This chapter is a little late. I was doing a bit more research on a few things, and realized I needed to go back and overhaul a few chapters. I've had some amazing reviews – you guys are what brought me back – and I wanted to make sure this was as close to perfect as possible. Please forgive the lateness. We are now completely moved into our house, but still lots of unpacking to do. :)

I am not a doctor of any type, so details (that are here) are from previous experience with a family member and what I have learned through research. I know it may not be completely accurate, but really, don't pick it to death. I just love writing, okay? :)

Standard disclaimer applies, and thanks Roswalyn. And all the reviewers and readers. (Sorry this is short!)

Avoidance by Death

by lightwarai

Chapter 10

January 3rd

(approaching three years after the accident)

"The doctor will be in to see you shortly." The dark-haired nurse smiled as she excused herself from the room, leaving Laura and Fenton Hardy alone to wait.

Fenton paced back and forth, his mind and body exhausted. Ever since they had found out the bad news, he felt as if he'd aged hundreds of years. For the second time in the last few years, he felt completely helpless. As a police officer and private detective, he was always moving. Always searching, questioning, tailing, solving. He never had time to sit still, unless he was on a stakeout. Waiting patiently was never a strong point, a trait also portrayed to his sons.

Laura Hardy crossed her arms over her chest. "Fenton Hardy, would you please sit down? I'm nervous enough without your pacing." She was seated on the examination table, still fully clothed.

Fenton smiled wanly at his wife. "I'm sorry, dear. You know I hate waiting. And I have no idea how you are able to just sit there."

"Everything is going to be okay, I just know it." She pointed to the seat next to the table. "Please, honey. Come sit down."

Fenton obliged. He sat down wearily and took Laura's hand. "You know I love you, right?" He kissed the back of her hand. Her small dainty hand fit perfectly in his.

She smiled back at him. "I know. And I know this is extremely hard on you. But please, right now, there's not much to do. So let's just enjoy being together." Who knows how long we'll have each other? she thought inwardly. She banished that thought, as she had so many times over the years.

The door creaked open, and Dr. Robert Crouch walked in. He smiled at the couple, and closed the door behind him. "I apologize for keeping you waiting." He glanced at Fenton. "Mr. Hardy, you're looking quite tense today."

Laura grinned. "Never mind him, doctor. He's just nervous. He's used to action, action, action."

Dr. Crouch laughed lightly. "Ah, the life of a PI. Never a dull day, right?"

Fenton couldn't help his grin. "True. It was certainly an exciting time."

Dr. Crouch nodded. "I'm a bit of a mystery buff myself. My wife thinks I'm crazy for reading all those mystery novels. But I think she's crazy for watching all those soap operas."

The Hardys laughed, and Dr. Crouch smiled. "Now, let's get down to business." Before the smiles could disappear off their faces, he rushed on. He was never one to take his patients on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and drama. "We found a suitable donor for you, Mrs. Hardy. I have to admit, I was quite surprised how fast it happened, but the donor is ready anytime you are."

Laura felt the tears slide down her face as she looked at her husband, a look of hope plastered on his face. He squeezed her hand, having never let go. "That's wonderful news, doctor!" Fenton croaked out, emotion making his voice crack.

"Now, it's not a simple procedure for the transplant since it does involve chemotherapy first. However, the outlook is quite positive." Dr. Crouch glanced at the paperwork in his hand. "The donor has agreed to travel to New York for the operation, and has already begun making arrangements with his work to take the time off when we are ready."

Laura took a few breaths, letting everything sink in. She stared at the floor, grateful, excited, and scared. She slowly raised her gaze to meet Dr. Crouch's. "May I ask who the donor is?"

Dr. Crouch shook his head. "Apparently, the donor wishes to remain anonymous. This is not uncommon. But I assure you that the center in New York takes this seriously, and every precaution is exercised." He smiled warmly at the couple. "I promise we'll take good care of you both."

His face grew serious. "The next months and probably year are going to be more difficult, with the chemo, transplant, healing, and therapy. I know we've already discussed all this, but I want to remind you that since your cancer is progressing faster than I would like, we're going to have to start the treatment very quickly." He glanced over at a folder on the counter next to him. "Thankfully, all of the preliminary tests have been done so as soon as all of your things are in order, I'd recommend heading to New York as soon as possible. My office can make the arrangements with the clinic."

Fenton and Laura walked out of the office shortly after, hand in hand. Both felt as if a great weight was lifted from their shoulders. But in the backs of their minds, there was still worry that something unexpected might go wrong. Both had lived through enough horrors to know that anything was possible.

The retired detective glanced down at his wife and smiled. "How about we celebrate? We haven't had a night out in a while." He winked at her. "As I recall, you loved to go out dancing."

She giggled. "Fenton, I haven't been dancing in years. What makes you think I'll be any good, or able to keep up with you? Besides, where around here could we go?" Bayport was a great place to live, but there were some things it lacked that Laura missed about living in New York City.

Fenton grinned. "Well, Dr. Crouch did say we needed to be headed to New York soon. So, maybe we leave tomorrow? Spend the weekend there before we start our business at the clinic. We can do some shopping, go dancing, maybe see a play. Who knows?" He grinned impishly. "I have other ideas as well."

Laura swatted his arm, her cheeks burning. Even after all these years, he could still make her blush. But her eyes sparkled at the thought of a weekend away from everything. Especially with the good news.

"I'll do my best to keep up. You know how fatigued I get these days. Butyou're on, Mr. Hardy. And I know the first place we should go," she added, grinning broadly. He might not like it, but she knew he would do it for her. "I think a massage is definitely in order."

Fenton rolled his eyes. "A woman after my own heart," he joked. "Alright, Mrs. Hardy. Anything you want."

Any who walked by the couple might have though them to be newlyweds. No matter what they had gone through in the past, or would face in their future, they were together, and that was a bond nothing could break.