somethin's gotta give now

Derrick couldn't concentrate. Why was he even at school? It felt like a wasteland of some kind to him. After all, he was sure any moment now he'd see Henry and his new boyfriend.

He knew what he saw at the cinemaplex. In fact, Henry's new guy worked there too. Not that they'd exactly spoken to each other. Derrick kept his distance. Besides, he did a lot more at home than he ever expected too.

He knew Josie wouldn't believe him, but he got in a lot of baby time with Dylan that first week he was home. She slept way more than maybe she even knew, and Camille let him hold Dylan, and feed him. All those things Dads are suppose to do. Or he'd wondered if his own dad ever did with him. He doubted it. Had he gotten a phone call from his dad? Hell, no.

He wished that didn't weigh him down now. He wished things were different, but he could see Josie telling Dylan one day how awful his real dad was. How had his own Dad got away with it?

It was true, Derrick hadn't gotten back to Dorian. There was no time to text. He knew it now. He was bad with family stuff, relationships. But how did he change that?

He stood in front of the school, stalling.

"I can't go in there." He sighed.

"Oh, yes you are." Max put his hand on his back to coax him forward.

"Maybe..maybe I should ..just get my G.E.D." Derrick shrugged, as if that might be impossible too. He felt stuck. Yet, he wanted to get away. Run. Probably to the theater. At least, he got paid even if those summer hits were ending now and there were lot less hours given out.

"Please, you'll find a way. Things are better than you think." Max assured him. "You aren't eating out of dumpsters. You aren't living outside wondering around. People, love you, man. Got to make the most of it, here and now."

Derrick felt as if he were looking at Max for the first time. It was as if he were really listening. Had Max told him before how hard it was on his own? Derrick nodded. They went in together.

First person who met him in the hallway was some girl from the drama club. Sunny.

"Hey!" Sunny was like a million smiles, making over him. "You have to try out for the new musical, this week. This part is screaming your name!" She held up the GLEE poster. Actually, he'd done this musical before. He'd played Artie's part. Now she was saying he was perfect for Finn's part.

Derrick held a laugh inside. He was tempted to embrace the moment.