AN: I don't own LWD

Chapter 16

Casey POV

The next few weeks flew by in a blink. Suddenly it was the last day of school and graduation was a few hours away. I was very sad about leaving high school but also excited for college, it was all very bittersweet. I saw Emily and I ran over to her. We both gave each other a big hug and knew we were both feeling the same way. "I can't believe this is it." She said sadly. "I know right, it feels like just yesterday I moved here and met you first as my locker mate." I said sentimentally. "Are you nervous for your speech?" She asked while taking everything out of her locker. She was talking about my graduation speech because as Valedictorian I was supposed to give a big speech. "A little bit, actually I wanted to see if I can read it to you again." I half asked, already pulling out my note cards.

Emily sighed and looked resistant. "But Casey, you've already read me your speech like ten times, it's perfect." "Please Em! I would really appreciate it!" I begged, jutting out my bottom lip, making a puppy dog face. Emily sighed but agreed, Fine, fine, just stop with the face." My face lit up and I began, "Today is it.."

Derek POV

As I walked down the hallway everyone looked and acted the same. Big smiles, sentimental tears, hugging, squealing, laughter, crying, excitement, last kisses, the hallway was alive with emotion. I however was feeling emotionless, sure I was excited for college and sure it felt weird to think about leaving high school but I wasn't going to get all touchy feely about it. I was just ready for college, where I would be with Casey, hockey, parties, interesting classes, and even Sam was going to Queen's so I would have my best bud with me. At that moment Sam and Ralph ran to me, breaking me of my thoughts. "Hey man, what's your plan?" Ralph asked in a whispered tone. "What do you mean?" I asked innocently. "Don't give us that act D. We all know you can't leave high school without one more prank. And as your best friend's it is our right to know what it is so we can help you." Sam replied. "Well my plan isn't going to be until after Casey's speech because she worked hard on it and I don't want to ruin her moment. So, after her speech and everyone gets their diplomas, confetti is going to shoot out and I have music set to blare out thanks to the help of the AV Club." I replied. "Classic D, out with a huge spectacle." Ralph chuckled. I rolled my eyes, put my arms around Sam and Ralph's shoulders and led them down the hallway where graduation would take place in a half hour.

Casey POV

"Wow Em, you look great!" I gushed, admiring her dress that she just stepped out into the bathroom in. It was a white dress with a green design all over it, and she has gold sandles and her hair in her natural curls. I had my hair straightened and was wearing a peach and white pinstripe strapless dress with white sandles. We slipped on our graduation robes and caps, linked our arms, and left the bathroom to go join the rest of our senior class, who were staring to line up outside of the auditorium.

After a speech from the Superintendent and a speech from the Principal, I headed up to the stage to give my speech. As I headed to the stage, I could hear Derek cheering and whistling for me. I cleared my throat and began, "Today is it everyone. We made it! I remember when I moved here to London from Ontario as if it were just yesterday. I was so nervous and scared. At first things weren't so easy, but eventually I fit right in and found myself calling this place home. However now it is time to leave our home and find our new homes, whether it's college, work, or anything. It is our time to explore and find ourselves in the real world. With that said we are forever bonded as a class, good luck, and I know that you will all be successful!"

After the graduation ended, Derek and I drove to Ralph's house for his big party. As we sat in the Prince driving to Ralph's I had to ask about Derek's prank at the end of graduation. "How did you get all that confetti to rain down and that music at the end of graduation?" Derek chuckled softly to himself and replied, "Let's just say I have friends in the AV Club. I had to do one last prank but I didn't want to ruin your speech so I saved it for the end of graduation." I smiled thinking about how full circle we had come, about a year and a half ago, Derek would have pranked my speech just to annoy me. But now, he put my feelings first.

Derek POV

The party was great, it was one last moment of my high school career. I thought about how much I had grown and I realized that almost all of my memories had Casey in them. I looked over at my beautiful girl, talking and laughing with Emily, and felt like the luckiest guy in the world. I snuck up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. "I'm just gonna leave you too love birds alone." Emily said with a knowing smile. Casey then turned around to face me, and she wrapped her arms around her neck. I kissed her on her lips deeply and passionately.

"Do you want to get out of here?" She asked softly, looking up at me with knowing eyes. I nodded in reply and took her hands, leading her out of the party.

Casey POV

Derek was so gentle and sweet the whole time. He constantly asked me if I was okay and was so amazing. He gave me gentle kisses and kissed me everywhere. That was the best night I had ever had and I couldn't have asked for any better.

*2 Months Later*

Casey POV

"That trip was absolutely amazing." I said dreamily, rolling my luggage through the airport. Derek, Emily, Sam, and I all took a trip to California for graduation celebration. It was amazing, we went to Los Angeles, Hollywood, and San Francisco. It was the best time of my life. As we went to the arrival section we saw Nora and George waiting for us. Emily and Sam drove together so they left. I ran to mom and hugged her. "Hi guys, how was California?" George asked. "It was incredible! Hollywood was the coolest place ever, it was crawling with American celebrities." Derek replied, very excited.

When we finally arrived home it dawned on me that it was almost time to move into the dorms. I went up stairs getting ready to unpack my clothes, and pack up my furniture for the dorms. Nora knocked on the door and let herself in. "Hey, so George and I have been talking, currently George is talking to Derek about the same thing. We think it's silly for you to live in dorms when you are at the same university and are dating, so we decided you should live together." Nora finished. I was stunned and it took me a minute to process, "Wh-what?" I asked. "Nora replied, "There are two bedroom apartment condos on campus and we think, to save money, and since we know that you two obviously get along, why not just rent you a condo. So we cancelled your dorm and your are moving in next week!" Nora then jumped an hugged me, I couldn't believe how great our parents were.

Derek POV

Dad had just told me that Nora and him are paying for Casey and I to live in an apartment condo together at Queen's. Constant action with my girl and no dorm living? It sounded like a blessing to me. George also told me that there was a bathroom, a nice kitchen, a living room, and a balcony.

I ran out in the hallway to go talk to Casey when I smacked right into her, she eager to discuss it to. "Can you believe it?" I asked her with a smile. "I'm still trying to process it. I'm glad I don't have to worry about my roommate and the dorm bathrooms." She admitted, then continued, "Mom and I were going to go to the furniture store tomorrow to get things for the apartment. Do you want to come?" "Normally I wouldn't but I want to make sure that you don't buy only princess stuff." I teased her with a smirk on my face. She smacked me on the arm playfully, kissed me on the cheek, then started to walk away. Before she could get away, I picked her up and pulled her into my bedroom.

Casey POV

"C'mon Derek, this is not girly!" I protested, holding up a peach colored throw couch pillow up to him. "Oh yes it is! We are not getting a peach colored pillow for our COUCH! Why do we even need pillows for the couch?" He replied, turning to look at other things. I grabbed his arm and replied, "Because it looks nice and make the place look and feel homey." He rolled his eyes at me, and Nora and I continued looking at pillows. A few minutes later I found turquoise pillows that looked perfect. I held them up to Derek questioningly and he nodded in approval.

A few hours we were done shopping and had plenty of new things for the apartment. We got a love seat couch, a recliner, a flat screen television, a coffee table, some kitchen supplies, and things for our bedrooms. All in all it was a very successful trip. I was very excited for college and my new life with Derek.

Derek POV

Our last week at home flew by, I spent the week with Casey, the family, Sam, Ralph, just enjoying our time together. That morning Casey and I both got up early for the drive. The moving fan with our new furniture was meeting us there, so all we had to pack was our clothes and personal objects.

The whole family got up early to say goodbye. Marti started crying and wailed that she didn't want us to go. I scooped her up in my arms and promised I'd call every day and be home soon. Everyone, including Casey, was getting so emotional and I was itching to go. Once everyone was done saying goodbye, Casey and I loaded up the car.

Before I started the car, I turned to her and grabbed her hands. I looked into her eyes and said, "This was a very emotional year, with what happened between you and Truman, to the best thing to ever happen to me, getting you as my girlfriend. We've gone through obstacles and are still rock solid, we can conquer anything together. I love you so much, and I will continue to love you forever. Now let's go start the next chapter in our lives together." Her eyes glistened with happy tears, and she replied by placing a gentle and romantic kiss to my lips.

I started to drive the car, heading off to our future. I knew that everything was going to be all right as long as I had this beautiful woman beside me.

This was the last chapter, however I will be posting an epilogue to this story as the final chapter, so expect it in a few days! Sorry for the long wait, and thanks for reading!*