Derek POV

About 10 minutes later, my dad and Nora come back from their room. We couldn't hear anything they were saying because we were all upstairs. I wanted to go eavesdrop, but Casey didn't. They come into the room and by the look on Nora's face, I can tell it's not going to be good.

"Casey, I know your saying that you love Derek, but love is strong. Not only that but you guys are step siblings. Do you know how others would react to this? I mean not just that, but it is basically illegal! This is crazy." Nora says and I freeze up. I didn't expect them to react right away with hugs of gratitude, but I thought that maybe they would think it was OK. Obviously, that was me being stupid again.

"Yeah, and Derek, Nora is right. Plus, when you guys break up we can't just forget about it. You guys are stuck in the same house together. I don't really think it's the best idea either." I'm shocked. I would've at least thought my dad would've backed me up.

"OK, so what? You're going to forbid us to see each other? Or you're going to tell us that we don't belong in this house because we're freaks? Huh!" I scream.

"Now, Derek, we're doing what's best for you. I mean, you guys are always fighting. What would actually bring you guys together?"

"You want to know what happened?" Casey starts out of nowhere. "Sam broke up with me and then he tried to flipping rape me and I didn't want to run to anyone. But, Derek was there. I know you probably think this is weird for me to be saying about Derek, but it's true. He helped me. And for that I found out how much I really do love him. I mean, before that I did like him a little, but I love him now mom! Nothing is going to stop us from being together, not even YOU!" Casey screams even more and then runs up the stairs.

Nora and George look at me, surprised by Casey's outburst. "Well, Derek, don't you understand that it's best for you if you guys aren't together?" Nora asks me. How can they think that? Do they really think I'm going to say yes?

"No, of course I don't. I agree with Casey. We do belong together. And we don't care what other people think. We love each other and I thought that it would be enough for you too to be supportive of this. Obviously, it was me just being stupid again. And Dad I thought you would be on my side. I'm your son! And you guys are just going to have to accept that me and Casey are in love and that we will be together!" I say and then run up to Casey's room.

When I get to her room, the door is closed and I can hear faint crying at the other side of the door. I knock on the door. "Go away." I hear muffled.

"It's me, Derek. I'm coming in." I open the door and see Casey laying flat on her stomach on her back. Her head is face into the pillow. I go and sit on the bed next to her. "C'mon Casey. They'll understand. Just give it time."

"No Derek!" She says and then sits up fast. "See, they won't. I don't know why. Why don't they just want us to be happy? Why can't we be together? We not blood related. Why? Why?" She says and then starts to cry again. I get why she's crying. Why don't our parents just accept it? We're their children. I take Casey into a hug and she cries into my shirt.

"Case, don't worry. We'll get through this. They'll understand and we'll be together. Don't worry." I tell her. She pulls away and looks up at me.

"Yeah. I guess." Pause. "I'm really tired. I'm going to go to bed. And I would ask you to stay and sleep next to me, but I don't think that's the way to get our parents to accept us. So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight" She says to me and then kisses me goodnight.

"Night, Case. But if you do need me, just come in my room after they go to sleep." I say, then leave the room. I shut her door, quietly and then walk into my room.

As soon as I get in, I hear a knock. "What?" I ask.

"It's me. Can I come in?" It's Marti.

"Sure." She opens the door, walks in and then shuts it. "What's up Smarti?" I ask then pick her up.

"Why was everyone screaming, Smerek? Is everyone OK?"

"Yeah, everything is fine. Don't worry."

"OK, Smerek. But, what wrong with you? You tell me everything, so just tell me."

"Nothing is wrong."

"Are you and Casey fighting again?"

"Um, no actually the exact."

"Oh, well are Daddy and Nora fighting?"

"Nope, they're fine."

"OK, well are you fighting with Daddy?" I laugh slightly. She's asking so many questions.

"Yeah, we kind of are. But, don't worry we'll be fine. Everything will be. Now isn't it time for bed?"

She nods. "Yeah, I wanted to say goodnight to Smerek."

"Night, Smarti." I kiss her on the top of her head and put her down. She runs out the door. I decide that I should go to bed now, too. Long Day. I lay down in bed with thoughts of me and Casey.