Shane: Do you have to do it this week?

Carmen: Why not?

Shane: Because I can’t go with you.

Carmen: The faster I can get it done, the better. I want everything to be perfect when you get back.

Shane: Okay, but please be careful. Don’t tire yourself out.

Carmen smiled at how protective Shane was.

One week later

The gang hid behind walls and couches. The lock turned and Carmen supported Shane as they walked in. Helena had enough of Shane’s whining and let her go.

Everyone: SURPRISE!

Shane jumped a bit and saw the whole house decorated.

Shane: Awe, you guys shouldn’t have.

Kit: You’re our friend, of course we had to.

They all sat around the coffee table full of food chatting with Shane.

Alice: Aren’t you glad I told you I wasn’t going to take care of Carmen.

Carmen: Why would you say that Alice? Am I a hassle to you?

Alice: No, I just needed Shane to think no one would care for a weepy and feisty Latina if she perished. I gave her the fighting spirit.

Everyone laughed at Alice’s comical end pose.

Carmen: Well then I guess I must thank you for such gallant gesture.

Carmen raised her beer to thank Alice. The clank of the cool beer bottles made Shane’s hand itch. They just gave her water. Shane leaned her head on the crook of Carmen’s shoulder.

Carmen: Tired babe?

Shane sniffed smelling the beer. She wanted a sip. Carmen sensed Shane’s need, but had to refuse it no matter how much of a puppy face Shane put on.

Carmen: No, you know what Helena said. No drinking not until after chemo.

Bette: She’s right Shane, listen to Helena.

Tina: We won’t be able to find another liver that easily.

Shane: Oh yeah, almost forgot to thank you two. I couldn’t be alive without you both.

Tina: Don’t mention it. You’re our friend. If we lost you, we’d be losing a family member.

Shane: When can I see Tom?

Bette: Let’s wait a while and see what the court decides to do with his body.

Shane: Can’t they bury him?

Tina: Most likely cremate and then bury.

Shane: Please tell me when it’s done. I want to go visit him.

Kit: Heck, we’ll all go visit him. He gave us Shane back.

Dana: Yeah, he was a hero in the end.

Alice: Oh common, this is supposed to be a happy day. Let’s concentrate on that!

The girls agreed. Popping in a movie, they settled comfortably into their places. Carmen let Shane rest her back on her. Shane’s head right below her chin. She gently stroked Shane’s hair with one hand and the other wrapped around Shane’s tummy loosely. As the movie went on, Carmen could feel Shane’s breath become even and little snores coming from her. She kissed Shane’s messy hair. She loved feeling this weight on top of her. The warm mass comforted her. After the movie was over, they moved Shane into the bedroom without waking her. Bette and Tina were last to leave.

Bette: Carmen, you’re going to be put through a lot when she starts chemo. Don’t hesitate to call us for help.

Carmen: Thanks.

Tina: I remember a friend who went through it, she was sick all the time and grumpy. Whatever Shane says during that time, don’t take it to heart. Okay?

Carmen nodded.

Carmen: I’ll try. I’ll go to you guys if anything happens.

The three hugged and Carmen went back to Shane who was still sleeping soundly in bed like an angel.

Carmen: Home at last.