Chapter 43

"Did you ask him if there was another way or just turn down the chemo?" questioned Krystal. "I need to help you Kris. I need to find a way to keep you alive, please understand."

Her eyes still locked with AJ's as if she was daring him to contradict her, she said, "There is nothing that can be done, Krys."

"Do you mind if I call your doctor and talk with him, please?" she asked. "Maybe he's just been too busy to answer all your questions."

"Yes, I do mind!" Krista finally turned to look at her sister. As she did, Tom caught AJ's eye and raised an eyebrow asking if he should say something. He knew that Krista had just silently ordered him not to, but she didn't know that Tom knew the truth too.

AJ shook his head 'no'. He hoped Tom would understand and trust him to know what was best for now.

"I'm sorry Kris, I only want what's best for you. I would love to spend the rest of my life with my only sister and friend," replied Krystal dropping her head afraid to say more.

Trying to change the subject, Krista asked, "Did anyone bring desert?"

"That's what we forgot. I knew there was something. If anyone wants I'll make a trip to the ice cream store down the street," AJ offered standing. "Does anyone have a favorite flavor?"

"I have some homemade caramel corn if you don't want to go out, Albert," Krista offered.

"Did you say homemade? Well that does it for me; I'll take the caramel corn. If anyone wants ice cream they're on their own," grinned AJ. "Do you need any help Krista?"

"I'll take some too, Kris. Lord, I hope it tastes as good as it did when we were children," Krystal said shutting her eyes and remembering days long gone.

Krista smiled at AJ and nodded that he could help her. She moved into the kitchen and showed him where to find bowls and napkins, then she reached into the oven and pulled out the still warm caramel corn, it had pecans and almonds tossed in with the candy glaze and popcorn. She spooned it off of the tray into the bowls and then put on another pot of water for more tea.

"Krista, don't be too upset with your sister, she's had a really bad day today. You have to admit that it hurt her terribly to find you only to learn that you're dying," he whispered rubbing her back. "I know it's hard for you too, but you've had sometime to deal with it and Krystal is still in shock."

"I know, and I want to thank you for not telling her about the transplant, Albert." She relaxed into his hands as they rubbed her back, it felt so good, he seemed to know just the spot that was hurting.

"Why won't you let her help you, Krista? She's going to be so hurt when she finds out the truth," he replied as he started to rub her shoulders. "She's your sister and would do anything for you."

"You don't understand the risks, Albert! She could die from the procedure or possibly be disabled for life, it is not worth the possibility of loosing her for the slim chance that it would work." She was so relaxed from what he was doing that she had given away more information than she had intended to.

"You don't understand, Krista, the choice is hers to make, not yours. If she finds out, she'll live with the guilt for the rest of her life. She'll think you didn't love or trust her enough to ask," he said laying his head on hers. "Just give her that option, that's all I'm asking, Krista."

"It is MY choice to make, Albert!" she snapped pulling away from him. "I will not put another life in danger!"

"All right, I'm sorry for sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong. I would just like to find a way to help my children's mother live a nice long life," he said, sadly taking the caramel corn in to the others.

She sighed in defeat; she had made this wonderful man hate her. Krista wished she could make him understand. She brought in the napkins and the pot of water in case anyone wanted more tea.

To be continued…