They all turned around and were faced with this skater guy. He wasn't exactly punk looking. He had short yet messy blond hair that fell over his piercing blue eyes. He wore blue jeans and a Ramones Tee shirt. He was sporting a pair of black and white converse. He wore a smile on his face that couldn't be wiped away.

They all stood there looking confused. Next thing anyone knew, The guy proclaimed as Justin ran up and attempted to give Casey a hug only she shrugged it off. Justin looked confused at the fact that she didn't look in the least bit pleased to see him. The last time she saw him she wanted to throw something at him and now him showing up like this. She was in utter shock and not a good sort of shock either but a sad yet angry shock.

So many questions filled the room. Who was this guy? How does he know Casey?

"How did you find me?" Casey asked uneasily.

"I stopped by your house. No one answered that's when your next door neighbor, Emily, I think her name was, told me where you'd be."

"So what are you doing here?" She asked.

"Too much to explain now. Introduce me to your friends," he insisted. That's when Casey totally forgot they were all there.

"Oh yeah of course, This is Noel, one of my best friends, Sally one of my new recent friends, and lastly this is Derek my stepbrother," she said. As she introduced Derek, she couldn't have shown any less enthusiasm. "You guys this is Justin, he's one of my friends from Fletcher Academy."

"I thought you said Fletcher Academy was an all girls school," said Derek, "Unless your a..." He said almost laughing but trying not to come off as a jerk.

"Derek, He went to Winston Academy which was our neighbor school. We went to each others games, and they escorted us to all our dances and stuff."

"Right... and this girl right here was the star of our school. Of course she had to bail me out a lot of times when I got into trouble but our Case, sure knew how to handle things as always," He said longingly towards her. Derek was already getting annoyed by this guy. His cocky attitude made him want to slap him. Noel wasn't much impressed by him and it takes a lot for Noel to not like a guy. Though maybe it didn't really have anything to do with him maybe it was just the way he looked at Casey.

"Yeah... That was a long time ago," said Casey faintly.

"Almost two years," said Justin looking at Casey. Casey was beginning to get uncomfortable. There was something about Justin. She had so much history with him. All her bad girl moments and significant occurrences happened with him. She tried to hide the fact that they dated for two years from Derek and Noel. She didn't think it wise to bring it up especially tonight. Things were awkward enough with being on Derek's date with him with Noel who she still wasn't sure about.

Derek wanted to ditch Justin but didn't want to come off as a jerk. So instead he made an announcement, "Hey um, Sally and I are going to Smelly Nellie's and since we took two different cars why don't we just part now and say goodbye for the night."

"Oh come on Derek, It'll be fun. It'll give us time to get to know Casey's new friend," Sally insisted.

Derek had planned a night out with Sally to get to know her, not go down memory lane with Casey. This isn't something he'd wanted. Plus he already wasn't digging this Justin guy.

"Alright, Great. Casey why don't you and Noel meet us up at Smelly Nellie's. Justin you should come too!" Announced Sally.

Casey's face flushed to a dark red. She hadn't exactly wanted him to come along. "How can I turn down such an offer," he insisted.

Since Justin took his own car and didn't know where Smelly Nellie's was. He followed Casey and Noel there in his car.

Once in the car Casey gazed out the window and fell into a trance...

-Flashback-

I glanced up at him that next morning. He was playing that new song he wrote me on his guitar, "When she's not here with me. I still feel her. Just the memory of her face penetrates me. She's more than anything or anyone, she's my everything." His sweet melodies filled the room. My head was resting on his chest and the sound of his heart gave me a jolt. When he stopped playing he looked me in the eyes, "I love you" he said.

I glanced up at him , "I love you too!" He rolled me over onto my back onto his bed and kissed me hard. I let him and we continued that way for a long time...

-End Of Flashback-

"Hey Casey are you okay?" Asked Noel.

She quickly snapped back to reality, "Yes, I'm fine."

Noel flipped on some tunes. He put in Snow Patrol and the two of them remained quiet the rest of the way to Smelly Nellie's.

So many memories flooded Casey's mind and she couldn't stand it anymore. She suddenly wasn't looking forward to this gathering. She secretly hoped that Justin wouldn't mention a ton of things about her past. There were still things Casey had kept away and still haven't entirely for the whole purpose of moving on with her life.

She had left that old Casey behind when she left town and she wasn't sure if she'd be able to handle it. It scared her all of this.

The more she pondered and thought about the possible outcomes of tonight the more, the closer they arrived at Smelly Nellie's and thus making her closer to a mental breakdown.

The night was supposed to go accordingly. Go out with Noel to theater, have blast, go out for snack afterwards and Noel drop her off at home. That's what should have happened but it didn't.

They arrived at Smelly Nellie's at a quarter to eleven. It was the only diner in town that was opened till midnight. Noel and Casey were the first to arrive. Not long after Derek and Sally had made their way to them. Following them was the person she least wanted to see, even more than Derek, and that is truly saying something.

They found a table and ordered a few drinks and not long after the drinks were ordered the conversation started flowing.

Derek decided to use this opportunity to embarrass the hell out of Casey. Sure this guy annoyed the hell out of him but he's the only one that knew things about Casey's past. Things that Derek could forever hold against her for whatever blackmail of his wishing, "So Jake, What can you tell us about Casey here?"

"Der-ek!" Casey exclaimed.

Justin sitting directly across from Casey smirked at Derek and began talking, "Okay firstly dude the name is Justin. Secondly I don't know, I wouldn't want to reveal anything about Casey's life. It's her business if she'd rather you know," Derek caught that he seemed to particularly gaze at Casey at the word, reveal. What was that about? Derek thought.

"Okay Dude," Derek mocked his skater like way of talking, "Tell us about you then."

"What do you want to know?" Justin challenged. Derek smirked but before Derek could answer.

Noel chimed in, "So what did everyone think about the movie?" Casey smiled at Noel, Thank You, she mouthed. Noel nodded towards her.

"I don't know, I thought it was kind of sappy, you know, not a real man's movie. Take Rocky For example now that's a great movie," Derek said.

"Oh please, that's such a cliché. The Godfather that's a man's movie. The great mafia timeless tale," sassed Justin.

The tensions between Derek and Justin were building and Noel was being to feel uncomfortable but not as uncomfortable as Casey apparently was feeling.

"You know I thought it was excellent. I love old films! It was a great movie, what did you two think about it?" He asked pointing the question towards Sally and Casey.

"Well I always loved that movie," said Sally.

"It's probably my favorite movie of all time," sighed Casey.

"I know it is," Justin said looking directly at Casey. The uncomfortable feeling Casey had once felt this evening came back and tore her stomach in knots. She wanted to go home right now. Of course how could Casey have forgotten. Casablanca was the first movie they ever saw together. It was when they had their first kiss. It brought Casey such memories, she couldn't forget. Why had they had chosen to see this movie?

Noel once again noticed Casey's discomfort and decided to change the subject once more, "So you guys want to order some pie? I love pie," Noel said randomly. Casey laughed. She loved him for this. He can always tell when she's down and can cheer her right up. Like after her performance at the musical, Max was being a total jerk, and Derek stole the spotlight. He went to console her and suddenly she felt better. His awkward jokes filled the room with laughter and brought a smile to her face. It made her feel something and she wasn't quite sure what it was.

Noel's joke seemed to lighten up the room and the conversations started flowing. Luckily nothing about Casey's Past was mentioned.

Sally seemed awfully quiet throughout the night. Casey couldn't quite understand the reasoning. She had chosen to join them. Occasionally Casey would ask her a question and She'd answer but only for a moment and it would usual leave just a dry and boring answer. So she eventually decided to let her be. If she wanted to speak she would have.

Several drinks and conversations later the night was about to come to a halt. It was almost 11:45 and Casey had to be home by Midnight.

"Alright, Well I suppose it's time we all cut out," Casey said finally.

"Yep, I better drop you off at home Sal. Casey, Noel," Derek announced and instead of saying Justin's name he simply nodded at him. Justin had the feeling he was on Derek's bad side. He didn't really care though. He tried to be friendly with the guy but he just wasn't all that welcoming.

When they left it was just Casey, Justin, and Noel. "Alright well we'd better be off, Later Justin," Noel said turning with Casey to walk out. Only he was interrupted by Justin.

"Actually I was hoping I could visit with Nora and Lizzie for a bit. I haven't seen them in so long," Justin announced.

"Fine," Casey said. She tried not to come off as rude once more but she so didn't want him around her family. It sucked having him here. A part of her was excited to see him but a bigger part of her just wanted to let go. She thought when she left town that she'd never see him again and now he's suddenly back into her life. What the hell? She thought. Why is he doing this to me?

Casey and Noel took off and headed back to the Venturi-McDonald household. Noel walked her up to the front steps.

"Hey, I'm sorry tonight didn't go as you planned," said Noel.

"Oh you know. It's okay, I'm used to things not going as I planned," Casey sighed.

"Well in case, I didn't say it already. You look beautiful and for me just hanging out with you is enough. That came out cheesy but hopefully not as cheesy as the arrogant chicken bit," Noel Joked, and Casey laughed. For a second she almost forgot where she was.

"Thanks Noel for everything, it was, well it was interesting," she smiled.

"Not a problem, goodnight," He said turning around. Casey turned to open the door. Noel turned around once more. "Oh, and one more thing,"

"What's that?" Casey asked.

"Sweet dreams," he nodded and turned back to his car.

Casey smiled. That was sweet, Casey thought.

Casey turned the door open and who was there to greet her. Why none other than the infamous Derek Venturi.

"So how was your evening?" Derek asked sarcastically.

"You know you didn't have to join us, You could've left."

"Oh, and pass up the chance to find stuff out that would torment you for the rest of your life? Not likely."

"Well you didn't find out anything, so HA!" Casey sassed.

Just then the doorbell rang. Oh Crap, Casey thought. Nora was already up so she went to answer the door.

Needless to say she was overwhelmed with Joyfulness when she opened the door, "Little Jay Jay! I'm glad to know you got here okay." She hugged Justin.

Casey alarmed, "Wait, your glad to know he got here okay. Did you know he was in town?" Casey demanded.

"Well, of course, he's staying with us!"

Casey started freaking out even more. Even Derek looked a little shocked at the news. He couldn't stand this guy and now he was staying with them. Derek couldn't take it anymore.

Just then, Casey pulled her mother into the kitchen for a moment."What?! Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

"Well his mother called and things have been rough at home. You know his parents are getting divorced and well she didn't want him moping around the house. So she asked if he could stay with us for awhile until he gets back onto his feet. She said he's been wanting to see you for quite some time. I figured you would have found out through Lizzie," replied Nora.

"Mom. Lizzie has been at Jamie's all day and she's staying the night with Kendra's little sister Ariel."

"Well I'm sorry we ambushed you with this. You don't have a problem with him staying her do you?" Yes, Casey thought bitterly.

"No.. it's fine..." Casey added calmly. A question popped into her head "How long is he staying here?"

"Indefinitely, until he gets back onto his feet."

Casey took a deep breath in and out, "Okay, then," Nora and Casey made their way back into the living room where Justin and Derek stood in opposite areas of the room.

"Alright then I guess your staying here," Casey announced as soon as she was back into the room.

"Sweet!" said Justin turning back outside to grab his things from his car. Casey looked exasperated but thought she better turn outside and set things straight with Justin. Derek watched her leave. He didn't know the whole story about Justin and what really went on between them but he had feeling he'd find out soon.

He really didn't care but still he was curious. He had to find out how a freak like Casey came about.

Casey turned to go outside and she found Justin fishing out his bags out of the trunk. Justin thought he heard someone behind him so he turned around and saw that he was face to face with Casey, "Hey ya Case!" He said smiling.

Casey was not in the mood to play games but she also didn't want to be cold hearted. She knew that his parents were going through a divorce but still she had a small inclination that this wasn't all that the visit was about. "Justin, Can I ask you something?" Casey asked earnestly.

"Sure! Anything!" He responded.

"Why did you really come here?"

"What do you mean? I came here to escape the divorce battle and to catch up with an old friend," he said.

"That's it? And that's all this is about?" Casey asked.

"Yes, of course," said Justin truthfully.

Casey sighed in relief. She didn't know if he was being 100 truthful but she chose to believe that he was because this was something she truly didn't want to have to deal with. "Alright," she said finally. "Let me help you with that," She said pointing to a piece of luggage.

"Thanks," said Justin and the two of them continued on inside.

Derek gaped at the door when he saw them together. There was this feeling inside that he could not explain or understand for the lack of a better word. Why is this happening? Derek thought.

"So, where do I drop this thing?" asked Justin carrying a fairly large bag with him.

"Um.. You know I don't know. I guess we haven't decided where you'll be staying," said Nora and then yelled up the stairs, "Edwin! Can you come down here for a moment please?"

No sooner than after she yelled up the stairs Edwin came tumbling down. "What is it?"

"Well Edwin this is Justin, He's an old friend of Casey's from school and his mother and I are great friends. Anyway, he's going to be staying with us for awhile and I was hoping he could bunk with you?"

"Can't he stay with Casey in her room, he's her friend?" Justin and Casey looked at each other faces flushed.

Nora seemed to overreact, "No!" she exclaimed.

"Well then are you sure you think it wise to sleep in my room. You know about my sleep condition." How could I have forgotten? Nora thought.

"Oh yes of course, well then he must stay in Derek's room." Derek was in utter shock. He couldn't stand being in the same house as him let alone the same room.

"What?!" Derek exclaimed.

"Derek, do not be rude to out guest show him to your room." There was no arguing with Nora once her mind was set her mind was set. He had no interest in being roomed with the arrogant jackass he had already spent the evening with. Though he was not about to argue with Nora.

"Whatever, follow me," Derek replied and they both marched up the stairs to the bedroom.

Casey waited until they were in Derek's room before heading up to her own. She didn't want to run into Justin. Of course Casey was used to being with someone she didn't want to see, it just never occurred to her that they'd both be there at the same time.

When she realized that they were gone, she ran up inside her room.

Meanwhile in Derek's bedroom...

Derek had just showed Justin into his room. "Alright, well there's a sleeping bag under my bed. You'll take the sleeping bag on the floor and you'll stay out of my way capeeshe?" Derek Announced.

"Whatever, that's fine. Look, I don't want to cause any problems here. I just came here to see an old friend and forget about my issues. I don't have a problem with you. You seem like a pretty interesting guy and can we just leave it at that?" Justin said trying to reason with the unreasonable Derek Venturi.

"Whatever man..." Derek said exhaustingly. "Look I'm beat. The bathroom's down the hall and if you need anything don't come to me. I help no one," said Derek before taking off his clothes and putting on his boxers and crashing on his bed.

Derek was already asleep when Justin went to grab his final bag. He was beat as well so he climbed into the sleeping back Derek had lent him and fell fast asleep...

A/N: Alright, there's chapter 2. I'm sorry if it was semi boring with the memories and flashbacks. I wanted to introduce Justin and I also wanted to show everyone's reaction to Justin's sudden reappearance in Casey's life. There's more to come and I'm thinking about updating again tomorrow...Lizzie, Edwin and Marti will have a larger role next chapter and suddenly it'll all make a lot more sense. Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Reviews are very much appreciated! So please review!

Thanks,

Ally