I sit up and swing my legs around to touch the cool flooring. I stretch my arms to the sky and let out a yawn. I make my way to the bathroom and stand in front of the sink. I turn the taps and let the water run a little before splashing it over my face. 

I enter the kitchen after coming down the stairs. I search for my phone and find it on the counter next to my keys.

I throw on a pot of coffee before scrolling on my phone for missed calls and messages. 

As I scroll I notice a text from Tina. 

It reads: “Hey Bette, I’ve decided to take Angie’s phone before she went to bed last night, just until we figure out what to do about Carrie.”

A part of me is glad it wasn’t me because lately I’ve been made out to be the bad guy. At least now it’s neutral. 

I responded: “Would you like some assistance this morning?”

I step over to the other side of the counter and start mixing my coffee when I hear my phone ding.

The text message from Tina reads: “You can drop by.”

——

I reach her door and slightly knock. 

The door swings open and Tina gestures for me to step inside.

“Is she awake?” I ask.

“I heard some noise earlier, I’m sure she’ll be down for her phone soon enough.” 

I smile and follow behind her into the kitchen.

“Listen, Bette.”

I pause and look her in the eyes.

“I did something last night.”

“What did you do?” I ask with concern in my voice.

“I may have um, I may have gone into Angie’s phone.”

“You did what?”

“I unlocked her phone last night.”

I go silent. Not saying anything in response. I think I would have done the same if it was me. Parents get cautious and sometimes over step in protecting their children. And we can be very nosey and curious. 

“What were you looking for?” I responded. 

“I thought about how Carrie wouldn’t pick up or even answer my messages so I figured the only way I would get her to answer was if I called through Angie’s phone.”

“So you talked to her?”