"Okay, we're dropping Lizzie off at soccer practice and then she's staying over at Emma's; Edwin is getting picked up in a bit and Marti's already at Grandma and Grandpa's for the weekend…" Nora cast a glance at Derek and then turned to Casey. "That just leaves you two. I expect you'll behave yourselves and- try not to ruin the house." Her gaze lingered on Derek, adding an exaggerated, "Please,"
"Don't worry about it!" Derek said calmly, slinging his arm around Casey's shoulder. "Casey and I will be fine. See?" Casey glared at him and scrambled from his grasp. With a half-hearted smile, she said, not all too convincing, "Yeah mom, we…get along great." She tucked a lock of chestnut brown hair behind her ear and sighed. "You ought to be going- it's almost six." George, her stepfather, and her mom were planning on staying at a resort for the weekend somewhere upstate.
A horn sounded outside and a frazzled young boy emerged from the stairs, lugging an overstuffed bag. "Edwin, that's your ride." state George as he grabbed for the bag and headed to the door. Edwin gave a sigh of relief and followed. Once they were out, Casey's mother stared at Derek and Casey with a very somber and serious look on her face. "I mean what I say, you two. Last time George and I left, the house became a…" she struggled for the right words. "A party zone. No parties. I'm trusting you."
"But last time Derek-" Casey began to protest but was interrupted by her sister Lizzie's appearance, clad in soccer gear.
"We're gonna' be late for practice, mom! I already put my sleepover stuff in the van." Lizzie huffed.
"Alright, I'm coming Liz!" she leaned over to kiss Casey's forehead and gave Derek a swift hug. "Bye guys, be good." Soon enough, they were gone.
Casey collapsed onto the couch and reached for the remote. "Finally," she sighed, "now we can relax." However, Derek stole the remote before Casey could grab it and laughed.
"Relax? You're kidding, right?" he set the remote on top of the TV and folded his arms. "Everyone's already on their way!"
Casey sat up right away and stared at him. "What? You heard what mom said! No parties!" Derek cocked an eyebrow as she continued. "No! I won't stand for it! We got caught last time and- she trusts us!" Casey starting pacing around the room. "Derek, don't make me tell them. Call off the party."
Derek just smirked. "You see, I thought you'd say that. That's why I invited Emily, so you'd have someone to talk to when people are here or whatever girls do."
Casey glared at him. "Inviting my friend won't make it right!"
Derek shrugged. "I thought you'd say that, too. So then I said to myself, 'If she says no, then why not tell George it was Casey who broke his great-great grandfather's dish?" Once the blood drained from Casey's face, he went on. "Do you remember that? I believe you said the window was open and the wind made it crash to the ground. I saw what really happened, but did I rat you out?"
"Derek if you tell him-" she had stopped pacing by then and no color had returned to her face.
"But I won't have to if this little celebration stays a secret, too. Deal?"
Casey opened her mouth to say something, then thought better of it. She turned around and marched upstairs. Derek was impossible!