Page 149 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

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“Sofia. Oh my God, Sofia.”

Voices rumbled in the distance. What the hell—

“Sofia, try not to move. We’re getting medical.”

“N-no,” I croaked, my eyelids fluttering open to stark, bright lights. “What… ow.”

“Sofe, Sofia,” someone yelled.

Cole.

Cole was here.

“But the game,” I murmured, my head fuzzy.

“We won, babe.”

Poppy.

It was Poppy.

“Back up, give her some room,” Cole barked.

“C-Cole.” I searched frantically for him, relief slamming into me when he crouched down beside me, his hair falling into his eyes in damp strands.

“I got you,” he said, grabbing my hand.

“I’m fine. We don’t have to—”

“Let medical check you out, okay?” Concern was etched into his expression.

“Sofia, baby.” Mom’s panicked voice filled the air and icy dread slid down my spine.

We had an audience that included most of the school, its staff, and our parents.

Jesus.

Embarrassment welled inside me.

“I’d really love you right now if you get me out of here,” I whispered to Cole, and a tension bracketed his mouth.

“No can do, babe. You need to get checked out.”

“Sofia, thank God.” Mom and Dad appeared with the medics in tow.

“I’m fine.” I tried to sit, but everything spun again.

“Okay, Sofia, why don’t we take a look at you and see what’s going on.”

My gaze flicked past the medic to my parents. Their expressions were drawn tight, and I silently begged them not to say anything. Not here, surrounded by all these people.

“Can we maybe take this elsewhere?” Dad suggested.

“Of course. Let’s get her onto the stretcher and take her inside.

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