Chapter 4: Before the Storm

"So this is my main man, Pepper," Misty sat on a bench with an excited smile. Pepper sprawled out of her purse, he was a white Chihuahua with the most adorable little brown spots. He jumped on Misty's lap, wagging his tail wildly. Misty rained kisses on his nose. "You've always been there for me haven't you?"

Casey was never much of an animal lover, but she couldn't help but smile. Misty looked so relaxed, bursting into giggles. She'd been her usual confident, sassy self all morning, so to see her like that was just mesmerizing, she had so many different edges to her. Unpredictable. As she stared at her twin with her dog, she couldn't believe it was the same girl that got a policeman to stop traffic for her earlier that day.

Misty was driving a little recklessly, and everything in her was fighting against the urgency to not be a fun ruiner. They noticed a cop car trailing them and she breathlessly said, "I think he's onto us."

Misty tried to evade him, but they ended up in a traffic jam. Casey sat there with nervous flutters as he got out of his car and approached the window. Misty rolled down her window. "Miss you were going a little fast back there," he gave her an impersonal look at first.

Misty just shot him a glittering smile, "Oh was I? I am so sorry, you see….I was taking my long lost twin out for lunch, we only just met this week. I was a little distracted, I'm so sorry."

The man's serious face defrosted, "Well now this traffic jam seems to have forced you to slow down, I guess that was your punishment."

Casey sat there with surprise as Misty charmed him, "Oh, my sister and I had so many plans, look at this mess," and she looked at the cars in front of her with a little pout. She was a good actress, clearly. "Guess we won't be able to hang out much. I'm sorry Casey, didn't mean to get you in trouble."

The man was smiling more and more, "you're really long lost twins?"

Casey jumped in, "Oh yes, it was a lot to process for both of us. I am sorry, I was talking quite a bit, it's my fault she was so distracted."

He smiled at Misty as the pout became even more pronounced, "well I guess maybe I could let you go with a warning." He stared at her license for a while, and he smiled, "Misty, what an unusual name, but it suits you."

Misty lit up, " Oh really? I promise I'll be more careful. I'll tell you one thing, if I may…you've got the most dazzling eyes sir, totally worth being pulled over for…."

The policeman burst out laughing, all while Casey just sat there with complete shock. He cleared his throat as he tried to come across unbothered by her attention. "Oh well let me see what I can do for you two ladies, " and she sat there with surprise as the cop separated the traffic like Moses and the Red Sea.

"Just remember to lighten up on the gas pedal, okay?" he said softly when he came back.

Misty shot him a brilliant smile, "I promise, thank you so much, you just made my day." Misty's gaze went to his badge, "Officer Hayden, you are a sweetheart."

The man just chuckled, and wove them through the traffic as if they were in a maze. As soon as they were out of ear shot, she laughed, "Oh that was close, nice going there C, you jumped in and saved me."

Casey couldn't help but stare with fascination. "Me? I'm pretty sure you had it handled without me. How did you learn to do that? I could never be so suave with a policeman, I'm more likely to end up crying and would have apologize a million times….that was unreal to behold. "

Mischievousness clouded her face, "It's a special talent, it's hard to teach. The trick is to walk around like you know you are the boss of the world around you, and people can normally lower their defenses so much easier. I think you could do it if you set your mind to it."

This was their second visit, and well it felt like a million years went on in one week. For some reason, it wasn't hard to connect with her. She made it so easy, and it was clear she wanted to act like best friends, but there was an unknown tension under the surface. As great an actress as she was, not knowing their history was too powerful of a force that made a wall between them that was impenetrable. But it was clear they were both trying so hard to connect quickly.

Casey reached over and pet Pepper's ears, "Aw, he is a cutie, when did you get him?"

She kissed Pepper's nose sweetly, "three years ago, we've been inseparable ever since."

Casey relaxed, and for a moment they just sat in silence, with the sun in their face. Misty hadn't brought up Derek or the family at all in the past week. She wanted to be patient, but a part of her was becoming anxious holding on to that secret.

"So we have a birthday coming up," she said suddenly. "It's going to be a unique one."

Misty laughed, "right, it's going to be bizzaro for sure. I normally go to Vegas for my birthday. Want to come?"

Casey blushed a little, wasn't sure if she was ready for such an intimate trip with her for such an extended amount of time. "Oh, um, I'd like to…but school will be in full mode."

She watched her saucily. "You need to burn off some steam, you've been working your ass off nonstop. Just think about it, okay? I think we need more opportunities to bond."

Casey tried to submerge the guilt she felt for feeling reluctance. Why wasn't she ready to see the world with Misty? "We do need to bond, and I think we could in other ways, it's just there's so much to unpack Misty. Wouldn't an awesome gift to you be to finally know the truth ? Maybe meet our mom…"

Misty's smile went away, and caught a flash of sadness. "Casey…..that's a huge step. Honestly, it freaks me out, I don't want it confirmed that she abandoned me."

Casey moved closer to her. "We don't know that for sure, and I can't carry this secret on my own."

Misty smiled a little faintly, "You haven't been on your own. You have Derek, lucky girl," she said with a wink.

A blush went through her before she could stop it. The thought of Derek and his support made her smile. A part of her wanted this to be dragged out because this was the nicest he'd ever been. Once the truth was out he'd go back to his usual treatment, there was no choice but to get the truth out in the light.

She tried to remain stoic, "I know Derek is also ready for this to be behind him too, he's hardly slept…and well he can be quite grouchy when he's stressed."

Misty perked up, as if hearing about Derek was the best thing ever. "I have a feeling that guy is way more caring than he lets on. If he didn't give a crap about you he wouldn't have been so worried about how meeting me would affect you."

There were so many times Derek proved he wasn't a Neanderthal without a heart. However she would rather die than admit to Misty that finding out just how worried he was about her opened up a bottomless pit of emotion. She was trying to wade through those feelings, and everyday she was sinking more. For the first time it didn't scare her to feel pulled into those nameless feelings.

Casey hid her face, stroking Pepper so Misty couldn't catch anything. "Yes he can be sweet when he wants to but he covers it up a lot. He wants to be the cool guy even though he so isn't."

Misty laughed, and then didn't say anything else for a long moment. She sighed, "Alright, maybe I'd feel a little better if you did a little more research. Maybe see if you can find adoption or hospital records."

Casey shot up, "How?"

"My guess is your mom has that document somewhere, maybe you could look for it? And if that's not possible, maybe you could go to the hospital. I think if I had a little heads up with why she gave me up, I'd be more comfortable meeting her."

Casey smiled enthusiastically, "We'll go look, and If we don't find anything, I think we should rip the band-aid. This is too big of a thing hanging over us, if we just ignore it we will be limited in how we bond."

"Fine," she said at last with a bit of aggravation. "Derek is right, you're extremely persuasive. And we, are you enlisting him for this too? Depending on him quite a bit I see."

Casey stammered, she'd gotten so used to his help, she didn't even think. "Oh, well I will need a decoy since I'll have to empty the house to look for it, and two eyes are better than one," she said rather quickly.

Misty's smile slowly evaporated and for a few moments she inspected her in a way she'd never done before, shrewdly, and too intently. She was getting nervous so she just rambled, "He told you I'm persuasive? Huh, I didn't realize he found me persuasive, he usually fights me on everything. He usually insults me all the time, that's almost a compliment surprisingly," she said with a nervous chuckle.

Misty laughed loudly, there was a slight accusation in that sound. "Well duh, he gave me a full on novel about you when we first started texting. He knows you too well, and he said some awfully sweet things about you."

Casey gasped, "like what?"

With the same intent look she sighed, and pulled out her phone. She read out: "while she can be a little nuts at times with the freaky studying and intense about perfection, she happens to be kind, clever, sensitive but not in the weird way, and surprisingly funny at times. She's way too smart for her own good, gave me a run for my money when we first merged. Also don't let that innocent nice girl look fool you, she isn't the usual preppy that's for sure, there's a lot more to her than meets the eye." Misty glanced up at her, and everything in her was trying to control her face. " Does that sound like insults to you?"

Casey tried to reign in a smile, and felt her heart stammering inside her chest, "He really said that? And it's Derek, nothing he says is ever fully nice...plus he wanted us to meet, he wouldn't say things to scare you off."

And to her total surprise Misty rolled her eyes. For a moment, there was a flare of anger in her eyes, frustration. It took her by surprise, "Do you always look for reasons to see a jerk in him? You're blind and clearly an oblivious girl."

Casey felt panicky, as if she was under investigation. She couldn't even process that because Misty suddenly stood up and picked up Pepper. It wasn't her imagination, she was annoyed.

Casey stood up, alarmed. "Are you okay?"

Misty just composed herself with a smile, "Why wouldn't I be? I have to go. Just try to sneak around for me, pretty please?" she said with ultra sweetness, quickly trying to cover up the frustration she displayed. Casey just stood there for a moment, and Misty waved. "Say hi to brown eyes for me, I'll see you around okay? I'm going to be late for work."

Casey's head swam with confusion. Why would she try to look for reasons to see Derek as a jerk when it was the opposite, she was always looking for just the tiniest humanity from him because she knew he wasn't at all what he projected. She didn't want Derek to be a jerk, or did she? As a wave of emotion went through her, she stopped herself as always. She held her thoughts captive.

She made her way back home to talk to Derek about helping her once more. She pushed those thoughts away. She needed to see him immediately. She never skipped class, but it was weighing too much on her mind. When she got there, she went straight to Derek's room because she heard his voice, but to her total surprise she stopped at the open door.

Derek had a girl on his lap, and he was kissing her neck, murmuring what she could only assume was extremely inappropriate things because the girl was blushing wildly, breathing quickly. He had been very good at respecting their established perimeters, whenever she was home he was always alone. She'd also been respectful with their agreement, and even when she did have Jacob over on weekends, they hung out in her room.

Casey felt that usual annoyance, but this time it was more irritating than ever. Before she would have just walked away, but she felt like a deer caught in headlights. She was annoyed and mesmerized at the same time as she watched his mouth going over her neck with intense, passionate kisses, until they were full out making out. She'd heard all the rumors out there, he really seemed like a good kisser….the girl positively melted in his arms, purring uncontrollably. Clearly Derek was making this girl crazy.

Had she ever been swept away by passion like that before? As she realized no, she couldn't help but think she may be broken. She'd never reacted to Jacob that way, that's for sure. As the thoughts overwhelmed her, she couldn't stop the memory of being in those same arms that were wrapped tightly around that girl. That intimate hug they shared flooded her with despair. For a split moment, she felt a longing too intense to name, pictured herself on his lap, pictured being seduced by him. It was so wrong, so dirty, but the heat wave went over her like never before. The conflicting longing and jealousy was alarming. She couldn't control her unsteady breathing, it was audible.

Derek opened his eyes for a moment, and locked in on her. The breath of the room was stolen, she wanted to melt away. She felt faint, hot, and angry all at once. She was horrified to realize she was chewing her lip indecently. He slowly pushed the girl away, and stared at her as a creeping blush went over his face. She couldn't look away, trapped in his passion-glazed gaze.

He looked guilty for a moment, but just as quickly he groaned, "Steph, guess you have to go because Casey here, for some reason decided to interrupt the only fun thing that has happened to me all week."

Steph blushed and awkwardly stood up, "Oh um, will you um call me later?"

Derek just ignored Casey and winked at Steph. "Oh you bet, I for sure need to repeat that," he said with complete silkiness.

Casey stammered, "sorry, I really didn't think you'd be so busy, I'll leave, please carry on," She ran away to her room and threw herself on her bed. She caught herself on her mirror, she was completely flushed, oh god what was that? She couldn't get that stupid image out of her mind.

Not even four minutes later, he knocked on her door. Maybe she'd pretend she was asleep, for a second she thought of jumping out of the window. "Casey, I'm assuming if you skipped class, it was for good reason, um, are you alright? I know you saw Misty earlier."

Casey was shocked, did he really kick out that girl? "Just go away Derek, go back to Steph and just forget I'm here alright, I don't exist."

"Oh I wish I could, but you kind of killed the moment and it's over now."

Casey opened the door, trying not to look at him too much. He looked kissed alright. His hair was tousled, his mouth looked a tinge swollen, and that crazy desire kept growing in her stomach, a fascination to know what it would feel like to kiss him and it was absolutely ridiculous.

It's not like she'd never had an impure thought about him, but this was the first time it felt like an unfurling volcano. "So who was she?"

Derek shrugged innocently, "a hot girl," he said teasingly.

She glared at him, "Is that all you know about her?"

"And her name," he laughed awkwardly. "Um, I wasn't expecting you back so early."

Casey just shoved past him, "You looked so occupied I don't think you would have been able to keep track of time anyway."

He followed her, and she tried not to look at him at all. She felt so embarrassed and stupid." I have a timer on my phone, see the stuff I put up with just so your delicate eyes aren't affected by me?"

Casey smiled a bit, amused by the fact he took their oath seriously. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you."

She took her time making herself some tea, all while she was acutely aware of him leaning against the counter, he was studying her so bluntly. "Case. What's up?"

She drank her tea, trying to drown down the flutters in her stomach. "Misty is warming up to the idea of meeting our mom but first she asked me if I'd snoop around for more info. I wanted to see if you'd be up to breaking into a hospital with me…I need to get our original birth records."

Derek broke out into the cutest laugh she'd ever heard, and slowly looked at him. His eyes were dancing with amusement. "Oh is that all? Damn have you changed a lot, are you being serious?"

She smiled back at him, "I wish I was joking, but hospitals can be quite secretive with their information, but I need to try and ask them for it and I need moral support. It may be the only way to see why ….my mom gave Misty up. She just needs to know a bit more before meeting her."

He continued laughing, and she couldn't help but admit that when he was like that, laughing, with his eyes lit up, he was the most handsome guy on the planet. "I just pictured it, us in full on black ninja outfits, going all spy on that hospital's ass. That's too funny."

She giggled, and they laughed together until Derek could catch his breath again. "Please Derek, help me. I know I'm being so annoying, but I swear that once this is all out into the open I'll disappear for a long time."

He moved closer, smiled almost sweetly. "Well, I guess I owe you kind of big for that camera. As much as I'd love to break the law with you, why don't you go straight to the source? Nora is the only one who could really have anything, but if you really want to grill the hospital we'll do that too. We can try spying around the house if you want if you really want to pull a pink panther moment."

Casey's eyes grew big with excitement, "So you'll help me then? She was open to meeting my mom if we have no other leads. Maybe if I find out the truth beforehand it will ease both our minds. "

He nodded, "alright, shall we go over this weekend?"

Casey lit up excitedly, "Sounds like a date. I mean I didn't mean it in that way-"

"A spy date," Derek said with a taunting smile. "Guess it could be kind of fun, but what if you find the truth is too dark to show Misty?"

Casey sighed with emotion, "I know, it's terrifying but I'll cross that bridge if we get there."

He slowly put his arm around her, and for a moment those butterflies surged through her. "Well, like I said, I owe you."

"Thanks Der," she murmured.

Any sign of teasing immediately vanished, and he was staring at her softly. It jolted her, made her breathless and insanely aware of the fact she wanted to move closer. "It's no big," he answered quietly.

For the rest of the week she jumped around between nervous and excited. Misty was quiet, it was clear knowing Casey was on the lookout for information was scarier than she let on. They went to the hospital first. Derek was charming the receptionist as Casey dug through her purse.

"Shannon is it," he said looking at her name tag, "if you help my step sister, I'll take you out on a date, what do you say?" For a moment it hit her that Derek and Misty were similar in their ability to charm anyone, what if they charmed each other? The thought was too crazy, and it made her ruffled.

"Oh it depends on what she needs." She looked around her to make sure no one was listening in. "What's your name?"

"Derek Venturi, and I think you're insanely beautiful," his voice changed into a gravelly tone. It made Casey sick. "Come on, please help us."

Shannon burst into giggles. Even though it was all a ruse, it didn't stop feeling annoying. Casey just elbowed him, "Enough Derek, would you let me ask already?"

Shannon wiped off any flirtatious energy, "If it's in my power I'll do what I can," she whispered as she handed Derek her business card.

"Case, take it away," he said with a breathtaking smile. He made it very difficult to stay mad at him.

Casey put on her most charming self possible, "Miss, I found out not too long ago I have a long lost twin. My mom is out of town, and we have very little leads on our origin. Misty is her name now, she was fragile at birth, and well we don't know what happened...why she ended up estranged. We don't even know her original name. Is there anything you could give us?"

Shannon absorbed the information, and gave them a sad glance. "Oh wow, that's so crazy. I'm afraid the only person I can give that to is your mother, I'm sorry."

Derek jumped in, "please Shannon, it's a matter of life and death when you think about it. This is Casey's sister, they were born in the same hospital, so what's with the secrecy?"

Shannon looked at Casey's paperwork, chewing on her pen for a few moments, "she was probably adopted out, that is past my scope of duty. I'm so sorry, and trust me I wish I could help, I just can't. I'd lose my job."

Casey knew that would be the result, "okay, well thanks for being so kind."

Derek didn't give up, "we obviously don't want that, it's just such a crappy situation."

Casey watched with fascination as he threw her the sad eyes. Shannon was melting on the spot, Derek was too gifted at getting what he wanted. "How about this, I'll keep your contact info and if there's anyone that I can pass this on to, I will get them to contact you. It's the best I can do."

Casey sighed sadly, "it's okay. Thank you anyway."

Shannon looked at Derek with unmistakable attraction. "Trust me I wish I could help. I'm sorry."

Casey just leaned in and whispered, "just take her on a date, maybe she can help us eventually."

Derek looked at her with surprise, laughing quietly, "Could I still call you? I meant what I said, I'd like to get to know you better."

Shannon grinned with a nod, "I'd love that, I should get back to work. Bye Derek."

As they walked away, Casey felt guilty, "I can't believe I am allowing you to play with that girl just to get information. What's wrong with me?"

Derek walked briskly beside her, "you are in a tough situation, don't feel so guilty. If she calls with info, then great, but I won't toy with her. Believe it or not I'm not that much of a jerk, so no guilt alright?"

Casey groaned, "we are the worst spies ever."

Derek put his arm around her supportively, "we can still be spies at home. It is probably our best bet anyway."

So, she called her mom, and spun them a story about needing the house empty because her and Derek needed a good place to study since that their apartment was under construction. Derek offered to buy concert tickets as a thank you. Casey hadn't seen her mom in a bit, how would she react? Thinking of Lizzie made her emotional, she would lose her mind when she finds out about Misty. The reality of it all was starting to sink more and more. They knocked on the door and waited, she fluttered nervously. Nora answered the door, and for a moment she wanted to let it all out. She felt Derek's hand on her back, clearly trying to send the message that she needed to chill.

Nora smiled brightly, bringing them both in to a hug, "Hi strangers," she said with a happy laugh. She pulled back softly studying her. "Casey, you look so beautiful. Come, everyone is waiting for you to eat lunch."

Casey felt stuck, a placid smile fused to her face, "mom," she said as a quiet prayer. What happened?

Derek quickly broke through her thoughts, "Oh we are starved, student food sucks so badly."

Nora smiled, and opened the door wider, "I personally got all your favorites Derek."

Derek grinned, and he went in for another hug. "Oh you're the best, come on Case let's pig out."

As Derek left her to find the fridge, Nora put her arm around her, "So, how's living with Derek going? I have to tell you we are all shocked you two would choose to live together on purpose. He hasn't driven you crazy?"

Casey smiled as she got led inside the house, "oh he's more annoying than ever, but it's been livable. It just makes sense, we're family."

Nora shrieked happily, "finally you accept it, it makes me happy."

Lizzie came downstairs and gave her a tight hug, "how's the best lawyer-to-be doing?"

Casey scrunched up her nose, "Hi Lizzie, trying not to drown in school work. "

Casey watched as Derek sat at the table with George, Edwin and Marty. They were all asking him a million questions about school. She helped her mom make the food, and she tried not to be awkward with her, but for some reason she felt absurdly shy. They came back and sat down with them. Edwin asked Derek if he met many hot girls.

Casey laughed a little too loudly, "Derek has had a parade."

George winked at Derek, "well, that is part of the college experience."

Nora rolled her eyes as she served everyone spaghetti, "George, you can't be praising that. What about focusing on his studies and encouraging him to find a girlfriend?"

Derek cast Casey an unsavory smile, "Well, I would but Casey doesn't like me having girls at our place, so how exactly could I have a girlfriend?'

Casey gasped, "if you had a girlfriend that would be totally different and you know it. Just shut up."

Edwin smiled down at his plate, "how is it that Casey hasn't killed you yet? You two living together must be a constant yellfest."

Derek grinned, "I'm used to it, it's kind of fun actually. You know making Casey angry gives me life."

Casey smiled despite herself, "you need to look up the definition of fun Derek, you're clearly confused." He winked at her subtly, and she was having a hard time appearing annoyed.

Marty giggled, "I missed you guys, you always made dinner time so funny. Now it's too boring."

Derek reached for Marty and gave her hair a tousle, "missed ya too kid."

They ate silently for a bit, and then George asked, "So you bought us tickets to a concert so you could study. Are you broken?" he asked Derek teasingly.

Derek groaned, "As fun as university is, well it's also a pain. But I have no choice, I need to do well since I'm hoping to get into media arts next semester."

"Media arts, really?" Lizzie asked with surprise, "As in movie making?"

Derek lit up with extreme excitement. "Exactly, Case got me the sickest camera ever and it made me realize I want to give it a whirl."

Casey smiled at him, he hadn't mentioned that to her, but she wasn't surprised. Nora looked at Casey quizzically, "you bought Derek a camera... with money?"

Casey blushed a little as everyone skewered her with surprise, "Yeah um it was nothing really. It was on sale."

George smiled at her, "how sweet of you," and then cast Derek a stern look, "now you have no choice but to commit to something if she spent money on you, alright?"

"Oh I know. It would have taken me years to save up for it, didn't know Casey was secretly rich."

He looked at her and his eyes twinkled, it was so distracting. He actually seemed really thankful. he had been using it a lot, and he was always trying to catch her in embarrassing situations.

As the night went on, Casey realized she avoided talking directly to her mom. She was trying so hard to go to the past, look for any clue of a hidden sister, but as she saw Nora laughing with George about something, and scolding the kids for getting too silly, she couldn't understand how any of this happened.

Derek noticed she was extra quiet, and when Nora asked about school she kept it very vague. To her surprise he muttered, "Casey is killing it, you should hear how the other students talk about her. She was totally born to be a lawyer."

Edwin almost spat out his food, "did you just say something nice about Casey?"

Casey knew he wasn't saying it to be complimentary, he wanted to connect them since it was obvious she was being avoidant of her.

Nora smiled at her with total pride, "Oh I'm so proud of you Casey. Ever since you were little you were so driven, I'm not surprised. Congrats sweetheart."

Casey felt her throat constricting, working frantically to avoid crying. "Thanks mom," she murmured softly.

Not once when she was growing up did she ever let her down. She was her biggest cheerleader, remembering her on the sidelines during pageants, dance recitals. Remembered her devotion to her and Lizzie getting the best education. There were no red flags, she was a devoted mother 100%, so why did she give Misty away?

Once everyone had finished eating and they all eventually left, Casey shakily sat on the couch." How am I going to do this Derek? What if I find something hideous?"

Derek slowly sank beside her, "Nora is literally the best stepmom ever, I can't see her doing anything to hurt Misty. Something must have happened, maybe she thought she couldn't give Misty what she needed. I just don't believe she had malicious reasons."

Casey trembled slightly, "Maybe."

He slowly reached for her and pulled her into a soft side hug, "come on Case, I don't know about you but I can't take the suspense anymore." He gave her a few moments to get ready emotionally, and then she stood up.

"Come on, I know where all her documents are kept," and they went upstairs to the attic.

It was dark and muggy ever since Edwin moved out of there. Derek was quiet as he sat down on the floor, could feel his eyes on her as she brought out four file cabinets. He stared at the huge stack of papers with wide eyes, "should have had more coffee," he said with shock.

Casey just gave him a gentle shove as she sat beside him. "Come on Der, let's spy."

Derek watched as Casey took a flashlight out since the light of the attic wasn't working and sat down. She looked so intent and focused. He smiled as she chewed her lip with concentration. He had been a little bit more distracted for sure, and it was all her fault. Things had been very nice, no drama, he was a little bummed by the realization this was coming to an end soon. He'd been way more aware of her, couldn't keep his eyes in check anymore. It was beyond his control.

He couldn't run from it anymore, couldn't deny that he was attracted to her. Just attraction, he tried to tell himself that over and over again. As he watched her, he couldn't help but think that kiss with Steph. Ever since he kissed Misty, kissing other girls now was even more annoying, because all he could picture was kissing Casey.

Casey was too vivid in his mind, and it was the only way to get into it with other girls. So when he caught her staring, it made him instantly crazy. It was the first time he'd seen her look so flustered. He shivered in every way, lost in her fired up eyes. The worst part was catching her rattled breathing, he'd never seen her that way, as if she was turned on beyond belief. It was sexy, for a moment everything in him was screaming to get up and kiss Casey instead. Kicking Steph out was the easiest thing in the world. Man he was losing it lately for sure. Casey enlisting him to help was literally the excuse he was looking for, any chance to spend time with her. She had been so off with Nora earlier, and he was legit worried that whatever they discovered could mess up the whole family dynamic. He really wanted everything to go okay for Casey's sake.

He knew Misty was also stressed because he saw her a couple days earlier. One of his classmates found him, "Casey is looking for you, she was outside the library."

He was so shocked, he literally threw all his stuff in his backpack, and raced to the Library. Misty was on a bench, smoking a cigarette. If that didn't give her away enough, she was talking to the guy beside her, her eyes lit up with charming intensity. Why was she looking for him? He really didn't want any more run-ins with her, more so when she made him feel so weird.

Her vivid gaze danced. She smiled bluntly, "oh finally, hi Derek."

"Hey Misty," he said with apprehension. She looked at him up and down bluntly, getting up away from the other guy. "You were looking for me?"

She laughed, lighting him with a wink. "I missed you, how are you?"

He felt warm and unsteady, "you saw me two days ago."

She bluntly gazed at him with total admiration. "Well, it felt much longer. "

He was getting annoyed by the reaction she was causing. You're not Casey, stop messing with me, "Did you need something?"

She smiled slyly, "So many things, but I guess I'll settle for this. Did Casey find anything, she's been a little quiet."

He moved towards the bench and she followed, sitting beside him. He smiled a little. " No but can you believe it, she enlisted me to become a spy with her and to ransack our house. We are going there in a couple of days."

Misty scanned him intensely, she slowly blew a smoke ring. "I can believe it, she has no else but you to depend on. And well, you're clearly loving her neediness, aren't you?"

Derek looked away, panicked by the thought that maybe he did, but he didn't want her picking out any more weaknesses in him. "Misty, knock it off. I don't know what kind of game you're playing here, but I've told you-there's nothing odd or weird about my relationship with Casey. Why wouldn't I be there, she's family."

Misty clearly had a full on hypothesis, and he didn't want to hear it. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry, but you kissed your step sister, Derek. That's not normal. You weren't that drunk now that I think of it, and you did react to it. You kissed me as if you were dying," she said with a little jab of her elbow.

Derek couldn't remain unaffected, he blushed, "it was just a kiss, I got carried away. Just forget it."

Misty scooted closer to him. He moved back until his back was hitting the armrest. She was surprised by his reaction. "Derek, are you scared of me?"

He laughed, a little too hard. Absolutely terrified. "Me, scared of you? Please, I'm just um, not a fan of people being in my bubble okay?"

"You think I'm just going to kiss you again?" She was clearly enjoying making him flustered.

The space around him seemed to be shrinking. "Well, admit it Misty you're kind of ….well obvious about it."

"Was it that awful?" she murmured.

Derek sighed wretchedly. "It wasn't awful but it wasn't right, probably because I knew kissing Casey was wrong."

Misty's expression changed, softly analyzing him. "I'm sorry I know you want to bury that night as if it didn't exist, and I'm trying so hard to forget you. I just haven't felt this way in a long time."

That look of sadness went over her, and he didn't know what to do, "Misty, you don't even know me. I'm nothing special, and well I'm sure you'll find someone who would murder to be with you, but I just can't."

"I know you can't. It's just there's so much about you that I already love. You're clever, funny, tenacious in your own way, and well, you're quite sexy Derek. I'm sure you know that, you have mirrors."

He blushed despite himself, and he stood up quickly. His head was swimming, her compliments drilled into him ferociously. All he could see was Casey saying those things, "I have to go alright."

He started walking away, but her voice froze him in place. "You are scared of me," she challenged. "I think you are curious about me, and as much as you try to hide it, you find me attractive. You are just all worried about Casey. Why don't you just ask her if she'd have a problem with it?."

He immediately stopped, turning around abruptly. He actually felt dizzy at the thought. "I don't need to ask, and even if Casey told me to go for it, I can't."

He couldn't deny Misty tempted him, but Casey was too big in his life, too...persistent. He knew he was only attracted to her physically, but how couldn't he be when she literally had Casey's face? As annoying as that attraction was, it was nothing compared to the insane attraction he felt for Casey. Misty was just a momentary distraction, and he knew it, one that seemed easy to get because she was so available. Casey on the other hand, was just so off limits. He wished Casey was single, wished that things weren't so damn complicated, wished they weren't step siblings. There was too much in the way.

Misty sighed, "okay, I'm sorry. I've never had a guy turn me down, maybe that's why this is all so hard for me. And you happen to be extremely sweet, guys like you don't grow on trees."

Derek laughed a little, he could believe that she was never turned down. "Now that would be an awesome tree, but um, I'm sorry turns out I can't be replicated."

She laughed, "damn you, you are only making this so much worse, why are you stinking cute?"

Derek just looked away, damn it he had to run away. He hoped it was just a fixation, hopefully with time her attention would subside, "Trust me, I'm a jerk at some point you'll see it and you'll get over me."

"Counting on it," she said with a wink.

Derek suddenly saw Sam coming towards them, they made plans to go to a game. He barely had time to utter out, "My friend is coming, act like Casey, okay?"

Misty moved closer to Derek, "Oh yay an acting opportunity."

Sam smiled as he noticed Misty, "hey man," he said with a hard pat on the should. He glanced at Misty with sudden curiosity, "Hey Casey...um how are you?"

Derek watched with fascination as Misty completely changed her expression, looking a little more lamblike. It was a pretty accurate depiction but while she was a good actress, she could never be Casey. "Oh studying like crazy, school has me a little tied up, but other than that I'm good. How are you…. what's your name again?"

Derek froze and then laughed, "Nice one Case, how could you forget your ex boyfriend, Sam?"

Sam looked confused, looking completely wounded by her mess up. "Way to hurt a guys dignity, I didn't realize I was that forgettable."

Misty laughed, and for a moment that charming spirit took over. She moved closer, gently clasping Sam's elbow. "I was just kidding, how could I forget you? You're still so cute. "

Derek needed to get Sam out of there, but he kept staring at Misty as if she was a goddess or something. "Me? Oh you are the one that's still so cute. Although the other night at the party you were uh, way past cute," he stuttered. "I could never forget you either, I mean you're Casey McDonald."

Derek was jealous all at once, because clearly Sam was hitting on Casey in his mind. The fact he admitted he could never forget Casey made him agitated. He smacked the back of his head, "Sam, get a grip alright, not only is it totally lame to be hung up over an ex that dumped you years ago, Casey has a boyfriend."

Sam was in a trance, and he noticed Misty wasn't holding back the charming eyes either. Misty eyed him with speculation, as if she was picking up his jealousy. Crap, why was he messing up so much around her? Misty smiled charmingly. "It's not like I'm married or anything, nothing wrong with remembering an ex, especially such an amazing guy like Sam."

Sam smiled like a moron. "Come on Derek, you never think about your old exes and wonder if you kind of gave up too easily?"

"I can honestly say no because I'm not a weirdo," he said bitterly. "Now let's go Sam. And Casey, you are just souring my day with your presence. Go get a life and leave me alone."

Misty smiled brazenly, "Wow, so that's how you treat your step sister? Feeling the love," she teased.

Sam chuckled, "He never changes, he'll be an old man and still being a jerk to you."

Derek then realized that was it. If he treated Misty like he treated Casey, then it would totally break the spell. "It's in my DNA. I'll never be nice to you because you drive me nuts, you're annoying as hell and I'll never like you, so get going."

Misty seemed to get the double meaning. "Fine, no need to be such a jerk, I'll leave." And then she smiled at Sam, "It's nice to know that I still come to mind, bye Sam."

Misty pulled him by the arm and whispered, "ouch, you are quite vicious. But you're still hot, lucky for you."

Derek just pulled away as surprise shocked him.. "Go away, Casey," he said more ferociously. She just smiled at him, clearly she wasn't as sensitive as Casey. Damn it all, and then she left without another word.

Maybe the fact he saw how he really behaved around Casey would dispel any thought that he was obsessed with Casey or something. Sam elbowed him, "What's your problem?"

He was too annoyed, "Just tell me, do you still like Casey?"

Sam kicked the ground, mulling over it carefully. "Well I hadn't thought of her for a long time until that party, and it made me realize how much I missed her...also was she drunk? I mean she was so...hot, but clearly she wasn't herself right?"

"Well, get her out of your mind. Yes she was drunk alright, now forget Casey and that night."

Sam was turning a wild tomato color. "I can't…..she was so unbearably sexy."

"Do you want me to poke your eyes out? Just shut up," What was wrong with him, why was he so fricken on edge? "So, you only like her again cus she was all wild?"

Sam was surprised, shaking his head slowly, "No, I'm not that shallow to like her just for her looks. I realized she was someone I missed. But you're right, she has a boyfriend, guess I should move on."

He immediately went to great lengths to suggest other women. If Sam ended up liking Misty once the truth was out, then he'd help him win her over. Plus it would take Misty off his back, a win for everyone.

His thoughts got interrupted by Casey rummaging. She was squinting hard at the paper she was looking at. "You alright?" he asked with laugh.

Casey shrugged, "my eyes have been a little weak lately, but I refuse to wear glasses, it doesn't suit me at all."

Casey could probably pull off any look, and she'd make a hot looking librarian. "Oh nerd alert," he teased, "but is it really worth it to mess up your eyesight just so you don't look like a dork?"

Casey just made the paper into a little airplane, and threw it at him, "why so I can get more insults from you?"

Derek swatted the plane before it hit his eye. He laughed as he saw her angry glare, "Well for one, you could aim better and get me back with more accuracy. So how blind are you?"

"Well, you look a little fuzzy."

A wave of tenderness went over him. Derek couldn't help it he moved closer, "how about now?"

Casey dropped her paper, as he sat directly in front of her. She seemed a little nervous as they looked at each other for a couple silent moments. She may have blind eyes but they were still so beautiful. She smiled a little, "Oh that's better, but it's too close," she shoved him back. "Get to work Derek, at this point we'll be here all night."

He had an idea and went to Edwin's room to look for it. When he got back, he smiled mysteriously. "I may have something that could help."

Casey laughed as he handed her a magnifying glass. "You said you wanted to be a spy, and maybe it'll help your little blindness problem."

Casey took it from him and lit up like twinkling lights, "Oh this is so fun, thank you Der."

And for the next couple hours he enjoyed every moment of ransacking their attic, Casey was just too adorable, scouring through everything so professionally. He wished he brought his camera, because seeing Casey being so dorki with that magnifying glass was too cute. He commented, "all you need is a trench coat and a cool hat, and you could give Sherlock Holmes a run for his money."

It seemed any anxiousness of what they were looking for went away. They ended up laughing a lot and joking around. At one point they accidentally reached for the same file, and he ended up grasping her hand instead. He froze. Casey was staring at his hand with fixation, and she looked at him with surprise but felt the way her hand seemed to melt into his. Tingles invaded him.

He slowly took his hand back, with a little laugh, "I'm not a file."

She looked away with a shy smile. "We've held hands too many times lately, I'm surprised you haven't joked about getting your hand removed."

Derek laughed as he opened one file, trying to find anything else to look at to distract him. "You were too traumatized for me to be such a jerk, but believe me I was thinking it."

She turned away and opened a closet, pulling another box down. "Have you seen Misty at all?" she asked casually.

He tried to keep a cool front, but he laughed nervously. "Actually she did come to look for me, wanted to ask me how you were doing…and she met Sam by the way, pretended to be you."

Casey turned back with inquiry, "she looked for you to ask about me...but I just saw her, why hunt you down for that?"

Derek shrugged, giving her a little innocent look. "Guess she just wanted to hang out with me, not big deal."

Casey sighed a little too deeply, "why is she so fascinated with you? I don't get it she's known you for two weeks."

"That's all it takes for some people Case, I'm just that irresistible," he said with a sneer.

Casey just sat down with a hefty sight. "You are too full of yourself, maybe she just wants to get to know you as a step brother, ever think of that?"

He could only hope that was the case, "Well, I hope you're right. She also made Sam all warm and stupid, I think she's just naturally a flirt, some people are."

"She flirted with Sam? Did he respond to her?" she asked with amusement.

He laughed. "Yes….you better tell her to quit it, or you'll be chased down by all your exes and basically anyone at school she encounters."

Casey sighed, "she's charming isn't she? Why couldn't I get the charming gene?"

Derek glanced at her, she seemed a little insecure, "Come on Case, you get some attention it's not like you're the ugly duckling from the swamp. You have a boyfriend, remember?"

"So am I a swan?" she asked hopefully.

He just chuckled, he wasn't going to make the stupidity of making more hot comments, but he couldn't be mean for some reason. "An annoying swan, maybe." He winked.

Casey laughed in a frothy way that made a current of desire spark through him. He immediately left for a moment to dull down that surge of heat. Lately it was too common, too much proximity with her was causing too many annoying reactions. Being in a room with her that long was intoxicating, but he couldn't deny he was liking every moment of it.

They were quiet for some time as they surfed through countless information. He was reminded of the box he found in her bedroom. He needed to know why she'd keep it.. "So, when I was looking for your certificate I found a weird box."

Casey shot him a weary look, her mouth fell open with shock. Clearly she knew exactly what he found. "De-rek! You were snooping?" She was breathing harshly, looking terrifyingly angry as she gripped his arm tightly, jolting him closer. "Derek, how could you?

He gently took a hold of her arms, trying to calm her. "I didn't mean to okay? I'm sorry, but I am curious as hell as to why you have a box with a bunch of my stuff."

Casey blushed instantly. "I don't have a Derek box, its' a…a….none of your business," she said with derision.

He should have let it go, but he couldn't, he needed to know." If I didn't know it was you, I would have thought I had a stalker or something. I thought I lost those things. Turns out you stole them, and you kept all my joke gifts, why?"

Casey looked away, she mumbled quietly, "just forget you saw anything, please. The moment I get home I'll get rid of it."

She was like a little nervous bird, and her embarrassment was obvious. "What if I swear to not make any snide comments?"

Casey finally looked at him, her eyes were a little glassy, "you have to swear not to laugh….."

He raised his hand in a surrender move, "swear on my life."

She looked down at the ground as if she was sinking, and slumped her shoulders in defeat. "Don't think I'm obsessed with you okay, it's just I wanted something to remember you by in case we ever lost touch. I was sure I'd never see you once we moved out and well you were never meant to find that."

She looked obscenely cute, shifting around. Her cheeks were a wild pink. Derek couldn't have laughed, even if he wanted to. He smiled a little, he couldn't help it, more so when it meant she would have missed him, "You really thought you wouldn't see me?"

She gave the tiniest nod, but still wouldn't look at him. "Well you kept saying you couldn't wait to be away from me. How else was I supposed to take that?"

He chuckled, but it sounded like a squeak, he felt a warmth spread through him. He took one step closer. "So you kept that box because you were going to miss me, is that what I'm hearing?"

She looked up at him with anger swirling in her eyes, "Shut up you idiot."

Everything in him was drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. "Aw, how sweet," he teased.

As she realized he wasn't offended, she smiled with relief. "You have nothing else to say?" she squeaked.

He could barely breathe, "Clearly I couldn't keep to my threat. You're like a boomerang no matter how many times I try to toss you out, you come back."

She was getting more flustered, "So I'm a nuisance you can't get rid of? You're such a jerk!"

"Clearly I like having you be a nuisance." Oh crap, everything in him was yelling at him to shut up.

Casey's glare defrosted slowly. "Really?"

He smiled softly, clearly his mouth had other plans. "I moved in with you didn't I? And now I know that you secretly missed me…it's kind of….." he trailed off, what could he say? It stumped him in the best of ways.

Casey shrugged away from him, "Just forget it Derek. Keep your insults."

He towered over her, folding his arms across his chest to keep some form of distance, but on the inside he was melting. "No I was going to say, it's….cute that you kept that stuff. And it's surprising since I thought you couldn't wait to be away from me too. I think you are a little obsessed with me."

Casey slapped his shoulder, "I am not! I hate you!"

"Too late to take it back Casey, " she was about to punch him out, he could tell.

Casey fumbled , "Admit it Derek, you would have missed annoying me too." He nodded with acceptance. It's true, and he did miss her, which is why moving in was so awesome. "I don't like that you have something over me….."

Derek couldn't handle her looking so anxious, and finding out she missed him was enough to make him feel like he was high. Fine, just this once he'd be sweet to her. "Yes okay, I'm too used to you, and I may have noticed that you weren't around, there happy?"

Casey might as well had been dipped into sunshine, "Never thought I'd hear those words from you. I should have them engraved, recorded, added to history books."

Derek laughed, Casey was way more charming than she gave herself credit. "No one will believe you, I will deny it if others ask me about it."

She laughed, twinkling with excitement, "Same, it will be our little secret, deal?"

Derek reached out for her outstretched hand and shook slowly, "deal, no one can ever know we have civil feelings for each other."

Casey brimmed with adorable joy, and everything in him just wanted to pull her closer, kiss that blush spreading through her face, wanted to touch her hair, wanted to trace that smile with his finger. Just attraction. "Okay, we got off track, we really are the worst spies ever."

For the rest of that night, there was a tense happiness between them, but they worked quietly. Casey put on some music, and he caught her giving him little looks through out. It was a fun night, but they never found the records, and they left the house with a realization that there was no other avenue to take anymore. They had to go to the source, and it was terrifying.

Casey called Misty and put her on speaker phone, "Hi C, any word?"

"Misty, we left no stone unturned, but we didn't find anything. I'm so sorry."

Derek couldn't help but admire Casey's willingness to help Misty, the way she was so strong and courageous even though he knew just how stressed she was over it all. "So, I guess that means we should rip the band aid."

Casey shot up with surprise, "are you sure you're ready?"

"Yes. Let's fucking uncover the past, I can't take it anymore. I want to meet Nora."

Derek let out a shaky breath, oh things were never going to be the same ever again. As Casey looked at him with total fright, he realized he didn't mind being Casey's stressball, her person to yell at, cry, whatever she wanted. He wanted to take care of her. So he mouthed, "it's going to be okay."

He needed to look after her, it was his duty, but also a good excuse to spend as much time with her. Things were going to change and perfect Jacob would be back in her life all the time.

The next couple days was basically the twilight zone. Things were about to change forever, and the pleasant time with Derek would be over. Casey felt agonized, nervous, everything under the sun. She ignored everyone, and got to the point where she officially felt like she got disconnected from herself. The plan was rather simple, Nora would come over, and Misty would just walk in, and let the chips fall where they may. They didn't want a big drumroll entrance, they needed it to be quick, because if they dragged it out, Misty could bail at the last moment.

The night before, she was too overwhelmed. Derek had officially seen her at upmost worse when he found her lying on the floor of the living room, staring up at the ceiling. He frowned with concern, and at the same time he was clearly amused by finding her like that. "What are you doing?"

"Counting all the spots on the roof, just trying to calm myself. Please go away," she could barely muster the energy to keep it together.

Derek slowly lowered and sat beside her. "I think you have reached a new realm of craziness. Do you want me there tomorrow?"

Casey surveyed him softly. He was so exhausted and he'd already done more than expected. "No, we have to do this on our own. You are off the hook."

"Oh good, I was about to throw up otherwise." He laughed softly, "As exciting as counting can be, maybe you could find other forms of entertainment, maybe one that doesn't make you look like a starfish on the ground. Plus you're going to get carpet hair."

Derek extended his hand to her, and he was too persuasive to deny, so she slowly sat up. Suddenly the emotions hit her full on. Tears went down her cheek, and any funny business on Derek's face went away. "Oh, come on Case, don't cry. You know I'm not equipped for that."

He looked terrified and she couldn't help but melt, he could be so adorable sometimes. "Then you can go and let me be, I'm fine. I've been responsible for my own tears my whole life."

Derek just looked at her steadily, taking a breath to recover. "Nice try, but I'm not a whimp. What would cheer you up tonight? "

"If you insist on staying, then just hang out with me Derek", she whispered with terrifying intensity. "It's the last time I'm this clingy, I promise."

Derek shot her a sizzling smile, and he led her to the couch. "Oh I have the solution, " he handed her a game consul. "Shoot a bunch of things, it will clear your mind."

Casey managed to nod, and she honestly didn't remember much of that night. They played games, and Derek tried to distract her with jokes, but she was not really present. He was so sweet, made her hot chocolate, and at one point she was shaking like a leaf and he brought her a blanket. They were completely silent, but a lot could be said under the surface. A lot had changed in a week, they went from having a distant, annoyed relationship, to suddenly being so close. She wanted to thank him in a million ways.

Derek got invited to go to a party, but to her surprised he said: 'Hey Ralph, I'm busy. Something came up, and I need to stay with Casey. Yeah she's sick alright, and well if I'm not around she'll throw up on my TV."

When he hung up, he smirked at her, "I'm nicer, but not too nice. Hope you didn't get used to it."

Casey smiled faintly, now she wouldn't have a reason to ask Derek to be around, and it made her miserable. "Wouldn't dream of it. Thank you Derek."

As the night went on, they ended up moving closer on the couch, and eventually she was leaning against him. She needed the contact, and he sighed as he put his arm around her. She tucked herself on his shoulder. It was nice, and comforting. They didn't say anything, but it was intimate to her, and he seemed fixated on the tv but there were moments where the magnetic pull of his gaze was too strong to resist. His eyes were so beautiful, smoky, warm, and incredibly inviting. He'd smile, and it was all she needed to feel strength, her balance back to normal.

"You look so tired," he muttered as he survey her entire face.

"I feel like I'm a million years old," she answered as she squirmed deeper against his side, he was so warm. His light cascading touches on her arm made her feel lost in a feeling of peace she'd never felt before. "Derek..."

"Yes?"

She wanted to say so much, thank him in so many different ways, but she was stuck. "Was I too much to handle? I feel so bad for relying on you like this, I would have gone to Jacob but..."

Derek's smile melted off a bit, "no don't think it four eyes, it was no big deal."

Casey smiled and wrapped her arms around him, in a weird embrace. She was waiting for him to push her away, but he stayed put. "You aren't running away?"

Derek sighed as he stared down at her arms with surprise. "I'll run away later, I swear, but for now...it's what you need so I'll just die in silence."

Time was lost, and for a moment there was a calm in her storm. Being so close to him, feeling the warmth of his body lulled her completely. She fell asleep at one point and when she woke up, she was lying on the couch with a blanket on top of her. She looked over to find Derek on the floor. He never left, it was utterly surprising.

She got up urgently, Misty would be there in 30 minutes and she slept in. "Derek, wake up. Oh my gosh I can't believe I slept in."

Derek groaned, sleepily muttering "oh, tornado warning," he said with a lazy smile as he saw running around wildly. She didn't have time to stop and appreciate just how cute he looked in his sleepy haze.

She marched to the shower, getting ready in a whirlwind. When she came back, Derek had breakfast already set up on the table. He ushered her to sit down, and she was completely stoic. Maybe she was too numb to feel anything. Derek watched her like a hawk, as if she would just bolt any moment but they were completely quiet. She was completely burned out. When Misty got there, it took all her energy to put on a confident smile, she had to be the strong one for Misty.

Misty was surprisingly dressed down with just a simple t-shirt, and jeans. Wore some makeup, but it wasn't enough to conceal the dark circles. It looked like she had an infernal night. "Hey," she said with fake cheerfulness, "can we get drunk?"

Casey laughed nervously, "Hi Misty, come in."

Misty looked towards the kitchen and saw Derek, "Hi Derek. Please could I have some coffee?"

Derek brought Misty a cup, and she took a little bottle of baileys out of her purse and added it to her coffee, "I need it, don't judge."

Derek laughed, "oh believe me, I would be doing the same."

"Will you stay Derek? I need something pleasant to look at in all of this mess," Misty asked really softly.

Derek cast Casey a surprised look, but she didn't miss the little blush on his face. She couldn't fault Misty, she wasn't thinking clearly and was obviously terrified, "Um, sorry I have school. Plus I think I need to be away for this."

Derek then went over to Casey, and for one moment, he gave her a comforting look. She was consumed with the desire to throw herself in his arms for a moment, but he gave her shoulder a tiny squeeze. "Don't throw up," he said with a smile, and then turned back to Misty. "I think you'll love Nora, I have this crazy feeling everything will be okay."

Misty smiled a little at him, "thank you brown eyes."

For a moment Casey was jealous that he clearly treated them differently. She got a "don't throw up" and Misty got sweet encouragement. No wonder Misty was fluttering he eyelashes at him, all she'd seen up to that point was that sweet side. She was being ridiculous, she knew her possessiveness was illogical when Derek had been present the entire time. Maybe it was because it was the last moment she'd get with him this way. Misty was no longer their little secret that somehow connected them, and things would change. She felt despair.

As she was stewing, Derek stopped as he put his jacket on. He locked eyes with her, "if things go to crap really quickly, text me and I'll come back, okay? "

Casey wanted to cry, and she managed to nod, "okay, thank you Derek."

Both Casey and Misty stared at Derek the exact same way, as if he was their only saving grace and he was drifting further and further away. Derek smiled at Casey one last time, the strength she derived from that was so incredible, and then he was gone.

Any confidence Misty had went away, "Oh I can't even act like I'm not nervous. Maybe I should cancel."

Casey led her to her bedroom, "No Misty we have to do this. Just lie down for a bit and I will call you when she gets here."

Misty threw herself on her bed, "death take me now," she said dramatically.

Casey took a deep breath, "or it could be the start of a brand new, better life," she countered.

She smiled a little, "Are you always this positive?"

Casey shook her head, "no usually I think of the worst, but that's not what you need right now."

"Thanks Casey...well either way after this we will be drinking, either from celebration or just from pure sadness."

The doorbell rang, the sound of it spiraled through her very bones. Misty's breath hitched, sitting up alertly. She took a deep breath and left her. The steps to the door felt like the longest journey of her life, she was barely holding it in anymore. As she opened the door and found Nora so beautiful as always, smiling with that usual loveliness, it tore her in two. "Mom, come in," she said tightly.

Immediately, she arched an eyebrow, noticing her strange demeanor, "Casey are you okay?"

Casey just dodged the question, "why don't you come sit down first."

"You're scaring me sweetie..." she took her place on the couch. "Come sit beside me."

Casey just shook her head, "I can't, mom I need to introduce you to someone. I'm hoping you can shed some light about her."

Nora was so flabbergasted, "Oh okay, but that can wait, first tell me what's wrong, please."

She looked down, trying to control her entire being, "Misty can you come out?" she called out, she sounded like a bird, high pitched and soundless at the same time.

Casey watched as Misty slowly came out of the bedroom, and surprisingly there was a determined look on her face. Clearly all she wanted was the truth, and she was ready. As Misty came out to the living room, Casey watched her mom, she was so fixated on her, that it took her a moment to notice the girl beside her.

"Mom, this is Misty Remington."

Nora's gaze went to Misty. All at once, the room's oxygen was depleted as Nora stared at Misty. A million seconds spiraled around them as her mouth gaped open. She started blinking rapidly, and slowly stood up. She placed a hand on her forehead, as if she was about to faint. "This is a dream," she uttered with the most painful voice she'd ever heard.

Casey managed to speak, "she's my twin right?" and she moved closer to Misty, "Mom, please talk."

Nora moved hauntingly slow towards them, her gaze focused on Misty with intense emotion. Tears immediately poured down her face. As she stood directly in front of them, Casey noticed Misty was staring at her with so many complicated emotions written all over her.

Casey's heart was in her throat. No one could have prepared them for the silence, the charged full voltage of emotion slowly coursing through the three of them. With a sudden sigh, with a voice as treacherous and quiet as a storm, Nora gasped out: "oh my God….Riley."

Author's Note: I hope you liked this chapter! I always loved LWD episodes where Derek and Casey worked together, and the connection during this waiting period was important as it will only start a railway to both of them realizing just how crazy they are about each other. I hope you're enjoying Misty's character, and look forward to unveiling her character much more, she will be an unpredictable character, sweet one moment, instigator next, will have so many layers, but I hope you like her anyway. I am sorry for the long wait, and I wish I could post more often in general but life has been so busy. Please let me know any thoughts you may have.