Derek's POV

I woke up with Casey and Nora standing over me. I felt a little cold. I could feel myself shivering, but I didn't want to ask for a blanket. I had to protect my tough guy rep after all.

But I guess that it wasn't working because Casey said "I'll go get him a blanket."

When she came back she had like 15 blankets in her 2 scrawny, little arms.

"Hey Derek, how are you feeling?" Casey asked

"Fine" My voice sounded a little raspy, probably from my lack of drinking anything since 4:00pm.

"Do you want some water?"

"Yes please"

She gave me the glass that had been perched on my nightstand.

"Remember to drink it slowly so we don't have a repeat of earlier."

I put the glass to my mouth and took a sip. I felt the cool liquid instantly, making my throat and mouth feel better. That was when I noticed that the picture frame I had on my nightstand was gone.

"Hey Case?"

"Yea?"

"Did you see a picture sitting here a little while ago?"

"No I don't think so, what was the picture of?"

"Just some friends"

"Who? Maybe I can look for you. Seeing that you're in no position to do it yourself."

"It doesn't really matter. I'll look when I'm feeling better. If I remember."

"Just get some rest, you look like a ghost. Call or text if you need anything."

"I will"

I noticed sleepily that Nora was no longer in the room. She had probably left 10 minutes ago. My eyes were drooping. Casey probably noticed.

"Sweet dreams Derek." It was the last thing I heard before I fell into a deep slumber.

I was standing between Sam and Casey. Unfortunately. She was steaming mad. She looked like she had steam coming out of her ears. Casey lunged at Sam. I had to think quickly. It was either move or get brought to the ground by Casey. I chose to stop her from moving. I grabbed her waist. She started to struggle against me.

"Sam, get out of here. I'll try and get her to calm down."

"Gotcha. Thanks D."

"No problem."

Sam left and Casey was struggling even harder to get out of my grip.

"Let me go Derek."

"Not until you calm down."

"Derek, let me go before I get your dad to tell you to let me go."

I took her to sit on my lap in my chair.

"He won't make me. And he's not here. So you're stuck in my arms until you calm down."

"Rawr"

"Rawr all you want but that's not going to make me let you go."

"How about this?" she asked somewhat seductively.

She leaned down and right before her lips touched mine…

I sprung up in my bed breathing heavily. Why was I dreaming this?! I can't like her like that! I need to get out of here.

I picked up my phone and called Sam.

"Hey man. Can you come pick me up? I need to get out of my house."

"I guess. Are you ok?"

"Yea. Just a little sick. I just need to get away from my family."

"Ok. I'll be there in 10 minutes."

"Thanks."

"No problem man."

After Sam and I hung up, I got up and put on some clothes that didn't smell like puke. Then I left my room and walked downstairs.

"Derek, what are you doing out of bed?" Casey asked me.

"I'm just going out for a few minutes, mom."

"You shouldn't go out. You're sick."

"I only got sick from the mushrooms that were in dinner."

"Still. You could get sick again. It's also 9:45. So mom and George won't let you go out."

"Dad! Can I hang out with Sam for an hour?"

"Be back by 10:30." Dad responded.

"Thanks! See you later Case."

"I still don't think that you should be leaving but I can't stop you." She said.

"Whatever!"

I slipped my jacket on and walked out the door to Sam's car waiting for me in the driveway.