Page 188 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

I couldn’t wait.

“I’d urge you to think of any questions or concerns you might have so that we can discuss those before you leave.”

“I will.” But not right now, I was too busy daydreaming about freedom beyond the hospital building.

About everything I could finally do, even if it had to be baby steps.

Baby steps was good.

It was enough.

It was a stepping-stone to more.

To the dreams I had.

The life I wanted to lead.

A life with the boy who had stolen my heart and refused to give it back.

A life with the man I knew he’d become.

My best friend. My equal. My partner.

We’d fallen in love not knowing if our future was guaranteed, and there was something so sweet about the fact that my brother, Cole’s best friend, had given us a shot at life—at love.

And I didn’t plan on wasting a second of it.

I would live for Aaron. For Cole and my parents and my friends.

But most of all, I would live for myself.

EPILOGUE

Almost six months later…

Sofia

“I can’t believe they’re opening forBlood and Rosestomorrow,” Poppy said as she lazed in the chair.

The early summer sun felt so good beating down on me as we hung out in the Fords’ yard. I was almost six months post-transplant, so life wasn’t normal yet, but every day my body—my immune system—was getting stronger.

I still had to be careful and weigh up the risks of exposing myself to lots of people, but life was good. With my family and friends, and Cole by my side, I had everything I needed.

“I can’t believe the asshole over there decided to quit the band again,” Aaron said, giving Cole a pointed look. But despite my brother’s teasing, it didn’t stop the pang of guilt that went through me.

“Come on, man. You know why I walked away.” Cole’s arm tightened around me and I leaned my head on his shoulder.

“Yeah, I know.” My brother’s expression softened. “And I love you for it, Kandon, I do. But it should have been you up there tomorrow night.”

Aaron was only being a supportive friend, I knew that. But it still stung that Cole had to give up his dreams for me.

Because of me.

His band—ex-band—had been invited to tour with rising talentBlood and Roses. They were opening for them tomorrow night at the Franklin Music Hall in the city.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he whispered against my neck.

“Nothing.” I untangled myself from him and stood. “I’m going to use the bathroom.”

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