Matching auras

Chapter nineteen - Following the trace

Cassie's POV:

Finally, I have a trace. I am one step closer to finding the book. I have no idea what to do with it when I read it. Maybe it's better if I keep it. I don't know if someone else is searching for it. The thing is that I don't have a safe, so I should keep it somewhere else. My granny has passed her sixties. The thing is that I'm not sure if she is one of the people on my list. Right now, we don't have perfect relations. Let's say she is still mad at me for suspecting her. Well, the fault is not mine. I know when someone is lying or hiding something from me. The problem is that she will never tell me. I can't understand why she keeps secrets from me. She was good to me when I discovered my power. Probably I have done something. For now, I won't mess with her. I have a new plan. Ben and I will go to talk with Abby. If she can't help us, I can ask for the registers of people around thirty years old before thirty years. That won't be easy. I don't know if I can receive this kind of information. I can say I'm doing a school project. The question is if someone will believe me. I have no other excuse. Luckily, Ben will be with me. If something happens, he will cover me up. I have to say that since my friend found his power, this boy can't stop using it. He discovered it, and I'm happy for him. Honestly, it's not hard to use it. When I have more free time, I will teach him some things. Right now, my mind got occupied with the book. I thought to tell granny the new information. Well, I kept it to myself. I'm not sure how she will react. It's better not to tell her anything. Also, Ben and I have a secret. We have to be careful. I haven't told many people about my search. Nowadays, you can't trust anyone. I hope that the search won't be dangerous. I want to keep Ben safe.

I have a plan. Today I will walk to the library. I wanted to do it alone, but Ben said we were a team. It's not a lie that having him with me keeps me calm. Otherwise, I will get nervous. Also, sometimes I let my nerves guide me, which is not good. No one is guilty of my failure. Ben is a good friend. I'm glad he is with me. Ashley is an i***t for letting go of such a good boy. It's her loss. I won't make the same mistake as her.

I woke up and went to get ready for school. My friend said he wanted to come for breakfast. I should say that he made a great first impression in front of my parents. Let's say that I don't bring friends home often. They were surprised to see him home but didn't say anything. Well, he is my friend and won't go anywhere. Also, Ben is helping me with the book. I owe him a lot. When I was ready, I walked into the kitchen. My friend was having a conversation with dad. It looks like they understand each other well.

- Good morning.

- Oh, hey. I'm here.

- I see. Dad, why are you smiling?

- No reason.

- Don't think about it. I have told you this many times.

- Can't I dream?

- No, you can't. Your wish won't come true.

- What is going on? - Ben asked

- I'll explain to you on the way to school.

- Oh, ok.

- Hello, everyone. Breakfast is ready. - mom said

- It looks good, miss Miller.

- Thank you. At least someone likes my food.

- Dad and I love your food.

- But you never said it.

- Ok, I love your food.

- Thanks.

After breakfast, Ben and I walked to school. I had to tell him what dad meant in the morning. My friend only laughed. Dad wants me to be happy, but I can be without a boy. Ben and I are only friends. He needs to understand it.

During the lunch break, both with Ben went to eat with Chelsea. She is the only girl that I have as a friend. Sometimes, fewer people are better. At least I know she is a real one. Nowadays, it has become so hard to find them. I looked up and noticed how Ashley looked at me. If her eyes could kill, I would be dead.

- Ignore her. She is a JEALOUS B*TCH! - Cassie shouted

- Shh. I don't want attention.

- This girl needs to understand who the boss is.

- Yes, but not that way.

- Ok, I'm sorry.

- She deserves it. - Ben said

- At least someone agrees with me.

- Remind me why we are friends. - I said

- Because I am better than the rest.

- Yeah, or maybe because you were the first person I met.

- That's true too.

I waited for the last class to finish. Luckily, Ben was with me. The plan is for both of us to go and talk with Abby after school. The school has a library, but I don't want to use it. Also, it's probably full of textbooks and the books we need for Literature class. Soon, Ben and I arrived at the library. Abby was in her place as usual. I looked at her, but she didn't notice me.

- Hello.

- Oh, hi, Cassie. I'm sorry. I was reading something.

- I see. Can you help me?

- Sure. Which book do you need?

- This time, I'm not here for a book.

- Oh, ok.

- Do you keep local newspapers from like thirty years ago?

- I have to check. Why do you need them?

- I have a trace for the book.

- Really? That's great. Let's go. Maybe I do still keep some of them.

Both with Ben followed Abby. She is like a queen here. Her salary is not big, but I see she enjoys her work. She pulled two folders full of old newspapers. Luckily, people have put dates on them. My problem is that I have no idea what the woman looked like back then. All I know is her age. It's not like this helps much.

- Here they are. Can I help you with something else?

- Ben and I will start checking them. You can do it too.

- Ok, but what do I have to find?

- We are looking for a woman around her thirties. Check the newspapers thirty years ago.

- This will be hard.

- I know, but I have to find her.

- What if she is dead?

- Look, if we don't find anything here, I'll ask for the register of people from then.

- Do you think someone will give you this information?

- No, but I'm hoping for the best.

- Ladies, let's work. - Ben said

- I'm listening, detective.

- Hey!

For the past two hours, we checked more than a hundred newspapers. Most of the people were politicians, authors, or celebrities. I didn't find anything. It looks like I have to ask for a register. Let's hope I can receive the information. I can't believe that searching for a book became like an investigation. Well, I won't give up. After so long, I finally have a trace. I will use it.

- I'm sorry. I don't think any of these people have the book. Also, I don't know if they are alive. Most of them looked old.

- At least we tried.

- I'm sure you will find it. The Cassie I know never gives up.

- I don't plan to do it.

- Can I help with something else?

- No, everything is fine. We have already lost you two hours.

- Oh, it's ok. That is my entertainment for today. Usually, no one comes here.

- People need to read more books. - Ben said

- Yes, but now everything is online.

- True.

- Ok, Abby. Ben and I will go. Call or text me if you find anything.

- Yes, I will.

- Thank you.

- No problem. I'm glad to help with what I can.

- We'll go now. Bye, Abby.

- Bye, Cassie. Bye, Ben.

This time, Ben and I walked to his house. His parents were at home, and we couldn't talk about this. Let's say that my friend still hasn't told them about his power. That's why we did our homework in the living room. It's not what I want to do now, but no one can do it instead of me. My body was here, but my mind was not. I couldn't stop thinking about this book.

- That's not the answer.

- What?

- That is the wrong answer.

- Oh, yeah. Stupid mistake.

- Cassie, are you ok?

- Yes, I'm fine.

- Are you sure?

- I'm thinking about the book. - I said, whispering

- We'll find it. I promise you.

- What if things become dangerous? I don't want to risk your life.

- Hey, helping you was my choice. I can take care of myself. Don't worry. Everything will be fine. - Ben said and hugged me

- Thank you. I needed to hear it.

After an hour, we finished our homework. While Ben was organizing his things, I went to the nation's register website. It looks like luck is not on my side. I guess I have to do it the hard way. Ben was about to help me when his mom came in and called us for dinner. I didn't realize it was that late. I have to go home.

- Look, I should go home.

- No, stay here. After dinner, we'll talk. Ok?

- Fine. Let's hope this won't become a habit.

- I don't mind.

- But I do.

Both of us walked into the kitchen. Mister Woods was already at the table. Soon his wife came, and we started eating. Honestly, I'm not hungry. When I am nervous or stressed, I don't want to eat.

- If you don't like the food, I can prepare something else.

- No, it's delicious. I'm not hungry.

- Have you eaten anything?

- Yes, I had lunch at school.

- That was a long time ago. You have to eat.

- I know. Thanks for the reminder.

- No problem. - miss Woods said, smiling

- What you two did today? - Ben's dad asked

- We went to the library. - my friend said, and I looked at him

- Really? I haven't seen you there.

- I needed a book I couldn't find in the school's library.

- I'm glad you started reading. It's great for your education

- You have to thank her. Cassie helped me find the book.

- Thank you for putting my son on the right way.

- I don't think he has ever left it.

- You have to make sure he won't do it.

- Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on him.

- Where were you all this time? - miss Woods asked, chuckling

- Going in the wrong way. - I said, and she laughed

- Since she is not here, I can finally say it.

- Who is not here? - Ben asked

- No offense, honey, but I didn't like Ashley.

- I know she did horrible things.

- No, I mean since the beginning. There was something wrong with Ashley. If you love someone, you will give them attention. From the outside, it looked like she used you.

- Why didn't you tell me?

- Because I didn't know how you would react.

- Now we know the truth.

- Yes, we do.

I stayed with Ben for the rest of the dinner. I'm glad that his parents and I understand each other so well. That means I am always welcome here. Well, most of the time, I am here for Ben.

After dinner, I wanted to go home, but my friend didn't let me. Let's say that he wanted to be a gentleman and sent me. In that case, we can go for a little walk. I chose the long way to go home. Maybe it's only me, but Ben and I are getting close. That's how I see it. I don't want to date now, but maybe I should give him a chance.

- Cassie. Hey.

- What?

- Are you ok? You zoned out.

- Yes, I am fine.

- What is going on in your little head?

- Nothing you should worry about right now.

- Now you got me interested.

- I came like a stranger, but now I am your friend. Things happened quickly.

- Is it that bad?

- No, I like it. When I came here, I didn't expect to find friends. Thank you for being one of them.

- It's ok. I'm glad you came and opened my eyes.

- No problem. I'm here to help. Honestly, I doubted if I had to tell you. After all, it wasn't my business.

- You did the right thing. Otherwise, I was still going to be with that girl.

- I only wanted to help you.

- You did way more, and I'm thankful for that.

Soon, Ben and I arrived home. I don't want to let him go, but I have to. Well, we'll see each other tomorrow. Maybe it's better if we spend some time apart. We can't be all the time together.

- Well, that is. - I said

- Hey, don't be sad. I'll see you again tomorrow.

- It's better than nothing.

- Do you want a hug? I know mine can make you calm. - Ben said, chuckling

- I won't deny it.

- I know. - my friend said and hugged me

Why this feels so good? Now I don't want to let go of him. He only has to help me with the book. I want to keep him close after that as well. Ashley made a mistake by letting him go, but I won't do it. Soon, he pulled away and kissed my cheek. I felt frozen. I don't know why he did it, but I wish he could do it again. Maybe I am falling for him. I mean, no matter if I don't want to.

- Cassie, are you ok?

- Thank you for having my back.

- It's ok. As I have said many times. For you, I will do anything.

- But you don't have to.

- That is my decision.

- I appreciate it.

- Ok, I will leave you to rest.

- Yes, sure. Have a good night.

- To you too. Bye, Cassie.

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

I quickly walked into my room. If I had been one of the girly girls, I would write in my diary what happened. Luckily, I'm not. Well, it's not a lie that I enjoyed the cheek kiss. I'm happy that my friend is moving on. It's better if we focus on the book. When our search is complete, we can do whatever we want. I don't know if I want to go out with Ben, but I should give him a chance. Maybe we can have a friend's date. It's not real, and I'm sure he will enjoy it. First, I have to find this book. Without Ben, I wasn't going to be so far away. I hope that I'm not risking his life with this. Losing him is the last thing I want to happen.