Page 169 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Hey, Sofe.”

“Y-you’re here?”

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“But the gig…”

“Don’t worry, I played the full set. But I couldn’t do it, Sofe. I couldn’t stay away.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” She shuffled over a little and patted the space beside her. “Lie with me.”

I didn’t need asking twice.

Kicking off my sneakers, I pulled off my hoodie and emptied out my pockets before climbing up onto the bed with her. “Come here.” I wrapped my arm around her so she could lay her head on my chest. “How are you feeling?”

“Me and Aaron got into it again.”

“I guessed something happened, but he wouldn’t tell me.”

“He’s been researching stem cell transplants and has gotten it into his head that he wants to be tested as a donor match.”

“Is that an option? The transplant?”

“I don’t know. Dr. Jeffries did mention that sometimes they go down that route if the treatment doesn’t work.”

“Let me guess, you told Aaron it wasn’t an option.”

“Something like that,” she mumbled. “I just don’t want to ruin his life any more than I already have.”

“Sofia, you’ve got to stop with all the guilt stuff. He’s your brother, your family. It’s his job to worry about you, to try and help you in any way he can. It’s not a burden.”

“It’s not that simple,” she argued.

“I’d do it, you know. If I was a match, I’d give you whatever you needed if it would make you better.”

I didn’t know much about cancer or stem cell treatments, so I’d Googled it. Aaron was right. Statistically, he had the best shot at being a perfect match. It made total sense he wanted to be tested. If the doctor said it was a viable option.

“I can’t believe you came.” Sofia peeked up at me.

“Did you enjoy the show?”

“It was great. You were great. And that little shoutout…” Her cheeks flushed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mom swoon so hard.”

“She watched with you?”

“My dad too. They were very impressed.”

“A talent scout from Razorsharp Records approached us.”

“Oh my God, that’s amazing. What did he say?”

“I… I’m not sure.”

“What do you mean you’re not sure?”

“I kind of left before the chat.”

“Cole!”

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