Shane sat out on the deck, a cigarette in her hand. She had quit a long time ago, but she was nervous. She was frustrated. She leaned her head against the railing before taking a long drag. She coughed exhaling the smoke out. Carmen saw her through the kitchen window. She made her way outside quietly. She got the hose.

Shane: Hey. What’re you doing?

Shane turned around hearing the hose drag on the wooden floor. Carmen didn’t say anything but kept on doing what she was working on. She held the nozzle in her hand and then turned on the water. She sprayed some of the flowers to test out if it was the right blast. Shane watched her smiling until she found the nozzle pointing straight at her. The cigarette that rested between her lips fell to the floor. Shane yelled when she was hit in the face with a full blast of cold water.

Shane: Stop it! Turn- Turn it off!

Carmen stopped. She was smirking. A wet Shane looked at her with an angry face.

Shane: What’d you do that for?

Carmen: Helping you quit smoking.

An evil smile slowly spread across her lips. She lunged at Carmen and caught hold of the nozzle. Carmen pressed the trigger as water started spraying everywhere. Shane pointed the opening at Carmen causing her to yelp when the cold water hit her. Carmen let go and ran, but Shane pulled her back in a strong embrace. Shane pumped cold water down her shirt.

Shane: How do you like that?

Carmen: Stop! Okay, I’m sorry!

She laughed and Shane tossed the hose to the side but still hugged Carmen. They stood there in each other’s embrace just happy to be there.

Shane: I’m sorry for smoking.

Carmen: As long as you stop it, I’m okay.

Shane: Yes, ma’m. I’m just trying to calm my nerves with something.

Carmen: Killing yourself slowly isn’t okay. There are other things you can do.

Shane: Well, Miss Morales, what do you propose?

Carmen: We can…

Carmen moved back and kissed Shane’s jaw.

Carmen: go inside…

She moved up to Shane’s cheek.