Giving You A Piece Of Me

Chapter 6: The Kidney Disease

❤ Liv's POV ❤

AFTER I got out of the treatment room, I walked faster and went into the nearest restroom. Thankfully, there was no one inside. I went into the last stall and closed the toilet bowl lid before sitting down.

I was shocked by what I saw. Aaron is getting dialysis. I tried to downplay it and even considered that maybe it wasn't Aaron that I saw. However, he called my name, which meant that he recognized me too. It was definitely Aaron.

I wonder if Aaron is suffering from the same chronic kidney disease that my mom is suffering from. Is he also getting dialysis until he gets a kidney donor?

I came to the realization that maybe the reason why Aaron is always at the hospital is because he had to get treatment. However, the doctor said that the person who took my mom's slot needed emergency dialysis because he missed his treatment for the week.

I am also confused as to why Aaron did not tell me about his condition. This revelation is making me very sad. The two important people in my life right now are both sick with the same disease.

I eventually got out of the stall and the restroom, and headed to where my mom was. She was reading a book while patiently waiting for her turn to get on the dialysis machine.

Through the years, my mom has become incredibly patient. I, on the other hand, always had to move. I find it hard to stay still, even just for a few minutes. This is because I had to work multiple jobs. My schedule is always full, and I can't let myself get lazy. Otherwise, I will just stop functioning.

I sat next to my mom, who said "Hi, honey. Did you contact your boss?"

Liv: "Yes. Everything's fine."

Lydia: "I'm sorry you're missing work. But I'm also glad you'll get some rest, even just for a few hours."

I smiled at my mom and squeezed her hand. She resumed her reading, while I sat restlessly with her. I went to the cafeteria and the restroom multiple times before my mom was called into the treatment room.

After my mom went inside the room, I went to the cafeteria. I didn't want to run into Aaron. I don't know what to say to him.

I'm not mad, but I'm heartbroken. He's very young, and he's already had to go through dialysis. My mom has been doing it for more than seven years now. I wonder how long Aaron has been doing it. Better yet, how much longer does he have to go through it?

If I wasn't donating one of my kidneys to my mom, I would consider donating to him.

My phone pinged and when I looked at the message, it was from Aaron. It just said, "Can we talk?"

I stared at the message as I thought about how to respond. I do want to talk to Aaron and find out what is going on. I'm not sure I'm ready to hear what he has to say though.

After a few minutes, I replied "Sure."

Aaron: "I'll come see you tonight after you get off work."

Liv: "Okay."

I didn't know what else to say. I waited for Aaron to respond, but he didn't. I understand. He just had dialysis and he needs to recuperate.

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I was able to come in time for my restaurant job. I had to leave as soon as my mom and I got home. I made it on time with a few minutes to spare.

I was distracted since I couldn't stop thinking about Aaron. I am set to meet him tonight. I was nervous and I almost broke a plate in the process.

Once my shift ended, I got changed right away and headed out of the restaurant.

I didn't see Aaron right away. A black car stopped in front of me, and the window in the back seat opened. I saw Aaron's smiling face. He looked at me and said, "Hi, Liv. Can we talk in the car?"

The car door opened, and I got in reluctantly. It's a different car from the one that Aaron drove before. When I got in, I bowed my head. I somehow felt that the Aaron I am sitting right next to now is different from the Aaron that I knew.

Aaron took my left hand and said "Hi, Liv. How was work? You didn't work too hard, did you?"

I didn't respond and just kept quiet for a while. When I finally got the courage to look at Aaron, I looked at his slightly emaciated face and asked "How are you feeling? Why are you out of bed? You should be resting now."

Aaron slightly chuckled and said "I'm fine. It's not my first time getting dialysis. My body can cope. Don't worry."

Liv: "Are you sick like my mom?"

Aaron looked at my hand which he was still holding and said "Yeah. I've had it since I was a kid. I already had a transplant when I was 16. I was healthy for a while until the donated kidney failed. Now, I need a new kidney again."

I didn't respond immediately. After a few seconds, I asked "Why didn't you tell me?"

Aaron: "I don't know. I guess I didn't want you to pity me. I also didn't want to worry you any further."

Liv: "I don't pity you. It takes incredible strength to go through what you do. I can't not worry about you. You're my boyfriend and I love you."

I covered my mouth as I realized what I had just said. It was true. In the short time that I have known Aaron, I have grown to love him. He's a wonderful man and he treats me very well.

Aaron smiled but didn't say anything.

Liv: "You don't have to say it back--"

Before I got the chance to finish, Aaron kissed me on the lips for a few seconds. When he was done, he said "I love you too. I've been wanting to say it, but I didn't want to freak you out. I'm so happy you feel the same way."

We hugged and kissed some more. We then passed by a McDonalds and Aaron ordered burgers and fries to take home. He didn't order anything as he said that he didn't have an appetite.

During the drive home, Aaron told me how he stopped getting dialysis, and that him meeting me was a good thing, because it made him want to be healthy again. He promised not to skip his dialysis again in the future and told me how he's looking forward to spending more time with me once he gets his new kidney.

I was sad but at the same time relieved when I got him. Kidney disease is quite tricky, but one can live a normal life with dialysis.

Before I went to sleep that night, I included Aaron in my prayers. I hope he gets a kidney soon, hopefully before or at the same time as I mom gets hers, which I know will be soon. I am getting tested next week to see if I'm a match.