Derek Turner

**Derek Turner** is a recurring character in the *Freeform* series *Cruel Summer*.

Derek has a strong, playful relationship with his kid sister, Jeanette. He is protective of Jeanette and always has her back, even when he’s away at college.

## Biography

### 1993

On June 21st, Jeanette Turner is woken up by her father who wishes her a happy birthday. Her mother enters with a pancake candle for her to blow out. Her brother, who joined in the doorway, and parents clapped for her. Jeanette had plans to go to the mall with her friends, but would be home by dinner. Derek forgot about dinner as he had plans to see a concert. Their parents are sure that if he skipped dessert he’ll make it in time to the concert.

That night after dinner, Jeanette told Derek all about her friends making a list of things to do that Summer as they cleaned up the table. She couldn't tell him what the list is as it’s a secret. She asked what he did for his 15th, to which Derek claimed dad let him drink beer for the first time - or so he thought. Their parents entered with cake and Derek made them promise to save him some as he left for the concert.

The next afternoon, Jeanette walked home where Derek greeted her in the driveway after rolling out from under the car he was working on. He asked what she’s so happy about, bringing up the list but she played coy about the events of the day. He apologized for leaving her birthday early, but he thought 15 will be her year. She thanked him and ran inside. On the 26th, Derek helped cater the annual Garden Club Party and was highly amused when Jeanette, Mallory Higgins, and Vince Fuller ambushed the party with balloons filled with shaving cream.

### 1994

Around June 21st, 1994, Derek was at home when Jeanette returned with a black eye and bloodied nose. Cindy put ice on Jeanette’s face as Jeanette claimed it was a volleyball accident. Derek slyly remarked that she was supposed to catch the ball with her hands not her face. The news came on so Jeanette panicked and told Cindy to turn it up. It says that Kate Wallis was found after being abducted, with the alleged kidnapper, Martin Harris, having been killed in a shootout. Greg, Derek, and Cindy are surprised as they watch Kate be loaded into a police car. Cindy was glad it wasn’t Jeanette, who was crying, and Derek and Greg remark on the bluntness of the statement.

A few days later on June 26th, Greg dropped Derek off at the annual Garden Club Party even though he found it strange that Rod and Joy are going to a party so soon after Kate was just rescued. Derek, who had just graduated high school, left the car after some banter with his father. As he entered the backyard, everyone looked at him and began to whisper about him being Jeanette’s brother. His friend, Tucker, pulled him aside to tell him about a rumor regarding Kate Wallis. She told people that Jeanette knew where she was kidnapped and didn’t tell anyone. Derek found the rumor dumb and asked if Tucker but believed that. Tucker retorted that he liked Jeanette and thought there was a simple explanation, but until the situation is sorted, it might be best for Derek to leave. Derek left abruptly and remarked that he didn't need to call security, while Tucker called after him that it didn't have to be like that but Derek shouted back that it does.

As the town dealt with the fallout of Kate's accusations, they prepared for the annual Fourth of July party. Derek passed his mother and asked if she’s okay, to which Cindy admitted she's worried about Kate sharing her story since more people will know about Kate’s claims against Jeanette. Derek told her that people already know as he’s been uninvited to two parties and Hank Stevenson changed his mind about Greg listing his house. Cindy cut him off as this is crazy since the rumors are baseless, and she knew Jeanette would never do anything like what Kate claimed. Derek agreed and left. From the couch, Jeanette overhears the entire conversation.

Once outside, Derek told Greg that he believed Jamie hit Jeanette over the Kate accusation. He’s angry over it and together, they went to Jamie’s house to confront him. Jamie’s mother Paola answered the door, so Greg requested to speak with Jamie. He appeared and told his mother to give them a moment in Spanish, before he turned to the men. Derek instantly asked if he hit Jeanette, and when Jamie hesitated, Greg pressed for an answer. Jamie reluctantly admitted that he did and Derek stepped into the house only for Greg to pull him back. Derek angrily said that if he wanted to hit someone to come outside. Paola interrupted to see if everything was okay, and Derek demanded that Jamie tell Paola what happened. When Jamie failed to tell Paola, Greg forbade Jamie to ever hit Jeanette or talk to her ever again. Paola told them to leave and Jamie shouted after them that Jeanette isn’t who they think she is. Derek advanced toward the house again, though Greg grabbed his shirt and directed him to the car. Greg then told Jamie that if he ever hit or saw Jeanette again they’ll have a problem. When the duo returned home, Greg and Derek found Detective Karin Anderson and Officer William Kingsley at the home as they wanted to talk with Jeanette about Kate Wallis.

### 1995

Derek returned home for the Fourth of July with laundry, an occasion that Jeanette noted was rare. she told him about seeing Kate and he apologized for that. She missed the days when no one wanted her dead. They exchanged banter before she told him that a girl from Physics class called for him, Claire. He told her to take Mom’s calls once and a while before he left the room.

## Personality

Derek is a very protective person and he believes in his sister, Jeanette, even though he's away.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.01 Happy Birthday, Jeanette Turner
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 1.02 A Smashing Good Time
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 1.03 Off With A Bang