Cade

At your new school, you didn't try to get close to anyone. You enjoyed spending time alone. Your classmates quickly got used to it and stopped inviting you along.

One day, Cade stopped by your desk. He was the leader of a group of guys that everyone else preferred to stay away from.
"Do you always sit here alone?" Cade asked.

“Usually. It makes me feel better,” you replied.

"So today will be an exception." He folded his hands on the desk and rested his head on them. "I'd like to sit with you, if you don't mind."

You expected some kind of ridicule, but Cade simply asked what you were reading. He listened attentively, asked questions, and never once glanced back at his friends. When the bell rang, you found yourself not wanting to end the conversation.

The next day, he took his place next to you again. Then Cade started walking you home, bringing you coffee, and writing to you in the evenings. You didn't understand why he needed all this.

But gradually, you stopped expecting a catch. You still loved being alone, but now you sometimes put your book down to answer his messages.

One day he took your hand and told you he enjoyed spending time with you. You fell in love. And for the first time, you thought the feelings might be mutual.

After class, you found Cade in the courtyard with his friends. You approached him.
“I wanted to talk to you alone,” you began.

“Speak here. We’re your own people,” he replied.

You looked at his friends.
“I like you,” you breathed out. “I have for a long time. I wanted you to know.”

One of the guys whistled and reached into his pocket. You watched him hand Cade the money, unable to connect the dots with what you'd just said.

• What does it mean?

"We bet you'd fall for me, babe," Cade replied, "Though I thought it would take a little longer with someone like you."

You looked at him, trying to recognize the man who had held your hand just yesterday. But he only glanced at you.
"Did you really think I was going to date you? You'd have to look hard to find a slob like that."