Take My Kidney, Take My Life

If this had happened to the old me, Calvin's suggestion would've set off into a full-blown argument. And he knew exactly how short my fuse was. So the second he dropped this decision on me, he made sure to drag Mom and Dad into it."Amanda and Hector aren't getting any younger. Taking care of Lou is getting harder for them. It's time we stepped up and—"Before Calvin could finish, Nathan Quayle rushed to my side, pulling at my arm, his voice desperate."Mom, just let Aunt Louella stay with us! If you don't want her living with you guys, I'll give up my room. Mom, please say yes..."I'd never seen him behave this way since the day he was born. He'd always taken after Calvin, keeping that same stony expression and brushing off my affection with little more than a grunt.But now? Nathan was ready to sacrifice his own comfort for Louella. My nails bit into my wrist, leaving behind angry red marks. I drew a sharp breath and quietly peeled Nathan's hand away."Fine, I'll agree with you

I collapsed onto the floor, writhing in pain. But Calvin still didn't stop. He kicked me hard and snarled, "Get to the hospital and apologize to Lou, now!"He grabbed my wrist and hauled me toward the door. Bright streaks of blood smeared across the floor, but he didn't even notice.Nathan stood in the doorway, his expression icy as he stared at me with pure disappointment. "Mom, why do you have to put on this act? Dad and I will never forgive you if you don't apologize to Aunt Louella!"Every part of me screamed in pain. How was I supposed to focus on what he was saying?Calvin took me to the hospital and left me slumping in the hallway. "Stay on your knees, and don't you dare move! The second Lou wakes up. You're going in there to say you're sorry!"My head spun, my body gave way, and down I went. But Calvin didn't seem concerned at all. The only thing in his eyes was pure disgust.…I had no idea how long I was out before I finally pried my eyes open. And right there in front

The steady beep of the machine filled my ears as I dragged my eyes open, my eyelids feeling like lead. Natalie was at my side the second she noticed I'd woken up. "Jan, you're awake. You're finally awake."I felt the warm, wet splash of her tears hitting the back of my hand. I tried to move my arm to reassure her, but I couldn't muster even a shred of strength.It seemed like my time was almost up. Strangely, I wasn't afraid at all. All I felt was peace. The only thing I regretted was putting Natalie through so much."Nat, you've been through a lot for me." My voice came out weak, and that just made her eyes get even redder. "Don't cry."I tried lifting my hand to wipe her tears but couldn't quite make it. Natalie saw me struggling and bent down. "Jan, I'm here!"I whispered into her ear, "Nat... this is the last thing I can do for you. And... thank you."As soon as the words were out, my thoughts turned thick and slow, like I was sinking into fog. Somewhere in the haze, I could

Natalie's expression turned sour the second she saw Calvin. She tried to slam the door in his face, but he blocked it."Natalie, where's Jan? Has she contacted you?" he asked.Natalie's eyes burned at his words. "You don't get to say Jan's name! Cheater! Murderer!"Calling him a cheater didn't even make Calvin blink. He knew exactly what he'd felt for Louella. But a murderer? Now, she was being dramatic."Natalie, I know I shouldn't have laid my hands on you back then, but that doesn't mean you get to go around calling me a murderer, does it?"Listening to him talk like he was somehow the victim, Natalie couldn't take it anymore. She slapped him across the face. "You want to know where Jan is? Fine! See you tomorrow at Zephyr Law Group!"Natalie didn't even let Calvin get another word in. She just slammed the door right in his face.Calvin turned her words over in his head, and suddenly, a wild idea came out of nowhere. But the moment it crossed his mind, he shut it down.He