Chapter six!

Taylor and Ridge couldn't do anything but watch helplessly as the nurses carried Phoebe away. Both went together to the waiting area. Taylor slumped in a chair, she was distraught. Ridge embraced her in his arms and tried to comfort her. But nothing could calm Taylor down, she knew very well how serious the situation was. She was terrified of losing Phoebe. She shared her fears with Ridge.

"I have a really bad feeling, I mean Phoebe's condition was critical before and she barely made it through the first surgery and now a second one?! What if she doesn't make it through this? Her body isn't strong enough for that kind of stress!"

Ridge didn't know how to encourage her, he was also very worried about his daughter.

"We can only pray everything will go well and that Phoebe will survive!"

Short time later the rest of the family arrived. Bridget had called them and told them about the critical situation. Stephanie with Steffy and Thomas arrived first. Anxious, they wanted to know what was going on. Taylor regained her composure and together with Ridge she explained to them what had happened earlier. In the meantime, Eric arrived too. All of them were deeply shocked and concerned when they learned the bad news. But there was nothing they could do but hope for some redeeming information from the OR.

Meanwhile, Brooke chatted with her sisters. After Eric had left in a hurry, Rick had also retreated to his room. Donna and Katie had noticed all evening long, Brooke was very quiet and tense. Also it had not escaped their notice that Ridge had left immediately. Katie asked Brooke about the reason for Ridge's getaway. Brooke told them about her argument with Ridge.

"He was pretty upset because I wanted to celebrate Rick's homecoming. He thought it is inappropriate for us to celebrate while Phoebe is still in the hospital."

"But Phoebe is not going to get any better if we're all just moping around. Besides, it was just a simple dinner." Brooke nodded at Donna in agreement.

"Exactly, but Ridge doesn't have any compassion for me. I think he resents the fact that I'm happy my son is doing well again while his daughter is still in a critical condition."

"But that's not your fault! He should be happy with you that at least Rick is back on his feet!" Katie demanded.

"I told him the same thing, but he obviously doesn't see it that way. Besides, I think he still blames Rick for the accident!"

"But there's no evidence against Rick, or is there something?" inquired Donna.

"Well not so far, but Lt. Baker obviously still has some questions for Rick. He wants him to make a statement soon. However, in my opinion Rick should take it easy for a few more days. He's not in any condition for that kind of exposure right now, but Ridge is insisting that Rick makes his statement as soon as possible!"

"That's kind of understandable, I mean that he wants some answers. You can't blame him for that. Any of us would react the same!"

"Yeah, but I just don't like his aggressive tone towards Rick. It was an accident and the police will come to the same conclusion. But I'm worried about what a statement might do to Rick. He's still pretty much in shock!" Katie thought hard.

"But maybe it would help him. There is a chance it might free him to finally talk about it. Besides, the sooner the matter is cleared up and the case is closed and the police confirm that it was an accident, the sooner there will be peace again between you and especially between Rick and Ridge. It could ease the situation for all of you." Brooke had to admit, Katie had a point

"Maybe you're right!" agreed Brooke to her. A short time later, Donna and Katie said goodbye to their sister and Brooke retreated to her bedroom.

At the hospital, they were still waiting. Everyone paced nervously, transfixed at the clock. Time just wouldn't go by. Every minute felt like an hour. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Phoebe's doctor appeared. They ran up to him. He made a very thoughtful and troubled face.

"Phoebe survived the surgery. However, we couldn't save the kidney. A tear had formed and the bleeding was too severe. So we had to remove the second kidney as well. For this reason, we have put her on dialysis. I have to tell you, Phoebe's condition unfortunately deteriorated dramatically. The second surgery has weakened her tremendously."

Everyone took a deep breath. They were initially relieved that Phoebe was still alive. However, each of them felt a lump in their throat.

"What happens now?" wanted Stephanie to know.

"Well in the long run she will need a new kidney. However, at the moment I can't justify another surgery. Her condition has to stabilize first!" No one was satisfied with this news, because it meant there was nothing they could do but wait.

"I want to see her!" Taylor was eager to be with her daughter.

"If you want, you can see her for a minute. But only through the glass. Her condition is very precarious. I don't want to take any risks, therefore no visits are allowed at the moment. We have moved her to the recovery ward and will monitor her closely."

A nurse brought the family to the ward. Through a window, they all got a glimpse of Phoebe. He was a tough sight to behold. She looked even more fragile and weak than before. Bridget appeared, Phoebe's fate was also very close to her heart. But she was also worried about Ridge, Taylor and the others. They all seemed tired and worn out.

"The best thing will be for all of you to go home and get some sleep. I'll keep an eye on Phoebe tonight." Eric agreed with his daughter.

"I think she's right! There's nothing we can do here anyway!" But Taylor was not so easy to convince.

"I'm staying here! I'm not leaving Phoebe alone right now!" Stephanie took her in her arms.

"Taylor, be reasonable! There's nothing you can do for her at the moment and you really need to get some rest. You're probably going to need your strength for quite a long time!" Finally, both Taylor and Ridge were persuaded to go home.

Ridge was given a ride by Eric. When he entered the house, everything was quiet. Ridge breathed a sigh of relief. Apparently everyone else had already left. He was glad, because he wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. Exhausted, he eased himself onto the couch. He was so drained, he fell asleep on the spot.

Stephanie took Taylor and the kids home. Steffy and Thomas both immediately retired to their rooms. While Thomas went straight to bed, Steffy got out her laptop and began researching everything about kidney transplants. Stephanie escorted Taylor to her bedroom. Despite her fatigue the redeeming sleep didn't want to come. Taylor was still far too stressed and agitated. But Bridget had wisely given Stephanie a sleeping pill for Taylor. Finally, Taylor slipped into a fitful sleep.

The next morning Brooke was very surprised when she found Ridge asleep on the couch. Carefully, she walked to him and gently shook him.

"Hey Ridge, good morning! What are you doing here?!" Ridge was completely disoriented at first, needing a moment to come to his senses. He told Brooke about the recent events. She reacted in shock when she learned of Phoebe's poor condition. She had hoped that Phoebe would recover as soon as possible and that the nightmare would be over for all of them. Still, she tried to sound optimistic.

"We still shouldn't give up our hope! The doctors are certainly doing everything they can to help her!"

"I really hope she will be strong! I couldn't bear to..." Ridge hid his face.

"That's not going to happen! Believe me, everything is going to be okay!" Ridge reached for her hand.

"By the way, about yesterday…I'm sorry I reacted so violently. I shouldn't have rushed off like that, but I was so angry and done with my nerves!" Brooke smiled conciliatorily. She was still disappointed in his behavior, but she realized now was not a good time for another discussion.

"It's okay, let's not talk about it anymore. And as for Rick, I've been thinking about what you said. Perhaps you're right and it's best if he gives his statement soon. The earlier the situation is resolved, the better for all of us!" Ridge nodded with satisfaction.

"I agree, I'm glad you realize that now! It's important for me! I have to know how the accident until all doubts are cleared up, I don't know how to deal with Rick!"

"I'll talk to him and convince him to go see Lt. Baker today. It might be good for him as well to get some closure." Neither of them noticed Rick was listening to their conversation with a stiff expression.

Stephanie had spent the night at the Belair mansion. The next morning she ordered a fabulous breakfast, but none of them had a big appetite. Steffy told the others about her night activities.

"Based on my research it looks like that I would probably be the one to donate my kidney to Phoebe, right?" Taylor nodded.

"Indeed, it's most likely that you will be the best match as her twin sister. But we all have to get then the doctors will figure out which one of us is most suitable." Steffy, however, had already made a decision last night.

"I will do it! I'm going to donate my kidney to Phoebe!" Taylor put her arm around her.

"I understand you want to do anything for Phoebe. But first, we need to see if you're even a match. And if you are, then you should think about it very carefully. After all, the whole thing has serious lifelong consequences for you!"

"I don't care about that at all! I want Phoebe to get better, no matter what happens to me!"

"Calm down Steffy! Don't get me wrong! I'm not trying to talk you out of donating. I just want you to be aware of all the risks and potential consequences! This is not a frivolous step. When the doctors talk to us, I want you to listen carefully and pay attention!"

"Okay, I promise!"

Later, Taylor drove to the hospital. She hoped the doctors would allow her to visit Phoebe today, at least briefly. When she got to the recovery ward, she discovered someone was already standing at the window, staring inside Phoebe's room. She couldn't believe her eyes.

"What are you doing here?!"

The person at the window turned to face her. It was Rick, looking at her in bewilderment and despair.