Page 145 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

It was time.

Besides, once I started treatment, it would be hard to keep it from him anymore.

“Morning, sweetheart,” Dad said as I entered the kitchen. “How are you feeling?”

Sick to my stomach.But I didn’t tell him that.

“I’m okay.”

“Not long now, sweetheart. Monday is a big day for you.”

“Yep.” I helped myself to coffee and a pastry.

“Me and your mom are both taking the day off to be there for you.”

“You don’t have to do that, Dad.”

“Nonsense, we’re a family. We stick together.” He winked. “You’re going to the game tonight I take it?”

“I am.”

“And will there be a party afterwards?”

“Probably, Dad.” I rolled my eyes. “But I promise to stay off the liquor.”

“That’s my girl.” He chuckled. “Cole is more than welcome to stay over again, in the guest room,” he quickly tacked on. “How are things with him? It can’t be easy, this situation with his father.”

“He’s okay. Throwing all his energy into the band and preparing his submission to UMich.”

“Has he talked to Jase about whether there’s hope to get a football scholarship?”

“Jase thinks it’s too late in the year but he’s making some calls. The school of music has some scholarships too that he might be able to apply for.”

“Good for him. It isn’t easy standing up to your parents like that.” A wistful look washed over him. Dad had done something similar back in the day when he chose to follow Mom to college instead of following in his father’s footsteps.

“If he ever needs to talk things over or vent, I’d be happy to listen.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I hooked my arm around his shoulder and kissed his cheek. “That’s really sweet of you.”

“Gotta keep my eye on my daughter’s boyfriend somehow.”

“Dad,” I grumbled.

“Joke.” He held up his hands. “I’m joking. Now go, get out of here.”

* * *

“So,how’s everything with you and Cole?” Ashleigh asked as she drove us to school. Since it was game day, the guys had headed in for early practice.

“Things are good, really good.”

“You know you two are worse than me and Aaron, right?” Poppy said.

My cheeks heated. “He makes me happy.”

But the burst of happiness was quickly chased off by the sticky feeling of guilt.

It wasn’t easy keeping something so important from your best friends. But I didn’t want things to change. I didn’t want them to look at me differently.

---