Next door, little Angelica is sleeping in her crib.  Mama Bee meanwhile has passed out on the couch after staying up as late as she can, talking with Shane.  Shane rubs her hair, wanting her friend to feel as much comfort as possible.  She doesn’t want to leave, as she closes her eyes and leans her face against Bette’s head.

Carmen has made it to her room, only to notice the light already on and someone waiting inside.  She sits in a chair, her head leaned back and her arms crossed and her eyes closed.

Papi: Nobody ever locks their doors around here, man.

Carmen: What?  Not out hitting the clubs tonight?

Papi: Na, man.  Just chillin’ with Tasha for a little while, ’til she left.  She’s gotta be at base early in the morning.  So what’s up?  You and Tasha just not…

Papi opens her eyes and sees Carmen standing before her.  She detects a feeling of being hurt.

Papi: Carmen…?  You okay?

Carmen walks to her bed and sits at the edge of it.  Papi rises from her seat and makes her way over to Carmen, as her voice softens.

Papi: Don’t lie to me.  I know you better than that.

Papi sits beside Carmen now.

Papi: Talk to me.  What happened?

Carmen: Nothing, Papi.  Nothing happened.

Papi: Maybe that’s the problem.  You’re too afraid to just let something happen.

Carmen: What are you talking about?

Papi: Oh, come on, Carmen.  As long as I’ve known you…from waaaay back in the day…that’s just how you were, sometimes.  You take a chance on something…and it doesn’t work out…and then you get all gun shy and shit.  I know things were supposed to be different for you….I know they were supposed to be better.  And you know what?  They still can be.  But it isn’t gonna happen if you just come in here and cry yourself to sleep.

Carmen sits silently.

Papi: You wanna talk about it?

Carmen bites her lip, looking down.

Papi: Is it about Shane?

Carmen: …No.

Papi: Ohhh, shit…  Is it Lara?

Carmen looks up at Papi.

Carmen: I’m so happy for her.  I guess it’s just…my own selfishness.

Papi shakes her head, hoping for more of an elaboration.

Carmen: It’s really crazy how things worked out…  I was engaged…I was gonna get married.  And then it didn’t happen.  And then…we lost so many friends…just like that.  It changed everything.  And the amazing out of all of it…is I actually felt a true bond…during a time in which…I thought it was impossible.  And Paige comes along and she’s so smitten with her.  And I thought it was great.  They’ve been seeing each other and God, she’s so happy now.