SPINE [Completed]

CHAPTER 6

James and Taylor just stared at each other. It was almost felt like the time they first kissed. Neither knew what to do after it had happened, they just stared. It was now almost four years ago since they had kissed in the basement of someone's house party. And now, both surprised at the news, they remained deadlocked into each other's eyes. "I thought results came in much later...how did this happen so quickly?" James asked. "Taylor's father had requested for immediate testing when he heard that you were going to need a match. We sped up the process and now within two weeks, we discovered she was a match." The doctor looked at both of them, smiled, and left the room. "We should probably call our parents." Taylor nodded.

Both James's mother and Taylor's father came to the hospital. They were all now back in James's room. Taylor was completely fine from the accident and the focus all returned to James. "The doctor said that we can start testing one more time to confirm the match and get us both ready for the transplant. It might take a few months to get it all ready." Taylor said. She smiled and kissed James on the forehead. For the first time in two weeks, everyone was in a great mood and excited for the future.

"That means I just have to get chemo for another month or two and then start getting ready for it and I'll be back to train for UConn." James said. "Let's take it day by day. We need to work out the logistics." His mother replied. "Logistics? Here easy. I'm dying. She's got the cure. Transplant. Brookes and Turner take over UConn." In a turn of events, James glimmered like he did in the past and was full of energy. Taylor giggled and tightly grabbed James's hand. "We need to make sure we have the money for this. That goes for us and Taylor." His mom said. Taylor's father nodded. "I'm all for it. We need to plan this out."

James sighed. His lack of patience and his excitement to be better slowly faded away his worries. This emotional roller coaster was at its peak again. "You need to call the coaches at UConn. Keep updating them. They said they'd wait for you." James nodded. "And you, Taylor. You need to make sure this won't conflict with your state game and your training session with UConn in a few months." Taylor's father said. "Dad, I think I can miss a few training days for James." Taylor replied. "I know Taylor. But, unlike James you need to show them one last time who you are before that scholarship is all yours." Taylor got up from the bed. "Can't we just take this time to be happy dad? We can save his life. That's more important. Besides, nothing is set yet. We can just plan ahead." Taylor looked back at James. He sat there and slightly smiled. "I suppose you're right. Are you spending the night here?" Her father asked. Taylor looked down at her clothes. "I kind of need some new clothes and stuff. Can you drive me back home and back here?" He nodded. "I'll be back JT." James nodded. They walked out and it was just him and his mom. "James, everything will work out. I'm amazed that it's Taylor that was your match. Then again, you guys did always say you were destined for each other. I'm starting to believe you two a bit." He smiled.

"Mom? Did dad ever have the chance to look for a match?" Her smile faded. "Why do you ask?" James looked back at his mom. "Because if he did, he'd be here right now. And I'd be the second person to survive. Not the first. It'd be the only time I would've been okay with being second. So, did he? You know, have a chance for a match? Did he have a match?" His mother brushed his hair back. She sat next to James and ever so gently, her tear ducts let out two little droplets. "He did. It was you."