Saturday 3 AM

Casey couldn't breathe. She was trying but she couldn't make herself breathe. The weekend had started out pleasant enough. Sam had surprised Micah by coming into town Friday and the two had taken pity on Casey by inviting her to Micah's apartment to hang out and watch movies. The whole night was great, until...

Friday Night

"Come on, Casey. I want to get to know the girl that my finance refers to as the second love of his life." Sam laughed.

Casey giggled, "I swear I haven't touched him. We only talk of you."

"I heard something like that. Honestly though, I have never had any close friends. I was always branded a geek for being so dedicated to my studies. I nearly fainted when Micah noticed me. But Micah has told me so much about you I feel as if I know you. Please come."

"Yeah Case don't leave to fend for myself. Sam is crazy." Sam took that moment to elbow Micah in the ribs. "OUCH! I was only joking." All three started laughing.

"Well I was planning on washing my hair tonight in preparation for Micah and my hot date tomorrow, but since you are in town I guess tomorrow is down the drain anyways."

"Sorry Case. You don't get out of that project that easily. Sam is actually in town to see some family as well. She'll be with them all afternoon." Micah gives her and obvious wink. " So you and I can continue our passionate sordid affair as planned." This time Casey elbowed him. "OUCH! Between the two of you, my ribs are going to be bruised." Casey and Sam laughed.

"Wow. Guys thanks. I mean it. I haven't done much here. Micah you are seriously the only friend here I've got."

"More the reason for you to come to the apartment. You and Sam have so much in common." Casey giggled. "What?"

"It's just the last Sam I thought I had stuff in common with, I dated."

"Well I guess I should watch out for you two then. But if you guys do, I wanna watch for real." This time both girls elbowed him. "OUCHOUCHOUCH! Yup bruised ribs." Micah was laughing.

Later at the apartment...

They were all hanging out, laughing. They had forgotten the about the movies as Casey and Sam were becoming quick friends and gaining up on Micah. Somewhere the conversation turned serious. The subject of Derek came up and Casey decided to let Sam in on the secret.

"So I am like the longest relationship he has had. The first was Kendra, which was a little over 2 months. Then there was Jane. They lasted 4 months our senior year. They broke up a month before graduation. Oddly Derek actually stayed friends with her. I honestly thought they may last. At the time Derek and I didn't have feeling for one another."

"So how long have you been together?"

"6 Months this month. We got together in May before graduation. I think I am going to tell him on our anniversary that I am pregnant."

"You're pregnant?! It's Micah's isn't it?" Sam laughed.

"You caught me." Micah acted guilty "I have been with Casey all summer while simultaneously never leaving you're side this summer as well." That made them all laugh.

"So seriously, how far are you?"

"I'll be about 17 weeks when I tell him."

"OH, how exciting."

"Kinda, I am so nervous. I don't know..." At that moment Casey's cell rang. "Well speak of the devil. I wonder what he wants at 2 am. Whoa it's 2. Hold on a sec." Casey flips open the phone. "Hey honey, what's up?" Casey got quiet and got a weird look on her face. "Okay, I see. Sure. Yeah. Well I am at a friends., but there's a park around the corner. Actually it's between my dorm and here. Just take a left at the diner and its hard to miss." Pause." See you there. Love.." Derek had hung up without saying he loved her.

"So what was that about?" Micah asked curiously.

"Not sure. But he's here. I am going to meet him at the park."

"Awe...he's like me and surprised you?"

" I guess.." Casey replied. She didn't want to say anything but it couldn't be good. Derek had a game today. The only way he would have been able to miss it was if it was bad news. His scholarship depended on him playing. With dread Casey walked out the door and headed to the park, barely hearing the 'be carefuls and laters'.