Sorry for the late update, I had prom and stuff, and I promise I meant to update a lot sooner.
Also I meant to have an authors note at the end of the first chapter, but I was so excited about the story idea that I forgot. Basically all it was going to say is that I wasn't sure where to send them to college but I wanted it to be far enough away that they could make a road trip out of it. I chose Trinity University because that's where I'm going in the fall, so it just made it easier on me. For those who don't know, it's in San Antonio, Texas. Now to the story, I hope you enjoy.
Also I've decided that I'm going to alternate between Casey and Derek's point of view every other chapter. This time it will be Casey.
Disclaimer: I do not own Life With Derek or any of the characters… quite unfortunate really.
That was easier than I thought I thought to myself, exiting Derek's room. I'm glad that he agreed to the trip, I need a chance to have some fun without the stupid reputation I've been stuck with in high school. I want a chance to do it before college starts though. I want to do something adventurous. I don't even know where the desire for it came from, but I just feel the need that I have to do something.
Later that evening at dinner I thought it was the best time to approach the topic with our parents. I waited for a lull in the conversation and then I spoke up.
"So mom, George… I was thinking about this summer." I paused and thought of the best way to phrase it. "and I was thinking that I want to make our trip to college a road trip. Derek wants to take his car anyway, and I think it would be good for us to I don't know bond since we'll be attending the same college. I think it would be better if we went in on good terms, and if we came to those good terms in our own way. I've already planned out the trip and some stops I'd be interested in, and stops I'm reasonably sure Derek would be interested in that way we wouldn't have to spend all of our time together." I waited for a response, both mom and Nora are like wild cards they could go either way on this idea. "And if we both go together, Derek can watch out for me and I can keep an eye on him." I looked at Derek who almost looked amused. I shot him a dirty look.
"I think," Nora began slowly "that George and I would have to discuss it to make sure that we're on the same page. But I do think that you do have some valid points." I nodded tempted to push further but knowing it was better to wait and let them talk it out.
"Okay no problem mom, it was just an idea." I said as I tried to sound casual. But I kept my fingers crossed under the table.
George turned to Derek "Well before we do discuss it, obviously Casey is up for it. But would you be willing to drive with Casey across the country?" I looked at Derek and almost laughed as he pretended to think about it like this was the first he'd heard of it.
"I think we could manage without killing each other. Our fights aren't even that bad anymore."
"They're mostly just for fun now." I jumped in, eager to convince. George almost seemed shocked that Derek would agree to it.
After dinner Emily was in my room with me. "So do you think your parents will let you go?" is shrugged, not wanting to jinx anything.
"I'm not sure. I hope so."
"Why do you want to go on a road trip so badly?" she asked, and once again I shrugged.
"I don't know, I just really want to do something before I go to college and I feel like this is my only chance to do it. Plus it's just practical to do it on the way to college since we have to go there anyway and that way we wouldn't be paying for the trip to school and also a road trip."
"You do realize you're going to be stuck with Derek the whole ride." She said a little unsure, I know she thinks that Derek and I never get along, but we really have kind of an understanding.
"Yes I do."
"And do you really think he's going to agree to that?" she asked dubiously. I laughed.
"He already has. I talked to him about it this morning."
"I don't think it counts if he agrees in his sleep." I rolled my eyes at her and she laughed along.
"He was awake, and he also agreed again at dinner when George asked him if he was interested. I'm not worried about Derek."
"Are you sure? You aren't worried about being stuck in the car with Derek for hours? Especially when he…" she stopped and pressed her lips together tightly.
"When he what?" I asked.
"When he's so Derek and well you know how he can be on your nerves." She said and laughed a little. I felt like she was hiding something else from me, but couldn't think of any possible explanation.
"Yeah I think we'll manage. There are ways to ignore him, and I'm sure he'll find some naïve girl to keep him company if we annoy each other too much. But I'll think well be fine, we're not as bad as we used to be."
"I know…" she said pausing.
"But?" I prompted.
" It's just…" she was interrupted by my mom calling for both me and Derek to come down. Emily smiled at me, "That's my cue to leave." she said. "Let me know what they say." I nodded a little thankful for the interruption as I realized I wasn't quite in the mood for an Emily lecture.
I tried to walk calmly down the stairs to the living room, Derek not far behind me, where we found mom and George standing in front of the couch waiting. I sat patiently on the couch and waited for them to begin.
"So we talked it over." George began. "And while it's not really an ideal situation for us we did realize that you will be going off to college soon and need to learn to make your own decisions and this is a chance for us to show you that we trust you, but also for you to show us that we can." He paused and mom took over.
"But there are some conditions, no matter how old you are we will worry. So we want you to call us each morning before you start driving again and every night when you stop. We don't want you driving overnight, even if you switch drivers, we just don't feel comfortable with that." This news unsettled me a little, I had planned for some stops, but there were a few nights I had planned on us driving through the night because I didn't think we could manage to afford a hotel every night. I tried to look calm through this news, I could maybe get a job for the summer and raise a little money. I don't know if I'd be able to talk Derek into getting one though. While I was pondering this George spoke up again.
"As a graduation present we will pay the money for the hotels. Anything else you plan on doing will have to be paid by you, but we'll pay to make sure you are in a hotel each night." I grinned excitedly at this. Both mom and George turned to Derek. "And Derek, remember this money is for the hotels only." He rolled his eyes and nodded his head.
"But just to be sure." Mom added "Since it was Casey's idea and she had already planned the entire trip, she will be in charge of making the hotel reservations and handling the hotel money." Derek shrugged.
"Hey, I don't care. The less responsibility I have, the better." And he grinned to show that he was kidding, and I was glad that he didn't seem insulted by this, our parents seemed to be as well.
"So basically you can go on the road trip." My mom finalized and I jumped up to hug both of them.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you a thousand times!" I said and ran up to my room to finalize our plan.
We were going on a road trip!
So the end of chapter two. It turned out a lot longer than I thought which makes me happy. I hope you enjoyed because that would make me even happier! :D