Page 147 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“First period is only like fifteen minutes away.”

“Plenty of time.” She waggled her brows.

“Seriously, you two need to be careful. If your dad catches—”

“He won’t. We’re careful.” Her fingers flew across the screen.

“I hope for Aaron’s sake you are.”

My cell vibrated and I dug it out, smiling at the sight of Cole’s name.

Cole: Nothing is impossible. The very word itself says I’m possible.

Me: Ooh, I think I know this one. Eleanor Roosevelt?

Cole: Close. Audrey Hepburn. Want to sneak off somewhere and make out before class?

Me: I can’t. I’ve got an appointment with Mom and Principal Kiln.

He wanted to check in,and I couldn’t get out of it.

Cole: Lunchtime then?

Me: Yes!

Cole: Can’t wait. xo

Poppy and Ashleigh watched me,their eyes burning into the side of my face.

“What?” I sighed.

“Nothing.” Poppy smirked. “Nothing at all.”

“Ignore her,” Leigh said, lacing her arm through mine. “I think it’s cute. Have the two of you talked about your plans for next year yet? What you’ll do—”

“We’ve been together less than two weeks. No, we haven’t talked about it.”

The constant pit in my stomach churned wider.

“I can see the two of you going the distance,” Poppy said with a knowing smile. “I’m out. See you guys later.” She took off without us.

“You know she doesn’t mean any harm,” Leigh said.

“I know.”

She didn’t. But I wasn’t like Poppy. Even pre-leukemia, I’d always been a little more reserved than she was.

Part of me regretted it. Regretted not living in the moment—living every day like it might be your last. But hindsight was a bitch.

Ashleigh’s phone buzzed and she checked her message.

“E?” I asked and she nodded. “Let me guess, he wants to meet you.”

“Yeah, but I can tell him—”

“No, go. I’m fine.”

“You’re sure?”

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