Casey had stopped right before the border. She knew they needed to go through customs to get into the United States. It had been a long day for the both of them. She couldn't understand how someone didn't want to be with their child. Every day that Danny was gone she could think about being with her again. Derek was never one to do something that didn't fully benefit him in the long run. If only he could know that getting to know Danny would be the greatest benefit to him that he could ever achieve. She went into the grocery store and grabbed some food before she woke Danny up. Casey walked back to the car.

"Danny wake up."

Danny stirred a little but it didn't seem like she would be waking up to easily. She was drained it was a long day. She had decided to leave her dad and all the horrible people she met behind. It wasn't even like her Uncle wanted to help her at all. He seemed to care more about his image than anything else. She knew that it was important to keep an image for everyone in school but she always thought family would be stronger than anything. She could hear her mom calling her some more. She started to blink and get use to the sunlight. She was hoping they were almost to her new home. She hated having to make new friends but it would be easier in a new country no one knew her.

"What mom? I'm awake."

She sat up and looked around she could tell that they had stopped at a convenience store. Now that she was awaking, Casey moved to the other side of the car and got into the drivers side. Danny reached into the bag and grabbed out a bag of chips. She didn't realize how hungry she was but she had been sleeping for some time.

"We have to get across the border and then it will be another six to seven hours before we hit New York City."

"I didn't realize how long of a trip this was going to be."

"We will stop once we get into New York to stay the night at a hotel."

"Well I guess we should get going."

"Alright don't worry we will be there by tomorrow night sweetie."

They buckled up and Casey started the car again. She headed towards the bridge that connected Canada and the United States. They weren't many people waiting in the line to get across. They hit it at the right time. Sometimes you could wait for a few minutes with how long the lines could get. They crossed with no issues and now Danny was ready to see what was so special about everything over here. They did make it half way through New York before Casey found a nice little hotel for the two of them to stay in. Danny grabbed some clothes to change in and followed her mom into their room for the night.

"Mom can you tell me more about my dad."

"What did you want to know?"

"I didn't really get to know him that much. I wanted to know why you too fell in love. What gave you guys that connection."

"I guess it was a long time for use to fall in love. We didn't have a great relationship at first. We hated each other. We never got along but something changed along the way when we did this day camp thing."

"What you and dad hated each other?"

"Yea we did, we would argue over everything. It was horrible at first but then things just got better between us. We would still fight but there would be hidden moments between us. It wasn't until senior year that something clicked and we knew we should try to be something more but we didn't go out right away and tell anyone. Lizzie and Ed found out but after graduating we decided to all act like nothing happened."

"Mom you wanted to act like nothing happened how did that work out?"

"It was working out fine. I went off to college and of course it was the same one that Derek was going too but the college was big enough we never really saw each other. He spent most of his time doing hockey and I found out I was having you and I knew my life was going to change. I didn't want Derek to blame me for giving up his dreams so I never told him. I was strong enough to finish college while raising you because I knew that I would be able to give you a life that you deserved to have."

Danny was starting to see that she was grateful for everything that her mom had given up to give her everything. She was sad that her dad didn't get to be a part of that but she was glad she had an amazing mom to look up too. She knew how hard school was without having to worry about another person. Danny laid down on her bed. She couldn't believe that her parents hated each other for the longest time. She saw the way they looked at each other when they saw each other they seemed to truly love each other. She wanted to feel that way some day. She could only imagine how that would feel.

"Mom I am grateful for you giving up everything for me. I know how much you could have done if you didn't have to raise me in the long run. I know you did the best to make sure dad got the life he always wanted but I'm not sure he would have done the right thing even if you did give him the option. Look how he choose when he did finally get the chance. I'm just glad that you gave me a chance for a happy life."

"Danny, I know it may seem like your dad didn't want to deal with you but he never had to grow up and accept responsibility for anyone else but himself. It may be hard to see him as trying but I think he did his best."

"Well I believe he could have done better."

"We will see what happens but for now go to bed. We need to get up early tomorrow."

She pulled the covers over her. It didn't seem to take long for her to fall asleep. Casey just sat up in bed reading a book. Thinking back to all the times that her and Derek fought or had good moments made her realize how much she did care for him. She saw the good sides to him and she believed he showed her that side because he trusted her. She wished things were different but Derek was use to the party life and she never did that life. She didn't want to change him and bring Danny into his life meant a big change for him. He wasn't ready for that kind of change just yet. Casey knew some day things would be different but for now she would give her daughter the life she deserved.