Chapter 10

Speaking of Derek…

The next few weeks before the night of the play had been packed with non-stop work. But other than that, everything was going okay much to Anna's surprise. She had surpassed all of the doctor's warning dates and felt still perfectly healthy. She was still on the meds, but she knew that somehow everything would just turn out the way they should. Derek had been nothing but supportive but she couldn't help but feel he was only half there during the rehearsals. As if he seemed in an alternate universe every now and then. And though her schedule was busier than ever, things were about the same.

Finally, her schedule opened up and she spent that afternoon with Casey and Emily at the mall. After a few hours, they decided to stop by the food courts for some smoothies. Emily somehow seemed more emotional around Anna after she told her about her sickness, but not necessarily how she got it. But still, it brought all of them somewhat closer as friends.

"So how's the play going?" asked Emily absently stirring her smoothie.

"It's okay, kind of busy but enjoyable." Replied Anna.

Casey sighed and brought her elbows to the table, "I'm just sorry you have to work with Derek. I am still in shock that he got the lead. Who knew that talent less, chauvinist, idiot can act?"

"Well," began Emily while staring off somewhere, "I always knew he was the acting type." She looked at Anna with played jealousy, "Anna, you are so lucky to be in the play with him! And a kissing scene too!"

Casey rolled her eyes, Anna only shrugged, "It's actually really cool, and he's been really supportive and sweet throughout the process."

Casey's eyes widened in surprise then spoke, "Derek? You mean Derek Venturi? That guy's sweet like Paris Hilton is smart. It's just not normal! It's not natural!" She then slammed her hands on the table but winced in the pain.

Anna was taken aback from Casey's sudden outburst but continued anyway. "He understands that we are just friends, and this play is part of our grade. Plus, he knows how uncomfortable I am with the whole thing so he's learned to be slightly less harsh."

"I just hope you know what you are getting yourself into. As much as I hate to admit it, Derek usually tends to get what he wants and if he wants something so bad he'll do anything. Have you told him yet?" said Casey as she slowly sipped her drink. The conversation turned uncomfortable.

Anna cleared her throat and shook her head.

Emily placed her hand on Anna's and spoke softly, "You can tell him as soon as you want, just make sure you do before it's too late."

Anna only nodded hoping no one caught her uneasiness.