Page 87 of London Inked Boys: The Complete Trilogy
“I’m not sure.”
My mother comes to a halt in front of us. “Sophia, that was the hospital on the phone. They’ve been trying to get hold of you, but I told them you were getting married and didn’t have your phone. I hate to break up your party, but I’m afraid you’re going to have to spend you first night as a married woman in hospital.”
My stomach turns in a lurch. “What?”
My mother’s eyes fill with fresh tears, and she places the back of her hand to her mouth, her lips pressed together to contain her emotion. “They found a match for you, sweetheart. You’re getting a new kidney.”
I can barely believe it’s happening. Am I hearing things right? I glance up at Rocco whose eyes have also glassed over. “But it’s too soon,” I blurt. “I should have to wait longer, right?”
“No, the board say you’re the best match for it. With your age and health, they think you’ll give this kidney the best chance of survival. That you’ll be the one who’ll get the longest use out of it.”
“Oh, my God.” It finally sinks in. I’m getting my kidney.
Rocco pulls me into his arms and hugs me tight. “Congratulations, Mrs Walters,” he says against my ear.
The next few hours are a blur of activity. I have to leave the party and go straight to the hospital.
Linda chuckles at me as she spots me hurrying down the corridor, hand in hand with Rocco, both of us still in our wedding attire.
“I bet you’re the first person they’ve ever done a transplant on who arrived in her wedding dress,” the nurse says.
I look down at all the white. “I hope they’re going to let me change first.”
“I should think so, yes. I don’t think white lace is normally encouraged in a surgical setting. And congratulations to you both. You make a beautiful couple.”
“Thanks, Linda.”
“I hope all goes well, and we won’t need to see you back in dialysis any time soon.”
I hug the other woman and keep going. There’s an atmosphere of excited anticipation around me, and I try to fight down the nerves churning in my stomach. This is a massive opportunity for me, but it’s also a surgery, and there’s alwaysthe possibility that things could go wrong. I also know that me getting a kidney means there’s a family who’s lost a loved one today and will be suffering the worst kind of grief, so while I’m overjoyed and thankful to be getting this chance, the happiness is muffled by fear, and compassion for my donor’s family.
From terrible grief has bloomed great joy, and I can never thank them enough.
18
ROCCO
Iwait anxiously, with Sophia’s mum and dad sitting nearby. It’s strange to think I’m Sophia’s next of kin now, and if anything goes wrong, it will be on my shoulders to make the hard decisions.
No, nothing will go wrong. I need to stay positive. This is a massive opportunity for her. For us both. Some generous stranger out there has given Sophia what I’d been unable to, and now that stranger’s family will be grieving, perhaps not yet able to think about the amazing thing their loved one has done by signing up to be a donor.
They’re the longest three hours of my life.
When a doctor finally approaches us, all three of us jump to our feet.
“The surgery went well. Urine output is looking good,” the doctor says with a smile. “Of course, the next few days and weeks are the most important. Once we can see the kidney is working, and we’ve found a good balance of immunosuppressants, Sophia will be able to go on to live a normal, healthy life.”
“How long will she need to be in hospital for?” I ask.
“Probably a week, if all goes well. It shouldn’t be much more than that.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“I see you’re newlyweds. Congratulations on the marriage. I’m not surprised you want to get her home.”
I nod. “I definitely do.”
“When can we see her?” Mrs Alexander asks anxiously.
