This Is Life With Derek

LWD S04-E22: Change is a Mystery

Casey stood at Derek's bedroom door, pounding over the blasting music.

Finally, his door sprang open and Derek emerged, leaning casually up against the door. He smirked, finding Casey, arms crossed and huffing in all her angry glory. As he slid his hands into his pockets, his shiny belt buckle glistened. "You rang, your majesty?"

"Do you think you could turn that noise down?"

Pretending to consider it, Derek held a finger to his chin. "Hmm, let me think... no!"

Catching the door, before he could bang it shut, Casey stopped him. "Just a minute. I'm not done with you, yet."

"What now, Princess?"

"Why are you avoiding Emily?"

"None of your business."

"Derek! She's my best friend!"

"And?"

"I don't want you to break her heart!"

He gave her a look. "Yeah, right. Like I said, not your business." This time the door successfully slammed in her face.

🎵 "It used to be my mother and my sister and me,

A happy little family, and alright with me.

Then Mom got married, that's when everything changed,

Some things were lost, and others were gained.

A new school, a new house,

So many changes make my head spin.

Now I've got a brother who gets under my skin.

This is life with Derek,

This is life with Derek,

This is life with Lizzie, Edwin, George and Nora, Marti and Casey.

Livin' life with Derek,

Livin' life with Derek!" 🎵

"If there's one thing you can count on around here, it's that at some point, somewhere, someone is pulling a prank. It's been a constant even through change. When we first moved in, I was totally unprepared for any sort of 'prank war', but now... Now, you could say I'm prepared." Casey held up a notebook and smirked. "Better watch your back, Venturi."

George stomped up the stairs and into the kitchen. He waved a container through the air. "Edwin! You replaced my deodorant with cream cheese?"

Almost falling out of his seat, Edwin laughed, "Can't miss with a classic."

Studying his deodorant, George frowned before breaking out into a grin. "Don't I know it. I remember once, it was my first year as a lawyer and all the other workers newspapered my entire office."

"That's old news, Dad."

"Punny, Edwin. Alright, fine, how about this? I took every roll of toilet paper in my buddy's apartment and hairsprayed them so he couldn't get anything torn off!"

"Ahh, nice! Bet that was a sticky situation!"

"He didn't talk to me for weeks." George grinned fondly at the memory. "I guess it didn't help that he had his girlfriend over at the time he found that out."

Edwin and George looked to each other, both bursting out into hysterical laughter.

Knocking sweetly at Derek's door, Marti sang, "Smerek? I have something for you!"

"Yeah, Smarts!"

Marti opened the door slowly, carrying in the offered plate. She approached his bed and handed the plate to him with an innocent smile. "Look, Smerek, cookies!"

Derek sat up, "Sweet, Oreos!" He took the plate from her, "Smarti..."

"Yes, Smerek?"

"What did you do to these Oreos?"

Her eyes widened dramatically, "What do you mean, Smerek?"

He picked up an Oreo and quickly held it to her mouth. "Here, Smarti, have a bite!"

Cringing, Marti pulled away. "No, Smerek!"

"Ah, ha!"

Marti tried to cover, "I mean, I'm full! I already had some!"

Derek eyed her. "A likely story." Picking up an Oreo, he sniffed it before shooting her a proud grin. "You toothpasted 'em, didn't you?"

She returned the smirk. "Yup!"

"Go find an easier target." Derek handed the plate off to her.

"Okay, Smerek." She tottered out of his room and out into the hall. Derek listened as she knocked at Casey's door.

"Come in!" Casey's voice rang through their shared wall. The door clicked shut behind Marti and all he heard were mumbling voices. A few seconds later, Casey screamed, "DER-REK!"

Derek sniggered to himself. "Classic, Case."

Nora knocked on Derek's door before throwing it open. "Derek! Phone!"

"I'm not here."

Cupping a hand over the receiver, Nora hissed at him, "It's Emily!"

"Come on, Nora. Tell her I'm not here."

Frowning, Nora complied. "I'm sorry, Emily, but Derek isn't here right now." She paused to listen to Emily as she gave Derek a scowl. "Hmm, no, I'm not sure if there's something wrong with his cell. I'll check with him when he gets home." She paused again, listening. "Alright, bye, Emily." Punching the end button just a little too hard, Nora marched into Derek's room, shutting the door behind her. She took a seat next to him on the bed, causing Derek to groan.

"Why are you avoiding Emily?"

"Gah, you McDonalds!"

"What was that, Derek?"

"Nothing, nothing."

"So, what's going on with Emily?"

Derek shook his head. "It's hard to explain."

"Try me."

"It's just..." He held his hands up while closing his eyes. "not right, you know?" His hands fell and he groaned.

Nora smiled at him affectionately. "I know what you mean, Derek. Now try telling her that." She patted his knee as she stood up.

He flipped a page in his comic, studying the picture diligently. "That's the hard part."

Pausing in his doorway, Nora turned back to say firmly, "The sooner, the better. For everyone, Derek."

Lizzie strolled up the stairs, repeatedly tossing her soccer ball up into the air. Heading into her room, she opened the door and was met by a wall of balloons. Spluttering, she batted at the balloons in her face.

Taking a step back, she analyzed the situation. Her eyes roamed over the massive collection of balloons from floor to ceiling. "Whaaaat?"

At her words, several balloons spewed out into the hallway. Lizzie kicked them in frustration before picking one up and pounding her way to Derek's door. She barged into his room, crying, "What's the big idea?"

"What are you talking about?" sniggered

"How am I supposed to get into my room?"

"Um, walk through the door?"

She threw the balloon at him, but he dodged out of the way as she screamed, "I CAN'T!"

Derek picked up the wayward balloon and examined it. "What's with the balloon?"

Hovering in the doorway, Edwin asked carefully, "What's going on?"

Lizzie crossed her arms over her chest. "Ask Derek."

"Derek doesn't know!" He held his hands up innocently.

"Someone filled my room with balloons!"

Both boys snickered, enraging Lizzie.

"Nice one, D!"

Derek stopped laughing. "Hey, it wasn't me!"

"Yeah, right!" Lizzie stomped her foot, before turning her anger on Edwin. She reached out, grabbing a fistful of his shirt. "Then it was you, Edwin!"

Edwin clammed up, shaking his head furiously. "N-no, n-no it wasn't!"

Releasing him, Lizzie shoved him to the side and stomped out of Derek's room.

As Edwin stared after her, he asked, "What was that about?"

"Women." Derek shot the balloon at Edwin, nailing him in the head.

"I'm surprised you used a prank like that on Lizzie and not Casey."

"Nice ty, Ed, but I know you did it."

"I didn't do it!"

"You're using me for cover, so Lizzie doesn't beat you to a pulp."

"Honest, Derek! It wasn't me!"

Derek rolled his eyes.

"Oh, I see what you're doing, Derek! You want me to think you think it was me, but it was really you pretending to think it was me so I wouldn't think it was you when I really do think it was you!"

Derek's eyebrows knitted in confusion. He shook his head back and forth trying to make sense of Edwin's words. "Whatever, Ed."

The two brothers eyed each other suspiciously. Edwin backed slowly out of Derek's room, miming that he was watching him.

Nora sat down at the dinner table. "So how was everyone's day?"

Glaring between Derek and Edwin, Lizzie answered her mother, "Oh, just peachy, Mom."

Casey glanced sideways at her sister, sounding concerned, "Um, you sure about that, Liz? Because you sound a little upset."

"Maybe, because I am."

"What happened, Lizard?" Nora asked her daughter, her motherly instinct taking over.

"Someone filled my entire room with balloons!"

George choked on his water as he laughed. Nora glared at him and he tried to contain it even as Derek, Edwin and Marti chuckled quietly. Sobering, George tried, "It was just a harmless prank, Nora."

Clearing her throat, Nora eyed her husband. "George, I don't think you should be condoning this sort of behavior."

Lizzie piped in, "Yeah! It took me three hours to pop all of those balloons!"

Derek laughed openly around a mouthful of food, but Edwin's eyes widened as Lizzie glared him down. Marti giggled quietly and even Casey had to hold back an amused smile. George and Nora stared each other down across the table.

"George, pranking can be very immature."

"Nora, it's a valued practice for laughs."

Cutting in, Derek added, "Not to mention, a sacred Venturi tradition."

Lizzie turned her glare on Derek. "I agree with Mom. It's immature."

Marti piped in, "Not me. I think it's funny."

Hesitantly, Edwin added, "I agree with Marti."

Derek's fork stilled for a beat. "What about you, Spacey? Why so quiet? You usually jump to the front of the 'destroy everything that's fun' parade."

Casey moved her fork around her plate as she eyed him. "I think I've said just about all I can say on the matter."

His face showed a measure of surprise before he covered it. "You're giving up?"

Giving him a sly smile, she answered, "No, just regrouping."

Even after the whirlwind of George and Nora flying out the door for work (a few times for George by the time he remembered everything) was over, the McDonald and Venturi children gathered around the kitchen island, eating breakfast.

"Oh my god!" Casey cried after spitting a mouthful into the sink. "Who swapped the orange juice for cheese water?"

Laughing loudly, Derek spewed cereal across the counter as Marti giggled knowingly.

"That wasn't funny, Derek!"

"Hey! Don't jump to conclusions, Space Case. It wasn't me." Derek took another huge bite of cereal as Casey continued to glare at him.

Marti giggled again, causing Derek to turn to her. "That was you, Smarti?"

"Yup!" She popped the p just like her big brother.

"Nice one, Smarts!" He reached over for a high-five.

"Don't encourage her, Derek!"

"She's a Venturi! It's in her genes, McDonald!"

Casey didn't respond, but she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand in disgust.

Marti danced up the stairs, twirling a few times before reaching her bedroom door. As she stepped over the threshold, a loud horn blasted her off her feet. She screamed on the way down to the floor. Marti scrambled to her feet, clutching her heart. Acting quickly, she slammed the door shut.

She stood outside looking at the door as she gathered her breath and calmed her racing heart. Stepping forward, she slowly opened the door again. As Marti took a tentative step in, the horn blew again. Shrieking, she closed the door and scampered down the stairs.

"SMEREK!"

Looking up from his recliner, Derek studied his angry little sister. Cautiously he asked, "What's up, Smarti?"

Placing her hands irritably on her hips, she reminded him eerily of Casey. He was snapped out of his thoughts as she cried, "You put a blow horn in my room?"

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did!"

"Really, Smarti, I didn't. I swear on our secret code."

Tentatively, Marti lowered her hands. "You mean it, Smerek?"

"Course, I do." He picked her up, pulling her into his lap to tickle her sides.

She laughed happily. "Smerek!"

He chuckled, gently setting her down so she could run off. As she left, he frowned to himself, wondering what was happening.

George strode into the living room, clearly annoyed. "Derek, this is the third time Emily has called the house in the last two hours."

Derek didn't look up from the TV. "Yeah, yeah."

"Derek, you need to do something!"

"I am! I'm watching the game!"

"I meant with Emily!"

"I'm not watching the game with Emily."

Sitting down on the couch, George tried to catch his eye. George sighed, "Derek." When Derek didn't acknowledge him, he cried, "DEREK!"

Wincing, Derek asked, "What?"

"Do something about it. If you're going to break up with her, get it over with already. The longer you wait, the worse it's going to be." George got up and returned to the kitchen without another word.

Laundry basket in hand, Nora walked through the living room, humming quietly to herself. With one foot on the first step, Nora paused, studying the pictures hanging on the wall. She frowned, examining the strangers that had replaced the family photos. As she climbed the stairs, she realized that every single picture had been replaced.

After delivering the clean laundry, she descended the stairs, again studying the pictures. Once she reached the main floor, she walked around looking at all the frames scattered around the house. Nora sighed, finding that they were all strangers' pictures.

Nora returned to the living room, watching Derek as he cheered for his favored team. Taking a step to cover the television, she folded her arms against her chest.

"Hey! Nora!" Derek tried desperately to look around her.

"Where did you put all the pictures, Derek?"

Still trying to watch around her, Derek asked distractedly, "What are you talking about?"

"The family pictures!"

Derek looked at her for the first time. "I didn't touch them, Nora."

She tapped her foot, losing her patience. "Derek, just tell me where they are, and I won't be mad."

Rolling his eyes, Derek spoke calmly, "Nora, I swear, I didn't take them, and I don't know where they are."

"I want them back, Derek." Nora glared once more before stomping away.

The house phone trilled again.

"SMARTI, PHONE!" Derek called up the stairs.

"OKAY, SMEREK!" Marti got up from the hall floor and skipped over to pick up the phone. "Hello?"

"Hi, Marti. Is Derek there?" Emily asked the girl.

"Yeah, but he doesn't want to talk to you."

Marti's reply was greeted with silence. Finally, Emily answered, "I see. Thanks, Marti."

"No problem! Bye!"

Starting the dinner time conversation, Nora eyed the table. "So, there's something going on around here that has come to my attention." Everyone looked to her in bewilderment. Nora continued speaking, "Someone has replaced all of our family photos with strangers." Pointedly, her eyes hovered on Derek.

"I already told you, it wasn't me, Nora."

"And I didn't ask you again. I'm simply asking for the return of the pictures to their rightful places."

Derek chomped on his food. "Right, you heard her everyone."

George stepped in, "Just cough them up, Derek."

"Not you too, Dad!"

"Just return them, Derek, and we won't say anything more about it."

He heaved a heavy sigh, accidently making eye contact with a grinning Casey. His eyes narrowed as they held hers for several seconds. Cursing quietly, he dropped his eyes back to his plate.

"So how many times did Emily call today?"

Derek's eyes snapped back up to glare at his brother. He muttered angrily, "Shut up, Edwin."

"Derek, you have to talk to the poor girl!" George needled.

"I will!" Derek cried, then he mumbled under his breath, "Eventually."

Marti piped in, "That's okay, Smerek. I already told her you didn't want to talk to her."

"What? Smarti, when did you do that?"

"This afternoon when you told me to answer the phone."

Groaning, Derek dropped his head into his hands.

The rest of the family looked at each other in alarm. Casey's features showed pure horror as she spoke somewhat to herself. "No wonder, she's not answering any of my texts or calls." Then loudly, "DER-REK!"

Derek winced at her tone.

"What's keeping Edwin this morning? He's usually down here by now?" Nora asked the bunch.

The others shook their heads not knowing the answer. A few seconds later, Edwin crashed into the kitchen, hair in upheaval and frowning.

"What's the matter, Ed?" George asked his son. "What took you so long?"

Marti cackled, "Nice hair!"

Edwin glared all around. "Well, I would have been here earlier, but someone covered my door in plastic wrap, and I couldn't get out!"

Holding up his hands, Derek replied, "Don't look at me." Everyone looked at him suspiciously. "Why would I do that? I had to pour my own cereal today."

Casey mocked, "Oh, yeah, because Mr. High and Mighty shouldn't have to make his own breakfast."

"That's right, Princess. Everything should be handed to me."

She rolled her eyes, depositing her dishes in the sink. Leaving the kitchen, she threw over her shoulder, "Excuse me, I can't deal with any more nonsense."

Derek rolled his eyes before leaping off his stool to follow her out, unable to resist a good argument.

George shoveled a few more bites of breakfast into his mouth before he jumped up from his seat, grabbing his briefcase. "Got to go or I'll be late... again." He hastily kissed Nora and ruffled Marti's hair. "See you later, everyone."

Nora called after him, "Bye, Georgie." Then she turned to Marti, "Come on, Miss Marti. We're going clothes shopping today."

"Ugh, Nora. Do we have to?"

"Yes, yes, yes! Now, let's get a move on!" Nora ushered Marti out of the kitchen.

Edwin and Lizzie heard Marti say as Nora ushered her out the door, "Fine, but I want a purple jacket."

Staring after them briefly, Edwin then turned to Lizzie. "There's something strange going on around here."

Lizzie refused to acknowledge him.

"Liz?" After waiting for a reply that didn't come, Edwin asked, "Are you still mad at me?" Pointedly, Lizzie looked away from him. "Come on, Lizzie, I swear on middle children everywhere I did not fill your room with balloons."

"Swear?"

"Swear."

"Okay, I believe you."

"Now, will you please help me figure out what's going on?"

"I suppose. You'd be lost without my help."

Edwin rolled his eyes, but smiled, happy to have his partner in solving crime back. "Whatever you say, Watson."

"As it should be, Sherlock." She nudged his shoulder as she took her dirty dishes to the sink. Dropping back down, she asked, "Now, where do we start?"

"Well, first of all, why would Derek not take credit for one of his pranks?"

Lizzie thought for a while. "Maybe his prank was to let someone else take the fall?"

"I don't see a motive though."

"If that was his reason, his prime target would be you." She considered that. "But it doesn't seem like he's trying to pin them on you."

"He thought it was me that filled your room or at least that's what he said. But I don't think he's tried to convince anyone else that it's me."

"I didn't think much about it at the time, but it really didn't seem like he knew what I was talking about when I confronted him."

"He is the Lord of Lies though."

"True, so why else would he deny it?"

"Trying to avoid punishment?"

"Mom and George don't really do anything about his pranks though."

"Yeah, you're right."

"Could there be more than one pranker? Was the person that ballooned me the same one that plastic wrapped you?"

Edwin tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Seems a similar style."

"What about Marti's blow horn? All three of those pranks have to do with our rooms."

"Ensuring specific targets."

"Where does the family picture prank fit in?"

"That seems like it's targeted at your mom. It really bothered her."

"Yeah, she'd probably be the only one to really notice."

"Right, so that leaves my dad, Casey and Derek as the only ones not targeted by this 'Mystery Pranker' as of yet."

"Could it be your dad?"

"Not impossible. He seemed genuinely surprised about your balloons though."

"Was he surprised or amused?"

"I see your point." Edwin shifted in his seat. "I don't think he'd continue to do something like this after what Nora said at dinner that night."

"Yeah, that does seem unlikely." She paused, "So that leaves Derek... or Casey."

Lizzie knocked on Casey's door and entered as Casey called, "Come in!"

She hesitated in the doorway. "Hey, Case. What are you up to?"

Casey quickly folded her notebook up and sat it down. "Not much, just organizing some thoughts. Did you need something?"

"Oh, I just wanted to ask if I could borrow your conditioner."

"Sure, Liz. It's on the top shelf."

"Thanks, sis. I'll see you later."

"Bye, Lizzie."

Screaming, Lizzie ran out of the bathroom in her green and blue bathrobe. Most of the kids congregated in the hallway in alarm.

Casey was the first out of her room. "Lizzie! What's wrong?"

Lizzie tossed the towel off her head. "THIS! This is what's wrong!"

Laughing, Derek leaned against his doorway, supporting himself. Edwin's jaw dropped and he quickly hid his mouth behind his hand. Casey gasped loudly.

Marti's door popped open. The girl took a long look at Lizzie and beamed. "I like it!"

"DER-REK! You're so juvenile! I thought you were over putting stuff in my hair products! Now look what you did to Lizzie!" Not waiting for Derek to reply, Casey turned to Lizzie and held a comforting hand to her shoulder. "Don't worry, Liz. I'll go with you to the hair salon. You go get dressed and I'll call ahead for an appointment."

At the hair salon, Casey stood with Lizzie, flipping through a magazine as they waited for the hairstylist to be free. "You know, Liz, I've been wondering... what would I look like as a blonde?"

Taking a few steps to her left, Lizzie reached for a blonde wig, bringing it back to Casey. She held it close to her sister's head and contemplated. "I think you'd look really good, Case."

Casey turned to look in the mirror. "Hmm, you're right."

"Are you going to dye your hair?"

Through the mirror, Casey smiled to herself. "You know what? I am! It's time I be bold and daring and make a change!"

Lizzie smiled in encouragement. "I think that's a great idea."

"But just highlights. I'm not going to dye it completely."

"Hi, there, honey. Are you Lizzie? Lizzie McDonald?" The hairstylist asked Casey.

"Oh, no, ma'am. I'm Casey. This is my sister, Lizzie."

The hairstylist eyed Lizzie's stocking hat. "Oh, of course, how silly of me! You accidently dyed your hair blue!"

Lizzie cringed. "Yeah, that's me."

"Well, come on to the back! We'll get you sorted out." She waved for the two girls to follow her. "The name's JoAnne."

"Hi, JoAnne." The sisters chimed in unison as they followed her. Lizzie took a seat in the chair and Casey claimed a metal folding chair in the corner.

JoAnne helped Lizzie take off her stocking hat and gasped at the sight. "Oh, my. Now that really is blue!" She laughed kindly. "What would you like done?"

Lizzie shifted in the chair. "Umm, what do you suggest?"

"Well, honey, I think you would look adorable as a blonde."

Studying herself in the tall mirror, Lizzie smiled. "I think I'd like that."

As JoAnne started prepping her, Lizzie asked, "JoAnne?"

"Yes, honey?"

"Could we keep a streak? Just, you know, tone it down a little?"

With hair freshly done, Casey and Lizzie stood at the counter to pay JoAnne. Casey eyed the hair product display, seeing some at home dyeing kits. "Hey, JoAnne?"

"Yeah, sweetie?"

"Could you add an at home kit to that? Like the darkest you have?"

Derek knocked at the Davis' door. After the third knock, the door flew open. He smiled sheepishly at Emily. "Hey there, Em."

In reply, Emily crossed her arms.

"Can we talk?"

"Oh, now you want to talk?"

Grimacing, Derek shuffled his feet. "I'm trying here."

Emily pushed the door open, allowing him in.

"Look, Derek. I get that you were trying to make sure that I was completely ready to take that step in our relationship, but there was really no reason to avoid me. I appreciate you trying to make sure I was physically and emotionally ready for that." Emily reached out a hand to grip Derek's leg.

Derek jumped from the couch. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Back the trolley up, here. That is not the reason at all."

Emily's face fell, hurt by his words, but Derek, who had started pacing, missed it. "Then what is the reason you wouldn't sleep with me?"

His pace doubled time as he took great strides back and forth through the Davis' living room. Finally, he mumbled, "It's not right."

Her entire body flinched. "What are you saying, Derek?"

Mid-step, he paused. He heaved a long sigh, "Emily, we're not going any further."

"You're breaking up with me because I tried to sleep with you?"

Immediately, he resumed his pacing, mumbling to himself, "Damn, if Casey heard me now, I'd never live it down." Then loudly he said, "Contrary to popular belief, I don't sleep with anything in a skirt."

Emily's eyebrows furrowed. "Then we'll take it slower!"

Before she could finish, Derek was shaking his head. "Look, I already put this off for too long because you're Casey's best friend..." Her eyes narrowed, but Derek was oblivious to the look. "We're just not right for each other." He let the words hang in the air. "Look, Case and I are going to Queens. You're going to Toronto. I just don't see the point in continuing when the end is inevitable."

Tears formed in Emily's eyes.

Seeing the tears, Derek winced. "I'm sorry, Emily. Really. We had some good times."

The tears began to roll freely down her cheeks. Derek stopped pacing but avoided looking at her. He shifted his weight back and forth. "I guess I'll show myself out." Taking a few steps to the door, he looked back at her. "Bye, Em."

Casey and Lizzie walked into an empty house. Looking around, Lizzie asked, "I wonder where everyone is."

"Hmm, I don't know, Liz. It's kind of odd."

"Well, I'm going to grab a snack. Do you want anything?"

"No, thanks, kiddo. I'm headed upstairs."

Climbing the stairs, Casey veered off into the bathroom. She looked around carefully before closing the door.

George waltzed into the kitchen and greeted Lizzie. "Phew, what a day. I'm exhausted."

"Hi, George."

"Hey, Lizzie. Wow, look at you!"

"Do you like it?" She asked, holding a hand up to her hair.

"I do, it looks good." He loosened his tie. "Boy, sure is a hot one today. I'm going to go take a load off in the living room. Maybe even sit in Derek's chair."

Lizzie snorted into her drink. "Have fun."

Unfastening a few buttons on his dress shirt, George headed for Derek's chair. Changing his mind, he stood up again and reached for the ceiling fan chain. He yanked it and as the fan began to spin, giant clumps of confetti came cascading down, spreading in great waves across the living room. George shouted in surprise, "Ahhhhh!"

Running into the living room, Lizzie cried, "What's the matter?"

George looked around at the disaster. "Someone had confetti on the fan! DEREK!"

"Don't bother, George. He's not here."

"Where is he?"

"I don't know, but he wasn't here when we got home."

"I'm here, Em. What's the emergency?" Casey cried as she roughly flung the backdoor to the Davis' house open.

Emily was seated on the counter, eating a spoonful of ice cream straight out of the carton. Casey took in her tearstained face. "Oh my gosh, Em. What happened?" Approaching cautiously, she pried the ice cream out of her hands.

Not having anything to hold on to, Emily's fists clenched and unclenched. "Derek."

Casey closed her eyes in understanding before pulling Emily into a tight hug. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Well, if you do, I'm here."

Emily's answering laugh was bitter. "Oh, I know you are."

"Okay? Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll hear all about it."

Flinching at her tone, Casey took a step back. "What?"

Emily sighed and wiped furiously at her eyes. "Nothing, I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Emily. I understand. Your emotions are running high right now."

"It's my fault. I should have known it was coming."

Derek dropped his hockey equipment off by the washing machine before rounding the corner into the kitchen. He tugged lightly on the highlighted lock in Lizzie's hair. "Hey! You kept a streak!"

"Yeah, I did. I decided it had a bit of character after I got over the initial shock of it." She smiled slyly at Derek.

He snorted, grinning at her. "You're welcome." Derek threw open the refrigerator door, rummaging around for what he wanted.

Lizzie asked his back, "Have you seen Casey?"

"Nope! Haven't had the pleasure."

Behind his back, Lizzie smirked wickedly, "Oh, okay. Guess I'll go look for her." Thinking to herself, "He won't know what hit him."

Sighing to herself, Casey made her way from the Davis' backdoor to their own. As she walked, she mentally prepared a list of all the things she wanted to say to Derek. Opening the back door, she peered into the kitchen, finding exactly who she was looking for. "DER-REK!" She screamed.

Startled, Derek cursed under his breath. "Casey, what are you trying-" He turned to look at her, stopping all words and thoughts.

Casey wasted no time. "I can't believe you broke up with Emily!" Derek didn't say anything, just continued to gape at Casey. "I thought I told you not to break her heart! I told you! Did I not tell you?" She paused, waiting for him to say something. "Well, aren't you going to say anything?"

Taking a step forward, she split his name again, "DER-REK!"

It did the trick, shaking him out of his stupor. His voice gravely, he asked, "Did you say something?"

She huffed. "Really, Derek? Pretending you didn't hear a word I said? Real mature." Turning, she quickly marched out of the kitchen. Derek's eyes followed her all the way to the stairs, his mouth hanging open.

Not long after Casey retreated upstairs, Nora and Marti walked in the door, arms bulging with bags and packages. Seeing Derek at the counter, Nora greeted him. "Hello, Derek." As she passed him, her nose crinkled. "Um, Derek, why don't you catch a shower before dinner. I'm thinking about ordering pizza."

"Sweet. I'll take beef lo Mein." Derek wondered out of the kitchen.

Marti watched her brother stumble through the dining room. "I don't think he was listening, Nora."

Nora shook her head. "Let's just hope he showers."

Everyone, but Derek sat around the table, waiting for the arrival of the pizza. Nora's worried eyes darted to the stairs for the third time. "I hope he doesn't drown himself because of the state he's in."

Marti giggled. "Yeah, he better hurry. We wouldn't want his beef lo Mein to get cold."

Smiling slightly, Nora face the table again.

Casey eyed her mom curiously. "What do you mean, the state he's in? He told you about Emily?"

"What about Emily?"

"He broke up with her today!"

"Really? That's wonderful." The girls looked to George in horror. He stuttered, "Oh, that's not what I meant. I'm sorry for Emily. I, uh, just meant I'm glad he finally took care of the situation."

Thankfully for George, the doorbell interrupted his rambling. He was quick to jump up with a cry of, "I'll get it!"

After he paid the delivery boy and taken the pizza, he hollered up the stairs, "DEREK! FOOD!" George resumed his seat as the family dug in.

Loud stomps sounded down the stairs and the entire table turned to Derek. In unison, they gasped.

Nora faltered, "What happened to your hair, Derek?"

Derek smirked sarcastically, "Someone put hair dye in my shampoo, and it wasn't me!" He walked closer to the table. ""But really, who could it be?" As he took his seat, he glared at his brother. "Any ideas, Edwin?"

Edwin gulped. "I actually have a theory."

Grabbing the back of Edwin's neck, Derek ground out, "I don't want a theory, Edwin, I want the facts."

Lizzie jumped in to save him. "We can supply those too."

"Derek, let go of your brother." George scolded. Derek released him with a shove and Edwin's hands jumped to fix his collar.

"Well," Derek prodded, reaching for the pizza. "Get on with it, you two."

"Right, well, Lizzie and I have been wondering just who this 'Mystery Pranker' is and-" He stopped to look at Lizzie.

She took over for him, "We think we just solved the identity."

Nora's brows furrowed. "Who is it?"

"Just a minute, ma'am. We must first go through the facts." Edwin stood and started pacing around the table.

Rolling her eyes at Edwin's dramatics, Lizzie humored him. "There have been several pranks done in the past week, but not all of them have been by the 'Mystery Pranker'. So first we need to point out the pranks in question."

"Right." Edwin held up a finger. "The first one, Lizzie's ballooned room."

"Second, Marti's blow horn."

"Third, Nora discovering the missing family photos."

"Fourth, Edwin's plastic wrapped doorway."

They looked at each other, silently communicating before Edwin continued, "Fifth, Dad's confetti covering."

Lizzie finished, "And, last but not least, the dye job."

Marti interrupted, "So, who done it, Sherlocks?"

Theatrically, Edwin circled the table, finally stopping behind Nora.

"Nora?" George questioned, confused.

She looked surprised. "Me? Why would you think it was me?"

Shaking her head, Lizzie clarified, "No, he doesn't mean Mom."

Casey inquired, "Then who do you mean, Edwin?"

He studied her. "Ahh, but first we have to point out that there were two dye jobs!"

Smirking, Lizzie added, "But only one of them is the work of the 'Mystery Pranker' and the other was simply a coincidence."

Edwin resumed his circling. "Exactly. So, we ask you, which one happened first?"

Marti, clearly into the mystery, shouted, "Lizzie got dyed first!"

"Right, Smarti." Edwin paused behind her to pat her on the back. "Lizzie accidently got dyed first. She was not the intended target."

"Derek meant for Casey to get the dye. Not me."

Derek stopped munching on his pizza to smirk. "Guilty."

George looked even more confused. "So, Derek is the 'Mystery Pranker' then."

"Not exactly, father." Edwin marched around the table until he stopped directly behind Casey. She shifted in her seat.

Edwin leaned forward, "The 'Mystery Pranker' is-"

Together, Edwin and Lizzie shouted, "CASEY!"

Nora questioned, outwardly shocked, "Casey?"

The pizza fell out of Derek's mouth.

Casey was entering her bedroom when Derek came up the stairs, calling out to her, "So, now you're a blonde and a pranker? What have you done with that klutzy keener? Is she locked in your closet? Maybe I should check." He made a move to go through her door, but she blocked him.

Mockingly, she flipped her hair over her shoulder, giving him his smirk. "The prankee has become the pranker!"

"You've learned well, young padawan." He pretended to slug her shoulder, then couldn't stop his wayward fingers as they curled around a strand of her hair.

She noticed. "So, do you like it?"

His hand dropped to his side. "Like what?"

"My hair."

"I thought my opinion didn't matter."

Casey shrugged. "You'd give me your candid opinion. Especially if you didn't like it. But you haven't said anything."

He avoided it. "It's surprising. Not typical Casey behavior."

"I just wanted a change... for college, you know?" She fingered some strands of her hair, self-consciously studying it.

"Change can be a good thing."

She looked up at him, smiling. "You do like it!"

Derek gave her a shrewd grin. "I wouldn't go that far." He reached up to touch his own hair. "So, you planned a change for me too?"

Laughing, Casey cried, "No! That was just pure revenge."

He snickered. "Yeah, maybe I've overdone the shampoo bit."

"Maybe a little." She laughed, then sobered quickly. "Derek, why did you break up with Emily?"

Instantly, Derek's grin fell. "Casey, really?"

"She's my best friend, Derek! She's heartbroken."

"She is not heartbroken."

"Der-rek, she's liked you for YEARS!"

"Case-ey, it's none of your business!"

"She's my-"

"I know she's your best friend! But fuck, Casey, just drop it!"

Quickly, Casey's eyes darted around the empty hall. She hissed, "Der-rek, language!" Casey missed the eye roll as she continued, "I just want to know the real reason and I'll drop it."

"Didn't you already talk to her about it?"

Coloring slightly, Casey replied stiffly, "Yes, but that was her point of view. It was out of the blue for her and you didn't give any reasons! And-"

"Wait a minute!" Derek interrupted. "She didn't tell you what I said?"

Uncomfortable, Casey shifted. "She wouldn't talk to me about it."

Chuckling darkly, he advised, "Then don't pretend you know everything that's happened."

"Then tell me your reason."

He shook his head, frustration seeping out with every word. "It just wasn't right, okay?"

She studied him carefully for a long moment. Finally, she nodded, dropping her gaze to the floor.

Derek reached out to touch her shoulder, saying softly, "I don't believe for a second that she's as heartbroken as you think. Disappointed? Maybe. Surprised? No."

Looking up at him, Casey asked, "Why do you say that?"

He dropped his hand from her shoulder and took a miniscule step backward. "There's no way that she and I would have ever lasted."

Casey flared on behalf of her friend, "Der-"

Holding his hands up, he stopped her, "Hey, it's true. Now, can we drop it?"

Reluctantly, Casey nodded.

Faking enthusiasm, Derek cried, "Wonderful! If you excuse me, I've had enough girl talk for today."

She snorted, throwing at him, "Too many ffff-feelings for you, Derbear?"

Derek rolled his eyes, but a smirk played at his lips. "You know, some things never change." His hand shot through his hair and he released his full grin on her, leaning against his door and shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "But then other things do. Like who would have thunk you'd be the 'Mystery Pranker' wreaking havoc around here?"

Acting nonchalant, Casey shrugged. "What can I say? Change is a mystery. Besides, blondes have more fun, right?" She shot him a Derek-worthy smirk, flipping her hair at him as she slipped through her bedroom door.