This Is Life With Derek

LWD S04-E23: Communication Adjustment

"Mom?" Nora asked through the phone.

"Of course, it's me, Nora."

"Wow, this is a surprise. Is everything alright?"

"Fine, fine. Everything is fine. Listen, how about my grandkids spending a week with me at the lodge?"

"Oh, that sounds lovely, Mom. I'm sure they would love that."

"I would as well. It's been ages since I've seen them last. I'm just dying for a visit!"

"Well, I'm sure that can be arranged. When were you thinking?" Nora made her way to the dining room desk, looking for a calendar.

"How about in two weeks?"

"Two weeks? Yes, um, I think that will work fine." Not finding a calendar, she threw her hands up in defeat and returned to the kitchen.

"Wonderful! See you then."

"Uh, okay. Bye, Mom."

"Goodbye, Nora."

🎵 "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!" 🎵

"Webster describes language as a 'method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.' Well, around here, communication is used in a very unstructured and unconventional way. Yet somehow, we get by without too many exceptions... and yes, I mean Derek.

But I've been thinking about how there's people who are supposed to love and support you unconditionally, yet sometimes those people... don't. For example, your parents." Casey dropped her head, staring sadly at her feet. "Then there's others, who offer you all the support and affection, even... love that you need. And it hits you by total surprise."

Moving at a frantic pace, Nora rushed around the kitchen. "Derek, can you, please, drop Marti off at her dance camp? I have a doctor's appointment and can't swing it."

Derek didn't take his eyes off the back of the cereal box as he asked, "Why can't Casey?"

"Well, I can ask her, but then she'll have the Prince all day."

Groaning, Derek conceded, "Fine. I'll do it."

"Thank you, Derek. I've got to go now, or I'll be late. Oh, and make sure Edwin remembers he promised to balance our checkbook today." Nora cringed, mumbling to herself, "It sounds so much worse when I say it out loud."

Derek waved her off. "Yeah, yeah. Everything's under control."

Dejectedly, Marti piled into the passenger seat of the Prince.

Carefully maneuvering the Prince out of the drive, Derek asked, "What's the matter, Smarts?"

"Nothing, Smerek."

"Hmm, I don't believe that for a second."

She didn't reply, continuing to stare out of the window. They traveled in silence for a distance, while Derek shot her concerned looks. He grasped the back of his neck awkwardly. Knowing comforting girls was not his forte, he resigned himself to try for his baby sister. When they came to a halt at the next stoplight, he reached over to nudge her arm. "Come on, tell me what's wrong."

Shaking her head, Marti continued to watch the scene out her window. "I'm just tired."

Derek frowned, clueless as to how to proceed.

As they pulled into the parking lot, she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Derek picked up on it, asking, "Don't you like dancing?"

"No, Smerek. I love dancing."

He pulled the car to the curb but stopped Marti before she could climb out. "You sure, you're okay?"

Marti nodded, grabbing her bag, and bailing out of the car with a hasty, "Bye!"

Inside the car, Derek continued to frown as he watched her run up the stairs and into the building. He wasn't sure he was going to survive his little sister growing up.

Dropping heavily into a dining room chair, Nora studied Casey over the spread of law books and notes covering the table.

Without looking up from her paper, Casey asked, "How was the doctor's appointment?"

"Good. Everything's good." Nora smiled, but Casey was unsuccessful at returning it. "Why so glum, Miss Case?"

Casey hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in her mother. "Emily won't answer any of my calls or texts."

Nora tilted her head to the side, pondering. "That doesn't seem like her."

"She's not acting like herself lately. Not since..."

"Derek?"

"Yeah."

"Give her some time, sweetheart. It might be hard for her since you're Derek's sister."

Casey looked up sharply. "Step-sister, Mom."

Pounding frantically on the bathroom door, Edwin shouted, "Marti, hurry up! I've got to go!" He danced around outside the door.

"Go away!"

He used both fists this time to beat at the door. "MARTI!"

"I said, GO AWAY!"

Edwin threw his hands up. "Fine! I'll just pee out the WINDOW! Again!" Mumbling under his breath, "Three girls in the family and a guy can't even take a leak inside his own house."

"George, can I talk to you?" Casey asked softly as she stuck her head inside the bedroom.

Covering his surprise, George waved her in as he put aside his work papers to give her his full attention. "Sure, Casey. What's up?"

"I wanted to ask you something."

"Then ask away."

"How did you know that you wanted to go into law?"

Taken aback, George thought for a moment. "Well, I guess it was something I was always interested in. My dad encouraged it."

"So, you did it for your dad?"

"Hmm, I suppose maybe at first. At least, I thought it was worth a try. Then I ended up really enjoying my first semester."

"You liked it immediately?"

George chuckled. "I wouldn't say that. The first few weeks were terrifying. But then, after a while the jitters passed, and I found my niche."

"Do you think I'd make a good lawyer?"

"Of course, Case. You'd make a brilliant lawyer."

Casey smiled shyly. "Thanks, George."

He opened his arms awkwardly and Casey approached him to return the hug.

George knocked at Derek's door, not waiting for an invitation to come in as he made himself at home on Derek's bed.

Derek didn't look up from his computer, sarcastically asking, "Something on your mind?"

"Yes, Derek, we need to have a talk."

His eyes snapped to his dad as Derek held his hands up. "I haven't done anything!"

"I didn't say that you did. I just want to have a... discussion about college."

"Dad, no. I don't need another talk about the birds and the bees."

Eyeing him, George stated slowly, "That's not what I was going to say, but now that you mention it-"

"No, no, absolutely not. What did you want to talk about?"

"Well, for starters, have you decided what you're going to major in?"

Derek snorted. "Hockey."

"Derek, college isn't all about hockey."

"Girls?"

George have him a look. "You're not taking this seriously."

"Of course, I am."

Sending a glare at his son, George said firmly, "I mean it, Derek. What are you going to study?"

Groaning in reply, Derek turned back to his computer.

"Look, your sister can help you with the course catalog-"

"Step-sister!" Derek corrected hastily. "And I don't need her help."

"Derek, this is not high school. This is college and you have to take it seriously!" George stood up. "You need to make a decision." He marched to the door, turning back once to say, "Now."

Once the last person had slid into their chair for dinner, Nora hedged, "Your Gran called today."

"Gran?" Lizzie asked excitedly at the same time Casey asked, "How is she?"

"She's... good. She's your Gran, you know how she is. She actually invited you kids to the lodge for a week."

Lizzie squealed, clearly thrilled with the news as Casey smiled softly.

Frowning, Edwin asked, "The lodge? What is that? Like a five-star hotel?"

All three of the McDonald's laughed. Nora explained, "No, it's called the Blue Heron Lodge. It's a resort on a lake that my mother runs."

"The cabins are amazing." Lizzie added.

"Cabins? In nature?" Edwin asked appalled.

"Count me out!" Derek supplied.

Nora smiled overenthusiastically, "Come on, everybody! It'll be fun!"

"Uh, I don't think so..." Edwin trailed off.

Derek shook his head. "No way, not my scene."

Marti smiled sweetly, "I think it sounds fun."

Nora sighed her relief. "Thank you, Marti!"

George looked to his sons as they opened their mouths, "And there's no use arguing because Nora and I discussed it and you're all going."

Edwin carried his dishes into the kitchen, handing them off to an awaiting Nora, who slipped them into the soapy water for George to scrub. She smiled in thanks, before asking, "Did you get the checkbook balanced alright?"

He cringed, "I haven't exactly done it yet."

George looked up from the sink. "Edwin! You promised to do it today!"

"I know, I just hadn't gotten there."

"Well, quit stalling and get it done now."

"Alright, alright." Edwin picked up the checkbook off the counter and headed towards the dining room. He paused in the doorway. "I'll do it if I don't have to go to the lodge."

Not even turning around, George replied, "You'll do it or no allowance."

Snapping his fingers, Edwin grumbled under his breath, "Curses."

After retrieving his calculator, Edwin sat down at the table to get to work. He worked for a few moments in silence until Lizzie dropped into the seat next to him with a plate of cookies.

He snatched one up rapidly. "Oh, these are my faves! Thanks!"

Lizzie nodded, already nibbling on one. When her mouth was cleared, she asked, "What are you up to?"

"Balancing our 'rents' checkbook."

"They still make you do that?"

Edwin snorted. "Dad can't be trusted, and Nora doesn't have the time."

"Makes sense. You're good at it."

Smiling, he knocked his cookie into hers, "Cheers." They both took bites, munching happily as Edwin continued to work. The third time Lizzie smiled to herself, Edwin had to inquire, "Alright, why are you so happy?"

"I'm excited about the lodge."

He watched the pure joy radiate from her face. "You really like it there, eh?"

"I love it. It's beautiful and packed with nature. What's not to love?"

Cringing, Edwin disagreed, "That's your thing, sis. I'm more of a 'stay at home in front of the television while clutching all electronics safely close by' kind of guy."

She shook her head. "You don't know what you're missing, kid. Gran's lodge is the best."

Edwin studied her seriously. "You haven't talked about it before."

"We don't see Gran all that much anymore." Lizzie dropped her head, fumbling with the cookie plate awkwardly. "Not since the divorce."

"I getcha there." He smiled, trying to perk her up again, "Well, hey, at least now you're going to get to spend some time with her."

Distractedly, Dennis answered his phone, "Hello?"

"Dad! Hey!"

"Casey?"

"Yeah, Dad! How are you?"

"Oh... good. Working, you know."

"I kind of figured that." Casey hesitated for a minute. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" There wasn't an answer, so Casey prodded, "Dad?"

"Hmm, kiddo? What was that?"

"Can I talk to you?"

"Oh, sure." There was rustling in the background and the sound of a keyboard clicking away.

"I just wanted to tell you that I'm thinking about going into law." Again, Dennis didn't answer. Casey frowned, "Dad?"

There were more taps on the keyboard. "Mhmm, sounds great, Case."

"Do you think I'd be good at it?" Her hands twitched nervously.

"Oh, yeah... the weather's nice this time of year."

Casey stilled, her heart clenching painfully. "I guess, I'll let you get back to work, Dad."

"Mmm, yeah."

"I'll talk to you later, Dad."

"Uh huh, bye Case."

"Bye..." The call had already disconnected before Casey got out, "Dad." Her lower lip started to tremble.

If anything, the call to Dennis had made Casey set out with a new vengeance, determined to be good at law. She hardly was seen without a book or notes in her hand. This morning, Casey was focused on a difficult section as she distractedly poured herself some cereal.

"Hey, keener, it's not polite to ignore your dining companions."

His words did the trick, pulling her out of her thoughts. "And what would you know about proper etiquette, Derek?"

Derek purposely let milk dribble down his chin, making a face at her.

Casey's nose crinkled in disgust, but before she could comment, George butted in. "You know, Casey, if you're interested you could come to work with me anytime this week."

Distracted from arguing with Derek, Casey turned towards George, her eyes lighting up. "You mean it, George?"

Shrugging casually, George replied, "Of course."

"I'd love that. I'll come tomorrow!"

Derek looked between the two, grimacing as they smiled at each other.

George gathered his briefcase and called a farewell out to everyone over his shoulder.

Casey caught Derek's glowering eyes and raised an eyebrow in silent question.

As Casey came out of her room, Derek grabbed her arm. "Do you have to keep up with the nerd mumbo jumbo around here?"

"There's nothing wrong with being excited about college."

"You've got your priorities all wrong, Spacey. College is about sports, parties, and girls." He closed his eyes, happily basking in his thoughts.

Instantly flaring, she scowled. "There's more to college than girls, Derek."

"Yeah, like I said, sports and parties."

"And what about your studies, Derek?"

"Look, you have your interests and I have mine. All I'm saying is knock off all that yapping. You're making my dad take special interest in my college career."

Casey's expression sank. Adjusting her book in her arms, she turned to walk away, murmuring, "At least your dad cares."

As Casey sadly walked away, Derek watched. He shook his head, cursing under his breath. "Damn it, Dennis. Not again."

Adjusting her black jacket and pencil skirt in the mirror, Casey studied her appearance one last time.

"Casey, come eat your breakfast!"

"Coming, Mom!" She tucked a strand of hair back into her low hanging bun before turning to hurry out of her room. Casey had only taken one step when she ran into something solid, letting out a startled, "Umpf!" as the wind was knocked out of her.

Derek's hands reached out to steady her. "Whoa, Space Case, where's the-" He stopped midsentence, eyeing her outfit. It took him a minute to come up with a wisecrack, "Who died?"

"Funny, D."

"What? You aren't going to a funeral?"

"No. I'm going to work with your dad."

His hands slipped from her arms as he rolled his eyes. "So, it is a funeral."

Casey returned the eye roll. "Whatever, can we just go down to breakfast?"

Derek smirked, overexaggerating a go-ahead gesture, then bowing to her. "After you, Princess."

Sticking her chin high into the air, she continued heading downstairs. Straightening back up, Derek followed behind her, taking every opportunity to inspect her outfit.

It was only when they reached the kitchen that Derek shook himself from his thoughts. Taking a seat, he barked, "Ed, cereal." As Edwin jumped to prepare his breakfast, Derek's gaze followed Casey around the kitchen as she prepared her own breakfast.

After a few moments, Derek realized his dad had been trying to get his attention. "What?" He turned, taking in his dad's angry face and Nora looking worriedly over his shoulder.

"Derek, do I ever yell?"

Closing his eyes and grimacing, Derek repeated, "Only when you're really, really angry."

"Right, so if you want to avoid that, I strongly suggest coming up with something you're going to study seriously besides hockey and girls." George continued eyeing his son, until Derek nodded. Satisfied for the moment, George turned back to his breakfast.

Derek's eyes remained on his cereal bowl as an awkward silence settled in the kitchen.

Finally, George stood, "Come on, Casey. We don't want to be late." He kissed Nora lightly on the lips. Casey followed George out, shooting a concerned look back at Derek as they went out the door.

Nora fidgeted around the kitchen, watching Derek eat his cereal distractedly. When he was almost done, she spoke, "Derek, I have some time this morning for us to pick up some of the things you need for college. And I know you were looking at a new stereo..." His head snapped up, in disbelief. "So, we'll take Marti to dance camp and then head to the mall, alright?"

Suspiciously, he looked her over, but eventually agreed, "Alright."

Peering over his shoulder, Casey watched as George pointed out and explained what he was working on. He seemed genuinely happy to have her there if the smiles and bad law jokes were anything to go by.

When there was a lull in conversation, she smiled as George leaned back in his chair. He sighed, "You know, I always wished Derek had more of an interest in law. Well, more of an interest in anything educational." George's brow creased as he thought about his oldest son.

"He'll figure it out."

George chuckled darkly, "I don't know, Casey. Your brother-"

Casey interrupted, "Step-brother, George."

He gave her a look but corrected, "Derek doesn't take much seriously."

She reassured him again, "He will... eventually."

For spending the day doing something he supposedly hated, Derek's mood had picked up considerably. By the time he and Nora stopped by the food court to get lunch, he was cracking jokes again.

When Derek was halfway through his lunch, he sighed. "Alright, spill it, Nora."

She shook herself from staring at him. "Spill what?"

"I know you have something to say."

"Why would you think that?"

He rolled his eyes. "Well, for one, you haven't taken your eyes off me all day. I know I'm handsome Nora, but don't you think you're taking it too far?" She shook her head, allowing a small smile. Derek smirked back, "And you bribed me to get me here so you might as well say it and get it over with." He patted the stereo box, proudly sitting in the chair next to him.

"Okay, Derek, I do want to talk to you."

Derek let the victory go silently, waving her to continue as he shoveled more food into his mouth.

"About this morning..."

The fork dropped and he groaned, "Not you too?"

Shifting in her seat, Nora shook her head. "I'm not going to lecture you. I just want to talk about it." Derek rolled his eyes again, but she took it as encouragement. "Derek, you don't have to have everything figured out right away. Your dad is just concerned that you're not going to take college seriously."

He didn't meet her eyes, but she knew by the twitch in his hand that he was listening. Nora continued, "He cares about you and wants you to do well."

"So, you're not worried about me?"

Nora eyed him, "Of course, I worry about you, honey. But not in the sense that you won't figure out where your passion lies. You have so many talents, Derek. I know you'll be okay."

Derek's hand reached for the back of his neck, showing his discomfort. "What if I don't know what I want?"

"There's nothing wrong with going in undecided."

Snorting without amusement, he bit, "Not according to my dad."

"I went in undecided."

He raised his eyebrows at her. "Does my dad know that?"

"We've never really talked about it." At the look on his face, she hastily added, "But I will tell him."

Derek nodded at that. "Think he'll lay off then?"

She patted his knee. "If you take him serious and let him know that you're truly thinking it over, he'll understand."

Mumbling, Derek thanked her, "Thanks, Nora."

"You're welcome, Derek. I'm sure taking your generals this year will help you figure out the direction you want to go. When sophomore year rolls around, I'm sure you'll have an idea of where you belong."

He took a long time to answer, his head hanging down. Finally, he looked back up at her, his usual smirk returning. "What if I fail all my generals?"

Nora chuckled. "Now, I know that won't happen. You'll have your sister with you."

His smirk dimmed. "Step-sister, Nora."

"Marti! If that's you again, I'm coming in there!" Edwin yelled angrily through the bathroom door.

"NO! STAY OUT!"

Edwin whacked the door. "I can't go out the window this time, Marti! I've got to go!"

Peeking her head out her bedroom door, Lizzie asked, "Hey, what's all the racket about?"

"Marti's locked herself in the bathroom again and I've got to go!" He pounded furiously again. "I'M COUNTING TO THREE!"

"GO AWAY!"

Lizzie's forehead knotted at the small girl's anguished tone.

"MARTI!"

Stepping out into the hall, Lizzie stopped Edwin. "Hey, leave her alone. Something is clearly wrong."

"But-"

She cut him off, "Go somewhere else!"

Edwin threw his hands into the air, swearing all the way down the stairs.

Tapping gently on the door, Lizzie called, "Marti? It's Lizzie."

Softly, Marti replied, "I know."

"Can I come in?" Slowly the door cracked open and Lizzie cautiously entered. She found Marti leaning against the bathtub, tear tracks stained on her rosy cheeks. Lizzie took a seat next to her, brushing against her side. "What's wrong?"

Marti didn't answer for a long time, leaving the two girls sitting in silence. Finally, Marti began hesitantly, "It's this girl in my dance class. Her name's Kira and she thinks I'm stupid because Daphne is my best friend."

Wrapping an arm around her, Lizzie pulled Marti closer. "Oh, Marti, don't listen to her."

"But she's told everyone else in the class and they all say I'm a baby for having an imaginary friend."

"Having an imaginary friend is nothing to be ashamed of."

"Yes, it is!" The fresh tears leaking out of Marti's eyes escalated into quiet sobs.

Lizzie rubbed her back for a few moments, before revealing, "I used to have an imaginary friend, kiddo."

Pulling away slightly, Marti's eyes lit up as she studied Lizzie. "Y-y-you did?"

"Sure did."

"What was her name?"

"Alissa."

"What happened to her? Did she leave you?"

Shaking her head, Lizzie replied, "Course not. She's right in here." Lizzie held her hand over her heart. "And she's still my best friend even though I don't see her or talk to her anymore."

"Really?"

"Yes, and you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because Alissa is a part of me. Just like Daphne is a part of you. And having yourself as a best friend is the most important thing a girl can have."

Marti looked confused. "So, Daphne doesn't have to go away?"

"Nope. But someday, you won't need her anymore." Lizzie smiled comfortingly as Marti gasped. "Remember though, you'll always be able to find her in here." Lizzie's hand pressed against Marti's heart.

Marti flung her arms desperately around Lizzie's neck, pulling her into a tight hug. "I love you."

Lizzie's eyes closed as she squeezed the girl back. "I love you too, Marti." After a few seconds, the girls pulled apart. Lizzie nudged Marti's shoulder as she wiped her eyes, "So you want to hear about Gran's lodge?"

"Yes!"

"You'll love it. We'll get to see so many animals. Every year, there's this blue heron-"

As they sat down to dinner, George wasted no time as he lit into Derek. "So, Derek, have you decided what you want to do?" Derek opened his mouth to reply, but George cut across him, "Derek, I don't want to hear any of your excuses." Trying again, Derek was interrupted by his dad, "I mean it, Derek."

Nora came to the rescue. "George, just listen to what Derek has to say."

George acted like he wanted to argue, but a hard look from Nora stopped him.

Finally, Derek took the floor. "I'm going in undecided."

Again, George opened his mouth, but Nora stopped him. "There's nothing wrong with that George. I was undecided.

Derek smiled slightly at her support. "I'll declare something by sophomore year and if I don't, you can sic the keener on me."

Across the table, Casey arched an eyebrow, but otherwise didn't comment.

Looking to George, Nora supplied, "I think that is an excellent plan, Derek. Don't you, Georgie?"

Father and son studied each other. Finally, George responded, "Alright, Derek. It's a deal."

Relieved, Nora changed the subject, "So, Miss Case, how was today?"

Casey smiled softly. "I had fun at the office with George."

"I knew you didn't know the definition of fun, Spacey."

She stuck her tongue out at him and he returned it.

Anxious to keep the peace, Nora continued, "Lizard? Anything new today?"

Smiling innocently, Lizzie shrugged as she reported, "Not much here."

George turned to Edwin asking, "What about you, Edwin?"

Edwin looked between George and Nora sternly, before he grumbled, "We need to look into adding on another bathroom."

Laughing, George asked, "Why's that, Ed?"

"You don't want to know, Dad." Edwin cringed to himself.

Still looking at Edwin out of the corner of her eye, Nora continued down the line, "Marti, how was dance camp?"

The girl shot a quick look to Lizzie before she smiled, "It was good. Learned a lot."

Casey sighed happily. "I'm so glad you're dancing, Marti!"

"Me too, Casey. I really like it."

Derek shook his head in false shame. "See what you McDonalds have done to her? She should be playing hockey!"

Perking up, Edwin suggested, "Maybe she can figure skate!" Looking horrified, Derek smacked the back of his brother's head. Edwin winced, correcting himself, "Uh, kidding! Just kidding!"

But it was too late as Marti's eyes lit up. "Wow! That's like dancing on ice!"

Derek groaned, "Edwin!"

"I think that's an excellent idea." Lizzie grinned.

"Of course, it is!" Casey agreed. "Marti would make a wonderful figure skater!"

"Smerek, will you skate with me?"

Cursing under his breath, Derek addressed Casey, "Look what you've gotten me into, Case."

Casey smiled at him innocently, "Aww, Derry, you'd look so cute figure skating with your little sister!"

A cocky eyebrow arched as Derek grinned wickedly. "Did you just call me cute?"

Flushing, Casey stammered, "Uh, no."

"Too late, Princess. The damage is done. It's already gone to my head." He winked at her.

Pretending to observe his head, Casey responded, "Funny, but I can actually see it swelling to twice its original size."

Edwin coughed under his breath, "That's what she said."

Lizzie choked on a laugh and Marti stifled her giggles while George and Nora looked on, clueless.

Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Derek retaliated with a slap to Edwin's arm. But an almost transparent blush spread across Derek's cheeks.

"Dude, are you blushing?" Edwin's mouth gaped open.

"I don't blush."

"You are right now!" Lizzie laughed manically.

"Am not."

Marti continued to giggle as Derek and Casey refused to meet anyone's eyes.

Yanking the light on in the game closet, Edwin stepped aside so Lizzie could slip in. She peeked out into the hall one last time before closing the door behind them.

Edwin took a seat on the floor and waited patiently as Lizzie propped the notebook open before he whisper-shouted, "I can't believe he actually blushed over a 'that's what she said' joke!"

"This is totally going into the notebook." Lizzie scribbled furiously into their shared notebook, whose stuffed contents were making it bulge at the seams.

"Don't forget to cross reference it in the 'experiments to use on Derek' category."

"I won't, I won't. Don't get your undies in a bunch."

He cringed. "Leave my undies out of the same conversation as Derek and experiments, please."

"It's just an expression, Edwin, geesh." Lizzie paused to roll her eyes, before she flipped the page and continued writing.

Shaking his head, Edwin muttered, "Bad memories there."

Lizzie quirked an eyebrow, briefly looking at him as she paused her scribbles. "Do I want to know?"

"No, and I'll never speak of it again."

Inconspicuously checking his watch, Derek surveyed Casey as she answered the front door. The delivery man held a plain wrapped package towards her saying, "Package for Casey McDonald."

Startled, Casey stuttered, "Oh, that's m-me."

"Sign here, please." She signed her name with a flourish before thanking the man and closing the door. As she turned towards Derek, her brows furrowed as she studied the package.

"Whatcha got there, Spacey?"

"I don't know. The postmark says it's from New York." Realization flashed across her face.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Open it."

Casey carried it to the table before scurrying off to find some scissors. Derek took the opportunity to rise from his recliner and study the package, hoping Dennis hadn't messed this up somehow.

When Casey returned, Derek held his breath as she unwrapped the package. Finally, the last of the paper hit the floor and they were greeted with the cover of an aged law book. She gasped quietly, her fingers reaching out to run across the top.

Studying her face as Casey hesitantly opened the cover, Derek's eyes dropped down, trying to read the inscription over her shoulder.

Her eyes teared up as she read the handwritten note. "Casey, this was my first law book from University. I'm honored to pass it on to you. I know you'll make me proud. Love, Dad."

Derek pretended to ignore Casey wiping at her eyes. Reaching out softly, he brushed a hand between her shoulder blades as he passed by her on his way to the kitchen.

She looked after him, a small smile playing at her lips. Just knowing that he had something to do with this precious gift.