The First Dialysis Story written by US!

[Sluff]

Unedited Update  complete May 8th 2007


Sam felt someone near, but kept her eyes closed. She was warm and relaxed in the tub but sensed she was not alone. Almost in a whisper she heard Jim say, "Hey are you awake?" She felt his mouth kiss her forehead, moving down, kissing her nose, then finally her lips. The kiss was warm and strong and made her awaken. She reached out of the water and put her arms around Jim's neck and kissed him passionately. She felt intense desire as he kissed her back. Sam looked into Jim's eyes, and said, "I want you." Pulling him toward her, Jim started to slip over the edge, right into the tub on top of her. Sam let out a scream as the water sloshed in a big wave out of the tub. That's when she woke up!
Jim ran into the bathroom and saw Sam sitting in the tub. "What's wrong???" he yelled. Sam said, "Oh, nothing. I guess I was dreaming... I'm sorry... it seemed so real."
"oh my god" Jim said "you scared me i thought something happened" he knelt down next to the tub and held her chin in his hand ever so delicate " i don't know what i would do if something happened to you" he slowly brought his face to hers and
kissed her gently on the lips...Then he stood up, saying "Finish your bath. Dinner is waiting outside for you." He then left the bathroom.
Once more Sam felt overwhelmed by the emotions that were overtaking her. She stepped out of the luxurious bath tub, got her towel and dried herself almost mechanically. Thoughts of Jim were just swirling around in her head. There was something so gentle yet strong about him. She felt as if she was on the verge of tears, but she fought them bravely. She put on a pretty little house dress, and joined Jim outside.
Room service had out done themselves preparing a sumptuous dinner. They tucked into the fine food and laughed and talked through out the dinner. Jim served coffee and dessert out on the veranda in the moonlight. Dessert was a to die for chocolate mousse, worth every calorie. Sam had a great time. They danced after dessert to music only heard in their hearts. It had been a beautiful night.
Jim kissed her goodnight outside of her suite and said:"Goodnight Sam."
She smiled at him as she turned to go into her suite of rooms in his penthouse. She drifted onto her bed and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Sam woke during the night. She sat up and began to think about all that was happening in her life. It was only a few days before she had to leave Las Vegas. She didn't want to think about it, but she had to get back to work. It was going to be strange with her Mom not around. And what about Jim? How could she lieave him at this point? She was just getting to know him, and finding herself getting more and more attached to him. She enjoyed every moment she spent with him. What a precious time they had together at dinner. Their conversation flowed as if they were thinking the same exact thoughts. Once or twice they even said the same thing together like a duet, and burst out laughing each time. She laughed to herself at the thought of some of the jokes Jim told her. She lay back down on the bed.
Sam awoke the next morning to Jim bringing her a tray of breakfast to her bedside. She sat up and slowly blinked the sleep out of her eyes. Then covered her head up with the blanket.
"Get out. I look horrible." She mumbled from under the covers.
"Okay. I brought you breakfast with coffee." Jim said. He closed her bedroom door and left the room. Sam bolted out of her bed into the bathroom and washed her face and combed her hair. She put a bathrobe on and then poked her head out of the bedroom door. She heard Jim puttering around the penthouse and hollered out to him: "Have you eaten yet?"
"No." He answered back. "Come on out and bring the tray."
San picked the tray up off of the bedside table and carried it out to the breakfast nook area. Jim had his breakfast set up. The patio doors were open and a breeze filtered into the room from outside.
After breakfast the phone rang and Jim spoke for a minute. He came out to the patio and said "Sam, if it's okay with you, I have scheduled a massage." Sam said, "Oh that's great.. I will go shopping... or read at the pool... I'll be fine!" "What?? No! I booked it for both of us!," he said. Just then the penthouse doorbell rang. Jim escorted in the man and woman, each carrying a massage table, a basket of scented oils and some fluffy white towels. After undressing and coming out in a robe, Sam was surprised that it was the man who motioned for her to lie down on the table he had set up. The woman got Jim ready next to her. The drapes were pulled and the lights were low. Music from somewhere played quietly in the background. During the massage Sam occasionally spoke with Jim quietly, then softly moaned as her muscles relaxed and she drifted in and out of a serene slumber.
Not knowing how much time had passed, Sam became aware that the door closed as the masseuses left, although she was still slightly napping. Jim whispered, "Looks like a storm's coming in, I saw some flickers of lightening in the distance." "Ohh I love storms," said Sam. Suddenly a crack of thunder crashed outside. Sam let out a little scream! Jim stood close by and said "Don't worry, we are safe here." Sam gathered the towel around her and sat up. Jim put his arms around her and kissed her forehead. Sam kissed him back, biting his lower lip playfully. BOOM! the thunder crackled right overhead. The rain was really coming down now. Jim took Sam by the hand and led her to the bedroom, and shut the door behind them. The wild desert storm raged on, rain lapping at the windows as the wind screamed outside.
Sam and Jim were having lunch at a Sushi restaurant off of the strip later in the afternoon. They had gambled a little bit in the casino. Then went off to a private lunch. Jim knew of this little Sushi bar with all you can eat Sushi. They were having great conversation and making plans to see a show later in the evening.

When the Police came in to tell Sam her room had been broken into. Sam rushed to her room with the Police closely following, Sam was trying to figure out how the Police knew where she was. Until She arrived at her room, she couldn't believe her eyes....."SURPRISE!!!" The suite was filled with all Samantha's friends! Her first instinct was to run! Everyone applauded and cheered. Sam was stunned. She looked at Jim, who was grinning ear to ear. "Happy Birthday Baby," he said. "I forgot," Sam laughed "I forgot my own birthday!" Sam looked around. Her friends Sue and Maria ran up and hugged her! Her cousins and her aunt were clapping and jumping up and down! Next to them was Barbara and her husband, Sam's work friend Jimmy and their boss Gene, even her transplant coordinator Carol! Her neighbors were, there, as well as her friends from dialysis, including Lucy, and her boyfriend too. Even her mom and Darrell were there. Her mom grabbed her and said, "Isn't it wonderful?! Jim sure surprised you! I can tell, you didn't have a clue!!" Sam smiled and stifled a sob. She felt overwhelmed and said "I need to sit down." Jim took her arm and got her a drink from the bar. She saw a catered buffet, a cake, and hotel staff carrying trays of hors d' oeuvres into the room. Bottles of champagne were popping like crazy. "Are you okay?" asked Jim. "Yes, but it's all so incredible." she said. "You are crazy!" and she gave him a little punch in the arm. Jim smiled.
I have never had a birthday party much less a surprise party, Sam responded with excitement. How did you manage to pull this off without me knowing? Very carefully, said Jim. I have something very special that I want to give you for your birthday, we have known each other for awhile now and I think it's time that we.......
...finally get things right. Sam, will you marry me?"
He had gotten down on his knees in front of Sam, and held the most perfect looking engagement ring in his hand.
Sam did not know what to do. Everyone was waiting, seemingly holding their collective breath.....As Sam opened her mouth to reply she turned white as a sheet and passed out. All the excitement of the past few days, the huge surprise of all her friends and family, and the emotions running through her head proved to be too much. When she awoke everyone had gone to their rooms and Jim was standing by the door talking to the Hotel Doctor. "Will she be ok Doc?"asked Jim. "She will be fine, just let her get some rest and she will be back to her old self in no time.",replied the Doctor. Jim closed the door and turned to look at Sam when he realized she was awake. "You gave us quite a scare there for a minute", said Jim as he walked over to the couch where Sam was laying. "I'm sorry. I've ruined everything you worked so hard to do for me.",said Sam as she started to cry. "No, no you haven't ruined anything, I'm just glad your ok. How do you feel?", replied Jim. Sam looked up at Jim and said said with a smile "I still feel a little odd in my stomach, but I think it's just the butterflies". She reached up and put her hand on Jim's face. "By the way your answer is yes.", said Sam as she started to cry all over again. Jim reached down and pulls Sam up off the couch giving her a huge embrace and a kiss to stop all time
There was a knock on the door. It was Margie and Darrell. Jim let them in.
"You're just in time," he said. "I got my answer!! She says she will marry me!"
Just as Margie was going to speak, he interrupted, "Wait! I still have something to do!" With that, he walked over to Sam and lovingly put the ring on her finger.
Margie rushed over to Sam and hugged her as if she wasn't going to stop. Darrell just stood there beaming from ear to ear.
Sam felt so happy, she couldn't even talk.
As they packed up Jim's car Sam thought about the last year. So much had happened. She had a transplant and was engaged to be married, two things she hadn't dared wish for in the past! She glanced at Jim and saw him looking at her, smiling. She winked at him and hopped in the front seat. They were headed to...the airport so she could fly back to her apartment. She was having mixed emotions about returning to her lonely place, with only the cat to keep her company. Thank goodness for her furry friend at least. She had so many things to get accustomed to . Her life was totally changed for now she was off dialysis and an engaged woman. How do things change so drastically in such a short timeframe? How could she be so lucky as to have Jim in her life? Her mother was now married to Darrell and would be much busier with her own life, thankfully, thought Sam. She had so many plans to make, though she wanted a long engagement, why shorten such a happy time in her life? She glanced sideways at Jim beside her in the car, yes, she was anxious to spend more time with Jim, but they had a lifetime for that! She placed her hand upon his in the seat and gave it a gentle squeeze, "a penny for your thoughts, Jim." Jim looked startled at the question and answered,
"You made me jump. I was there lost in my thoughts about us. I am so thankful how things worked out for us. I am looking forward to a wonderful future with you. I was lost in my dreams about us. I can't wait to have you all to myself!"
Sam felt so warm. She gave him a tender hug.
He continued, "When are we going to set a date?"
Now Sam was the startled one. "Do we have to set a date right away?"
"What would we be waiting for? Aren't you ready for us to start our life together?"
"Yes, but I want us to get to know each other better. I want to be your wife, with all my heart. But don't let's rush."
Jim was quiet for a while, then he said..."Samantha, I don't know if I can wait. I never thought I could meet someone like you, it's like I have waited my whole life to find you. I lost you once and I am not willing to take a chance that fate could take you from me again. We don't know where life will take us, but I don't want to miss one moment with you. Those months where I couldn't contact you, knowing you thought I had died... it was the worst time of my life." "But Jim, you know...I really feel I want to get to know you better. I do not want to rush into things right now. I mean you have been alive to me just about a week and now we are engaged. I need some time. Let's just be engaged for awhile and in a few months we can talk about the wedding date. Okay?" Sam explained to Jim in the car.
Jim just nodded his head. Sam could see his jaw clenched in his profile. Oh well. She thought. This going to be a fun trip home on the airplane. Jim took her to the drop off area of the Las Vegas airport.
"Wait a minute..."Sam exclaimed. "Aren't you coming with me?"
Jim looked at her and said: "No..."

"No, what do you mean NO!?!?" said Sam as tears started welling up in her eyes. Jim turned to her and began to explain himself. "I have already moved out of my place there, and moved out here. There is nothing left for me there except you, and I had made surprise plans for you to just go back to pack up your stuff and move out here with me. I had even arranged a packing company to come out to help you and ship all your stuff too. From the talk we just had I don't think that is what you a really wanting right now, and I have unfinished business here that cant wait. I thought everything was flowing smoothly and we were on the same page with where this was headed, but I guess I was wrong. I will cancel all the arrangements for you to move and will fly out in a few days when I am done here." Sam's mouth stood wide open in disbelief as Jim ranted on. She never imagined that things would progress so quickly with Jim. She thought she had some time to adjust, but it didn't seem Jim had the same ideas. Very confused and angry at the same time Sam climbed out of the car. Jim joined her and pulled her bags out of the trunk and put them on a waiting cart. Sam turned to Jim and said. "I really don't know what to say right now, except I Love You. Even though we may not be seeing eye to eye at the moment my feelings are still the same. When you come back we will have to sit down and have a long talk about what we want from each other and where we are going. This time in Vegas has all just been a huge whirlwind and I cant think straight." Jim looked at her and saw the confusion and longing in her eyes. "Maybe your right, maybe we are going too fast. Like I said I just cant imagine living without you by my side, and I don't want to leave anything to chance. I thought that what I was doing was the right thing, but I should have talked to you first since it is your life I am effecting now too. I will be there in a few days time and we will work everything out. I LOVE YOU SAM."
Sam kissed Jim tenderly, then said "Goodbye." She tunred and walked into the airport terminal. Tears flowing down her cheeks. It felt like she was leaving Jim forever.
Jim turned to get into his car, stopped, flipped the keys to one of the airport redcaps and said "Return it to the rental lot for me. I have to talk to her" He handed the recap a fifty dollar bill. The redcap smiled at him and said:"Women, can't live with them, can't live without them." Jim dashed into the airport terminal to find Sam.
He found her at the counter, just about to give her ticket to the attendant. He shouted "Sam!"
She turned around, saw him, and ran to him, bursting into tears.
"It was so hard leaving you!" she blurted out, between sobs. He held her tightly for a while, saying nothing. She clung to him as if she would never let him go.
When she calmed down, he led her to a seat and they both sat. He held her close to him and asked her gently: "So what are we going to do?"
She looked at him through her tears and answered...
"I have to go home, today. They expect me at work, tomorrow. Jim, what are we going to do?" Sam cried onto his shoulder."Well, we will just have to tell them that you are moving away. If they still want you to work for them from your home, as you used to do, that would be fine. Couldn't you do that?" Jim suggested.
He continued, "I will come with you and help you get your stuff sorted out. What about that?"
Once again, Sam had that feeling of security, that here was someone on whom she could depend to help her deal with her challenges. It was as if there was a load taken from off her shoulders.
"Okay," she said. She didn't know what else to say.
Sam's cell phone rang. It was the transplant nurse. "Sam, you missed your appointment today. You were scheduled for labs and protocol biopsy. You know this is important for making sure your meds are working. Are you okay?" "Oh I am so sorry, I ended up taking more time than I had planned on my trip. Can we reschedule?" She made an appointment for the following week.
"Jim, I can't just run out on my life. Getting this call reminds me of all the things I have neglected since mom and I took off for Vegas. I need to go home and get busy. How soon can you come to me?" Now Sam was beginning to feel a little panicked. "You will come, won't you?"
"Oh damn!" said Jim. "Damn, damn, damn!" he jumped up. "What?" said Sam.
"I left my luggage in the rental car! I gave the guy my keys.... man, I am crazy around you... crazy about you..." as he hugged her he turned to go and said "Be careful, call me when you land... you have my heart baby... Don't forget!" Sam watched as he hurried away, just as they were anouncing the boarding call for her flight.

[kitkatz]

We be the writers!!!  Thank you Sluff for all of your work on this for us!

[Sluff]

Just waiting for Bajanne to do her magic.

[Bajanne]

Just waiting for Bajanne to do her magic.

My computer is down for a little while. I am using my daughter's laptop.  Until next week I wouldn't be able to format it.   But keep adding to the story, contributors!

[kitkatz]

Jim turned around as she was watching him leave her once again at the ticket counter.  He walked back up to her as she was checking in her bags and said: "What the hell!  They can send it to me in L.A. My name is on everything.  I will call the rental car company from the airplane."
All Sam could do was stare as Jim paid for his plane ticket and checked on in right beside her.  It was wonderful knowing he would be with her for the trip home.





Okay now go to it. Make something happen here!

[Bajanne]

My Internet connection at home is still down.  However, I have managed to format the last section and add it to our story.  We are now at page 32!  Enjoy!

[okarol]

"Sam looked at her ticket. "First Class? Well, that's a first for me," she said. Jim smiled as he hung his coat up. "Yeah, don't look now, but there's a celebrity on board," Jim replied. Sam slowly turned to look, and to her surprise, sitting in the aisle seat was...

[Bajanne]

My Internet at home is alive again!!!  But I don't want to touch that, Okarol!  Please continue. Pretty please!

[kitkatz]

Come on Okarol who was it?

[okarol]

...George Lopez, comedian and kidney transplant recipient. He was with his wife Ann, his kidney donor. Jim said, "I just read a story about Lopez in the paper. He turned down $130,000 to open for Rod Stewart at an Indian casino in Las Vegas because on Thursday he was golfing with Samuel L. Jackson, Cheech Marin and Justin Leonard at the Bob Hope Open. He did not want anything distracting him from his golf game. They upped the price twice and he told Rod Stewart he would have to pass. The promoter thought he was crazy, and his response was, "I am, crazy about golf."
Sam said, "Hang on a moment," and she got up and walked toward George. Ann Lopez looked up as she approached. "I am sorry to bother you," said Sam, "But I just wanted to tell you how much I admire you. Someone who puts herself at risk to rescue another person is a hero in my book." Ann smiled, and they spoke for a few more minutes. When she sat back down next to Jim she smiled and said, "They thought I wanted George's autograph."

[tamara]

Picture of how George looked when he met Sam 

[okarol]

Looks like George borrowed his wife's dress!

[okarol]

Sam waited for their bags while Jim went to rent a car. She didn't know what the next few days would be like. She had been gone so long -- her get-away weekend with her mom had turned into an extended stay away that was unexpected. She needed to call her mom, and her boss, she needed to reorder her meds and talk to her landlord. The lists were reeling through her mind.

[Bajanne]

What she was certain about, however, was that she would not have to go it all alone.  She had Jim with her.  The thought made her feel very warm.  She was smiling away when Jim came to tell her that he had the car.
"Why are you smiling like that?  What happened when I was gone?"  he enquired mildly.
"Just thankful that you are with me.   I was thinking of all that I had to do, feeling a little overwhelmed, and then I remembered that I am not alone."
"You better believe it!" he said and held her hand tenderly.
Sam felt ready to take on what ever would come her way.

[okarol]

A few days later Sam awoke to her cat Moochie walking across her head. She reached up and scratched his head. He purred, happy to be home with her again. Sam got up and walked to the window. The sun was just creeping over the horizon. She stood quietly, watching the light change. Sam reached for the...

[Hawkeye]

....the remote for the TV so she could watch the morning news.  No sooner had she done so than Jim walked in with a tray of food for breakfast in bed.  Jim had been stayed the night because they were out rather late they night before and he didn't want to drive back home.  "So what do you say we go to a movie tonight" asked Jim.  I hear there are a few good ones that just opened this week.  "We have been out every night since we got back", replied Sam.  Why don't we just stay home tonight.  We can rent some movies and curl up on the couch if you like, but I'm not used to being out all the time like this.  I would really just like a nice quite night at  home for a change.  After they had finished breakfast Sam and Jim got rounded around and headed out to the video store.








EDITED:fixed bold tag error-kitkatz,moderator

[kitkatz]

At the video store they disgreed over every movie. Jim wanted horror or action films and Sam was looking for a romance or drama.  Jim suggested Die Hard with a Vengence or Snakes on a Plane. Sam vetoed them both.
"Jim I just want a small calm film. Those would get me riled up." Sam told him.
Jim whispered:" Well maybe I want you a little riled up." He growled softly in her ear.  Sam giggled.
"Jim!" She said. " How about Lassie, or Shrek?"
"Kid's movies!" he told her. 
They looked some more at the DVDS the store had for rent.  Sam wandered around the store picking up movies and putting them back.  Finally they both agreed on the last Star Wars movie. Neither had seen it and both were fans of Star Wars.  Jim bought some movie candy at the register and they carried their packages to the car.
"Okay. What about take out for dinner?" Jim suggested.
"Nah. There are salad fixings in my fridge." Sam answered him.
"Okay. To your house it is." Jim replied and he started the car.

[Sluff]

The one thing that hasn't happened yet in this story is a murder...hmm 

[okarol]

As they began to back out of the parking space their attention was drawn to an alarm bell ringing loudly. The sound came from the First National Bank next door. Jim stopped just in time to avoid hitting 3 masked running from the door of the bank. "Get down, Sam, get down now!" screamed Jim. Sam quickly ducked down in the passenger side of the car. BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! - gunshots rang out as the security guard exchanged fire with the gunmen. Head down, but peering over the dash, Jim tried to move the car forward, to get out of line of fire. Sam reached up with her right hand and pushed the LOCK button on the door.

[kitkatz]

The three men ran by the car.  One of them tried the door handle, but the doors were locked.  Jim pulled a 38 special revolver out from under the front seat and kept it in one hand. As he watched carefully the robbers ran by the car.  They grabbed a woman out of her SUV in the parking lot, threw her to the ground, and climbed into her car.  Sam was still crouched down below the windows in their car.
"Jim what is going on?" Sam yelled at Jim.
"Stay down.  I am going to follow these guys.  Call the police on 911 and make sure they know where we are.  I will call out street names to you as we go."
San dialed 911 with shaking hands on her cell phone.  She told the operator they were following the robbers of the bank and gave the license number of the SUV as Jim gave it to her.  He was saying street names as they roared through town.  Sam could hear the sirens as the police joined inth e chase.  As soon as the first police car drove up, Jim slowed down and waved them on.  He slid the 35 revolver back under the seat. Sam sat back up in the seat and pulled her seatbelt on.
"That was fun." She said shakily to Jim." I was  scared to death."
"I know. Nerve wracking wasn't it."  Jim answered her.

[Bajanne]

Wow, Okarol & Kitkatz, that action just blew me away.  You really put an adrenlin shot into our story. A needed one, I might add.!

[Bajanne]

"And all I wanted was a calm night!" Sam laughed "Good thing we didn't rent one of those thrillers that you wanted.  How would I have been able to deal with that now?"
Jim laughed and laughed, then put his arm around her and gave a kiss on the cheek.
"I just love my scaredy cat!" he said, still laughing.
He started the car and soon they were home.
Sam went straight to the kitchen and started to prepare the salad.  While she was there, the phone rang.
"Mommy!" she screamed with joy.


please guys, nothing sad, like Darrel dead or anything like that. Save bad things for later, please.

[kitkatz]

Sam's Mom was quite happy and filled her in on her life since they had been in Vegas. Her mom was happy to be married and had big plans for a reception at her new home in a few months.  Sam agreed to help to with planning strategy sessions.  She hung up the phone and there was Jim, DVD in hand, waiting on her.
" Okay, let me get the popcorn." she said to Jim.
They watched the movie, with occassional glances and kisses for each other.  Eventually Sam fell asleep in Jim's arms on the couch just as the movie ended and Jim put the news on.  He nudged her awake when the bank robbery came on the news.  The robbers had been thwarted by the quick thinking of local residents.
Sam sat up and looked at Jim. "Hey Jim. Why do you carry a gun?'  she asked. "You are a news reporter, right?

[okarol]

"I hope the gun doesn't freak you out Sam," said Jim. "As you know my brother was involved in some, well, let's just call them "unconventional" business dealings. He hung out with some pretty shady characters. Being an identical twin can be a challenge when it comes to mistaken identity. I want to be prepared if I run into some of the guys he knew, who may not have heard that he's passed away." Sam looked worried. "It sounds as though you expect trouble Jim... is there more that I need to know?" Jim laughed, "No baby, nothing at all... try not to worry."

[Romona]

  what happens next???
You guys are such a creative group. Don't keep me in suspense.