So, I know I am the worse updater in the world. However, life must go on for me. I go back to school next Sunday as my winter break is ending, and I feel bad that I didn't really update. My insomnia had gotten worse and so I had ended up sleeping all day because I couldn't sleep during the night. And despite not feeling well today, I am updating in December still. I hope you guys have an excellent New Year and let's make 2017 a great year. :D Here's the real chapter nine.

BTW: I am fast-forwarding this chapter in Casey's POV so that this story doesn't drag on.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything seen or heard from Life with Derek or Raising Izzie.

*Casey*

Three weeks have passed since Derek and Edwin found out our secret and to be honest, I'm completely grateful for it. They managed to protect us from threats and made sure no one would hurt us. I was also able to get a job at Smelly Nelly's thanks to Derek and now I can afford to bring in more furniture into the house. Things were finally starting to look up for us. Unfortunately, Derek did look bothered by something when he was driving us home from school. So, I decided to ask him about it.

"Why so glum?" I giggled at the word choice but he did not seem amused.

"If I ask you this, can you promise to tell me the truth?" He asked and I immediately knew it was about my past. Sadly, I nodded and he sighed.

"When Edwin and I patched you and Lizzie up, I noticed that you had fading bruises and she didn't. Did something happen before you came to London?" He questioned.

"Derek? Are we almost to your house?" I counter questioned and he shook his head.

"We are going to your house today remember? My mom is home." And I nodded at the response.

Derek told me about his mother wanting him to stay away from me and how he wasn't going to listen to her. I didn't want him to disobey her, but he said nothing in this world could ever separate us now that he knew I was on my own. That touched me.

"Right, well when we get to my room, I'll tell you. Trust me it is best that way." I told him. He looked grim but understood.

Soon, we pulled into my driveway and Derek parked the car. We exited and I got my key from bag so we could enter the house. It wasn't empty like it was three weeks ago. We went upstairs to my room, and I closed the door so that we could have some privacy when Lizzie and Edwin walked in from school. Derek sat on my bed and I sat next to him starting to think of where I could begin.

"Ok… so the last homeless shelter we were at there was another reason on why we left. A reason that Lizzie doesn't know about.' I sighed in distress, but Derek's comforting hand on my back soothed me to continue' 'I also forced us to leave because an older man who was staying there had taken a certain interest in me. He would verbally abuse me, physically abuse me, and… sexually abuse me too. That's why I had bruises on my stomach. He would hold me down as he raped me night after night." I croaked out. Derek looked horrified by my confession.

"Oh Case… Did you report the guy?" Derek choked out.

"Yeah, but no one took me seriously. Just thought I was a mixed-up kid who went through a lot. So, I decided to leave the next morning with Lizzie and I had just enough money to get me to London." I told him.

"I just wish I could have done something to help you." He sniffled. I hugged him and as I wiped away his tears I said,

"Derek, you didn't know me then and you are helping me now by not saying anything. If the authorities knew about Lizzie and I, we would be spilt up and sent to foster care. Honestly, thank you for all that you and Edwin are doing for us." I kissed his cheek and he blushed. I blushed myself not expecting that action to come from me.

"No problem Case. You know I care about you, right?" He hesitated and I nodded.

"I do." I smiled.

"Now, let's finish Night for Mrs. Davis. We have a lot to do if you want to pass her test on Friday." I told him and he groaned falling back on my bed.

"Can't we do it later?" He whined.

"No. Come on Derek." I giggled. He sighed, but he still pulled the book out of his bag anyway. We read halfway through the last chapter before I heard the door unlock downstairs and footsteps go through the house.

"CASEY I'M HOME!" Lizzie shouted. We always do that in case we run into an intruder. I always want to know where my sister is and vice versa.

"IN MY ROOM LIZZIE!" I shouted back, and I stood up to unlock the door so she could come in then went back to my bed to sit down. Derek and I could hear heavy footsteps and they opened the door to reveal Lizzie and Edwin.

"Hey sis!" Lizzie smiled and came over to hug me. I wrapped my arms around her and laughed.

"Hey Lizard. Hey Edwin. How were your days at school?" I asked when she released me.

"It was ok. I actually wanted to ask you something?" Lizzie asked nervously. Edwin looked nervous as well, and Derek and I exchanged looks of confusion.

"What is it Liz?" I questioned.

"Well… the soccer team is having tryouts, and I was wondering if I could tryout?" Lizzie pouted and I felt bad.

Things were finally starting to return to normal. Someone tipped off that Sam and Cade beat us up so they were suspended from school for three months. This gave us some room to breathe and for our bruises to heal and Lizzie used to do soccer before mom and dad passed. However; I can't allow her to do soccer.

"I wish you can kiddo, but I'm sorry you can't try out for soccer." I told her and she immediately started to protest.

"But Casey-"

"No buts Lizzie." I interrupted. "You know that mom or dad would have to sign off the release papers for you to try out. Which isn't a problem, but then people will start to wonder why mom isn't coming to any of your games. And what will happen if you get hurt? They will want to immediately take you to the hospital and mom would have to show up to release you. When they realize mom and dad are dead then we will be put into the foster system and be split up. I can't risk it Lizzie I'm sorry." I explained and even though she looked sad she understood where I was coming from.

"Ok Casey." Lizzie sighed and left with Edwin to her room. I laid back on my bed and sighed, while Derek rubbed my shoulder.

"She will understand that you're doing it for her safety." Derek assured me and I nodded.

"I hope so. Ugh let's just get back to this book I want to finish it." I told him and he nodded back. We just read in silence for rest of the evening.

*Lizzie*

"I'm so sick of this Edwin! I really thought that I would be able to be normal and play soccer, but of course, I have to suffer and be stuck like this." I told him in despair.

"I know Lizzie, but Casey does have a point. What if something bad does happen and Casey can't protect you from the feds. She is just trying to help." Edwin told me but I shook my head.

"No Edwin, I really need this. Will you please help me? I'm going to try out for soccer, I'm going to make the team, and I am going to be careful and not get hurt." I said determined trying to believe the words I'm saying.

Edwin debated for a moment on what to do, but he finally shook his head in amazement.

"Alright, I'll help you." He smiled and I squealed and hugged him.

"Thank you, Edwin." I smiled.

"No problem." Edwin whispered and I laid in his arms for the time we had left together. Wishing I could spend more time with him.

A/N: I know it's shorter than normal, but I just wanted to get this up there before the end of December (which is in five minutes for me). Have a Happy New Year guys! Thanks for reading. Please Review. Tomboy22.