Picture Perfect
Chapter 37
By Katie

Casey looked around the room and sighed. As much as she hated the flowered room, she was going to miss it. After all, it had been her home for three weeks.

She got on her knees and crawled around the room, checking under the bed, behind the bed, in the closet, and behind the chairs for any clothes or personal stuff she may have forgotten to pack.

Finally realizing that she had packed everything, Casey stood up and brushed off her pants. A small knock came at the door and she turned around to see Jane leaning against the doorframe.

"Ready to go?" Casey sighed and nodded. "Alright then, grab your stuff and come on downstairs." Jane left and Casey turned to zip up her suitcases. She then grabbed them and walked downstairs to say her goodbyes to everyone.

Walking down the stairs, she saw everyone lined up from the stairs to the doorway just waiting to say goodbye. They all looked up and smiled when she entered the room. Casey walked over to the first group of people who just happened to be Aaron, Angel and Leslie. She took them all in hugs and sighed.

"Hey guys, I'm sorry that we didn't spend a lot of time together. Maybe next time I come visit we can go to the mall or something? Okay?" They all nodded and hugged her tightly. The next person she came upon was BJ.

"Hey girl. I'm gonna miss you." Casey said and took Bj in a hug.

"I wish you could stay. You added some spice to our lives. Plus it was fun seeing someone yell at my brother day in and day out." The two girls giggled and Casey then turned to give Bob a hug goodbye.

"Thanks for everything Bob. I know I wasn't the best houstguest but I really appreciate you having me."

"Don't worry about it Casey. I knew that the 'real you' was in there somewhere. I'm happy she decided to come out. I'll miss you Casey. If you ever need somewhere to stay, this is your second home you got that?" Casey nodded and then moved to the last person in the line, Aj.

He engulfed her into a big hug picking her up and twirling her around. "It was fun while it lasted huh?" Casey laughed a little.

"Oh yeah Aj. You definantly know how to have a good time." She giggled.

"I had fun. Are you sure that you love Nick cause I'm sure that I can offer you more than he ever could." Casey giggled.

"I'll keep that in mind. Goodbye Aj." Aj kissed her on her cheek.

"Goodbye girl. Keep in touch okay?"

"Alright." She picked up her suitcases and headed towards Jane.

"I'm ready to go."

"I'm not taking you."

"You're not?" She smiled and shook her head.

"Nope, Nick really wants to. So I'll say goodbye to you now." She grabbed Casey into a hug and held onto her tightly. Casey let a couple tears slide down her cheeks.

"Thank you so much Jane. For everything. You have no idea what an impact you made on me while I was here."

"Aww shucks, you'll make me blush. Now scoot, you have a plane to catch and you still have to say goodbye to my son. Remember though, you're still apart of this family so whenever you need someone to talk to or a place to stay, we're only a phone call away." They pulled away and Casey wiped her tears.

"Goodbye everyone. Thanks again." She picked up her luggage and walked out the front door to where Nick was waiting outside his durango.

"Ready?" She nodded and Nick grabbed her stuff and loaded it into the car.

**

"Flight 228 to Los Angeles, California is now boarding." The lady on the loud speaker came out. Casey sighed and looked over towards Nick. The whole ride to the airport he hadn't made so much as a peep and as they both sat there waiting for her to get on her plane, neither one said a word.

"Nick, I really should be getting on that plane. I might miss it if I wait any longer." Nick sighed and looked over at her.

"That's what I was hoping for." He quietly said and she groaned.

"Nick please don't make this any harder for me."

"Why do you have to go Case? I need you here."

"Nick, you know. My mom needs me and I need to go back to school. It wouldn't work out anyway, you'd be too busy for me."

"I could never be too busy for you." He said softly.

"You were once."

"Christ Casey, I'm sorry okay? I didn't mean it. But I don't want that to happen again. I love you and I don't want to lose touch with you." She turned her face towards him and softly placed her palm on his face.

"You won't. Just as long as you remember to write and call this time." She laughed weakly and Nick closed his eyes, trying to imprint the feeling of her hand on his face forever in his mind. When he opened his eyes, he slowly leaned foward and placed his lips on hers for one last kiss.

When they broke apart, they looked at eachother. Tears spilled from Casey's eyes as she looked up at Nick.

Nick took his thumb and wiped them away. "I'm going to call you every day." He whispered, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her again. She continued to cry.

"You better."

"I will."

"This is the final boarding call for flight 228 to Los Angeles, California." The loud speaker boomed and Nick sighed.

"I love you Casey."

"I love you too Nick." He kissed her one last time before letting her go. Nick watched as Casey walked away and once she was out of his sight, he finally let the tears fall.