Matching auras

Chapter twenty - One step closer

Ben's POV:

Last week, Cassie and I went to ask for the register of people who lived in town around thirty years ago. Of course, the lady at the reception had to ask questions. We told her that we needed this information for a school project. I have no idea if she believed us, but we received what we wanted. We found a lot of people who are in their sixties now. There must be a way ow we can eliminate most of them. The problem is that the only thing we know about this woman is her age. We can't knock from door to door and ask people if they had a book thirty years ago. It would be better if we knew where the woman got seen. Well, she probably doesn't live there or has changed her location. Cassie's granny was on the list as well. It's not surprising. After all, she lives here. Maybe we should ask for her help, but my friend won't do it. It would be great to talk with the man who saw the woman. Sadly, it's impossible. Maybe we should focus on the things we have. My friend and I will take out all the people we know. They will most likely not have it. Then we have to check the rest. That might take weeks or even months. We don't have that much time. There must be another way how we can do it faster. I think Abby can help us. She doesn't have much work and looks interested in what we do. That way, we'll check the list for a short amount of time. Also, Abby might know some of the people. I feel we have a lot of work to do and less time. Let's not forget that Cassie and I go to school. Teachers give us homework every day. Well, searching for the book is something I chose. Luckily, no one knows about this. I don't want to explain myself to anyone. The same is for my friend. I hope that we'll have success. I want to know what is inside this book.

Cassie and I have a meeting with Abby after school. The plan is to finish our homework and check the register. Honestly, I feel like a detective. It's exciting, but I should stay in reality. I'm not in a book or tv series. Well, that is what is happening. We have to be careful. For now, we didn't find someone searching for it as well, but you never know. The thing is that some people know about our search. The owner of the book might hide it or destroy it. That's why we have to hurry up. Time is ticking.

Currently, I am in class. This time, my friend was not with me. It's not like I'm not thinking about her. The whole book search is getting us close. I started seeing her as a girlfriend. Honestly, I won't mind it. Cassie is the type of girl with who I want to be. She treats me well, and I know she will never hurt me. That is one of the reasons why I have to keep her. Also, she has to teach me how to use my power. I have tested it on a couple of students. Their auras were different. Sadly, I didn't find compatible ones.

When the class finished, I walked to my locker. While I was waiting for Cassie, I saw Ashley and James. They try to make me jealous, but it's not working. I have better things to think about right now.

- Hey. How are you?

- I'm good. The plan is the same. Right?

- Yes, we'll meet at the library after school.

- It's a great place to study and do your homework.

- I know.

- Ashley and James are listening. Keep pretending that we have a normal conversation. - I said, whispering

- Understood.

- If you want, later I can take you for ice cream.

- How about dinner? I know a nice place.

- Ok, I won't deny it. We haven't been out for a while.

- I know. Lately, I have had a lot of work to do.

- It's ok. I know you are busy.

- Let's go now. I don't want to be late for class.

- Sure, no problem.

On the lunch break, I went to eat alone. Cassie had to talk with a teacher. It looks like it will be only Chelsea and me. We don't talk much. That's why I think it will be good to do it for the lost time.

- It looks like it will be only us. - I said

- Look, don't pretend. I know you prefer Cassie over me. - Chelsea said, chuckling

- I never said that.

- No need to do it. That is visible.

- Hey, I want us to have good relations.

- Can I ask you something? I want you to be honest.

- Ok, go on.

- What is going on between you and Cassie? I have never seen you so close to Ashley.

- Honestly, I don't know. I like spending time with my friend.

- Do you want to date her?

- I have thought about that. I know Cassie will be a better girlfriend than my ex.

- That's for sure. When is the date?

- What?

- I'm kidding.

- I would love to take her on one, but it can't be now. Cassie told me she was doing something important. When she is ready, I can make my move.

- Let's hope it will be soon. Otherwise, you can say bye to your girl.

- Hey, we are friends. That is more than enough for me.

- You want to kiss her, don't you?

- You ask too many questions.

- Ben, she is the perfect match for you. Make a move and see how it goes.

- I will, but it won't be now.

- It's your loss.

- Sometimes, waiting is better than rushing.

- You said it, not me.

After school, Cassie and I walked to the library. Abby was there as well. While we did our homework, we told her to look at the register and mark the people she knew. That will make it easier for us. For about two hours, all of us were ready. Abby has checked twenty people. Most of them are in her neighborhood or places she visited.

- I hope this can help. - Abby said

- It will. Don't worry. - Cassie said

- Ok, fifty people we know from all. - I said

- Half of them are not the age we are looking for. - my friend said

- That leaves us like two hundred people.

- Why don't we mark the ones who have died? - Abby asked

- That's a good idea. We might have success today.

- We will. - I said

- I shouldn't ask, but do we have to check your granny?

- Even if I ask her, she won't tell me anything. I don't want to talk with her about this.

- Let's work.

It took another hour, but we finished the list. One of the problems is that the addresses in the list are from thirty years ago. We don't know if these people live there. For some reason, they didn't update the information. Also, there have been reconstructions in the town. Well, we can go and ask where the previous owners moved. The question is if they know this information. Every day things are getting so hard. We are closer to finding the book, and no one will give up.

Cassie and I finished here and went to my house. In school, she said she wanted me to take her for dinner. It was only to fool Ashley and James, but I don't mind doing it. I left her to wait while I changed my clothes. Soon, she walked in and looked at me, frozen. Well, I was about to put on my shirt.

- Hello. Cassie?

- Oh, yeah. Your phone was bringing. It was your mom.

- Thanks. You can come in. I'll be ready in a minute.

- I will wait for you downstairs.

- I want you to stay. - I said and grabbed her hand

- Really?

- Yes. You can stay with me.

- I won't deny it.

- Good. I will call mom quickly, and we can go out.

My mom wanted to tell me that she and dad would go out tonight. It won't be only them. Maybe we can order food and eat it at home. No, it's better if we go outside. Both with Cassie went to a diner. I know a good restaurant, but we were there last week. I like changing places. Sadly, Ashley and James were there with Becky and Dylan. I ignored them and took Cassie to our table. Soon the waiter came, and we gave him our orders.

- Ignore them.

- Ashley looks like she will kill me.

- Don't worry. I will do it first. - I said, chuckling

- If it was that easy.

- Hey, I am here. Nothing that bad will happen. I promise you.

- Ok, I trust you.

- Thanks.

- Do you think we'll find the book?

- Yes, I do.

- What will you do when you read it? Will you return it to its owner?

- Honestly, I don't know. I haven't thought about that. Since the book is so powerful, I might keep it with me. I mean, to make sure it's in good hands.

- You know we are not in a movie, do you? - I said, chuckling

- I believe we are not the only ones searching for it.

- Why?

- It's that or the owner wants to hide it from us.

- I think it's the second.

- Now I wonder why. All we want is to read the book. None of us will use it for something horrible.

- True, but maybe they don't know it.

- They?

- I mean the owner.

Soon the waiter came with our food. Ashley got up and winked at me. I ignored it and focused on Cassie. Let's say that I prefer to put my attention on her. The food is delicious. Well, I'm hungry. My last meal was lunch, and I didn't eat much. As I see, it's not only me. We should have breaks for food. It will be good for both of us.

- How will we continue our search? We can't knock from door to door. It will take weeks or even months.

- Somehow, we have to eliminate people. I mean, like criteria or something.

- Ok, what should it be?

- I have no idea.

- Neither do I.

- We are stuck.

- No, don't say it. Cassie, I believe in you. As I have said before, I won't let you give up.

- I need some time to think.

- Why don't we take a couple of days off? It will be like a small break. Then, we'll continue with our work.

- That way, we'll waste time.

- True, but maybe some ideas will come to us. Hey, we can't work all the time. Even adults have breaks.

- Ok, ok. We can take some days off. Later, we'll go back to work.

- Good.

- It won't be too often, ok?

- Yes, miss.

- Very funny.

I went to order dessert. When I came back, Cassie was gone. Her wallet is here, so she probably is in the toilet. I noticed that Ashley was gone as well. Let's hope they won't meet. Maybe that was her plan. Why has this girl ruined everything? I want to have a peaceful life without her. I can go into this toilet, but it's not polite. Soon Cassie came with her head down. I sat next to her, and she snuggled. The next surprised me. There was a smirk on my friend's face. It was well played, miss. I didn't expect that from her, but Ashley deserves it. Also, I like when she snuggles into me. It feels comfortable.

- What happened? - I asked, whispering

- Nothing. I wanted to play with her.

- You are doing a great job. She is jealous.

- That's what she deserves.

- Promise me that you won't do anything stupid.

- Why?

- Do it.

- Ok, I promise. I won't do anything stupid. Are you happy?

- Yes, I am. Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- If you want, we can annoy her a bit.

- Thanks, but I don't want to mess with her. Losing time is not something I can afford now.

- Don't forget that we have a break from the mission.

- I know. Tomorrow we can do whatever you want.

- Well, I won't lie. That is music for my ears. - I said and kissed the top of her head

Ashley is furious, but I don't care. I am happy with Cassie. That's why I won't let anyone destroy my friendship with her. I went to pay for our food and later took my friend out. I noticed that Ashley and James were behind us. Honestly, I don't know what they want from us. Cassie and I walked around. Later, I took her for a late-night latte. Once, she told me it was one of her favorite drinks. Like that, we continued our walk. I want to turn around and make them go away.

- Ignore them.

- It's not easy.

- You are here with me. I am the one who needs your attention, not Ashley and James. - Cassie said, chuckling

- I'm sorry. I'll be a better friend.

- No, you won't. You can't be something that you already are.

- Let's say that I believe you.

- If you want, you can take me home. Dad would love to see you again.

- Really?

- Yes. You made a great first impression. Good job, my friend.

- Thanks, I guess.

I took Cassie to her house. Sadly, these two were following us all the time. It's not like I care, but that is not something I like. The other sad thing is that I have to leave my friend. Tomorrow I can see her again. After all, we are together all the time. Somehow, it's still not enough for me.

- Sadly, that is the end.

- You can come in if you want. We have a guest room next to mine.

- Thanks, but not today.

- It's your choice.

- I can do it, but I don't want to kill Ashley. - I said, and Cassie laughed

- This girl needs to get over you.

- She did it. What makes her angry is that I moved on so fast.

- Ashley made a mistake by leaving such a good boy, but I won't do it.

- I'm glad to hear it.

- It's better if you go home.

- I have to. Can I get a hug?

- Sure. Come here. - my friend said and hugged me

- Thank you. - I said and kissed her cheek

- Bye and see you tomorrow.

- Yes. Bye, Cassie.

- Bye, Ben.

Like that, I walked home. I kissed my friend's cheek because I wanted to piss off Ashley. Also, I liked it. Maybe I need to find another excuse. That way, I can do it again. I think I am slowly falling for my friend. Honestly, I won't deny going out with her. Cassie is a great girl, and I know she won't disappoint me. After all, she has proved this to me many times. I need to move on completely, and Cassie will help me. I don't want to use her to forget about my ex. For now, I won't do anything. When we finish our mission, I can make a move. I hope that it won't be too late.