what have I done to deserve this

Ellie wasn't sure if she could handle this. Exactly. Derrick's little brother, Eli.

So she had done what she'd set out to do this past summer. Her internship at a fashion magazine. That was a blast, but it didn't last long, and she'd hooked up with Derrick.

He'd been a long-time internet friend. Actually. He'd been there for her through the thick and thin of it. Her ups and downs being in a band and falling for the lead singer. Her on again off again moments with Jimmy and he'd even listened to her problems with Marco.

She'd kept putting off meeting him. Ellie was certain it would not work. She knew him too well. She knew his letters made her laugh. His texts kept her going daily, but to meet him. Was that really going to be a plus?

Ellie had prided herself in enjoying her own company all this time. Especially, New York. Only, she didn't really find a connection with anyone there. It was not home. No Degrassi warmth there. Honestly, she never thought she'd need it. And then suddenly, Derrick showed up in her life. Right there in New York City. It had been fun, falling into something with him. She had no idea he'd be this irresistible.

It was a rush. This whole thing. Yes, they'd had the honeymoon before the wedding. New York City was out of the question. Perhaps just too expensive. But it had been great while it lasted. Derrick's days at the coffee shop. He'd loved it so much he decided he'd start his own. So they came back to the little metropolis she called home. Hoping to make a new start. Only, there was Eli to put up with.

"Just don't think of it that way, OK." Derrick had cuddled her so. "He's just fine. He's just my little brother who's been depressed. But he's on his meds now. You won't even know he's here."

Ellie tried to remember that as she served up hash browns and eggs to the ominous Eli who just gave her a smirk as he took the breakfast at the kitchen counter.

"So sis, have any bad dreams?" He gave her a slight pout that they must make conversation.

"Do you have to call me, Sis?" She scowled as she watched him slide the meal in his mouth with a fork.

"I can't re-call your name, exactly. Sissy. Yeah, I think that'll do." He gave her a sly smile that he was not going to change for her so she better get used to it.

Ellie did her best to ignore him as she went to fetch her laundry from the dryer. She dug through her warm clothes. Not a pair of panties in the load. Where had they gone off too?