Chapter 3:

Casey POV

On Monday morning I woke up early to make sure I had everything all set for the school week. I then went downstairs for a nice breakfast. Derek came down into the kitchen a few minutes later. He squeezed my shoulder and I suddenly had a very warm feeling wash over me and a deep blush on my face. I looked to see if Derek was feeling the same way, but he looked like he usually looked on Mondays (and every other morning)-tire. "Edwin. Cereal. Now." Derek demanded. "Yes Derek." Edwin said, quickly making Derek's breakfast. Derek was acting normal too. Then George entered the kitchen and stopped me as I was walking out. "Casey, I have a last minute meeting, and Nora can't get out of work early, so could you please watch Marti? She's in a carpool so you don't have to worry about picking her up. Please?" He begged. "No problem, George." I replied with a smile. I love watching Marti. "Thanks Case. Bye kids!" And with that George was out the door. By that time it was time for Derek and I to leave too.

"So are you gonna help me babysit Marti this afternoon?" I asked Derek on the way to school. I was secretly hoping he would say yes so we could hang out more. There was a long pause before he answered. By the time he answered, we had arrived at school. "Uhh can't. Got plans. Bye." He said quickly, before scurrying off leaving me to walk alone. I was confused and a little hurt by his short and curt answer. I then realized his plan probably included a girl, which set off a pang of jealousy in me, which I quickly shook away. I can't be with Derek so find another guy, I thought to myself. When I walk into school I saw Emily, and I realized that I had forgotten to ask her about date because I had been distracted by stupid Derek. "Em!" I shouted, jogging to catch up with her. "How did the date go?" I asked when I finally reached her. She was beaming so I knew she had good news. "One word. Perfect!" Emily smiled as she said it. "Potential boyfriend material?" I asked, slyly. "Definitely!" She replied. We continued our chat as we walked to our class.

Derek POV

I felt really bad for rejecting Casey like that. She actually looked disappointed. There is nothing I would rather do than hang out with Casey, but Stacy asked me out and felt bad so I agreed. I sighed and went to my class which happened to have both Casey and Stacy in it. Just my luck. Neither girl was in the when I arrived so I sat in the back with Sam. Then Casey walked in and gave me a sad smile before sitting down. Then Stacy walked in and shouted, "HEY DERY EXCITED FOR OUR DATE TONIGHT?" I cringed as everyone heard. Casey didn't turn around so I couldn't see her reaction. I cringed looking at Stacy's very tight outfit, I wish she dressed more like Casey, heck I wish she was Casey. After class, Casey booked it out of the class.

The ride home was silent and awkward and I was desperate to talk to her. "So… how was your day?" I asked awkwardly. "Fine." She replied dryly. Great, our friendship was set back. As soon as we reached the car, she quickly hopped out of the car and went to her room, At about 4, we both left our rooms, me on my way out to get Stacy, and Casey heading down to wait for Marti to get home. As we both went downstairs, Mart walked in. "Hey Smarti!" I said, gleefully. "Hi Smerek!: She replied equally happily. It was about time to get Stacy. "Bye girls, have fun!" I said. "I hope you have fun Derek!" Casey said to my surprise. I quickly pulled out the door and went out.

Casey POV
As Marti and I sat on the couch watching a movie I found my mind wandering to Derek. I was wondering how his date was going. He looked so cute before he left, with dark jeans, his classic leather jacket, and his perfectly messy brown hair. Ugh stop it Casey!

A few hours later, after Marti and the rest of the family (minus Derek) had gone to sleep, I found myself unable to. I went downstairs to watch some tv. Around 12, Derek quietly walked in the door. "Hey" he said cautiously. "Hi" I replied shortly, not taking my eyes off the tv. I was in no mood to talk to him so I quickly got up to start heading to bed. To my surprise Derek grabbed my arm. "Hey Case, we were getting along so well, I don't want that to end. I'm sorry I was so rude this morning." he sincerely said. "We're fine, don't worry about it." I said quickly, still unable to look him in the eye. I ran up the stair to my room, unable to ignore the pit in my stomach that had just formed.