Disclaimer: I gave long ago trying to create funny ways to say that I don't own Life with Derek. I don't own Life with Derek

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I pushed the hanger across the rack, creating that annoying scrapping sound that makes me cringe. "So my dad randomly called me and asked if I wanted to stay with him for the summer." I explained to Misty as we searched through an ancient-looking store in the small town near my dad's cottage. "And he wanted Derek to come too." I turned after my search for something in this century was in vain. I blew up at a piece of hair that hung limply in my eye.

Misty nodded as she too gave up the search. This store is hopeless. "So I'm guessing that you and Derek don't exactly get along." She said as she turned to look at the shelves lining the walls.

"I guess you could say that." I replied as I joined her at the shelves. "Sometimes I can't stand living in the same house as him. He seemed to mesh into my family so well, and he gets along with everyone! I don't understand how everyone can just love him!"

Misty turned to face me. "First, you're ranting. Second, it seems like you don't like this whole blended family thing."

I took a deep breath. "No." I answered simply. "I don't."

We walked out of the store after the owner started staring at us all creepy-like. The sun hit my face and I let out a sigh. "So what's your story?" I turned to Misty.

She shrugged. "My parents met when they were 17 and hooked up and the consequence; yours truly. My mom kinda freaked and gave custody to my grandpa and that's who I live with now." She seemed to say it so casually, as if it wasn't a big deal.

I didn't know what to say. But Misty helped me out with that one. "You don't have to say anything, it's no big deal anyway."

I shrugged my shoulders as we walked down the one street through town. We went through a couple of stores before we decided that ice cream was better than our fruitless search for clothes that we would wear.

I sat at the table with a strawberry sorbet in my hands. "So, is there anything to do here?" I asked as I looked around with the spoon in my mouth.

"There are parties…and nothing much else to do around here." Misty replied as she dug into her ice cream. She squinted out as the sun appeared after being covered by a cloud. "My friend, Gary, should be having one tonight at his parent's summerhouse for the kickoff of the summer."

I sighed as I leaned against the cold plastic lawn chair. "Party it is then."

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Now when I caught Casey walking out onto the porch with her nice purse and her sparkly top, I knew she was going to a party.

And being the good obedient boy that I am, I stopped her.

"Hey Ca-sey." I said with a sugarcoated voice. "Where ya headed?" I asked innocently.

She rolled her eyes at me, which was a common occurrence. But what she did next was kinda surprising. She pulled me by my arm and walked off the porch.

"I'm going to a party with Misty, and you can come if you don't act like a caveman!" Casey scolded like I was a five year old.

I considered this. How lame of a party would it have to be if Casey was going. But I hadn't really talked to anyone except her dad and I think I needed to work out the old Venturi charm before I got rusty.

I shrugged as if it was no big deal and we were off.

When we go there, which by Misty's driving skills was a shock we got there alive, the party was in full bloom. Just the way I liked it. Misty and Casey instantly ran off to go the bathroom to fix their hair or whatever, and I settled in.

"Hey man." I turned to see a big looming guy holding a red plastic cup in one hand and a chick in the other.

"Hey."

"You from around here? Never seen you before."

"No, I'm from Canada. Visiting family." Okay, that sounded weird beyond words. Dennis McDonald is not my family because Casey is not part of my family. Because she is a freak and I could never be related to her.

"Cool. I'm Gary." He let go of the cup to reach out his hand. What the hell? Who shakes hands? But I shook his hand and quickly shoved it back into my pocket.

"Derek." I replied. "Anyways, I'm gonna go get something to drink." I mumbled drink as I slipped away. Well…that was awkward.

I milled around for about an hour until I heard a whoop and a scream.

I turned around and another surprise was waiting for me.

"Casey?!"

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Author's Note: Gah! This chapter was a real bitch to write. So forgive for Derek's OOC-ness. I promise that next chapter will a thousand times better!