Page 67 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“I’m going to head to the library.” I stood. “Get a head start on this assignment.”

“Sure, man. See you at practice later.”

‘Think about what I said,’ Poppy mouthed, Aaron distracted by something on his phone.

I gave her a small nod. Because what else could I do?

I couldn’t tell her the truth.

And even if I could, it didn’t change the fact that Sofia had made her choice.

* * *

Later that night,I lay awake in bed, staring at my phone, willing Sofia to text me back. To pick up the phone and do something. Anything to let me know she was okay.

I hated the distance between us.

Hated that she trusted me enough to tell me the truth but didn’t trust me enough with her heart.

Bringing up our chat, I started typing.

Me: How are you feeling? I figured you probably don’t want to talk to me, and that’s okay. But I’m not going away so easily, Sofe.

Me: I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through, how could I? But I know you must be feeling scared and angry. You must be asking why you? There really are no words that anyone can say to make you feel better, I know that. But I can’t do nothing…

Me: A wise person said, life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Me: If you ever decide you want to dance in the rain, I’m here, Sofe. I’ll be right here… waiting.

Me: Night. xo

Sofia didn’t text back,but then, I didn’t really expect her to. But hopefully, I’d made her smile. Even a little bit.

And hopefully I’d made her realize that I wasn’t going anywhere.

My phone, however, did light up with another text.

Aaron: Poppy says you’re really not feeling the double date thing Saturday… Kacie is going to be so disappointed. She’s thirsty for some QB dick.

Me: Sometimes I wonder how we’re even friends.

Aaron: BEST friends, motherfucker.

Guilt settled in my chest,and I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d feel the same if he knew about me and Sofia.

My phone pinged with more incoming messages, and for a second, I assumed it was Aaron with some more wise words of Bennet wisdom.

But it wasn’t.

Jude: Hey, man. So listen, I know you said you can’t play with us again… but we could really use you. I wouldn’t ask unless we were desperate. We got invited to play at Livewire, but we still need a second guitarist. Please, think about it. This could be our shot, Cole. Like we always talked about.

Fuck.

Life sure had a funny way of shitting all over me lately.

Jude:P.S. Heard you played at Roadhouse. Good for you, man. You’re too good never to play again.

Fucking Tony.

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