Shane’s thought: Poor Carmen.

Always looking like an angel. Her long brown curls bounced gently. 

Carmen: Something you need?

Shane nodded. She used her free hand and pulled the oxygen mask off her face and then pulled Carmen down towards her.

Shane: This is for Cezar. I need you to give it to him. Then maybe he’ll get me back to you.

Carmen: I’m taking you home right away no matter what. I’m not going to let him use you any more. You’re going to be under my surveillance so I can make sure you don’t do any more of his reckless deals or what not. You understand me Shane? You are not allowed to agree to any more of these so called small favors.

Carmen helped her put on her mask again and Shane nodded. She wouldn’t mind being under her serveillance. She’d enjoy it.

Carmen: I’ll be back. Wait for me.

Cezar had been waiting in the hospital’s garage. He knew it was Shane’s perfect chance to get what he needed. He heard a knock on his window and scrolled the tinted window’s down. Carmen threw the USB at him.

Carmen: I’m taking Shane home. This is the last time you take her from me.

Cezar smiled at his daughter.

Cezar: I’m happy you’re taking her home. I’ll tell Cherie I’ll compensate her for her losses.

Carmen kicked her dads car and walked away. She went through the paperwork for getting Shane home.

Cherrie came back into the room and sat on the foot of the bed.

Cherrie: Cezar’s already told me he wants you back. I guess this is goodbye for now.

Cherrie knew that it would be useless to refuse Cezar. Shane gave her a weak smile. She leaned in close to Shane’s ear.

Cherrie: One day, you’ll come to me. I know it. I’ll be waiting Shane.

Cherrie gave her a kiss on the head. Packed up her things and left before Carmen came back. She wheeled Shane out into the garage and a few bodyguards helped get her into Cezar’s car.

Cezar: I knew I could count on you. Thanks kid.

Shane smiled. Carmen got in afterwards.

Carmen: I’m warning you, dad. If Shane gets hurt again, I’m never talking to you again. Ever.

Cezar: Yeah yeah, I know. I’m not allowed to ask her to do anything without your permission and I must make sure Shane is perfectly safe.

Carmen: You should just not include her into your plans. That way she’s the safest.

They got home after a quick drive. Carmen wrapped her arm around Shane’s waist and helped her up to her room.

Shane’s thought: Never thought I’d feel so happy and relieved moving back into a lion’s den.

Shane didn’t care what would happen next, she was just tired. Contacting Bette and Tina would have to wait. She snuggled into bed making sure Carmen was right there with her and snoozed. Shane slept for the week and woke just to eat, shower, and when natured called.

Shane: Are you going to keep staring at me like that?

Carmen: I don’t want you to keep running away.

Shane: Are you still angry at me?

Carmen pouted and crossed her arms.

Shane: Common, don’t be mad at me anymore. It wasn’t really a choice. Your father-

Carmen: Exactly! It’s always about my father! Am I your girlfriend or is he?

Shane: You of course!

Shane leaned in and hugged her. Carmen pushed her away.

Carmen: Don’t butter me up. You’re still under suspicion.

Shane: Oh common!

Shane pulled Carmen from her chair onto the bed. After a short half- hearted strugge Carmen melted intoo Shane. Intertwining her fingers into Shane’s.

Carmen: I hated seeing her wrap her arms around you.
 
Shane: Well just know that these arms are going to stay around you forever.

Carmen kissed Shane’s hand hearing those words that made her smile.