Then a knock was heard at the door. Jenny got up and opened it. There stood Shane and Alex both still in their pajama bottoms and wife beaters, they looked identical accept for the bulging feminine muscles on Alex.

Shane: Hey Jen, is umm, is Carmen here?

It felt weird saying that name again. Jenny nodded and opened the door all the way. Shane and Alex stepped in. Jenny turned to the three women in front of her.

Jenny: I’m gonna go say hi to Alice.

Jenny turned and left, leaving Alex, Shane and Carmen staring at each other.

Carmen: Hello.

Shane managed a small wave as she looked to the ground.

Shane: Hey Carmen.

Alex was silent.

Carmen: So what’s up?

Shane: We wanted to talk with you.

Carmen: Alright, take a seat.

Shane and Alex sat down.

Shane: We’ve got so many questions.

Carmen: Then ask away.

Shane turned to Alex who had suddenly taken an interest in the palm of her hand.

Shane: Why did you leave?

Carmen: Because I thought the two of you were gonna die and I couldn’t bear to let myself watch that, knowing it was my fault.

Shane: So you didn’t even give us a chance to pull through?

Carmen: All I knew is that if you were to die, I’d be to blame and I couldn’t watch that.

Shane: The fire wasn’t your fault.

Carmen: Yes it was, if I had only turned off that fucking stove, you and I would still be together. You, me and Alex would be celebrating her birthday. Alex, I’m so sorry I forgot. I swear I didn’t mean to it just slipped my mind and I hope to God that I didn’t spoil it.

Alex didn’t look up at her.

Carmen: Shane, I never meant to hurt you either. I can’t believe that it was so bad that you went back to the drugs.

Alex let a tear fall, remembering when she found out. Shane saw and that comment having hit a soft spot for her as well, turned to Carmen and said in a low, broken up husky tone.