Matching auras

Chapter sixteen - Getting better

Ben's POV:

For the past three days, Cassie has been at home. She told me what had happened in school. It was nothing new except for Ashley. I don't know why she is going after my friend. I have told her many times I won't go back to her. Also, she has James. He is what she needs. Maybe she misses all the things I did for her. Well, that time is over. I won't do anything to her. For now, I will focus on my friendship with Cassie. She is a great girl, and I would love to keep her. Right now, I don't feel ready for a new relationship. That's why I will stick to my friend. I know, from the outside, things look different, but we are only friends. I haven't thought of Cassie as a girlfriend. The only thing I don't understand is her magical power. I can't explain to myself how this is possible. She grabbed my hand and warmed my entire body. Someone will say she is a witch. I will say that my friend is amazing. I haven't seen anyone who can do it. Well, it looks like I have the power too. I have no idea how to work with it. In that case, I will ask my friend to teach me. I know she is familiar with this. Honestly, I'm glad Cassie is with me. I need a friend by my side. Sadly, the boys are not an option. The boys and I haven't been together since the truth about Ashley cheating on me went out. After all, they knew about this. None of my ex-friends wanted to help me. I wonder if she has done it only with James or maybe with all of them. It's disgusting, but I can't do anything. This girl has already ruined my life. I don't have to do anything with her. She is history. At least I learned my lesson. Never be too good to people. Otherwise, you will get hurt. The sad part is that I learned this the hard way. I hope that I will never experience something like that ever again.

It's another sick day. I have to say that I'm getting better. The tea which Cassie bought is delicious. It contains mint, which helps your body. Also, I have fresh breath. Mom made me soup. When my friend comes for a visit, she warms it in the microwave for me. I told her I could do this, but she never left me. Maybe she likes taking care of people. I left her to do it. After all, I didn't want to argue with her. I have many questions about the power, but Cassie keeps denying them. As I see it, the right time will never come. I want to know everything.

Currently, I get curled up on the bed. It's almost lunchtime, but I don't know what to eat. Eating only soup is boring. I want something else. Maybe I can order a pizza or cook it. Well, it's better if I don't do it. I don't have the energy to clean the entire kitchen. After some time, I ordered food. The delivery man came in thirty minutes. The chicken tenders smell so good. Of course, I ordered French fries to go with them. To top it off, I will watch a movie.

- Let's see what we have today.

I was about to play it when there was a knock on the door. Who can it be so early? Mom and dad are at work. I don't have other friends than Cassie and Chelsea. I opened the door and saw a familiar face. She walked in with a smile and two bags. I wonder what's in there.

- Hello. I will leave these in the kitchen.

- What is that?

- I bought you some sweet things.

- Can I try them?

- For sure.

- Thanks.

- How are you today?

- I am good. Can I know why you are here so early?

- Well, the whole school got dismissed early.

- Did something happen?

- I don't know. The principal didn't give us details. That's why I am here. I came to see you.

- I appreciate it. Will you eat with me?

- Thanks, but I had lunch.

- Oh, ok. - I said and pouted

- Fine. I can take a bite from whatever you have.

- Thank you, miss. I also had a movie prepared.

- Great. Let's go.

We walked into the living room, and I played the movie. Most of the time, Cassie and I were talking. As I have said before, I like spending time with her. My whole body shivered, and I got cold again. Great. I can ask my friend for help. I think my blanket will do the work. I took it and put it on both of us. If Cassie is hot, she can remove it.

- Are you cold? You know I can help.

- Thanks, but no need to do it. I have a blanket.

- Ok, if you say so.

- Um, can we go out later?

- Why?

- Because I got tired from sitting in this house the whole day.

- You know you can get worse. If you want, we can go into the backyard.

- No, I want to be outside. I want a walk with you.

- Fine, but you will dress well.

- Yes, mom.

- Very funny.

- It's not a joke. You treat me like my mom would do it if she had been at home.

- Because I want you to get better.

- How did you get your power?

- Please, don't start.

- Why? I have so many questions.

- Ok, I was born with it. For most of my life, I didn't know I had it.

- So you got it from your parents.

- No, I got it from my granny. Mom and dad don't have it. That's why she is mad when I talk about it. My auntie Kim has it as well.

- Is your mom jealous?

- I don't think so. Mom wants to be ordinary. The same is for me. Let's say that she wants me to feel like the rest.

- But you can't.

- Well, I'm not that different. The only thing that makes me stand out is this power.

- Is this why you changed schools? I mean, you couldn't find the person.

- No, it's not that. Somehow, everyone found out about my power. People were using me to find them a girlfriend or a boyfriend.

- I don't understand.

- Since I can see people's auras, I can tell if they are compatible.

- I got it. What about Ashley and me?

- I think you know the answer.

- We are incompatible, aren't we?

- Yes. I'm sorry.

- So, since day one, you knew something was wrong with her.

- Not exactly. Your auras might be incompatible, but it doesn't mean you won't last. After all, I am not a love doctor.

- How about yours and mine?

- What?

- Are our auras compatible?

- No comment.

- Please, tell me. I want to keep our friendship.

- For a friendship, even incompatible ones are good.

- Will you tell me?

- Ok, fine. The auras are compatible.

- Really?

- Yes.

- Now I get it. That is why you have been searching for me, right? You wanted to find a person with a compatible aura like yours.

- No, again. I had to find a person with a powerful aura. Granny has told me that mine is unique. That's why I had to find someone with the same one. Let me say it like that. For every aura, there is another one that is the same. That's why they are compatible.

- Ok, but if our auras are compatible, why do I burn your hand whenever I touch you?

- Because you don't control it. I will teach you this when you recover.

- Why does this exist?

- How many questions do you have?

- A lot. Why?

- Look, can we leave it for another day? I don't want to talk about this.

- But I want to ask you.

- Ben, please.

- Ok, ok. I won't talk.

- I didn't mean that.

- It's ok. Can we go outside now?

- Yes, sure. Get dressed, and let's go.

- Give me five minutes.

I walked into my room to take my jacket. I was with a shirt, but I put a hoodie on top of it. I might start sweating, but it's ok. Sadly, Cassie didn't want to answer my questions. Well, my friend answered some of them. Maybe she feels uncomfortable talking about this. For now, I will stop asking her. When I was ready, I went downstairs. Both of us walked out. Finally, I got some fresh air. I feel like I haven't been out in ages. No matter that it was only three days. Let's say that mom is overprotective. Cassie is the same. Honestly, I'm glad to have a friend like her.

- Where do you want us to go?

- I don't know. You can choose the place.

- Are you hungry or thirsty?

- No. We already had lunch.

- Ok, then. Let's go to the park. We can sit on the bench and watch how the little kids play.

- Can I have ice cream?

- I don't think this is good for you. Why don't you wait until you recover completely?

- Fine. At least we are outside.

- Look, I don't want to have problems with your mom. I will do whatever you say, but she might not like it.

- I know, but she wasn't overprotective.

- Hey, you are her only child. She only wants to make sure you have everything you need. Her job as a mother is to protect you. Friends come and go, but mothers are for life. You have to appreciate that you have one. Not every kid has the same luck as you.

- I never thought of that.

- Mom and I don't always understand each other, but I make sure she is happy. The most important thing for her is our family.

- At least she values it. Not every parent does it.

- Every kid deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a kid.

- True. I have to say that both of us are lucky here.

- Yes, we are.

Both with Cassie walked to the park. I saw two kids playing with their parents. I wish I had been their age. You get all the attention you want. I was watching the kids without ever realizing that my friend was gone. I understood when an ice cream cone appeared in front of my face.

- I thought you said no.

- This will be our little secret.

- You are perfect.

- Thanks for the compliment.

- You're welcome.

- You won't tell your mom, right?

- Don't worry. My mouth got shut.

- Thank you. So, what do you want us to do next?

- We can make one long walk and go back home. I want to send you to your house.

- Ok, no problem. I would love that.

- I know.

- You are not cold, are you?

- Cassie, I'm fine.

- I need to check. - my friend said, which made me chuckle

- Mom two dot point o.

- Very funny. If you don't change your behavior, little boy, I will walk home alone.

- You can't do this to me.

- Watch me.

- Ok, ok. I will shut up.

- That was easy.

We stayed in the park for a while, and later I took Cassie home. I wish she could stay with me, but we are only friends. I waited for her to walk into her house and left. After an hour, I was at home. My parents must be there. Mom won't be happy to see that I was outside. Now she will lecture me.

- Hi, mom.

- Where have you been?

- Outside with Cassie.

- You are sick. Do you know how cold it is? What if your condition gets worse? At least you could've dressed better. Look at yourself. Probably your whole body is cold. Go and get a warm shower. I will make you dinner. - mom said, and I chuckled

- I will miss this at university.

- What?

- My overprotective mom won't be there to help me.

- I don't understand.

- I love you, mom.

- Well, I'm surprised to hear it from you. I love you too, honey.

All of us sat at the table. Mom has made me soup again. I know it'll help me feel better. Well, I have eaten this for the past three days. At least there was a dessert. Mom's cooking is delicious. No one else can beat her. It's not like I have tried other homemade food. When I finished eating, I went into my room. After some time, mom came in. She sat next to me and kissed the top of my head.

- What?

- Sometimes, I wish you were a little kid.

- Why?

- So I can hug you all the time.

- You can do it now. I won't go anywhere.

- Yes, but you are a grown-up boy. What will people say if they see you hanging out with your mom?

- I don't care. I like spending time with you.

- Really?

- Yes. You are a cool mom.

- I wish it was true.

- Since I say that, it is.

- How are you and Cassie?

- Good. She comes every day to see me.

- Because she is a good friend and cares about you.

- At least I had luck with her.

- You did. She is a great girl, and I hope you will keep her.

- I will. Who knows when I will find someone like her?

- That is something I can't tell you. I'm glad you have real friends.

- Me too. Do you have to go to work tomorrow?

- Yes, I do. Why?

- Well, I thought you could spend the day with me. I am still sick, and we can do something together.

- I would love to, but I don't think I can. How about the weekend?

- If Cassie is busy, we can do something.

- So, we have a deal.

- Yes, we do.

- I bet you will kiss her before the end of the school year.

- Mom!

- You will see.

- I won't do it.

- You know what. I think you are ready for a new relationship.

- No, I'm not.

- Why? Because you asked your brain? Have you asked your heart?

- What?

- Your mind says you are not ready, but maybe your heart is. Cassie is a good girl. She won't hurt you.

- I know. The thing is that I don't want to date anyone for now.

- It's your choice.

Mom and I talked for like an hour. Later, she left me to sleep. I sent Cassie a goodnight message. She replied with the same. I started drifting off, and soon I fell asleep. It was good to spend some time outside. Maybe I have to do it more often. Well, I do it, but when I'm not sick. I felt a bit cold, but the fresh air was good. I'm glad that my friend was with me. Maybe mom is right. Cassie is a good girl, and I have to keep her close. Also, I have a lot of questions she needs to answer. I won't pressure her. When she feels ready, we can talk about this again. For now, I won't do anything. I hope that I will get well soon. Being sick is not something I enjoy.