Matching auras

Chapter eighteen - New power

Ben's POV:

For the past two weeks, Cassie has been searching for the book. I don't know how, but I saw her in new lighting. She focused on her work. I have never seen someone so determined to find a book. I'm sure it means a lot to her. I try to help with what I can. Let's say that I am useless. The problem is that none of us has seen what this thing looks like or it's cover. We can ask someone else for help, but it's better to keep this a secret. There is a chance that someone else is looking for it too. Cassie and I can't risk it. For two days, I have been thinking about something. It's more like a silly idea. The only place where we haven't searched for the book is a bookstore. Maybe I can go there and see if they have something. Next, I will search online. Many stores have a website. You can order what you need from there if you can't go to take it personally. I'm not sure if I will have success, but it's worth a try. Honestly, that is my last idea. If it doesn't work, that might be the end. I don't plan to give up, but it takes time to think of something new. Also, I want to help Cassie. It might sound weird, but I feel I owe it to her. She was with me when I needed her. Now, I have to do the same. We are friends, but I'm afraid this will change soon. I listened to what mom once said. My mind keeps telling me I'm not ready. Well, my heart is, and I think Cassie is the one. I don't want to rush and make conclusions. Since day one, she has been nice to me. Maybe it's a sign, or I am crazy. The second one is more likely to be true. No matter what it is, I will keep her close. I don't think I can find another girl like her. Also, she helped me move on from Ashley. I hope that if we date, I will have better luck. I know Cassie is not like my ex. She is better.

Who knew that finding a book could be that hard? Cassie and I have searched for it for the past two weeks. Sadly, we had no success. We talked with Abby a couple of times. She agreed to help me. The woman has been asking some people, but no one knew anything. Cassie told me about one woman, but we never went there. Maybe it's time for us to do it. Let's hope she can help us. I know how important this is for my friend.

It's the weekend, so Cassie and I have time to talk with the woman. Currently, I am waiting for my friend in my room. She said she would come soon. There is no time to waste. I was listening to music when I heard the doorbell. Since no one is home, I have to open it. Cassie was in front of it with a bag. I assume she has bought food. This girl never comes with empty hands here. I let her in, and she walked into the kitchen. As I walked there, I saw two sandwiches and boxes of orange juice.

- I see you came prepared.

- Yes. We'll have a speed-up breakfast.

- Why?

- Beth is waiting for us. We have like two hours to eat.

- Understood, detective.

- Very funny.

- What will happen if she can't help us?

- I will give up.

- What? Cassie, you can't do that. You have been working so hard.

- Ben, she is my last chance. If Beth can't help me, that is the end.

- I won't let you put the end. Not yet.

- I appreciate your enthusiasm, but you can't do anything.

- Let's eat now. Otherwise, I will keep arguing with you.

Cassie and I had a peaceful breakfast. I know she is getting tired, but I can't let her give up. When we finished with our food, both of us walked out. She was holding my hand the whole time. I think it's because she is nervous. I wish I could help her, but I am useless, especially since I can't use my power. Technically, I don't know how.

- Hey, can't you sense the book?

- What?

- If the book is real and powerful, can't you use your aura to feel where it is?

- Don't you think I would've done that if I could?

- Ok, I'm sorry. Don't get mad.

- I didn't mean to raise my voice at you. The thing is that I'm getting nervous. Also, I got stressed over the past couple of days.

- It's visible.

- Sometimes, I think I'm crazy about searching for something that might not exist.

- You are not crazy. Also, I am here with you. If you are crazy, it means I am too for helping you. - I said, and Cassie chuckled

- Maybe we both are.

- That's why our auras are a perfect match.

- Yes, they are. - she said, smiling

Soon, we arrived in front of a building. There were many offices here. Cassie has told me that Beth has a back room in her office. It's for meeting people like us. I have no idea what it means, but I'll find out. We walked in, and a woman appeared. I guess this is Beth. She got dressed in strange clothes.

- You are staring. - Cassie said, whispering

- Sorry.

- Hi, Beth. How are you today?

- I'm good. Honestly, I was surprised you called me. You haven't been here for a while.

- I know, but I need to talk with you. Technically, you are the only person with who I haven't asked about it.

- Oh, this boy. He has such a beautiful aura. It's a perfect match with yours.

- Beth.

- It's so powerful and magnetic.

- Beth.

- I need to check him out.

- BETH!

- Ops, I'm sorry. For what do you want us to talk?

- I want you to tell me everything you know about the book.

- What book?

- You know which one I mean.

- Look, I don't know anything.

- Yes, you do. Granny is already hiding something, and you will speak. Otherwise, I will make you. It's your choice.

- Ok, ok. Don't do anything.

- Good. Now talk.

- The book exists. Once, a man came here and said he had seen it. I didn't, but I believed him. He is a close friend of my family.

- Do you know where it is?

- No. My friend told me only one thing. A young woman was holding it.

- How young?

- Maybe around the thirties.

- When was that? You have to remember it. That is not something you can forget.

- Well, like thirty years ago. I was still a teenager. I was probably fourteen or fifteen. Mom was working here.

- But why he told this to you and not to your mom?

- Because she was out for a while. I don't know where. She said she had to do something. I was the only one there.

- What about your dad?

- Hey, I am not on investigation!

- I'm sorry, but I need to find it.

- Why? You already have great power. Your friend has it too. What else do you want?

- To read the book and understand if what people say about it is true.

- Look, I have never seen the woman. Also, I have no idea if she is still alive.

- Is it possible for a person without the power to have it?

- Technically, it is, but I don't think someone will get interested.

- So, a woman in her thirties had the book back then.

- Yes. I don't know if this woman still has it. Maybe someone stole it, or she gave it to a family member.

- I understand.

- That book might have been given to her by her family.

- True. I can't find her family if I don't know this woman.

- Boy, are you ok?

- Ben?

- What?

- Are you ok?

- Yes, I was thinking about what Beth said.

- And?

- How old is your granny?

- What? Ben, I searched for the book in her house. It wasn't there.

- Maybe she keeps it somewhere else. Does your granny have a safe in a bank?

- I don't know. I haven't asked that. Look, I don't want to talk with granny for now. Our relations are complicated.

- Did you two fight? - Beth asked

- I accused her of hiding the book from me. It's a long story.

- I don't know anything else. I swear.

- It's ok. That information is enough. At least we have a trace.

- Look, I need to check your friend.

- Not now. I need Ben.

- No problem. It doesn't have to be today. When you two have time, bring your friend here.

- We'll go now. Thank you for the help.

- You're welcome.

- Bye, Beth.

- Bye, Cassie. Bye, Ben.

Both with Cassie walked back to her house. She sat on her bed, a bit disappointed. I sat next to my friend and pulled her for a hug. That is the only thing I can do. Maybe I can't use my power yet, but I have another. It's called the power of loving your friends. Cassie snuggled and pulled the blanket on top of us.

- Are you ok?

- I wonder who this woman is. Do you believe it's granny?

- I don't know. That was the first thing that came into my head. Maybe I was wrong.

- I wouldn't have started it if I knew it was so hard.

- Well, it's too late. I won't let you give up.

- I know. Thank you for being with me.

- No problem. I will do anything for you.

- I'm glad to hear it.

- If you want, take a nap.

- Only if you take it with me.

- Um, ok. I guess.

- Hey, I won't do anything to you. I promise. After all, I'm not Ashley.

- No, you are a better version. - I said, chuckling

- Hearing it from you means a lot.

- What is the new plan?

- I don't know. We should check all the women who were in their thirties. Well, before thirty years.

- They were many. Do you know how many people live in the world?

- Ben, we have to check the people in this city.

- Oooh. That makes sense.

- I know who can help us with that.

- Abby?

- Yes. This woman works in a library. There you can find old newspapers. Maybe the woman was accidentally caught in a picture.

- I'm happy that you won't give up.

- No way. We are so close.

- We?

- I wasn't going to do this without you.

- No, you are amazing even without me.

- I don't think so.

- When we'll go to talk with Abby?

- Not today. I got tired.

- Whenever you plan to do it, you can call me, and I will come.

- Thank you, detective.

- Very funny. That nickname belongs to you.

- Why?

- Because it started with you. I had no idea this book existed until you told me.

- One day, I had to do it.

- Can I ask you something?

- Sure.

- When will you teach me how to use my power?

- Soon. If I find the book, it will be easier for me to do it.

- I understand.

- Hey, I will do it. I promise.

- I know. I trust you. - I said and looked at Cassie

That's when I saw it. I can't describe that. It's like an orange line around Cassie. I have never seen this before. I kept staring at her, hoping it would disappear. Well, it didn't happen. The outline stayed there. Probably I imagine things. I grabbed her hand to be sure it wasn't a dream or illusion. The line didn't go away.

- Ben, are you ok? Why are you looking at me like that?

- There is an orange outline around you.

- What? Are you sure? - Cassie asked with a smile

- Yes, I am.

- Is it light orange? Can you see it?

- I can. What is going on?

- You can see my aura. - she said, tearing up

- What? How?

- I don't know.

- Is this how you see me all the time?

- No, it's when I use my power.

- How can I get rid of it? I want to see you without the line.

- Try to focus on something else.

- Ok, good. It disappeared.

- I'm so happy for you. - Cassie said and hugged me tightly

- Don't forget that I don't know how to use it.

- If you focus on a person, you will see his aura. When I walked into your school, I felt a lot of energy. It was different, but something caught my attention. Since I focused on people's auras, I quickly found you.

- Can I know how this is helping me?

- You can be a love doctor. - Cassie said, chuckling

- That is the last thing I want to do. As you can see, my relationship failed.

- True, but it was for good. Otherwise, you would've lived your life with a liar and cheater.

- Maybe it was for good.

- Come with me. We'll make cupcakes to celebrate your power. It's my treat.

- Can I help?

- Sure. Let's go. - Cassie said and grabbed my hand

Both of us walked into the kitchen. Cassie took out the ingredients and searched the internet for a good recipe. Soon, we started putting the ingredients into a bowl. Luckily, she left me to help her. I felt like she would do everything alone. After half an hour, our cupcakes were in the oven. My friend put a timer on and took me to the living room for a movie. As I see it, she is in a good mood. For twenty minutes, our cupcakes were ready. Cassie put them on a tray and brought them to me. I can't wait to take one. The first one I peeled it and gave to her. She smiled. Cassie split it and gave me half of it.

- You are in a good mood.

- That is thanks to you, my friend.

- What did I do?

- You made my day better. Thank you for that. - Cassie said and kissed my cheek

- No problem.

- I'm sorry about that. Sometimes, I can't control myself.

- It's ok. I don't mind.

The rest of the day I spent with Cassie and her parents. I'm glad that we understand each other so well. Maybe one day I can invite them home for dinner. My parents will be happy to have new friends. Well, that is what I'm hoping. For now, I won't tell them about my power. First, I need to understand what happened. All these years, I didn't know that I had it. I won't lie. This feels great. What has left is for my friend to teach me how to use it. Probably it's not that hard. No matter what happens, I won't give up. I want to learn and use it for good. I hope that I won't have problems with it.