A/N: Hey, Sorry this chapter is so short, but I really wanted to get it out, and again, put emphasis on this chapter. I hope you like it.

That night's dinner, just might have been the most awkward dinner for Derek and Casey. Everyone was seated and eating, but unlike most nights, there was pure silence. Lizzie felt the awkwarness and nudged Edwin to say something.

"Sooo, how was work today, Nora?"

"Ok." She responded wearily.

So much for that conversation, Casey thought.

More silverware noises. George could not take it anymore. Even Marty, could feel tension and said nothing. "What is up with everyone? Normally it is World war two around here."

Lizzie glanced at Edwin. Casey finally looked up at Derek. He was already looking at her. They smiled a half smile at everyone for their parents sake. Lizzie squirmed. For her sister's case, Casey spoke up.

"Nothing, George. I guess we all just had a long day."

Derek looked up at her for the already hundreth time that dinner. Longer for me then anyone else here, wanting you and not haveing you.

Casey took another bite, and excused herself. She could not take the silence anymore. Casey logged onto her computer, and went onto her journal program. Lately that thing had been her savior. Her all time, 'let it all out' stress releif. And sometimes...her online book of pure fantasy. Filled with thoughts of you know who, especially since the last week.

I can not beleive about Lizzie and Edwin! They always seemed so brotherly and sisterly, unlike Derek and I. Although, that might have brought them together. Still, it is a shocker. My younger sister is with her match faster then me. This is unbeleivable. If only I could follow her example. I need to tell Derek. I feel like I am on pause. The world is moveing along, but I am not. And with every second that passes without him knowing, it just makes me break. Makes me angry.

Casey could not type anymore. She was too frusterated with herself. She did not want to talk with Derek tonight. How can I talk to him, none the less, have a conversation with him, when I can not touch him, kiss him, or tell him I love him? Casey turned off her light, and silently cried herself asleep even though it was only 8:30.

Derek excused himself ten minutes after Casey. He could not take the crazy, awkward, silence. It was a mix of Lizzie and Edwin, and, Derek and Casey. A double whammy. He went upstairs, and past Casey's room. She was typeing a mile a minute. He only allowed himself to breifly stop and listen, since he felt like he did not deserve to listen. Click Click Click.

I wonder what Casey is typeing...I wonder if she is typeing about Lizzie and Edwin. Probably that. And maybe...just maybe...she could be typeing about me. Although I do not deserve it. I do not even deserve Casey.

Derek decied that he should leave now, even though, he could have stayed there an eternity. He went into his room, and lie down on his bed frusterated with himself. Why can't I tell her? Kissing her would also be great...I do not even want to talk to Casey tonight. How can I talk with her, and pretend like there is nothing there, when there is so much more? But I guess I should, I do not want to upset her.

Derek finally got the courage to go talk to her at 8:45. He went to Casey's door. Lizzie and Edwin were blasting the music. Lizzie had it on something more girly, and Edwin, trying to be cool, had it on some sort of hip hop station. He knocked.

No answer. I hope she is ok...maybe I should go in and check. Derek opened the door a crack. Casey was asleep. He walked in, and closed the door behind him. He did not want Casey to wake up to Edwin and Lizzie's music. He walked over to her. She was still in her school clothes. She looked so stressed, sleeping there, all twisted. He loveingly swept some of her hair from her ponytail off of her face. He gently stroked her hand. Her face was looking more content now. I wonder if she would notice, if I just leaned over, and kissed her. I want to so bad. Derek gently leaned over, now a couple inches above her lips.

Casey turned. All of the sudden, she woke up. Derek started to panic. He walked to the door.

"Mom?" Casey said sleepily. Derek was seriously considering highering his voice in imitation of Nora, when Casey flipped on the light.

"Derek?"

He turned around.

"What are you doing in here?"

"Uh, I wanted to..." He was stalling. Casey sat patiently. Should I just tell her?

"I wanted to make sure..."

He was cut off by Nora comeing into the room. "Hey Case, I just wanted to say goodnight, George and I..."

She saw Derek in the room, next to her computer desk.

"What are you doing in here Derek?" Nora asked with her eyebrows raised.

"He wanted to make sure of something." Casey replied for him. Frusterated that her mother had to walk in at that moment.

"Yes, I wanted to make sure...that I could turn in my Biology homework on time, so I was wondering if I could barrow a...stapeler?" Derek said in almost a question.

Nora and Casey started at him. Nora confused, Casey almost with a nearly knowing look. He grabbed the stapeler that Casey conviniently kept on her desk, and ran out of the room.

A/N: I have had this chapter in mind since I started and it turned out a little bit shorter then I wanted, but that was the way it flowed. Thanks, and if you could please review. The next chapter should be out in a little bit!