A/N: Here's chapter seven. I know it's short and not very good, but I really just wanted to get this out and start on later chapters. So, enjoy! R&R! Thanks! -Mac
Disclaimer: I don't own LWD.
Chapter Seven
Cruel and Unusual Punishment
"Mom, please!"
"The answer is no, Casey."
"Please, I'm begging you. You don't understand." I whined.
"Casey, if you ever want to get along with Derek, you're going to have to learn to be around him all the time. This is the perfect opportunity to do so." My mom shook her head.
I scowled deeply, "This is cruel and unusual punishment!"
My mom just shrugged, "It's unfortunate that you feel that way."
"Mom, I just…I just can't take anymore of him! The things he does infuriate me to no end." I exclaimed.
My mom turned around to face me. "Okay, I'll bite. What did he do? Because there were no complaints the last two days."
My mouth snapped shut. I couldn't say anything about what Derek had really done. That would only get us both in trouble. "Nothing he hasn't done before." I finally answered. "But it's pure torture. And you and George only encourage him by doing this."
"This? What is this?" My mom asked.
I rolled my eyes, "You really don't see it when he completely plays you two for fools?"
My mom sighed, "Casey, we're not changing our minds. You're going to have to deal with it."
I let out a frustrated growl as I headed back to my hotel room. I didn't understand why my mother couldn't see reason. Derek and I hated each other and it didn't look like that was going to change anytime in the near future. We were always fighting or angry with each other or trying to ignore the other's existence. On the rare occasion that we could be civil to each other or, dare I say it, nice, it was always momentary and usually dissolved right back into one of our trivial fights. It would take a miracle to change that.
I stalked into the room and slammed the door behind me. A chuckle filled my ears and I turned abruptly toward the couch. Derek was lounging lazily, a wide smile on his face. I scowled, and turned away. I headed toward my room, hoping for some privacy, but alas, Derek decided to follow.
"I take it Nora didn't bite. She didn't release you from your sisterly duty, did she?" Derek taunted.
"I am not your sister, nor would I ever wish to be so. This is no sisterly duty, of that I am sure." I scoffed, flipping around to face him. "And the answer is no, my mother did not change her mind."
"I told you she wouldn't." Derek laughed.
"Shut up Derek." I narrowed my eyes.
Derek rolled his eyes, "Hey, it's not my fault I was blessed with the gift of persuasion."
"I'd hardly call it persuasion." I shook my head. "You're a liar, a cheat, and a manipulator."
"Harsh, Casey." Derek took a step back with his hands up in surrender. Then he laughed at his own gimmick and continued, "You might as well get used to it. We're going to be spending a lot of time together in the next week and a half."
I growled, "Is it funny to you? Hmm? Do you enjoy torturing me like this?"
Derek seemed to fight back a smile, "Actually…"
"Don't answer that." I warned, "You have no reason to treat me like this."
"You think I have no reason?"
"I have done nothing to you." I said simply, crossing my arms across my chest.
"Nothing? Nothing?" Derek questioned incredulously.
"Yes, nothing." I nodded firmly.
Derek blew out a breath, "Really? Unbelievable."
"Derek, I have done nothing to you. Whatever it is that you have marked against me, it's in your head. "I spoke slowly to make sure he got it. "You, on the other hand, I can't even count how many things you've done to me."
"This is ridiculous." Derek threw up his hands and headed back to the couch.
I followed, "Why? Is it so hard to believe that not everyone worships you? That not everyone loves you? That someone might actually hate you just a little? Huh? Do you think it's impossible that someone might not be able to stand being in your company?
"Okay, Casey. I think that's enough," Derek responded.
"Just answer the question. Do you think that?"
Derek rolled, his eyes, "Yes, I do, Casey."
"Then why did Felicity go back to her hotel half way through the concert?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I don't have to answer that." Derek deflected. "You know what? You just need to deal with it. You're stuck with me. You can't do anything to change it. So stop being a baby about it already."
"You are such a jerk sometimes."
"Original, Case, real original." Derek smirked. He stood up and walked past me. As he did, he patted me on the head, "Stop complaining, kay?"
I let out a frustrated scream as Derek closed his door behind him. I hadn't been exaggerating when I said it was cruel and unusual punishment. In fact, it might even be worse.