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Over the next hour, Trent, Andrew, and Jase entertain Erica with stories and silly banter. The room is full of their laughter, and it couldn’t make me happier. I stand back with a smile on my face as I watch Andrew and Jase easily fall in love with Erica, just as I knew they would after meeting her.
There’s a light tap on the door, and I turn just as Erica’s doctor walks in the room.
“Sounds like there’s a party going on in here,” Dr. Knowles announces with a smile.
I walk around and stand beside Trent on the other side of Erica’s bed.
“I was able to rush Mr. Donovan’s and Mr. Matthews lab results,” Dr. Knowles starts. “We also have Trent’s.” He looks over at Trent. “Unfortunately, you were not a match.” My heart drops to my stomach. “Neither was Mr. Donovan. The good news is, Mr. Matthews is.”
I let out a sigh of relief and my eyes immediately move to Jase. His intent gaze doesn’t waver from the doctor.
“Just tell me what I need to do.”
My nose stings at the determination I see on his face. I hold my hands to my chest and feel the hard thump of my heart. I’ve always felt Jase was special. Him making this choice proves me right.
“I’d like to set up the procedure as soon as possible. As soon as Erica gets the new marrow, the better off she’ll be.” He looks down at the watch on his wrist. “It’s still early enough in the day that we can get started in a couple of hours. Is that fine with you?”
I swing my eyes back to Jase when he answers, “Yes.”
I couldn’t love Jase more in this moment. Knowing how important this is to me and his willingness to have the procedure…. I’ll never be able to repay him.
Andrew grabs Jase’s hand, and I see the same emotions I’m feeling on his face. His eyes meet mine. He knows what I’m going through right now, because he went through the same thing when I was a child, not to mention he knows what Jase will be going through physically too.
“There’s paperwork that will need to be completed, and a couple more tests before we can begin. I’ll have a nurse come in to admit you and go over a few things. As a precaution, I ask you to not leave the hospital before the procedure is performed.”
“Got it.”
“Do any of you have any questions?”
Still overcome with emotions, my mind blanks. Luckily, Trent is more prepared than I am.
“How long before we know if the procedure works?”
“Unfortunately, that’ll take time. When the new marrow enters Erica’s system, it needs time to reproduce blood cells. It could take as little as a few weeks or as long as several months. We’ll keep Erica here to monitor until we feel it’s making enough new cells.”
“I donated marrow years ago, so I’m not sure if the procedure has changed since then. How long is the recovery?”
“For Jase, just a few days. He may be sore for a week or two afterward, but he should be able to go back to his normal routine within a few days. For Erica, it depends on her body. Her immune system is already weak, so she’ll take longer to recuperate her strength.”
“And what about her radiation treatments?” I ask, finally finding my voice. “She has a few treatments left. When will she continue those?”
“I’d like to give her body a few weeks to recover from the transplant and give the new marrow a chance to produce new cells before we continue radiation. I’ll reassess the situation as time goes on. To answer your question, if everything goes according to plan, we should be able to start radiation again within a month.”
I nod and take in a much-needed breath of air. Reaching down, I pick up Erica’s hand, who’s been quiet the whole time the doctor’s been in the room. At my touch, she looks away from the doctor. My heart aches when I don’t see the worry most kids her age would be feeling after hearing what the doctor had to say. Instead, I find resignation, as if she understands and accepts the information we were just given.
I wish so much I could take her out of this place and miraculously make her better. No child her age should be going through something like this. I’ve been through it numerous times, but I would take her place in a heartbeat if I could.
As the doctor leaves the room, I bend over and kiss her forehead. Leaning back, I keep my face close to hers and whisper, “You’re going to be okay.”
I see the hope in her eyes, but there’s still doubt there. I know from experience, nothing will make that doubt go away except time.
I straighten and walk around the bed where Andrew and Jase are. I have no words to express my gratitude for what Jase is doing for Erica, so I say nothing. I simply walk forward until I’m pressed against his chest. My arms go around his waist, and I squeeze him as tightly as I can.
After a moment, I pull back and look up at him. Tears appear in my eyes and my throat constricts.
He knows the words I can’t get to come out.
With a smile and a kiss to my forehead, he says in a gravelly voice, “You’re welcome.”
