Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Fifty

ARIS' POV

✲

The journey to the hospital was a blur. Nick was trying to keep the conversation going between us but I could barely respond with more than one word for an answer. My knee bounded and Nick held my hand but I was numb all over.

Now we sit in a consultation room with the doctor who is explaining the procedure. I'm staring right at him, watching his lips move but the words are floating into the air. Oh my God. This is really happening. I'm getting a new heart.

I'm getting a new heart.

They checked me over to make sure that the heart is suitable for me including the size and any new medical conditions I might have developed over the past few months since my last check up.

Nick asks the doctor questions. Shit. I should be listening. I should be present.

My throat clears and I snap myself back into the room. Nick's hand rests in my lap as he gives my fingers a quick squeeze. "So how long will the transplant take?" He asks.

"We expect between four to six hours. But there are possible complications that I need to discuss with you both." The doctor flicks his eyes between us. "First of all there is a possibility of rejection. Your body can reject the new heart if it sees it as foreign. Medication usually can help to reduce this risk but it's still a possibility."

Nick nods and I study his stern expression. "And what happens if the body rejects the heart?"

"It can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and aches. It can happen days, weeks or months after a transplant." He offers with a wave of his hand.

"What are the other complications?"

"Possible infections, narrowed arteries–"

I zone out again. I know they have to tell me everything that could go wrong but I'm shaking now. Breathe. Breathe. Nick turns his attention to me and the doctor stops talking. "Aris?"

"I-I'm sorry," I heave.

"Don't say you're sorry," he grips the side of my face.

The doctor leans forward on his desk. "It's a very overwhelming situation but I promise you, Aris. You're in good hands here. We are the best cardiology hospital in the UK. We have your best interests. Okay? Remember that."

I suck down a sharp breath and nod. "Yeah."

"The recovery will take a while and you'll be in the hospital for at least two weeks, three if we need to keep an eye on you. Then you will be discharged home and expected to rest until you gain your strength back again." He laces his fingers together and rests them on his desk. "It's crucial that you are with someone that can look after you, that can take time off work if needed, as you won't be able to do things on your own at the start. Have you had those sorts of things arranged?"

Nick nods and keeps a hold of my hand. "Yes. All of that is already sorted."

I glance at him but he doesn't look my way. I don't question it right now. I don't need more things to worry about. First I need to make it out of that operating room and then I can fret about everything else.

My throat feels tight and I hate that my stomach rolls inside me. The shock is finally setting in. I'm about to have my heart removed and replaced. I'm having a part of me taken away so I can live longer.

I close my eyes and my body shudders uncomfortably. It's a bittersweet moment.

Afterwards the doctor has me change into my hospital gown and compression socks. I stand in the middle of the hallway when Nick glances up from his phone and walks towards me. My eyes can't stop the tears leaking down my face.