Hey guys. I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a while especially since I've been home for three weeks after the posted author's note. So I have some news. I WILL try and update as much as I can this week as it's my final week of summer. Yes it's true I start school again on the 25th of August so updates after that will be even slower than usual. Also I will try to come out with more ideas for this story, but if I can't then I will be ending it very soon. So on that note please enjoy the real chapter 10.

One more thing. On the last chapter I set up a poll on my profile for what state Carlos and Shawn should run away to, and I only got two votes. SO PLEASE VOTE!

Disclaimer: You all know what I own and what I don't. I'm just a teenager.

Casey's P.o.v

I saw a bright light as I woke up from my slumber. I felt groggy, but no pain could be found in my back as it was earlier. I looked to my left and I saw a heart monitor and bunch of other machines I had no clue what they were. I looked to my left and I saw my mom and Derek sleeping uncomfortable in chairs. I whispered their names as I couldn't speak any higher and they stirred and finally woke up. Derek took a look at me and nudged my mom to wake up further. They both gasped and ran to me.

"I'm going to go get the doctor." Mom told us and ran out.

"Casey! How you doing?" Derek asked.

"I'm doing ok. Derek what happened?" I questioned and he sighed.

"Shawn started a fire at school and locked you in the closet." He told me and I started to think back on what happened and it finally came back to me. I started to sob and Derek held my hand and hugged me tightly. I must have cried for a while before the doctor and my mom came back in. That's when I stopped.

"Hello Cassandra I'm doctor Matthews." She told me and shook my hand firmly. She had a grim look on her face and I probably looked scared myself.

"Hi doctor. What injuries do I have and how long will it take for me to recover?" I asked and she sighed sympathetically.

"Well Cassandra-"

"It's Casey." Derek interjected and the doctor nodded.

"Well Casey, you did endure a lot of injuries. The firemen who found you in the closet told us that a heavy broken shelf fell on your back and knocked you over and unconscious. It landed on your leg which is why it has a cast on it. You broke your leg and have severe burns on the other. You also inhaled a lot of smoke and the shelf that fell down on you skewed your spine a little. So you will need to be in a back brace for two months. You only have to wear it at night so no worries during school unless you have back problems. Since you have to wear the back brace, you're going to have to be in a wheelchair just as a precautionary. Your cast will be off in 6 weeks and then when the 2 months are up you can come back to the hospital and start physical therapy." She explained.

I was horrified at the damage Shawn caused me. Derek just hugged me tighter.

" do I leave?" I whispered.

"We are going to keep you here for two days just to make sure you are really ok to go home after you passed out from pain earlier." She told me and I nodded and just buried my head into Derek's chest. Signaling that I was done talking.

"Thank you doctor." My mom told her.

"You're welcome Ms. Venturi. Now Casey you need to apply these two creams to your burns every night until you see them heal." Dr. Matthews finished and I nodded, my head still on Derek's chest.

"Ok, well I'll get out of your hair. I'll will see you later Casey." She waved and finally left the room. Then mom turned to me.

"Do you want any company with you Casey or anything from home?" She asked carefully. I sat up and Derek moved his arms as he realized I didn't want to leave his hold.

"I don't need anything from home and don't you need to get back to the kids?" I asked and she sighed.

"Yeah your right I do. Ok well Derek can you stay with her tonight?" She asked and Derek sighed and stood up.

"Nora I know that I don't usually help out or I complain a lot, but I was never leaving. I want to make sure Casey is alright." Derek declared. I smiled weakly at him as he started at me.

"Thank you." I mouthed.

"Yes thank you Derek. You have been such a huge help today. Casey I promise I'll be back with the kids tomorrow to see how you're doing ok sweetheart?" My mom worried and I nodded.

"I'll be fine mom. I promise." I whispered and she nodded.

"Ok, goodnight you two." She finished and we waved as she left the room. I looked at Derek only to find him staring at me.

"Come sit with me." I coaxed and I moved over for him as he sat down. Derek pulled his arms forward and I laid down in his arms. We just sat quietly for a while until he wanted to speak.

"Casey? How are you really?" He muttered. I took one look at his eyes and I saw concern and worry. I immediately broke down.

"I just c-c-can't believe S-Shawn w-would do t-t-this to m-me!" I sobbed and Derek held me tightly as I cried into his shoulder.

"Casey. I know that life isn't going the way you want it to, but I promise that if he ever tries to come back I will protect you no matter what." He vowed and I looked up at him.

"How can you promise that?" I choked.

"Because I want to keep you safe Casey. I know I'm mean to you all the time and I always steal your stuff or make your life miserable. I'm really sorry that I do that to you. I was just hurt after the divorce and I felt challenged by you. Then fighting was all I knew how to do with you. I promise that I won't do it anymore." He pleaded. I looked into his eyes and smiled.

"Thank you Derek. I forgive you." I beamed. He smiled and kissed my forehead.

"Good. Now go get some sleep princess. I'll be here when you wake up." Derek promised and I fell asleep to his steady heartbeat and reassurance.

A/N: Ok so I know it isn't as long as I wanted it to be, but I have some plans for the new few chapters. I will update sometime next week since I'm starting school soon. Thanks for reading. Please review. Tomboy22.