When Shane returned, it was already midnight. The whole apartment was dark and she flicked on the lights to her room. Something on her desk caught her attention and she bent down and read through it. She hadn’t known Carmen had such talent. Yet some part of her knew it wasn’t talent, it was simply Carmen expressing her genuine emotions.

I can see it in your eyes you’re hurting
but pain is part of learning who you are.
All these truths can sometimes be deceiving
when your whole world comes crashing to the ground
 
Tell me everything you need now anything at all
and I will be the one who’s waiting anytime you fall
when you come undone
 
 You know I can’t be like everybody
cause I can’t tell you what you want to hear.
I don’t know if I can make it better
All I know is I will be around
 
When all the plans you made are lying on the floor
and all your dreams are turning into nothing more.
When all your hope has left you know you’re not alone
Just hold on
 
Tell me everything you need now anything at all
and I will be the one who’s waiting anytime you fall
when you come undone.

It was Carmen’s promise to her, that everything might come apart, but she would be here, holding her hand and braving the storm with her. She sunk down into the carpet, holding the piece of paper close to her chest. She didn’t know where this road would lead, what the ending would be but for once, she wanted to believe. A tiny smile curved her lips. Life for her had always been more of a tribulation but the next time she fell, she could be sure of one thing. Carmen would be there to pick her up.

Chapter 22

Will looked at the incriminating photos scattered on his desk. He couldn’t lift his eyes off Shane, who was smiling with her hair tossed haphazardly by the wind. Carmen was behind her, and in the next photo, they were holding hands. Will felt a surge of jealousy seize him. This unforeseen circumstance had forced him to act sooner. He could not afford their relationship to proceed further. He picked up the phone and started dialing a number.