The Other Parents
Ch. 10 Derek Cuts School
Author's Note: Okay another one. Ch. 11 is called Casey's crying. I am still planning on this story being 20 chapters. We are getting towards the drama finally. All of these chapters are pretty short. Oh and if you read either of my other stories they will be updated soon too. Once again thank you for all the support.
Cindy
Derek had been trying his best to be nicer to Casey. He wished he could just be the way he used to be. But he felt guilty every time he had to look at Casey. The kids had decided to reinstate movie night. They hadn't had one since the night George and Nora had died. When Edwin suggested it they all felt it would be a good idea to get over their fears.
Marti fell asleep during the first movie like she always did. Edwin and Lizzie got bored during the second movie. They decided to get upstairs and listen to music together. Dennis was tired so he went on to bed. Abby was left with Derek, Casey, and a sleeping Marti. Abby looked over at Derek who was in his chair. Casey was on the floor. She couldn't believe they way the both acted like it was the best movie they had ever seen. Neither of them would move their eyes from the screen.
"I think I'll carry Marti up to bed." Abby said breaking the silence. "I can do it Mom." Derek volunteered. "No it's okay you stay here and finish the movie you seem to really like it." Abby said. "I'm getting tired I think I'll head upstairs too." Casey said. Abby sighed annoyed and carried Marti upstairs.
"Good night Derek." Casey said softly as she turned to walk upstairs. "Night Case." Derek said. Derek watched Casey walk up the stairs. Derek had been watching her all the time. Anytime she didn't notice him he was starring at her. He knew he and Casey needed to talk. He just wasn't ready yet. Casey was looking sadder everyday. Derek wanted her to smile and laugh again. The worst part was that he wanted to be the one to make her smile and laugh.
"Derek I don't want to bug you but if you need to talk about whatever is going on with Casey I'm here for you son." Abby said as she sat on the couch. "Mom I can't talk about this especially with you." Derek said embarrassed that his Mom had caught him starring at Casey earlier in the night. "Derek I know you and Casey use to fight and honestly at this point that would be better." Abby said honestly.
"Mom I just can't talk about this." Derek said. "Why Derek?" Abby asked. "I made Nora a promise and I can't break that." Derek yelled hoping no else over heard him. "Oh honey I wish you would tell me. Maybe I can help you." Abby said feeling helpless. "It won't help to talk about it. And if you knew well you wouldn't be happy either." Derek said.
"I know Nora would understand if you had to break your promise. Sometimes breaking a promise is what's best for everyone." Abby said. "How do you know Nora would understand? You didn't know her." Derek snapped. "I know because Nora was a mother and so am I." Abby said softly. "Sorry Mom I'm just not ready." Derek said. "It's okay Derek." Abby said.
Abby decided to leave Derek alone with his thoughts. Derek stayed up late thinking. Was his Mom right? Would Nora understand? Would his Mom and Dennis? Would Edwin, Lizzie, and most importantly would Marti be able to understand?
[The next Monday]
Abby and Casey made breakfast together. Casey had missed cooking with her Mom so much. Even though Abby wasn't her Mom she made her feel better. They were starting to put the food on plates when Abby tripped into Casey. They both fell laughing. Derek walked in to see them laughing together. He started feeling sick. "I'm not hungry I'm going back upset let me know when you're ready Casey." Derek mumbled.
Casey watched Derek walk away. She sighed sadly and went back to help with breakfast. "I know Derek doesn't want to talk about what is going on with you but if you do Casey I will keep anything to tell me to myself." Abby said. "Thanks Abby maybe soon." Casey said. Abby nodded. After breakfast Casey went to get Derek. He was sitting on his bed starring into space. "Are you ready Derek?" Casey asked. "Yeah let's go." Derek mumbled.
Derek drove silently most of the way to school. But he kept giving Casey dirty looks. "What is wrong with you?" Casey questioned. "I didn't say anything." Derek said. "Well your dirty looks were screaming at me." Casey said annoyed. "You and my Mom seemed chummy this morning." Derek said.
"I was trying to be nice maybe you've heard of it." Casey yelled. "Whatever Spacey." Derek yelled back at her. "You need to get over yourself Derek not everything is about you." Casey yelled. "Same goes for you princess." Derek yelled back. They pulled up at school. Casey said. "Come on we're going to be late." "I'm not going I'll be back to pick you up." Derek said. "Where are you going?" Casey asked worried.
"I'll see you at two Casey." Derek said. Casey grabbed her bag and ran into the school. Casey spent the whole day truing to figure out why Derek had gotten so upset with her. They had become friends after their parents died. It had seemed like Derek really wanted to be close. Then it all changed and Casey didn't really understand any of it.