I woke up early Monday morning so I could draw another pint—no problems, same as the first except I found the vein on the second try. I got downstairs before Mom, so I had no trouble refreshing the ice. This time, I put the ice in a zippered sandwich bag and put the two pints of blood in a brown paper lunch bag.
"Good morning." Mom said, walking up behind me as I closed the cooler. "Taking your lunch in the cooler today?"
"Yeah, something like that."
"You feeling alright? You're awfully pale—you're not coming down with something are you?"
"No, I'm fine, Mom, honest." I looked up at the clock. "You think there's time for scrambled eggs?"
Mom grabbed the skillet. "Your usual?"
"No, I think I'd like four today."
"Four?" She flipped the gas burner on.
"Gotta bulk up for the big game. I'm sure practice is going to be pretty intense for the next two weeks." I gave Mom the egg carton from the frig, grabbed the milk carton and headed for the table. Suddenly the room began to spin and I stumbled into the table, catching myself before I fell.
Mom was by my side, supporting me in a human instant. "Are you sure you're not getting sick? Maybe I should make a doctor's appointment for you."
"I'm fine, Mom." I sat down and poured a glass of milk with a not too steady hand. "The eggs?"
"Oh, alright, but you take care of yourself." She hurried back to the stove and in a few minutes brought me the eggs with a slice of buttered toast.
"Thanks Mom." I dug in. The food never tasted so good. I guess giving blood made you hungry.
"Any word on Izzy?" Mom ventured.
"You know I'm not going to let anything happen to her, Mom."
"I know, it's just sometimes things are beyond ones control."
"Faith, Mom, you know, like you're always telling me. The Faulkners and I have got this."
She leaned over and kissed the top of my head. "I hope so. Have a good day at school and try not to get too far behind in your studies."