A/N: This chapter is from Casey's point of view via third person. Italics are used when her thoughts become first person POV.

Chapter 2

The next morning Casey went downstairs for breakfast. She was doing fine. It had been hard to sleep last night. Her thoughts had been ridiculously restless. Finally she had made up her mind. She knew what she would have to do.

She didn't want to do it, but that's life doing what you don't want to do. It would be hard and painful, but it had to be done as soon as possible. Before things went deeper than they already were.

She wished she could do it now while she had the courage, but she wouldn't be able to really talk with Derek until after school. Casey sighed miserably. She could tell it was going to be a long day. I'm doing the right thing, she kept telling herself.

When had doing what's right hurt so much? See that's why I must end it with Derek, she thought, I never enjoyed doing wrong until now.

Casey and Lizzie were alone downstairs. Casey looked at the choices of cereal and decided to go with a Nutri-Grain bar. She felt sick enough and something light on her stomach she felt was a wise decision.

Because that's who I am, she thought, I base my decisions on what is smart and logical.

Lizzie asked her sister, "You look kind of tired. What did mom talk to you about in your room last night? Are you going to see a real psychiatrist?"

Casey answered, "Mom is just worried about my stress level. I told her she can talk with Paul to see how I am, but a psychiatrist is not necessary."

Casey tossed the wrapper in the trash and went to gather her binder and books from her room.

It would best for everyone if she did it. She couldn't live a lie. She couldn't keep secrets from her family. She couldn't be selfish. And what would she have done about Sam? Dump him for her stepbrother? Or string them both along? If she did what she had to, like a good little girl, it would be better for everyone. Everyone would still be happy, everyone…but her and Derek.

She came back down with her books and binder to see Edwin at the table with Lizzie.

"…She thinks she's all that and a bag of Doritos because she wears a 36 A." Casey caught the last of Lizzie's words to Edwin.

Casey poured herself some milk. She made a habit of drinking milk. After all she had the symptoms of what later causes osteoporosis.

"Really! How could I have missed those boobs?" Edwin exclaimed.

"What a beautiful subject to start the morning. Whose breasts are we referring to?" Derek asked entering the kitchen with his usual charm.

"An eleven year old girl's.", Casey smiled as she answered. She enjoyed watching a distasteful expression form on his face as she sat beside Lizzie.

"That's pathetic, Edwin." Derek said grabbing a box of cereal.

"Hey, it's all I have. The woes of being a boy at my age." Edwin sighed.

Casey watched Derek as he poured cereal into a bowl. All she asked for was to be with him. Was that asking for more than a lot? She shook at the thought. She stood putting her cup in the sink. Her eyes glanced at Derek. How could Lizzie and Edwin, hell, the whole world not see she was in love him? He caught Casey's eyes on him and asked what. She rolled her eyes.

"I'm going." Casey said and walked next door to Emily's to walk to school.

She could break things off with Derek. She could quietly ignore those unwanted emotions he compelled. She and Derek would behave as if her whole perspective on life had not changed. Nothing like what happened last night will happen ever again. She would just have to control herself.

Casey was good at having a calm composure, she believed. Derek had failed at that; he had no self-restraint. Casey was strong, while Derek was weak.

She rang Emily's doorbell. Yet when it came to his touch she was the weak one. She remembered his hand on her and how it was wonderful. How was she going to tell him that they were over? How was she never going to feel him beside her?

Emily opened the door. They smiled, greeted each other, and began walking to school. Emily began talking about a Jamie Winters. Casey's mind went back to Derek. He was so hot. He was…Derek. He was irritating, rude, and so full of himself. You can't blame me for hating him. And at the same time he's everything I never knew I wanted.

I want what happened last night to happen night after night. I don't want to stop whatever it is I have with Derek, she thought. Dear God, I want him. I cant do this. I'm going to tell him this cannot continue, right? I don't know what to do...It can't get much worse than this.

"Casey, did you hear me?" Emily interrupted.

"Oh I'm sorry my mind went soaring. What did you say?"

"Has Amber invited you to her party yet?"

"No and I don't care about her party." Casey said simply.

"I know you don't really care for her, but everyone is going to be there. And I'd love to have my best friend with me." Emily whined.

"It won't be my fault if she doesn't invite me. It's tonight and if she hasn't asked me yet, I doubt she will." Casey opened the school door for Emily and her.

"Hold the phone. Never mind. You don't need to go to her stupid party. You should stay home and study." Emily said quickly.

"You're mocking me?"

"No! No! Just please whatever you do don't plan anything for tonight." she begged.

"Why? Emily what's going on?"

"You'll find out soon enough. You're making this sooooo hard for me not to tell you." Emily replied opening her locker. The bell rang and they had to hurry to their first period.

A/N: The plot will start rolling pretty fast after this chapter. Please review.