Author's Note: It's been a while… I know. School keeps my busy, but I am on Christmas break and had the urge to write some chapters. Here is one of them. I don't own anything of LWD.

Chap 7

"The Power of Sympathy… Has anyone read this book?" Casey's English teacher looked at the class then lingered on Casey's face to see if the book was recognized. When no one moved the teacher continued, "This book is delegated the first published American novel, and I would like us to explicate the novel in the time period and compare the novel to other novel. In order to relate this story to other stories, we must read and analyze it..."

Everyone in the class slumped in their seat, but Casey perked up a little bit. She needed distractions. Instead of reading books for fun, she now had a worthy reason to read or rather a worthy reason to avoid coming out of her room, no a reason to avoid Derek. She wanted to remain enclosed in tales of fictional plights, adventures or romances so she could continue to dodge her own life's plight of star-crossed love and misadventure. Evasion after evasion and book after book, it had been like this for the past month. She couldn't cope with her feelings. She couldn't enjoy kissing Derek.

Casey's teacher set a book down on her desk drawing Casey's attention, and whispered, "You'll like this one, Casey."

"Yeah, Ms. Jones?"

Ms. Jones nodded to Casey and continued, "William Hill Brown is the author of the book, and I would like to relate the Preface to you if you can all turn to page 7 after the introduction: "Novels have ever met with a ready reception into the Libraries of the ladies, but this species of writing hath not been received with universal approbation: Futility is not the only charge brought against it. Any attempt, therefore, to make these studies more advantageous, has at least a claim upon the patience and candour of the public.

In Novels, which expose no particular Vice, and which recommend no particular Virtue, the fair Reader, though she may find amusement, must finish them without being impressed with any particular idea: So that if they are harmless, they are not beneficial.

Of the Letters before us, it is necessary to remark, that this error on each side has been avoided-the dangerous Consequences of Seduction are exposed, and the Advantages of Female Education set for and recommended."

Jason Gats raised his hand, " Ms. Jones, is this saying that books are bad?"

"In a way, this book says exactly that."

"Does that mean we have to read it?"

"Good try, Mr. Gats, but yes. Does anyone understand the passage a little more accurately?"

Casey slowly raised her hand, "It says that reading certain books, romances, are not prosperous for a young woman's mind."

"Yes, this is more of the correct summary. I would like to comment that in this novel, vices and virtues are highly esteemed. Being virtuous is referencing being abstinent and saving yourself for your husband. This novel is supposed to be as a kind of 'how to' be a virtuous women by showing what can happen when you aren't virtuous. Women back in the late 1700's early 1800's did not have a choice to be independent thus normally married young. Women without money had only their virtue for their dowry. This book is a sort of warning for women to keep their only thing of value. As you read 10 letters tonight I would like you to think about the characters who are introduced and also at the end of each letter write a 1 to 3 sentence summary," Ms. Jones finished as the bell rang for lunch.

Like Ms. Jones had predicated the book was all about virtue. As Casey was reading the book, she became obsessed with virtue: her virtue. The story's main plot involves two people, Thomas Harrington and Harriet Fawcet who fall in love. She reads how Harriet is reforming Harrington who was a former 'rake' or promiscuous bachelor. During lunch, since Emily was out of school sick, Casey kept reading the book and then writing a sentence summary for each chapter. She could feel eyes on her but she didn't really care that much anymore. She didn't touch her sandwich, took only a few swigs of water.

Throughout most of her classes, she couldn't put the book down. In her last period class her hands got clammy as she finished the book, she couldn't stop thinking about the turn of events and the ending.

The two lovebirds Thomas Harrington and Harriet Fawcet end up being brother and sister. Harriet was the long-lost, bastard daughter of Thomas Harrington's father. In the end, Harriet died of grief because she was in love with her brother and she was not virtuous. Thomas Harrington commits suicide after his only love died of grief.

The story felt like rocks on her shoulders. What was she supposed to do? The forbidden love within family made Casey feel even more guilt than she had felt the past month. She liked kissing Derek, her brother. She couldn't hide it anymore because she had admitted it. She kept carrying her guilt, and this burden depressed her.

Casey arms felt heavy and weak as she closed the novel's heavy cover. She gulped with a dry mouth, and the room started to spin a little bit as she thought: the main characters who felt the incestuous feelings… died. This was the last thought she remembered before fainting.

***

"Derek…"

"Casey, I'm here," Derek touched Casey's hand. They hadn't spoken in one month, since she admitted she wasn't sorry they kissed. One month of avoided glances, and one month of shut mouths, and the first words they had said to one another were each other's name.

A tear started to slide down Casey's cheek, "What happened Derek?"

"You fainted in your last class. You were really hot and dehydrated, so the teacher called the nurse when you slipped out of your chair. The nurse called the hospital; that is why you are here."

"Just for dehydration?"

"Yeah," Derek shrugged, "They have been pumping you with fluids, and apparently they said you haven't eaten or drank much of anything for the past 24 hours. Is that true Case?"

"I don't know. I wasn't hungry; I hadn't really noticed," Casey looked away from Derek.

"You want some Gatorade?" Derek offered.

Casey looked at the cup, "I am not really thirsty…"

Then, the whole family came into the room. Nora rushed to Casey's bedside as Derek quickly moved his hand away and stepped back to sit in the chair next to the bed. Lizzie just looked at Casey with wide eyes and both Marti and Edwin took in the layout of the room. George was holding onto Marti's hand looking at his children.

"Casey? Are you feeling ok? We came as quick as we could!" Nora made a frown face as she grabbed Casey's hand and kissed it.

"I am fine. I really didn't realize what was happening," Casey shrugged again.

"Well the doctor told us you were dehydrated? He said you hadn't eaten much in the last 24 hours… Casey are you okay? Did something happen at school? With a boy? The whole family has noticed that you have been a little bit sad lately. Do you have an eating disorder?" Nora blurted out things when she was nervous and scared. She didn't know how to help her daughter, and Casey was unresponsive.

"I am fine, really. I just lost track of time I guess. During lunch I was doing homework, and I have had a couple of papers that I just forget to eat I guess, but I will be alright," Casey put on a small smile for her mother. She was hiding behind her smile, her lie, and Derek noticed this as he slumped into the chair taking in the smell of the hospital air making him claustrophobic and nauseous. He was staring at Marti who had found something to play with when the doctor came in.

"I guess this is the McDonald Family? Brought the whole gang did you?" The doctor smiled.

"We are actually the McDonald-Venturis, and yeah, we brought them all," George shook the doctors hand.

"I'm Dr. Broscoe," Broscoe said and then walked over to Casey's other bed side, "She should be fine now, we will just need to get her insurance papers signed and then she can go. If I could talk to the two parents though out in the hallway for a few minutes to go over some basic care and concerns.

"Okay Doctor," Nora then turned towards Casey, "I'll be back in a little bit. 'Kay Sweetie?"

"Fine mom and please don't tell Dad," Casey fronted a smile as Nora took George's hand and walked into the hallway. Derek wasn't about to stay in the room with Casey and his siblings. He didn't want to attribute to Casey coddling at the moment. When he appeared in the hall George gave him the glance that asked, 'Why are you out here?'

Derek offered, "Hungry." He walked down the hall, but he didn't want to go to the cafeteria; he wanted to spy. When he turned the corner, he stopped and listened to the conversation between Dr. Broscoe, Nora and his dad.

"…really dehydrated. She fainted in a class at school. She was pale and sweating when the ambulance took her and her boyfriend, Jared?" Dr. Broscoe paused.

"No, Derek and he is my son," George corrected.

"OH your son, Derek, anyway was very helpful and caring in the ambulance. He really didn't have to come, but he insisted. Anyway, she really hadn't eaten anything for a day or two by the looks of her. Has anything happened at home?"

"She has been more quiet than normal. The house seems actually peaceful, and it is eerie," Nora answered with a thoughtful look to George.

"I think something maybe is going on in her life, could be a self-image problem or trouble at school. Just be on the lookout; maybe sit down and have a talk with her. Also, make sure she is eating properly and drinking plenty," Dr. Broscoe continued, "We won't need a follow up, but I am wondering if she goes to a counselor?"

"She has a counselor at school…"

"The school counselors are more advised in helping for the future school and college issues, but I know a counselor who might help your daughter if she is having emotional problems. It might just be a way to get out some of her stress."

"Okay," Nora looked defeated.

"Her name is Dr. Rega. She's really good, my sister went to her," Dr. Broscoe started writing her number and name on the back of his card and handed it to George.

"Thank you sir."

"Is there any other questions you want to ask?" The doctor looked at them, "If not you are free to take her home. A nurse will be in shortly to get her ready to leave."

"Thanks again," Nora half-smiled as the doctor left, "George, something's wrong with Casey."

"Yeah."

"I am not sure if it is school or friend troubles or I am not sure. She hasn't really opened up to anyone in a while."

"Yeah. The house has been quiet. I thought of it as a blessing, but I guess I should've known something was wrong."

"I thought… Well I am not sure what I thought; No that's a lie, I was happy the house was semi-peaceful."

"Derek and Casey weren't fighting…" George offered his input.

"Do you think this has to do with Derek? I mean he hasn't even instigated any arguments." Nora looked bewildered to George.

"Maybe, I'll have a talk with him. It could be something that happened at school though, Derek heard about it and actually feels bad for Casey," George looked contemplative, "In any case, I'll have a talk with him."

"Poor Casey, should I be mad at her?" Nora looked to George.

"Hear her case, before you make a judgment," George wrapped his arm around Nora and they walked back into the room.

Derek stayed in the hall and watched the nurse go into the room. Casey was sick, and he felt he was the cause of it. He hadn't wanted to be anywhere near her the past month. He wasn't sure of the reason why, but in a way, Derek felt defeated. He had been unable to think about the Casey situation because he didn't want to feel any emotion, so he partied. He went out always on the weekend, but the weekends were starting earlier and ending later. His liver was being put to trial, and he was getting around with many girls he had never met before. He would wake up in the morning not remembering how he got home, and Sam or Ralph would remind him of the girls he hooked up with or the vase he broke.

In the ambulance, his feelings surfaced when Casey's pale skin looked deathly, and Derek thought she was going to die.

***Before the Hospital, In the Ambulance and into the hospital

"The fluids are connected to her, but she is still passed out," The EMT said, "Could you wake her up?"

"Casey…" Derek softly touches her hand and whispers in her ear, "Casey, come on."

"Princess, I'm sorry about everything. I don't know what you want. I don't know what I want. I can't deal with this. With you. I can't see you like this. Casey. Sick. Sister." His voice was barely audible, "Casey, what do I do?" He stroked her hand.

"Derek," She whispered, but her eyes were shut. She was dreaming.

A giant book with huge eyes and a big red mouth opened in Casey's mind. The book opened to reveal empty pages. The book spoke to her her, "When you speak to me, I will write down all you say and keep it safe."

"I must write a letter," Casey robotically spoke, and then got emotional when she started composing her letter.

"To the Dastardly, Devilish Derek Venturi,

Do I digress? Is this the degeneration of a keener? Did drinking drive me to disown my dignity? Or did this dignity detain me from you?

Derek, don't desert me; your devoted derisions, disdain and disparagement flatter me. You must know I like that discrimination from your other Dresden dolls. Your disrespect is not dumb; it's a delightful differentiation. You notice me.

Thinking deeper you dance with the idea of Derek and Casey. Are we a duo in the depths of your mind? Do you debate us as do I? I do like you, but what is the degree of my adoration? What is yours? Define us.

Derek, don't defeat me. I die with these dueling emotions: The Dignity of Casey versus the undeveloped desire of admiration for you,"

In reality she spoke aloud "Derek…"

"Casey, I'm here," Derek touched Casey's hand.

***

"Home," Edwin smiled because he was the first to step into the house. Edwin smiled at the smell that filled his home. Dust, old chair smell, slight burning smell, electric heat smell; The smell of life; The smell of home.

The whole family noticed the lack of banter, the lack of vitality within the Venturi-McDonald household during the past month. Derek seemed to hide in his room during the weekday and leave for the whole weekend. Casey had taken up reading all the time; she would be lying in her bed reading novels. Marti would come into her room wanting to play dress up, and Casey would dismiss her sister claiming she was busy. Lizzie wanted advice from Casey, and Casey would shrug her off. Edwin had been snooping in Derek's room without Derek even caring because Derek was absent more than he was in his room. Nora and George were now fully concerned.

Now that Casey was home after her fainting episode, the mortality of the hospital was brought into the house. "Yeah home," Derek scoffed and ran up to his room.

Lizzie helped Casey in the door followed by George Nora and Marti. Casey's fake smile was gone now that she was home, "I am alright Liz, thanks. I am just gonna go up to my room."

"Casey, do you mind if I join you?" Nora invitingly looked to Casey.

Casey sighed, "I'll be up in my room…" Casey slowly climbed the stairs to her room. Her eyes were sunken in, and despite her passing out, she was tired. She didn't want to speak to her mom. She didn't want to read. She didn't want to see anyone as her mom's head popped in the room.

"Hey Casey," Nora walked over to the bed wear Casey sat, and sat next to her. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," Casey yawned which started out fake, but turned into a real yawn.

"Yeah… do you want to talk about anything sweety?" Nora gently worried. Nora did not want to force Casey into talking.

"Yeah, I have been stressed a bit. I had gym today and then I just didn't drink or eat anything because of school and stuff," Casey lied.

"Oh, well, I… I am not pleased with this then. You have been hiding in your books doing your work and not really having time to think about other things. Sometimes you need a break. You can donate some time to homework, but you must also do something fun. Derek is going out all the time; you should ask to go with him," Nora knew Casey was lying, but she didn't know why and didn't know how to help her daughter if she hid her feelings.

"Go out with Derek?" Casey questioned.

"Yeah, and you could make him study a little more," Nora was formulating a plan in her head, "I have to talk to George, but I think you two would work well together and compliment each other's weaknesses. That is if you guys can get along."

"Me and Derek?"

"Maybe hanging out with Derek is a little extreme as I think about it… but you could I don't know, call Emily or hang out with friends in the drama club," Nora smiled expecting Casey to smile in retrun.

"Yeah, mom, you're right. I'll call someone. Emily or someone but I am tired now, so I am going to just lie down and go to sleep," Casey made the most genuine sick smile she could.

"You are taking tomorrow off of school. It's a Friday, and you need a day off to recover," Nora commanded.

"But Mom!" Casey started to rebuttle. Her mother knew that taking a day off from school is a dire punishment for Casey.

"I'll call Emily to get your school work. I don't care what you say, you are taking a day off" Nora hugged Casey and then started to leave, "Have a good rest, daughter."

***

Derek was lying in his chair watching some sports channel, when his dad came over and sat near him.

"Hey Derek," George smiled eagerly at his son.

Derek side-glanced at his father, "Dad…"

"I'm proud of you for supporting your sister today," George went over to Derek's chair to give him a hug.

"Step-sister…"

"Yeah, Step-sister…" George wanted to say more about his son's bad habits, but he couldn't seem to formulate the right words to say. Being a lawyer in a courtroom is easy, but talking to a teenage boy about concerns for that teen's well being is completely different.

As the hockey game ended on the sports channel, Derek got up from his recliner and gave the remote control to his dad, "Night pops." George was unable to formulate a proper way to talk to his son at the moment and sighed as he lost his chance, "Night Derek."

***

Casey's heart was pounding, racing underneath the covers as she stared at the ceiling. She couldn't just lay around anymore. She need to get out tonight, and the only place that she wanted to go was under the stars. She quickly hopped out of bed and bundled herself up because unfortunately March was still cold. She grabbed her blanket and walked downstairs. Out of the house and into the cool night air, she didn't realize she had a follower.