The blood transfusion

'Ding!'

The elevator doors opened. As soon as the members of the Royal family exited, they saw Andrea sitting crouched crying silently. She was quiet, but her tears were flowing continuously while she recalled what had happened during the last few hours. Jennifer and Amelia sat on either side of hers, but she was lost in her own world to notice.

Amelia called out, even placed her hand on Andrea's shoulder, but she didn't respond until she heard a sniffle beside her. She finally looked up and found Jennifer sobbing. They hugged each other tightly and started crying.

The two most important women in Leo's life embraced were now busy crying their hearts out.

Her Highness and King-Smith, both tried to console them by telling them to stay strong. The floor on which Leo was being operated, was cordoned off by the police and the private security guard of the Royals.

Everyone was eager to know what exactly happened in City K, but Andrea was not in a position to answer. Even the media got wind of the story and were swarming outside the hospital like bees.

Leo was in the operating theater for over two hours now. The doctor eventually came out with another surgeon.

"Doctor, how's my son?" worried King-Smith asked.

"We've removed both the bullets, but..."

"But what?" screamed Andrea.

"One of the bullets had hit an artery, so he had lost a lot of blood... he'll need a blood transfusion!! Unfortunately, we don't have that blood type in our blood bank!"

"No problem Doctor…Leo has the same blood type as me. Take all of my blood, but please save my child!" King-Smith finally broke down.

Jennifer put her arms around her father. "Don't worry dad, nothing will happen to brother!" even though she said it to comfort him, she wasn't convinced herself.

Doctor John, a senior heart surgeon, who was operating on Leo, came forward to address the family members. "Prince is in critical condition...he needs at least 8-9 pints of blood. King-Smith, you can go with the nurse, she'll prepare for your transfusion. But, we can only take 3 pints from you."

King-Smith looked confused. "No doctor, you can take as much as Leo needs!"

"Sorry King," the doctor refused. "As a doctor, I can't allow you to endanger your life. 3 Pints is all we'll take from you," He looked to the rest of the family. "Can anyone else donate blood? Prince's blood type is O negative."

Jennifer came forward, and she was also taken away.

"Doctor, I would also like to donate...but, I don't know my blood type," said Andrea. Her Highness who was primarily attending a call came forward and said, "Andrea, you have the same blood type, O negative!!" Andrea smiled in relief and the doctor took her to join the rest.

After a few hours, the doctor informed that Leo's condition has stabilized and he will be just fine.

"Can we see him?" Jennifer asks.

Doctor John agreed and every person visited Leo, one by one. He was still under anesthetic and was fast asleep. Everyone was satisfied with his improved health. After seeing Leo everyone left except Andrea.

"Doctor John, I will be staying the night with my husband," Andrea insisted to the doctor.

"Sorry, I cannot allow that."

"No doctor, you don't understand, I'm not asking for your permission, I'm telling you!" Her voice was stern.

The doctor relented, "would you like me to arrange another bed for you?"

"No, that won't be necessary!"

The doctor nodded and left the room. Andrea sat on a chair next to Leo's bed. She watched as the drip was being fed into his vein. Tears began to fall again when she realized that she had almost lost him.

Andrea caressed his cheek with her fingers. She then held his hand in hers into hers and softly kissed it. She moved closer to his ear and whispered, "Don't even think about leaving me, Leo... I can't survive without you!!" She kissed him on the forehead.