—————-

When the small group finally reached the building they could have sworn Shane had entered, they all looked at each other confused as the large Cross perched on the building before them, provided some shelter from the blazing sun… no one knew what to think and they sure as hell didn’t know what Shane’s motives were for coming to a church.. or that Shane even believed in God….

"what should we do" Bette asked hesitantly

"i don’t know…. fallow her maybe" Mark suggested

All 4 of them stood frozen in place as the sun began to set behind them… for about 20 minutes they waited outside the building.. until a man walked out the front door with a grim look on his face… he saw the small group and walked over to them….

"excuse me… are you waiting for someone" he asked in a very soft voice

"ya are friend of ours went inside a little while ago and we were just waiting for her to come back out"Carmen answered as she looked the man up and down

"what is this friends name" the man asked

" um.. its Shane … Shane McCutcheon.. why" Alice asked a little annoyed by the man

"oh good .. i know its kind of strange me asking these questions but there is a young women who came in a little while ago and in all her frustration and hesitance during confession.. i asked her to speck with me in private… and she kind of fell asleep in my office" the man stated laughing at the situation

"omg… sorry but are you serious" Bette asked the man

"no joke… I’m guessing shes had a long day and couldn’t take anymore.. we talked for a couple minutes before she broke down and I’m guessing from all that she just fell asleep"

"oh um.. can you take us to her" Mark asked egar to get Shane home

"yes please fallow me" the man gestured to the entrance

"Bette, Alice you wait here and call a cab OK" Carmen stated as she fallowed mark into the church

The women just nodded and began the task of calling a cab and letting the rest of the group in on the situation.

————-

Mark and Carmen made their way into the small room… once inside Carmen spotted Shane curled up in a ball on the couch.. she quietly walked over and knelt down beside the couch, softly brushed the hair out of Shane’s mascara run eyes.. even after crying she looked beautiful but what stuck out the most is how peaceful she looked in her sleep.. almost like the weight of the world had been lifted off her small shoulders…

Mark knelt slowly down next to Carmen by the couch. "you do know shes in love with you right" he whispered

"ya i do… I’m in love with her too." Carmen said as a small smile began to tug at the corner of her lips,

"she um… never actually told me she did but i could tell.. its in the way she talks about you even when shes not specifically talking about you.. like that question on the tape about her favorite type of girl.. i knew that girl was you…….. just be careful, i don’t want her to get hurt" he said as he lifted Shane up off the couch and into his arms.

"your a good guy mark… i kinda get why Shane likes you so much" Carmen stated as she fallowed mark out of the room…

"thanks.. your not to bad yourself" he said causing Carmen to laugh a little as they left the building to joined their friend outside

The cab was already waiting when they finally made it outside. Shane was still fast asleep in Marks arms as they began their short trip home… all feeling a bit better and ready for what awaited them later……

TBC

featured song: Nothing In My Way, By:Keane