Life With Dasey (A Life With Derek Fanfic)

Chapter Sixteen

"Where is everyone?" Derek helped himself to his family's fridge, shirtless and without a robe. The early morning sun poured in from the frosted window, wreaking havoc on his tired eyes.

"Mom left a note saying the family went out for breakfast. They didn't want to wake us," Casey said.

"I'm surprised you've been sleeping as late as you have been. Usually, you're up with the birds."

"Between Simon and the holidays, my sleep schedule is off. I'm glad I stayed in because the alone time gave me an opportunity to start on my resolution list," she smiled, sipping on her overly sugared coffee.

It was New Year's Eve, so Casey knew she had to start planning for a fun-packed year ahead.

"A resolution list? You're one of those people? Why am I not surprised?"

"Do you want to hear it?" She was excited to tell her plans to someone, and since Derek was the only one home, he was her first victim.

"No." Derek didn't hesitate to stop Casey in her tracks, but she ignored him.

"The first thing on my list is to make a new friend. Technically, I've already done that, so I'll scratch that one off as an early victory. Um, share a romantic kiss with a guy. Pass all of my classes. Help a person in need - which I guess would be you, considering I'm letting you live with me."

"Oh? Those sound like great resolutions. Do you have the list on you?" Derek asked.

"Of course!" Casey eagerly took the list from her back pocket to show Derek, elated he was taking interest. He unfolded the paper and scanned it for a millisecond before tearing it straight down the middle.

"There. That's better."

"Der-ek!" Why was she so gullible? Of course, he didn't want to see her list!

"What? You don't need a stupid list to have a good year. That's why you're so stressed all the time - because you can't bear the thought of living in the moment," Derek said.

"A list keeps my priorities in check. It's a way to stay organized and accomplished," she defended herself, searching for the tape to fix Derek's mess.

"No, that list is a leash that'll tie you down for a year. The resolutions on that paper sucks. Sharing a romantic kiss with a guy? How is it romantic when you've already planned it out on a piece of paper?"

Casey didn't know what to say to that.

"Well, it's none of your business!" That was a weak reply.

"I wish it wasn't my business! I told you I didn't want to hear about your dumb list, but now that I've been forced into the equation, I'm telling you how ridiculous it is."

"It's not ridiculous," she swore.

"It is. You know what? The only resolution you should have this year is no resolution at all. That's right. You need to go with the flow. No planning your next friendship or relationship."

"So I'm supposed to go into the year with no plan at all?" She asked.

"No plan is the plan," Derek corrected her.