Derek and Lizzie returned home that afternoon and found Casey and Emily watching a movie in the living room. They proceeded to the kitchen for some lunch.
"So I see Lizzie and Derek are spending a lot of time together," said Emily.
"Yeah, Lizzie has been really down since breaking up with Jamie, so Derek has been cheering her up," answered Casey.
"Aw, she broke up with Jamie. They made such a cute couple. I can't believe she went to Derek instead of you though," said Emily.
"Yeah, well I offered to help, but she preferred to hang out with Derek this time. He offered a more fun activity, I guess," answered Casey.
"I see", said Emily.
Meanwhile in the kitchen…
"So Lizard, if you don't mind me asking: what happened between you and Jamie", asked Derek.
"He said that he liked another girl and wanted to give her a chance. I guess he got bored with me", said Lizzie.
"Well that kid's an idiot. Any guy would be lucky to have someone like you", said Derek.
"Wow thanks Derek! You know, I've never seen you be so nice to anyone before; with the exception of Marti of course", said Lizzie.
"Yeah, well we never really talked when I lived here year-round. We would only speak if you were sent by Casey", said Derek.
"Yeah, I guess that's true. Stupid Casey" said Lizzie jokingly.
"Yeah stupid Space Case. Oh hi Casey! Hi Emily", said Derek.
"DER-EK!" yelled Casey. "I knew you were going to corrupt my little sister".
"Relax Casey. They were only kidding or at least Lizzie was", said Emily.
"So Lizzie, Emily and I are going to the mall. Want to come?" asked Casey.
"Sure", answered Lizzie. "Derek, could you put my sandwich away? I'll get something to eat in the mall".
Derek nodded and proceeded to put her sandwich in the refrigerator.
"Great! See you later Derek" said Emily.
"Later" replied Derek.
Casey, Lizzie, and Emily left for the mall about 10 minutes later. When they arrived they first hit the food court. Casey had a salad, while Lizzie and Emily both had cheeseburgers and fries.
"So Liz, when we're done here, do you want to go guy searching?" asked Emily.
"Yeah, it'll be fun. Lots of cute guys here", said Casey.
"No thanks", answered Lizzie.
"Too soon?" asked Casey.
"No, I'm over Jamie. It's just that…never mind" said Lizzie.
"Fine, that's ok Liz. It's probably just as well. You don't necessarily want to see Emily when she's guy hunting. It's not pretty", said Casey jokingly.
"Yeah, that's actually true", agreed Emily.
That evening, Casey and Lizzie came home to find the family was out, with the exception of Derek. He was watching a hockey game on his usual chair.
"Where is everyone?" asked Casey.
"Dad and Nora took Edwin and Marti out to eat. I didn't go since Patty would be there and we don't exactly see eye-to-eye" said Derek.
"Well give me the remote! You know my favorite show's about to start. Come on Lizzie, back me up", said Casey.
"Actually, I'd rather watch the hockey game. To be honest, that show is a bit too sappy for me" said Lizzie.
"Lizzie?" said Casey.
"Sorry Space Case, Lizard has spoken. Make yourself useful and bring us some popcorn and soda" said Derek.
"No way. Get it yourself and don't even think about making Lizzie do it!" retorted Casey.
"Fine I'll get it. The period's about to end anyway", said Derek as he got up.
Derek went to the kitchen to get the snacks, while Casey went upstairs. Casey was extremely restless because she didn't know what to think about Lizzie and Derek hanging out. She didn't know whether she should be happy that Derek was helping her sister or concerned that Derek was helping her sister. It was Derek after all.
Derek returned to the living room to find Lizzie in his chair. His throne!
"Hey Lizard, I know you aren't on my chair!" said Derek jokingly as he set the snacks down.
"What are you going to do about it?" teased Lizzie. "Come and get me!"
"Oh you're going to get it now!" said Derek as he proceeded to pick up Lizzie. She just responded by laughing and screaming playfully.
"You better put me down, I know martial arts!" screamed Lizzie.
Derek just responded by carefully dropping his stepsister on the couch.
"Do you give up?" asked Derek who was at the same time laughing.
"Never!" responded Lizzie.
"You know your sister has a certain weakness and I wonder if you do to…" said Derek.
"No, don't even think about it" said Lizzie.
Derek just moved in and started to tickle her.
"Surrender?" asked Derek.
"Never!" yelled Lizzie. She then rolled over and jumped on Derek which caused him to lose his balance. They both fell and landed on the couch.
"DER-EK! Stop trying to land Lizzie into the hospital!" yelled Casey from the top of the stairs.
"Relax Space Case, we're just messing around" said Lizzie. This remark made Derek turn his head. He was simultaneously surprised and proud of his stepsister.
"Space Case? That's it, Lizzie come up here with me! You're obviously spending too much time with Derek!" exclaimed Casey.
"Hey Casey, let us have our fun. Besides, Lizzie would rather watch the hockey game with me than read ahead in your textbook" said Derek.
"Would not, right Liz?" asked Casey giving her puppy-dog face.
"Actually, hockey sounds more fun. Sorry Case" said Lizzie sympathetically.
"Well fine and for the record, there is nothing wrong with reading ahead in the textbook!" yelled Casey. She stomped to her room slamming the door. Derek and Lizzie just laughed at it.
The rest of the night consisted of Derek and Lizzie screaming as they watched they cheered their team on to victory. It was a nail-biting finish, consisting of a victorious shoot-out at the end. It was approaching 9:00 and the rest of the family hadn't arrived home yet. Nora called an hour ago informed Derek that George had crashed into another parked car. Everyone was ok, though and they were waiting for the tow truck.
"So Lizard, exciting game! What do you want to do now?" asked Derek.
"I don't know. It's been a long, exciting day and I'm kind of tired. I think I'll go to bed early" answered Lizzie.
"But it's only 9:00. Even Casey stays up a little longer" said Derek.
"I know, but I can barely keep my eyes open. Good night Derek" said Lizzie.
"Goodnight Lizzie. Don't let Klutzilla get you up there" said Derek.
"Don't worry" answered Lizzie.
Derek then moved in and kissed Lizzie on the cheek. To him, it was an innocent brotherly kiss.
To Lizzie, however, it was more. A lot more!
