Page 72 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Do you need a ride?” he offered. “I could—”

“No, it’s okay. You should stay and celebrate with the team. Thanks though. I’m going to go and say bye to everyone.”

But Cole didn’t go back to his teammates, he watched as I told Poppy and Aaron I was leaving, and then Ashleigh and Ezra. I still felt him when I hugged my mom and dad, the two of them arguing as to whether I needed a chaperone.

“I’ll text or call if I start to feel sick again, I promise.”

“We’ll check in. Every thirty minutes.”

“Mom, seriously…”

“She’s right, Mya. We can’t suffocate her, it isn’t healthy.” He turned to me. “Straight home, lock the door, and keep your phone nearby. If you need us—”

“I’ll call. I promise Dad.”

He pulled me in for a hug. “I love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you too.”

“Come here, baby.” Mom wrapped me into her arms. “I can come with you—”

“I’ll be fine, Mom. I’m probably just going to sleep. It’s been a long week.”

“Okay.” She tucked my hair behind my ear and dropped a kiss on my head. “Be safe and text me when you get home.”

“I will.”

I had the keys to Aaron’s car since he’d already planned to go celebrate or commiserate, so I wandered to the parking lot and got inside.

Firing up the engine, I inhaled a shuddering breath as I glanced toward the small stadium. It was so exhausting putting on a brave face when all I wanted to do was sink to my knees and wail, hands on the ground, at how unfair life was. Everyone in there had their whole future ahead of them but mine was hanging in the balance.

Tears rolling down my face, I backed out of the parking spot and headed home.

Alone.

* * *

I couldn’t sleep.I lay in bed unable to stop scrolling social media. Photo after photo was posted of the team celebrating. Everyone looked so happy, it was infectious, and I found myself smiling too. But every photo was like a tiny knife to my heart. My head was a confusing place to be, my emotions swinging like a pendulum.

And I still hadn’t started any treatment yet.

My gaze snagged on a photo of Aaron and Poppy laughing, and jealousy surged inside me. But it wasn’t them who caught my attention. It was Cole in the background, talking to a pretty blonde. Not just any blonde.

Kacie.

My heart squeezed as all kinds of scenarios went through my head. Had he finally agreed to go out with her?

Did he want—

The doorbell rang, pulling me from my obsessive thoughts.

Shoving back the covers, I grabbed my phone and went downstairs. It was late, a little past eleven. But we lived in a good neighborhood with friendly neighbors.

Grabbing the door handle, I checked the doorbell camera and frowned. The door swung open, taking my breath with it.

“Hi,” Cole said.

“Hi… uh, what are you doing here?”

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