Page 66 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Are you looking forward to Saturday?”Poppy asked me as we sat eating our lunch. Conversations roared on around us, the team eager to discuss our chances against Limmington.

“I didn’t agree to any double date.”

“No?” Her brows knitted. “But Aaron said… He got carried away with himself again, didn’t he?”

“He thinks he’s doing me a favor.”

“Because he’s worried that you’re all alone now we’re together?”

“Something like that. Hey, have you spoken to Sofia today?”

Her eyes twinkled, and I got the distinct feeling I’d just put my foot in it. Again.

“Actually, I have. We were texting earlier. Why?”

“No reason.” I looked out over the cafeteria, everyone wrapped up in their own business. Thanksgiving. The playoffs. Winter formal. People laughed and chatted and gossiped and it made me realize how oblivious we were to what was going on for someone on the inside.

How many kids sitting in this very room had some internal struggle? A douchebag father like me, or shithead stepparent. Low self-esteem, anxiety, depression… The list of mental health issues for teenagers was never ending. But we didn’t talk about that shit. If it didn’t affect us, we were blind to it.

“Cole?” Poppy touched my arm and I blinked down at where she held me. “Are you okay?”

“I just have a lot going on.”

“Some of that would be about a certain girl we both know and love, right?”

“What—”

“It’s okay. I’ve suspected it for a while…”

“You have?”

She nodded around a knowing smile. “You’re not exactly discreet. You watch her, you know?”

“I try not to.”

“Does she know?”

“I think so, but it’s complicated.”Because she’s sick, really sick, but I can’t tell you that.

“You’re worried about breaking bro code, is that it?”

Among other things.I pressed my lips together, trapping the words.

“Guys.” She rolled her eyes. “Why is it you can’t just do things the simple way?”

“Who’s simple?” Aaron decided to join our conversation.

“No one, babe.” Poppy grabbed his face and planted a kiss on his lips.

“Mmm, we should go find an empty classroom.”

“Aaron, we can’t.” She giggled. “Not in school. My dad—”

“Aaaand instant boner killer,” he grumbled.

“Oh, poor baby.” Poppy stroked his jaw. “I’ll make it up to you later.”

“Damn right, you will. I want you to do that thing—” He leaned in, whispering the request so that I couldn’t hear it.

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