Page 161 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Of course we are.” Ashleigh gave me a soft smile, full of love and understanding. “We wouldn’t be anywhere else. And I know I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through, Sofe, but if you ever want to talk about it. I’m here. I might not understand anything about leukemia, but I do know what it’s like to feel scared and alone when things are beyond your control.”

“She’s not alone,” Aaron gave a little huff, and Ashleigh winced.

“I didn’t mean—”

“He knows.” I gave her an appreciative smile. “And thank you, that means a lot to me.”

“I’m here, Sofe. We all are. Whatever you need.”

I glanced up at Cole and he gave me an imperceptible nod. ‘I love you,’ he mouthed.

“I love you too,” I said, a sense of peace washing over me.

I hadn’t expected them to come, but here they were. My friends and family. The people I loved most in the world.

I’d wanted to protect them. To save them from as much heartache and pain as possible. But really, maybe I’d been protecting myself. Because the idea of leaving them, of losing them… it was almost too much to bear.

* * *

“Hi, Doctor,”Dad stood as the doctor stepped into the room. We waited for him to come almost all day.

After speaking with Dr. Jeffries, Dr. Mackenzie—the doctor at Rixon General—had ordered some blood work. Dr. Jeffries wanted to get a clearer picture of what was going on, if anything, before making us take the journey to Allentown.

“Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Sofia,” he said. “How are you feeling?”

“The dizziness comes and goes in waves. I tried going to the bathroom earlier and almost went down.” Luckily Cole had caught me and carried me inside.

Before, I might have felt embarrassed that he needed to do such an intimate thing for me, but I was starting to realize that I had to lean on the people I loved a little more. Things were only going to get harder, and I couldn’t do everything for myself.

“There’s also this, Doctor.” Mom glanced at me and I nodded, giving her permission to pull down the sheet covering my body.

The big bruise along my upper thigh was new. It didn’t hurt but it looked unsightly.

“I only noticed it when I went to the bathroom earlier.”

Doctor Mackenzie nodded. “We got the blood work back and Dr. Jeffries has had time to review the results. He’d like to transfer you to University Hospital today.”

“What does that mean?” Mom clutched my hand as Dad scrubbed his jaw, tension rippling through the room.

“The latest blood work shows a marked increase in white blood cells which may signify the disease is accelerating faster than we expected. Dr. Jeffries wants to run some more tests. His team are expecting you.”

“Should we be concerned?” Dad asked.

“The tests will give Dr. Jeffries and his team a clearer picture of what’s going on. I’ve organized an ambulance to transport Sofia within the hour.”

Mom and Dad shared a look that made my heart sink.

This was bad.

Even if nobody wanted to say it.

“Okay, thanks, Doc.” Dad held out his hand and the doctor shook it.

“Dr. Jeffries is one of the best in the state.” He looked at me. “You’re in good hands, Sofia.”

“Thanks,” I murmured, wondering if this is how it would be. Setback after setback. Bad news littered in between every reprieve.

He left us alone and Aaron chose that exact moment to return from the cafeteria. “So, what did he say?”

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