Ch. 2 The Waiting Begins

Two days later Alan, Charlie, and Don were in Dr. Robinson's office discussing the options with her. "Judging by the results of the tests we ran I'd say that there is no reason why you can't have a transplant, Charlie," Dr. Robinson said looking up at Charlie.

As Charlie sighed in relief in question came into his mind which he relayed to the doctor, "How long before I can have the transplant?" he asked getting a little excited.

"Well, the first thing we do is test the family members, which in this case are your father and brother. If they don't prove to be a good match then we put your name on the transplant list which I'm afraid is quite long and could take years," Dr. Robinson explained.

Charlie's felt disappointment at these words and it must have shown because the next thing he heard was:

"We'll get tested as soon as possible. Right Donnie," Alan said looking at his oldest son, who was looking doubtful.

"Yeah sure Dad," an uncertain Don replied.

His brother must have noticed this uncertainty in Don's voice because he said, "I'll totally understand if you don't want to do this Don. I mean this is not like helping me with my girl problems or standing up for me against a bully like you did when we were kids. This could be literally giving a part of yourself to me."

"Don't be silly Buddy, of course I want to do it. You're my brother after all," said Don reassuringly. Although he wasn't sure if he was reassuring himself or his brother.

"Well, if that's settled then Don you and your father can follow me to begin the testing. Once we're done we should have the results in about 3 days," Dr. Robinson said leading Don and Alan into another room.

"We'll be back soon pal," said Alan as he and Don left.

Three days later the Eppes family received a call from Dr. Robinson.

"Hello," Alan answered as he picked up the phone. "Speaking. Oh hello Dr. Robinson." At these words Don and Charlie looked up from their chess game to hear better. "Uh-huh...Un-huh.. I see.. no don't be it's not your fault. Yes. OK. Oh you do well he's right here if you want to talk to him. One sec. Don it's Dr. Robinson for you she has your results," Alan said handing the phone to Don.

While Don was on the phone Charlie asked "What did Dr. Robinson say?" although he was pretty sure of the answer.

"I'm sorry Charlie but I was not a match but don't worry there's still your brother," Alan said as Charlie's face fell.

"Thank you Doctor," they heard Don say as he hung up. Charlie and Alan were both staring at him as he walked in the room with a look on his face that was mixed with shock and relief at the same time.

"Well?" Alan asked after a minute of silence.

"Well, I'm a match an almost perfect match. Dr. Robinson said that she couldn't have found a better donor." Don said with almost no emotion.

"Don that's great!" Charlie exclaimed throwing his arms around his brother. "Now I can have the transplant and go back to a normal life."

"Yeah, sure Buddy that's.. great," Don said flatly.

Charlie was surprised by his brother's tone and looked at him and noticed that Don had kind of a sick look on his face. "What's wrong Don?" he asked with concern.

"Nothing's wrong Buddy everything is working out the way we wanted it to."

"Don if you don't want to do this I can always go on the waiting list."

"What and go for years without a new kidney when you have a brother who can easily give you one of his and by the way a brother who wants to give you a kidney," Don said looking straight into his kid brother's eyes.

"I know that you may feel like you have to do this. But you don't have to Don. You don't have to protect me."

"Charlie I know that. Really I want to do this."

"You sure?" asked Charlie studying his big brother's face.

"Yes I'm sure now no more arguments let's call Dr. Robinson and get the transplant scheduled ASAP," Don said heading for the phone.