Chapter Four-I Need You Tonight

Friday…

Mia tapped her foot impatiently against her chair.

Lance unconsciously shook his leg.

Neither of them said a word.

Mia looked over at Lance and offered a weak smile.

“I thought you were going to stop worrying.” She said.

“Same to you.” He commented.

“Why don’t we both stop worrying and think about something else.” She suggested.

“Like what?”

“Like what you’re going to buy me for our anniversary. Three years ya know.”

Lance chuckled.

“Is that why you go out with me? So I can buy you nice things?”

“Celebrity, celebrity.” Mia sang.

Before Lance could respond the office door opened.

“Mia, Lance.” Dr. West said walking in and settling into the chair behind his desk.

“What’s with the face?” Mia asked nervously spying Dr. West’s grim look.

“I’m afraid I have some bad news.” He said solemnly.

Mia’s heart jumped up in her chest. She immediately felt Lance’s hand around hers.

“Wha…what’s wrong?”

“It’s your kidneys.” He said.

“My kidneys?” Mia asked.

“You’re in end-stage renal disease. In everyday terms total kidney failure. We’re going to have to start you on dialysis immediately.” Dr. West said.

“I don’t understand, how did this happen?” Lance asked.

“Mia was treated for a strep infection about a year ago. The infection was quite advanced and when untreated strep can cause a number of problems, including kidney damage.” He explained.

“What does the dialysis do?” she asked.

“You’ll be placed on a machine that will work like your kidneys. It will cleanse your blood of waste and toxins.” He said.

“How long will she be on dialysis?” Lance asked.

“For her entire life or until she can get a kidney transplant.” Dr. West said. “You’ll have to undergo minor surgery before you can begin dialysis. One of you veins will be joined together with one of your arteries. In time the vein will enlarge and then it will be easier for the nurse to insert the needle for the dialysis machine.”

Mia nodded…not sure what to say.

“I know this is a lot to take in. I want to schedule your surgery for Monday. You can go home until then and if you have any questions feel free to call me.” He said standing up.

“Thank you doctor.” Lance said.

“Thanks.” Mia mumbled.

“You’re a tough girl, you’ll get through this.” Dr. West said squeezing her shoulder as he left the room.

Lance looked over at Mia and saw tears slowly falling down her face.

“Oh baby.” He said kneeling next to her and pulling her to him.

“I don’t even know what to think.” She mumbled into his neck.

“Shh…” Lance said rubbing her back. “We don’t have to talk right now. Why don’t I take you home?”

“Can I stay with you tonight? Kara’s working late and I don’t want to be by myself.” Mia whispered.

“Of course.” He said.

Mia slowly stood up and leaned on Lance for support.

***

Lance drove to his house and Mia called her parents and broke the news. They immediately told her to come stay with them and she said she’d be over the next morning. They, along with Lance, would go with her to the hospital on Monday. Also, her parents wanted to be tested to see if they qualified as possible donors. Since she had no siblings Mia’s parents were her best chance.

Mia woke with a start. She glanced next to her and saw Lance sleeping peacefully. Carefully she slid out of bed and walked towards the window. Her whole life was about to change and just the thought of that terrified her. She sat down on the window seat and tried to blink back the tears, but it was no use.

Lance heard a noise and slowly opened his eyes. He scanned the room and saw Mia sitting on the window seat.

“Sweetie?” he asked.

Mia turned around and quickly wiped her eyes.

“Come back to bed.” Lance said pulling the blanket down.

She walked back and climbed under the sheets. Lance maneuvered his arms so he could hold Mia.

“I love you.” He said kissing her.

“I love you too.” She replied snuggling against him.

She was quiet for a moment.

“I’m scared.”

“So am I.” he said truthfully. “So am I.”

Chapter 5