Page 159 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Rough night?” I asked, extending an olive branch.

“You could say that.” He stalked closer, hesitating when he reached the side of my bed.

“Don’t make this weird, Aaron. Sit. Talk. But don’t make this weird.”

He dropped into the seat and propped his elbows on his knees, resting his chin on his fists. “I’m sorry.”

“You always were the more dramatic twin.” I smiled.

He didn’t return it.

“Did Cole text you?” he asked.

“He might have.”

“Traitor,” Aaron murmured.

“He wanted me to know you were okay. And he wanted to tell me about what happened with his dad.”

“Dad says he can stay with us for as long as he needs.”

“That’s good.”

I wasn’t surprised Cole had walked out after having another argument with his father, but I didn’t know what it meant for his future. He still had six months of high school left.

“Hey.” Aaron reached for my hand. “Kandon will be okay.”

“I know.”

“So, you two are like in love then?”

“He told you?”

That I didn’t know.

“Yeah, he told me. He is my best friend, you know.” Aaron’s lip quirked.

“We can make a schedule. You can get him on like a Wednesday and Friday and I’ll take the rest of the days.”

“Ha ha, funny.”

“I thought so.” I flashed him a grin. But the light dimmed in his eyes, sobering the mood.

“Seriously though, Sofe, how are you holding up?”

“I’m scared. I mean, how can I not be? But I’m okay. I’ll be okay, Aaron.”

He glanced away, staring at nothing, a look of devastation etched into his expression.

“Wait a second.” I studied him. “Were you…crying?”

“No! I’m captain of the football team, I don’t cry.”

“It would be okay if you did.”

He looked at me again, his expression softer. “I’m here, Sofe. Whatever you need, I’m here.” He squeezed my hand, a silent promise.

“Thanks. I’m sorry too, you know. I wanted to protect you for as long as possible. That’s why I didn’t tell you. It didn’t seem right that we should both suffer.”

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