A/N: This is chapter two, because I had some free time. And it's not very good. I wrote it really fast and it did not turn out quite like I wanted. I don't know. Later chapters are what I already have in mind, and they'll be better. Anyway, R&R. Thanks. –Mac

Disclaimer: I don't own LWD.

Chapter Two

Derek 1, Casey 0

My Mom and George thought the best way to start off our vacation was to go to a family dinner the first night. Once everyone had settled in, we were supposed to meet in my mom and George's room. I had been ready fairly quickly, and Lizzie, Edwin and I were only waiting on Derek. I swear he takes longer to get ready than I do. I guess the technique to get that just-rolled-out-of-bed-naturally-messy look is more complicated than it sounds. I was left to think about what had happened earlier that afternoon. Derek had spent the last few hours before we had to get ready, sending me that knowing smirk when ever he got the chance. I really didn't like it. It just proved that he was planning something and it was not going to be good for me. Finally, Derek emerged from the bathroom. I rolled my eyes, when he moved toward us.

"Took you long enough," I muttered.

"Hey, I have to look my best. Who knows who we'll see tonight? I have to make the best first impression if I hope to sc—"Derek began, but I cut him off.

"Don't finish that sentence. There are children in the room." I shook my head.

Derek smirked, "You're going to have to lighten up if you're going to be hanging out with me for the next couple weeks."

"I don't intend to spend anymore time with you than absolutely necessary." I said out loud what I had been vowing silently since the day began.

"You shouldn't be so sure about that." Derek responded, that knowing smirk gracing his lips once again. "Hey, Ed, ready to hit the town?"

"Always." Edwin piped up.

The four of us exited our suite and walked the short distance to the door to Mom and George's room. We opened the door to complete chaos. My mom was busied chasing Marti around the living area, Marti squealing the entire time. George could be heard from inside the bedroom grumbling about not being able to find his other shoe. Give to this family to be so out of sorts only hours into the vacation.

"Smarti!" Derek exclaimed as he came in behind me with Lizzie and Edwin following.

"Smerek!" Marti called excitedly, she dashed toward Derek and he scooped her up into his arms.

"Are you giving Nora a hard time?" Derek asked, and Marti vigorously shook her head. "It sure looked like you were. Why don't you let her help you get dressed so we can go to dinner?"

"Okay, Smerek!" Marti smiled and as soon as he put her down she ran over to my mom.

"Thank you." Nora sighed in exasperation. She took Marti by the hand and made her way to the room to change her.

"It's unbelievable." I said quietly to myself. That Derek could act so sweet around Marti, and he couldn't manage to be a normal level of considerate to anyone else.

After my Mom, George and Marti had found all article of clothing needed and were dressed and ready to go, we all headed out. We had seen a nice looking restaurant on the way into town and we were heading back there for dinner. We piled into the car and after a short argument over the seating arrangement, we were on our way. I had avoided sitting directly next to Derek, which was the first semi-good thing to happen so far that day. It only took a few minutes before we arrived at the restaurant.

The dinner started as many of our dinners back home started. We crowded around a long table when if opened up. Ordering was a circus, as everyone began to ask questions and state their orders at once. It was hectic as usual when it came to the MacDonald and Venturi mix. It was nearly embarrassing to go out in public. But my real problem came after dinner was served. We were all starting to eat when Derek spoke up.

"So I was thinking about these 'Rules' you've set up for us." Derek began.

"Don't think you can talk us out of them." George responded immediately. "We aren't going to repeal them anytime soon."

"No, no, no." Derek shook his head, "I was more thinking about adding to them."

"More rules? That's a surprise." My mom chuckled as she continued to eat.

"Well, I was thinking more specifically about the rule where we have to be with someone at all times." Derek replied. "I figured I'd spend a lot of time with Edwin or Marti, but then I thought that he was going to want to spend time with Lizzie and we're probably not going to want to do the same things…so, I was wondering if…"

The only thing I could think right then was a small phrase that beat like a rhythm in my head "Please don't say what I think you're going to say. Please, please, don't say what I think you're going to say."

"…Casey and I could spend our time together. I thought it would be good for us to get to know each other better." Derek spoke in the most innocent tone I had ever heard on his voice. It must have been difficult for him to manage that for as long as he kept it up.

"Hmm." George murmured, as he swallowed down what Derek had just suggested. He must have seen something sketchy in his son's behavior.

My mom on the other hand took to the idea right away. "I think that's a great idea, Derek."

"Mom…" I started to complain.

"Casey, you and Derek need to learn to get along. What better way than by actually spending some time alone together." My mom replied in a tone that said that no argument would be considered at all. I could argue to my last breath and she wouldn't take notice.

I grumbled, slumping in my seat. I didn't need to look up at Derek across from me at the table to know that he had a victorious look in his eyes. He had said he would make sure I was stuck with him. And it had worked, but I guess what Derek wants, Derek gets. I sighed again and slowly finished eating my food. What had started as a vacation with great potential, had taken a sudden turn in the opposite direction. What fun.