A/N: Hey, everyone! This story is a little different than what I normal write about. First off, I don't usually write in first person, but I will try my best to make sure the words flow nicely, and I keep them in present tense. In this story, modern Dasey meets the Titanic. Anywho, let's begin and I hope you enjoy!

I can't believe it! I, Casey McDonald, am about to set sail to the Bahamas! New York Harbor is absolutely incredible, and soon, the Atlantic will glide us away on the journey of a lifetime.

Myself, Lizzie, Dad, and…Derek.

Bleh.

Can you believe my Dad invited him? What was he thinking? This was supposed to be the most exciting trip ever, and now I have to share it with the bane of my existence.

It is nauseating to watch the bromance unfold right before my very eyes. I tried so hard to keep Derek from meeting my wonderful father. I even gave him my entire allowance so that he would stay out of the house! And what does he do? He waltzes in with that entitled, cocky, smarmy charmed attitude of his that even Dennis McDonald couldn't resist. How does he do it?

Off into the distance, I can see him, an easy smirk on his face as he chats up some girl whose luggage must cost more than our entire home does back in London, Ontario. Great. He's already found some bimbo to keep him company.

Not that I care!

I'm totally happy. I mean…the more distracted he is, the better. I won't have to worry about all his attention being on me and the disgusting pranks I guarantee he has planned out for the next upcoming two weeks.

Derek really isn't a planner. Only when it comes to ruining my life.

"Are you excited?" My Dad puts his arm around me and squeezes as he looks up at the cruise ship, his eyes shaded behind a pair of sunglasses. It is weird seeing my Dad out of a suit. As a corporate lawyer, he is always dressed to impress. This relaxed side of him standing before me is a nice change.

This is the first time that Dad plans to spend quality time with the two of us without work getting in the way. Quality time with me, Lizzie, and Derek that is.

"I'm thrilled, Dad. But why did you have to invite…him?"

"Honey," Dad sighs, removing his arm from around me as he tenses up. "I told you before. As much as I love you and your sister, guy talk is just easier. I know I haven't been the best father since the divorce, but I'm trying."

"I don't mind Derek coming along," Lizzie says with a smile as she bounces up next to us, putting her arm around Dad's back in a side hug. He beams as he places a hand around her shoulder. "But I have to warn you, you're playing referee like George and Mom do. I'm not getting into the middle of their fights."

"No one is going to fight on this vacation," he says with strict confidence.

Lizzie scoffs. "It's clear that you haven't lived with them for the past two years the way I have, Daddy. They fought on the cab ride over. You were there."

"He opened a bag of beef jerky in the middle of a traffic jam!" I defend myself. "I mean, who does that?"

I fold my arms and look off into the distance. It was bad enough that this trip was going to be tainted by Derek. But now I am being judged because of my occasional fits of anger when it comes to the biggest jerk known to man.

"This is what I'm talking about," my Dad mutters, though I hear him perfectly well.

"Excuse me?" I bark a little too loudly. I bite down on my bottom lip and mutter a 'sorry.' Okay, so girl talk is a little more complicated then guys and their stupid sports obsessed conversations. I didn't ask to be born a passionate and opinionated female. It isn't my fault.

Well, it isn't!

"Let's just find Derek and get ready to board, hmmm?" Dad says, sprinting away faster than I've ever seen him walk before.

"Derek!"

I can hear Dennis call my name, but I'm in the middle of a stimulating conversation with the most stunning girl I've ever seen.

Well, the most stunning girl that New York has to offer. There is one particular nerve grinding female that has every other woman on this planet beat in the looks department.

But don't tell her I said that! I'll deny it.

I'm trying to ignore Dennis as I absentmindedly 'focus' on what Sherry…or was her name Charlotte, is saying about her Louis-Vuitton luggage.

Who talks about their fucking luggage?

"Derek!"

I groan outwardly.

The guy is paying for me to go to the Bahamas after all, and he is about the coolest adult I've ever met. I force a grin before turning around, pinning the cock-block with one of my most charming smiles.

"Dennisssss," I draw his name out for effect. "I was just about to come and look for you."

"I can see that. Care to introduce me to your new friend," he feigns politely. Through clenched teeth, he leans forward and mutters, "cut the bullshit."

I can instantly see the knowing smirk on his face. Well played, McDonald. You see, this is what I love about Casey's Dad. He calls me out on my crap, and while Casey hates that I'm so close to her father, he and I are more than just Hockey talk.

I'm convinced he was just as awesome as I am back when he was a teenager.

"Sure, this is…Shhhhh," I point to the girl, hoping she is ditzy enough to help me out and not be too mad that I forgot her name. After all, we have a five-day trip ahead of us before reaching our destination and I fully intend for her to be my entertainment while aboard.

"Monica," she says with a smile.

Monica. Rigggghhhhht. Wait? Monica? Where did I come up with Shannon?

Maybe that was the hot girl I met on the subway?

Eh, too many girls have separate names. It's like every single one of them are different!

"Nice to meet you, Monica," Dennis says politely. "It's time to board, Derek. I'd ask if you're ready, but I already know the answer."

I say goodbye to the hot girl, but not before getting her phone and room number.

"Seriously, Dennis! You suck as a wing man."

"I promised Nora and George I would look after you, Derek," he says over his shoulder as we start back in the direction of where Casey and Lizzie are standing by the water's edge, three loose ropes separating them from falling over. "I couldn't care less what you do on your own time, but for the next two weeks…keep it in your pants."

"Dennis," I gasp, dramatically feigning shock. "I can't believe you would think I'm anything but pure and virtuous. I respect women and would never use one for my own selfish amusement."

Dennis chuckles sarcastically, stopping sharply before turning around and grabbing me by the ear.

Wait? Did he just…

"Ouch, ouch, ouch." I try to break loose, but his hold tightens. Son-of-a-bitch.

"Listen smartass," he begins. "Though I've never said this to you, I love you like the son I never had. And I'm not planning on getting more grey hairs then I already have by the time this vacation is over. So, behave yourself. Got it?" He abruptly releases my ear. I reach up and rub it furiously. Shit. His grip is way tighter than Nora's is.

I cannot believe he just did that in public! You have got to be kidding me? I look around furiously, hoping no one else saw. I seem to be in the clear…aside from Casey and Lizzie who are giggling. They wave at me in a mocking way, and I have the sudden urge to push them off the edge of the pier.

"Oh," Dennis says, turning to me once again. I back away, reaching up to protect my ear once more. I narrow my eyes at him, ready for another sudden attack. "Be nice to your sisters."

"Step," I correct on instinct.

"Same thing," he says, starting to walk again.

Same thing, my ass. Lizzie, sure. Even though I could have done without her in the beginning, she is an okay kid. But Casey! No, no, no. Even if hell froze over, pigs began to fly, and toothpaste tasted good with orange juice, she would never be my sister.

It left a disgusting taste in my mouth just thinking about it. If Dennis had any idea of the thoughts that crept into my mind every second of every day about his oldest daughter, he would take a knife and cut my ear off, rather than just yank on it.

Better yet, he might cut something else off entirely. Something else wayyyyy more important, if you get my drift.

I may need it when Miss Priss decides to loosen up and…

As my x-rated thoughts of Casey run wild in my mind, like they do every single morning when I'm taking a cold shower, I hear a bloodcurdling scream.

"Casey!"

"Casey!"

I faintly hear Lizzie and Dennis screaming her name. I can't think. I can't breathe.

I didn't actually want to push her off the pier! I was just momentarily tempted.

Only Klutzilla would get herself killed before boarding the boat and ruin everyone's vacation.

My feet are running faster than I've ever glided on the ice.

I sprint past Dennis who had taken off the second she screamed, too. This whole 'saving the Keeners life' is going to look really bad for my 'I don't give a shit about Casey' persona. But all I can think about as I leap over those three stupid ass ropes and into the freezing water fifteen feet below in how terrified I am of her ever leaving me.

One minute, I'm standing on the pier, laughing with Lizzie as we watch my Dad finally get onto Derek. It was the most beautiful sight to behold. Maybe he actually can see Derek for who he really is and not the saint he always makes him out to be?

And then my perfect moment was ruined by some jerk who bumped into me. I tried desperately to catch my footing, but I'm not the most coordinated person ever. I'm one hell of dancer, but even walking is sometimes a struggle for me.

Okay. Maybe I shouldn't have been standing so close to the edge when the drop below is absolutely ridiculous. I should know better, considering my nickname is Klutzilla, given to me by Derek himself.

Asshole.

And then it happened. I fell. I honest to God fell off the damn ledge.

I can hear myself screaming.

I don't remember much about the fall itself. It happened so fast.

I can feel the freezing water bite into my skin like little needles as I sink lower and lower from the impact. All I can think about in my mind is how humiliating this entire scenario is going to be when I'm pulled back to safety.

I can just hear Derek laughing now.

I stretch my arms upward, frantically searching for the surface as I patiently wait to rise. But there is nothing. I'm moving my arms back and forth, waiting to feel the air above me. I'm trying to kick my legs…but I can't move. My body isn't doing what it naturally should. I'm not floating to the surface.

I'm starting to panic.

Something is wrapped around my ankle. I grab onto the solid object behind me, trying to push off it. I think it's part of the pier. But I'm not moving. I reach down to my ankle, feeling the strong material wrapped tightly around it. I tug and pull, but there is zero give.

I'm starting to scream, but the sound only reaches my own ears.

My lungs are starting to feel tight. The sudden fear coursing through my veins is making it difficult to keep my bearings. I'm somehow still alive, so what feels like minutes, must only be seconds.

And then I feel something touch me. I'm momentarily terrified, fighting against the sea monster that has grabbed me. It's not until I feel strong arms grab tight around my waist that I relax. I'm momentarily relieved to know I'm no longer alone and that it's a human being grasping me underneath the sea.

The dark water is eerie and utterly quiet. I hate the silence.

Whoever it is will find a way to get me out of this mess I'm in. It must be my Dad or some other gallant bystander who is looking to save the day. Despite the strong arm holding me tight, I know this person's efforts are useless. As predicted, we don't move. I can't move. I'm locked in place and will never see the light of day again.

I stop fighting.

I see the faces of my Dad and Mom. My little sister. Edwin and Marti. Even Derek.

They are all gone. If I was able to cry right now, I would. But the sea would only wash away my tears.

Whoever is trying to save my life, let's go. I don't blame them. They have no choice but to save themselves. At least they can say they tried to rescue the pathetic girl with two left feet.

But instead of being left on my own to wallow in my watery grave, I suddenly feel them moving down my body, searching for what is keeping me in place. I look down into the murky water as they reach my ankle.

No. It couldn't be…

Derek!

He found the object keeping me in place. He's pulling furiously, bracing his leg against the wooden pier. The pain against my skin is like fire as he tries to break me free. The seconds continue to tick by. Despite my blurred vision, I can see his feeble attempt as he works tirelessly against the clock.

But then he stops.

He quits moving, and for a moment, I fear that he drowned from the excursion.

It no longer hurts, somehow. Even my lungs are numb.

I try to reach down and touch his still form, but pull back when I see him move. He gazes up at me, a look of sad defeat written all over his features. This really was it. There was no saving me.

Derek's presence had somehow calmed me in the beginning. But now that I can see he has given up, reality is starting to sink in. I panic all over. I somehow find what little strength I have left to start pulling once more, but it's no use.

I can feel his hands on my face as he forces me to look at him through my burning and blurred vision.

He's trying to calm me down for the inevitable. I am going to die.

I am going to die.

I am going to d…

Derek rests his forehead against my own, closing his eyes. And then it hits me. I start to push at him, but I'm so weak at this point, he barely moves. Derek hates me. Why would he do this to himself?

I'm hoping that he's waiting for me drift off into oblivion so that he can finally go back to the surface.

Maybe the devil himself didn't want to see me die alone after all.

But as I gaze at Derek, he gives me a small smile that is somehow reassuring. How can I possibly be reassured when death is literally knocking at my door?

I can feel Derek's thumb moving against my skin soothingly as my eyes drift shut…the world fading to black.