I was so irritated with myself about yesterday and not being able to get a look at Claire's phone that I didn't sleep at all last night. As she normally does, Claire headed into the bathroom to take a shower right after she finished her shift at the café. I heard the water running and she had left her phone on the counter, so I knew this was my chance to sneak a peek. The problem; the water was running but a few minutes later she rushed out of the bathroom to get something she forgot in her room and I almost got caught red-handed. I didn't want to risk getting caught, so I didn't try again once she returned to the bathroom.
I feel like I've let Ben down. I know he was depending on me to get a look at those texts between Claire and Eve. I wanted so badly for this to be the answer that Ben needed to clear his name and then we could finally be back together officially.
My failure followed me the rest of the day because when I went to work on my project with Lydia, I was so unfocused I wasn't much of any help at all. I could only think about my failure and how I needed to figure out a sure-fire way to get a look at Claire's messages. By the time Lydia and I called it a night on our project, and I saw Ben's text it had been almost an hour since he had sent it. I didn't have the heart to answer him because if he did happen to be asleep, I didn't want to wake him up only to report my failure in confirming Claire and Eve's involvement in framing him.
My thoughts managed to keep me up all night allowing me no sleep, but at least I have an idea now about how I can get a look at Claire's phone. I just need a little help from Tripp.
By the time I have the energy to get out of bed, Claire has already left for work and Tripp is sitting on the couch watching tv. "Well look who decided to finally roll out of bed this morning," Tripp teases.
"I couldn't sleep last night. I've got a lot on my mind."
"Ahh…Ben?"
"Yes, and Claire too."
"What's keeping you up?"
"You know how I told you Ben put listening devices in here?" Tripp nodded his head, "Well, Ben overheard Claire saying, 'Damn it, Eve. You promised.' He said there were no other voices that he heard in the apartment at that time, so he figures they have been texting each other. He wants me to try and get a look at her phone."
"So, what's the problem?"
"The problem is I tried to peek at her phone yesterday when she was in the shower. The water started running so I thought it would be safe to look. I didn't know she lets the water run for quite a while before she actually hops in. I almost got caught when she came out of the bathroom to get something from her room. I was too gun-shy to try again."
"Do you want me to try?"
"Actually, I thought maybe we could tag-team it. The next time you are home and Claire is in the shower, you guard the door while I look through her phone. If she tries to come out again while I'm snooping, you can hold the door closed on her until I'm finished and can blame it on wanting to tease her and have some fun."
"I don't think that's necessary, but sure I can do that."
"When can we do this? When is the next time you will be home after Claire has worked a shift?"
"Actually, today."
"Really? Oh my gosh, if I can get on her phone and actually find something this nightmare might actually be over. Maybe even by the end of today."
"Fingers crossed. I hate walking around on eggshells around Claire as much as you do."
"Alright, so when she gets home and goes for her shower hopefully, she leaves her phone out. If she does, you go stand by the door and be ready to hold the door closed if she tries to come out before I'm done snooping. I'll make comments about you needing to let her out and that it's not funny to do that to her, to make her think I'm not in on this."
"That should work. If you do nothing, she'll probably wonder what the deal is."
"Okay good, I don't have class until tonight, so we should be able to get this done before then."
I'm getting hungry so I begin to make myself some breakfast. I'm craving some scrambled eggs right now and want some more peanut butter toast. Tripp watches me start scrambling some eggs, "Do you want me to make you some?" I question.
"Nah, I already ate," and he takes a swig from his bottle of water.
I pop a piece of bread in the toaster and make more ginger tea for myself.
"What's with you drinking tea all the time lately? You never used to be a big tea drinker."
"I've been feeling sick to my stomach in the morning and tea is supposed to help with that."
"What are you pregnant or something?" he chuckles.
"I'm not answering that."
"Oh my God, you are aren't you. You let Ben Weston knock you up!" He takes a long drink from his water bottle.
"Shut up, Tripp! I didn't let Ben knock me up. It just happened, and we are actually really excited about the babies."
Tripp spits the water he just drank all over the counter, "Babies?! You're having more than one?"
"Yes, we're having twins."
"I can't believe this."
"Well, you don't have to believe this. It's none of your concern. I know you don't want to hear this or even like hearing it, but I love Ben. He makes me happy and we really are excited about the babies."
I go to stir my eggs, so they don't burn and then grab my toast that has popped up and spread it full of peanut butter. I place the toast along with the eggs on a plate and bring my glass of tea over to the counter to sit down.
Tripp sighs, "You and I never talked about having a family together."
"Tripp, I don't want to hurt you, I really don't, but I wasn't ready for that with you."
"But you are with Ben?"
"I am. I love him," I sigh and take a bite of my eggs, "I know someday you'll figure out who your soulmate is, and you will have a family with her."
"You mean Claire."
I swallow my food and then wipe my mouth with a napkin before answering, "Honestly, no. I don't think you and Claire are right for one another. I don't think you have met the woman you are meant to be with yet, but you will. I'm sure of it."
"Thanks. I guess."
"I'm right. You'll see, and then we will laugh about this."
Tripp quietly laughs.
I quickly finish the rest of my breakfast and head back to my room. Claire will be back from work in about two hours and I want to text Ben about the new plan that I have hatched.
Ciara: Hey Boo, I'm sorry I didn't answer you last night. I didn't get your message until late and I didn't want to wake you. Things didn't go as planned yesterday and I didn't get a look at Claire's phone, but I have a new plan in the works and with any luck, I will get a look at Claire's phone this afternoon. I love you so much!
It doesn't take more than a few seconds and he is already typing a response to me.
Ben: I love you too, and you know you can text me anytime day or night. What happened yesterday and what's the new plan?
Ciara: I almost got caught red-handed with Claire's phone when she walked out of the shower. The water was running so I thought she was in the shower, but she came out to get something from her room. I didn't have the nerve to try again.
Ben: It's probably best that you didn't. I don't want you putting yourself or the babies in danger. The three of you are my everything.
My heart bursts when I see his answer. He worries about me and the babies and loves us so much and I love him even more for it.
Ciara: I won't do anything reckless. You Ben Weston, are going to be stuck with me for the rest of your life if I have anything to say about it.
Ben: I'm glad to hear it. What's the new plan?
Ciara: Tripp is going to guard the door and hold it shut if she does happen to try and walk out before I'm able to look through her phone.
Ben: I don't like having to depend on Tripp for anything let alone backing you up and keeping you safe, but what choice do I have.
Ciara: I know you don't and you're right we don't have any other choice. It's torture having to be away from you for a couple of hours let alone all night or days at a time. I need this to be over. I need to be with you and by your side.
Ben: I want that too. Hopefully, this will put an end to everything. When are you going to do this?
Ciara: This afternoon once Claire is done with her shift. She should be back by 1 pm.
Ben: Do me a favor…have the word help pre-typed in a text to me. I'll be near the loft and ready to take action if anything goes wrong. I just can't risk losing you.
Ciara: I will, but you're not going to need to do that. What are the chances of Claire walking out of the bathroom during her shower twice in a row?
Ben: I don't want to think about it…the odds aren't usually in my favor. The only time they have been is when you decided to risk keeping me in your life.
Ciara: I didn't see it as a risk and I never will. I see it as taking an opportunity to live my best and happiest life. I'm going to lay down until it gets closer to when Claire comes home. I didn't sleep much last night because I was trying to figure out a way to get a look at Claire's phone.
Ben: Then I will let you rest. I'm glad that you are going to take it easy until it's time. I love you and our babies!
Ciara: We love you right back!
I lay down on the bed and rest until it is time for Claire to return and for this entire mess to end.
