Page 185 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“You try being pumped full of chemotherapy drugs, Dad.” I managed a small smile.

The truth was every day was harder than the last. My energy levels were in the toilet, and I barely had an appetite. But it could be worse—it could always be worse. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

“Get some rest.” Cole leaned over and kissed my forehead. “We’re not going anywhere.”

“Cole’s right, sweetheart. Sleep if you need to. We’ll be right here.”

Just their presence relaxed me. It was the times I found myself alone in the silence that really sucked. When I had nothing but my thoughts as company.

“I might just close my eyes for a little bit,” I said, already feeling the exhaustion seep into my bones, dragging me under.

But nightmares didn’t find me there.

Only dreams of Cole and the future we deserved.

* * *

“Okay, Sofia, everything’s looking good.”Dr. Jeffries flicked through my notes. “Are you ready to get some new stem cells?”

“I think so.”

“Great. You have a little bit of time before we’ll bring you down for the procedure. So try to relax, spend some time with your family, and then we’ll get the show on the road, okay?”

I nodded, my body trembling with nervous anticipation.

Today was the day.

Day zero.

Aaron’s procedure had gone well a couple of days ago. He’d had to miss the first playoff game, but it was a small price to pay.

The Raiders won by one point thanks to Deacon Faris, and Ezra, who was still on the team. Aaron was hoping to play in the Thanksgiving weekend game in a few days.

Thanksgiving.

A pang of sadness went through me. I’d never spent a Thanksgiving away from my family before. And this year, I’d be in post-transplant isolation. I’d miss the holidays too. But as everyone kept reassuring me, if everything went well with the transplant I had an entire life of Thanksgivings, and holiday seasons ahead of me.

“I’ll see you soon.” Dr. Jeffries slipped out of the room, and Cole, Aaron, and my parents filed inside.

“Everything good?” Dad asked, and I nodded.

“I’ll be going down later.” My bottom lip wobbled.

“Oh, sweetheart. Come here.” Mom came over and hugged me. “This is a good thing, Sofia. The first step to getting you better.”

“I know, Mom. I’m just… it’s a lot.”

“We know, sweetheart. We know.”

Cole sat beside me, gripping my hand. He looked pale, his usual playful smile and twinkle in his eyes gone.

“Cole?” I whispered, and he lifted his haunted gaze to mine. “You okay over there?”

“I… fuck, Sofe. I know I’ve been the one being positive and counting the days, but now it’s here, I…” He looked stunned. Fear shining in his eyes.

“I know. I’m scared too.”

“We’ll look out for him, sweetheart,” Dad said.

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