23. Everytime With Noah

Casey's POV

"Huh?" I was speechless after hearing Noah's refusal. "Then what do you want me to do? We can't stay here forever. The library's gonna close!"

Noah sighed. I could hear his breathing getting heavier.

"You can go. I can handle myself."

He was still trying to act tough even though he couldn't get up. I looked around, worried someone else would see us. What could I do to get Noah out of here? I walked around the library, looking for something to solve this problem.

I couldn't believe why, in a state this bad, Noah wouldn't ask his dad for help. Was their relationship really that messed up? Even if Noah hung with a biker gang, I was sure his dad would still want to help his son.

I was stumped because there were still a ton of students in the lobby. I couldn't just carry Noah past all of them. What was I supposed to do? Suddenly, I happened to see a librarian go through a small door that students didn't normally use. It looked like a special alternative door for the staff. I went up to the door and went inside. I saw a bunch of books scattered around. There was a small path that connected to the back of the library.

"Oh, this is a special room for the library staff," I mumbled to myself.

"Miss, what are you doing here? You're not allowed in here." A woman who looked prim and proper with a cat-like stare snapped at me.

I was startled but quickly smiled at her.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know this was a staff-only room. I was looking for something to help me carry some books," I lied. As I said that, I saw the librarian was pushing a cart that came up to her chest. There was a section on the bottom she used to carry a lot of books. I suddenly had an idea.

"You're not allowed to borrow too many books from the library, unless you read them here. The maximum is three books."

"No, I'm gonna do my assignment here. I need a lot of references, so..." I glanced at the cart she was pushing.

The librarian looked at the clock. It was already two-thirty, and the library would be closing soon.

"You only have until five."

"I know," I said. "I'll be quick. So, can I borrow that cart?"

"There's one in the west section, at the end of the room. You can get it there. And don't make a racket, Miss!"

"Got it, thank you so much."

I quickly looked for the other cart just like the librarian said. Once I found it, I went back to Noah. He looked even more helpless. My panic just doubled.

"Noah... don't pass out! Please, let's get out of here."

"Don't be so loud, Casey."

"I got a cart. I'm gonna get you out."

"And? Where are you gonna take me?"

"I don't know. The important thing is you can't be here. You need intensive care!"

Suddenly, Noah's phone rang. Noah struggled to get it because it was in his jeans pocket. I quickly helped him answer the phone.

"Noah, where are you? Sherly said you were hurt!" It was James's voice. I saw Noah was unable to talk. His lips were totally pale.

"It's me, Casey. Noah can't answer. We're on campus. Please, come and get Noah now!" I said.

"Casey… " There was a brief silence. "I can't get on campus. Can you get Noah outside? I'll pick him up in a car."

"Okay, okay. I'll try."

I must have been crazy. I didn't know why I was doing this, helping Noah and James. With the cart, I tried to move Noah's body. He was in pain, groaning, but he was cooperative enough to do what I asked. I took Noah out of campus through a corridor that wasn't used much, and other places that were generally empty, even though I had to sneak around, trying to make sure no one saw us. But someone probably still did. Lucas already saw him earlier. I wasn't sure he'd keep quiet.

With all my effort, I managed to get Noah outside. A black SUV was parked just off campus. James got out of the car with another guy who looked just as intimidating as James.

"I'll take Noah," James said. "Thank you, Casey."

With the help of the guy behind him, they tried to get Noah into the car. I just watched them while looking around. I didn't see the guy who usually watches Noah. Was he not here today?

Noah was already in the car. I felt relieved. At least he was safe now.

"Casey, get in," James said.

"What?" I was confused. "Why do I have to get in?"

"For your safety. Please, just do what I say." James looked really serious.

Did this happen to Noah because of the Fallen Bike? If so, was the terror still around? I doubted it, but maybe James would just drop me off at home. No harm in trusting him. I got in the car, sitting next to a helpless Noah. As soon as I sat down, Noah leaned his head on me. His body was so hot.

"James!" I panicked.

"Alright, alright, don't panic, Casey."

After everyone was in, the car took off at high speed. I was shocked because I'd never been in a car going this fast before. I wanted to scream, but I didn't want to make Noah panic. I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the fear. It didn't take long for us to arrive at a residential building. This wasn't the Black Hell heartquarter I'd gone to with Noah.

James got out of the car. I quickly got out too, even though I was confused about why I was brought here. James helped Noah out of the car, taking him inside the house. I was lost on what to do. Why was I here? This place was out in the middle of nowhere. No houses, no stores, or even cars passing by. This place was totally isolated and remote.

"Casey!" James called out.

I quickly went into the house. When I was inside, I saw Sherly. Her sharp stare showed she totally didn't like me.

"You again," Sherly said with a sneer.

"James told me to come."

"You're a problem for Black Hell!"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Sherly."

"Don't act like we know each other! If you hadn't come to Wood Town and flirted with Noah, none of this would have happened… "

"Sherly, shut your mouth!" Noah yelled with the last bit of energy he had. "Casey didn't do anything wrong!"

Sherly got up, laughing angrily. "Becky's after you because you saved Casey from sexual assault! You were supposed to stay out of it, and all of this happened! We agreed not to start a gang war, Noah. And that stupid girl messed everything up!"

I was in shock hearing Sherly's words. So Noah got hurt because of me? Why? Why didn't Noah tell me anything? My heart felt like it stopped beating. Guilt just washed over me, making me frantic. I was the cause of all of this.