I do not own Life with Derek.

Ch.1-Surprise Visit

As she drove through the falling snow she could feel the cold surround her. It was like the emptiness in her heart that she could never fill. So she had chosen to ignore it and by doing so she had lost her family. It was never what she had wanted but it was all in the past and she couldn't turn back now. So she decided that it was time to get her family back. At eight at night Casey McDonald pulled up in front of the Venturi/McDonald house, her old home.

For an hour she just sat there, in her car thinking. She had lost so much when she left. She had gotten into NYU with a full scholarship. Nora McDonald wasn't supportive to say the least. She didn't want Casey to leave and said they couldn't afford the housing in New York. It was then that Denis McDonald came in, he offered to help Casey with the housing and was pleased with the idea of having his daughter so close to him. NYU was a great university, she would be closer to her father, and she had always wanted to see New York but the reason she decided to go was because of…Well it didn't matter anymore, what did matter though was that after five years Casey McDonald would see her family again.

As Casey stood in front of the door she took a deep breath, knocked the door with her left hand, and with her right hand she held her daughter's hand. As the door opened Nora McDonald came into view. "Casey… oh Casey!" Nora McDonald was shocked but with relief Casey could see the joy. Both mother and daughter embraced and Casey was led inside. Before she knew it, the entire family surrounded Casey. A much older looking Lizzie quickly came into view and immediately hugged her older sister, and before they knew it both girls were in tears. No one said anything, to scared of what the other person might answer if they asked a question.

In the middle of all the embraces a much older looking Derek came down the stairs. Hockey had certainly done a job. Derek Venturi was now a toned, well built man. His hair was a bit longer then when Casey had first met him but she liked it. He had become taller and Casey couldn't help but realize that he looked like he could become a male model. It was then that Derek noticed her. He hadn't seen her five years and he couldn't help but stare. Casey McDonald was not the young teenage girl he use to know but a beautiful, and he could tell sexy, woman. Her was hair was longer now and in layers. Her face looked more mature and she wore light make up, the eyeliner making her crystal blue eyes stand out. Her body had certainly matured and she definitely had curves now. Her style had definitely changed. She no longer wore clothes that made her look younger or like a true schoolgirl, but a style that made her look sophisticated yet sexy. She was wearing a tight brown nit shirt that covered her arms but revealed her shoulders, tight light blue jeans, and sexy brown leather boots. It was then that Derek noticed the little girl next to her. " Case…who's that?" As if on cue the rest of the family looked down and noticed the small girl. "This is my daughter Dominique." I should have told them before…maybe they would've understood…no they wouldn't have and I couldn't have come back yet…but what do I do know? Silence filled the air, no one new what to say or how to react.

Finally after what seemed like a life time, but was probably only two minutes, Nora McDonald spoke up, "Well uh Casey did you bring your bags?'

Slightly embarrassed Casey replied, "Uh actually I left them in the car, but I'll go get them." How could I have been so stupid…now they'll think I'm a ditz!

At this George Venturi seemed to find his voice, "Derek go help Casey."

With that Derek and Casey walked outside with Casey carrying Dominique on her side. As they were outside not a word was spoken. The only thing that was heard was the wind blowing and the snow falling, instinctively Casey pulled Dominique closer as she felt her daughter fall asleep. After Casey pulled her luggage out of her car Derek immediately grabbed them and seemed to find his voice. "Well…uh…Dominique…"

Casey could sense Derek's uneasiness and disappointment but was there jealousy? Before she knew it she said, "I adopted Dominique." She didn't know why she had done that, the only person who knew the truth was her father. Crap I shouldn't've said that! Now what do I do? I he says something…

"What?" At that point both Derek and Casey stood half way to the house staring at each other. As the snow gently fell around them brown and blue eyes met and once again there was silence. I have to snap out of this…I cant fall for this again…not know…I can't do that to Dominique.

"Derek, no matter what anybody says Dominique is my daughter, even if I adopted her…I don't know why I told you but you can't tell anyone."

"I…but…"

"Please Derek. You can't tell…" Casey was no pleading and Derek could see the fear in her eyes. "Please Derek."

"Fine."

"Thank you." And with that Casey walked in the house leaving a very confused Derek behind. I have to get in control…I can't do this again…I cant loose everything again because of…him…because of Derek.