Helena threw together a small pasta salad and grilled some chicken for herself and Carmen.  As they ate, they moved the conversation from the past to the future.

“I’ve got to find a new place.  I can’t afford the rent here any longer,” said Helena.

Carmen shot up.  “Oh my God, Helena!  I have a great idea.  I’ve been looking for an apartment myself.  I mean, I can’t keep living with my sister and her family.  I actually found this great little place in Redondo.  I’m going to do a last walk through tomorrow and probably sign the lease.  It’s plenty big.  It’s actually a two bedroom.  I was gonna use the extra room for my dj equipment, but a roommate would be even better.  That is…if you wouldn’t mind sharing a place with me.”

Helena thought about it for a few minutes.  It would definitely be a change in lifestyle, but that was inevitable.  She’d never had a roommate.  The last person she lived with was Winnie and that was years ago.  She thought maybe she’d picked up some bad habits by living alone for the last few years and was about to tell Carmen thanks, but no thanks when Carmen spoke up again.

“Look, don’t worry.  I’m very easy going.  Just be sure not to leave your dishes in the sink.  I know you’re probably used to having a maid do that, but I’m not a maid and it’s a major pet peeve of mine,” she smiled and winked at Helena.  Although it was a spontaneous proposal, Carmen actually liked the idea of sharing an apartment with Helena.  It had been a long time since she just had a girlfriend to hang out with, be goofy together, stay up late talking and laughing.  It would be like a slumber party every night with no tedious romantic attachments to get in the way.  “Pleeeeease?” she asked.

Helena couldn’t help smiling.  Carmen was just like a little kid asking for a piece of candy.  How could she say no?  “Ok,” she agreed.  “I’ll come look at the apartment with you tomorrow, but I still have to think about it.  I just hope you don’t regret asking me to live with you.” 

Carmen stood up and threw her arms around Helena, kissing her on the cheek.  “I won’t regret it and neither will you!  We’re gonna have so much fun!  I promise.”

In the last few hours, Helena’s life had changed for the better and it was all due to Carmen, this new and refreshing presence in her life.  She had a feeling that things would just keep getting better thanks to her.