Matching auras

Chapter thirteen - Spending the day together

Cassie's POV:

Over the last couple of days, Ben has been feeling better. He is still in pain, but I think he will move on. It might take him some time, but he has to do it. I will help him with that. I was thinking about talking with his parents. Miss Woods might tell me more things about her son. All I want to know is that he is healing. I wish I could do something about him. Well, we are not that close, but I feel bad. No one deserves to go through the same thing as him. Now, he is not talking with Ashley at all. She tried to make him come back to her, but without results. This girl only wants to use him. Luckily, Ben is a clever boy. He made a mistake, but he won't do it again. Well, he still has some feelings for her. I can play the role of that girl and make him forget about everything, but I won't. Ben needs support, and I will be with him. That is a process through which he has to go alone. I will support him, but my friend has to get rid of the feeling of guilt. He is not guilty, and I don't know how to explain it. Maybe it's better if I leave him alone for some time. I understand why he goes out with me often, but this won't help him. I love going out with him, but being with someone else won't make you forget your loved one. Ashley was his loved one, or at least that's what he thought. I have to focus on myself. For the last two weeks, I haven't searched for the book. Let's say that Ben took my attention. As his friend, I have to help him. Well, I can use him to help me find the book. First, I need to tell him everything. Otherwise, Ben will ask me ten thousand questions. For now, my friend should focus on his life. At the right time, I will tell him what he wants to know. I hope that he will believe me.

It's the weekend. I don't have any plans, so I might start searching for the book. The question is where I have to start. I can talk with granny again, but I'm sure she won't tell me anything. Abby is not working today. Also, she doesn't know anything. I have asked her many times. The only person I haven't bothered about this is my auntie, Kim. Maybe I can spend the day with her and the kids. Ariel and Patty would love it. I need to spend more time with them, but I am busy.

Currently, I am in my room, getting ready. I texted my auntie Kim. She said I could watch the kids today. I have no idea what we'll do. After ten minutes, I was ready. I put on my shoes and was about to walk out when I received a message from Ben. He wants to spend the day with me. Probably I should cut him off, but I won't do that. It's enough that he is alone. I am his only friend, so I better be with him. Ben needs his friend. I opened the front door and let him in.

- Hey.

- Hi. I hope you don't have plans today.

- Not much. You can come with me.

- Where?

- I will watch my nieces today. Don't worry. They are twelve-year-old girl twins.

- Oh, ok. What are the activities for today?

- I don't know. I will think of something.

- Let's go then. We can't make them wait for us.

- True.

Ben and I walked to my auntie's Kim house. Ariel and Patty got dressed for the day and ready to go. Maybe I have to leave them to make a plan for the day. Honestly, I don't even know what twelve-year-old do nowadays.

- Hi, Cassie. Come in.

- Hey. I hope you don't mind that I brought a friend.

- Not at all. Hello.

- Hi.

- We are ready to go. - Ariel said

- Cassie, who is who? - Ben asked, whispering

- This is Ariel, and that is Patty.

- Ok, thanks.

- What will we do today? - Patty asked

- Why don't you choose?

- Really?

- Yes.

- Awesome.

- Here, take some money. The girls might want to go shopping. - Auntie Kim said

- I have some money.

- You don't know what a shopping spree means in their language.

- Ok, thanks.

- Call me if there is a problem.

- I will.

All of us walked out. Our first stop was the ice cream shop. The girls wanted to eat something. I'm sure they have had breakfast, but I won't deny buying one for them. I bought two ice cream cones. I walked out to find out Ben wasn't with us. Soon, in front of me appeared a cone. I didn't want one, but I'm glad he thinks about me.

- Are you Cassie's boyfriend? - Ariel asked

- No, I'm sorry.

- Are you sure?

- Ben has a girlfriend.

- Then why are you with Cassie? - Pattie asked

- Because she is my friend.

- But you look upset? Is your girlfriend making you sad?

- Girls, enough questions. Let's go to the park.

- No, no. We need new clothes and shoes. - Ariel said

- You have enough.

- This is never enough.

- Ok, we'll go to the mall.

- Yay! You can buy something. - Patty said

- Thanks, but I don't need anything.

Like that, all of us walked to the mall. I'm sure Ben was uncomfortable with all the questions, but they are kids. I can't say anything. We walked into a*****e, and I let the girl search for what they wanted. I looked at Ben. He was thinking about something.

- Hey, are you ok.

- What? Yes, I'm fine.

- Look, I'm sorry about the questions. They are kids.

- It's ok. I don't mind getting asked about this.

- Good to know.

- Can I ask you something?

- Sure.

- Why did you tell them I had a girlfriend?

- Because they will ask more questions. I know it's hard for you, so I wanted to tell them part of the story.

- Thanks. It was a good move.

- Hey, I won't do anything against you.

- I know, but I'm glad to hear it.

The girls, Ben, and I went to the food court for lunch. It looks like someone was hungry. Well, we went into five stores. Now I understand what a shopping spree means in their language. My auntie Kim was right. My money wasn't going to be enough. I can't believe they are only twelve. Sometimes, they look more mature for their age. Most of the time, they are kids. I wish I had been their age. Back then, I didn't know about my power. I was a happy kid. Now, I have to think about everything. Luckily, my granny was helping me with this. I don't think I was going to do it on my own.

- How was shopping, girls?

- It was great. We need to go out with you more often. - Ariel said, chuckling

- When I have time, I will spend it with you. I promise.

- What about me? - Ben asked

- I see you every day in school.

- That's not enough.

- Are you sure? Please, don't make me call Ashley.

- No, don't do it.

- Girls, what do you want us to do now?

- Can we watch a movie at the cinema? - Patty asked

- Of course. Which movie have you chosen?

- How about Black Widow?

- Is it still in the cinema? - Be asked

- They brought it back for a week.

- Ok, cool. Let's go. I'll pay for the tickets and Cassie for the popcorn. Do you have any complaints?

- Not from me. - I said

- Good.

We watched the movie peacefully. The girls were barely moving. I looked up to see Ben looking firmly. I believe he is thinking about something. I slightly put my hand on his, and he looked at me. It's burning, but I'll ignore the pain. I smiled at him, but he didn't return it. Well, I won't say anything. I carefully laid my head on his shoulder to see what he would do. There was no reaction. It's better if I leave him alone.

After the movie, all of us walked out. Auntie Kim texted me to bring the girls back home. She will take them out for dinner. Ben and I got invited as well. I would gladly go, but I don't think my friend will want to do it.

- Here they are. - I said as we walked into my auntie's house

- Great. I hope they didn't cause trouble.

- No. The girls were polite.

- That's what I want to hear.

- Here are the bags.

- I'll go to take a pill for my headache. - auntie Kim said, chuckling

- You don't have to do it. The bags are not that much.

- Why is your friend going away?

- I don't know. Look, I will go. Call me if you need anything.

- Sure, no problem. Bye, Cassie.

- Bye, auntie. - I said and ran away after Ben

Luckily, my friend wasn't far away. I grabbed his hand and made him face me. His head was down. I could feel his pain. What happened? He was ok about an hour ago. Ben was about to say something, but I didn't let him. Instead, I gave him a tight hug. Soon, a couple of tears fell on my shirt. I feel bad for him. I don't know what to do. Both of us went to his house. As we walked in, he rushed to his room. Of course, I followed him. Ben got curled on the bed like a little boy. I sat on the other side and pulled him close. My friend wrapped his hands around me and snuggled.

- What's wrong?

- I hate her.

- Please, don't be sad. Ashley is not worth it.

- But it hurts me. Seeing happy people makes me feel dumb and miserable.

- I know, but being upset only shows that she won.

- I don't care.

I can do what mom does in these situations, but we are only friends. She used to kiss my cheek and rub my back. If that wasn't helping, she kissed the top of my head and started playing with my hair. Except for the kisses, I can do the rest of the things. No, I am his friend. At the same time, I want to help him. Ben laid down and placed his head on my lap. I kissed his cheek and started rubbing his back. Let's hope this will help. Soon, he fell asleep.

After some time, I heard the front door. Ben's parents are probably coming back from work. Miss Woods knocked on the door and came in. As I see, she is not happy with the view.

- What happened?

- He got upset.

- Some things never change.

- What do you mean?

- Ben used to do the same as a kid. Is it because of Ashley?

- I think so.

- My son has always been too good to people. That was his mistake.

- Ben is a great person, and I believe he will find his girl.

- It might be you.

- What?

- You and Ben understand each other perfectly. He has never done this with anyone except me. Please, be there with him. I don't want my son to be alone.

- Don't worry. I won't leave my friend's side.

- Thank you. Will you stay for dinner?

- Thanks, but I better go home.

- I think Ben will want you to stay here. Cassie, he needs you. I believe you are the only one who can help him.

- When he wakes up, I will decide. Is this ok for you?

- Yes, no problem.

- Thanks. - I said, and miss Woods left

I looked at Ben and continued playing with his hair. He sleeps so peacefully. I should go home. The thing is that I don't want to leave him alone. It's not a lie that I like when we are together. We don't do much, but for me, it's enough. Ben is a great friend, and I would love to keep him. If I could stay like that all day, I would never leave. Soon, he woke up and looked at me. I only smiled.

- Good evening.

- To you too. I'm glad to see you are still here.

- I wanted to go home, but your mom convinced me to stay.

- It's good she did it.

- How do you feel?

- A bit better. Since you are here, I know I won't be alone.

- Look, I think you use the fact I am a girl to forget about Ashley.

- I'm sorry. I have thought about that but didn't want to believe it.

- I have no problem spending time with you, but you should spend some time alone. I mean, you need it.

- That's the problem. I don't want to be alone.

- Won't you feel better?

- No. If I am alone, I will think about her.

- All I want is for you to be happy.

- It will happen one day. Can you stay for dinner?

- I guess I can.

- Thank you.

Both with Ben walked downstairs. Mister Woods was already at the table. Soon Ben's mom put food on the table. For some reason, I feel like a guest. Technically, I am. I looked at my friend, who was eating peacefully. I know he is hurt, but I don't know how to help him. Maybe it's better if I don't do anything and leave him alone.

- Cassie. Hey. Earth to my girlfriend.

- What?

- Now you hear. I have been calling you.

- I'm sorry. I didn't hear.

- Is everything ok? You look worried.

- I'll be fine.

- Can I know why you are upset?

- I know. - miss Woods said

- Why?

- Because of you.

- Me? What do I have to do with that?

- She is your friend, and you are upset around her.

- Oh, I'm sorry about that.

- It's ok. Can I ask you something? - I asked

- Sure.

- While we were at the mall, a girl gave me this flyer. Do you want to come with me? - I asked and gave Ben the flyer

- A karaoke night in a small nightclub.

- It's in your area. I have no idea where this is.

- I would love to come.

- Great. It's on Monday.

- No problem.

- Thanks.

I stayed with Ben and his parents until 10 pm. Later, my friend sent me home. I wanted to go alone, but he didn't let me. Well, having him as a company is not that bad. I like when we spend time together. Ben is a good friend. The problem is that he thinks way too much about the past. Ashley already did it. He can't go back in time to fix it. What my friend has to do is move on. I know it will take him time, but soon he will do it. I believe in him. Ashley tried to go to him, but luckily, he pushed her away. If he gave her another chance, I was going to leave him. I hope he has opened his eyes. From now on, he will be careful.