Dasey Nation

[stephluvvsyou]

So...I decided to write a thriller/horror/creepy fic. And with Miranda's encouragment I've decided to post up the first chapter. Let me know what you guys think! Though not too creepy this time, upcoming chapters will have some creep and shock. Hopefully I can pull that off. As you all know, I'm not much of a writer. The rating is also pending cause I'm not sure what it will contain later on. I know they'll be some language, and deff some violence. Anyways - enough rambling - let me know what you think of it!

Stalking Casey
Part One - This Happens To People All The Time
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"Casey, I want you to be careful this weekend, and here's the number for the hotel we'll be staying at if there's any trouble at all, okay? Don't hesitate to call us and remember to-"

"Mom." Casey interrupted Nora's nervous ranting in the kitchen.

The house was in a frantic state as George, Marti, Lizzie, and Edwin rushed around gathering their belongings. Nora talking 90 miles an hour wasn't making anything any better.

"Everything will be fine, trust me." Casey reassured her mother, bringing a much more calm expression to her features.

"Last time you told her that, before we knew it, the entire population of the high school was here!" Edwin called from the living room. Casey shook her head. Always bad timing. And she noticed her mother getting that nervous look all over again.

"But!" Casey took her mother's hand in her own as they walked to the living room, "We've learned since then." she then re-thought her statement, "Well, at least I have." An annoying gaze came to Casey's face as she recalled the night of 'the party', but was shaken out of them with her mom's reply.

"I know that you have, I trust you." Nora then smiled at her daughter as they began to gather towards the front door.

"DEREK!" George called out through the house.

"WHAT?!" came a yelled reply from upstairs.

"GET DOWN HERE!" he screamed back, before abruptly coughing, resulting in him having to clear his throat.

"Well honey..." Nora watched him regain his composure with a puzzled look. Seriously she had no idea how the man managed to do the things he did.

The sound of footsteps came from around the corner, and Derek joined Casey by her side to bid their family ado.

"No parties, no sleepovers, no random acts of idiocy, no-" George began with his strict lecture, causing both Casey and Derek to glance at him with a bored expression. They'd heard it all before.

Nora interrupted George before he could finish, as she extended her hand to Casey. "Here's some money while we're gone, you guys use it for things that you need, and please don't blow it or fight over it."

"Mom, when have you ever known me to blow money?" Casey asked, as she reached out to take the money.

"You're right." Derek piped in, snatching the money from Nora's hand, thus causing Casey to glare at him with a dropped jaw. He smirked at her, "Better let me hang onto it."

"Derek." George said sternly. His glare towards his son said it all, and Derek sighed before slapping the money into Casey's hand.

"Ow..." Casey shook her stinging hand.

Derek supressed the fit of laughter he'd wanted to unleash on her for being such a weakling, but noticed that his dad was still glaring at him, and dismissed the urge.

"Casey, are you sure you guys will be okay? Cause if you want to just go with us we can-" Nora once again started on her rant.

Derek sighed. Nora was always like this before they were going to be leaving them alone for the weekend. How old did she think they were? 10?

"Mom really, it's only for 3 days." Casey once again did her best to reassure her mother that things would be fine, "Derek and I will be just fine. Right?" she glanced at Derek, who had completely lost interest in the conversation, and was studying Lizzie and Edwin on the couch. They were arguing over who had to sit in the middle seat of the car - as Marti had already claimed a window seat. They were now playing rock,paper,scissors. 'Kids...' Derek thought, 'Glad I never was one.'

Casey rolled her eyes and turned back to face Nora, "Anyways, you can't not go. And I can't leave. I have a date with Max tomorrow, and alot of studying to do." She smiled again at her mother.

"Right." Nora nodded.

"Honey, we're running behind, let's go." George ushered Nora along, "Lizzie, Edwin, Marti! Let's go!"

The 3 youngest evacuated their seats from the couch and headed for the door. Lizzie hugged Casey, telling her to have fun and not to go too crazy in the house all weekend with Derek.
Edwin and Derek shared their 'sibling - handshake', and Casey overheard Derek saying something about if Edwin seen any hot girls, to bring back their phone numbers.

"You got it bro." Edwin said, before walking out, bag slung over his arm.

"I'll miss you Smerek." Marti said as she ran towards her older brother.

Derek scooped her up in his arms, embracing her, "And I will miss you too Smarti!" He placed her back down on the floor, before kneeling down in front of her, "But it's only for 3 days. Promise me you'll have fun and not be sad cause I'm not there okay?"

Marti nodded as Derek held out his pinky finger. She smiled and linked hers with his, "I promise!"

"That's my girl. Now go on get out of here!" he smiled and nudged her on her way, standing back up at Casey's side.

"Bye mom, love you." Casey said as she watched her mom walk out the door, closing it behind her. She almost felt the urge to cry.

"What's with you?" Derek asked as he gazed over at her.

"What?" Casey replied with a question of her own, "What are you talking about?"

"You said 'bye' and you look like you're going to cry." Derek answered, before holding up a finger, "And please remember how I feel about that."

It was true. Casey never said 'bye' to her mother. She usually would say 'see you in a few days.'
Goodbyes were permanant. She brushed it off though, and glared at Derek, angry for being so attentive now, when she could have used his backup earlier trying to convince her mom things would be fine. "I don't know what you're talking about." she snapped, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a phone call to make."

It was Derek's turn to roll his eyes at her again, "Oh yes, the loser with the football jacket awaits."

Casey, who had been already on her way to the kitchen for the phone, spun around on her heel and glared at him again. She pointed a finger towards him, "Max is NOT a loser!"

Derek fought the urge to laugh at her again, shrugging his shoulders instead, “Whatever you say princess.”

Casey scowled. He was in an extra irritating mood tonight. First calling Max a loser, then calling her princess. She hated that. But she would not give into his ‘games’. She took a deep breath, and turned to walk away. ‘Just keep going Casey, don’t look back.’ She told herself as she started up the stairs. Derek watched her go with a smirk on his face. Ah. Life was good.

“See you Monday. Goodnight Max.” Casey hung up the phone an hour later. She’d been fortunate enough to have no interruptions during her phone call, which was a first time. Still, what could Derek possibly be doing that distracted him enough to not terrorize her for an entire hour?

As she was standing from her bed, the messenger on her computer popped up. She walked over to it and sat down in her chair. She was thinking it was Emily or Kendra, but was shocked when a username popped up that she didn’t recognize.

‘Hi Casey.’

‘Hi. Who is this?’

‘You looked really pretty today at school.’

Casey smiled a bit. Someone she didn’t know was trying to flatter her. Well obviously she had to know this person if they went to the same school, and this person had her screen name.

‘Thanks I guess. But you still haven’t told me your name?’

She waited for a minute, but the person never responded. A few seconds later, they signed off.

‘Huh.’ Casey thought, ‘Maybe they were too nervous to tell me their name.’ She pushed any strange feeling she had about the encounter away, and headed downstairs to see what her darling step-brother was up to.

He was in his chair watching a movie of some kind. She walked in and took her usual seat on the couch beside him. “You’ve been really quiet this evening.”

Derek glanced over at her, “I know. So have you. It’s been rather pleasant.”

“Yes it has.” Casey replied, as she turned to face the tv again. ‘”These movies are all the same.”

“I beg to differ!” Derek retorted, looking at her as if she’d just violated a major law.

“They are! It’s all starring some girl who is being stalked that loses all her friends and her ‘hot’ boyfriend to some weapon wielding psycho.” Casey explained in one breath.

“Casey Casey Casey.” Derek said, though amused by her comment, still had to make a remark back, “Have I taught you nothing? You’ve got to read in between the lines with movies like these. True, you’re description was perfect, but it was so vague!”

Casey rolled her eyes and watched him pick up a remote and pause the movie. “For instance, yeah the girl is being stalked, but why? Does she know the person stalking her? Usually yes but once in a while we have the occasional internet incident where a psycho comes across her myspace picture. How long has she been being stalked for? This is real stuff Case. You should never be too assured to know it couldn’t happen to you.”

Derek paused for a moment and Casey stiffened as her messenger memory came flooding back, but she quickly brushed it away again, seeing as Derek loved to get under her skin, and this is what his purpose in the entire conversation was.

“Personally, I don’t think you should be worried though. Who on earth would want to stalk you?” Derek then smarted off, earning him another glare to add to the many he’d already received from her that day.

“Well whatever.” Casey huffed, “It’s still all lame to me.” She couldn’t help but think of the messenger incident again. “So…is a secret admirer the same as a stalker?”

“Ehh…” Derek cocked his head from side to side, “Depends. Secret admirers are harmless, but they have been known to take their admiration as far as obsession, and that my dear step-sister, is when they become a stalker.”

Casey looked at him strangely for a moment, “How do you know so much about this?”

“Duh.” Derek stated simply, “I’ve probably seen every movie known to man about stalkers.”

“Yeah but those are fake. They’re not real.”

“On the contrary. This happens to people all the time.”

“Yeah but why would people stalk others for real? They should just talk to the person.”

“Well but there are reasons that sometimes prevent that.”

“Like?”

“Like if the girl has a boyfriend. Or if a guy is being stalked, he has a girlfriend. They may feel like they can’t say anything to that person for that reason.” Derek explained, “But in my opinion, any guy who allows himself to be stalked is an idiot.”

Casey had heard enough. Derek definitely watched too many movies. And she had more important things to worry about than this. Like what she was going to wear on her date with Max tomorrow, and when she would start studying. On top of that, talking to Max on the phone for an hour had given her an appetite, so she decided to change the subject. “You hungry?”

“I’m a guy. I’m always hungry.” Derek replied.

Casey rolled her eyes, “Well any suggestions on dinner?”

“I don’t care. As long as it’s edible.” Derek answered, “You must be hungry too.”

“Yeah. I really don’t want to cook though.” Casey answered back. “And anything microwavable might make me hurl.”

“So let’s go eat somewhere then. I’ll let you pick.”

20 minutes later, Derek was knocking on Casey’s bedroom door, “Are you ready? I’m starving at this point!”

“Yes just…one second!” She huffed. She hated when Derek rushed her.

She grabbed her jacket and purse and went to walk out the door when she heard her messenger go off again. She froze in her tracks and turned to glance towards the computer screen. Maybe it really was Emily this time? She walked over towards the computer and looked at the screen.

‘Are you still wearing that pink outfit?’

Casey glanced down at her ensemble and made a strange face at the screen.

‘Who is this?’

Derek was still hounding her from the other side of her bedroom door, but she didn’t utter a word in response. She was hoping this person, whomever it was would respond this time and actually answer the question.

‘Secret.’

She felt calmer for some reason at this.

‘Secret admirer? Really, you can just tell me your name. It’s no big deal.’

At that moment, Derek had burst through her door, “What is taking you so long, and why can’t you answer me?”

Casey stood up real fast and spun around, “Well maybe if you didn’t have the attention span of a moth!”

“Blah…blah…blah…” Derek mocked, before spinning around and walking out her bedroom door. She followed him out, snapping back at him, completely forgetting about the computer.

2 hours later they returned home. They’d had an absolute blast tonight. In all reality, they got along in a strange sense. And it was mostly when the others weren’t around. Derek for one, felt obligated to demonstrate to Edwin a firm example of what step-sibling rivalry was really supposed to be like. You don’t make friends. You are enemies. They become a threat? You eliminate. Simple as that. Casey just felt like with everyone else around it was just added stress. She wouldn’t trade any of them for the world, but I mean, face the situation, there were 7 of them. And as long as Derek had to be ‘role model’ for Ed, there was no way they’d ever get along with everyone else around.

“Really, Case, if I would have known you were going to choose pizza, we could have just ordered it and not had to waste the time going out.” Derek said, as he opened the front door for her, and waited for her to walk in.

She glared at him, “Oh please Derek. You had just as much fun in the arcade as you did stuffing your face.” With that being said she walked in, leaving him in silence for a split second.

He contemplated what she said, decided she was right, shrugged, and followed her. Of course, he would never admit that she was right, “Whatever. You’re so wrong about that.”

Casey had placed her jacket on the coat hanger, before turning to him with a strange look, “Then why did it take me forever to pry you away from the crane machine?”

“Hey!” Derek snapped quickly, removing his own jacket and pointing an accusing finger at her, “If you can’t appreciate Mr. Cuddles then I’ll just claim him as my own!”

She pulled a small stuffed bear out of her purse and held it close to her chest, “I do appreciate Mr. Cuddles! That’s not what I was saying…”

“That’s what I thought.” Derek said matter-of-factly, as he walked towards the stairs, feeling reassured he had won that argument at least. In all actuality, he did favor that bear. He just gave it to Casey so she’d shut up and stop peering over his shoulder. Crane machines took skill. And he was proud of his victory tonight. He’d given a lone stuffed animal a home.

Casey yawned, and took to the stairs with him, “I’m going to bed. I have a date with Max tomorrow.”

“Pfft.” Derek huffed from behind her. “Yeah you better get all the beauty sleep you can. Lord knows you need it.”

“Is that so?” Casey spun on her heel and glared at him.

“Do you really want me to say more?” Derek asked in a challenging way, smirking at her poised figure.

She spun back around and continued up the stairs and down the hallway towards her room, “Well my secret admirer would beg to differ.”

“What?” Derek almost laughed at this, “You? A secret admirer?” After he repeated it to himself, he did decide to laugh, earning him yet another cold stare.

“Go ahead, laugh all you want, but I really do have one.” Casey replied in an all-knowing manner, “And he told me I looked pretty today.”

She marched into her room, but had struck Derek’s interest enough for him to follow, “So wait, you have a secret admirer, and you know who it is?”

“No dipshit. How could I if he’s a secret admirer?” She paused for a minute, “You do know what secret means, right?”

“You said he called you pretty today.” Derek answered back, taking a seat on the edge of her bed.

“Yeah. He must go to school with us.” Casey replied, walking over to her drawers to pull out her pajamas.

“Not only does this guy have to be blind, he must be stupid as well.” Derek mumbled from his spot, “But in all actuality, I’d rather you date him, than that lug of a boyfriend you have now.”

“Just what is your problem with Max anyway Derek? All you ever do is make fun of him.” Casey snapped at him, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Yeah. I don’t like him.” Derek stated simply.

“Well you know what? Sometimes I don’t like you either!” Casey spat, before stomping off to the bathroom.

“Haha ooh you’re so mean Case.” Derek half laughed, half remarked, “Why must you break my heart so?”

That earned him a loud huff, and a slam of the bathroom door. He smirked again, before standing up to leave her room and go to his own, but before he could make it, the sound of her messenger going off caught his ear. He wasn’t one to snoop…oh who the hell was he trying to fool, yes he was. He walked over to her computer and sat down.

‘Where were you for so long? I missed you.’

Derek smirked. He could really have some fun with this. And possibly figure out who this dweeb was.

‘I was hanging out with my step-brother. Tons of fun.’

‘Hanging out with Derek? I thought you hated him.’

Derek’s eyes bugged a little. So this person knew who he was too.

‘No way. Derek is amazing. So, you obviously had to have spent some time with me though to think that I hate him.’

‘It’s just the way you always look at him. Like you’re annoyed.’

‘Usually I’m annoyed with my boyfriend. Derek just gets caught in the crossfire.’

‘You’re boyfriend….Max?’

Derek stiffened in his seat slightly. Someone was quite the observer. He heard the shower turn on. Good. He had some time left to pry still.

‘So why don’t you tell me more about you.’

‘Why would I do that? Takes all the fun out of everything.’

‘Well obviously you know a lot about me, so why not even things out?’

‘Haha I do know everything about you. But no.’

‘Everything?’

‘You doubt me?’

Derek smirked. Who was this clown? He didn’t know whether to beat his ass at school Monday or hug him for trying so hard.

‘Okay then I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.’ He paused for a moment, before typing a few extra words, ‘So we’ve never actually talked in person?’

After Derek sent the message, he waited for a second then watched the other user abruptly sign off. He leaned back in Casey’s chair. Something wasn’t right about this. He was sure this was just the typical case of a ‘secret admirer’ but really something just didn’t feel right.

He waited in Casey’s room until he heard her shower water turn off, hoping this mysterious person would sign back on, but they didn’t.

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[Lady Azura]

I'm loving it so far, Steph!
_________________

Lizwin: My Anti-Drug

[xscarsxofxreminence]

GAHHHHHH. I LOVE THIS.
I FEEL LIKE JUMPING INSIDE THE COMPUTER RIGHT NOW AND KISSING YOU BECAUSE I'VE
BEEN WAITING FOR A STORY LIKE THIS, SINCE, LIKE, FOREVER.

Its SOOOOOOOO good. OMG PLEASE UPDATE SOON. Seriously.

And do NOT doubt your writing skills, they're fantastic. ;DDD

BUT IF SOMEONE DOES, ILL WILL EAT THEM. NO JOKE.
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Youtube. Dasey Online. Bitch&jerk

[blankmind3]

I really love this. I can tell it's gonna be a good one.

lol like xscarsxofxreminence... if someone hates this, I'll cook them for her to eat.
_________________


You didn't have to break my heart babe, you didn't have to say a thing

[stephluvvsyou]

Haha You guys are awesome! Thanks for your interest. I've started part two, so I'll have it up tomorrow!
_________________

[stephluvvsyou]

Chapter 2 is heeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrreeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

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Stalking Casey
part two - Stuff Like That Gets Around


Derek had managed to sneak out of Casey's room before she had returned from her shower the night before, so she'd never found out Derek had been talking to her so called 'secret admirer'. It had been plaguing him with thoughts of who could possibly have a crush on his step sister and know so much about her, but he had also decided he wasn't going to let it ruin his weekend.

It was the next afternoon and he had other things to be pissed about. Such as Casey's very quickly coming date with Max. He hated this. Watching her rush around, looking cute, getting ready to go out with some other guy. And someone he hated, to add. He had entertained the thought of calling Max and cancelling her date for her so she could stay home with him, and he wouldn't be so bored, but he knew he'd face the fire of a thousand suns if he did such a thing.

Before he knew it the doorbell was ringing and he heard Casey call out to him from upstairs. "Derek will you let Max in???!" her voice rang out.

Derek sighed and got up from his chair. "With much dismay, your highness." he mumbled sarcastically as he walked over and opened the door.

"Hey Derek what's up?" Max greeted him with that stupid smile of his.

Derek held back the urge to hurl, and motioned him inside. He walked back over to his recliner and slumped down into it.

Max raised an eyebrow as he observed Derek. He had failed to respond to him but he dismissed it. Derek seemed to always be in a bad mood lately. At least, everytime he came to pick Casey up for a date lately, he seemed gruff.

"Hello handsome!" Casey greeted as she walked into the living room.

Max turned and smiled at her, "Hello beautiful."

Derek once again held back the urge to puke.

"You ready?" Max asked, extending his hand for her.

"Yes." Casey said with a smile. She took his hand but turned to glance at Derek before he could usher her out the door. "See you later!"

Derek gave a half - assed wave in return, and before he knew it, the object of his attention had left with his worse enemy. He should have been used to it by now, but, for some reason, he never really could get himself to be. The least she could have done was tell her where she was going and what time she'd be back. He sighed, knowing his feelings wouldn't change matters and prepared for a boring evening alone.

Casey finally came home a little past 10, only to find Derek slumped in the exact same spot and position in his recliner. She gave him a strange look as he didn't even look up to acknowledge her return home, as she hung her coat up.

She walked over and sit in her usual position on the couch beside him.

"Um, hello to you too." Casey said, and he finally tore his gaze away from the tv.

"Oh, you, you're home. What's up?" Derek yawned as he greeted her with tired eyes.

"That's all I get?" She paused slightly and watched him shrug tiredly, "Derek have you even gotten up out of that chair all day?"

"Yeah. I do have to pee sometimes." Derek answered her back sarcastically.

Casey rolled her eyes. Such a typical Derek response. He had already turned his gaze back towards the tv, and she sighed loudly, causing him to look at her yet again, "What?"

"Aren't you even going to ask me about how my date went?" Casey replied with a question.

"Given the fact that I really don't care? No." Derek responded.

"What's wrong with you this evening?" Casey wondered, as she sunk into the couch a little.

"I've just got alot on my mind." Derek replied quickly, hoping he wouldn't be bombarded with 20 more questions.

"Well, maybe we can do something, like...play Scrabble! Or..or...Sorry! Or what about -"

"Casey!" Derek interrupted her, putting her to a stop. "Slow down okay, cause you're driving me crazy."

"Until I see you're mood change, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing." Casey answered him matter-of-factly. "Don't you have anything eventful that happened while I was gone?"

Derek shrugged, "The parental units called."

"Oh? Are they having fun?" Casey perked up a little that he finally had started a conversation.

"It's business. How could they?" Derek responded, watching Casey frown. "Oh, but they did mention that Lizzie and Edwin had already managed to sneak out of the hotel together and somehow during their attempt to be sneaky, Edwin ran into a bellhop and caused him to drop all his luggage."

Casey wanted to laugh, somehow it didn't surprise her. That was Edwin's luck after all. "Were they in trouble?"

"No, they decided not to ground them considering Lizzie already flamed Edwin enough for not watching where he was going. Said they felt sorry for him." Derek finished.

Casey nodded silently to herself. She had taught her sister well.

Derek, almost knowing exactly what Casey was thinking turned to her again, "And just to let you know I think it's unfair that Edwin and I have to suffer at the hands of you and Lizzie for trying to have fun."

"Please, if it weren't for us, you both would be in juvenile by now for your so called fun." Casey noticed his questioning glance and rolled her eyes again at him, "Whatever. So. Scrabble?"

"Scrabble it is." Derek responded, watching her get up and dash up the stairs.

It was kind of cute. The smallest things excited her.

Casey decided to drop her purse off in her bedroom before visiting the games closet, and noticed an IM was popped up on her screen. She walked over to read it, hoping it was Emily or Kendra, but discovered it was the mysterious person that had been talking to her yesterday.

Figuring she had a few minutes before Derek would come look for her, she sat down to read it.

'You call what you and Max went on a date? Please tell me you didn't have fun.'

Her stomach dropped, and she swallowed hard. Though, she had no idea why she was nervous, she just was. This person ... how did they know she and Max had went on a date? And how did this person know where and what they did? Though, she figured a picnic at the park wasn't really secretive. There were plenty of people who had been there besides them. Just...know one she knew. Or that she had seen she knew.

'It wasn't bad.'

'What I don't understand is how you can just lay there and talk to him for hours. Bor-ing.'

Casey blinked a few times. So that was a little creepy. Still not enough to freak out, but think none the less.

'Yeah well, I've gotta go.'

'Oh yeah, you're with Derek now. And we all know how he must have 100% of the attention.'

Casey signed off quicker than ever. This was ridiculous. Her getting panicked over probably nothing. Maybe this person had just coincidentally been at the park and seen her there with Max. And they obviously knew who Derek was. Anybody who was anybody at the school would know that. So she ignored the nervous feeling she had and left her room, walking towards the games closet.

Derek had moved the coffee table out of the way to make room for them to play on the floor when Casey came bounding back into the room.

"What took you? I had to move the table all by myself because of your slow ass." Derek complained as soon as she was in earshot.

Casey sighed, "What's the matter? The big bad table too much for you to handle?"

Derek glared at her, as she sat down on the floor across from him and placed the box in between them. In all reality, he hated this game. But if it would get Casey to stop pestering him he was all for it. Something about her gaze right now seemed off.

"Are you, alright?" Derek shot the question towards her, watching her empty the box and start setting up the game.

"Yeah. Just ready to beat you at Scrabble, Venturi." Casey replied, adding a smile to it so he'd be convinced.

Truth was, she was still a little uneasy about her IM conversation.

Derek half grunted, half laughed in response to her, and the game began.

Time flew by, along with the rest of the weekend, and before they knew it, it was Monday morning. Time for school again. Casey hadn't spoken with the mysterious guy on messenger anymore that weekend, and figured that maybe someone at the school got bored and decided to have a laugh. Either way, she couldn't let the thoughts of what happened on the weekend affect her school work by any means. Sure, part of her wanted to be on the look out for anyone who might strike her as odd. In a school full of students? There were so many possibilities. It would get her nowhere, so she decided to forget about it.

Derek however, had a completely different view on the matter. He was going to be on the lookout. Anyone who so much as glanced at Casey funny was going to get threatened. As he entered through the double doors of the school, it began. He wore a glare on his face, and not so much as even a 'sup' was uttered to any of the girls he passed by. He went straight to his locker. He could hear Casey's distinct voice from down the hall, talking to who he assumed was Emily. He could pick her voice out of anywhere. He glanced over and noticed that nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

"Hey man." Sam greeted him, walking up to Derek, backpack on his shoulders.

"Hey what's up Sam." Derek replied, pulling a text book out of his locker.

"Did you have a good weekend? I know you said you and Casey were going to be home alone for the weekend and that you dreaded it." Sam remarked, hoping to get some good stories out of him.

"It was actually pretty uneventful." Derek said, slamming his locker shut, "What about your weekend?"

"Oh it was the same. Went out of town to my grandma's house." Sam told, sighing right after, "And yes before you ask, the one with the farm."

Derek smirked, "Churn any butter?"

"Very funny." Sam replied, joining at Derek's side as they were walking down the hall, "Where's Ralph?"

"I saw him on my way in. The principal was scolding him for banging on lockers with his drumsticks again. Probably had to go to the office." Derek answered, before narrowing his eyes at Casey again. Max had now joined the scene with her and Emily. Great.

The bell rang, and he silently thanked the good Lord above that he didn't have to deal with watching the affection display that he was sure would have taken place. As him and Sam shuffled into the classroom, Casey and Max followed in behind them, and gasped when someone rushed in after them. Casey turned around to see Ralph hunched over, grasping his knees, trying to catch his breath. He had made it before the tardy bell rang. Thank God. He couldn't afford any more trouble. He glanced up and apologized to Casey and Max for almost mowing them down and took a seat beside Sam, behind Derek. Casey took her normal seat in front of Derek, and Max took his beside Casey.

Casey sighed. She was surrounded by morons, minus Max. Unfortunately, Emily, Kendra, Sheldon and Noel, the only other civilized boy in the school had a different class as she did. So she sighed and sat back against her seat. It was always hard for her to get into focus during her first class of the day. Not only did she receive text after text from Emily about how boring her class was going, but she was constantly having to turn around and tell the entire band of D-Rock to leave her and Max alone. Especially the lead guitarist.

However, it wouldn't take her long to get into the zone. She was a pro at this point at keeping her mind on school work, and not the idiot that sat behind her. Or idiots, she should say. Sam - he wasn't so bad. But get him around Ralph and Derek and he was just another one of the rambunctious boys. She closed her eyes and prayed silently that this class would be over soon.

Before she knew it, it was lunch time. She had an appointment with Paul but she wanted to drop off her school books first. When she opened her locker, a small piece of paper fluttered out, and she threw her books in the locker, and reached down to pick it up.

‘Probably a cute note from Max.’ she thought, as she unfolded it, and began scanning it with her eyes.

The smile disappeared from her features, and her eyes adjusted to a look of uneasiness. She couldn’t believe it. Every attempt she made to brush this note aside was overruled almost immediately, and she clutched her stomach to try and calm her nerves. She knew her appointment with Paul was much needed, but after reading this note, there was only one person she wanted to see.

Derek sat with Sam and Ralph, laughing about some lame joke they were exchanging, when Casey flung her purse onto the table beside him, causing him to glance up at her, “Oh God, what do you want?”

“Derek, do you think this is funny?” Casey glared down at him, her stare piercing through his.

“Well I don’t know what you’re talking about yet.” Derek replied, “But just to let you know, I probably will think it’s funny, yeah.”

Casey rolled her eyes as Sam and Ralph watched on in bewilderment. She slapped the note down on the table in front of Derek and he gave her a strange glance. She folded her arms and nodded her head slightly, motioning for him to hurry up and read it. So, Derek sighed, and opened up the note, his eyes scanning it. He glanced back up at her after reading it, clearly noticing that her face was more panicked than anything. He knew he had to say something to at least calm her. So he scooted over, and patted the bench, motioning for her to sit down.

“What’s going on?” Sam asked, clearly confused as to why two of his friends just acted completely out of the ordinary.

“Yeah, way to leave us in the dark, D.” Ralph piped in, watching Derek shift uncomfortably in his seat.

Derek shared a glance with Casey before sliding the note across the table for them to read, “What do you guys make of this?”

Casey, even though she somehow felt a little safer sitting with the boys, was still completely uncomfortable, as her eyes scanned the lunchroom.

“Well to me it seems like someone’s trying to creep you out.” Sam replied, before passing the note to Ralph, “Do you recognize the handwriting at all?”

Casey shook her head, “No. . .and it’s really weird, I thought this was only going to be a weekend prank.” She glanced at Derek again.

“It’s going to be fine Case. Just some dumbass poking fun.” Derek replied, “I doubt you should even have a reason to be creeped out. It’s probably some loser with braces and straight A’s who got bored.”

“Yeah, I’m with D.” Ralph had finished reading the note and glanced over at her, “Dude’s probably never been laid, and makes paper card houses for a living.”

Ralph added a big goofy grin to his statement, and glanced back and forth at Sam and Derek. But when he noticed their glares towards his direction, he frowned, “Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood.”

“No Ralph, thanks for that.” Casey said, standing up, with a forced smile on her face. “I gotta go see Paul.”

“Casey wait.” Derek said, grabbing a hold of her arm gently before she could walk away, “You probably shouldn’t tell Paul about this.”

“Why not?” Casey asked, shooting him a glare, “I tell Paul everything!”

“Yeah but this is different than one of your, girly emotional problems.” Derek replied, earning him a questioning glance. He could tell an argument was about to start, so for the sake of sparing that situation, he quickly continued before she could, “Look, give me another couple days or so. The guys and I will figure this out ourselves and settle it before it gets anymore out of hand. Then you won’t have to deal with getting the principal’s and whoever else would probably be involved.”

Casey sighed, and glanced over at Sam, who nodded, then at Ralph, who was giving her a thumbs up. She sighed again. “Alright fine. Just…don’t do anything stupid, like going around threatening people or getting yourselves in trouble.”

With that, Casey turned around and walked out. She felt bad, she hadn’t stopped to say hi to Kendra, Sheldon, Emily, or Max, but she had told them she’d had an appointment with Paul. So hopefully they wouldn’t think much of her stopping in to talk to Derek for a moment. If they’d even seen her.

Although she was nervous, something about the boys watching out for her was calming. She knew nothing truly bad would happen with them around. Then again, how could she assume anything bad was going to happen at all? All that happened was she had gotten a note. A…strange one, but it was still just a note.

She shrugged it off and mentally scanned over her talk with Paul about learning to juggle her now busy schedule and channeling the stress of that, all the while keeping her sanity, when she rounded the corner of the empty hallway and bumped into someone.

“Oh, gosh I’m sorry-“ Casey began, before glancing over at who it was.

“It’s fine Casey.” Came the reply of Noel, who had reached out to steady her by the shoulders.

They shared a glance for a moment, before Noel piped up again, “Guess you still live up to your old nickname sometimes huh, Klutzilla? Isn’t that it?”

“Oh,” Casey replied, beginning to nervously laugh, “Yeah, thank God I’m not as bad as I…” she paused for a moment as a strange thought plagued her. “Wait. That wasn’t funny, and…how did you know that? You didn’t attend this school during that phase.”

Noel smiled at her, “Sorry I didn’t mean to offend you or anything. But you know, stuff like that gets around. Even years after it happens. I overheard someone talking about it in the hall once.” He looked down at his feet, then back up at her again, still smiling.

“Oh, right.” Casey replied, attempting to return the smile. After another awkward moment, she gave him a slight wave, “Well, I gotta go. I’m late. See you around.” She scurried off quickly.

Noel watched her disappear into the guidance counselor’s office before letting out a long sigh, and continuing his way to the lunchroom.
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I know it probably wasn't as good as the first chapter, but hopefully you guys are still interested!
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[xscarsxofxreminence]

OMG, YAY! You put it up! ;D
Loved this chappy! The suspense is really starting to heat up, hehe.
Cant wait for more! So please update soon Steph!
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Youtube. Dasey Online. Bitch&jerk

[Lady Azura]

AWESOME chapter!
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Lizwin: My Anti-Drug

[DemonWitch]

This is great! I can't wait to read more!
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Dasey : There hasn't been a story of this magnitude told since Romeo and Juliet

[EarthToMe]

That was GUUUUURRREEEEAAAATTTTT!!! I am so excited for the next chappie! Please update soon Steph!
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[stephluvvsyou]

Thanks so much guys! The next chapter should be up tonight or tomorrow. I have both days off so you'll get something!
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[stephluvvsyou]

Chapter 3 has arrived!! This got alot creepier. And I think it would be safe to say the rating is probably leaning on a PG-13. Enjoy!
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Stalking Casey
part three - The Process Of Elimination

"I hope you don't have any plans this evening." Derek walked into Casey's room without knocking, which wasn't unusual anymore, "Because we've both got some serious thinking to do."

"You? Thinking?" Casey spun around in her computer chair and glanced at him with a smile, "Are you sure you want to risk straining yourself?"

Derek glared at her as he sat on the end of her bed, "Very funny."

"What's this about anyways, cause I did have evening plans with Max." Casey told, as she watched him roll her eyes.

Derek pointed a finger at her, "Well you're going to have to cancel. This is much more important."

Casey gasped in a humorous manner, "What could be more important than Max?"

Derek gave her a look that clearly showed he wanted to erupt into laughter, however, this was a business matter, not a circus, "Plenty of things, but, if you want specifics, finding your secret admirer."

Casey's smile turned into a frown and she slumped down in the seat, "How are we supposed to find a secret admirer? Don't they usually remain secret?"

Derek glanced at the ceiling for a second as if contemplating this in his head before waving her off. "Yeah but this is different."

Casey sighed, pondering how her case could be any different from anyone elses. "Derek, I'm not so sure we should do this. I mean, it is just a secret admirer. Maybe we shouldn't try and figure it out. Maybe we're jumping to conclusions." Casey paused for a minute before shooting him an accusing glare, "Wait this was your idea. Maybe you're jumping to conclusions."

"Casey, Casey, Casey..." Derek sighed and scooted close enough to where he could reach out and take her by the shoulders, "It's causing you discomfort. So I just think it might be a good idea to figure out whose doing it and have a talk with them about it." He paused for a second before adding, "Plus, you're discomfort adds annoyance to my life and the things I need to get done."

Derek couldn't wait to figure it out. He was going to beat this person senseless. And his reason wasn't for any that he'd stated above. Besides the fact that they were causing her discomfort. This person was messing with his Casey. That was inexcusable.

Casey thought about this for a quick second before giving a silent nod, "Alright, just..." she paused before deciding there would be no use in an explination. "Okay."

"That a girl." Derek said, releasing her shoulders and sitting back on her bed again, "Now...where to start?"

"Well..." Casey began, "I could just make a list of people I know. Even slightly. We could try and make something of that."

Derek shrugged, "Yeah that's good, we can do a ... a... um. Whatever you call it."

Casey raised an eyebrow at him, "Process of elimination?"

"Yeah that." Derek replied quickly.

Casey rolled her eyes, and spun around in her chair, pulling out her notepad and pen.
She began scribbling names down - and her and Derek started off what ended up being hour long processes.

They'd had a couple interruptions. One was the parents. George had gotten offered a great business deal that would boost his stats at the firm. So they were going to be staying where they were through until after the upcoming weekend. Nora had gotten on the phone and it had taken both Derek and Casey to reassure her that everything was fine, and they would be fine for another week. That it would be over before she knew it. Nora had also told them that she was going to have money wired to them and that she'd already called Lizzie, Edwin, and Marti's teachers to let them know to have make up work ready for them when they returned.

Derek thought it to be extremely strange that Nora actually agreed to stay away for so long. But it did give them more time to sort out Casey's mess. Maybe time was working on their side. And to Derek, that was a first.

Derek sighed, and glanced over at Casey with an expression that clearly read 'help me'.

Casey shrugged with a 'I don't know what to do' expression back, and watched as his gaze was torn from her, and his focus was back on the phone.

"Nora, I promise we will be alright." Derek sighed into the phone, "If we need anything at all you know that we're going to call you."

Casey almost wanted to laugh as she heard her mother still going on and on faintly from the phone. Not to mention Derek's expressions during this phone call so far had been priceless.

"If you don't calm down, I'm going to take Casey to this wild party I heard about tonight. Lots of beer and males looking for soulmates." Derek threatened lightly.

He held the phone away from his ear and squinted his eyes as a piercing, muffled yell sounded out from the other end.

Casey shook her head with a smile, and motioned to him that she was going downstairs to get a drink.

"Hey! Get me a soda." Derek whispered.

"Derek!" a muffled yell came from the phone and he brought it back to his ear quickly.

"What? No!" Derek replied, "What kind of person do you think I am Nora?"

Casey was halfway out of her room, listening to the fading conversation.

"I wouldn't do...well...now that you might need to be worried about." his voice had paused. "Kidding!"

Casey shook her head again as she began to walk down the stairs. Now Derek was just enjoying himself. At the rate he was going, they'd be talking to her mom all night.

She walked into the kitchen, and headed towards the fridge. The sound of the neighbor's barking dog flooded the silence. She pulled out two soda's from the fridge, and debated whether to keep them in the cans or pour them in glasses. Then her thoughts had drifted to the conversation she and Max had over the phone when she cancelled their evening plans.

"Well is something wrong? It's not like you to cancel." Max said, sounding a bit discouraged at the news.

"No it's nothing. Derek and I are just working on something we got partnered up for today. Given the fact that it's Derek, I don't want to waste anytime getting it done. I'll be lucky to have it finished on time." Casey had answered back.

She felt bad. It's not like she'd been lying, but she didn't exactly tell him the truth. And for some reason she felt like she shouldn't. Ralph and Sam had already been included, and it was only a matter of time before she talked to Emily about it also. She didn't want to involve everyone. If it turned out to be a joke, only a few people had the right to laugh. And if it really was some secret admirer? She didn't want to give Max anything else to be discouraged for.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out the note that was in her locker today. Unfolding it, she glanced at the words for what was probably the hundreth time.

'I ALWAYS GET WHAT I WANT.'

In all honesty? She thought Derek had pulled another one of his pranks. After all, it was just like him to say something like that. However, when she had gone to the lunchroom today, and he had genuinely asked her what she was talking about? She knew it couldn't have been him. He would have laughed as soon as she'd said 'You think this is funny?'

The dog barking again tore her away from her thoughts, and it was almost perfect timing, as she heard a loud sigh and the sound of Derek coming down the stairs.

He walked into the kitchen and placed the phone on the counter, "You're mom..." he shook a finger at her, "She's something else."

Casey smiled, "How did you finally manage to get off the phone?"

Derek shrugged, "Told her we'd call her tomorrow and didn't give her a chance to respond."

"You hung up on my mom?" Casey gasped, glaring over at him.

Derek glared back, "Oh don't you dare try and make me feel bad. You would have done the same thing if you'd dealt with 20 minutes of, " he paused and put on his best 'Panicked Nora' voice, " 'Derek promise me you guys are alright with this', and 'Derek, you're not lying about this being alright with you, are you?' "

Casey tried not to laugh again. It had been quite a funny situation, in all truth.

"Yeah." Derek countered to her silence, "That's what I thought."

He walked around to her side of the counter and grabbed his soda off the end of it, pausing to listen to the wails of the barking dog for a moment, "Emily's cat must be in heat again." he opened the soda and took a drink, "You remember last year? The strays were all over the back yards and that dog never did get lucky enough to maul one of them."

Casey nodded at the memory. It had been quite a season. The dog had barked continuously for a week straight because of all the strays. They'd been all over their back yard too. George and Edwin had attempted to run them off, until Derek caught wind of the action and decided to take matters into his own hands, right alongside his hockey stick. The cats had avoided their yard since then. But..new year, new seasn, new cats. They'd have to learn the same lesson, she supposed.

Derek watched Casey in silence for a minute, and could tell she was clearly in thought. He also noticed she was gripping the locker note in her hand, and proceeded to take it from her.

He glanced over it again, and shook his head, before crumpling it up and tossing it in the kitchen trash. He grunted, "I always get what I want." he commented, "What a jackass."

"That's what I was thinking." Casey replied, turning to glance at him as she opened her soda, "Sounds like something you'd say."

He raised an eyebrow at her, "The only difference though, is for me it's true. This person obviously doesn't know what they're talking about."

"If you say so, Scrappy." she replied, taking a drink of her soda.

Derek smirked, "It's about time you accepted me for who I am."

Casey rolled her eyes before pausing a moment in realization, "The dog stopped barking."

Derek listened for a moment before shrugging, "Guess he finally got his jaws on some cashew kitty."

Casey shook her head, smiling slightly as the two of them left the kitchen and headed back to her room. They still had to go over the list.

After bathroom breaks, they were sitting in her room. Casey had joined him on the bed as they sat side by side going down the list.

"Tinker. Good one." Derek said, stopping to think for a moment, "Though he doesn't seem like the type that's capable of pulling something like this off. His crush for you has been extremely obvious though, so we'll keep him on the list."

His eyes scanned down to the next name. "Trevor?" he gave her a questioning glance, "Casey he transferred over a year ago."

Casey shrugged, "You told me to list everyone I knew even slightly." she paused then, "Though, he did always like Emily. And he was cool."

"Yeah, too cool to resort to a mind game like this." Derek agreed with her, "I think he's in the clear."

"Yeah." Casey nodded along, watching Derek scratch the name off.

He then stopped and glared at her, "You put me on the list."

"Well...I figured if you weren't included you'd be offended." Casey defended herself, giving him a big smile.

"True." Derek responded, "But obviously it's not me, so." he crossed his own name off the list and moved on to the next one. "Sheldon."

Casey immediately gave a reason for this, "I know that's far-fetched, but like you said before, list-"

"Everyone. Yeah I got it." Derek replied, starting to cross his name off, but then stopping himself, "You know, he did act like he liked you for a short while." He glanced at her, giving her a 'matter-of-fact' expression.

Casey's face faulted into a 'duh' expression, "Derek, he's happy in his relationship with Emily. Besides, she wouldn't even give him a chance to be shady or sneaky. They're always together."

Derek gave one nod, and crossed Sheldon's name off. "Okay, next is...Ralph." He turned to look at her again. "Okay when I told you to make a list, I mean also to be real about it."

Casey shrugged.

"You've been hit on by Ralph before. As a matter of fact, every girl has. He's far from selective, and I know he'd fail at being sneaky if he tried." Derek said, watching her contemplate what he was saying, and follow it with a nod.

"Yeah if I know anything about Ralph, it's that he's definately not sneaky enough for something like this." Casey replied.

Derek crossed Ralph's name off the list, and moved on to the next one.

"Sam."

"That one was hard for me to write down. Sam's not the type, but I was on a role." Casey explained. "Besides, we already dated. So I doubt he'd be doing this."

"On the contrary." Derek raised a finger, "He could want you back."

"But did you see the look on his face when he read the locker note? And the tone of his voice?" Casey reminded in question form, "They were signs of genuine concern and he seemed to really be bothered that it was happening to me. Plus he offered to help figure out who it was. So it couldn't be."

"Alright." Derek replied, crossing off Sam's name. He looked at the next name, "Ah, I think this might be our best bet yet."

"Who is it?" she looked at the list, then looked up at him, "Noel."

Derek nodded, "He's quiet, sneaky, shady, and...not to mention he has a crush on you."

Casey glared at him, "He does not have a crush on me."

Derek raised an eyebrow at her, "You really are dumb if you think that."

"But Noel is a nice guy!" Casey snapped in defense of him.

"Yeah well, he may be a nice guy, but so far he holds more qualities of being the guilty one than anyone else on the list has." Derek replied, "And how can you not know he has a crush on you? The guy drips with obviousness everytime he talks to you."

"I never notice." Casey told, trying to think of a time where she might have. None came to mind. "He's just a good friend. We talk about everything."

"Everything as in, so he probably knows everything about you." Derek said, putting a star by Noel's name, "Yeah, definately keeping him in mind."

"I think you're delusional." Casey replied, folding her arms across her chest.

"Oh yeah?" Derek asked, looking over at her with bright eyes, "Well I bet you didn't know he's the one that sent you those flowers after the play several months back."

Casey's eyes shot over towards him quickly, "What? No he didn't. We don't know who sent them cause there was no...." she paused in realization, "...note."

Derek shook his head, "There actually was. I read it."

Casey glared. Just like Derek to get in other people's business. Especially hers. "Well, why would he take the note off then?"

"Probably because he found out you and Max were an item." Derek responded with an 'all-knowingly' tone, "I mean, call me crazy if you want, but you never did mention Max to him. Poor kid found out by seeing Max show up backstage once the show was over."

Casey's jaw dropped open. Derek was right. "Oh my gosh..." she turned to him again, "So you think..."

Derek nodded and added another star beside Noel's name.

Casey was lost in thought again. Could it be? It was almost unimaginable for Noel to be the prime suspect, but what Derek said had made perfect sense, and the other scary part about it was that it was perfectly true. She hadn't talked about Max to Noel. And finally the mystery behind who sent the flowers was solved. But why didn't Derek tell her this before? Her thoughts were interrupted when Derek burst out laughing.

"Hahaha Paul. The shrink." Derek choked out.

Casey's eyes narrowed and her eyebrows slanted at him in a mean gaze.

He muffled his laughter, "Okay okay sorry." Derek's tone returned to normal, "I mean, they guy does know everything about you." He paused, "And I'm guessing he's not married."

Casey shrugged, "Well if he is, he's never mentioned it to me."

"Good call, Space Case." Derek replied, still trying not to laugh, "I don't know why it's funny to me, I mean, I guess he fits the profile just as well as Noel, it's just..." he almost started to laugh again, "...I don't know it's funny." He cleared his throat.

He read over some more of the list, noting that everyone else she had written down, she'd really only had 2 or 3 minute interactions with. Either that or they were bystanders. He noticed a few of them she had only talked to during her little 'Babe Raider' phase. Which had only lasted a day, but none the less, Derek would be confronting them in the morning.

He was about to conclude their 'process of elimination', when a thought struck him, "Casey?"

"Huh?" She responded, obviously still in thought about other things as well.

"You didn't put Max on this list." Derek pointed out.

Casey nodded, "Yeah I know."

"Okay but why?" Derek asked, folding his arms and just curious as hell to hear her excuse for this.

"Duh Derek, he's already my boyfriend." Casey answered.

He waited for her to say something else, but when nothing else came, he shook his head, "That's all you got?"

"Well...yeah, why would Max do something like this? We're already dating, there wouldn't be a reason for him to be doing this." Casey explained, bearing a puzzled expression as to why this was even an issue.

"Casey you really need to watch more movies." Derek replied, "Boyfriend figures hold almost more potential for doing something like this than anyone else."

Casey wasn't sure she'd heard him right. But she could have sworn he said boyfriends hold almost more potential for doing things like this than others. "Come again? And please explain in detail cause I don't follow." she made a few motions with her hands and ended it with a confused glance.

Derek sighed, hanging his head low for a moment, thinking of how to explain this to her. Of course she didn't understand. "Okay, have you ever watched the movie Scream?" Derek asked her, knowing full well it was a stupid question, and he got the expected reply. A 'of course not.'
"Okay, well, you've heard of husbands murdering their wives...boyfriends killing their girlfriends...?"

Casey felt the need to stop him there, "Derek! Scream is a movie! And those other cases involved murder. My case involves a secret admirer. Nothing close to that."

"That still doesn't justify him to be innocent. You have to think outside the circle. Everyone is a suspect. Then you do process of elimination, just like we are now. Then you come up with reasons why the names left on the list still are. You didn't even write Max down. But boyfriends are known to do this to their girlfriends to scaring them into committing more. They'll play the game for a little while, and if after the time is up they don't see the results they want? They result to worse things, like murder."

Casey took in all the information and shook her head, "That's nonsense Derek. Max doesn't have those kinds of intentions."

"Let me ask you something personal." Derek countered her statement.

'Oh great.' Casey thought. She could only imagine. "Not that I know why you feel it's neccissary, but go on."

"Have you slept with the guy yet?" Derek asked bluntly.

Casey narrowed her eyes, but still wore the same confused look on her face. "N-no." she paused as she watched him raise an eyebrow, "But he understands."

"Sure he does." Derek said, not buying her bullshit excuse at all. "When a girl is scared by something, naturally it causes her to run into the arms of her significant other. You with me so far?"

She nodded, and he continued.

"If you're scared enough, it actually means more than anything you'll be driven into his arms for comfort. Thus resulting in comfort sex." Derek kept on, watching her expressions go through mixtures of emotion, "If you haven't slept with him yet, and all guys want one thing? Do the math."

"Derek that's crazy talk! I told you Max understands!" Casey defended angrily.

"Hey, I'm not saying you have to put him on there." Derek replied, holding up his hands, "I'm just saying I think it's smart to not completely rule him out yet."

"Well..." Casey huffed and folded her arms, "I think you're wrong about him."

"I could be." Derek said, his tone becoming serious, "But we live in a crazy world, Case. Even the people you think you know best can turn out to be strangers."

Casey glared at him again and was about to respond when the doorbell rang. She glanced over at the clock. Wow. They had been talking for another hour already. Derek got up and headed downstairs, with Casey following after her. She hoped it would be Emily, but when Derek opened the door, they seen their neighbor from the other side standing there.

They never did see much of their other neighbors, but they had seen the young woman around from time to time. When she'd be leaving for work, or coming home from the store.

"Hi." Derek greeted her, as Casey joined his side with a smile on her face, "What's up?"

"I'm really sorry to bother you both." she began, "I'm your neighbor from next door here." She pointed to the house next door, and they both nodded, "Um, I was wondering if you'd maybe seen my dog running around, if you've been outside or anything?"

Derek raised an eyebrow, "We haven't been outside or anything and haven't seen it. We heard it barking a little earlier."

The neighbor nodded, "Yeah she was being quite the noisemaker earlier. I went out to check on her about 20 minutes ago though and she wasn't in the yard. I'm thinking she may have jumped the fence. Though she's so well behaved, I've never had a problem with that before, I guess there's a first time for everything."

Casey tried to give the girl a warming smile. Though, she would be upset and concerned if she'd had a dog that went missing too. "We'll definately keep a lookout." she tried to give her some reassurance.

The neighbor nodded, "Thank you so much." she turned to leave, but added a "Sorry again to bother you." before she began walking away.

"It's no bother. Thanks for giving us a heads up." Derek replied, shutting the door.

He turned to Casey with a smirk, "My guess is the dog said, screw being restricted. I'm going to get those damn cats."

Casey huffed, "You just think you know everything don't you?"

"Have you not learned yet that I do know everything?" Derek countered, as they both headed back up to her room.

"Please, Derek. Tell me another lie." Casey decided to milk this for all it was worth.

"You know I could if I really wanted to." Derek replied, "But I lie with planning. Not really good when asked spur of the moment. I mean, you remember the whole fiasco about Bob."

Casey nodded in acknowledgment. That hadn't been Derek's best work. At least not when the teacher had showed up at their house. Or, as Derek had put it, the lie had 'been brought home.'

They sat back down on her bed to conclude the process of elimination session.

"Okay so," Derek began, "We have Tinker, Noel, Paul..." he then glanced at her, "And you may not rule Max as a suspect in your mind, but he certaintly is in mine."

Casey rolled her eyes. She knew the reason why Derek wanted to nail Max for this was because he just didn't like him. Leave it up to him to bring a conflict of interest into the situation.

"You've got some other not so significant guys listed, but I'll interrogate them myself tomorrow." Derek kept on, "We need a plan."

"A plan?" Casey asked with a puzzled expression.

"Yeah. A plan to narrow the list down to just one person." Derek continued, "The only way to do that is to talk to each of these people to see if they say anything suspicious."

"Well...I have an appointment with Paul tomorrow. What should I say?" Casey asked.

Derek pondered for a moment, "Definately nothing suspicious to get you questioned in return." he glanced at her, "I don't know, you girls are good at being coniving and scheming, you'll think of something."

"I'm going to ignore the fact that you said that, because I know that argument would be disastrous." Casey said in a mono-tone manner. She kn