With You

Eleven

SAM:

I knew I was caught the second Ben saw me looking at Claire as she was sleeping soundly next to him. I couldn't help it. I kept stealing glances like a starved man. Even in her sleep she looked delicate and fragile. She looked so peaceful too, as a small smile was present on her plump lips. And when Elliot told his brother how helpful I have been all week, I saw all the doubt disappear from Ben's face.

I knew we should discuss this. There was no point in avoiding it. I'd rather talk it out now, rather than wait it out and make things more uncertain. I wasn't an idiot. I knew he wouldn't approve and I honestly couldn't care less of his opinion on this. However seeing their interaction today, I saw how much she really did love her brothers. I knew I had to try for her sake. I liked Ben just fine so I really hoped he wouldn't make things too complicated. With the motto of let's just get this over with, I dialed Ben's number.

"I was waiting for your call. I even thought about calling you but I'd figured you'd do it sooner or later", Ben immediately said as he answered the call.

"Well I guess you do know me pretty well", I responded.

"So I'm gathering we should talk?", he continued.

"Yes, we should, in person. Can you meet me before you leave?"

"How about now?", Ben asked. "I know you just left our house so I don't mind driving to meet you at yours."

"No, I'll come. Claire likes having you home. I'll be back in a few", I said as I was picking up my car keys and wallet.

"Okay then. Park at the corner and text me when you get here", Ben said hanging up.

I didn't mind driving back. I'd rather have the conversation now, rather than later. I didn't know how the discussion would end, but I knew I cannot give her up. That is not an option. With that mindset, I left my house.

Parking at the corner as asked, I messaged him letting him know I'm here. It was already a little after 2am but I didn't care. This had to get settled tonight. A few minutes later, Ben swiftly made himself comfortable in the same spot Claire was sitting earlier. I liked her sitting there a lot more than her brother sitting there now.

"Well that was fast", he commented.

"Yes, I'm sure both of us would prefer to take care of this quickly. I don't want any misunderstandings between us", I started.

"So you like my sister huh?", Ben said. I guess we were just jumping right in, since he was in his big brother mode. Even better. Straightforward. That's why I liked him.

"Yes", I replied. "A lot", so much that sometimes the thought completely petrified me but I wasn't going to tell him that.

"And I gather Elliot doesn't know?"

"No", I replied.

"And Claire either", he continued.

"No", I said again.

"They sure are twins aren't they?", Ben laughed.

"Yes they are", I laughed as well, amused by how similar they seemed at the moment.

"You know I don't like it right?  She's only been at school for one week. She can barely stand to be inside the building let alone actually do something there. She needs to focus on herself. She's been working so hard for this. It took her years, years to get to this point. She doesn't need unnecessary distractions. She just started", he repeated.

"I know."

"So what are we going to do about this situation then?"

"I can't give her up and I hope that's not what you're asking me to do. You know I have a lot of respect for you and I value what you think of me, but as I said, I can't give her up. When it comes to her or anything about her, nothing else matters", I said letting him know how serious I was.