Page 30 of A Change Of Heart

The older man checked on a computer screen, then nodded."Down the hall.You won't miss it."

"Thank you."Steph was a bundle of nerves about seeing Nicole and couldn't put her finger on it.If it was something bad regarding Henry, her estranged father, she preferred not to know.Yet why else would this woman—whom she barely knew—ask for her specifically?It all seemed very mysterious.

Stephanie ducked into a small gift shop and picked up a pink vase full of bright flowers, then continued down the hallway to the end.She paused at the large open room on the left to wipe her sweaty palms with a tissue and quiet her nerves.Chin up, she moved forward, and from the entrance door she was slightly shocked by the dozens of women and a few men sitting in reclining chairs—all hooked to their life-saving machines.

A small woman with thin short hair and a bright smile lifted her free hand and waved.Stephanie grinned and waved back.She'd never have recognized Nicole from so long ago and was pleased that Henry’s daughter had been on the lookout for her.

Nicole beamed when Stephanie moved to her side and held out the flowers."Pink roses in a pink vase.Hope it'll brighten your day."

"Thank you, they are beautiful."Nicole swiped away a lone tear."It was very nice of you to come, and especially sweet to bring me flowers.You must be wondering why I asked for you?"

"We can get to that later.”Steph eyed the door for Jason.“Jason is on his way."

"You two getting back together?"Nicole lifted her hand and crossed her fingers.

"That would be unlikely, but I must admit it was a pleasant surprise to meet up again."Her foolish heart did a little pitter-patter.

"I think he still has a thing for you," Nicole admitted, watching as Stephanie placed the flower vase on a counter next to her, then perched on a wooden chair.

"Nonsense."Stephanie took hold of Nicole's hand."It's been a long, long time since the three of us have seen each other."She gave the sickly woman a warm smile."How do you feel?You must be ready to jump up and run out of here," she said, making light of the dire situation.

"If only I could," she answered.

Stephanie noticed the dark rings around Nicole's eyes, the weak, pale flesh and hair loss.A TV in the corner was turned on but it didn't appear that Nicole or the others were watching.Some had books to read, others had visitors, or simply closed their eyes to block out everything around them.

"I'm fine.Really.I just come in every second day for my blood to be cleansed."Nicole sat up straighter and giggled."Sounds like a vampire movie, doesn't it?"

"Never did like vampires or the idea of them sucking my neck," Stephanie said, making them both laugh.

"So how long have you been on dialysis?"

"About six months before the transplant that never happened."Nicole sighed and sipped water from the straw in her Styrofoam cup."Hard to remember the time exactly but it became obvious that my kidneys took a turn for the worse."

"It's good you're not hospital bound, but is it possible you can do this treatment at home?”

"I tried that but gave up on it after a month.My husband, Heulyn was working and I didn't want him home taking care of me.My son Rhys is in pre-school.I prefer to have it done here instead."

"How long does this normally take?"Stephanie asked.

"I have an hemodialysis so I'm here around four hours.But it goes quickly," she added."And we all know each other and chat.Makes the time go fast."

Stephanie saw the bravery in Nicole’s expression, the willingness to fight.

"I'm just so sorry, Nicole."She offered a weak smile."You're too young and it isn't fair!Are you in any pain?"

Nicole shrugged her thin shoulders."No.Uncomfortable, despondent some days, but no pain.I'm prepared for the worst and have made my peace with it."

"That doesn't make it right."Stephanie glanced around the room, watching several nurses stop to speak one-on-one with the patients before moving on.Obviously, all the patients were regulars and known to the staff.

If Henry wouldn't be such a stubborn mule, he might be able to save his daughter's life and spare her from this terrible fate.She had told her boss she’d butt out, but now...well.She had to act.

"It's okay.”Nicole gestured to the machine.“Doing this treatment allows me a chance to keep my organs healthy just in case another donor shows up.And I go home every night for a family dinner.Heu and Rhys pick me up."

"So, Jason told you that I work for your dad?"

"Yes.What a coincidence," she answered with an edge of bitterness."I don't even want to ask him for help.My fault, I guess.I screwed up a long time ago...”

Her voice broke, and Stephanie placed a hand on her shoulder."You may have, but that's the past.You’re married now, with a little boy you want to see grow up."

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