Disclaimer: I own nothing, except Vanessa
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I normally would have argued. I normally would have made a comment about her driving skills. I normally wouldn't have been in an entirely too expensive SUV with Casey behind the wheel driving her dad's cottage. But all defensive power was lost at Casey's expression. She was going to go, and she was going to drive.
So there I was, sitting in the passenger seat of a car that was probably worth my life and cost so much I shouldn't even be looking at it. Casey's grip on the steering wheel was iron, as was the look on her face.
"So why exactly are we leaving…New York? Which, may I add, was the destination that was intended for this never-ending trip?" I asked with the lightest hint of sarcasm in my voice.
Casey seemed to tighten her grip, if possible. "My dad," She replied through gritted teeth
I nodded as if I understood. Which was a lie. "So, I'm guessing unresolved issues between father and daughter?" I automatically winced for the punch or hit that coming my way. After all, I don't think, I do.
But surprisingly, Casey didn't perform any act of violence what so ever. Well, if you don't count the death grip she had on that poor steering wheel.
"I guess you could say that." She continued to stare at the road ahead of us. "I mean, I was always trying to be like my dad. He was my hero. He always had the answers and knew what was right and wrong. He was like a god to me. So when my parents divorced, I thought that I living with my dad would be fun. But he just…" She trailed off.
I nodded as if to reassure her it was okay to go on.
"So, what about your mom?" She turned to me and asked. I let out a heavy sigh, half out of frustration that Casey had stopped and half out of the fact that me and my mom's relationship was complicated.
"Well…" I started. "My mom is kinda…well…" I tried to find the perfect word. "Like you." Casey raised an eyebrow. "Okay, she was always telling me that I was doing something wrong."
Casey's eyebrow returned to its normal place. "Maybe because you were." She snarked.
I chose to ignore her comment. "Perfection wasn't something that was out of reach, it was that expected. She was pretty hard on me."
Casey nodded as the drive continued. "Do you ever wonder what it would be like if our parents never divorced?" She asked.
"Everyday."
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I loosened my grip on the steering wheel as I turned the corner onto the lane that my dad's cottage was on. I pulled into the driveway and stared at the house.
It was a log home. With a glass window that could have been a wall it was so big. I could see the light coming from what looked to be the kitchen. I saw my dad come to the window with a young woman who looked to be around 25-ish. I felt my stomach drop. "Vanessa…" I mumbled.
"Huh?" Derek who had been asleep awoke when I stopped the car. He was somewhat conscious and realized that we had reached the destination. "Let's go, I'm starved." He opened the car door and went to the back to open the trunk. I leaned my head against the headrest and sighed. "Open it up!" He yelled from outside. I pushed the button that opened the trunk and stepped outside.
I stood next to Derek as he unloaded our things. He picked up his suitcase and started making his way to the door.
"Wait!" I hissed. He turned around and gave me a skeptical look.
"What now?" He asked like I was demanding the world on a platter.
"We can't just go in there, unannounced and smelly." I wrinkled my nose. "Well, at least you do."
Derek grumbled as he opened his bag and rummaged through it until he pulled out a bottle and sprayed himself thoroughly with it. "Better now princess Casey? Or would you like to be called your majesty?"
I just stuck out my tongue at him and made my way to the door.
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By the way Casey was acting Dennis seemed to really be a god. I watched as her posture straightened and her shoulders rolled back and she took graceful steps, which is a big accomplishment for Klutzilla here.
She plastered a grin on her face before she even reached the door. She straightened out her blouse as I reached past her to knock on the door.
A smokin' hot chick opened the door. 'I think I'm gonna like it here.'
"Casey!" The girl hugged Casey. She reluctantly hugged back.
"Dad!" Dennis seemingly came from nowhere. He shot a smile my way and leaned in to hug Casey.
"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. But its just Vanessa and I needed to get here as soon as possible and I would have come to pick you up but-" He started to explain.
"It's okay Dad." Casey said with that fake smile sitting firmly in place. "I understand."
Now, I have to say that I'm all-too proud of Casey's impeccable lying abilities. Services provided by yours truly.
We entered and I introduced myself to Vanessa.
"Pleasure to meet you Derek." She smiled. " Vanessa, I'm Dennis' fiancé."
If Casey had been eating something she would have choked. "Fiancé?" She asked. Then quickly caught herself. "I mean, congratulations."
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FIANCE? I didn't even know he was dating anyone? And how old is she? She could my age for all I know! How could he have not told me? I felt that all-too common anger boiling again. Or maybe I just had an ulcer.
After we got settled into our rooms Vanessa told us that she would be cooking dinner. I told her that I had a headache and just needed to rest and if I got hungry I would grad something from the fridge.
When she left my room I quickly pulled my cell from my purse and dialed as quickly as possible.
"Lizzie?" I whispered, although no one could hear me.
"Casey? Is that you?"
"Yeah look, tell mom we got here safe and…" I wondered if I should tell her. Well, she was sister after all. "Don't tell mom this but, dad's getting married."
I waited for Lizzie's shocked response. All I got was laughter. "Ha! You're joking right? He's getting married to his work right?" She continued laughing.
"I'm dead serious." I replied. "Lizzie, she's like…my age."
"Oh god. This is like one of those cheesy Disney made-for-TV movies. She's a monster isn't she?"
"Well…I haven't really formed an opinion yet…"
"You hate her."
"Yeah."
Lizzie was silent. "I won't tell mom. I promise."
I sighed as I felt back onto the pillows on the bed. "Good. I don't think she could handle this. I can't even handle this."
"Yeah, well, I gotta go. Bye" And she hung up.
I rubbed my eyes as I finally came to the realization. My life just got suckier.
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Author's Note: Four pages, and all in one day! And thanks for the reviews. You guys rock! Anyways, for you people who are asking, where's the Dasey? Relax, it's coming. It's just I would like to dwell on Casey's devotion to her father and stuff. You know, the parent/child angst.