Disclaimer: I don't own the show, the characters, just Riley... and any other character that's not from the show.

Summary: After moving around her whole life, Riley Carter has learned how to forego the ache of leaving friends behind; she just doesn't make any. But when her dad gets transferred to Canada on business, does she get more than she bargained for in her new school? Derek isn't used to "hot" girls who turn him down and will do his best to change their minds, but is Riley going to be a bigger challenge than he thinks, or is Derek, girl-chasing Mr. Popular, going to be the one person able to break through all her barriers?

So, after some thinking, I decided to take my first chapter and tweak it a little. I just thought it needed a little something. Oh and fyi, I'm into Dasey's and whatnot, but… I just figured it might be time for something a little different. And this was something that I couldn't get out of my head for a very long time.


It's two o' clock in the morning and I've already lost track of how long I've been staring at my reflection in the mirror. It seems like I should have every inch of my face memorized by now, everything from my dark green eyes, to the tiny mole underneath the right corner of my mouth. The thing is… I haven't actually been looking at my face. I've spent all night trying to look deeper. I've been staring at myself trying to figure out what's inside, why I am the way I am. I've never questioned who I am before and I never thought I would, but here I am, staring at myself in a mirror that won't tell me the answers to my questions.

What is the reason for this, you might ask. What has caused this self-examination? What has made me doubt myself like nothing has been able to before? I'll tell you what. A boy, that's what, one stupid, aggravating, arrogant, self-assured boy. I'm sure you know who he is. He prides himself on his popularity.

His name is Derek. Derek Venturi. That's right, ladies, the one, the only, the incorrigible Derek, well known for his good looks, his hockey skills, and according to most girls at school, his skills in other more "personal" areas. By my calculations, he should have given up by the second day of school. What I didn't predict, though, was that he would be so persistent.

Surely, there is some other girl out there he could badger… Right? Then why am I standing here, staring at myself?

I don't need this. I mean I really don't need this, nor do I want this. It's like nobody has ever said no to him. He is just so used to getting his way that I can't seem to get rid of him.

So, what am I supposed to do now that he knows? I did not intend on letting anyone find out, but Derek being, well Derek, had to go and…

Ugh!

Although, I suppose I should start at the beginning. I mean, that's where most stories generally start, right?


So, how do you guys like the new and improved opening chapter? Please review, I would really like to know what everyone thinks. And also... does anyone know where the show is set... like the city, because I have no idea. I figure some info like that might come in handy. Any other tidbits of information will be appreciated as well. Thanks.