Page 177 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Your mom got carried away. There’s coffee. Iced tea. Frappuccinos. Some kind of cookie shake thing. Take your pick.”

“Thanks.” Cole dug in. “I’ll never say no to a milkshake.”

“Sofia, what would you like?”

“Is there any juice or water?”

“Water? But we got all these— oh.”

“Sorry, Mom. I’m just not sure I can stomach all the sugar right now.”

“Of course, sweetheart.” She gave me a weak smile. “I should have thought.”

“No, it’s sweet of you. I’m sure Aaron will want something when he gets back.”

“Where is that brother of yours?”

“He went off to do the donor match test.”

“He did? But surely it doesn’t work like that.”

“Don’t ask.” I chuckled, expecting him to walk back into the room any second wearing a look of disappointment. “Cole thinks he’s still in shock.”

“Does that mean you decided to go through with the transplant?” Dad asked.

“I think so. I’d like Dr. Jeffries to go over it with me again, so I know exactly what to expect. But I think I want to do it. I want the best shot at getting better.”

Relief rolled off him, filling the room with a tenuous kind of hope. “That’s good news, sweetheart. Really good news. I’ll let Dr. Jeffries know and we can go from there. We’re so proud of you, sweetheart.”

He gave Mom a kiss. “I’m going to find Aaron and let one of the nurses know your decision.”

“Okay, Dad.”

He slipped out of the room and Mom rushed to my side. “Oh, sweetheart. Come here.” She pulled me into her arms. “He’s right, we’re so proud of you, baby. So very proud. And whatever happens going forward, we’re all right behind you.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Get in here, Cole. You are part of this too.”

My heart swelled as they both hugged me, filling me up with so much love and reassurance my chest felt fit to burst.

But I would need that in the days and weeks to come. When things got too hard, too scary and painful, I would need to remember this moment. Their unwavering love and support.

Because I was under no illusions the next few months would be anything but the hardest of my life.

CHAPTERTHIRTY

Cole

“Cole, son, come in.”

“Hi, Coach.” I sat in the chair opposite his desk.

“How are you doing?”

“I’m okay, Coach.”

“I hear you’re staying at the Bennets’ house for the meantime?”

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