The Truth Always Comes Out

            Chapter 11: Meeting Joey

“Ready,” Kurt asks Blaine as they stand outside the door that says 5A. “Take a deep breath and knock. You can do this. I'm right beside you.” Kurt continues to wait. “Blaine, the milkshakes are melting.” Kurt says. Blaine lifts his right hand and knocks on the door. “Coming,” they hear from the other side of the door. The door is being unlocked and finally opens.  “Hi,” Joey says as he welcomes them into his apartment. “Hello,” the boys say in return. “I assume one of you is Blaine Anderson or I just let total strangers into my place,” Joey says jokingly. “No, I am Blaine Anderson and this is Kurt Hummel,” Blaine says as he introduces themselves. Kurt holding a container says, “Guys, these milkshakes are melting.” “Man, I don't want that to happen I love thick chocolate milkshakes. Let's sit down at the table and get to know each other while we are sucking on our milkshaaaaaaakes!” Joey says with a laugh as they head towards the table. Blaine can see looking at Joey that he has been sick. His clothes are too loose on his small frame and he walks slowly, not having a lot of energy. His hair is very short as it has just begun to grow back. But his face is what attracts Blaine's attention because he doesn't see illness. He sees a person who is happy. A person who is full of life who makes jokes and is always smiling. He is not letting cancer stop him from living his life.

They had been there for over an hour and had talked about Lima, what games they like to play, their favorite foods, and what they like to do in their spare time. They found out they have a lot in common. They enjoy singing, watching movies, and want to travel overseas. They talked about everything, except their families. Blaine and Kurt could see Joey was getting tired so they decided it was time to leave so Joey could rest. As they were heading for the door Joey asked the boys, “What are you doing tomorrow?” Kurt answered, “We don't have anything planned.”  Joey says, “Great, why don't you come back for lunch and we can talk about what you really came here for.” The boys freeze and look at Joey. “I know who you are Blaine and I bet you have lots of questions you did not ask today.” Blaine is stunned. He finally asks, “You know?” “Yes I do. We can talk about my lovely Father tomorrow if you want.” Blaine nods yes and turns toward the door. Blaine and Kurt say their goodbyes after finalizing plans for lunch and head back to the loft.

Kurt slides the loft door open and Blaine walks in. After closing the door Kurt joins Blaine on the couch to talk. “He seems very nice Kurt,” Blaine says. “He is not letting cancer stop him from enjoying his life.” Kurt agrees and says, “He is very strong to keep fighting and not give up.” “Kurt, I need to talk to his doctor tomorrow morning before we go to Joey's. Will you come with me?” Blaine asks Kurt. “Yes.” Kurt answers. Blaine calls Dr. Potter's office and explains who he is. He agrees to meet with Blaine at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. Wanting to be ready for the meeting Blaine and Kurt sit down at the table and write down questions they want answered. “I think we are set.” Blaine says. “I agree,” Kurt says. “Are you tired?” Kurt asks Blaine with a look that Blaine has seen before. “Not really,” Blaine says. “Are you thinking what I am thinking? Kurt asks Blaine. “Probably, should we exit stage right?” Blaine asks with a smirk as they race off towards the bedroom.

Blaine's head rests on Kurt's chest when the alarm goes off waking the boys. “Hit the snooze,” Blaine tells Kurt. “No way, we need to shower and get going. We can't be late for your meeting with Doctor Potter especially since he is making time for us.” Kurt tells Blaine as he kisses him on his forehead. “Now get up and get going,” Kurt says as he pulls off the covers and forces Blaine into the bathroom while he starts breakfast. Soon the boys are ready for the day and head out of the loft to get their questions answered.

They enter Dr. Potter's office and talk with the receptionist. She takes the boys to the doctor's office where they sit down in soft chairs, waiting for the doctor. Blaine looks around at the diplomas trying to relieve some of his tension. Kurt takes his hand and says, “It will be alright.” Blaine smiles at him and then looks at the paper with the questions. The door opens and Dr. Potter walks in. “Good morning gentlemen,” he says as he shakes their hands, walks around his desk, and sits down in his chair. After introducing themselves the doctor says, “I understand you have some questions. You are aware that I will not be able to answer any questions pertaining to Joey Hill's health due to patient doctor confidentiality.” “We understand,” Blaine replies. “Honestly, Dr Potter says, “I am surprised to hear from you. Mr. Hill had told me you were tested and it came back positive to being a match. I got the impression that you would probably decline being a donor. Just to let you know he told me about your situation so I understand this is a difficult decision for you.” “Thank you,” Blaine says. “I understand that Joey has cancer and needs a bone marrow transplant as his next treatment.” “Okay,” Dr. Potter replies. Talking in a hypothetical situation so you are not breaking any laws, if a person in Joey's condition has this transplant what results could you expect? There is a good chance it could put the patient in remission or at least add a few years to his life.” “Could you explain the procedure for the donor?” “Sure, I'll even give you a pamphlet you can take with you. The short version is this. The risk to the donor is relatively low. It is done in an operating room and the donor is under anesthesia which you choose. General, where you are totally out or a local that would numb you from the waist down and we would make you drowsy. A needle is inserted into your hip bone and the marrow is removed. It takes about an hour. The side effects after are the hip area may be bruised and sore for a few days and you will feel tired for tired for a few days up to a few weeks depending on the donor. Within a few weeks your body will replace the marrow that was removed,” Doctor Potter explains. Blaine asks, “Would 2 weeks from now be soon enough to have the procedure if I so choose to be a donor? I am graduating from high school next week and I would like to attend it if possible.” “If you decide to be a donor we could wait the 2 weeks because we would need some time to prepare the patient,” Dr. Potter answered. After having their questions answered Blaine and Kurt slowly stand and thank the doctor for his time and help. “Blaine, if you are seriously considering being a donor I would like to repeat your blood test just to double check, if you don't mind. I could draw blood right now,” Doctor Potter says. “Okay,” Blaine says. The doctor leaves to get a vial for Blaine's blood while Kurt rubs Blaine's shoulders in a reassuring way while Blaine rolls up his sleeve.  He returns quickly and is finished within seconds. The doctor reminds Blaine as he walks out of his office. “Please call me when you have made your decision about being a donor.” “Sure.  Before I leave I have one last question Blaine says, does Joey know I am a match?” “I do not know for sure, but I have not said anything to him.” the doctor answered.

Blaine and Kurt are walking down the street when they realize they have some free time before heading to Joey's apartment. They stop at a little shop and sit down to enjoy a beverage. Blaine says, “When we get back to the loft later I want to watch a funny movie. I need to laugh. I can't remember the last time I laughed.” Blaine says. “That sounds like a plan as long as it includes some popcorn. After the movie we will have to pack since we are heading back to Lima in the morning,” Kurt says. “I think I will drive. My ankle feels better,” he tells Kurt. “I'm not sure, I want to get back safely,” Kurt questions. “Okay, I won't drive but that means I'll need to keep myself hydrated by drinking lots of water and you know what that means,” Blains says jokingly. “Peeeeeing!” Kurt yells out with a laugh. “Come on Blaine, Joey is expecting us and we should stop and get him a thick chocolate milkshake. They head out of the store hands entwined and happy for the moment.

Joey has lunch ready when the boys arrive. He is thrilled to see a thick chocolate milkshake and starts sucking it immediately saying, “Nothing like a chocolate milkshake.” They sit down and start eating lunch when Joey says, “Okay, let me tell you about my family and then you can ask your questions. I was born in Lima. We stayed there until I was 4 years old. My Mom and I moved to Columbus. We stayed there until I moved to New York. I remember visiting my Father in prison a few times. Mom told me he had done something wrong and they sent him there and he would be let out when I was 18. Well around the age of 14 I wanted to find out what my Dad had done that meant he couldn't be at my games like the other Fathers. No one would tell me when I asked so I looked him up on the internet and discovered the truth. I read some newspaper articles about him. I didn't understand everything I read so I showed my Mother what I found out. She finally explained everything to me. I was so mad at my Father, to think that he had raped and assaulted a woman. I couldn't understand it. He had destroyed my family and I hated him for that. When he was released he contacted me and wanted to explain. Not that he had an acceptable reason. We met a few times and then I graduated high school and headed for New York to attend NYU. I was diagnosed with cancer and he has been staying in touch ever since. When I told him I needed a bone marrow transplant and no one in my family was a match he told me about Angela Anderson. He told me he had another son and that he had signed all rights away. He told me he was going to go back to Lima find her. I have not heard from him since. I figure he found her because you showed up and that is my story, Joey says.” Blaine asks, “Do you talk to him often? “Not really, I mean we talk every so often. He is my Father, but not really my Father if that makes sense. He was never around to do those fatherly things so we don't really have that bond.” Joey said. “Can you tell me about your cancer and how you are doing?” Blaine asks. “Sure, I was diagnosed with cancer after I turned 20 years old. I had treatment and it went into remission. A year ago it returned but the treatments are not working as well. Recently my doctor's have decided I need a bone marrow transplant. We tested members of my family and none of them matched. So I am currently on a waiting list hoping to find a donor that will be a match.”Joey explained. “How do you keep so upbeat with everything? I would fall apart.” Blaine asks as Kurt touches his hand. “I decided when I was first diagnosed that I was going to keep control of my life. I am going to enjoy my life and take in as much as possible whether I have a few days or many years. I think we should all live like that. Sure, I could be sad and sit in the corner letting life go by and what, lose even more to cancer. Ain't going to happen. Its taken enough.” Joey answers.

“Okay, I guess that answers my questions except one,” Blaine says as he looks at Kurt who gives him a smile and squeezes his hand because he approves of the question. “Would it bother you if you had some of my bone marrow in your body?” “What, what did you just say?” a surprised Joey asks. “Joey, I am a match and I am willing to give you some of my bone marrow if you want.” Blaine said. “Are you sure?” Joey asks. “Yes, I would like to help my brother.” Blaine answers as the brothers stand and hug while Joey repeats, “Thank you,” over and over into Blaine's ear. They finally let go and Blaine says, “I have one request if possible. I don't want Jack Hill near me when we go through this.” “Not a problem,” Joey agrees happily as tears fall down his face and hope returns to his heart. Before leaving Blaine takes out his phone and calls Dr. Potter and informs him that he would indeed be a donor for Joey. Blaine and Kurt give Joey their phone numbers promising to keep in touch since they are headed back to Lima tomorrow. They share one last big hug with Joey before they head back to the loft both feeling good inside.