it. That is your mom’s assets pumpkin. Your mom works hard to earn everything that she had and you deserve to have every penny of them.” I throw my

trust me enough. She thinks I might just throw all her assets to a pothole. She still thinks I’m irresponsible, she’s still blaming me for what happened to me three years ago.” I shake my head,

grabs my arms, he looks at me directly in my eyes “Pumpkin, she knew you well. She wants you to concentrate on your studies and follow your dreams. She knew if she’ll let me handle your trust fund I will pamper you and she wants you to grow up well into a responsible woman. You’ll be busy managing your money, how will you concentrate at school? What about your MBA? You will thank her soon sweetheart trusts me. I can still spoil

think we’re far from bankruptcy. Why mom leave everything with him? What’s with Sebastian that mom trusted him so much? What did she saw in him? Mom trusted him over me.” I take a deep breath

woman, you’ve been swearing too much, and stop looking little of yourself, you’re far from broken. You’re a strong young woman who has huge dreams. You’re a survivor. Don’t forget that. I’m so proud of you. I and your mom love you so much, don’t ever doubt that.” Dad

some air dad, I need to get out from here. I need to process all of this.” I face the lawyer who stayed silent after

take

“Abby, how did the will go?” 

sick, where are you by the way?”

What do you mean by very bad? how bad the very bad you’re saying?”

guess she wants me to finish my MBA but it’s not all that, the worst part is I have to marry someone within one month after her death. I mean I really have no choice, otherwise, I’ll

you’ll do everything for her. That is not bad Abby, You can have a marriage of convenience.”

until it reaches three years if doesn’t want me to touch them. Why she has to let me marry him of

miss something? You mean that man is the representative too?” 

is and not mom’s lawyer. Everything will be transferred