Page 165 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“You’re being ridiculous.” He bolted out of the chair. “If our roles were reversed and I was lying in that bed, tell me you wouldn’t want to do the same. Look me in the eye and tell me you wouldn’t be first in line to get tested.”

“Aaron, Son—”

“No, Dad. I’m right and she knows it. I love football and I want to be there when we win the championship, I do. But nothing,nothingwill ever be more important to me than family. Honestly, Sofe… it breaks my fucking heart that you can’t see that.”

He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Dad let out a deep sigh, glancing at Mom who said, “I’ll go.”

Dad nodded, giving her a brief kiss before she slipped out. “You know, he has a point, sweetheart.” He sat down again.

“Dad, come on. You can’t seriously think this is a good idea.”

“I think every option we have to get you better should be explored. You’re my daughter, Sofia. Aaron is your brother. If there’s even a chance he’s a perfect match, we should consider it.”

“But what about the playoffs? It’s his final season with the Raiders. He’s worked so hard for this, Dad. How can I just strip all that away from him?”

“Sweetheart.” He grabbed my hand and leaned closer. “Football is his passion, sure. But you are his sister. His twin. If there’s even a shot that he can donate stem cells and Dr. Jeffries thinks it’s the right call, then it’s not even a choice. Besides, from what I’ve read, the procedure isn’t a big deal.”

“You’ve looked into it too?”

“Of course I have, sweetheart. I have spent hours researching up on things.”

“But I…” Words failed me. Because he was right. Deep down, he was right. Aaron was right. I’d do it in a heartbeat for Aaron, so it wasn’t fair to not expect him to offer to do the same.

“I just don’t want him to end up resenting me,” I admitted, glancing away. I’d already tarnished his senior year. How could I ask anymore of him?

“Sofia, look at me.” Dad commanded, and I lifted my weary gaze to his. “Aaron loves you, sweetheart. He’s your brother. Your family. If there’s even a chance he can do this and it might work, then we have to take it. Okay?”

I hesitated, my head and heart at war.

“Sofia…”

“I know, Dad.” I relented. Another piece of my heart shattering.

“I know.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

Cole

“Talk to me,”Jude said as we hung out backstage waiting to go on.

“I… it’s complicated.”

“Does it have anything to do with the fact your girl fainted at the football game last night?”

My jaw clenched. Of course everyone knew. Someone had fucking filmed it and shared it on social media with the caption ‘Raider’s sister goes down hard.’

Assholes.

The majority of comments were from concerned classmates, but there were a few that were cruel.

If only they knew the truth.

But it wasn’t my truth to tell, and even though Sofia’s inner circle knew now, I had a feeling she wouldn’t want it announced to the general student body anytime soon.

“Hey, is she okay?”

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