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During the eight hours we spent at the transplant center, I met with a social worker and living donation advocate, both of whom walked me through the process, wanting to make sure I understood all the pros and cons of my decision. When I first arrived at the center that day, I’d planned to keep all the details of the situation to myself, but in the end, I decided to open up and share the specifics.
“I should really answer it,” I whisper, barely able to force the words from stiff lips.
His arms band around my body, holding tight as if it’s possible to anchor me to him. “If it’s important, they’ll leave a message.”
“I know.” But still…
Tony has called every day since the testing was completed, asking if I’ve heard any news. Each time, he reminds me that decisions need to be made quickly as if I’m the one delaying the process. Even though I feel bad, I’ve stopped answering when his number pops up.
A pit the size of Texas takes up residence at the bottom of my belly as I straighten my shoulders. It’s never been my style to run and hide from reality. And I’m not going to start now. Decision made, I grab the cell before I can chicken out and slide the green button across the screen before holding the slim device to my ear.
“Hello?” It takes effort to keep my voice strong and steady.
“Hi, this is Sue calling from Regency Transplant Center. Is this Lola I’m speaking with?”
I draw in a deep breath before forcing it out again, hoping to calm all the nerves that have burst to life inside me. “It is.”
My gaze locks on Asher. His expression fills with tension as the corners of his lips sink. It’s such an odd look on him. He’s usually so easy going and laidback, always smiling or laughing. And I realize that’s how I like him best. Most of the time, his good mood is infectious and lightens my own. It’s one of the reasons I gravitate to him like a flower seeking out the sun.
I blink back to the conversation when she says, “I wanted to let you know that the team met this afternoon and looked over all the results. Everyone you spoke with had input into whether you’ll be a candidate for the transplant procedure. The medical tests are, of course, important but they’re not the only deciding factor.”
Air becomes trapped in my throat as everything in me stills.
“After careful consideration, the team decided you were a match for Kylie, and if you’d like to move forward with the donation, we’ll proceed with the next steps.” The breath held hostage in my lungs escapes in a rush. “What’s important now is that you take as much time as you need to make a decision. You met with Andrea, our independent living donor advocate, and she’s available to answer any further questions you might have. Any and all concerns you discuss with her will remain strictly confidential. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“Excellent. I’ll touch base with you in a few days, all right?” There’s a pause. “Just remember that no one is going to rush this process.”
Even though she can’t see me, I jerk my head into a nod. “Okay.”
“Are there any questions I can answer for you?”
“No, not at the moment. I’m still processing everything from the other day.”
“That’s understandable. It’s a great deal of information to take in. Please feel free to call or schedule an appointment if that would be helpful. The team is always available to discuss any questions or concerns that might arise.”
“Thank you.” Throughout this process, Sue has been wonderful. Everyone I met and spoke with has been great. Knowledgeable. Comforting. If I decide to go through with the transplant, I’ll be in skilled hands.
Hitting the end button, I stare blindly at the phone as everything whips through my head. Even though I feel shitty for thinking it, a tiny part of me was hoping I wouldn’t be a match. Then, the decision would be taken out of my hands. But that hasn’t turned out to be the case.
I’m probably Kylie’s best bet when it comes to receiving a donor kidney. No matter how scared or nervous I am about the surgery, I don’t think I can snatch this opportunity away from her.
“Lola, baby?” His fingers gently caress my cheek. “I heard the entire conversation. Are you all right?”
My gaze lifts, locking on his. There’s so much concern swimming around in his blue depths.
I force my lips into a thin smile. “I’m fine. Just trying to get my head straight now that we have an answer.”
“I also heard her say that you need to take a couple of days to think everything over. You should probably get in contact with the living donor person—”
