AN: Blah.. I don't know how I feel about this chapter.. Bad case of writer's block. Terrible disease, really. bwahah... okay read on..

Disclaimer: I don't own LWD, the New York Islanders, or Paramore's lyrics..

July 2014

Derek and Casey both graduated from college. They even called each other on the days of each others graduation and gave their congrats. Casey was still struggling in the love department. She was over the whole Derek drama. Kinda. But as many times as she tried to go out with guys, things just never worked. She subconsciously would find ways to ruin dates. She wasn't even aware she was doing it, it just happened. She also seemed to compare them to a certain someone, a someone she knew she let go of. She always used to just laugh at herself because it reminded her of when Kendra threw her a party to meet new guys. Though it ain't work out back then, she kinda wished it'd worked out now.

She just made her move to New York. She was going to live with her Dad for a while till she got settled on her own. He got her a job at his friends publishing company. A Secretary job. Not her dream job but it was a start. She found herself getting lost in the world of literature. It got her through her days.

She had those tearful conversations with her family over the phone. Saying their goodbyes. It wasn't as bad as Casey thought it'd be. Over the last 4 years she'd learned to be alone. Something she never saw herself doing before leaving London. 'Independence is a good thing' she kept telling herself. But she couldn't help but feel lonely. As far as she knew Derek and Jamie were still going strong. She was happy for them. Honestly she was.

--------------------------------------------

Derek and Jamie moved in together over at Derek's apartment. Yeah it was shaky at first but she was a great girl. She had everything going for her. In an almost scary way she was Casey. He didn't quite know yet, even after 2 years of being together, if he was in love with her. He experienced love before and right now he wasn't quite sure this was it. If he were to settle down completely, Jamie would be that girl for him though, if he wasn't with Casey.

Derek had scouts look at him for the hockey draft. Something he always dreamed of since he was a kid. Something he didn't think would happen, but it did. Everything was going great in his life. Now all he could do is wait for his name to be called.

He knew Casey just moved to New York. She didn't call him but he wasn't really surprised. They talked every now and then. Short but sweet. He was just glad they we're getting along. Kinda.

--------------------------------------------

A month into her job and she was actually enjoying it. She enjoyed being around the publishers, around people who shared the same love for books as she did. She'd probably admit this is the happiest shes been the last few years. Another contribution to happiness was her Boss' son Tyler. He came around the office to help out his dad every other day, and he was extremely cute. Not only was he cute, he was really sweet and actually very brainy. It was refreshing. He'd come over to talk to her before he came into work and before he was about to leave. A Crush. Finally!

Friday afternoon: August 8, 2014

Casey was finishing up her work and was ready to get off and enjoy the weekend. Tyler walked over.

"Hey Casey!"

"Hey Ty. What can can I do for you today". she smiled.

"I wanted to know if you were busy tonight?"

"No. Not busy at all." she felt pathetic for never having plans.

"Great! So how bout I take you out tonight?" he grinned

"Sure." she blushed.

"Great. I'll give you a call later."

-----------------------------------------

He came by around 7 that night. He took her out to a sports bar for a drink and a bite to eat. It wasn't some place she went to usually, but it was part of New York life so why not right? Casey was actually having a great time. He was really interesting and obviously a sports nut. They talked about hockey which surprised Tyler but Casey had played the "I'm Canadian" card and of course she watched hockey, even though she hardly did. He was pretty funny too, just an all around good guy.

Throughout the night there was so much commotion going on throughout the bar. Something sports related. Just as things were going well she heard the TV say the name "Derek Venturi."He mentioned he worked for something sports related but she didn't quite catch the name as she stopped mid bite and jumped off her seat to look at the TV.

"We are pleased to announce the newest player for The New York Islanders. Graduating from University of Toronto, Captain of his team. Please welcome, Derek Venturi." The announcer said holding a New York Islanders Jersey with Venturi 14 on the back. His own number from High School. And there he was, Derek shaking the hand of the man holding the jersey. With crowd applause, it was a Hockey draft.

Then and there, a whole flood of emotions ran over her. Derek here, Derek there. Derek in the past. All she could see was Derek. Why does happen to her? Why now?

Tyler walked over and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hey. Almost lost you there. " he laughed with slight concern in his voice.

She turned to him and apologized. "Sorry. I just needed to see this."

"Islanders fan?"

"Not really. Just shocked is all." She turned to walk back to their table. Amazing. Amazing how the first time she's been out with a guy she was genuinely interested in, and here popped up Derek Venturi. He doesn't have to physically be there, because now he'd be all over her screen. 'Stupid New York' She huffed out in frustration.

"You okay?" he asked while he put a hand on hers, concerned.

"I'm great." sarcasm dripping in her voice. "Just great." She was supposed to enjoy tonight and what the hell? She saw the whole family cheering for him. No one bothered to call her since they were in New York. 'Bullshit'

------------------------------------

"Baby! I am so proud of you!" Jamie said as she gave him a kiss.

"Thanks." he said with pride. The whole family is there to celebrate in New York. He looked around for a certain someone. She clearly wasn't there. He wasn't so surprised.

"You looking for your family? They're over there." Jamie pointed out.

"Cool. Lets go." They walked over to them as they all gave him hugs.

"My son! A professional hockey player." George announced with joy while patting him on the back.

"Thanks Dad. Thanks for coming down guys." He motioned for Lizzie to come over.

"Whats up?"

"Where's Casey?" he whispered.

Lizzie freaked. "Oh my gosh!!! I forgot to call Casey! Mom did you call Casey?"

Nora freaked out too, "NO! I forgot. I am a terrible Mother!" she cried out.

Derek was visibly frustrated. "Don't worry, bro. I got it on tape." Edwin assured him.

"Yeah. Thanks." Derek said sarcastically. 'Not the same'

-------------------------------------

Tyler brought her home. She was on edge the rest of the night after the whole announcement and feeling abandoned. They made it to her door and she felt awful for basically acting up. Tyler didn't deserve it and he probably thought she was a moody crazy person now. They stood there staring at each other. "Sorry for the last half of the night." she apologetically smiled.

"No worries. Are you okay though? You seem a bit on edge." he voiced his concern.

"I'll be okay. Ya know, just saw something that disgusted me." she laughed.

He reciprocated. "That's funny."

She laughed again. "I try." she gave him a hug. "Ill see you on Monday."

"Can't wait." with that she headed into her place. Her dad wasn't home of course. Busy body. What a great family she had. Not. She threw her stuff in her room and took a shower.

-------------------------------------

'Great. She's not answering. She's pissed.' Derek thought as the whole family was out for a celebration dinner.'The best day of my life. The day I've been waiting for, goes to shit all thanks to Casey' How did she manage to do that without even being there? Was it that he felt guilty for everyone forgetting her? Or was it that he really and truly wanted to see her? He didn't know.

"Yeah Derek. She isn't answering. Maybe she's sleeping now." Lizzie told him.

"Yeah. Probably." not for a second does he believe that.

--------------------------------------

Casey looked at her cell phone. 9 missed calls. "Yeah now they call." she got into bed, turned on her iPod speakers and put on the perfect song to convey her feelings. The song started to play with the sounds radiating off the walls in her room.

"Where can I turn? Cause I need something more... surrounded by uncertainty I'm so unsure... tell me why I feel so alone cause I need to know to whom do I owe."

She laughed at how dead on this song is. Then there's the part that reminded her of Derek. Derek and his promises. Ugh' She scoffed at the thought.

"I thought we'd make it... because you said we would make it through...and when all security fails...will you be there to help me through?"

She remembers that last day at her place with Derek vividly. "We'll get through this. It'll be hard at first but we'll make it." No such luck.

"Explain to me this conspiracy against me...and tell me how I lost my power"

She was clearly annoyed now and shut off the song. "What is going on in my life?!" she muttered underneath her blanket.

Song: Paramore - Conspiracy There will be Dasey next chapter.. ; ) Reviewing wouldn't be too much to ask right: D