Okay, several things... I apologize for the shortness of this chapter. Eh, I just didn't have the energy to make it longer. I also apologize for the long wait. Two, I really don't like this chapter. I mean, sure, I like bits of it, but I just don't like... it, overall, you know what I mean? Probably because Sam's in it. Anyways, there's some foreshadowing at the end, blah, blah, blah... The next chapter is the one ya'll should be looking forward to, "Temporary Insanity". Anyhow, some interesting stuff's gonna go down in that chap. Hehe.
Don't own LWD. Period.
Here's a line from the next chapter (BTW, I have none of it written. Oh well)... Derek says it. ;)
"Trick or treat?"
Anyways, reviews are appreciated highly. Thank you.
"Like me liking your best friend is so threatening to you..."
It's weird... just when I think I've got her all figured out, Casey throws me for a loop... like she did tonight. Boy, did she ever! I mean, for a couple seconds I was wondering if she'd been replaced by a pod person. Then she, well... Then I just completely forgot about it.
I was in a haze the entire time. I'm surprised I can even remember anything. I'm pretty sure I didn't even have one thought that entire time. I was just kind of... there. I mean, trying to control myself was hard enough. I swear, if it was any other girl, I would've dragged her off to the bathroom or something and locked the door behind me. But it was Casey...
Casey, of all people, flirting with me! Me! Somehow I managed to bring up Sam, even though in my delusions, he was pretty much a myth, by that point. I'm surprised I was capable of any coherent speech, to tell the truth. When I was dancing with her... I didn't even want to let go! I know there's something wrong with that.
She was trying to seduce me. And that's the weird part... The part I just don't get. I mean, sure, she could turn on any guy in the place (even the gay ones) dancing the way we were and wearing that outfit... But why me? I mean, I'm her boyfriend's best friend, and I really don't see the logic in it. I still wonder what would've happened if Sam had been a few seconds too late...
If Sam hadn't shown up... I mean, I totally would've lost it. But, would that really have been so bad? Yeah, 'cause, Dude, she's your stepsister.
I mean, was she just acting the whole time? 'Cause it sure felt real... at least to me, anyways... And if there's one thing I know, it's that you can't fake chemistry. On the dance floor, on a date, and especially on a Chemistry test... I mean, you can try... but you know, and they know, you know? If she was acting, she was a lot better than I thought...
She was trying to make me lose it completely. I got that. I almost did lose it completely. There wasn't a single thought floating around in my head when she was moving to kiss me at the end or... whatever. But what I want to know is why... Was she trying to manipulate me? If she was... maybe I'm rubbing off on her.
Is that good? I think it's good... It's bad that she knows she can affect me. But this is Casey, sweet, innocent little Casey... who wants absolutely nothing to do with me and hates my guts!
Man, you do not sound happy about that.
Oh, shut it. Talking to yourself is pathetic, and you, Derek, are not pathetic. Sam is pathetic.
And Sam's also dating the one girl you actually give a damn about... So who's really the pathetic one here, D? Uh, let's see... You.
See, that's why I hate Sam... I mean, I was gonna really kiss Casey. She might've been manipulating me, yes, but she's crazy if she thought that she could just pull away and make me look like an idiot. I wouldn't have let her. I would've grabbed her and planted a big one on her, marking my territory. Yeah, my territory, my turf... So back off, Sam! Get the hell away from my girl!
Unfortunately, it seems he hasn't gotten the memo. Which really pisses me off, and I don't enjoy being pissed off. We're watching some crappy horror film right now. Sam's staring at Casey with this dopey dreamy look on his face. Ugh. I just want to smack that look right off his face, I swear! I'm gonna go postal on him one of these days, best friend or not, and it isn't going to be pretty.
I will kick his ass. I will subsequently have to find a new best friend, but, hey, I'm Derek Venturi... People will be lining up.
Living with those four sisters of his must've softened him up. Hey, I have three, and I'm fine... I did not just call Casey my sister. Ew. She's not... That's twisted and wrong and technically true, but that's not my point. I mean, I had to deal with Dad's endless parade of girlfriends, dates, "friends" (sex buddies), and step-mommies growing up. That was enough women for me. Might be why I'm sorta misogynistic. But it made me tough, it made me the man I am today... You have no idea how many of them I drove off... It was kinda sick, really. A few of them (okay, a lot of them) came on to me... It was just, eww... I mean, really, why would I want to be sloppy seconds to my dad? That's just sick and wrong.
Mom died when I was nine... Younger than Edwin is now. Edwin was four and Marti was just a baby, not even six months old. They don't remember her much. She was... nice and beautiful and... I don't remember her much either. Anyways, about three years back, Daddy Dearest fell in love. With Abby.
She was a wretched woman. Ugh. All of us hated her. Especially Marti. She treated us like dirt, tried to impose all these new rules, and virtually ignored Edwin. In fact, Dad had a business trip one week. Abby was supposed to pick us up from school. She was an hour late to pick me up (I'd gotten a ride after fifteen minutes... I loathe waiting), and forgot Edwin entirely.
She loooved Marti though. Thought she was the most precious thing ever. She tried to baby her, and Marti was kinda hilarious about the whole thing. She enjoyed peeing on Mommy Abby's new clothes. We tried to adjust for... I dunno... About a month. But then she did something... It was a lot smaller than we made it out to be, but we just couldn't take it anymore, you know?
I think it was a pink lace toilet seat. Anyways, we held our own little "family" meeting, and made the informal declaration of war. Abby never knew what hit her. I'd feel bad, but she was just such a bitch. I don't really know why she married my dad, but it wasn't love. I think she wanted to marry a lawyer for the money and prestige (ha! My dad was working pro-bono the entire time they were married). We made her life a living hell. It should be noted that she had the fortitude to last just short of three months.
She got paranoid towards the end... She and Dad were always arguing about us. One day she couldn't take it anymore... So she left. Dad blamed the marriage on "temporary insanity" and got a divorce or an annulment or... something. I'm so glad we got rid of her.
So I'm sitting here watching some crappy horror movie that doesn't even scare me, with Sam and Casey (who, might I add, is terrified of horror movies) making out on the couch next to me. So sick. You can see why I prefer the odious horror movie. I keep imagining each dead, bloody, battered person is Sam. It's cathartic, really.
Ugh, I swear, I wanna strangle the guy. I want him to choke on his own spit. I want Casey's lips to suffocate him... No, wait, I don't. Ew. Man, I need to get out of here before I actually act on these oh-so-violent urges. Which I'm really about two steps away from doing. I swear... He knows I can beat him. I mean, I was winning that wrestling match we had before he landed Casey.
Speaking of Casey, really, it's disgusting. They're all over each other. I mean, sure, neither of their hands are wandering any... Aww, how sweet. So sickeningly saccharine. It makes me want to vomit. The thought of his lips touching hers... It's gonna make me go nuts.
And the jealousy will drive you... will drive you... mad!
Ugh. I knew I shouldn't have watched Casey's favorite movie last night... But, then again, she did totally make out with me last night. And it does count, okay, even if she doesn't remember. I haven't forgotten that it happened. She can't make me. I mean, I've forgotten a lot of things, like what happened at Lynn's party... I was kinda drunk that night. No parental supervision and an open bar... plus Sam and Casey's hook-up the night before and my exhausting hockey game that day... Equals a wasted Derek.
I don't remember what happened, exactly. I just remember that both Lynn and Laurie dumped me ('cause they found out about each other). Hmm, and I remember Amy driving me home really late at night. I'm pretty sure I had a blast and made out with a lot of very willing girls. Not Suzanne, though. I wish I remembered that. I remember some girls that I think I... Not the point.
All I really remember was that I was sore all over... My head from the hangover, my body from hockey and, uh, the night's revels... Whatever those may have been. It's funny. Dad and Nora didn't even notice. But he did get a two on that knowing your kids test. I can't exactly blame him. I just can't believe he doesn't know Edwin's birthday... That's just plain sad. I mean, Lizzie knows it and she's known him for... not very long.
Anyways, not the point. The point is that if they don't stop making out, I'm going to do something stupid and crazy. Not that that's not saying much. Fortunately enough for me, Sammykins got up, claiming he wanted a snack. Casey was giggling like an idiot. Great, now I wanted to smack her too.
She sighed dreamily and then resumed staring at the screen. Just in time to catch a glimpse of the scariest part in the whole movie. I wasn't fazed, but Casey turned white. Her lip trembled... And then, to my great surprise, she launched herself at me, burying her head in my stomach. She knocked the wind out of me.
For a moment I did nothing. I didn't react... I couldn't react. I was kind of... uh, flummoxed. So I just sat there for a second. Then I realized how rare an opportunity like this was, so I wrapped my arm around her and just... relaxed for a while. I realized that Sam was there, yes... And I realized that he wasn't going to be snacking forever, sure... And I knew he was going to come back, definitely. I just... Um, didn't think it'd be uh, so soon, you know?
Okay, so I didn't want him to come back, like, ever. But he did.
Which totally ruined it for me. 'Cause he gave that clueless idiot face. That face like... Get your hands off my girlfriend! I hate that face. "Casey?" He gaped, looking somewhat appalled. Again with the "Casey?" stuff? That ruined the first moment.
And, as predicted, Casey recognized the voice and shot up like a rabbit on crack. It would've been entertaining if I didn't like her, remember? She began blinking rapidly, biting her lip and stumbling over her words. "Sam! Oh, I'm... I'm s-so s-s-sorr-rry. I was just... The movie... It-t, it, uh, um... s-scared me. A lot... And, umm, D-derek was-s there... And it was really just g-geo-g-graphic con-convenience because if you had been here I would've done the same thing to you, you know? And, uh, um... There's n-no-nothing g-going on. You d-don't have to worry!" Casey stuttered nervously. Her voice was high and sorta squeaky with panic.
Sam was oddly cool about the whole thing... I mean, considering how he was before. He just smiled reassuringly at Casey and waved it off like it was nothing. To him, maybe... But he was wrong. It's not nothing, Sammy. I'm going to steal your girlfriend, and, well, tough luck. Because I always get what I want.
Enough said.
That being said, this might be just a bit harder than I anticipated.
You see, normally, if Sam and I liked the same girl, I would just tell him and he'd back off. Or I'd steal the girl behind his back. But I can't do that with Casey without coming off as a total ass. I'd convince Sam to dump her, but really, I'd look like an asshole. I am, but really...It's sad how I have such sway over Sam... I can control him soo easily. That's why Sam's pathetic. He's a wuss.
"Chill, Case. It's cool. I mean, why would there be anything going on between you and Derek? You're like... stepsiblings. Male Code or not, that's wrong. I mean, come on... Derek isn't into girls like you anyways, are you, man?" Sam explained, plopping down unto the couch, food in hand. Great... He asking me a question? Oh, well, at least I'm a good liar. I rolled my eyes at him, like he was stupid for even considering it.
He is stupid... but for not considering it. He thinks I have more scruples than I actually do. How sad. With that, Casey buried her face in Sam's shirt for a while. I thought she was asleep for a moment. She wasn't.
Because a moment after that she sorta started making out with him again. I had to excuse myself to well, to just get out of the room... Have some air. Collect myself. When I got back, Casey was asleep on top of Sam. Great, just what I needed to see. So Sam stayed for a little while longer, only until the movie ended. I'd had enough of Sam for the night.
Sam took care to slip out from under Casey, ensuring that he didn't wake her. What he didn't realize, of course, is that Casey could sleep through an earthquake. But he hasn't slept with Casey, so... You can interpret that however you want to. I mean in the dirty way, of course.
He just stood there awkwardly for a while, shifting from foot to foot. He was staring at me, darting nervous looks around the room. I turned, annoyed, to face him... after he'd been doing that for like ten minutes. I rolled my eyes... Friends. The poor boy cleared his throat to talk, looking a little green. "Hey, Derek, can you do me a favor?"
The warning bells went off in my head almost immediately. But I shrugged and tried to play it cool. Ten bucks says it involves Casey... I'll make out with her for free, of course. I shrugged, purposefully not looking at him. "That depends on what kind of favor," I muttered, almost to myself. There are some things I just will not do. I mean, there has to be something in it for me in the first place. I am an opportunistic person, enough said... Hey, I never claimed to be altruistic!
Maybe that would make Casey like me...
Make Casey like me? What am I on? I shouldn't have to make her do anything. She should like me of her own volition... Wait, why am I so concerned with her liki... No. That's not... That's stupid. I sound like some pathetic guy. And Derek Venturi is anything but pathetic...
"It's about Casey..." Sam began hesitantly. How did I know? Great, Casey... What about Casey? I'm getting kind of sick of Casey, really. Thinking about her all the time just wears on a man, you know? I mean, I'm halfway to insanity already.
I shrugged once again, eyes never straying from the screen. I do have a rep to keep up, after all. Not looking at him helps me avoid killing him. Which is always a plus, as the 'rents are away. "So... What about her?" I grunted, trying to sound uncaring. I failed miserably, but Sam doesn't know me well enough to tell the difference. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've known the kid since I was five... He's my best friend. But he sucks at lying... and he's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, if you know what I'm saying...
"I know that you don't like her..." Sam stated simply. I interrupted before he could finish. Ah, Sammy, Sammy, Sammy... If only you knew how wrong you were... Too bad you don't. Oh well, more fun for me. Really, it's surprising all that you don't know. But that's a story for another day. I'd only tell you to gloat, of course.
I looked over at him, trademark Derek smirk on my face. This time I did know something he didn't. "To say the least," I muttered supposedly under my breath. I knew he was going to hear it, of course. Then I had to be stupid and continue on. It was all lies of course. I mean, if I really hated her, I wouldn't want to nail her... Okay, so maybe I would. But, here's the thing... I want to do more than just jump her, you know? Which, well, sorta freaks me out. "I hate her with every fiber of my being... What's your point?" I drawled casually, as if I said stuff like that on a daily basis... Except for the tiny little fact that I don't hate Casey... Not even close.
Sam nodded, giving me a wary look. He looked like a rabbit who wanted to bolt. "I'm going to go now..." Jeez, man, can you state the obvious any more than you are there? I don't think that's possible.
I glanced over at him, rolling my eyes irritably. "Well, duh. So why're you still hanging around here?" I retorted a bit more sharply than I intended. I want some alone time with Casey too, you know... A lot.
"I was wondering if you could help her to bed for me." Okay, has Sammy boy lost his mind here? I mean, he does realize who he's talking to, right? Me, Derek Venturi, babe magnet. Me! I mean, does he think I'm not going to do something about it? I can honestly tell you that I can't think of any guy who would ask me that... To put their girlfriend to bed for me. It's like dangling a big, juicy steak in front of a fasting monk. It's just not done.
And I actually like this one... So I'm even more gung-ho about it. I smirked at him. If only you knew, Sammy. "You know, there aren't many guys who would ask me... trust me... to do that," I replied evenly, briefly glancing over at Sam. He, being an idiot, missed out on the tension in my voice. I'm not having any moral quandaries about this. It's a competition now, and I intend to win.
Sam rolled his eyes, snorting. "You are such a pervert," He muttered, amused. He wasn't surprised, of course. He has, after all, played Babe Raider with me. But I'm afraid our dear Sammy doesn't get the point of the game. The point would be the sex appeal. But Sam, ever a pansy, claims it challenges his mind. Blah, blah, blah... Empowers women, all that feminist bull. He says he just likes playing. I swear, he rolls his eyes at every comment I make. That's why I like playing with Edwin better.
This time, I snorted. "You know, your girlfriend said the same thing the other day," I grunted, bored. When is he going to leave already? Man, this movie really sucks. Sam has crappy taste. Ick. I wouldn't even take Victoria to this flick, and she's sorta easy...
Sam grinned. That dopey lovestruck look was on his face again. He is such a moron! Love is stupid. It makes normally sane people act like total idiots... But I think I'm giving Sam a bit too much credit here. He wasn't exactly that bright to start out with. I mean, sure, he gets higher grades than me, but that doesn't mean much... Almost everyone is. Getting better grades doesn't mean you're smarter...
Because Sam is so oblivious that it's laughable. I mean, I know Casey thinks he's the sun, the moon, and the stars, but really, what's so great about him? I mean, he's a dope, a wuss, and he wears a ski-cap all the time. He's like a blonde, blue-eyed, innocent version of me. Oh, with feminist views that he can't even talk to me about. He can't stand up to me. What man can't stand up to his best friend?
"Yeah? So, does that mean you'll do it?" Sam asked anxiously, a hopeful tone in his voice. He sounded a bit desperate and more than a little pathetic, but that wasn't particularly new information. I resisted the urge to tell him to cram it, sighing. His sincere act was really starting to bother me. He's so sincere it's phony. Ugh, it makes me sick.
I tried to be calm, cool, collected. I shrugged apathetically. "It doesn't mean I won't..." I grunted, leaning back into the couch.
Sam's eyes grew wide and bright with excitement. Well, gee, isn't he Mr. Cheerful? I hate people like that. "Does that mean you're okay with it?" He chirped, and he sounded so happy it almost pained me. I felt guilty for like... a second. I hate feeling guilty. I mean, I know it's a new feeling, but it just... sucks. Completely ruins my futile attempts at having fun.
I made a dismissive hand gesture, waving it off and focusing my eyes on that god-awful movie. I swear, if he gets any happier, I'm gonna hit him! "Yeah, sure, whatever... I did it last night anyways," I said nonchalantly, as if it were nothing. I was hoping maybe my ease would freak him a little. Apparently my little plan worked.
"Did what last night?" Sam's tone was a little sharper than before. He didn't sound as happy as before. I beamed inwardly at the thought. Man, I am such a bad friend. He sounded a bit suspicious and more than a little curious. It's weird, man... One minute you're worrying, the next you aren't.
I smirked as the words came to me. "Casey..." I drawled lazily, sounding very self-satisfied. I was dying to see Sam's reaction. If I recall correctly, his eyes bugged out, his jaw dropped, and he was the very picture of surprise. It was hilarious, but I was actually surprised he took me seriously. I mean, I'm a bit of a notorious joker, and I don't really talk about having sex with Sam the Virgin. I let my grin widen as I started to laugh.
"Just kidding."
Sam glared at me, not as amused as I was by the entire situation. What, did he think there was an actual chance that I would've screwed Casey last night? I mean, if I screwed Casey, do you honestly think I'd be bragging to her boyfriend about it? Obviously not. It is an interesting concept, though. "That was so funny I forgot to laugh... So, are you going to do it or not?" Sam queried impatiently. I think I might've pissed him off. Oh well, that's just too damn bad, now isn't it?
I rolled my eyes at him, focusing on the movie, feeling irritated. Why am I doing Sam favors in the Casey department? I mean, yeah, okay, whatever, I probably would've done this anyways, but... whatever. I groaned, seeing Sam's oh-so moronic face staring at me eagerly. I couldn't take it anymore, so I turned to face him, answering sharply, "I will, okay? Jeez, just go, man... I'll get her in bed after this movie..." I turned back to the movie, waving him off, realizing exactly how it had sounded. Uh, oops?
Not. Bet that pissed little Sammykins off. Well, he deserves it, the moron. "What did you say?" Sam asked in an eerily calm yet somewhat threatening tone. Bit of an oxymoron, I know, but true as hell. I rolled my eyes. Can you say bipolar? His mood changes at the drop of a hat. Honestly. I mean, one second he's jealous, the next he's not threatened. It's like... make up your mind!
I glanced over at him, raising an eyebrow, still smirking. Ah, the perpetual smirk. So fun. "And you say I'm the pervert?" I retorted smoothly. Sam rolled his eyes, like I was the crazy one here.
"Bye, dude." And then, a few seconds later, I heard the door shut behind him. Grinning wildly, I got up and locked it, making my way back to the couch. Okay, so the movie still sucked and now they'd killed off the only hot chick in it. Damnit.
Speaking of hot girls... Casey was still wearing her party costume, complete with killer boots. She seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Key word being seemed... She frowned in her sleep and started feeling around for something (methinks it was Sam). And then suddenly she was, um, uh, kinda touching me in a place she shouldn't have... unless she was conscious. Luckily for me, she moved her hand and sort of leaned against me with this really cute smile on her face.
I don't know why, but I suddenly realized that I was smiling for no reason at all. And, before I knew what I was doing, I leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. What's happening to me? Why'd I do that? I mean, I like her and everything, but why am I acting like a total sap? I'm not a sap. I never kiss anyone on the forehead except Marti, and she's my sister.
Then again, so is Casey... Bad thoughts, Derek. Bad thoughts. Remember, Casey is not your sister. She is your stepsister. See the difference? Yeah? Well, good. Memorize it and don't ever call her your sister again, okay?
Does this mean that I'm actually thinking of her as a sister? That would be too warped. Way too warped for even my mind to comprehend. You know, a drink sounds really good right now. Wonder where Dad hid the keys to the liquor cabinet?
Bad, D. You do not want to get drunk around Casey. You are sure to do something completely, totally, utterly, 100 stupid... and crazy and dumb and every other word for idiotic moron you can think of. It's bound to happen, and you won't stop it.
Like kissing her... You would be dumb enough to try that. Never while she's in her right mind, D. Never. You need to keep your wits about you, or you'll lose your fragile sense of control over your... feelings, libido, emotions, sex drive... Pick one. I mean, I need every brain cell I've got for this, and that's not a lot! Because everything in me wants to, but I know... It's not going to work. Not now.
Why'd I have to like Casey, of all people? Casey! That's like... insane. You know, it is driving me insane. I mean, here I am, talking to myself again. Let's just keep things safe, okay? Watch the dumbass movie.
I tried to watch the movie, really I did, but it didn't draw my interest. I kept looking over and realizing that I was, once again, staring at Casey. I swear, I got so frustrated I wanted to smack myself. Wait... I am losing it! I can't stare at her like some idiot. I have some class. I mean, there are some things even I refuse to do. And looking like a fool is one of those things, 'mmmkay?
Before I knew it, I was... hehe... fantasizing. Which is okay, because it's familiar territory. Even, yes, with Casey. Honestly, I've been imagining Casey since... before the wedding, okay? Says a lot, doesn't it? Ever since I first saw her. I flirted ridiculously, I swear. She wasn't into it. She just... hated me then. I mean, not as much as now, but still... I gave it up, but I still thought about what it would be like, you know?
Still am. So I was practically drooling. I decided to get up, but Casey looked so peaceful that I couldn't move. Damn these irrational sensibilities. So I decided to close my eyes for a second or two before helping her to bed. I was just so tired.
After all, what's the harm in closing my eyes... It's not like I'm going to fall asleep or anything. No, of course not. That would be stupid, which I'm not...
So I'll just close my eyes for a second. Big deal. It's not like anything will happen anyways.
- Loren ;
Love you guys!