Casey grinned and checked her reflection in her fluorescent pink compact mirror. It was 3:30 in the

afternoon, and that could only mean one of two things. One, that it was time for her weekly guidance

counselor meeting with Paul, or two, it was time for her daily rejuvenating bubble bath. But,

considering that this particular afternoon was a Thursday, that narrowed it down to option number one.

Derek insisted on calling her sessions with the school counselor 'therapy', but that was hardly the case.

Casey McDonald was the last person on earth to need 'therapy'. She shuddered inwardly at the word.

Why, Casey assured herself, she was organized and smart and funny and pretty and... well she could be

a little boastful at times. But that hardly made her a mental patient. Really, the only reason she met

with Paul once a week, was so that she had someone to talk to, and of course to get away from her

arrogant step-brother, Derek. In fact, it was mainly to get away from Derek. It's not like she was

starved of conversation. She had friends to speak with. Lots of friends. Tons of friends, in fact.

Well... one friend anyway.

* * * * * * * * * *

She checked her watch in a sudden panic. One of Casey's strongest fears was of being late. Phew, she

still had five minutes left until her session started. She felt excited at the prospect of seeing Paul. She

really did enjoy their time together. It gave her a chance to open up about her life to someone who

wouldn't spread her secrets around school or make fun of her.

Casey was so engrossed in her thoughts, that she didn't realize where she was going. 'SLAM', a metal

door made contact with her face. She fell down and looked about dazedly. She hadn't even been aware

that she had been walking. A light blush spread rapidly across her cheeks. She was so darn clumsy.

The door in front of her opened with a bang. Paul gazed down at her with an amused expression

plastered to his face. A mug of coffee was present, as always in his grip, and he was wearing a green

and white checkered shirt. Still in her foggy mind-set from hitting her head, she smiled up at Paul.

"Your shirt really compliments your eyes!"

Paul let out a chuckle, and extended a hand to help Casey to her feet.

"Thank you my fashion expertise. I think that's the nicest thing anyone's told me all day." He looked

genuinely pleased. Casey grasped his hand, and felt surprised by how strong his grip was. He pulled her

up with ease.

"After you," he motioned for her to enter his cluttered office. Casey pulled up her usual chair and

rubbed the back of her head. She could definitely feel the makings of a bump. She winced as her

fingers brushed a tender spot.

"You okay Casey? That looked like a bad fall." His eyes looked concerned but Casey knew him too

well to be fooled. His mouth gave a telltale wobble and they both burst into laughter.