Tides

Chapter 29 - My Dax

DAX

Mom lies on a hospital bed while she chats happily with Dad, River, Maggie and our step-dad Alberto. He arrived to the village to see us compete only to find the family circus. He hugged me hard and long as always, and it felt good to have our complete family here.

A nurse comes into the room to place an IV in my mom's hand. In about 15 minutes, the doctors will make a biopsy on her kidney hoping her tissue is compatible with River's. Even if she is not, which would be odd as she is River's biological mom, her kidney can save another life. He will then receive somebody else's organ in exchange.

I walk out to the corridor to make space in the crowded room. Everything changed so quickly for us in such a short time. I've gone through a whole gamma of feelings until accepting things are what they are. Maggie Garth gave birth to me, but I was raised a Kalani. Mom and Dad will always be my parents, and Skye and Luna my siblings. Seems that Skye was right all along on his joke about me being somebody else's kid.

I went to Lottie on the day I found out the truth to check on Boy. I used the excuse that it was his first sleepover to come over and escape my reality. She knew immediately something was not right. Even though I acted earlier like if I accepted everything, I didn't. I was shocked, hurt and so sad. Henri and Boy were playing happily when I arrived, and groaned and complained when we told them it was time to sleep. After putting the boys to bed, Lottie made me a cup of coffee, and my pretense crumbled right then. I sobbed while she hugged me. I know I scared the hell out of her and when I calmed down, I told her everything that happened earlier. Then she said something which gave me a new perspective.

"Dax, I know this is a huge shock for you," she looked into my eyes. "You have all the right in the world to feel the way you feel right now. The situation will change, but it will only get better. Our family is just bigger now. Ash and Sadie will not love you less. You only now have extra people to love you."

We then went to check if the boys were sleeping. Henri had his arm around Boy in a hug, and both were deep asleep. In the short time they've known each other, Boy learned to adore Henri. He follows him everywhere as if he were his big brother. The beautiful image of the love between two kids who are not related and the words of my girlfriend made me feel a lot better. She acknowledged my feelings and reassured me everything will be okay.

The following day, I went to the hospital to see River during his dialysis treatment, and I found him playing with his phone. His shirt was open, and I could see the tubing under his collarbone which connects him to the machine. He looked surprised and gave me a big smile when he saw me. I grabbed a chair and sat next to him. In the beginning, it felt awkward, but soon enough we were getting to know each other. I told him how it was like to grow up in the Kalani family. It's a crazy experience as my mom and dad are divorced, but are still great friends. They are only not made to be husband and wife, but they are amazing parents.

He also told me about Maggie and my biological dad who was called Andrew. Just like my parents, they've always been supportive of River. Andrew suffered a debilitating stroke when River was 16 years old and died from complications. According to River, he was a sweet guy and helped many people through his work as a lawyer. It's a pity I will never get to know him.

River misses his teaching job. He loves his students and likes to find amusing modern literature to discuss in class. It's curious, I guess there is where our blood ties come into play. Dad taught Luna how to shape and is a board instructor. Skye is an awesome surfing instructor and wanted to be a teacher.

Mom came later into the treatment room with a bright smile and told us the good news. River and her are at least blood compatible. Maggie contacted River's doctor the evening before as time is precious in moments like these. Mom went to the hospital early to get tests done, and her physical examination and lab results came out good. She is healthy and can become his donor. She told us then the doctor scheduled a biopsy for today.

"You are frowning. What are you thinking about?" I startle as Lottie places her arm around my waist.

"Hey, beautiful," I kiss Lottie on her temple. "I walked outside. It's crowded in there."

"How is Sadie? Is she ready?"

"As ready as she can be. Dad, Alberto, Maggie, and River are in there talking with her."

"And how are you feeling?" she holds my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.

"Anxious. I hope this works. I think River feels worse than he lets people know. He doesn't want to worry Maggie. He is a good guy and... I feel sorry I reacted to the news in such a negative way. I'm getting used to the idea that they are part of my family. Skye and Luna are close. They were in the same class in school and were always together. I had friends, but it's nice to have a sibling of my age."

"Skye and Luna are twins?" she looks at me with curious eyes.

"No, but they are born in the same year. Skye was born in February and Luna in December. They were put together in school."

"Do this mean you are embracing the change?" she caresses my cheek and I nod.

"I know it doesn't even make sense. I went from being furious and upset, to accepting the whole situation," I chuckle. "Maggie is rad too. She is as sweet and warm as Mo.,"

"How did it go yesterday?"

I took Maggie out for lunch yesterday. Just the two of us. We had a lot to talk about.

"We had a good time. Mom and Dad went with her to the lawyer during the morning. They have added their claim to the lawsuit against the hospital for switching us. I picked her up afterward and had a nice lunch at a cafe close to her studio. We talked plenty about everything, and she is interested in me. She asked me to call her Maggie. You should have seen her curious face while I explained the surfing competition rules. She asked many questions about the sport and said she wouldn't mind taking a lesson one day as she loves the sea and swimming. She also has a great sense of humor. We talked a lot about Boy, and she is proud to know she is a grandmother."

"I can't wait to meet her. Sounds like a great person. She must feel upset knowing her son is so ill."

"She confessed how terrified she feels at the idea of losing River. Everything happened unexpectedly. He was healthy and active. He was a volleyball player when he was in high school and in college. On Christmas evening, he complained of pain on his pelvis. He suddenly got a fever, and his legs swelled. Maggie brought him to the hospital, and the doctor diagnosed him with insufficient function in both kidneys. A few months ago, he had tests done, and the results were alarming. His doctor recommended the transplant and the rest you know."

"It's not even a year since he got ill! I can't even imagine how terrible this must be for him," Lottie says, and I nod.

"Yeah, it seems to get worse with every day that goes by."

A few nurses and a doctor go inside my mom's room, and a minute later all the visitors come out. Dad smiles widely when he sees Lottie.

"How is my beautiful daughter-in-law?" he kisses her cheek.

"I'm doing well," she kisses him back. "How are you? Shouldn't you be in bed?" Dad and Lottie clicked well since the BBQ at my house.

"Nah, I can't stay still," he laughs.

Alberto, Maggie, and River stand in a corner. I take Lottie's hand in mine and walk towards them.

"Alberto, Maggie, and River, this is my girlfriend, Charlotte. Lottie, Alberto is my second dad. Maggie and River are my new family."

"Pleased to meet you, Charlotte," says Alberto in his thick Spanish accent while shaking her hand.

"Nice to meet the girl who loves my Dax."

Maggie moves forward and gives her a hug. Any bad feelings I had in my heart melt away... her Dax. River kisses her cheek and Lottie blushes.

The door opens again, and the nurses wheel my mom's bed outside. She has a goofy grin. I guess they gave her some narcotics. I walk to her and kiss her forehead.

"Be a good girl and don't give the doctors any trouble," I kiss the tip of her nose.

"I love you, Dax," she says before closing her eyes and falling asleep.

I move aside, and we all watch as she is brought to surgery. It will be a short one, so we decide to grab a coffee and wait.