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"It's true. We're a match."
My head shook at the sound of her raspy voice. A tear slipped out from her crystal-blue eyes and she quickly wiped it away.
"We really are a match." Avery sniffled.
Heart pounding viciously against my ribs, I was in complete shock. "I don't understand. How?"
"When you told me about everything, I went to your dad the next day and said I was willing to be tested." Her head angled to the side. "Frank then went to my dad and they talked about it. Eventually they reached out to him," she said, pointing to Dr. Kozol. "After a couple of days, they both gave me the green light and I got tested. I'm not big on praying, but I prayed like crazy and pretty much swore to every god there was that I’d do anything just to be your match." She stopped to regain herself. "I figured there wasn't a better time to tell you this than on your birthday."
I blinked a few times, making sure I'd heard everything correctly. Avery Heron, my best friend, was going to give me one of her kidneys.
When I didn't say anything, she chuckled. "We were all in shock, trust me."
An airy laugh rolled off my lips. "It's just… I don't know what to say, what to think. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"You're my best friend. I'd do anything for you. When you're ready, my kidney is your kidney. No more kidney failure for you. Not on my watch."
We both giggled over her cheesy lines, smiling at each other. I stared at her in utter awe that she would do this for me. We weren't talking about borrowing a shirt or a pair of earrings—she was giving me an organ that she could never take back.
I let out a huff and wiped away the fresh tears that clouded my vision.
"I don't know what to say other than thank you, Avery." Emotion clogged my throat again. "Thank you."
She squeezed my hand again. "Kidney besties for life."
&nbs
p; Forty-Seven
After spending another hour at the doctor’s office going over the finer details and plans, we returned to my condo and shed more tears before calling our families.
I still couldn't believe it. I was going to get a kidney. Not right now, but eventually.
We sat on the couch drinking hot chocolate Avery had made from scratch. My cheeks ached from being unable to stop smiling, and I'd been crying on and off. Being an organ donor was a selfless act and took a huge heart on someone's part. I was extremely close to having renal failure, and Avery was willingly giving me a part of herself to help me live a longer life. She was changing the ending of my story by offering me the ultimate gift, something I could never, ever repay her for.
"I'm forever indebted to you, you know," I said quietly. Shit. Tears filled my eyes again.
She wrinkled her nose at me. "It's a good thing I know where you live."
"No takebacks." I joked. I licked my lips and drew in a deep breath.
Avery gave me a droll stare. "Like I'd ever do that. Oh! I have something for you," she said and jumped up from the couch. She placed her hot chocolate down on the coffee table, then ran to my room. A minute later, she was back and handing me a gift bag.
From the corner of my eye, I caught the glittery design on her shirt. I stared at what looked like lima beans. She must've chanced when she went to grab my gift. I frowned as I read the words and finally recognized the images. My jaw dropped and my eyes widened with laughter.
"Oh my God. I just realized what's on your shirt!" I said.
Two kidneys with the words underneath: We're a match! Who wouldn't want a piece of this?
I laughed out loud. "Where did you find that?"
"I got connections." She nodded her chin toward the gift bag she handed me. "Open it, but don't read the inside of the card right now. I got a little fucking mushy and I'm so embarrassed. Just read the front." My eyes drifted down as I opened the card.
I heard urine need of a kidney. Want mine?
"Oh man." I laughed.
"I know. I had a blast picking stuff out for you."
