Chapter 45

The solemn look on Tom's face stopped anything she might have said. He quietly started the engine and drove her to her apartment, where he helped her out of the car and walked with her past the thugs on the street and to her door, "Invite me in Krystal and I'll tell you everything."

"You know too, Tom? You've known all along and didn't tell me?" she couldn't believe this from her Tom, but from the look on his face, it was true. Turning and unlocking the door she walked inside leaving the open for him to follow.

He followed her into the room and closed the door behind him. "It wasn't my secret to tell Krystal, and it still isn't, but since your sister wouldn't tell you, AJ thought you should know, and I agree. He's risking the fact that he's supposed to be the only one that knows and if you go to her with this then she'll know that he was the one who told. He loves her, and is risking that so you can know the truth."

"He loves her, since when?" she asked. "I don't see him trying to help."

"Trust me on this Krystal, he loves her as much as I love you, and this is killing him that she won't allow you to help her. You should sit down, darling."

"Me? How can I help save Kris's life? How Tom? What do I have to do? I'll tell her I'm here for her and lets go for broke," replied Krystal excitedly.

"She needs a bone marrow transplant, and if it has any chance of working it has to be an exact match."

"Tom, it would be an exact match since we're identical twins. How long would it take to set it up? Could we do it in the next couple days?" she asked eagerly.

"I don't know darling, I'm not a doctor. You will have to talk to Krista about it. I am sure she will know all of that, but you have to remember there is some reason she doesn't want to ask this of you...there is a chance that she could be protecting you from something."

"Protecting me from what? She's the one dying! How can I make her understand I want to do this for her?" asked Krystal jumping up and walking the floor. "There must be a way!"

"All I can suggest is that you go to her and talk this out, Krystal. Find out her reasons for not telling you."

"Great, lets get in the car and go now," Krystal headed for the door. "I don't intend to waste another minute."

"Krystal it's after 2200 hours. The two of you have both had a very dramatic and traumatic day. Leave it until tomorrow, darling."

"Tom, how long does she have for the bone marrow transplant? I have to work tomorrow and I have a terrible feeling that every second counts," she cried. "You know don't you Tom? AJ told you if the transplant were to work when it had to be done."

"No, darling, I don't know. But after the day the two of you have had I just think it would be better to give her some time. Remember AJ might still be there helping her clean up. He did say that if you wanted to talk to her in the morning you could take off till lunch or the entire day if you needed it."

"Just when I think I hate that man, he goes and does something so sweet that I have to change my mind," she said going into Tom's arms. "I guess he must have some good in him if he's your friend."

"I taught him everything I know!" Tom grinned as he held her in his arms.

"Can you stay awhile or do you have to go now?" she asked looking him in his beautiful eyes. "I'll understand if you have to leave. You probably have a early day at the Pentagon."

"Darling, to be with you I would go days without sleep!"

"I don't want you to go without sleep, sweetheart. I just don't want you to get in trouble by showing up late for work. I have permission and you don't," she smiled caressing his cheek. "Would you like something?"

To be continued…