5 Ways to Him

Cassadrei's POV

Michael Dumas. The Boy's name. I rolled my tongue around the several times until it left almost a bitter taste. Why do I feel so weird when I think about a person I know nothing about? Is it something to do with the fact that he happens to be my "Key"?

Sofosys had almost chanced upon the information last night and since then, he has left no stone unturned to find out more about Michael. Or Mike. Ugghh! Again short forms, I mean Michael is a completely perfect name, why shorten it to something that represents a silly object used by humans to artificially amplify their voices? Sometimes, I pity these Humans for lacking so much that we usually accomplish with our powers, at the same time, I must say, I admire their resilience when it comes to invention!

Sofosys had a friend from the Science Department, from whom he could collect some information about Michael without being too intrusive. Michael is persuing Biology Major and he has deep interests in philosophy and psychology. He has taken multiple courses on Trauma response psychology and he appears to be interested in taking MCAT for becoming a Doctor. He is what these Humans term as a "nerd" in their colloquial terms, one who associates himself more with books and information than actual people and their looks. That is perhaps the most interesting thing that I found about him.

Michael is apparently a recluse and the only ones he hangs out with are Jacob and Jacob's plethora of friends. How a guy as frivolous as Jacob can associate with the likes of The Boy is beyond me. However, I mustn't be too harsh to Jacob since he's the one who led us to Michael in the first place.

My reverie is broken by Sofosys. "Cassadrei dear, I have done my part. We have found out this guy. Now, we have to conduct a little experiment to see if he truly is the source of unlocking your dormant powers, or was it just a coincidence?" Sofosys looked at me meaningfully.

"What am I supposed to do?" I reply, not quite getting what he intends to say.

"Befriend him." 

"What? No..no..how can I befriend a complete stranger?? You know I can't." I say, a little flushed.

Sofosys looked bemused. "Of course you can and you don't seem to have another choice, do you? How would it look if a middle aged Arts professor took a sudden interest in a reclusive pupil, who doesn't even belong to his own department? Do you want me to lose my livelihood on this planet? And mind it, this is the only thing that's sustaining you."

"But.. but, why me? And how? You, yourself said that he's a recluse... isn't that like the opposite of being a friendly person?" I begged.

"There's a plan. Now listen carefully, and don't nag. You have to befriend Jacob Brooks first. That won't be a difficult job at all. He is very friendly and he seems to have a little crush on you too." Sofosys winked. I winced a little at the prospect. 

Ignoring me, he continued, " Now that you

 have befriended Jacob, you slowly extract information from him... he's a blabber-mouth so that would be easy too. You ask about his roommate, then you hang out with him..you notice what he tells about Michael, Michael's whereabouts and you report to me. I'll tell you how to befriend Michael. It would be simple because once you hang around with Jacob, you might get a chance to meet Michael through Jacob."

I didn't want to do this. But what options did I have? Sofosys was right, I told myself, this is my chance of returning to my Kingdom... I can't jeopardize this. I gloomily agreed.

The next day, as I walked the corridors near my classroom, a sense of helplessness and despair gripped me. I have never been friendly to anyone before on this planet. Linda, my sole friend, was a friend by chance. She was the one to adopt me and befriend me and she always ignored the fact that I was so much disinterested in everything else. She never complained that I don't talk much, she never shuts up to listen that's why. I smiled to myself at the rememberence, making a mental note to visit her after this mission.

However, this was different. I was trying to make a friend. I have to make an active effort here, try to engage Jacob in small talk and keep his attention. This was too much pressure, and I felt beads of perspiration building up on my forehead. I have to do this I have to do this I have to do this!

I saw Jacob turning the corner and thank goodness, he was alone. He is usually surrounded by a ring of people and it would have been practically impossible to penetrate the ring and reach him. I approached and Jacob halted in his path.We had never talked before.

"Hi." He said nervously. Is he blushing?

"Hello." I said, but it came out as a grunt.

"Can I help you? Er.. what do you want Cassy?" Jacob tried to sound friendly. He was definitely blushing.

I can't do this. I wanted to run away and hide myself under a heap of blankets.

"How are you? Er.. Jacob.." I replied stiffly as I tried to smile. I must have stretched my smile way too much because Jacob flinched slightly.

"Err... I am good. Call me Jake please. Are you okay or something? Do you need anything?? You can't possibly need notes from me." Jacob smiled hesitantly, " it's actually that we have never talked before. It's awkward, err...are you really okay? You look constipated."

I was affronted. I am trying my best and he called me constipated! This should have been easy, Sofosys said. 

"I wanted to chat with you." I remarked, not quite sure of what to say.

"About?" He was taken aback.

"About you. About everything. How's life treating you Jake? Err...How are your bowel movements? Are you going to pass this semester?" Shit. What am I saying?

Jacob looked visibly uncomfortable now. I have blown this up. He looks around and says, "I hope so.. passing would be great. Actually, you know I need to go to the library, if you will excuse me a bit?"

I can't believe it. Of course he never goes to the library, he just wanted to escape me. I felt like melting into the ground. Not only did I miserably fail at the job, I also managed to make a complete fool of myself in front of Jacob Brooks. What greater insult can there be than Jacob Brooks thinking you are nuts?