SAM

---

Monday rolls around producing another work week. I find it hard staying alert in my first two classes giving me the right to mutter at myself.

"Ms. Smith." Prof. Watson nods.
"Good morning." I smile as I walk up the tiered class room.

I take another back row seat, slumping into to hide. I watch as my classmates gather into the room bright eyed and full of energy. I don't envy them, in fact it almost pisses me off. I catch the likes of Harry and his friend from the party sit in their usual seats towards the front. I sigh deeply feeling the onset of a headache creeping up on me. I look over my dreaded reading glasses, spying Harry's friend making his way up the steps. He takes a seat next to me seemingly nervous.
"Hey." He says clearing his throat.
"Hi." I smile.
"I, uh. I'm Cade."

Cade? That's different.

"Sam."
"You new around here?" He asks nervously.
I smirk to myself. "Yes, I transferred and moved in just last week. Hey, weren't you at the lame frat party Friday night?"
"Uh, yeah." He laughs. "It was pretty lame wasn't it?"
"A bit, but I guess it's better than total chaos and being busted." I shrug.
"True, true."

Prof. Watson calls the class to attention and I'm surprised Cade didn't return to his original seat. And apparently I'm not the only one.
"Mr. Branson, new seating arrangement?" Prof. Watson speaks in a warning tone.
Cade shrugs slinking down into his seat. I over glance at him taking in his subtle features. Unlike Nolan, his facial hair is scarce but adds to the sharpness of his chin and jaw. His light blue eyes glamour down at his notebook as his hand runs through his hair. Cade is officially out of my league, so I stand a bit wary of his and Harry's intentions. Class comes to an end, as I lazily put my books away.

"Would you uh, -- maybe we could uh." He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
I laugh lightly to myself. "Would you like to hangout?"
"Yes!" He points. "I'm fucking shit at this." He mumbles to himself.
"Well, I'm done with class around 3:30. I could meet you at the Diner on Marshall?" I surprise myself.
"Yeah, that's cool. I'll see you then." He says awkwardly before getting up and rushing down the steps.

"What a strange boy." I say before heading to my last class.

I stroll into Mrs. Coates class feeling a bit exciting for my "hangout" with Cade.
"Guess what?" I say sitting next to Blair.
"Tell me something good please because today has sucked."
"Aww, forget my news. What's wrong?" I ask, scooting my chair closer to her.
"It's nothing, something stupid." She shrugs but I can tell it's bothering her.
"Well, I won't push you to tell but know that I'm here."
"Thanks Sam." She smiles. "Now, tell me your news."
I take a deep breath before smiling. "I have a date."
"What?" She screeches catching the attention of Mrs. Coates. We laugh amongst each other as Blair calms down. "With who?"
"Cade." I answer. "Harry's friend."
"Cade Branson." Blair smiles. "Yeah, not bad."
Her tone scares. "Why? What's wrong with Cade?"
"Oh nothing! He's cute. I was just hoping you were going to say Nolan."
"Oh Blair, can you let the Nolan thing go. Wait, it wasn't even a thing!"
Blair laughs. "Fine, well if you aren't going to go after him. I will!"
"Go for it! I wish you all the luck."
Blair laughs again. "Don't be such a bitch AND you better let me know how tonight goes you little twit."
"Hey!" I whine.

Mrs. Coates starts class but Blair and I barely pay attention texting each other ridiculous messages about the out come our both of our unpredictable situations. Another class done and I'm leaving the campus in a rush to my apartment. I change into a pair of skinnies accompanying it with a pastel pink blouse. It's extremely flowy and the low V cut is embellished with a double stitch. I slip into some flats and head out the door down the way to the diner. I arrive first and decide to gain us a booth.
10 minutes.
15 minutes.
20 minutes go by before Cade finally comes through the door. I throw down the paper from the straw waving him over.
"I'm really sorry. I got hung up at class and I don't have your number to get ahold of you. Were you here long?"
"No." I smile. "I just got here, really." I lie.
He smiles, fixing his sunglasses upon his shirt. A waitress approaches us and takes our order. By how quick Cade ordered, I gather he has been here a time or two before.
"So," He speaks. "Tell me something."
"Uhh, well. I transferred here from a small town college. I have a sister and brother and 4 dogs back home. I enjoy concerts and a good whiskey."
He laughs. "Amazing."
I join in. "What about you?"
"I have a younger brother who will be a freshman here next semester. My Dad skipped out so, it's been just me, my brother and my Mom. My grandparents left us a shit ton of money but I like to work for what I want. No pets. A couple tattoos. And I also enjoy concerts and a good whiskey."
I nod my head. "Interesting."
We continue casual conversation over our dinner, laughing at each other's horrid jokes.

"So, how do you know Harry?"
"Styles? We were roomed together as freshmen and I guess just hit it off. He spent Christmas with me last year, so yeah we are pretty good "mates" as he would say."
"That's adorable." I poke.
"It's manly."
"Adorable." I counter.
He raises his eyebrows at me before laughing. Our waitress brings the check as I go to grab my wallet.
"What are you doing?" Cade asks offended.
"Getting money out?"
"No, I'm paying." Cade protests. "What kind of man would I be?"
I put my hands up before putting my wallet away. Cade pays before helping me out of the booth. "Want to catch a movie? Or is that too much?" He asks cautiously.
I laugh. "I'm in no rush to go home."
"Awesome. I know this great theater called my dorm."
I laugh. "No quick stuff."
"Deal." Cade smirks.

We walk back to his dorm passing by friend salutes and quiet snickering. Two flights of steps lead us to his dorm room's hallway before we gain the door.
"Styles?" Cade calls receiving no answer. I feel lump gather in my throat at the thought of being in Harry's 'personal space'. "We've got Step Brothers, The Hurt Locker, This Is The End, Goon, uhhh some Marvel movies, Bourne."
"The Hurt Locker, I haven't seen that in awhile."
Cade nods, grabbing the DVD. "Good choice." He pops in the movie before asking me if I want anything to drink. I decline waiting for him to join me on their pleasantly comfortable couch. He does so with a beer in hand, keeping a marginal space between us. He sighs deeply, dramatically getting up.
"What's wrong?" I ask.
"Lights. The glare sucks."
I nod knowing I should probably keep my senses on high alert. Cade rejoins me, this time sitting a bit closer.

The movie illuminates the room as Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie set out to disarm a bomb in the middle of an Afghanistan village. Though Cade has strikingly good looks, his confidence is poor and I feel we have that issue in common.

"I'm going to grab a beer. Where are they and do you want another?"
"Sure and in the kitchen, just open the fridge." He chuckles.

I get up and head for the kitchen. I open the fridge and laugh to myself. Left over pizza, some mustard, bread, and beer. Lots of beer. I grab two bottles and head back to the couch. "Thanks." Cade smiles.
"Don't mention it." I nudge.

The movie comes to a close without any interruptions. I had this horrible feeling that Harry would barge through the door but he never did. Cade cleans up the empty bottles returning back with a flop onto the couch.
"Thanks for agreeing to hang out with me tonight. I'm real shit at this."
I smile. "I had a lot of fun. Plus Jeremy Renner is a phenomenal actor."
Cade smirks.
"And don't worry. Just be yourself and everything will be fine."

Listen to me, 'just be yourself and everything will be fine'. Meanwhile if Cade knew how much of an anxiety filled basket case I was, he would run.

"Thinking a little hard there?" Cade interrupts.
"What? Oh sorry."
He laughs. "It's ok, I asked you if you wanted me to walk you home?"
"No you don't have too."
"Are you sure?" He pushes.
I smile. "Maybe I could use some company."
"Good, it would make me feel better." I gather my things and follow Cade out of the dorms. He walks quietly beside me as cars zoom past us down the street.

"Who's thinking hard now?" I poke.
He huffs out a laugh, nodding his head. "You caught me."
"Everything ok?" I ask.
"What? Oh yeah, yeah. Everything is cool."
I nod my head, stopping as we approach the entrance of the manor. "Well, this is me." I say thumbing towards the apartments. "Thanks for tonight. It was fun hanging out."
"Yeah definitely." Cade smiles. "See you tomorrow in class, goodnight."
"Goodnight." I reply, turning towards my apartment. "Wait! Cade!" I back pedal. "Here." I say, writing down my number on a post-it note. "For when you are late next time."
He laughs. "Thanks Sam. Catch ya tomorrow."
"Bye Cade."

Notes