GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
AUTHOR'S NOTE/DISCLAIMER
Companion piece to "The Little Things". I may one day turn this idea into a full-blown story, but right now, it's just these two one-shots. Life With Derek belongs to Canadian Television and Disney. I only own the plot.
The Social Studies assignment was to do a three page paper on your best friend and the best one would be read aloud to the class the next week. Derek had done his paper on Sam, only delving slightly into his past, such as his parents' divorce. It had been hard, but interesting. Derek was sure Casey was doing her paper on Emily, who was her only friend here. However, if she was working on it, he couldn't be sure because he hadn't even seen her since they had gotten home. He bounded up the steps and headed for his room. However, he stopped when he heard soft sniffling. He frowned. That was Casey. But why was she crying? Hesitantly, he headed for her room and forced open the door.
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, seeing her on her bed.
"Get out. I don't want to see your face," she told him.
"Hey! Whoa! Harsh," he objected.
"What do you want from me?" she asked, turning around. "You think that just because you have his face I'll open up to you?! Well, I won't! Just get out, Derek!" she shouted. Derek blinked in surprise at tear-stained cheeks. What in the world? he wondered. However, he did as he was requested and left the room. After that, they steered cleared of each other for the rest of the week, Casey doing her usual study thing, and Derek going about his own routine. Finally, the day that the best paper was to be picked arrived. Casey, Derek, and their friends trudged into the classroom.
"After much consideration, I have picked an essay to be read. Casey, would you please come up here?" the teacher requested. Casey did as she was asked. "Are you okay with reading your paper in front of the class?" the man asked.
"Yeah, it's fine," Casey answered, taking the sheet of paper.
"You're gone but not forgotten. We met on the neighborhood streets; you gave me a smile genuine and sweet. A little boy, macho and tough, wishing that your efforts were enough. We were inseparable as we grew into our teens, sharing our joys and fears. But you never could hide your tears. It got around and wasn't old news, yet you tried to hide every bruise. When things got to be too much, you'd come into my room and sleep on the floor, even if moving was a chore. My parents knew but didn't mind because they knew what you were trying to hide. I let some of our other friends do the same, but at night, my prayers always started with your name. You gave me strength through the divorce, and let me scream until my voice was hoarse. Then came the day that would make my spirit die, for that was the last day you would ever tell a lie. That was the day that I cried and cried. For that was the day I learned that you had died. I don't want to let anybody new in, 'cause I don't want them to replace you. To you, I'll always be true. You were my brother and my best friend. We met when we were ten. Mickey, you're gone, but you will never be forgotten." By the time she was finished, tears were streaming down Casey's face. Derek felt a lump lodge itself in his throat. Man…I never knew, he thought to himself. Without a word, Casey went back to her seat.
"Casey---" Emily started to say.
"Don't. Just…don't," Casey interrupted. Then, the teacher composed himself and continued with the class as Casey wiped away her tears and started taking notes.
THE END