LWD

I don't own Life With Derek.

Thanks for your reviews of encouragement, I hope this doesn't disappoint. :)

Chapter 4--

"Casey!" Turning around from her locker, Casey was met with a hug from the owner of the voice. "I missed you."

"I missed you too Max." She smiled into his shoulder while returning the hug. He placed a chaste kiss on her cheek as they pulled away. It was another reminder to Casey how different their relationship was right now. He hadn't kissed her fully on the lips for over two weeks, just pecks here and there.

"Hey Max." Emily quipped beside her. "How was the trip with the family?"

Max chuckled while looking between Casey and Emily. "I think they have gotten enough of me. I wont be surprised if they encourage me to go away for the summer before college."

"I know the feeling." Emily said giving an all knowing look. "My mom, suddenly wanted to have some major mother-daughter time, and after three days, she was like, I need my own personal space too." She shook her head. "I swear, I cannot understand parents."

"I know." Max nodded. "When my parents first told me about the trip, I thought it was a trick to get back at me for the suspension. I was lucky that they decided to use that time so that I only missed one day of school." He suddenly looked at his girlfriend who seemed to be in her own world. "Hey, you okay?"

Startled slightly by his question, Casey turned to Max, a bright smile on her face. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit distracted I guess."

"By what?" He couldn't help his curiosity. What could be distracting Casey from seeing him for the first time in just over a week?

Casey panicked. She was never a great liar, and she didn't know what possible tale she could pull out of her head that could make Max not want to ask any more questions. "It's nothing.. it's just.. er.. " She noticed her science book in her locker. "I'm just worried about the science project we turned in. I think I got it all wrong." She ignored the look Emily shot her.

Max couldn't shake the feeling that she was lying to him. He, like everyone who knew Casey McDonald, knew that she could never lie. "Okay." he stated deciding to drop it. He could always find out later. "Well, I better get to class. But I'll meet you after school then?"

"Yup." Casey nodded. He kissed her once more on the cheek. "Bye Case. See ya Em." he nodded at Emily and made his way down the hall, occasionally stopping to address some of his friends.

Emily waited till Max was out of earshot before she rounded on her best friend. "What gives? We don't have a science project. We finished them all a month ago."

Casey shut her locker and started walking towards their next class. Emily knew she was choosing to ignore the question, but decided to be persistent. Falling into step beside Casey, she asked the question they both knew she wanted an answer to. "Why did you lie to Max?"

"I don't know." Casey said truthfully.

"What do you mean? He just asked why you were distracted, you didn't have to lie about that. You could have just said what you were thinking about.." Emily stopped abruptly as realization hit, causing Casey to start panicking again. Could Emily have guessed what was on her mind?

"What were you thinking about Case?"

"Nothing." Casey turned around and started walking down the hall again, hoping that Emily would drop it. But she didn't.

"You wouldn't be lying like this unless you were thinking about something that you shouldn't be thinking about." Emily said while following Casey.

"I wasn't thinking about anything Em." Casey's voice was practically pleading now, why couldn't her best friend just drop it.

"Case, you tell me everything, don't you? Why wont you just tell me what you were thinking about? It cant be that bad.." Casey had suddenly stopped as something caught her eye over Emily's shoulder. Emily turned, curious to see what her friend was looking at. On the opposite side of the hall, leaning against his locker casually, stood Derek Venturi surrounded by the normal 'I heart Derek' club. What caught Emily's attention was the fact that he and Casey seemed to be in a staring match, while ignoring all other activity around them. Derek's gaze was more of a glare, while Casey looked slightly panicked. Emily would be lying if she said she understood the ever changing dynamics of their relationship, but now, one thing seemed remarkably clear. Derek was mad, and Casey probably thought it was her fault.

"Case!" Emily moved her hand in front of her friends' face and successfully received her attention.

"Yeah?" Startled, Casey replied.

"What's up with you and Derek?" Emily had a feeling that he was the reason her friend was so distracted today.

Casey looked at her confused. "What makes you think that any thing's up?"

"Um.. Case, I'm not that dumb okay? Why was he glaring at you like that?"

Casey sighed, which Emily took as a good sign. It meant that Casey was giving up the facade. "Derek and I had a fight this morning."

"Don't you guys like, fight all the time?" Emily asked confused.

"This time was.. different." She mumbled.

"How come?"

"He.. We.. Um.. I don't know, it was just different."

"Why?" Emily felt like she was repeating herself. How hard was it to answer such a simple question?

Casey started walking again, Emily following her lead. "It's just, you know Derek. When he fights with me, he's always cocky and Derek-like, and somehow it's all a joke to him. But today.. "

"What?" Emily asked, now feeling slightly impatient.

"He was mad Em. I mean really, really, mad. I have never seen him like that. It was as if he wanted to hurt me." She finished in a whisper.

"Hurt you?" Emily said in a curious tone. They had just entered the classroom, causing her to speak more softly so as not to be overheard. Taking her seat, she looked at Casey. "I find that hard to believe Case. Maybe he just had a bad day."

Casey fought the urge to roll her eyes at her best friend's constant attempts to put Derek on a pedestal. "You weren't there Em, you didn't hear him."

"That's true. But then, why didn't you just tell Max? Why did you lie to him about a science project?"

Casey had been asking herself that same question. "I don't know. I guess, remembering Derek, meant remembering the party this Friday. And I still haven't told Max about that yet." She knew that was a half truth.

Emily nodded, finally understanding some of Casey's logic. Before she could ask any more questions, the teacher walked in to begin their lesson. She'll have to find out the exact details of the fight later.

--

Derek was distracted. But then, in all honesty, that wasn't something new when it came to his education. He was sitting at the back of his History class, in his usual seat as he stared at the one girl who had been occupying his mind for the past few days. He couldn't put his finger on it. Something had changed between them, and if the moment they shared last night wasn't an indication, the fight they had this morning sure was. It was as if there was no more playfulness between them. He had been harsh and unreasonable. She had retaliated with statements just as hurtful, all the while with a look of hurt in her eyes. And he didn't know why, but he had felt a twisted sense of

content when he saw pain flash in her eyes.

He was frustrated with this situation. Pranking Casey used to be the highlight of his day. But since their relationship changed, it was an effort to stay in the same room with her and act civil. He was mad at her, and mad at himself. It would have been so much more helpful if he could just figure out why.

The class ended, signaling the end of another 'riveting' school day. Usually, Derek stayed back, to hang out with some of his friends while Casey was driven home by Emily. But as he watched his step-sister gather her belongings and walk towards the exit, Emily in tow, he felt another impulse, one that he knew he should ignore, but didn't. Nodding goodbye to those around him, he headed towards the duo, not really sure what he was trying to accomplish by his next act.

Derek managed to catch up to them just as they were a few steps away from Emily's car. "Don't worry about today Em. I can take Casey." He said, in what he hoped was a nonchalant tone as he grabbed his step-sister's arm.

He saw Casey shoot Emily a pleading look as she tried to break away from his grip, but Derek, determined not to let her go, held on tighter. "Um.. actually, I don't mind. After all, we do live close by to each other." Emily was such a good friend.

"Really Emily, it's fine. We'll see you tomorrow." Derek stated, the finality evident in his tone. Before Emily could protest further, he led Casey towards the Prince. He was opening the passenger side door when Casey seemed to lose her mute self. He was wondering why she was so silent.

"What is wrong with you? Emily said she could drop me." She practically yelled, pulling away from his grasp.

"Yeah, well.. I'm taking you home, so get in the car." His voice was stern as he held open the door for her.

She eyed him warily. "What do you want Derek? Is this some kind of mind trick you're playing on me? I'm not in the mood for games right now."

He ignored her questions. "Get in Casey."

He knew his response would anger her, and he was right. "If you think, that I'm just going to be one of your minions and jump when you say jump, you're mistaken Venturi." She yelled back at him. "You cant rule my life, and i'd be damned if you would even think about trying."

Derek's features darkened and his jaw tightened as he moved towards Casey, who instantly panicked at his tense stance and took a few steps back out of fear. She stopped when she felt the cold metal of the car against her back. Derek towered over her, his anger evident in every muscle of his body. "Get. In. The. Car." His words sounded low and sinister even to his own ears as he could barely say the speak through clenched teeth. Only Casey could make him this freaking mad.

He could see the fear in her eyes, but when she spoke, her words were cold and calm. "Fine. Just this once, I'll do what you want." She waited until he stepped away from her to enter the car, slamming the door shut.

They were both silent and tense throughout the ride home. Derek expected Casey to storm out of the car as soon as they reached home, but surprising him again, she removed her seat belt, and turned towards him, the look of anger still on her face. "What is your deal? Is it so hard to leave me alone when I want you to?"

Her anger just succeeded in increasing his. Repeating her previous movement, he faced her, prepared for a battle he knew they had to finish. "What is my deal?" He yelled back. "My deal is that you somehow always make me out to be the bad guy. I wasn't the one who started this thing in the morning Princess, it was you."

"And you just had to finish it, didn't you? You always have to be the one to end the arguments."

"If you didn't start it, I didn't have to end it."

"I didn't start anything Derek, you just took what I said out of context."

Derek laughed bitterly. "How else was I supposed to take it?"

Casey scoffed. "It's not like I was lying." She saw his eyes harden. "And besides, I thought the great Derek Venturi is immune to such comments."

"Such comments? That wasn't just a comment. You meant it."

"It's not like you didn't mean what you said." She shot back.

Where had that twisted sense of content gone? He suddenly felt guilt for what he had said. But he kept his voice hard. "There you go again, turning this around on me."

His voice suddenly turned deadly as he leaned towards her. "You really don't want to start a war with me Princess."

Casey's breathing became strained. She knew she had to look tough, and keep up the appearance that he wasn't getting to her. Her features sported a look of determination as she leaned towards her step-brother in challenge. "If you think that you're threats would scare me off, you're mistaken Venturi." Her voice mimicked his tone. "Don't think for one second that I would make this easy for you."

The argument was similar to that which they have used before. But this time, it was different. This time, it was serious. There was no joke, no light hearted sibling rivalry. Derek was aware that there was something else between them, something that caused them to hurt the other and as a result, know that person better than themselves. It was Casey who knew how to push his buttons. It was Casey who would know his mood without having to ask. And here he was meeting her glare head on with his own.

They both stared at each other patiently, neither willing to make the first move.

It was the sound of the side door opening that caused them to break eye contact. Marti waved at them both while bounding into the garage and heading towards Derek.

"Hey Smarti!" Derek opened the car door in time for his younger sister to jump into his arms.

"Hey Smerek! Hi Casey!" He carefully got out of the car and closed the door heading towards the kitchen with Casey behind him. "How come you guys were there for so long? You were supposed to come in ages ago."

Derek's gaze fell on Casey and they shared a silent moment of understanding before her face broke out into a grin and she turned towards Marti. "Why wont you ask your big brother? He was the one who was making a fuss to come inside."

Marti looked up at him. "Why didn't you want to come inside?"

Derek looked at his sister in mock horror. "Smarti! How could you? You really think I didn't want to come home as soon as possible to see my favourite sister?" He narrowed his eyes at her. "You know what this means.."

Marti giggled, still in his arms. "What?" She looked at him innocently.

"You need to be... PUNISHED!" He growled, twirling her around while simultaneously tickling her. Hearing her giggles made him feel so much more lighter. He could see Casey laughing at their little ritual with affection. Marti was the only one they never wanted to fight in front of.

"Casey.. Help!" Marti giggled, while still holding onto Derek. He could hear her laugh in response. "I don't know Marti. I think you're on your own for this one."

Derek growled and tickled his sister even more. "You're asking help? From Casey? Really Smarti! I'm disappointed in you."

"Alright Smerek." She cried out mid-giggle. "I'm sorry."

"What?" Derek teased. "What was that Smarti?"

Marti giggled. "I'm sorry I asked Casey to help."

"That's my girl." He smirked, at least one member of the family still gives in to him.

Derek finally put Marti, who was still giggling, on the kitchen counter, tired from the playful activity. He saw her turn towards Casey. "Can you make me a sandwich?"

"Sure Marti. But a quick one okay? I have to go get ready soon." She said as she started moving about the kitchen, collecting the ingredients needed.

"Where are you going?" Marti asked as she started pulling at her brother's leather jacket playfully, causing him to chuckle lightly.

Casey was now at the counter with her step siblings, preparing Marti's meal. "Max and I are meeting for lunch today." Derek visibly stiffened. Casey didn't notice as she was concentrating on the task at hand, but Marti did.

"What's wrong Smerek?" She looked at him, those big brown eyes full of curiosity. He noticed that the question caused Casey to look at him too. Ignoring her glance, he looked at his sister. "Nothing Smarti." He smirked, hoping she bought the lie. The uneasy feeling that he associated with Casey was growing in him. He didn't understand why knowing that she was going out with Max, gave him an urge to call up any girl to distract him from thoughts he didn't really want to think about.

"Here you go." Casey placed the sandwich in front of Marti.

Before his sister could take a bite out of it, he lifted her into his arms, and grabbed the plate with his free hand. "How about we go watch some tv, huh?"

She nodded, giving him the most adorable look. "Only if I get to sit in your chair."

Derek chuckled. "I'll think about it." He made his way to the living room leaving Casey behind. Hopefully, his sister will be a sufficient distraction from those unwanted thoughts, rather than some girl.

--

"So, how is everything?" Max asked her. She knew it was just a question to fill the silent void that seemed to have engulfed them.

Casey looked around at the quaint restaurant he had chosen to 'catch up' with each other. It would have been such a romantic date if it weren't for the awkwardness between them. "Every thing's been good Max." She smiled at him. "It's not like we haven't been talking right?"

"Yeah." Max nodded. He suddenly looked uncomfortable, as if he was preparing to broach an unwanted subject. "Listen Case, have you noticed how we don't.. um.. talk anymore? I mean, really talk."

She began to panic, not liking where he was going with this. "Um..yeah.. I guess.."

"I thought so." He looked at her. "So, you also feel like something's different?"

She nodded, not wanting to help him along.

"I mean, I get it. When you're busy, I'm free, and when I'm busy, you're free. Not to mention, we haven't really stayed in a room, alone, just the two of us for sometime now." His hint was hard to miss. Casey couldn't look at him. Why can't he just do it quick, like ripping off a band-aid?

Max took a deep breath. "I think you should come spend the summer with me."

"What?" The shock was evident in her tone.

"My parents were thinking about going to the summer lake house, and they invited you along. What do you think?"

Casey was still confused. "I thought you were going to break up with me."

"You did? I know that we have been having a rough patch lately, but you know I want to work this out, right?"

Casey smiled. "Yeah." This was why she liked Max so much, unlike most guys her age, he actually acted like an adult. "I don't know what my parents would say though. My mother would be a wreck if I miss anymore time with her."

"At least come for a few weeks. It'll be fun."

Casey liked that idea. "Yeah, I think I will. I think I need sometime away from the drama in my life." She said, remembering the incidents between her and her step-brother. "Let me just try to convince my mom first."

"Great." Max grinned. "I'm sure she'll say yes." And for the first time in weeks, he really kissed her.

--

"You're kidding! Case, that's awesome!" Emily squealed as she bounced on her bed. "Why aren't you excited about this?"

"I don't know Em. It was just such a surprise." Casey sighed as she played with one of Emily's stuffed animals her bed was decorated with.

Emily shook her head. "I will never understand you. You're boyfriend, who is by the way a major hunk, just invited you to spend the summer with him and his family. If that doesn't spell commitment, I don't know what does."

Casey leaned back against the head board. "Maybe, I don't want that type of commitment."

Emily raised her eyebrow at her. "You're joking right? Didn't you already plan your wedding to him? I distinctly remember you deciding on the designs for the bridesmaid dresses."

"I know! I know!" Casey yelled in frustration. "I don't know what's gotten into me. Here is this great guy, who's giving me everything I could possibly want. I know I should be grateful, but I cant help but feel that this is not what I want."

"So then, what do you want?"

"I don't know." Casey whispered. How could she tell Emily, or anyone for that matter, that she couldn't help but wonder what Derek would think of Max's offer. For some reason, his opinion mattered to her. But she could never ask him, not when they were constantly attacking each other. She smacked herself mentally, knowing that she wouldn't have asked his opinion even if they weren't in their current state.

Emily was silently watching her friend. Deciding to act on her hunch, she asked the question that she suspected might give an insight as to her confusing behaviour. "So, how's the Derek situation now?"

Casey's head snapped into attention at the mention of her step-brother. "It's fine." She whispered, looking down at the comforter as if studying a work of art.

This reaction confirmed Emily's suspicions. "You guys are still fighting?" Casey nodded, avoiding her friend's penetrating gaze.

Emily sighed. It was a rare occasion when Casey didn't feel like talking about, or even complaining about anything, especially if the subject was Derek Venturi. "Case, what's wrong? You know you can tell me right?"

Casey finally looked at her. "I know Em, it's just that.. things are so confusing right now."

Finally, they were getting somewhere. "Maybe it will help if you talk about it out loud. You know, like verbal therapy or something."

"Maybe you're right." Casey nodded. "It's just that, things with Derek and I have become kind of.. tense." She sighed. "I don't know. There's something about the way he looks at me. It's like he's angry at me, but I don't know why. I haven't done anything to him. Besides, he's always the one who initiates the arguments. I don't know what he wants from me." She whispered, as if that last thought saddened her.

Emily nodded, taking on the 'supportive best friend' role. "Maybe you should talk to him."

Casey laughed bitterly. "I can't. Every time we talk, we end up fighting. And these are fights I don't want to go through."

"I know, but I also know you. You wont be happy till you get this problem sorted out. At least try to talk to him."

Casey smiled at her friend. "Thanks Em. I think I'll try your advice. No harm done right?" She pulled Emily into a hug. "Where would I be without you?"

Emily laughed returning the hug. "Well, you would still be fashionably challenged." Causing Casey to giggle.

--

Casey squared her shoulders and took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She couldn't believe she was taking Em's advice, but she had to, for her own sanity. She opened the door quickly and stepped inside, closing the door so as not to let the whole house hear the inevitable shouting match she and her step-brother would end up having. He looked up at her from his computer, his face showing his irritation.

"What do you want Space Case?" He looked back at the monitor, obviously intending to ignore her for as long as possible.

"I think we should talk." She was fighting the urge to reply with just as much venom in her tone.

"There's nothing to talk about." He replied flippantly.

She decided to just jump into the issue. "Why are you mad at me?"

He faced her then, surprised by her question. "I'm not mad."

Casey rolled her eyes. "That would have been so much more convincing if you didn't sound mad when you said it."

"Pretending to hear things that aren't there. Don't you think that's a bad habit?"

"I don't need to pretend. I know it's there. Why are you mad at me?" She repeated, sensing that they were straying from the topic at hand.

"I told you, I'm not mad. Now be nice, and get out." He turned his attention back to the monitor. But Casey didn't move. She stood there patiently, determined to finish this conversation.

Derek started to feel irritated at his step-sister's lack of initiative to follow his orders. He stood up. "Casey, get out, or I'll physically remove you."

But she stood her ground. "I'm not leaving till you answer my question."

He advanced towards her, hoping to scare her into submission. "Get out."

"No." She ignored the need to run as her nervousness seemed to multiply ten fold.

Derek felt like giving up. he was obviously not going to get his way with his usual scare tactic. "God Woman!" He grabbed her shoulders shaking her slightly. "Do you want me to lose my self control?" He asked frustrated.

Casey stumbled as he let her go. She had never seen him like this before. "Self control for what?" She was afraid of the answer.

But Derek didn't reply, instead he moved towards the door, and yanked it open. "Just get out."

Casey gave into her fear, although her exterior was cool and calm. "Fine." Just as she was about to exit the room, she turned to him. "We will finish this later." She threatened.

"Can't wait." Derek replied bitterly before slamming the door in her face.

As she stomped into her own room, slamming the door shut in frustration she couldn't help but wonder. Self control for what??