I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS IN THIS STORY, DISNEY DOES!

Chapter Three: Noel's Dead?!

Casey sat down across from Emily two days later at lunch, "Hey, Em?"

Emily looked up from the table, "Hmmm?"

Casey looked worried, "Have you seen Noel today?"

Emily shook her head slowly. Casey sighed, "It's just not like him to miss school like this."

"Hey, Case." Casey turned around to see Derek standing behind her, "Derek, I thought we didn't talk at school."

Derek shrugged, "But today, I've got news for you."

Casey rolled her eyes, "I don't want to hear about whomever it is you plan on taking out tonight."

Derek sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, "No, Casey, this is bad news about Noel."

Casey sent him a strange look.

Derek sighed, "There's no way to put this Casey, but Noel's dead."

Casey hit his arm, "That's not funny, Derek. You shouldn't joke about something like that."

Derek rolled his eyes, "I'm not joking. Look, last night while you and Emily were gone shopping, Noel's mom called for you, panicking. So I drove over there to see what was going on. When I got there, she informed me that Noel had killed himself. He left two notes one for her…" Derek reached into his pocket and pulled out a note, "and one for you."

Casey couldn't breathe. Noel was dead? How? Why? Casey couldn't grasp why he would do this. Derek set the note in front of her, quickly patted her shoulder, and sauntered off. Casey slowly opened the note:

Dear Casey,

First off, I'm so sorry. I guess this is just one of these "Noel chickens out again" moments, huh. You have to know that one day you'll understand why I did this. That one day everything will be okay.

The first time I saw you, I knew that auditioning for that musical was the best thing I ever did. The real reason I almost backed out? Max. Yes, I was jealous of you're stupid football player boyfriend. Singing with you just made me realize how truly amazing you were. Oh and by the way, those flowers you got opening night? They were from me.

I watched your relationship with Max fall apart Casey, but there was nothing I could do. Then when I thought that I finally had a chance with you, you said you wanted to be just friends. But I decided that I should take what I could get. But I lied to you, Casey. Casey McDonald, I love you and I have loved you for a while now. I'm sorry that you had to find out this way, but I had no other choice. Hopefully, you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. Keep me in your heart, Casey.

Love,

Noel

Casey's eyes burned as she felt the tears slide down her cheeks. Emily, who was still in a state of shock, pulled Casey into a hug. Neither of them could find it in themselves to stay at school that day.

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Thanks to everyone who's been reading this story. Really sorry about the lameness of this part. I'm not really too happy with how Casey finds out. But I do think I did okay on Noel's note. Anyways, sorry it isn't that great.