Short update and a long time coming...I know. Sorry but here it is! :)

I will be around when the others let you down
I'm still on your side
Anytime you need help and you can't find nobody else
I'm still on your side

[Still On Your Side – BBMak]

I am startled awake by the sound of my cell phone ringing. Who in the world would be calling me at this time in the morning? I quickly grab it and look down. It was Casey. I guess she wasn't thinking about the time difference. Either that or she knew I wouldn't care. If it had been anyone else I would have been beyond angry. But, it wasn't just anyone, so I pressed the green button and said hello.

"Derek! Hi...sorry it's early isn't it? I can tell your voice sounds tired. I'm so sorry I just wanted to talk to you."

"Case, chill. It's no big deal. What's up?"

"Well...you know how I told you about my big break up with Dean?"

"Yeah. You didn't go back to him did you?" I ask, inwardly cringing at the thought.

"Oh no. he asked me if I would last night but I said no. And then I woke up and I was feeling childish. So, I wrote an 'I' a heart and a question mark on my hand. It's really stupid but I feel so much better."

"And you call me the immature one? But, I'm glad for you, Case. I really am."

"Me too. Der...I miss you. It's been far too long."

"I know. It has been far too long."

"Yeah. Two years. Oh and guess what Luis, the guy playing Angel, told me when I ran into him getting coffee? He told me that I was insane for breaking up with Dean."

"Well, he's gay."

"Derek, he really is."

"I know. Look, Case, no matter what you're friends say, I'll always be on your side. You know that."

"Thanks. I needed that."

"Always. So I heard you're rendition of Mimi is excellent."

"Like you'd know. You had never heard of the play until I told you I got the part."

"Yeah. But then I rented the movie. Rosario Dawson is hott in her little stripper outfit. Do you wear one like that?"

I couldn't believe I just said that. I was flirting with Casey. I always tried to keep everything friendly.

"Maybe if you came and saw me you would know."

Was she flirting back?

"Maybe I will. But I don't know if I could handle other guys seeing you like that. I might have to beat someone up. But, in all seriousness, I was thinking about making a trip out there. I hear the closing show is in two weeks."

"That would be so super awesome Derek! My friends can meet you! I'm sure they think I've made you up. Half of them don't believe that I've ever met you until I pull out the picture from the party freshman year. You know, the one Emily snapped of us?"

She's told her friends about me. I mean, sure we were best friends. But she carried around the picture of us? My heart is now beating extremely fast.

"I'll plan it. Then you're friends will realize that keener Casey can be kind of cool."

"Shut up."

"I'm kidding. You know I like messing with you."

"Yes. Well, I'm off to aerobics before practice. I guess I'll see you soon. Talk to you later?"

"Bet on it. Bye Case."

"Bye Derek."

Then we hung up. I was awake. Fully awake. I was going to see her in the play. I couldn't back down now. I told her I would. But...question is...will I be able to tell her that I love her?

I wonder how things will go? Hopefully good! Don't chicken out Derek! Reviews are treasured...