Alice nodded and walked in, shutting the door.

Alex was removed from her body, she was in a blissful place, the past, an old memory. She felt a warm body next to her. She smelt that familiar scent, like lavender and vanilla sugar. She was skin to skin with her and it felt amazing. Their bodies were connected and their hearts beat together, their lungs breathed as one. She felt her mother and Madre’s presence in the other room. She felt safe, secure, warm.

Carmen was making herself and Alice some coffee in the kitchen when she heard Alice walk in. She turned around at the tear-eyed woman and pulled her into her arms. Alice melted as she brokedown in tears.

Alice: I made a mistake.

Carmen rubbed her back.

Alice: I made a huge mistake!

Carmen: It’s okay Alice.

Alice: No, no it’s not. I need to talk to her.

She whipped her eyes and nose with the sleeve.

Alice: Has Shane found her yet?

Carmen: I don’t know, I haven’t heard from her.

Alice: I’m sorry, this is all my fault.

Carmen: Alice, this is definitely not all your fault.

Carmen saw one message flashing on the answering machine.

Carmen: One second.

She ran over and pressed the “Play” button.

Shane: Hey, Carm it’s me. I still haven’t found her. No one around here says they’ve seen her. I’m just at a Diner right now, got hungry. Anyway, I don’t think she’s here. I’ll be home in an hour or two.

Carmen heard Alice sob behind her and turned around to give her a hug.

Alice: I need her so much Carmen, I don’t know what I was thinking breaking up with her. Yeah I want kids, but not if it means giving her up. Why do I always fuck everything up so much? I really love her…

Alice hung her head and thought carefully on what she was going to say next. Then looked up at Carmen, straight in the eye as more tears formed in her eyes.

Alice: More than Dana.

Carmen now felt the most sympathy in world for her friend as she hugged her again. She knew Alice loved Alex, but she never knew how strong of a bond her daughter had formed with the woman.