Page 164 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“If you take much more, I’ll have none left.”

It was a joke, but nobody laughed.

“Way to ruin the mood,” I said under my breath.

Nurse Jennifer left us, and my brother dropped into one of the leather chairs. “You need to go,” I said.

“Relax, there’s time.”

“Aaron…”

“I’ll stay for a little bit and then head back. Cole knows the deal. He knows you’ll string him up by the balls if he doesn’t do the show.”

Damn right I would.

“It’s important for him. I just want it to go well.”

“Sofia, it’ll all work out, sweetheart.” Mom patted my hand. “Any more bruises?”

“No, Mom.”

“Dizziness? Light-headedness?”

“Mya, babe. Let’s not keep doing this.” Dad gave me an apologetic look. “She’s here now and the doctors will figure out what’s going on.”

“Pretty sure we know what’s happening, Dad,” I said.

“Well, let’s wait and see what Dr. Jeffries says before we jump to any conclusions.”

“Why can’t they just give you a stem cell transplant?” Aaron piped up. “I’ve been reading up on it and it can be very successful in cases where the patient is young and otherwise healthy.”

“It’s not that straightforward, Son.” Dad sat down. “Dr. Jeffries said they only go down that route in rare cases when treatment doesn’t work and then there’s the difficulty of finding a perfect donor match.”

“So test me.”

“What?” I balked. “No, absolutely not.”

“What. Why not?” He gawked at me.

“Because it’s a surgical procedure and you have school and football. No, Aaron. It’s not happening.”

I wouldn’t let him do that for me. Not when he had so much to look forward to. Besides, if it didn’t work… he’d never forgive himself.

No, it was too much of a burden to carry.

One I refused to shoulder him with.

“You think I’d prioritize the team over a shot at saving your life?” Disbelief and hurt coated his words. “Do you really think so little of me?”

“I… Aaron, that’s not—”

“Okay, okay, why don’t we all just take a breath,” Dad said.

But Aaron and I were locked in a stare off, both unwilling to concede even an inch.

He couldn’t do it.

If it was an option—and we didn’t even know if it was yet—I wouldn’t let him.

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