THE DYING HEIR

A MUM'S WISH

Over the next few days, his mother began pressuring him for a grandchild. At first, it was a passing comment ...“You’ll be great with kids, Ash” she'd say... “You’d be a wonderful father, even now.”

He'll smile at it every time, brushing it off. “Let’s focus on keeping me standing before we start naming babies, Mom.”

But she didn’t stop there ...

The next day, she brought out photo albums of him as a child, pointing to pictures and saying, “Don’t you want someone to carry on your smile? Your laugh? A little boy who’ll grow up hearing about how strong his father was?”

Now, it began to hurt...Asher’s chest tightened. The weight of her words grew heavier with each day. The pressure grew so much that he felt like a stranger in his own home.

So, he started leaving. At first, it was just to clear his head...a walk down the street, a late night drive with music playing loud enough to drown out his thoughts. Sooner, he began staying out for longer hours... clubbing with random people and coming home drunk. He totally avoided his parents, especially his mom, and gave up on totally wanting to live.

One night, him mom caught him sneaking into the house... “You’re throwing away what’s left of your life,” she said, voice shaking. “You could leave something behind. A child. A name. A legacy.”

Asher screamed at her in pain “I’m still here and I’m not a vessel for your regrets. I don’t want to leave behind a child who’ll grow up with stories instead of a father.”He got angry and left the house again.

Mrs Hilton P.O.V

Tears filled my eyes...I couldn’t respond...I cannot stand and l watch my only child, my son die in pain and sorrows. I've decided to take matters into my hands. I suddenly remembered my friend's daughter, Kyle. I decided to call her to come over to the house the following week.

***

"Mrs Hiltonnnnn, it's been a while since I last saw you. How's everything with you? Gosh, I miss you so so muchhh." Kyle said as she hugged Asher's mom.

"My darling, I'm not doing alright at all. I'm not ..."

"What's the issue, ma'am? Is it Asher? Is he disturbing you again?? I'm so going to kill him..."

Mrs took a deep breath before she spoke..."your friend is dying, Ky."

"Ma?? What do you mean dying? What's happening???"

"He's been diagnosed with ALS and there's no cure for it..." She broke down in tears "I need your help, Ky."

"Anything, I'll do anything to help him..." Kyle replied almost immediately ...

"Anything? You promise??"

"Yes, ma."

"I want you to be the mother of my grandchild.

"Maa?" Kyle replied out of shock ..."what do you mean? Like I should get married to Asher?? You just mentioned he's dying...how did I...how am I supposed to go that??"

***

After days of trying to convince her, Mrs Hilton finally got Kyle to accept her proposal. Immediately, Mrs Hilton introduced Kyle to Asher, he rejected her immediately. His mother pleaded but he outrightly refused saying he wanted nothing to go with her (Kyle). However, Mrs Hilton refused to give up. She planned to get Asher drunk and make Kyle sleep with him so she can have her grandchild. Her plan worked and Kyle gets pregnant for Asher.

***

DAYS LATER...

"Asher baby, can you come help me? My back's hurting..." Kyla screamed from the bedroom but she got no response..."Asherrrr, are you there? I'm talking to you..."

Meanwhile, Asher remained in his room. He heard her call but he refused to answer. Instead, he got up and left the house.

Asher's POV:

I'm truly fed up of everything. It's not enough that I'm dying, mom went and made me a father out of my will. I so hate my life right now. I sank down on the edge of the bed, my hands were shaking and my blood? boiling. My heart pounded loudly in my chest. I could hear it clearly. “f**k this,” I hissed and grabbed my jacket from the chair. I didn’t have the words for the beating in my chest. All I had was the sound of my own ragged breathing as I slammed the door behind me.

I hit the streets, walked faster and faster until I could see the club. Tonight, I refuse to think about whatever the f**k that's going on in my life. Not the sickness, not Kyle and definitely not my parents. Tonight, I just needed to forget everything!!!

***

"Kiara wait up..." Talia yelled dragging her feet as she followed her best friend to the mall. It was Kiara's idea that they should go shopping for the baby.

“Awwww, Talia, take a look at this tiny dress. It’s got giraffes on it. So cute..." Kiara said as she showed Talia the dress...

"It’s so adorable and it is so soft but do you think my baby will like giraffes?" What if she cats or this cute little puppy outfit?"

“I think baby is gonna like this one I picked. And please, I'm rooting for a boy. Okay?"

"Nooo, I want a girl. I want her to look like her mummy."

"Nope. No way! I want a boy and he's gonna look like me. Perioddd."

"Fine fine. I give up arguing with you K. Not like I'm gonna win anyways." Talia said in between laughter

Throwing the tiny giraffe dress in the shopping basket, "I'm glad you realize that." Kyle said. "Oh...it's so cuteee... I can already imagine the baby wearing it for his first photos.” "let's get a couple more pieces. Shall we?”

"Not like I have any choice."

( Kiara glances down at Talia’s slightly puffy feet and grins.)

“Speaking of, I think we might need some massage oil for those feet of yours. They’re looking a little rounder every time I look at them.”

(Brushing hair out of her slightly fuller cheeks) “As if my cheeks weren’t enough, now my feet are joining the party, huh?” Talia said laughing...

“It just means you’re growing the world’s cutest tiny human. Swollen or not, you’re still rocking this mom glow.”

“Awww, thanks, K. Even if you tease me, you always make me feel better.I love you so so much” Talia replied starting to get emotional...

“It's alright. That’s what best friends are for. Now, let’s grab these and maybe some tiny socks. We’re going to have one very stylish little human."

“For sure. Oh

, and a very spoilt one too. Thanks to Auntie Kiara”