want them around. I was just thankful they’d given us a few moments to talk.
I smiled back at her. “Of course.”
When no one was looking, Charlotte wiggled her eyebrows as if to say she didn’t believe me, and I smothered a smile.
“I hope you don’t mind that I’m asking,” Easton said, “But what are the next steps? What treatment do you need?”
I let out a breath, and a sick feeling washed through me at the mention of treatment. “The doctor said I need a kidney transplant, and I have to start dialysis in the meantime.” Dread filled me at the thought of all I would have to endure in the following months, but I knew the Lord would be with me, and I had to be strong. It wasn’t as if all this was a surprise. I’d known this was coming for a very long time.
Easton ran a hand through his thick hair and frowned. “A kidney transplant. Does that mean you have to get on a list?”
“Yeah, pretty much.” I glanced at Mom and grimaced. “And it may take a while, but at least the dialysis will keep me alive in the meantime. I can probably do that for a few years.”
“A few years?” Easton stood to his feet, a look of horror on his face. “What happens after that?”
“One step at a time,” Mom said, firmly, but she looked pained. “We’ll pray that the Lord provides, and I know He will.” She pressed her lips together as if she were trying to be strong, and her eyes watered. “Besides, I’m getting tested today to see if I’m a match, and if I am, I’ll donate one of my kidneys.”
“I want them to test me too,” Easton said.
Charlotte cleared her throat. “Me too. Count me in.”
My heart swelled in my chest and warmth flooded through me. Easton and Charlotte meant so much to me, and I couldn’t ask for better friends. Mom was family, and she’d do anything for me, but Easton and Charlotte didn’t have to make that kind of sacrifice. Most people would need time to think about a decision like that, but they’d volunteered without a second thought. I loved them for it, but I couldn’t let them do it. It was hard allowing Mom to do it, but I knew she wouldn’t take no for an answer, and she wouldn’t rest until they completed the test.
“Look, Charlotte. Easton. I love you guys, but I would never ask you to give up one of your organs for me. Just being here and supporting me like this is enough.”
Easton brushed his knuckles against my cheek and leaned down, planting a kiss on my lips in front of Mom and Charlotte. “This is happening, so don’t argue. It’s a done deal.”
Charlotte squealed. “I knew it. You two are a thing, aren’t you? Tell me you’re a thing.”
Easton smiled. “Uh, yeah, that’s obvious, isn’t it?”
“Don’t forget, I’m the one who set you up,” Charlotte said.
“I owe you,” Easton said, glancing at her. “Big time.”
Mom’s eyebrows flew up, and she placed a hand over her heart. “Wait a second. How come I wasn’t told about this setup?”
“It’s a long story,” I said. “Can we talk about it later?” A wave of fatigue washed through me, and I lowered the head of the bed so I could lay back more. “I’m really tired.”
“Sure,” she said, “but we have all the time in the world after you rest, and don’t think I won’t bring it up.”
I managed to convince Easton and Charlotte that I needed to sleep and it was better for them get dinner since we wouldn’t be able to talk, anyway. They said they’d honor my wishes, but they would return in a couple of hours as visiting time wasn’t over until eight. It was hard to get Mom to agree to go home as well, but I told her I’d sleep better if I was in the room by myself.
After they left, I laid back in bed and thought of Psalm 9:10, a verse I’d memorized long ago. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
I closed my eyes and poured out my feelings to God, my heart breaking from this sudden turn of events. The doctor had shared statistics for life expectancy in regards to receiving a kidney from a living donor versus a deceased donor. Length of life was much higher for those