05/12/2007 20:07:00

Ok so I'm tying something new here. I'm going to be posting as I go. No prewriting for me! I'm a little wary about doing it this way since I'm used to being able to move around the story and go back to the beginning and change things but this will be a new and interesting challenge!

This plot came from the mind of When0Derek0Met0Casey (here on FF and also on YouTube). She made a trailer and kindly handed the plot over to me since she knew she would never write it. Go watch the video, it's great! Just search 'Don't Read My Hard-Drive' on YouTube. It should be the first one.

IMPORTANT INFO:

This is just the prologue and really has nothing to do with what the first part of the story is about (see trailer), but it is information that will make much more sense later on. This flashback occurs just before Nora and George met. The ages of the kids (except Marti) are slightly changed just because it would work better for me. In the flashbacks Casey and Derek are 16 and Edwin and Lizzie are 13. Which makes their ages 18 and 15 in the present time.

Disclaimer: You should know what I do and don't own by now. And if you are absolutely clueless, just review and I'll tell you! ;)

Sorry about the lengthy a/n.

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2 Years Ago…

"You have your passport?"

"In my purse."

"And your ID?"

"Next to the passport."

"Oh and the cash I gave you—"

"Right here," Casey said patting her jacket pocket.

"And what about—"

"Mom! I promise I have everything under control."

Nora looked at her daughter and sighed, releasing the deep breath she hadn't realized she been holding in. Casey smiled at her, feeling the familiar tightening of her throat as she saw unshed tears welling in Nora's eyes. "Oh Casey I'm going to miss you so much!"

Casey pulled her mom into a tight hug. "I'm gonna miss you too."

She kissed the side of Casey's head, pulling back to look at her. "Don't forget that this is supposed to be fun. Don't work too hard."

She laughed. Her mother knew her too well. "I love working hard! Especially when I'm dancing!"

"Just remember to relax sweetie. This is your entire summer vacation and then some."

"I love you mom," Casey said, speaking as though she was talking to a child. She slung her backpack over her shoulder, hugging Nora one last time. "Don't forget to tell Liz to call me once she gets back from Dad's. I still can't believe her visit couldn't have been pushed back just 5 more days."

"Well you know your father. Have a wonderful time! Don't forget to write to me and call everyday."

"I'll call you once a week."

Nora looked disappointed but nodded anyways. "Deal. I love you."

Casey gave her Mom a small wave as she turned and headed towards the airport security. She looked over her shoulder at Nora, a tear sliding down her cheek at the thought that she wouldn't see her for four months. As much as she would miss her mom and sister, she knew she had to go. How many times would she has the opportunity to go to one of the best sports training camps on the continent?

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Meanwhile, on the other side of the airport…

"Smarti, four months will be over before you know it," Derek stated kissing his teary eyed little sister on the cheek before wrapping her in a hug.

"You promise?" Her little voice asked muffled against his shirt.

"I promise. And we'll talk all the time on the phone and I'll write you okay?"

"Okay Smerek."

He released his hold on Marti and turned to Edwin, leaning down to whisper, "Drive Dad crazy for me, eh Ed?"

"Derek." George warned, looking pointedly at his oldest son.

"I'm all over it!" Edwin stated ecstatically, holding his hand up for a high five. Derek responded by wrapping his arm around his shoulders pulling him in for a noogie, laughing evilly in the process.

Derek pulled away from his brother, turning to George who put his hand out for a handshake, knowing his 16 year old son was not fond of hugs. Derek looked at his father's hand before pulling him into a quick man hug.

When they parted, George put his hand on Derek's shoulder. "Got everything you need? Money, credit card, ID, passport?"

"Yeah I'm good. Bye guys."

Derek gave a nod before starting off in the direction of security. He was more than halfway to the line when he heard Edwin shouting. "WE LOVE YOU DEREK!!! WE'RE GONNA MISS YOU SO—" He was cut off by George's hand clapping over his mouth. Derek turned around, glaring at his brother, before giving his father a grateful smile and his sister a loving one.

He'd never openly admit it but he was really gonna miss them when he was gone. Four months was the longest he had ever been away from his family. But he lived for hockey and going to this training camp could be the thing that would push him ahead of others in the eyes of college scouts. And three months at a co-ed camp where the student to authority ratio was 15 to 1? He outwardly smirked at the thought of what he could do with that kind of freedom.

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4 Months Later…

"I'm home!" Casey yelled as she pushed open the door to her Toronto home. She dropped her bags just inside the front door and peered tentatively around the corner, just in case her family and friends had decided to throw her a surprise welcome home party. She frowned when she noticed the room was empty.

"Hello?!" she called out again making her way through every room of the condo. Once she had decided that no one was home she sighed and flopped down on the couch.

Casey couldn't believe that she was finally home after four long months away and no one was there to greet her. She leaned back against the cushions and closed her eyes, a tear sliding down her cheek.

After everything that had happened at the camp and coming home to an empty house, she didn't know if she could take any more changes. She pushed herself off the couch, grabbing her bags and making her way down the hall to her room. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a note on her dresser.

Casey,

Lizzie and I are SO sorry that we couldn't be here when you got back. Remember that man I've been seeing since you left, George? Well he surprised Liz and I with a trip to the zoo with his two youngest kids. Isn't that nice? Anyways, the seven off us (his oldest will be joining us too) are going to go out for a nice diner so be all dressed up and ready to go by 6. It's going to be a very special night!!

Welcome home! We missed you.

Mom

By the time she finished reading her mom's letter she had sunk done to the floor. The last line 'It's going to be a very special night,' stuck out in Casey's mind. Casey finally let the sobs that she had been suppressing for the last few weeks come out. Her life was definitely about to change.

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"Derek!"

He heard his name being called as he grabbed the last piece of his luggage off of the carousel. Slinging the bag over his shoulder, he turned around to look at the person who had called his name. The smile slid off his face, quickly being replaced by the frown he had become accustomed to in the last few weeks. They were calling out for another Derek.

He walked over to a nearby bench, dropping his bags on it and pulled out his cell phone. One new voicemail.

"Hey Derek, it's Dad. I'm so sorry about this son but I'm not going to be able to pick you up from the airport. Just use the credit card and take a cab home. And be ready to leave the house by 6. We're going out to dinner with my girlfriend and her kids. We've got some important news to tell you kids! The restaurant is a pretty nice place so dress up. Missed you son."

Derek hung up his phone and sunk into the bunch, his head falling into his hands. 'We've got some important news to tell you.' That what his Dad had said. He jammed the palms of his hand into his eyes, shoving aside the tears that were pooling there. Derek didn't know if he could take his Dad's 'happy news' which obviously, involved his girlfriend of 3 months. Especially not after everything that had happened over the past few weeks. It was too much to take.

After a few moments he lifted his head, sniffling slightly, and looked around to make sure no one had been watching him. Picking his luggage up once again he begrudgingly made his way to the exit, wondering if it was possible to feel any worse.

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I know that was quite a depressing way to start the story, but I promise you it won't always be this bad. Please keep an open mind and continue reading!