I'll Be The One

Chapter 43:

=Hunter's POV=
[Tuesday, 4/2/2019-8:45 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A1]

I wasn't sure what to make of what happened, but I knew that it had to one; be big, and two; well-known. It seemed my friends, boyfriend, and his family all knew what was wrong with Arianna. I was scared, and concerned for her. I just wanted to know if she was okay, but so far; I wasn't getting any information. I wouldn't ask my friends to tell me; they'd probably say that it was up to Tallon to let me know what was happening. Besides; it seemed that everyone went back to their apartments and Flynn was with Harper and Drew in theirs. I just sat alone in mine and Flynn's apartment; keeping my phone close to me and working on my term paper because there was nothing else to do. This thing was due at the end of May, so I needed to get it finished. Thankfully; I was ahead of schedule on it and would have it set a week or two before it was due. At least, that was the hope.

I checked the word counter and that I'd gotten farther than my planned segment. I liked being ahead, so this was good. I'd actually spent the time since getting home from Tallon's parents' place working on my paper, so I got a lot done. I yawned a bit and kept typing; I got through another two paragraphs before deciding to stop for the night. I got more done than I had anticipated doing anyway, so might as well take a well-deserved break. I saved my work and closed down the window, then shut the laptop. I leaned back on the couch and sighed; I still hadn't gotten any replies from Tallon. I closed my eyes and relaxed a bit, or tried to. My eyes opened quickly when I heard the apartment door opened; I sat up and looked back to see Flynn entering with our friends.

"Hey," I greeted.

"Hi, Hunter," Flynn smiled softly.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Thought we'd come check on you," Harper said.

"Why are you checking on me? I'm fine. Just worried about Tallon and wondering if his sister is okay," I admitted.

"We saw how panicked you looked earlier…And realized that Tallon never told you," Drew stated.

"I…Assume he would have told me when he was ready," I mentioned.

"It wasn't a matter of ready actually," Trevor pointed out.

"He…Actually forgot you didn't know," Roxanne confessed. "He thought he'd told you,"

"Does it…Have to do with his sister?" I wondered.

"Yeah," Madison nodded. "Arianna has been very sick for a long time, Hunter and unfortunately, it's been getting worse despite treatments,"

"Currently, she's in end stage renal failure. Her kidney's are deteriorating rapidly and to spare all the fancy talk…Her only chance is transplant," Avery continued, shocking me. Arianna had been sick, and is going to die without a transplant?

"We just heard from Garet; he said that the doctors are giving her a week or two left," Seth frowned. I couldn't believe this. It…Broke my heart. Arianna was just a young girl, almost sixteen and she was going to die?

"The family has been dreading this day, and she's on the list for a kidney, but no one in the family is match and we've all tried too," Flynn informed. "Arianna is awake, and she knows she'll die without it, but she feels that after this long with there being nothing; it won't change in the next few weeks. She's asked that they stop trying, so Tallon, and the family are taking things hard and spending whatever time they have left with her,"

"Everyone in the world on the donor list, and there's…Nothing for her?" I asked.

"She's in line for one, but it's more if someone dies. The live donor list is…Only if someone is willing to do it. You know? They have to be a match, for one. Healthy for the operation, as number two. And three, willing to donate, but there's a list for that too. Unless someone in the family, or close friends is a match; Arianna sits in line, but it's the fear she will pass before it gets to her. She's been on this list for a couple years now," Elijah explained.

"I-I need to go see him. I know that pain, being helpless to stop something…I'd wish it on nobody," I stood up.

"Don't, Hunter. We were asked to, for now, give the family some space. Including you, unfortunately. We were told we'd get to see Arianna again soon, before she passes," Harper interjected. "I know it sucks, we all know it does, but we have to respect their wishes," I hated this; it hurt me to know. I watched my mom suffer for a long time, being useless and helpless to stop the illness killing her. I couldn't save mom. I couldn't save Jay. I couldn't save any of my grandparents. And now…My boyfriend and his family are suffering, about to lose Arianna.

"We wanted to let you know, so you're ready for when we're allowed to go. I doubt Tallon, or the family will want to talk about it," Madison said lightly.

"Not entirely sure how to take it…" I admitted. "It…Bothers me on personal levels to learn of this…" I closed my eyes, heading for my room. "I need to be alone…Thanks for telling me," I closed my door and sat on the bed. Gods, this wasn't fair. Did I really have to sit back and watch more people I've come to care for die? Watch people I care about suffer? I couldn't stand it! The only thing I could do was be there for Tallon, and his family. Right? That's all I could do? I looked at some pictures on my dresser, and nightstand.

Something struck me, though. Flynn said the family isn't a match, and neither were the friends. But…They were tested long before they knew me, assumingly. I was never tested. It was unlikely that I'd be a match, but I could try at least, right? I'd go first thing in the morning, to the hospital and get tested. I wouldn't say anything to anyone, so they wouldn't get their hopes up for nothing. I knew it was a slim chance, but I had to do something. I had to try.

. . .

[Wednesday, 4/3/2019-7:00 am]
[Arc General Hospital]

I moved swiftly to the desk, knowing that I had my Advanced Logic class at 8 am. I knew visiting hours didn't start until 8 am too, so I'd be in and out before Tallon and his family came to see Arianna. "Can I help you?" the woman inquired, peering through her rectangular spectacles at me. I was wearing glasses, and a pretty casual outfit. It was funny that barely anyone recognized me like this.

"Hi. I'm…Here to see about getting tested for a patient who needs a transplant," I asked.

"The patient's name?" the woman questioned.

"Arianna Raseri, admitted last night," I said. The woman typed a few things before looking back at me.

"Third floor; you'll need to speak with the doctor on staff," the woman stated.

"Thank you," I replied, heading for the elevator. I headed for the third floor and went right for the main station. "Hello," I got the attention of a nurse.

"Hi," she smiled. "Can I help you?"

"I was…Hoping to get tested for a patient who needs a transplant. Her name is Arianna Raseri; I'm…A friend of the family who has been…Out of contact for a while and just learned. I know many others were tested, and she's on a list, but her time is running out and I'd…Like to help if I'm able," I explained, hoping the woman didn't eject me from the hospital.

"Your name, sir?" the woman inquired.

"Hunter Haddock," I said. The woman stopped fast, staring at me with surprise. "And if at all possible, I'd like to keep my presence here a secret. I don't even want the family knowing…" I flashed a smile as the woman managed a nod.

"I-I'll take you into a private room to do the test. And you…Don't want the family knowing you're here on the patient's behalf?" the girl remarked.

"Please and thank you. I don't wish to get their hopes up if I'm not a match and I realize the chance is slim, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try," I said. The nurse nodded, understanding as she got up and we went to a private room off to the side. She grabbed some things to draw blood and I sat on the edge of the bed, rolling up my sweater sleeve for her to do what she had to do. Some moments later, as expected, it was finished. "How soon will I know?"

"Later today. Perhaps lunch time? Would you…Like us to call you with the results? And still…Keep this from the family?" the nurse asked.

"Yes, please. And label me anonymous, for security reasons?" I hoped. "This is my number," I wrote down a number for her. It wasn't my actual number, just one to a free calling and texting application. As long as I had Wi-Fi; it worked great. And no one except those I trust full had my cell phone.

"Of course, sir," the nurse smiled.

"Thank you," I smiled back.

"No problem. I'm here until 4 pm; I'll deliver the results by phone," the woman replied.

"I appreciate that," I said before fixing my sleeve and hopping off the bed. Alright, had that taken care of. Now; it was off to school until 10 am.

. . .

[12:45 pm]

I was sitting in my room, working on my term paper a bit when I heard the buzzing of my cell phone beside me. I glanced over and didn't recognize the number, but had been expecting a call. I hoped it was this. I lifted the device, sliding the icon to answer while placing it to my ear. "Hello?"

"Mr. Haddock?" came a female voice, but whispering.

"This is he," I replied.

"Hi, it's Tiffany, the nurse from this morning at the hospital. I have you results," she said quietly.

"I'm ready," I said, crossing my fingers and praying to every God and Goddess I was able to.

"You're a match," Tiffany stated. The shock hit me like a pile of bricks. I was a match?! The like one in a million chance to be it, and I was it?! This was…Great!

"Oh, thank Odin…" I sighed in relief. "Now…I need you to listen very carefully," I smiled.

. . .

=Normal POV=
[Tuesday, 4/9/2019-10:00 am]
[Arc General Hospital]

Hunter took care of everything after learning he was a match for Arianna. Hunter scheduled the visit with the doctor about doing the transplant as soon as possible since Arianna's time was running out. The poor girl was getting weaker by the day. Thankfully, the doctor had no problems with Hunter being the donor; he just needed information first. Hunter obtained his medical records, handing them over without a problem, and they had previously discussed the risks, general operation, and recovery time. Hunter took care of everything for work and school to do this; there was no way Hunter couldn't not do it. The other big thing was that he hadn't told a soul anything, and requested to stay anonymous for the time being. The only people who knew were Salvatore and Gregory, and they were sworn to secrecy. Even secret service was told to keep everything off the radio.

The surgery was today for 11 am. Hunter was already there ahead of time to get ready. The doctors were already told how to inform the family, so that Hunter's name wouldn't be mentioned. In the room with Arianna; the Raseri's stood around her bed. The friends had come too, being told that Arianna didn't have long left. The doctor reached the room, and knocked a few times.

"Come in," Dustin said softly. The doctor strolled in calmly.

"Miya?" Drew was first to say upon recognizing the person who walked in.

"Hello, Drew. It's been a while," the woman, Miya, said gently. "Now…How is our patient doing?" she smiled, moving towards Arianna.

"Living whatever days I have left…" Arianna tried to smile.

"Well…I think you'll get to enjoy many more," Miya replied. "Are you ready to get a new kidney?" she asked.

"What?" the room asked, surprised.

"I don't…Understand?" Arianna stared.

"A donor came through, and you're next to receive," Miya stated.

"A-Are you serious?" Rachel prepared to sob.

"Yes. We found someone last week," Miya informed.

"Why…Weren't we told right away?" Dustin inquired.

"The…Donor elected to stay anonymous, and there was a lot of paperwork involved. I am quite surprised you haven't been told yet. The surgery is today, in about forty-five minutes. I'm here to bring you to the operating room," Miya smiled.

"I-I'm getting a new kidney right now?" Arianna asked, on the verge of tears.

"That's right, sweetie," Miya nodded. "Everything is all set; we just need you now,"

"And…We can't know who the donor is? You said elected to stay anonymous, so this is a live person?" Tallon questioned.

"They asked to stay anonymous, and we respect that," Miya smiled as she got Arianna ready for transport to the operating room. "This shouldn't take too long, and I'll come retrieve you when she's in recovery," Miya said, as a few others came in to help wheel Arianna's bed out of the room. "You're welcome to wait here, or in the OR waiting area,"

"We'll see you soon!" Avery called.

"We love you!" Rachel cried. "Oh…It's a miracle!" she sobbed against Dustin.

"Certainly is…" Daniel sighed out.

"We should call Hunter, tell him the good news. He was…Really torn up when he learned," Harper frowned.

"He was?" Tallon asked.

"Yeah. He mentioned knowing the pain of watching someone you love just…Fade away and be helpless to stop it. Referring to his mom, I think," Flynn agreed.

"We've barely seen him since that night," Trevor mentioned.

"I'll call him," Tallon got his phone, and tried, but found it went right to voicemail. "He's…Not answering. It goes right to voicemail,"

"Strange…Not like Hunter to turn his phone off or ignore calls," Seth remarked. "Maybe his dad or Greg know?"

"Don't ride his ass," Dustin said. "I'm sure he's just busy," Tallon nodded, but still wanted to know if Hunter was okay.

. . .

[2:30 pm]

The group sat around until 12:30 or so when they grabbed a quick lunch in the cafeteria and then returned to the OR waiting area. It was torture waiting, and worrisome still for Tallon because Hunter wasn't answering calls or messages. Miya finally reached them smiling as everyone was up fast.

"How is she?" Rachel demanded gently.

"Perfect. The surgery went splendidly, and she is in recovery. Now, she will need to remain here about two weeks, to make sure everything is working as it should. After that, totally recovery time is about six weeks that she will be able to continue at home," Miya informed. "Come…I'll bring you to recovery to see Arianna," she invited. Miya led them through the doors and over to recovery where Arianna was laying on the bed, still out. "She'll be up soon," The room was nearly empty except a few others. There was one spot that seemed blocked off with curtains that was next to Arianna. "I'll be back to check on things in a bit," Miya said before leaving again.

"I really wish we could know who the donor is…" Elliot mumbled.

"I'd like to thank them," Dustin said as Rachel agreed.

"I'd like to know that…And where Hunter is. It's been hours…" Tallon sighed. TJ went to leaned against a silver pole, but it moved and he lost his balance. TJ accidentally dragged the curtain back and revealed someone they all knew.

"Hunter?!" they gasped. Tallon instantly went to his side.

"I, uh…I…Don't understand. Why is…Hunter here? In a recovery area?!" Tallon panicked.

"Nothing got reported that Hunter was taken to the hospital," Trevor confirmed. In all the worry, Hunter began to wake up.

"He's waking up!" Drew announced. Hunter groaned, trying to open his eyes.

"B-Baby?" Tallon held his hand. Hunter turned his head in Tallon's direction, smiling a bit as he opened his eyes.

"Well…Aren't you a sight to see upon waking up?" Hunter tried to laugh a little.

"Hey…" Tallon smiled back. "Baby…What are you doing here?" Miya returned.

"Good to see you awake, Mr. Haddock. I apologize you've been disturbed," Miya bowed her head.

"Oh, don't worry about it, Miya. I know these people. Tallon is my boyfriend," Hunter smiled a bit.

"Everything suddenly makes sense," Miya chuckled a bit.

"What makes sense?" Drew inquired now. "What's going on?"

"Hm?" Arianna began to awaken.

Miya walked over to Hunter now. "Surgery went well. You remember what you've were told?" she asked.

Hunter nodded. "I do. About three or four days recovery in hospital; then four weeks more with a follow up or two,"

"Good memory," Miya smiled.

"What did…Hunter have surgery for?" Dustin questioned now. Miya glanced at Hunter now, and he gave a slight nod to her, which didn't go unnoticed by anyone.

"Mr. Haddock saved your daughter's life, Mr. Raseri," Miya smiled, leaning against the wall. Everyone's eyes widened at the words.

"What…?" everyone asked.

"Hunter was Arianna's anonymous donor," Miya informed lightly. All of their eyes shifted and fell on Hunter now.

"Hu-Hunter…You were…Arianna's donor?" Tallon asked, entirely beside himself.

"I was," Hunter nodded.

"Why…Didn't you tell anyone? When did you even do all this?" Trevor inquired.

Hunter sighed a bit. "After I was told what was happening; it hit a little too close too home with the anniversary of my mother's death coming up in now, twenty days. She was sick for a long time; dad, my uncle, and I were powerless to stop it. We just had to watch her die a little more every day, knowing there was nothing we could do. That's…Why I asked to be alone once I was told," he started. "I never wanted anyone else I care about to ever have to feel that pain. At first, all I wanted to do was offer whatever support and comfort to you and your family, Tal. But then something Flynn said came to mind. That all of you had been tested and no one was a match,"

"I realized that all this must have happened before I was in your lives, so I figured that it was a slim as hell chance…But I came here the next day, the 3rd, and got myself tested. I asked that staff keep it a secret from you, in case I wasn't a match. I didn't want anyone to raise their hopes for it to be nothing. But then I got a call from the nurse telling me I was a match. I had this weird feeling you might tell me that I couldn't do this, or you couldn't ask me to do it. So I set everything up this past week until today. You…Weren't actually supposed to know at all, but…Since you found me here; I knew I had to tell you," Hunter explained softly.

"But…Hunter, why? What…About school, your job?" Tallon pushed, beside himself at the reveal still. Hunter did everything behind their backs, and saved Arianna's life.

"School and my job don't take precedence over life, babe. Regardless; I have all that figured out, so don't worry. I won't miss much and I have the work I'll miss while I'm still in here for a few days. And then I just return to normal stuff when I'm out. Only thing I can't do is lift heavy items, or drink. Now, is that such a sacrifice to be able to give life as it were. Not really. As for why…" Hunter trailed off, looking down a bit.

"I said it before. I watched my mom die, some days better than others, but I still watched her die a little more every day. I couldn't do anything. Dad and Greg couldn't do anything. We just…Had to sit back and watch it happen. It hurt. It hurt like nothing I've ever felt before. But I had felt it before, when Jay died. He's…Someone else I couldn't save. You know? I always said that if I could do something. If I could have done anything…I would have. I couldn't save them…But I saw a chance to save your sister, and when that chance was given to me in the form of being a match…How could I not do it? I had the ability to save her like I was unable to with mom and Jay. I had the power to make sure you and your family don't feel the pain me, Greg, and dad do…Giving up a kidney is a small price to pay to give life and bring happiness,"

Nobody knew what to say after Hunter said all that. Tallon just stared at Hunter before carefully launching forward and hugging him. "Thank you…" he quietly sobbed. Hunter smiled a little, hugged back.

"You're welcome," Hunter replied.