19. I Love You, Casey. I Don't Want to Lose You

Casey POV

“Woah, woah, woah!”

Anthony clapped his hands, his tone making it sound like he'd just caught me red-handed. He shot me a sharp look, then turned to Noah.

“So, that’s the dude you dumped me for, Casey? Can’t believe your taste is so trashy!”

“Anthony, how are you even at my house? I told you we’re over, and I don’t wanna see you again. What are you doing here?”

Anthony grabbed my arm, yanking me closer to him.

“I’m not breaking up until I know the real reason why. I’m not cool with you dumping me and replacing me with some delinquent like that!”

I glanced back, hoping Noah would just leave, but he stayed there, staring at us. No, no. I didn’t want any drama here.

“Noah, just go,” I said.

“I’ll go,” Noah replied calmly, but his glare at Anthony was intense. “After I make sure you’re okay.”

“Hey, dude, Casey asked you to leave. I don’t know what you did to Casey to make her dump me, but just leave her alone cause she and I are staying together.”

I immediately shoved Anthony. “What the hell are you talking about, Anthony? I’m never getting back with you.”

“Tell me why you suddenly wanna break up?” Anthony pressed.

“You already know why, Anthony. Leave me alone. I don’t wanna see you here.”

“I’m not going anywhere until we talk.”

“I said go! Why are you so stubborn? You think I don’t know you cheated?”

“What?” Anthony raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t play dumb. I saw you making out with Nathalie. You were secretly seeing her the whole time we were together! After I moved to Wood Town, you got even more out of control! So, don’t act like this is my fault! I’m free to see any guy I want after we break up!”

“You’re misunderstanding, Casey! Nathalie and I don’t have anything going on!”

Anthony pulled me even tighter. It hurt like hell.

“Let go of me!”

“No! I’m never letting you go!”

Noah walked over to us, his hand shoving Anthony’s chest.

“She said let her go. Why aren’t you listening?” Noah said in a threatening tone.

“Mind your own business, Asshole! You’ve already made everything complicated!”

“You don’t know who I am, Dude…”

“What are you guys doing in front of my house?!”

Suddenly, we were startled by my mom’s voice. I turned around, and she was actually right there in front of our house. She’d just gotten home from wherever.

“Mom?” I looked at Noah. Damn. Noah shouldn't have been seen here.

My mom walked over to us. Her eyes were fixed on Noah and Anthony.

“Why are you fighting here? What are you doing? I don’t like any mess!”

I immediately grabbed my mom’s arm. “Let’s go inside, Mom,” I said, not wanting this to drag on.

“I came to talk to Casey, Mrs. Turner. I’m sorry but I can’t wait. I really want to fix everything, but Casey just came home with that bastard!” Anthony immediately accused Noah.

“Bastard?” Noah smirked. “Watch your mouth, Dude.”

“Noah, stop!” I warned, not wanting my mom to get angrier than this.

“You shouldn’t be near my daughter!” My mom yelled at Noah. I was totally shocked. “Go away.”

“Mom, don’t be rude.”

“I told you not to hang out or get close to that delinquent. Why did you come home with him?”

“Mom, we were just at campus. He just happened to give me a ride. Why are you always so suspicious?”

“You shouldn’t talk like that to someone you just met, Ma’am. I didn’t do anything to your daughter. In fact, I was protecting her. I already warned you not to let your daughter wander around alone. You don’t know how crazy this town is. Don’t just complain, do something to protect your daughter!”

Noah’s words sounded calm but were filled with anger. My mom was speechless at Noah’s cutting remarks. His words were clearly true, and my mom couldn’t argue with them.

Noah went back to his motorcycle. Without saying goodbye, he just left. I felt his anger. Oh, no. I couldn’t let him leave like this. My mom’s attitude must have really pissed Noah off. After what we did at his place earlier. I’d messed everything up.

“Mom, why were you so rude to Noah?” I snapped.

My mom sighed, then looked at me.

“I’m not letting you hang out or get close to him, Casey. We already had a deal about this. We don’t know what kind of person he is.”

“Noah is my senior on campus. We know each other because we’re in the same major. What’s with your prejudice, Mom? Noah’s not Dad! Don’t make me look like you, having to get divorced because of Dad’s attitude towards you!”

I stormed into the house, ignoring Anthony after saying words that I knew would hurt my mom. I knew this divorce was really painful for her, and I had crossed the line, but I didn’t want Mom to be possessive of me. I wanted to know what to do.

I went into my room, slamming the door shut with a deafening BANG!

I looked out the window, hoping Noah was still around, but he wasn’t. My mom’s words must have really annoyed him. After what we did at his place earlier, I’d messed everything up.

I sat on my bed, a nagging guilt in my chest. I just wanted to run and chase after Noah. My mom never saw Noah from another side. For her, Noah was just a delinquent. I even saw Noah that way for a while until I realized he wasn't completely annoying. Noah was willing to help me, even if his words were sometimes ambiguous.

My room door opened from the outside. I thought it was my mom. I was ready for a confrontation, but it was Anthony who walked in. He closed the door, then stared at me.

“Get lost!” I shrieked.

“We need to talk.”

“I don’t wanna talk to you!”

I got up, then tried to push Anthony, but he just pulled me, holding my body tight in his embrace.

“No, Anthony!”

“I’m sorry,” Anthony said. “I know this was a mistake, but I’m really apologizing to you, Casey. I was so frustrated because you suddenly left. I didn’t meet Nathalie while we were still together. I met her at a party and it just happened because we were drunk… ”

“I hate you, Anthony. I really hate you!”

“You can hate me, but don’t leave me. I love you. Please, I don’t want to break up. I don’t want to lose you, Casey.”

I looked at Anthony. What now? My heart, which had been hardened, suddenly melted. Why was I so easily swayed? Anthony had cheated, but he was the guy I loved. Anthony was my first love.

Anthony stroked my face, his cheeks wet with tears, showing he regretted what he’d done. Really? But would he not cheat again after going back to the capital?

“My life is empty without you, Casey. I can’t lose you. Please, come back to me.”

I was speechless. My heart was still with Anthony, even though there were traces left behind when I was with Noah.

Anthony pressed himself against me, pulling my head close. He landed his lips on mine, kissing me passionately, but… why didn't it feel thrilling anymore? Kissing Anthony didn’t make me hot like it used to.