Bette: There’s Carmen. She’s protecting Shane.

Tina: But for how long?

Bette: Give it a week. If Shane hasn’t recovered in a week, we pull her out.

There was no night and day for Shane and Carmen. Shane was getting better physically, but there was no sign of her waking up. The last day before Bette would interfere was coming up. Bette paced around in her office until Bobby ran in with a folder.

Bobby: She’s okay! We just got news she’s awake.

Back at the mansion, Carmen was happily attending to Shane. The nurses had removed the tubings and wires from Shane who was smiling weakly.

Carmen: You know you made me worry so much.

Shane: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. How long have I been asleep?

Carmen: Over a week!

Shane: What have you been doing all week? You look like you’ve got some pink eye disease.

Carmen: It’s all your fault! You made me cry.

Shane smiled at the childish Carmen who sat there pouting. She was weak, but she reached over to pull Carmen into an embrace. She let go of Carmen when the door opened. Cezar came in with some flowers.

Cezar: I got news you were up.

Shane tried to get up but Carmen and Cezar both stopped her.

Cezar: It’s okay, you’re hurt.

Shane: Thank you sir.

Cezar: If you weren’t there, I’d probably be there and you here. And my daughter wouldn’t be mad at me for putting you in danger.

Shane looked over at Carmen who refused to look at her father.

Shane: I’m sorry sir. I know she’ll forgive you.

Carmen: I will not!

She stormed out of the room. Cezar shook his head and sighed.

Cezar: Seriously though, you’re something. You didn’t know you had two bullets in you. I owe you my life Shane. I don’t know how I could repay you.

Shane: It’s fine sir. I was doing my job.

Cezar: Your job was just my daughter, not me. You did more than you needed to.

Carmen stormed back in.

Carmen: Why am I the one leaving? You should be.

Carmen dragged her dad out of the room and locked the door.

Shane: Bye sir!

Cezar: I’ll be back to see you later Shane!

Shane chuckled at Carmen who plopped down by her side.

Carmen: You know how worried I was when I saw you? You took years off my life.

Shane: I’ll spend every last one of your years with you to repay for what I’ve done.

Carmen snuggled in next to Shane. And Shane held her in her arms.

Carmen: I miss you holding me.

Shane: I’m sorry.

She kissed Carmen’s cheek.

Carmen: I missed hearing your voice.

Shane kissed her ear.

Carmen: I miss feeling your heart beat the first thing in the morning.

Shane: I’ll make sure it never stops beating for you.

They had a tiring day and drifted into sleep comfortably. Carmen helped Shane into the shower the next morning. Shane had pushed her out the door.

Carmen: Are you sure you’re okay in there?!

Shane: I’m fine, mother!

Carmen sighed and sat on a chair waiting for her. Shane took off her clothes and then the bandages. This was her first time seeing the wounds. They were all healing nicely. She touched the one on her chest gently. It was still hurting a bit. She lowered herself into the tub and took her bath. Feeling refreshed, she pulled on some pajama pants on and a robe.

Carmen: Shane.

The loosely tied robe made the bullet wound above her heart visible. Carmen got closer to Shane and touched it. She was very careful to not hurt Shane. Carmen leaned her head on Shane’s chest. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Carmen: I almost lost you forever.

Shane took in a deep breath.

Shane: But you didn’t. And you never will.

What Shay had told Shane made her think. Maybe it really was time for her to go out and look for her true happiness. Maybe.