"Odd Girl Out"

After she was securely locked in the bathroom, Casey began to cry, remembering what had happened at school between herself and Kendra.

"I want you to stop seeing Derek.", Kendra said venomously, cornering Casey in the empty bathroom.

"I'm not seeing Derek, Kendra. I don't know why you don't get that. We are just friends. Always will be, no matter what you say.", Casey said, equally threatening.

"Oh, I think you are mistaken you little slut. Derek is my boyfriend. So, either you have absolutely no contact with him whatsoever or I will tell the whole school you slept with the whole football team.", Kendra threatened.

"You know damn well that isn't true. No one would believe that.", Casey said calmly.

"Oh? Well they already believe you lost your virginity to a senior in jr. high. So why wouldn't they believe me about this?", Kendra asked smirking.

"Liar.", Casey said meekly.

"Get any weird looks or comments today Case?", Kendra asked walking out of the bathroom. Leaving Casey alone to cry and think of what to do.

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Casey must have lost track of time, because before she knew it, her mom was home and knocking on the bathroom door.

"Casey, are you alright sweetie?", Nora asked worriedly.

Wiping away her tears, Casey replied, "Yes Mom. I just…um…had a bad day at school and I think I'm PMSing."

"Oh.", Nora replied. "Ok. Well, I'm here to talk if you need me."

"Alright Mom.", Casey replied quietly.

Later that night, while Casey was getting all settled for bed, Nora came into her room.

"Case? Can I talk to you for a minute?", she asked walking in and sitting on the bed.

"Uh, sure. What's up?", Casey replied nervously.

"You tell me. You aren't PMSing because you had your period last week." 'crap' "And I don't think you just had a hard day, there is more to it than that…so what is it?", Nora asked carefully, yet determined.

"It's no big deal…really. Kendra's just messing around, you know. Giving me a hard time about my friendship with Derek cuz she is dating him. But don't worry, she's just kidding.", Casey laughed nervously. 'Please buy it…please buy it…'

"If that is true, then why were you crying?", Nora asked.

"She just went a little too far…its ok. We…worked it out.", Casey said quietly. "I would tell you if something were up."

"You promise?" 'No'

"Yes, I promise.", Casey replied smiling.

"Ok then, have a good sleep and I will see you in the morning."

"Night mom."

AbCdabCDabCDabCDabCD

Nora dialed the failiar number and waited for someone to pick up.

"Hello Abbey?", Nora asked.

"Yeah Nora?", Abbey Venturi asked. "What can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if Derek was available to talk."

"Oh, he's putting Marti to bed, is it important?"

"Um, not really. Could you just ask him if he noticed anything strange at school about Casey? She was locked in the bathroom crying earlier today and she won't tell me the whole reason why. I'm worried it might be serious."

"Oh I hope everything is ok. Casey is like family to us."

"And your children to us."

"I will definitely ask Derek for you.", Abbey promised.

"Thank you Abbey."
"You're welcome Nora." Both women hung up.

"Ask me what Mom?", Derek asked walking down the stairs.

"That was Nora, she wanted to ask you if you noticed anything weird at school about Casey."

"Why? Is something up?", Derek asked worriedly.

"She locked herself in the bathroom and cried earlier. She told Nora some of the story, but Nora doesn't believe she told her all of it."

"Well, I haven't noticed anything, but I will most definitely be looking.", Derek said determinedly. "No one hurts Casey."