The Transplant
Copyright© 2026 by A Bad Attitude
Chapter 3: The Healing Begins
As we wait on an elevator, he looks at me strangely and says, “We need to see about getting those tattoos removed.”
Who the hell is this guy? First, he is going to have an operation that will save my father’s life and now WE are going to see about removing MY tattoos? Don’t get me wrong. I hate these tattoos, especially the last one, the one on my pubic bone. It is a queen of spades tattoo and signifies that I like to fuck black guys. The one on my butt is some comic book looking character fucking another character on its hands and knees. The one on my right breast is the name of the leader of the Eight’s, Rufus Brown, the man who ‘broke’ me. I am doubting that any nice man would ever consider dating me much less marrying me with these tattoos and when I tell them what happened to me? No way! They will run as fast as they can to get as far away as they can. But this Marine is not running. I take his hand as we exit the elevator and he does not jerk back. Good sign!
When we enter my dad’s room there is a doctor and 2 interns along with a nurse. All are looking pretty grim.
“Dad this is Mangas O’Shea he is a former Marine.”
“Hello, Debbie never got around to telling me your name, but I hear you need a piece of liver. If you don’t mind getting a piece from a crazy Marine, you can have a piece of mine.”
Before dad could speak the doctor said, “First you have to have the same blood type.” He is handed the dog tags. “There are still some tests that we have to do. And you have to be made aware of the risks. You...”
“Doc I just finished 4 combat tours in Afghanistan. I ain’t worried about a little pain and I am sure you will make sure to minimize the risks so let’s get started.” This Marine is used to taking charge of a situation.
“My name is Dennis Climmer, thank you.” Then Dad started crying. I went to his side and the doctor and Mangas left the room.
They were back in a couple of hours. Everyone was grinning.
“Everything checked out fine. We will transfer you to St Francis hospital in the morning and probably the next day we will do the operation. Mangas will be under for three or four hours, you, Dennis will be under for about twelve hours. Then probably about three weeks in the hospital before you can go home. Mangas will have about a 3 day stay, then he can go home. Any questions?”
Nothing important was asked and the doctor left thanking everyone again. Dad was worn out and needed sleep, so we left and went to the waiting room.
“What are your plans for this evening?”
“I’m going home. I need to change clothes and take a shower. I spent the last two nights sleeping in the chair next to his bed. A good friend of our family, Lois, is coming up to spend the night with him tonight and tomorrow. We have been doing this since he was hospitalized two weeks ago. Me two nights, then her two nights.”
“I want you to come home with me. You’ll get to meet my grandparents and my Aunt JJ and her family. With any luck my cousin Dove will be able to come over and talk to you. She will be able to help with that smoking habit of yours. We have a swimming pool and a hot tub. That will help you relax.”
“I would love to but first I do not want to impose on your family. Then there is the problem with my tattoos. They are horrible really. I would not be able to explain...”
“Believe me no explanation will be necessary. I want you to meet them. I’ll follow you to your house. You can pack up enough clothes for a couple of nights. In the morning I will bring you back to see your father, if you want. Then Wednesday or Thursday you can bring me to check in for the operation.”
What could I say but ‘yes’ to this big Marine? He protected me from those black guys, and now he is going to give my father the gift of life by donating part of his liver.
He followed me in his truck. A brand new truck I might add. He sat in the living room while I packed a suitcase and showered. I did not have a bikini so swimming was out, or so I thought.
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