A/N: This is my first attempt at writing Life with Derek fanfiction... be gentle, however, I do take criticism... Just review )

Summary: Back from her second year of college, Casey MacDonald is facing a summer of dealing with a decision she made (along with her mother and George) long ago. But as things get harder to handle, someone else returns home to make it that much harder.

Disclaimer: I do not own Life with Derek or any of the characters from the show. Ryan Grace, however, is the creation of my having too much time on my hands.

Chapter 1: Ryan Grace

Little Ryan Grace Venturi walked out of the kitchen, feeling slightly dejected. All she wanted to do was help make lunch. She didn't mean to spill the milk, the jug was just too heavy, and the plates, well, that wasn't her fault; they just fell off the table on their own. Her mom didn't have to kick her out of the kitchen.

She let out an exasperated sigh that only a three year old could emit, and crossed her arms as she pouted her way to the living room. She hated being so little. She could never do anything and no one ever wanted to play with her. Edwin and Lizzie were always too busy and, honestly, Marti would probably play with her. However, truthfully, Ryan didn't like playing with her because Marti always made her do stuff for her. She was so bossy.

She let out a huff as she hopped onto the couch, her lip poking out farther as she continued to pout. "It's no fair," she whined to herself. "I wish..." Her voice tapered off as the front door opened. "TASEY!!" Ryan screamed happily, the unfairness of being little- now long forgotten as she ran towards the new arrival.

Casey McDonald hadn't been home for over three weeks. Finals had been killer, leaving her almost no time to sleep between cramming for tests, researching for papers, writing said papers, conducting labs, and practicing for her dance performance/exam. She was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. However, as the happy, sweet little voice rang through her ears, her exhaustion disappeared and a smile fell onto her face.

Dropping her bags to the floor, Casey knelt down to catch the excited toddler into her arms, "Ry-Ry!" She exclaimed, standing up and taking the little girl with her. "Oh, I missed you so much." She said, holding her tightly.

Ryan pulled back from the hug, looking into Casey's eyes, letting her hands fall loosely on her shoulders, "I misses you, too. You were gone for a really, really, really, really long time." She said with a frown forming on her tiny lips.

"I know," Casey responded softly, "but I had a lot of work to do for school. I'm sorry." She apologized, but the little pout remained on the child's face. "But school's done for now, so I'm here for the rest of the summer."

At the last statement, Ryan's smile returned and her large blue eyes twinkled hopefully, "Really?" She asked excitedly, and Casey nodded. "Yay!!" She squealed, clapping enthusiastically, and then she turned her head to face the stairs. "Marti! Lizzie! Eddie!! Come 'ere!" She yelled loudly... Well, as loud as her little lungs would allow (which was actually, amazingly loud). She turned back to Casey and grinned, "They gonna be happy to see you." Then she leaned in close to Casey's ears as loud footsteps echoed upstairs and whispered, "But not as happy as me."

Casey's heart almost stopped and she gazed at the little girl in shock. "Ryan? What's going on?" Casey snapped out of her daze as her little sister's voice filtered down the stairs. As Lizzie got halfway down the staircase, her eyes landed on Casey and Ryan standing by the door. "Casey, you're home!" She yelled, happily running down the last remaining steps to envelop her sister in a giant hug.

Casey shifted Ryan on her hip as she hugged Lizzie, "Hey, Liz. I missed you."

"I missed you, too." Lizzie replied after they parted.

Taking in her sister's appearance, Casey voiced her approval, "Oh, wow. You grew. You're so pretty."

A laugh erupted from Lizzie's mouth as she rolled her eyes, "Casey, you just saw me like, three weeks ago. I doubt I changed mush since then."

Casey laughed with her. It was true, Lizzie hadn't really changed much since her last visit, however, every time Casey cam home, she couldn't believe how different Lizzie was from the little tomboy. Sure, she was still a tomboy, but now, at sixteen, she showed off her girlish figure and wore a hint of make up. It shocked Casey that her little sister was no longer a little girl, but a young woman. "Okay, you're right." She agreed with a giggle, "I know I'm being crazy but you are growing. I just feel like I'm missing so much." She finished sadly, as she unconsciously held Ryan closer to her.

Lizzie nodded with understanding, "I know."

Casey shook her head, snapping back to her original feeling of excitement and genuine happiness. "Anyway, I'm here now. We can catch up... Maybe even talk about the guys in a certain sister's life." Casey hinted with a wink.

"Oh, Marti is still in that phase where boys are gross, and I don't think we should be encouraging Ryan, just yet." Lizzie joked with a laugh.

Casey laughed with Lizzie, "I don't know, Liz, I don't think it's ever too early to start. Maybe we could teach her everything we know so she wouldn't have as much trouble understanding them as we do."

"Sounds like a plan," Lizzie replied, "Although, I don't think Mom and George would appreciate that."

"Speaking of, where are they?" Casey asked, finally stepping away from the door and into the living room.

At Lizzie's shrug, Ryan pulled her head away from the comfortable pillow she found in the curve of Casey's neck, she spoke for the first time since Lizzie came down the stairs. "I can get them," She suggested, proudly. Without waiting for a response, she turned her body, while staying in the comfort of the older MacDonald's arms, "Mommy!! Daddy!!" She bellowed.

Pain flashed in Casey's eyes and Lizzie put a comforting hand on her shoulder. At the contact, Casey turned back to her sister and gave a reassuring smile, trying to mask the twinge she felt in her heart.