Maybe I am evil. I was planning for someone to die...but I'm not that evil. I have to be nice to this Dasey case. (Yep, I decided to make it a Dasey.) Anyway, I don't know anything about medicine, so all this "nerve damage" is a figment of my imagination. Enjoy!

Luv,

Summer K.

It took too much for Casey not to cry. Lizzie and Edwin just looked and each other while their mouths gaped.

Marti was the first to speak. "Does that mean Casey won't go to the pool with me anymore?"

Derek's voice broke as he spoke. "No, she can, but she wouldn't be able to swim anymore."

Lizzie got up and went over to hug Casey. Tears streamed out of both girls' eyes.

The doctor, looking rather uncomfortable spoke up, hoping to ease the family's pain.

"Actually, there is a 50/50 chance that she will walk. But there is nothing we can do to help the situation. We can only hope and pray. We'll see results by tomorrow. Those nerves heal quickly, or they don't."

"50/50." Derek whispered. She saw him look over at her. But she didn't look back. She stared off and stroked Lizzie's head, who sobbed quietly. Derek put his hand on her shoulder, and squeezed softly. "I got you. It's ok."

Casey smiled in spite herself. He's so cute when he looks at me like that. She put her hand on his, and let it slip off. Her mother was under control now, but the tears wouldn't stop. The doctor left the room to leave them in peace. Soon, everyone had calmed down and Casey switched her TV to cartoons for Marti who was getting very bored. At about three in the afternoon, everyone was ready to go home, except for Derek.

"I'll take the bus, dad." he told George.

"Ok, but no later than seven, got it?"

"Sure."

Everyone hugged Casey, and wished her well, and they all left. Derek sighed softly, and took the seat next to her bed.

Casey looked over at him. "Thank you." she said. "For you know, saving me and stuff."

"No problem, Case. I'm sorry about your legs, though."

"Why?" she asked. "I don't know if I can't walk yet."

"You're right." he said. "So, you coming home, or are you staying out?" He asked hesitantly.

Casey laughed. He thought she sounded beautiful when she did. "I think my head is clear enough." she said. "All I hope is that mom and George don't decide to put me or us in counseling."

"Wherever you are I'm going to be there..." he said absentmindedly. Casey looked at him quizzically.

"To, you know, save you." he said. "Who knows, a stampede of elephants may come next time, and mess up your hearing."

Casey laughed lightly at his joke. "Who knows." she trailed after him. They sat silent for a moment.

Casey turned towards him, but she didn't speak for a minute. When she did, she spoke slowly, as if she was scared of what she was saying. "Do you think we'll be able to get along now?"

Derek looked at her for a moment before replying. "Indefinitely. Why not?" How about more than just friends? He asked inwardly.

Just then Derek's phone went off. His eyes widened. "How did Emily get my number, Casey?"

Casey giggled. "Here, give me that." she took the phone and answered it.

"Hey Emily." she answered.

"Hi, Casey? What are you doing on Derek's phone? Anyway, I couldn't get you on your cell, and no one answered at your house, so I tried Derek's cell as a last resort. Where've you been, girl?" Emily gushed all in one breath.

Casey bit her lower lip. "Um, it's a long story, and-"

"I have time, Case. Spill."

Casey sighed. "OK. Well, I ran away on Saturday-"

"What!" Emily exclaimed.

"Yeah, and I went to this park. Anyway, this morning I was considering coming home, and I called Derek and everything, and then, I was shot by a stray bullet."

She heard Emily take in a sharp breath. "Really? And you were going to tell me when?"

"When it all blew over. I don't know. Now I'm in the hospital, wondering if I'll ever walk again."

"Walk again? What do you mean-" Emily took in another sharp breath. "Ohno. Girl, why didn't you tell me! I could've been at the hospital supporting you, instead of being stuck at home with no ride."

"It's ok, Emily. But I don't want this to get out to everyone, ok?"

"Got it." Emily said.

"Thanks, Emily. Derek desperately wants his phone back, so I have to go. Bye."

"Bye Casey, get better."

Casey hung up and passed the phone back to Derek.

He took the phone. "I think I'm going home, now. It's been a long day for me, and my birthday is tomorrow, you know."

"OK, bye Derek." she said.

He got up, leaned over, and kissed her forehead. Casey blushed deeply. Derek smiled, and walked out the room. Then it sunk in. Derek kissed me! And I BLUSHED! Ohno, what's wrong with me! Casey settled to watch TV, but she didn't' hear or see anything. All she saw was Derek kissing her.

Dasey!