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Chapter eleven - The Black hood's secret

Cassie's POV:

A week had already passed, but Ashley didn't do anything. I guess that I have to step into the game. I have been wondering how to tell Ben the bad news for the last few days. I don't want it to be direct. Also, I don't need to play games. After a lot of time thinking, I decided how to do it. I will put a note in Ben's locker and tell him where to wait for me. Of course, I won't write my name. It has to be during the night. I will put a black hoodie on. It's better if he doesn't find out who I am. Otherwise, Ashley will kill me. That's why Ben should see the videos and pictures. Then I will go home. It's not a lie that I am a bit nervous, but I have to do it. Last week I watched Ashley making out with different boys. Mostly she did it with James. I can't understand what kind of person she is. I would never do this to my boyfriend. It's disgusting in so many ways. I don't think she realizes how hurt Ben will be. That boy did everything for her. She was a pure princess in his eyes. I feel bad for breaking the truth to him. It's not like I have a choice. Honestly, I can keep being quiet, but she won't stop. I played miss detective and asked a couple of students about this girl. Let's say I pretended that she hated me. Technically, it's not a lie. It turned out that many students thought she was cheating on Ben. That's why no one likes her. She has been a bad girl for a long time. Her boyfriend was the blind one. I think he doesn't want to accept the truth. Maybe he was doubting her but didn't want to admit it. I don't want to do anything, but I have to. His pain makes mine even bigger. I want to get rid of this feeling. Soon I have to tell Ben everything. I hope that he won't think I am lying. Otherwise, things will get very complicated.

Today is the day when Ben will know the truth. I don't want to be the one who will break down the news, but as I see it, Ashley won't do anything. I gave her more than a week. This b*tch will learn her lesson. Usually, I don't use inappropriate language, but she made me do it. I'm trying to be a good girl. Well, I can keep this role for a long time. Once I help Ben, I will calm down. That won't be easy. We have to talk about many things, but it will be one at a time.

I woke up and got ready for school. The whole night I didn't sleep. Let's say that I was thinking about today. The message on the note should be short. All I have to do is tell him where and when to come. When I was ready, I walked downstairs for breakfast. Granny was here as well. I didn't tell anyone about my plan. It's not the best. Also, I don't want any opinions. This time, I will do everything the way I want. I don't care if it's right or wrong.

- Good morning.

- To you too, dear. How are you today?

- I'm good.

- I see that your mood is better than yesterday. Did something happen? Maybe a boy. - dad said

- Yes, dad. They are five. I don't know which one to choose.

- As a father, I have to ask these questions.

- Why don't you focus on your things?

- Like what?

- Your marriage.

- What's wrong with it?

- Where you took your wife on a date in a nice restaurant the last time?

- I, um, don't remember.

- Honestly, I don't know how you remember your anniversary.

- Hey, be nice.

- Stop being the fake protective father.

- I am not fake protective. Is it that bad that I care about you?

- No, but you know I don't date anyone. You don't have to bring it.

- Why?

- Because it annoys me. I have more important things to worry about right now.

- Ok, I won't say anything.

- Thank you.

After breakfast, I walked to school. I carefully put the note in Ben's locker without anyone seeing me. It's better if people don't know about this. I don't want to have problems with anyone. Mostly Ashley. The cards will fall today. I'm tired of her games.

On the lunch break, I went to eat with Chelsea. I told her my plan. Well, she wanted to discuss it with me. It's risky, but I know Ben will show up. He wanted the truth for weeks. Well, it's like around three weeks. That's it. Tonight, I will make his wish come true. Let's hope I don't have to do anything like this again.

- Are you sure this will work?

- Chelsea, I have to do it. Ashley won't tell Ben anything.

- I know, but why is all this mystery? Tell him straight away.

- If I do it, his girlfriend will finish me. I can't do that.

- Maybe you don't want to.

- Think straight. I don't want to live my life scared of her actions. The game ends today.

- I hope you know what you are doing.

- Yes, I do. Thank you for not stopping me.

- The problem is yours, not mine. I might not like Ashley, but I don't want to mess with this.

- Good for you.

I waited for my last class to finish and walked home. I have only one black hoodie, and I will use it. Dad texted me that he and mom would go for dinner after work. Finally, they will spend some time together. I started with my homework. I want to fish it fast so I can focus on tonight. I checked the videos a couple of times. Well, to make sure everything was here. After all, without proof, I can't go. Of course, I have everything on other devices as well. I want to get prepared.

For dinner, I went to my auntie Kim's house. She has two twin girls named Ariel and Patty. They are the cutest girls I have ever seen. Both of them turned twelve three months ago. Soon they will be teenagers. I'm sure uncle Adam will be in protective mode all the time. All the fathers do it. Luckily, mine dropped it. There is no danger from a boy.

- How are you today? - auntie Kim

- I'm fine.

- Why do you have to go? - Ariel asked

- Because I have to do something.

- Like what?

- That is a secret.

- Won't you share with us? - auntie Kim asked

- I'm sorry, but no.

- We want to talk with you. - Patty said

- Talk about what?

- Boys, parties, and stuff. Soon we'll be teenagers.

- I don't appreciate the direction where this is going. - uncle Adam said

- You have to get used to this. Ask dad for advice. - I said, chuckling

- For now, I won't do it. Thank you.

At 8:30 pm, I left my auntie's house. I told Ben to wait for me at one park at 9 pm. My instincts tell me that he will be there. Also, I can feel his aura. He was there, waiting for the black hood. That is me. I hope that things will go smoothly. It's better if he doesn't see who I am. Otherwise, I might have problems. That is the last thing I want.

Soon I arrived at the park. I saw Ben sitting on a bench. The time has come. All the cards will fall. Well, the ones for his girlfriend. The others can wait. I carefully walked up to him, not showing my face.

- Hey, are you who sent me the note in school?

I took my phone and opened the notes. Ben knows my voice, so I can't use it. That way, it's safer. I don't want to reveal myself. It won't help anyone.

Yes, I did it.

- So, you don't want to talk with me?

That way is better.

- Ok, I guess. What do you have for me?

I have to show you something. Please see it and then talk.

- No problem. Show me everything you have.

I have pictures and videos of your girlfriend with other boys. I'm sorry.

- What?

I didn't do anything and let him see everything on my phone. I noticed how his look changed. Ben was hurt cruelly. That might not be the right way to tell him the truth, but Ashley deserves it. I gave her enough time to do it.

- F-from where do you have all of this? - Ben asked and gave me my phone back

It doesn't matter. I'm sorry you have to understand this way. Ashley had to tell you, but she wouldn't do it.

- Who are you?

I'm no one important.

- Tell me. I need to know where you have this. It could be fake.

I won't lie about something like this.

- Please, tell me.

I have to go. Bye, Ben.

I was about to leave, but Ben grabbed my hand. My skin was burning from the contact with him. I tried to escape, but he didn't let me. Ben pulled me close and removed my hood. That was. It's game over.

- Cassie?

- Hey.

- You need to explain.

- Fine. Can we walk?

- Sure.

As we were walking, I explained everything to Ben. I mean, how I caught Ashley the first time. Later, I continued watching out for her. I told him about our conversations. I gave her a whole week, but she didn't do anything. I felt how Ben's heart broke in two. Honestly, I wanted to hug him, but I couldn't. Otherwise, I will look like I did it only to take him away from her. It's better if I give him some time to understand everything.

- I don't get it. Why would Ashley do such a thing?

- I don't know.

- Is this why you gave me all the warnings?

- Yes. I'm so sorry.

- It's ok. The fault is not yours.

- Yes, but she had to tell you.

- Don't worry. I will talk with her.

- Please, don't tell her that you know it from me.

- I promise. Can you send me the videos?

- Sure. I will send you everything.

- Thank you.

- What will you do now?

- Well, we'll break up for sure. I won't do it tomorrow.

- Hey, if you need anything, talk to me. I will listen.

- Thanks. I will need this for sure.

- No problem.

- Can I ask you something?

- Yes, sure.

- Why the burned spot appeared after I touched you?

- I will tell you everything once at a time. Now you have other things in your head.

- I want you to promise me one thing.

- What is it?

- Never hide anything from me, ok?

- I promise.

- Good. Can I take you home?

- If you want, yes, you can.

- I need a distraction.

- Can you give me your phone for a minute?

- Here you go.

- This is my phone number. I'm sure you know how to use it.

- I do. Thanks.

- We can go home.

- Wait!

- Yes?

- Can we walk for a little longer?

- Sure. Where do you want us to walk?

- It doesn't matter. I don't want to go home yet.

- I understand. Let's go.

Ben and I walked for a while. He wasn't talking, but I could feel his pain. I tried to stay distant, but I couldn't. After some time, I stopped and gave him a tight hug. Watching him like that was killing me. I felt a couple of tears on my shirt. Ben is a good boy, and he doesn't deserve this. I don't know why Ashley did it, but she will pay me.

- Hey, everything will be fine.

- When?

- I don't know. Look, don't waste your time and tears for her. It's not worth it.

- But I loved her.

- I know, but she didn't. Otherwise, Ashley wasn't going to do it.

- What do I have to do now?

- Talk to her and put an end. I don't think you will want to date her.

- Of course not. I hate her.

- No, you don't.

- Yes, I do.

- No. You don't. You are hurt, and the pain is speaking.

- My whole relationship was a lie.

- Maybe some of the things she did were true. Honestly, I have no idea why she did it.

- I will ask her.

- Do you want me to walk you home? It's late.

- Thanks, but I'll be fine. You don't have to do it.

- In that case, do you want to walk me home?

- Really?

- Yes, I already have told you. With someone else is always better.

- Ok, sure. I will do it.

- Thanks. Let's go.

Ben and I walked to my house. The whole walk was silent. In the middle of it, he grabbed my hand. I know he is hurt, but that hurts me even more. I need to teach him how to control his aura faster. My hand was burning, but I couldn't let go of him. Ben needs support, and that's why I am here. Luckily, I have the magical bottle. The burned spot will be gone when I go home. For now, I have to hide it from Ben. Too many things happened, and it's better if he doesn't find out more.

- Well, that was. Thanks for telling me the truth.

- I didn't want to, but I had to do it. Ashley was never going to do it.

- Probably. Are you free tomorrow?

- Yes, I am.

- Can we go out?

- Are you sure you want it?

- Look, if I stay home, I will think about her. I want to go out and distract myself.

- Ok, then. If you want, after school we can do our homework together.

- I would love to. Thanks, Cassie.

- You're welcome.

- It's getting late, so I better leave you to rest.

- It's ok. I won't go to bed immediately.

- Yes, but maybe your parents will get worried.

- They know me.

- If you say so.

- Are you ok?

- No, but I'll be fine.

- Do you want a goodnight hug?

- Yes, please. A long one.

- No problem. - I said and hugged him tightly

- Thank you. I needed that.

- I know.

- Goodnight, and I'll see you tomorrow.

- For sure. Goodnight to you too.

- Bye, Cassie.

- Bye, Ben. - I said, and he left

I walked home straight into my room. Feeling Ben's pain is killing me. I wish there has been a way how I could help him. The thing is that I can't. That is his battle, not mine. Of course, I will be there for him as a friend. Somehow, Ben became very important to me. That's why I didn't want to let him down. Things are getting way too hard, but I won't give up. Maybe while Ben solves his problems with Ashley, I can continue searching the book. The question is where I should start. I don't know anything about it. I will talk with some people again. Well, I might have results. Many people want the book. I hope that my search won't be dangerous.