The following days, Sheila spent her time keeping Lily company at the hospital. Although Lily was doing much better than when she arrived under the care of John and of course with lots of love from her mother, father and the rest, she still needed to remain at the hospital for observation.
“I’m sorry for making you worry mommy.” Lily said to Sheila one evening when she was peeling apples for the little girl.
” What are you saying Lily, you are my daughter, you don’t have to feel sorry about anything. If there’s someone who should be sorry, that’s supposed to be me. I was not there with my baby when she got sick. I’m Sorry.” Sheila replied.
” Nobody knew that I would get sick Mommy. I am happy that you are here with me.” Lily said with a smile on her face.
Her once pale face had started showing colour again and looking more lively.
” You are my sweetheart, ofcourse I will be with you wherever you are.” Answered Sheila with a smile.
Although they had not found a suitable donor for Lily, David was doing everything in his power to find someone to donate his bone marrow to Lily.
Sheila was positive that they would surely find a way out.
The door to the ward was knocked and soon afterwards, the door was pushed open revealing Vanessa and Gabriel.
“Princess, look what I got you?” Vanessa asked, lifting her hands to reveal a plush bear toy.
Lily grinned widely, her eyes lighting up showing that she liked it before they dimmed immediately.
Vanessa and Sheila who had been observing her reactions looked at each other puzzled.
They could clearly tell that she liked the toy so what changed?
” Baby, you don’t like auntie’s gift?” Sheila took the initiative to ask, her eyes filled with worry.
” I like it but I am a big girl now. I can’t play with it.” Lily replied regretfully.
Her doe-like eyes looked so adorable that Vanessa fought the urge to pinch her chubby cheeks.
” Baby, who said you are a big girl?” Sheila asked, kissing Lily’s forehead.
” It doesn’t matter who told you that kind of nonsense darling. You should Know that no matter how big you are, you will always be our sweet princess and baby.” This time Gabriel spoke walking towards the bed.
He then took a seat at the edge of the bed before taking the toy from Vanessa’s hands.
” Your aunty went to a number of stalls and malls looking for this toy for you. She bought it with so much love, now, are you going to let your auntie’s efforts go to waste?” Gabriel asked and Lily shook her head.
She then extended her arms and took the plush toy from Gabriel’s.
” Thank you auntie for the gift. I like it very much.” She beamed, bringing a smile to their faces.
That was something only Lily could do, bringing happiness to those close to her.
The three people chatted happily and the mood lightened up.
Sheila could see how happy her friend was after meeting and getting together with Gabriel.
She was happy for her. After everything, Sheila believed that Vanessa deserved it.
The door to the ward was knocked and doctor John entered.
” How is our little princess doing? You seem to be in a good mood.” He spoke, examining Lily.
” I’m good Uncle, when can I get discharged?” Lily asked and the room fell silent.
All eyes turned to look at doctor John who in turn coughed awkwardly.
” Seems like you don’t love to keep Uncle company Lily.” Doctor John commented, feigning a hurt expression on his face.
Lily frowned hearing that.
” I do want to keep you company but not here. Besides, mommy said she got me a lot of gifts and I can only see them when I go home.” Lily defended making John burst out laughing.
” Actually, I came to inform your Mommy that she can finally take you home. She is worried about you coming to hate it here.” Doctor John explained.
” I already hate it here.” Lily murmured to herself but of course, the others heard her.
” Oh so you do hate it here? Alright then, I’ll go and prepare your discharge papers.” John said walking out.
” Sister-in-law, come with me. I have something I want to discuss with you.” John said before leaving the room with Sheila following behind him.
When they arrived at his office, John ushered her.
” You have something to say to me? Is it about Lilly’s condition?” Sheila asked without beating around the bush.
She could tell that that was the case.
” Yes, please take a seat, sister-in-law.” John offered and Sheila did so without questioning.
” First of all, your husband doesn’t know that I am talking to you right now.” John started.
” You are making me worried John,” For some reason, that opening line really scared Sheila.
Why did it sound like whatever would be Said later wasn’t something pleasant?
” I have a way to save Lily but I will need your help.” John spoke, causing Sheila’s brows to crease.
” And you did not tell David about it? Why are you telling me then?” Sheila asked in sheer confusion.
If there’s a way to save Lily, why did John not tell David who is his long time friend but chose to tell her?
Those questions filled her head but she chose to stay calm and listen to him till the end.
One thing was for sure though, she would do anything as long as Lily’s condition could be cured.
” I did tell him about it but he disagreed
That’s Why I want to talk to you.” John explained.
” I’m listening.”
” You know we have tried looking for someone to donate for Lily but we have been unsuccessful. I don’t want to lose hope yet but I think having another choice is not a problem.” John spoke.
” What does that have to do with me?” Sheila asked, perplexed.
” That’s where I’m coming.”
” Lily’s blood type is rare but it comes from her father. That means, all children from David will have the same blood type. If Lily has a sibling, he or she will become her donor and then we can save Lily.
I explained the same to David.
But, he thinks that it’s unfair to you.
He does not want to impose on you.
Bu, I am a medical practitioner and that means I have to exhaust all possible remedies before giving up.
I know you love Lily and would want to keep her happy and healthy.
So sister-in-law…”
” Don’t say anymore, don’t even ask. I will do it.” Sheila cut off doctor John before he could even finish his statement.
” She is my daughter now. As a mother, I can do anything as long as I can save her.” Sheila added with determination.
If there was even a flick of hope to save Lily, she would explore it.
” Good. On behalf of David, let me thank you, Sister-in-law. You have a heart of gold.” John beamed.
He was worried that Sheila might be against the idea.
Who would have thought that she would readily agree.
” I want to know if Lily will hold on until then. I’ll start working on our plan tonight.” Sheila asked.
” She can go for a year at maximum without the surgery. She just needs to be visiting the hospital from time to time.” Doctor John explained.