No Turning Back
Chapter 18C

‘Shane? ..I-I need to get out of here.. Now,’ Carmen whispered urgently. She didn’t need to warn Shane twice. Shane got up quickly and wrapped her arm around Carmen’s shoulders, dragging her along. Carmen immediately regretted the fact they were seated in the front of the church, as she saw the frowning faces of all the people they had to pass. As soon as they were outside of the church Carmen ran into the bushes by the gate, and vomited right there. She could hear Shane following her into the bushes, and sighed. ‘I shouldn’t have had pancakes for breakfast this morning,’ she whispered, her voice hoarse. She wiped away the tears that had been forced out of her eyes. Shane kneeled down next to her and rubbed the small of her back encouragingly. ‘Baby, are you okay? What happened?’ Shane asked worriedly.
‘I.. Charlie.. Maria.. she..,’ Carmen tried to explain but soon she felt a second wave of nausea well up inside her. She tried to calm herself down but instead hurled again. She felt Shane’s hands brush over her forehead and ears, holding her hair back. She hated that Shane had to watch her go through this.
‘Shh.. just let it all out honey. Let it all go,’ Shane whispered, her lips moving against her temple as she spoke.
‘Ugh..,’ Carmen breathed, shaking her head. Shane moved a strand of hair out of her face.
‘I’m sorry..,’ she apologized, resting her head on Shane’s shoulder, feeling exhausted and boneless.
Shane shook her head and kneeled down in front of her, cupping Carmen’s face in her hands. ‘What happened Carmen?’ Shane asked, her eyes scared and worried. Carmen took a deep breath and pinched her eyes shut.
‘I knew you’re brother’s wife… Maria… she was my best friend in high school,’ Carmen said. She bit her lip and shook her head, smiling weakly. ‘I had a major crush on her. She was the one who made me realize I was gay,’ Carmen said, and her smile faded away. ‘I can’t believe she’s dead,’ Carmen said, a wrenched sob escaping her mouth.
‘Oh baby,’ Shane said sadly, wrapping her arms around Carmen in a tight embrace.
‘I’m sorry I ruined this day for you,’ Carmen sobbed.
‘C, this was a horrible day to begin with, I don’t think you could have possibly made it worse,’ Shane protested.
‘I made you look like a fool in front of your brother.’
‘I’m sure he has other things on his mind right now,’ Shane said softly, stroking Carmen’s hair. Carmen sighed and rested her head against Shane’s chest.
‘I hope I didn’t scare you. Sometimes when I’m really nervous.. or shocked.. I have the tendency to hurl. My mom says it’s because the body takes over and possesses parts of the mind.. Or something like that..’
‘I understand,’ Shane said, looking into her eyes. ‘Do you think you can get up?’
Carmen nodded slowly, ‘I guess..’ she whispered.
‘You sure?’
Carmen nodded determinedly, wishing her head would stop spinning. Shane slipped a strong arm around her waist and pulled her up. Before she realized what was happening, her knees gave away under her. The last thing she heard was Shane’s voice, calling her name in the distance.