Getting down to the end. Can you feel the excitement? I love this chapter. I think it's the best one yet. And thank you In NYC for reminding about the hospital database. I meant to put that in last chapter. Please review. It makes me feel good.

Chapter 12 Zack or Cody?

"I think we're jumping the gun here," said Allison.

"How so?" asked Jim.

"Let's check the database to see if we can find any matching kidneys," said Allison.

"I doubt there is one but go ahead and check," said Tom. Allison typed Zack and Cody's blood type into the computer.

"Let's pray that there is one," said Allison. The three of them waited in silence as the computer searched the database. There were no matches.

"Damnit," said Allison.

"Anyone have any bright ideas?" asked Jim.

"The database is our last hope. We can keep our eye open for a match. But if we're going to save Zack we have to act fast," said Tom. Jim closed his eyes and shook his head.

"There's a slim chance Cody will survive. We've got to think positive," said Carey. Jim nodded.

"I'll go talk to Carey," said Jim.

"I'll go talk to Jack," said Tom.

"I'm going to try to track down a kidney," said Allison. The three doctors went their separate ways. Jim couldn't believe that he was about to ask Carey to choose between her sons. How could she possibly make that choice?

Carey was still with Zack. She was running her hand up and down his cheek. She felt so sorry that Zack had to go through all this. She knew he was a tough kid. But the pain he was in was too much. It was always obvious he was miserable whenever he was awake. She would do anything to take his pain away. Jim walked into the room. Carey looked up at him.

"Any news on Cody?" asked Carey.

"His condition's still critical but at least he's not getting worse," said Jim. Carey nodded.

"Carey, there's something we need to talk about. And it's going to be very hard for you to hear," said Jim. Jim told Carey about the kidney problem and the deal with Zack and Cody. He spoke calmly and softly, trying to dull the pain that Carey was no doubt feeling from hearing this. Tears welled up in Carey's eyes as she realized that she had to sacrifice one of her boys to save the other. How could she possibly choose?

"Carey, I'm so sorry. Allison's trying her best to track down a kidney. But Zack and Cody's blood type is very rare. Even if we found a kidney the chances of him accepting it would be a million to one. The only way we can be sure is to have Cody give him one," said Jim. Carey let the tears flow. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening.

"Why won't Cody survive the transplant?" asked Carey.

"His body is in a severely weakened state. A major operation would be devastating to him. Now there is a slim chance he could pull through. But that's only about a ten percent chance," said Jim. Carey shook her head. She had no choice really. If there wasn't a transplant, then Zack would die. At least Cody had a chance.

"How soon do you have to operate?" asked Carey.

"Right away," said Jim. "I'm sorry." Carey let out a deep breath.

"God help me. Go ahead with the operation. Cody would want me to," said Carey.

"I'll go tell the surgeons," said Jim. Carey nodded. Jim put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a comforting smile. He slowly walked back to his office. The full weight of the situation came crashing down on him. He kicked his small metal trash can across the room.

"Motherfucker," screamed Jim loud enough where everyone in the hall could hear him.

Carey went to see Cody before he was taken into surgery. He was still asleep and already had tons of wires and needles attached to him. The doctors were determined to keep him alive. Carey kissed her son all over his face.

"Cody, baby, if you don't make it, then I'm sorry. But I know this is the choice you would make. I know you love your brother enough where you would do this for him. I love you, sweetheart. I will always love you." Carey sobbed into her son's hair. Jim and Allison were watching from a nearby doorway.

"Let's hope that kid's a fighter," said Allison.

"I hope so. For his sake and for Zack and Carey's sake," said Jim. Carey said a last goodbye to Cody and then backed away. Cody was wheeled into the operating room. His life was in the hands of the surgical team.

Hours passed. Jim and Allison couldn't bear to watch the surgeries. They had gotten too close to the family. Many staff members from the Tipton, including Maddie and Moseby, showed up. Carey contacted the boys' father (what's his name? Kurt I think) and told him what was happening. The hours seemed to drag by. Maddie spent the whole time comforting Carey. After seven hours, Jim walked into the waiting room.

"The surgeries are done," said Jim. Everyone looked at him. Jim let out a deep sigh.

"Cody made it," began Jim. Carey looked like she had just won the lottery. She threw her arms around Maddie. But Jim had a grief stricken look on his face.

"Zack, however, is not in good shape. He accepted the kidney but his vitals crashed at the end of the surgery. The team revived him but couldn't get him stable. Zack's dying and we don't know why. The virus has hit him full force." A single tear fell down Jim's face. Carey was balling her eyes out but making no sound. Jim shook his head.

"I'm very sorry but he'll be dead within the hour."

OK, time for a little contest. In the next chapter Jim finally figures out what's wrong with Zack. That doesn't mean Zack doesn't die. He could be dead when Jim figures it out. Jim figures this out when he notices a symptom effecting a part of Zack's body that he overlooked when it was mentioned to him. If you think you know what it is, PM me. First one to get it can create a character for the sequel. FYI: There's a 50/50 chance Zack could die. Update coming soon.