It had been two weeks since Carmen and Helena had moved in together and they were still living amongst boxes in their new apartment.  Carmen had set up her dj equipment in a corner of the living room and the two had settled into their respective bedrooms, but the main living space was still in disarray with papers strewn all over, crates stacked against each other, and pictures leaning against walls, yet to be hung up. 

One afternoon, Helena returned home from work to find Carmen searching amongst the clutter for something. 

“What are you looking for?”

“Oh, some guy gave me his business card a couple of weeks ago.  I’ve been meaning to call him and now I’ve misplaced his number,” she said distractedly.

“I haven’t seen anything, but I’ll help you look,” Helena offered, setting her stuff down and beginning to shuffle through the many piles of papers.

“That’s ok.  I don’t really have time right now, but if it turns up, will you let me know?

“Of course.

“Thanks sweetie.  I gotta run!” Carmen exclaimed, leaning in to give Helena a quick peck on the cheek before dashing out the door.

Touching her cheek where Carmen’s lips had briefly brushed her, Helena chuckled at her friend’s breeziness.  Agreeing to live with Carmen was one of the best decisions she had ever made.  Carmen was…well, Carmen was wonderful.  Never before had Helena known someone so loyal and generous with herself.  And the physical affection Carmen demonstrated, albeit strictly platonic, always excited her a little.  She recalled a number of instances when Carmen would hold her hand, rub her shoulders, play with her hair.  She knew Carmen wasn’t interested in her romantically, but the innocent flirting gave her a warm feeling in the pit of her stomach.  Sometimes when she was cooking, Carmen would sneak up behind her and tickle her or hug her.  Helena would turn and playfully swat at her, shooing her away.  She thought perhaps this was how sisters behaved with one another and she had begun to convince herself that her feelings for Carmen were of this nature.

She actually wished they could spend more time together.  As foretold, Carmen slept until almost noon most days and Helena was long gone to work by then.  And just as Helena was settling in for the evening, Carmen’s day would begin.  She had to admit, she had begun to miss Carmen when she was gone, so she would sometimes trail along with her to gigs even though she was so exhausted from work.