Page 6 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Yeah.”

Another lie.

Another dent in my heart.

“Can we talk?”

Cole appeared, looming over me like a dark thundercloud. A storm I’d rather escape.

“No,” I said, glancing away. Refusing to look at him, to let him see what his betrayal had done to me.

“Sofe, come on—”

“Cole.” Poppy sighed.

“Yeah,” he gritted out. “Whatever.”

I looked up right as he walked away.

“You know, he only did what he thought was right.” She pinned me with a knowing look, but it didn’t penetrate the ice around my heart.

“It wasn’t his secret to tell.” Lifting my chin defiantly, I stared her down, daring her to argue.

“Sofia…” She sighed.

“Yo, Poppy Star, get over here and give me a good luck kiss.”

Her cheeks pinked and I rolled my eyes.

“Sorry, I—”

“Go. You know he won’t stop until you do.”

“But I—”

“Just go, Pops,” I snapped, guilt bubbling inside of me, but I wasn’t good company tonight.

In fact, I probably needed to go and leave the happy couples and Cole to their night.

The second she left me, I got up and moved toward the door.

“You’re leaving?” Aaron called, pouting like a child as he hooked his arm around Poppy’s neck and pulled her close.

“I’m not feeling very sociable. You guys have fun though.”

“Sofe, come on…” His expression softened, a silent question there.

“Honestly, I’ll be fine. Nothing an early night won’t fix.”

“We can watch a movie?” Ashleigh suggested.

“Not in the mood. But catch you guys tomorrow at school. Night.” I gave them a small wave, avoiding Cole’s piercing stare as I slipped into the cool night air.

I’d almost made it across the yard when his voice gave me pause.

“Sofia?”

“Go back inside, Cole,” I said, hurrying toward the door.

---