Bitter
Chapter 20
Christine had never been so devoid of hope. Katie couldn't qualify for an organ donation unless it was a targeted donation from a family member or close friend. She just wasn't healthy enough. Both Mike and Christine had agreed the boys didn't need to be tested. They would probably not match and if they did, they couldn't understand what would be asked for them. And Christine wasn't going to ask Mike to be tested.
She knew it would cost him his career and he felt strongly about financial supporting their family. He had texted that he was way but she didn't believe it and she didn't want to get Katie's hopes up. It had been bad enough when Katie learned of the James sinking. Jed had taken over care of the boys and Hannah was making sure that they had everything they needed, but even Hannah couldn't provide them the thing and person that they really needed. They needed a kidney and Mike.
The hours came and went. Katie was uncomfortable and not hungry. She had asked for Mike a few times, and Christine kept putting her off but time was becoming more and more eminent. The next morning; Dr. Giles, Katie's doctor rushed in and looked at the monitors. Katie was sleeping but Christine stood up.
"Is something wrong?" Christine asked.
"There's a donor. They've asked to stay anonymous but it's a perfect match. I just have to make sure she is strong enough." Dr. Giles said.
"A family member or friend?" Christine asked.
"I can't say. Katie? Can you wake up for me, Sweetie?" Dr. Giles asked. Christine had always liked the doctor. He was very fatherly towards Katie, and that was something that appealed to Christine. Katie woke up and gave them a weak smile.
"Good morning, Dr. Giles. Did I oversleep? You never get here 'til afternoon." Katie asked.
"Its only five am but you have a donor. We need to get you ready for surgery." Dr. Giles said.
"No, no. If someone has to die so that I can live; no!" Katie insisted.
"This is a live donor. The person wants to stay anonymous but they are completely healthy. No one is going to die." Dr. Giles said. A nurse came in and he began giving her directions.
"I don't want the person to be in pain and I want to meet them after." Katie said.
"I will mention it to the donor." Dr. Giles said. He motioned for Christine to follow him to the hallway and as soon as the door closed, he began talking. "She is very weak but if we wait; it might never happen." Dr. Giles said.
"I just wish we could wait on her dad. He texted yesterday that he was on his way." Christine told him.
"There's just no time. He's here in spirit, I'm sure. Do you have any questions? I know we've gone through this process before." Dr. Giles asked.
"No. I'll just go in and help Katie get ready." Christine said. She walked into the room and smiled as Katie was being prepped for surgery. The nurse was a favorite of Katie's and Christine's. Christine only had a few moments with Katie before she was taken back and Christine settled into the waiting room, wishing Mike was there with her. For all their issues, she still missed Mike's calmness. He would have been a rock.
The hours drug by. Hannah had school and Jed had a doctor's appointment so Christine was by herself. She tried calling Mike and it went straight to voicemail; which was odd. Mike always answered when he was stateside. Sometimes, when he was deployed; the emails and calls were a bit scattered but otherwise; he was attentive to at least answer the calls. Finally, six hours after the surgery started; Doctor Giles came out with a big smile on his face.
"She is doing wonderfully. No signs of rejection so far. Of course; we'll monitor her though." Dr. Giles explained.
"And her donor?" Christine asked, knowing that Katie would want to know.
"She's already asked. The donor is struggling a bit, but its not uncommon. The pain level for donors can be pretty extreme and there are higher risks for infection." He explained.
"Will she be able to meet the donor?" Christine asked.
"Once the donor is a bit more cognizant, he'll be asked." Dr. Giles answered.
"So, it was a man?" Christine questioned, hoping to get more of a clue.
"Ah, very smart. Don't worry about the donor at this point. If he chooses to, we will let you know who he is. Katie is back in her room already and begging for French Toast." Dr. Giles said.
"Its her favorite but she hasn't been able to eat it for awhile." Christine admitted.
"Well, I ordered it from the cafeteria. She needs a good meal." Dr. Giles said before they parted ways. Christine walked back to the hospital room and smiled as soon as she saw Katie, who was sitting up and watching TV. She didn't look like she had just been through major surgery. She gave Christine a bright and happy smile.
"Dad hasn't made it yet, sweetie." Christine said, knowing she was looking for Mike.
"Oh, he'll be around. I just know it." Katie answered before looking back at the TV, completely confusing Christine.