Matching auras

Chapter fifteen - Sick

Cassie's POV:

I had a great karaoke night with Ben. It was a week ago, but it's the best entertainment for the week. During the rest of it, I didn't do anything. I still don't have any friends than Ben. Well, I have other work to do. I asked my auntie Kim about the book. Of course, she didn't tell me anything. It's visible that she and granny are hiding something from me. Maybe one of them has the book. Sadly, I can't go to their house and start searching for it. Let's say that it's not polite. Granny lives alone, but my auntie Kim has a family. It's better to ask my uncle for help, but he won't do anything against his wife. I understand him. There is a chance that the book doesn't exist, but since no one can confirm it, I have to keep searching. Somehow, I need to distract granny. That way, I can check her house. She won't be happy. I want to know what she hides from me. It's definitely about the book. Maybe she had it the whole time. No, that is impossible. If it was true, there is no reason why she would hide it from me. I have been thinking about where the book can be. If granny has it, she will hide it. First, I thought about a safe. Well, I have never seen my granny having one. It's too complicated for her. My second thought was her books. That's why the best place to hide it is by putting it between the others. I should check her small library. Let's hope she will let me do it. Before the karaoke night, we talked about Ben. Granny told me that he had the perfect aura for me. I can use my friend as a distraction. They will talk while I search for the mysterious book. Will I have success is something I can't tell. I don't want my granny to be mad at me, but nothing else has left to do. I hope that I will have luck with my search. Otherwise, things will get complicated once again.

Today I plan to search for the mystery book in my granny's house. If I want the mission to be complete, I need my friend. Let's hope Ben will agree to help me. I owe him many answers, but now it's not the time for that. At least he started moving on from Ashley. He still feels upset sometimes, but it's not that often. Of course, I am helping with what I can. Mostly I try to bring his good mood back. I prefer the happy Ben. I might not be perfect at this, but I'm trying my best.

I woke up and went to get ready. It's getting colder, and I started wearing my jacket every day. When I was ready, I walked downstairs for breakfast. I quickly ate it and went to school. I wanted to talk with my friend before the classes started. After all, I don't want the whole school to know about my plan. That is something private. Otherwise, I have to explain too many things. Soon, I walked in and looked around. There was no side of Ben. Maybe he is late. Chelsea came up to me in her usual good mood. I wish I had been so energetic in the morning.

- Good morning.

- To you too. I see you are in a good mood. Again.

- I always am. For what are you looking?

- I am waiting for Ben.

- Oh. Then I have to disappoint you.

- Why?

- Ben won't come for the whole week. He is sick.

- What?

- Yes. He wants me to send him the homework from the classes. I mean, the ones we have together.

- I understand.

- Are you upset?

- No, but I wanted us to go out after school.

- I'm sorry.

- It's ok. I might visit him.

- He will be happy to see you.

- I hope so.

- Can I know what is going on between you two?

- Nothing, why?

- Lately, you have spent a lot of time together. Are you falling for him?

- What? Of course not. Chelsea. Ben had a hard breakup. I don't want him to get a new girlfriend straight away.

- Chill. I'm only asking.

- All I want is to be a good friend. Nothing else matters.

- If you say so.

On the lunch break, I told Chelsea to go and eat. I had to take something from my locker. I was about to go when Ashley came with two of her girls. What does she want from me? We haven't talked for the past week.

- Well, well, well. Look who is here.

- What do you want? I will go to eat.

- How does it feel to steal my boyfriend?

- Ex-boyfriend and I didn't steal him. He broke up with you because you cheated on him.

- That is thanks to you, b*tch. If you hadn't moved to this school, nothing would've happened.

- I did the right thing. Using people is not good.

- I have told you not to mess with me.

- So? I'm not scared of you.

- But you should be.

- Look, leave me alone. I want to eat.

- I will finish you. By the end of the week, you will beg me to stop.

- Yeah, right. Listen up, Barbie. You have no idea what I am capable of, so stay away. Otherwise, I have to teach you a lesson.

- The teacher will be me. Stay away from Ben. He is mine.

- You don't own him. Ben is free to do whatever he wants. Also, I won't let you destroy my friendship with him. Understood?

- Ok, then. Be ready. I will finish you.

- I would love to see how you will do it. Now, if you excuse me, I will eat. - I said and walked away

I walked to the cafeteria and saw Chelsea eating alone. I took a tray of food and sat in front of her. She immediately guessed that something had happened. I gave her a short version of the story. The details are not that important. She got mad, but I told her to calm down. I am not afraid of Ashley. This girl is no one.

After school, I walked home to write my homework. The plan is when I finish to go and check on Ben. It took me two hours. Let's say that I had some things to finish. I'm trying to work less. I had bad memories of too much studying. I walked out and went to a grocery store. My mom makes me soup and tea when I am sick. That's why I bought it. Also, I took some biscuits, candies, and two different juices. One was orange, and the other one was an apple. I don't know Ben's favorite one. I think he will drink it. When I was ready, I walked to his house. I don't expect him to open the door, but I should knock.

- Oh, hey, Cassie. Come in.

- Hi. Is Ben here?

- Yes, he is in his room. You can check on him. I have to go out, so have fun.

- Thanks. - I said, and miss Woods left

I carefully opened Ben's door and saw him sleeping. In that case, I can prepare the soup. It won't be the same as the homemade one, but it'll do the work. While the soup was warming, I put a pot for tea. One cup will be enough. Mint tea is good for your health. Also, any tea which includes herbs. I put both things on a tray and walked to Ben's room. I put them on the nightstand and slightly touched his hand. It was cold. Maybe I can use my aura to warm him a little bit. Soon, he started sweating. It's time for me to stop.

- Cassie.

- Hey. How are you?

- Sick.

- I'm sorry. Here, take this.

- What is that?

- I made you a soup. It's not homemade. I bought a ready mix.

- Thank you. I appreciate it.

- Also, I made you a cup of tea.

- You thought of everything.

- Mom used to make me these two things when I was sick. I know they help.

- They do.

- Are you ok? You got curled in a ball.

- I feel a bit cold.

- Will you give me your hand?

- Yes, sure. Can I know for what?

I didn't say anything and used my power to warm him up. Ben was looking at me, wondering what was going on. I have to tell him everything, but something always comes up. I don't think I will ever do it.

- What was that?

- Look, I have a power with which I can help people. I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's true.

- I don't understand.

- Ben, I can see people's aura.

- What? That is impossible.

- It's ok if you don't believe me. In your place, I wouldn't do it as well.

- No, I believe you. The thing is that I can't accept it. I mean, it's not something you see every day.

- I have a lot of things to explain to you, but it won't be now.

- I understand.

- All I will tell you is I have been looking around for a specific person.

- It's me. Right?

- Yes.

- Don't tell me that I have the same power as you.

- Maybe. That is not important now. You need to get better, ok?

- Yes, ma'am.

- Very funny.

I stayed with Ben until his parents came home. We talked about powers. I told him the reason why I was in the library that day. I'm not doing a project. Of course, he had many questions. Luckily, I managed to change the topic. It was visible that he was tired. Now it's not the time for this. One day, I will answer every question that he has. While miss Woods was preparing dinner, my friend was sleeping. I used my power once again to warm him up. Then I wrapped his blanket tightly. When the food was ready, mister Woods came to call us.

- Hey, how are you, kiddo?

- I have been worse. - my friend said and sneezed

- Bless you.

- Thanks.

- Is this enough for you? On days like this, you don't eat much.

- It's enough. Thanks, mom.

- You're welcome.

- I see that you have eaten soup. - mister Woods said

- Yes, I bought it. Mom always makes me one when I am sick. I thought it might help.

- It was delicious. - Ben said

- I'm glad that you liked it. If you want, before bed, you can drink another cup of tea.

- I will, thank you.

- Well, I guess that my job here is ready.

- What do you mean?

- I can go home.

- Oh, ok.

- Is there a problem?

- No, but I would like it if you stayed longer.

- Don't you want to be with your parents?

- They are always around me, especially mom.

- Ok, then, I can stay for an hour.

Ben and I finished our dinner and went to his room. He didn't eat much, but it's understandable. My friend was quick to get under the covers. I offered to warm him up, but he denied it. Instead, he wanted another cup of tea. I went into the kitchen to get it. Miss Woods was taking care of the dishes.

- Do you need help?

- Thank you, sweetie, but no need to do it. I finished with them.

- Oh, ok, then. Can you give me the pot?

- Yes, sure.

- Do you want a cup of tea? I have to make one for Ben.

- Well, I won't deny one.

- Ok, I will make three cups. I believe mister Woods won't deny one.

- For sure, he won't. - miss Woods said, chuckling

After around fifteen minutes, I was ready with the tea. I put Ben's parent's cups on a tray. I slightly knocked on the door, and miss Woods opened it. I gave her the cups and walked away. My next stop is Ben's room. I walked in and saw him curled on the bed. He is cold but won't accept my help. Let's hope the tea can warm him up a little.

- Here you go.

- Thank you. It smells amazing.

- It's the same mint tea.

- Can I ask you something?

- Sure. What is it?

- Why are you so since to me? I mean, you take care of me as a mom.

- Because I know what it feels like to be sick. When I am, the only people who care for me are my family and no one else.

- I understand.

- If these boys were your real friends, they should've been here, not me.

- I know. I'm not with the boys anymore.

- You made a good choice. Pick your friends wisely.

- Well, I didn't think much before picking you.

- I am an exception.

- Yes, you are one beautiful exception.

- Oh, um, thanks.

- You're welcome. - my friend said with a smile on his face

Ben wanted to watch a movie, so I had to stay with him. My friend needs a rest. I guess he wants me to be here. It's not like I mind. He was snuggling the whole time. His body was cold. The tea helped, but it was a temporary solution. Well, I will come to check on him again tomorrow. In the middle of the movie, my friend fell asleep. I checked my phone. It was 9:30, which meant I had to go home. I carefully moved his head and put it on his pillow. Later, I took my things and walked downstairs. Miss and mister Woods were in the living room.

- Hey, um, I will go home.

- Already. - miss Woods said

- Well, Ben fell asleep. Also, it's getting late. I have to go to school tomorrow.

- I understand.

- Will you mind if I come to check on him tomorrow?

- Not at all. Ben loves you.

- What?

- My wife meant that he loves spending time with you. Please, don't give the girl panic attacks. - mister Woods said

- I'm sorry.

- It's ok. I love spending time with your son as well.

- I know it's not my business, but are you sure it's only that?

- What do you mean?

- Do you love my son?

- What? No. I mean, not the way you think about it.

- Are you sure?

- Look, miss Woods. Ben and I are only friends. He had a hard breakup. I'm sure he doesn't want another girlfriend right now.

- Maybe, but you are different. I know you won't hurt my son.

- That is true. I will go now. Call me if there is a problem. Ben has my phone number.

- Ok, bye, sweetie.

- Bye, miss Woods. - I said and left

I know what it looks like, but I don't love Ben. I mean, not the way his mom is thinking. I indeed love spending time with him, but that's it. We don't do anything else. Maybe, except for the friends' things. I haven't thought of a boyfriend. Now is not the time for this. When Ben gets better, I will need him for my plan. I have to find this book as soon as possible. That is my last mission. All I want is to read it and see if what people say it's true. If the book is powerful, I understand why someone will hide it. The question is where to search for it. I don't know if granny has it, but I should check. I hope that I will have success. I need this book.