A/N: Woo, so, here's the final chapter! You guys have been fantastic, really. Thank you so much for all your reviews! Enjoy!

Chapter 12: Rain Drops Keep Fallin' on My Head

Have I ever mentioned that I love the rain? 'Cause, if I haven't, then I'll tell you now: I love rain.

Everyone loves snow, but almost everyone I come across seems to hate the rain, and I have no idea why. Well, aside from the fact that it can cause major flooding – but we just won't think about that, will we?

I mean, rain helps with crops, nourishes the ground, trees, plants... And it's fun to run around in.

I'll admit it: I'm a five year old at heart. Marti is older than I am. Doesn't that explain a lot?

So, anywho, I'm standing here, in the rain, in front of my old house. I was granted my emancipation years ago, and Dad – George – was let go with parole and I now have a restraining order against him.

And you know what else rain does?

It cleans.

Cleans the wounds on a little kid's skinned knee. Cleans the dirt from the front porch. Cleanses the broken soul of a boy whose father doesn't love him anymore.

As Casey comes to stand beside me, she takes my hand and smiles up at me. I smile back and then turn my eyes back to where my old room was.

"Derek, we have to leave." You have to let go.

That's what she's really saying, but I try to ignore her. I mean, I spent the first sixteen years of my life in this house. There were a lot of good memories, but there was also one too many bad ones.

"Why?" It's so hard.

I mean, it's not I couldn't just walk away right now. I can do it like that! - insert snap here- But, he's my dad. Aside from that one time, and all those verbal wars, he was a really good father to me. And, if not me, then Ed and Marti.

"Because if you don't, you can never move on. You'll never be able to be whole again."

Double meaning: none.

"All things about my dad aside, this was my home. I grew up here. Your mother is selling it. My house, Casey. My mom died in this house. How could she ever sell it?"

"You know why, Derek. She couldn't keep the whole thing up and running by herself, what with me living with you and Edwin and Lizzie off at college. It's not like Marti can do anything. She's too busy with her friends and Mom says that she doesn't want to make her work until she's at least fifteen."

Oh, did I forget to mention? They all know about me and Casey now. They found out when Ed came to visit me one time and he caught us on the couch making out. It just kind of leaked out from there. Nora was, if you will, a little crazy. Ever since 'the incident', she hasn't been in good shape. I guess that's another reason why she's selling the house, but, common, it's not like George was that great of a guy. He wasn't perfect – at all.

Eventually, however, Nora accepted the two of us. Not only because she and George were no longer married, but she saw how happy Casey was with me (me!!). Ed and Lizzie were fine, and, believe it or not, but the little sneakers had been doing some hand-holdin themselves! Mmm...

So, this has been my story. Correction: Mine and Casey's story.

"I know." I sighed deeply, like I was finally letting out everything and letting go. There were a few beats of silence before I spoke again, "Hey Casey?"

"Yeah?"

I let go of her hand and turned to her, "Tag! You're it!" Poking her in the shoulder, I ran and tried my hardest to not slip on the muddy ground.

But, alas, it was in vain. For I slipped and Casey, being "Klutzilla," tripped and landed right on top of me. "Oof!" was grunted by the both of us at the same time, making us laugh and wince.

Casey rolled off of me, and I flipped over to half cover her with my body. "Hey, babe."

She smiled, "Hey."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

And they lived happily ever after...

Well, aside from crummy bosses and expired milk, anyway.

Hehe, sorry. Couldn't resist a cheesy ending! Let's give the review button one final run, eh?