“And……”

“Shay of course. I hope he’ll be ok without me” I look over at Bette, watching as she popped a marshmellow into her mouth. “You do think he’ll be ok, don’t you?”

Bette motioned towards her mouth, crewing rapidly and swallowing. “I think he’ll be fine, and I also think you’re not telling me the truth”

“Bette…I dunno. I really fucked up didn’t I?” I stare at my hands, biting down on my lip.

“Everyone fucks up Shane. I did, you did. Its how you deal with the aftermath that shows your true self” She poured the coco powder into the pan, stirring quickly.

“Yeah and what did I do? I ran away Bette. I’ll never forgive myself for that” I can feel my eyes filling up, my heartbeat quickening.

“Shane..” Bette handed me a mug of chocolate and pushed the bag of marshmellows towards me. “If you can’t forgive yourself, how can you expect Carmen to forgive you?”

“That’s the problem” I drop one of the soft, pink treats into my cup and watch it melt. “So I told you. Its your turn now” I lift my head up and smile at her.

“Same as you” Bettes face seemed to change, her dark eyes filled with sorrow.

“You miss Carmen too?”

Bette laughs loud, its great to see. Its been a rare sight lately.

“Well..Jodi is wonderful, she really is but then theres Tina” She looks over at a picture of Angelica on the sideboard.

“Bette, do you miss Tina? Or do you miss being a family?” I’d wanted to ask for a while, I just never found the right time.

“I really, really don’t know” Her voice was almost at a whisper. “Its late Shane, we really should sleep” Bette stood up and gently pushed her chair back under the table.

“Yeah I guess so” I walk back towards the couch with my mug. Pausing and turning around to my friend once more. “Night Bette, I love you”

“I love you too Shane”