Chapter two

Disclaimer: You guys know the drill.

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"So how do you know Sam and Derek?" Casey asked Charlie, as they left school later that day.

"I've known Sam since he was born," Charlie replied. "Our parents were really good friends. I met Derek once at a birthday party."

"So what brings you back here?" Casey said.

"The law," Charlie said. Casey looked puzzled so Charlie explained. "My parents died a few weeks ago, and their will said I go live with my uncle, so here I am."

"Oh," Casey said sympathetically. "I'm sorry."

"Thanks," Charlie said. "I think I'm better off here anyway. There's just too many painful memories in Argentina, you know?"

"Yeah," Casey said, as they continued walking. "Do you have any siblings?"

"I had a brother, but he died when I was 14."

"Oh," Casey said.

"It's okay," Charlie said. "I've gotten used to it."

"If you want any siblings," Casey said. "Feel free to take some of mine."

The girls laughed. "It must be pretty crazy having going from a family of three to a family of seven, uh?" Charlie asked.

"You have no idea," Casey said. "How did you know that?"

"Sam told me in one of his letters," Charlie said. "That Derek's dad got married and that he didn't like it. Derek, I mean. Not Sam."

"Right," Casey said, giggling. "Your uncle's picking you up?"

"No," Charlie said. "This is my ride." She pointed toward a red Mini Cooper beside them.

"That's your car?" Casey said, flabbergasted. "It's sooo cute!"

"Thanks," Charlie said. "You wanna lift home?"

Casey looked surprised by the offer. She barely knew this girl. And plus, she was trying really hard not to like her. After all, she looked a little too friendly with Sam for Casey's liking. "Um," Casey said. "I don't know…"

"He's not my boyfriend," Charlie said, smiling.

"What? Who?" Casey asked, confused.

"Sam," Charlie said.

"Why would I care?" Casey said nervously.

"Because you like him," Charlie said. "I can tell. You always look at your feet first before talking to him. It's a sign."

"You've known me one day and you've already come to that conclusion?" Casey whispered. "Is it that obvious?"

"Yeah, sweetie," Charlie said, laughing. "But don't worry, I don't think he knows. So how about that lift?"

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ArgentinaChica76: hey, lover boy. How's it going?

It was eight thirty, Charlie had finished her homework and her uncle had gone out for the night, so she decided to IM some friends.

SamTheMan32: fine and u? And by the way, don't call me lover boy.

ArgentinaChica76: fine, lover boy. I gave ur girlfriend a lift home today. She's really nice.

SamTheMan32: Casey is not my girlfriend.

ArgentinaChica76: who said I was talking about Casey? ;)

SamTheMan32: Very sneaky.

ArgentinaChica76: sneaky's my middle name, Sammy.

SamTheMan32: I thought ur middle name was Rose lol.

ArgentinaChica76: I've got 2. So when are u gonna ask her out?

SamTheMan32: Who?

ArgentinaChica76: Casey, u dingbat.

SamTheMan32: I don't know. Ur not going to shove me at her now that ur here, are u?

ArgentinaChica76: Honestly, Sam I thought u knew me. Of course I'm gonna!

SamTheMan32: Derek wouldfreak of he knew.

ArgentinaChica76: we just won't tell him, will we? Do u know Casey's email address?

SamTheMan32: caseymacdonald22. Why?

ArgentinaChica76: I didn't actually expect u to know it, but okay. I want to chat with her that's why. Be right back.

Charlie quickly added Casey and to her delight, she was online.

ArgentinaChica76: hey Casey. It's Charlie. What's up?

Casey22: hey Charlie. I'm good. How did u get my email address?

ArgentinaChica76: Sam.

Casey22: He knows my email address? Where did he get it?

ArgentinaChica76: beats me. Be right back.

ArgentinaChica76: guess what lover boy? Ur lover girl is online, lol.

SamTheMan32: Really?

ArgentinaChica76: Yup. She wants to know where u got her email address.

SamTheMan32: YOU TOLD HER I KNEW HER EMAIL ADDRESS?

ArgentinaChica76: yup.

SamTheMan32: tell her Derek gave it to me in case I needed help with my homework.

ArgentinaChica76: that's the dumbest excuse I've ever heard, but okay. Be right back.

ArgentinaChica76: he said Derek gave it to him in case he ever needed help with his homework.

Casey22: oh. Ok then.

ArgentinaChica76: sorry got to go. "Criminal Minds" is on in 5. Do u want a lift to school tomorrow?

Casey22: sure. Bye. See u tomorrow.

SamTheMan32: bye.

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The next morning, Casey got up showered, ate breakfast and at quarter to eight, someone knocked at the front door. Edwin answered it.

"Hi," Charlie said. "I'm Charlie."

Edwin didn't answer. He just stood there, starring.

"I'm here to pick up Casey," she continued. "I'm giving her a lift to school."

Casey walked into the room. "Oh. Hey," she said.

"You ready?" Charlie asked. Casey nodded and grabbed her bag. "I'm leaving, mom!" she yelled.

"Have a nice day at school!" a voice yelled from upstairs. Then Derek came down the stairs. "Oh," he said seeing Charlie. "Hi."

"Hey yourself," Charlie said, smiling. "You wanna lift to school too?"

"Sure," he said and grabbed his bag. "I call shotgun!" Casey yelled and sprinted out the door.

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