Cory knocked softly at Sophie's door.

"Come in," she said

Cory entered her room.

"Hey Soph," he said

"I'm still not meeting this girl," Sophie replied.

"I know," he said, "I'm not here to talk you into it. I'm here to apologize"

"You are?"

"Look," Cory said, "You have to understand something. I'm 13 years old. You're a little girl. At this point I'm interested in things that you're not interested in and I'm definitely not interested in things that you are interested. I don't like dolls. I don't like dippy dippy dolphins. I don't like things I like in 2nd grade. I love you like I would love a little sister but just as a little sister you're a pest-"

"Cory," Sophie said, "This is doing something for your case"

"Sophie," Cory said, "I'll make it up to you. I promise. But the point is that you and I are at different parts of our lives"

"But I still want you to be in my life because you want to be. I want you to enjoy my friendship. I want you to like me for me. I don't like it that you only like me when you want something"

"That isn't true," Cory said, "I do like you for you. I just don't like the things you like right now. Imagine if your parents had another baby and all of a sudden he wanted you to be playing with rattles and letter blocks"

"Boring," Sophie said, "But there are other things that I might like to do with him"

"I'm sure there are," Cory said, "And there are things I like to do with you but your interests are boring to me."

"What would you enjoy that I would enjoy too," Sophie asked.

"I dunno," Cory said, "But I bet we could find some things."

As he went to leave he kissed her forehead.

"Cory," Sophie called out.

He turned back.

"What's up Soph"

"I'll meet this girl for you." She said smiling