First Life With Derek fic, so be gentle! And thank you for tuning in.

Disclaimer: Alas, i do not own LWD otherwise Derek would just be... well anyway i don't own it.

Note: So many many reviews!! You guys spoil me!! Quick note to sccrchic1432- The whole vacation is a flashback... and when i put FxB later on it will be back in present time.. but thats later on! Special thanks to my crazy little monkeys(lol): PinkTribeChick, Lanakila91, atruwriter, csteinha, choir-freak, sballLuvr5, HRInuyashaFan16, Macyn Blue, This Is The Story Of A Girl, rmrivera, missmiamya, iluvarcticmonkeys, sccrchic1432, Jas120, jannikajade, rina, emma676, and funnechick.You all are the most freakin awesomest reveiwers!!!

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Chapter Six

After that little encounter, I took the opportunity to take the bathroom next. I quickly showered, got dressed in my usual attire but with a little more oomph, brushed my hair leaving it hanging down loosely still wet. Then I made sure to give a few squirts of my vanilla body spray. I remember Derek commenting he liked that smell once. Then finally after brushing my teeth, I apply a light coat of lip gloss and just a touch of mascara. "There, perfect." Well, as perfect as I can make myself. I then let my smile fade to a half-smile and exited the room. No one was there. So, I headed up the stairs and entered the kitchen. All were lined around the large table, which just seemed to be two pushed together.

"Morning." There Aunt smiled at me. "Would you like something to eat? Can I make you something?"

"Um, no cereal is fine, thank you." I reached for the box of shredded wheat and pouring its contents in my white and light green speckled bowl. And then gripping the milk cartoon, I slowly splash it over my bits of cereal. I take hold of the ceramic bowl and turn to the table of people. Derek is sitting right beside Jake, both smiling and talking. Probably about something stupid like hockey or chicks. Jake pulls back the chair beside him, offering it to me. I grin appreciatively as I took the seat.

"So, kids Im sure you all must have seen each other this morning." The Aunt starts. "But let me introduce. I'm Candice, this is my husband Perry," She giggled putting a hand on the mans shoulder beside her. "This is my little Becca-boo." She spoke looking at her little girl motherly.

"Mom..." The daughter scolded quietly. Becca looked around nine, very thin and little with straight dirty blonde hair, light hazel eyes and the biggest smile. She flinched a little at the mention of "Becca-boo."

Candice mouthed "sorry" and then looked over at her son. "And this is Jakey."

My eyes followed hers and I looked up at his face. He is really good-looking. And then I see his eyes looking back at mine, he is smiling. Man, did he have the best smile. I blush a little from being caught staring and instantly glance away. Then I leaned a little forward and looked at Derek talking with his Uncle. He is laughing at something. I desperately wanted to know what it was, so I too could join in laughing with him. He has the best laugh. Oh, damn it.

"Well, I really would like to thank you all for letting us stay with you. It was very kind of you." My mother spoke up, bringing her hands together.

"Its no problem at all dear." That was coming from the Uncle. He seems like a genuinely kind person.

Then without much realizing it, was rubbing my neck. It was pretty sore, stupid couch.

"What's the matter Casey?" My mother eyed me with little concern more question.

I stammered a little for no reason. "Oh, I kinda slept on the couch last night."

I saw Jake's face twist. "Oh, your names Casey?" I choose to ignore his question.

"Why would do that? Did the kids not let you in?" Candice, tilted her head.

"We didn't want to wake them." I smiled uncomfortable.

"Correction, you didn't want to wake them. I was fine with it." Derek made his snide remark.

"I don't know how you managed to hurt your neck. Me and Lizzie slept fine." Edwin added.

"So, you slept on a couch with Derek?" It was George who now asked a question.

"Uhh." I felt all guilty. As though I did something wrong. Like a little kid being caught with there hands in the cookie jar. "Well, kinda." I knew my cheeks were red.

"No wonder your neck is sore, he is such a restless sleeper." George finish.

"And its too bad you didn't tell me you were gonna be sleeping on the couch. I would have told you, it pulls out to a bed." Candice smiled, twirling her spoon through her own bowl of cereal. My shoulders slumped forward. Well, now you tell me.

And I felt my ribcage being poked lightly with Jake's elbow. I looked up, and he lowered his head. "I thought your name was Cassidy."

I gave a little uncomfortable laugh and answered hoping the "everybody-ask-Casey-a-million-questions" segment was over. "Uhh... me too?"

We all sat quietly for ten more minutes or so finishing up our breakfasts. Then George glanced up at the round large clock and then down at his wristwatch.

His sister took note of this. "Okay, maybe we should get ready now. It does start at eight." She flashed her brother a sweet smile and then we all got up heading to our designated areas.

I went down to the basement with all the others children. I pushed aside my little pink bag going for my much larger black one I brought. Pulling back it big flap, I scan the overflow of clothes. I guess I'm not one for packing light. I finally pulled out my favorite black tube dress, my black shrug and a pair of black strap heels. If I couldn't wear any of my regular clothes, and I looked good today, I would at least wear my best, cutest looking funeral clothes. That doesn't sound very nice, but oh well Grama Jean wont mind my thinking. I looked around making sure the coast was clear, and I crouched behind the couch. I quickly changed into my dress and put on my shoes, then slowly stood. Derek was already sitting on the couch dressed. He looked really, really good. Wearing a long-sleeved black button down and a pair of black jeans. His hair looked like he ran a hand through it. Even if its a little messy it made him much more attractive. I smiled at him and to my dismay, he smiled back.

"Wow, Derek you actually look nice."

"Yeah well, I guess you look good too." He fidgeted with his hands.

I grinned sheepishly. "Thanks."

We had this little eye contact, and I felt my heart skip. But of course Derek rolled his eyes and grunted. "Whatever."

Then I heard a door open behind me. I turned and it was Jake, he stared at me. "You, look beautiful." Oh, this dress was definitely a good idea.

I grew with excitement. No one has ever called me beautiful before, other than my mother. I felt like I had to reply with something. "Be nice" i told myself.

"You too." Wait, what? You stupid idiot! "I mean handsome.. er good." I sighed. "You look great." Which he did. He is wearing a black suit and a dark green button down undershirt which made his eyes pop out, no tie. He looked especially good in green. Imagine if him and Derek both wore green on the same day? That would drive me crazy. But um anyway, yes he did look great. Then I looked back over at the couch. Just not as great as Derek.

x-x-x

Everyone was really upset at the funeral parlor. Especially my dad's mother. Grama Jean was her Mom. She was extremely sad. I mean it's not like we all expected her to live forever, but nothing was particularly wrong with her. So I tried to stay near her, but my Gramps, dad, and Aunt Candice were all pretty much there for her. After there we headed to the church. The pastor droned on about what kind of a person she was and how she lived a full long life. Then dad went up there and spoke. I was pretty suprised, I had no idea he was going to speak. I looked over at my Grams and saw her smile as my father continued about things Grama Jean used to say and how she acted. I was glad my Grams smiled, I hated seeing her sad. After we all drove in our car. It was dad, Nora, Aunt Candice, Uncle Perry, Jake, Casey and me. My Aunt and Uncle didn't want to take little Rebecca because they didn't want it to bother her. Dad and Nora felt the same way about Marti. So Edwin and Lizzie decided to stay home with them. And my Grams drove with Gramps and her two sisters in a small limousine. Uncle Perry took the liberty of driver and Nora sat in the passenger seat. Dad and Aunt Candice sat in the row behind them, both talking about Grama Jean or asking if either thought their Mom would be okay. And in the back row it was us three. I made sure I grabbed a seat beside Casey, but of course Jake still got the other side. I noticed they seemed a little cozy with each other. I don't like it at all. I'm not jealous, I just don't think he's good for her. I mean he's related to me so I must have at least some idea what he's like, right? And he just touched her arm.

"So, Casey.." I touch her leg, trying to get her attention away from Jake and onto me. "Your not too uncomfortable with this whole thing are you?"

She glanced at my fingertips, still touching her thinly clothed thigh. "Well, no. I mean we're like family now right?"

I felt a like a lump was closing my throat. "Yeah, right... family."

She smiled and gave a pat to the top of my hand. Then she turned back towards Jake and continued to talk with him about whatever. Probably something like their feelings or school.

We pulled up to the cemetery. It reminded me of an old scary type from movies. If it would have been dark out it would most definitely give off an eerie look. So, sorry Grama Jean no late night visits from this particular great-grandkid. Then the pallbearers carried out the dark wood casket onto the grass, and everyone else poured out of their vehicles walking towards the open grave. I looked around at everyone. It was like a swarm of mildly depressed zombies. We all gathered around and someone spoke a few words. I glanced over every face. Everyone was okay, not much tears. Then they started lowering the casket in the ground, more tears came now. I felt my heart strings tug. So I went over to my Grams and wrapped my arms around her. I know she had everyone there for her, but I still wanted her to know I was there too.

"I'm sorry your sad." I whispered as I pulled away.

She smiled a little through her tears and placed a hand to my cheek. "Oh Derek, your such a good boy."

She sniffled a few times, I hugged her again. "I love you, Grams."

And as she echoed it back, I felt that tug in me again. And when I finally left her side, I noticed Casey away from the cluster. She was over in another section, look at some gravestones. I checked to see all the rest of the family standing at the grave, talking or crying or rubbing their eyes or just gazing at the closing hole like it was the most unrecognizable thing in the entire world. I opted to see Casey.

"What you looking at?" I asked standing side-by-side with her.

"Five years old. He was five when he died." A frown found itself on her face. I hated when she was even a little bit upset. Even though she looked unbelievably beautiful when she would pout.

"Oh." I didn't know what else to say.

We stood in silence staring a little boys grave. Its scattered with little plastic toys and a few flowers have been planted around it. And the stone read: "Peter Greaves 1993 - 1998 Taken too soon." He died seven years ago, he would be Edwin and Lizzie's age now. He died at five years old. Its like Marti dying now. I could never picture any parent or family member getting over that. I don't even want to imagine anything happening to my little Smarti.

She finally spoke. "Why do people have to die."

I didn't answer. Even though I thought about it, I didn't. I just took my arm and wrapped it around her, rubbing my hand over her exposed skin. I had expected her to push me away or yell, but she didn't. Instead, to my complete shock, she tilted her head and rested it on my shoulder. I probably shouldn't have but I breathed in the scent of her hair, honey vanilla. It was my favorite smell, especially now since she used it.

I heard Nora calling me and Casey over. I secretly cursed and dropped my arm. She let her head linger on my shoulder a few more seconds, then we headed back to the car.

The car ride was extremely quiet. I almost wanted to scream to be sure I handn't gone deaf. But I knew I hadn't from the little whispers I heard from to my left. I looked at her, her lips were curving upward. "Now, how does he get her to smile like that?" I found myself curious. "She will never smile like that with you."

We stopped a few minutes later in front of my Aunt and Uncles house. Everyone started to exit the vehicle, except us three in the back. I wasn't going to leave them alone, giving the opportunity to do anything I do not approve. Which just happens to be anything.

None of us moved for a minute, then Casey stood. Jake's fingers were linked to hers. "I'll see you guys inside."

I watched her hop out of the car, then turned to my cousin. "What are you trying to do with Casey?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. But she's pretty hott."

I wanted to punch him for saying that. "Whatever, just stay away from her."

"Why?" His face twisted.

I hesitated a little. I cant just come out and say I want her all to myself. "Cause her and my best friend are kind of dating."

"She told me about him. It doesn't matter. Besides I told her how a little fling with some kid couldn't compare to something special that could happen between me and her." He chuckled, and I knew what he was having in mind for "something special" with Casey. "I mean after this week I probably wont see her again anyway."

My jaw tightened and my blood boiled. I couldn't handle hearing another guy talk about her like that. I wanted to deck him.

"You know how it is cuz." He patted my shoulder and left the car.

"What a jackass!" I found my subconscious yelling. I knew Jake was no good. And i will try with every fiber i am, to keep him away from her.

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A/N: OMG!! im soo sorry guys!! I was working like crazy this weekend so i never had a chance to sit down and write this chapter. So yes i know its not very long and not much happened... but another chapter is shortly approaching!! And now reply my little monkeys!!