Casey found herself standing before Edwin, Lizzie, George, Nora, Marti, and Derek. She held her breath, as they did their own. Her family was wondering if she was better, she was wondering if they would question anything that happened while she was away. Most of all, however, she was worried about seeing Derek. She didn't even look him in the eye when she first noticed his presence. Her heart began to speed up as she thought of her last few days at home.

Aaron had taken her leaving with a newfound maturity. He honestly wanted nothing more from Casey but that she be happy. She's been screwed over by so many guys in her life, including him, but he had honest feelings towards her. She was still slightly mad over the Henry situation, but had allowed Aaron to tell Henry off when he'd tried to call her. Henry sent a message to Casey that Aaron dared not repeat. A message stating that his blood was on her hands. However, when Casey forced the words out of Aaron, she couldn't help but smile. Henry might be upset for a day or two, but he'd get over it. No one's love for her could surpass Max's. Each guy she'd encounter would love her, but not enough to die if they couldn't be with her. Max's love was forever and no one could replace it. Not Henry. Not Aaron. Not Derek.

When Casey was situated back in her room, she realized that nothing had really changed. Her room still felt like it had when she'd left it some time ago.

"Casey?" she turned to find Derek, coming into her room and closing the door. "We need to talk." Casey nodded, taking a seat, already knowing what he had to say. Except, Derek seemed to talk about everything but what he had to say. "Did you have fun in New York?"

"Yeah."

"Meet any nice people?"

"Some." Derek shook his head in frustration.

"Nothing's changed, Casey," he informed her. "We're still in the same place we were when you left. I still love you, and you still think that we shouldn't be together."

"Because we shouldn't, Derek," she shot back, now looking into his eyes.

"Why do you keep saying that?" Derek snapped, agitated that Casey hadn't changed with distance.

"Because Max is cold in his grave because of it," she replied, hoping that Derek's stomach would churn at the thought.

"But-But when you called, I thought-"

"I was afraid, and silence was overtaking me," she argued. "But I'm ready now. I'm ready for silence. I don't need you to be my sound."

"So you're finally ok with Max's death?" Derek questioned. Casey smirked slightly, thinking deeply about it.

"No, I'm ok with Max's life." Derek looked confused. "I understand that what you did to him was something that he couldn't get past, whether I loved him or not."

"So his hatred of me was stronger than his love for you?"

"No, his love for me was stronger. But I wasn't there to support him, I wasn't strong. I just wanted to pretend like things were ok and that we didn't have to worry about you. And, in that sense, his death was my fault."

"Casey, don't say that-"

"I'm responsible, just like you are. This is our secret. My blessing and curse from Max so that I'll always remember him. Why would I want to forget the man I was- am- in love with?" With that, Derek left the room, not understand how Casey had come to the conclusion that she was no longer going to tear up every time that Max's name was spoken. Casey, pushing their conversation aside, decided to get ready for the dinner where she'd confront her demons.

Max knew more about love than most of us could hope to know in a lifetime. I don't mean to sound corny, which I know that I probably do, but it's true. He was filled with compassion and admiration for each and every person who entered into his life. His team was like his family, people that he was constantly talking about--whether it was an appropriate time or not. Each and every one of you can remember something from your times with Max where he said or did something that somehow solidified your bond. It was as though you knew just from those few words that you were brothers--that he really loved you. And he did, he loved each and every one of you. But sometimes love isn't enough to carry us through. Sometimes it's just a determination and drive that forces us to continue onward in our lives. Max had given so much of his determination and drive to each and every one of us, that his own seemed to dwindle; but he didn't give it away in vain. That bit of himself, that moment that he gave to you, might have renewed your determination and your strength. He renewed mine a million times over. So tonight, let's just remember Max for the good guy that he was. The son, boyfriend, brother.

After Christmas was over, Nora and George extended and invitation for Casey to come back. Upon her refusal, the house was in an uproar.

"Do you not want to be with us, Casey?" Marti questioned, not understanding.

"I do, Marti, it's just-"

"Casey, I finally have my first boyfriend and you're not here to help me out," Lizzie added.

"Lizzie, I'm sure you'll-"

"And what about me? Derek doesn't give very good advice on everyday things," Edwin interrupted.

"I-"

"Casey, please don't go," Nora begged. "We need you."

"I'm sorry," Casey stated. "But I'm not staying. I love you guys, but I've come to peace with Max. I need to come to peace with other things that have happened that I can't do here."

"Casey, I don't see why you can't fix your problems here as well as anywhere else," George argued.

"I had time to myself there," Casey informed him. "Time to see myself for who and what I am. Here, I'll always be distracted. I love you all to death, but I'm no use to anybody until I'm finally over all off the crap I've been through."

"There's more than just Max?" Edwin questioned, always eager to here dirt about his siblings.

"Lots more."

"Like what?" Nora inquired.

"Maybe some other time, but I really need to do this myself."

"Casey, you can't always be doing things by yourself."

"I need to go back to New York," Casey insisted.

"Then I'm going to." Casey turned to see Derek at the top of the staircase, suitcase packed.

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