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

My eyebrows furrow. 

of matrimony to Mr. Sebastian Christopher W. Hughes III within a month of my death, no divorce within three years otherwise all conditions will be forfeit.” my hands cover mouth, I freeze and just stare with eyes wide open. 

fully paid by my representative within three

I remove my hands in my mouth, My gut twisted

the rights and ownership of all my properties after three

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

“Sebastian Christopher Hughes III?!?” I shriek, I observe both of them. Nobody talk.

in the Seb? the playboy, Badboy, man-whore?” I squint my

all of it?” No

“Of course he knew. How could mom let me marry this man for God three awful years of my life.” I look at dad who’s

dad? Why didn’t you stop her? I’m only eighteen and the last thing on my mind is getting married. I thought you both want 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 spread my legs? Tell me! Does he even want to marry someone like me who is totally beyond damaged? An inexperienced, naive, full of baggage? I don’t even know how to cook or boil water, what

anything belongs to mom. And

Before I can move from where I’m standing dad catches my hand.

mom was an intelligent woman, she knew what she is doing writing her will. You have to know that. Respect what ever is written there. You can’t change anything. It

must be drugged or confused writing them.” I

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 his ass

don’t worry and I’ll arrange 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

penny dad because if I do she doesn’t have to let me go through all of these. I think she wants me to suffer, she doesn’t trust me enough. She thinks I might just throw all her assets

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 you through without touching your money and your assets, you know that. I’m already managing your shares in our company. Think of it that you’re investing

“Yeah, investing myself too by selling my soul to the devil. Oh my god I’m like a whore. We have our own company dad and I 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

young 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.

to process all of this.” I face the lawyer who stayed silent after he read the will thoroughly. I ask for the copy. I walk

dial Drew and take a

the will go?” 

sick, where are you by the way?” 

to his main office. What do you mean by very bad? how

guess she wants me to finish my MBA but it’s not all that, the worst

married, huh? She knew that you’ll do everything for her. That is not bad Abby, You can have a

“Marriage? seriously? Mom can just keep the money in the bank until it reaches three years if doesn’t want me to touch them. Why she

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

Everything will