Carmen: Shane the fast you get done, the more time we can spend together later.

Shane rose as quickly as she could without pulling open her stitches. The nurse and Carmen got Shane on a bed and Helena connected an IV to Shane.

Helena: You’re probably going to lose some hair, get nauseous, get sick, skinny or gain weight. Carmen, anything she says to you, don’t believe her. Like the angry stuff. She’s going to be having mood swings because of her discomfort. Try to bear with it.

Carmen nodded rubbing Shane’s tightly held fists. Half an hour into the session Shane started feeling dizzy and looking a bit green.

Carmen: Babe, you feeling okay?

Instead of answering, she puked over the side of the railing.

Shane: I don’t feel so good.

The nurses rushed in to clean up the mess. They gave her a bucket and for the rest of the session, Shane looked like she was going through hell. Helena took the IV out.

Helena: Do you want to stay here tonight?

Shane shook her head no. Carmen looked worried. Helena placed a hand on Carmen’s shoulder assuring her it was okay.

Helena: She’ll be okay, at most she’ll just need 3 months of chemo so I can be sure everything is out of her.

Carmen: Thank you.

Helena: If you need anything just call.

Carmen helped Shane back into the car and drove home. She put Shane to bed right away and sat next to her baby stroking her hair.

Carmen: My poor Shane.

Shane was holding onto one of her hands and had her head snuggled under Carmen’s neck. She sighed. 3 months. 3 months of suffering for Shane. She couldn’t bear watching Shane look so fragile. The look Shane had in her eyes were saying help me get me away from here. Carmen closed her eyes hoping the images would go away and let her sleep peacefully. Shane was first one up today and she found herself in Carmen’s arms. She felt okay. Bit tired, but still okay. She silently clambered out of bed. Pulling on some clothes, she sneaked out the front door. Bobby and Tidwell were sitting in their squad cars enjoying some donuts and coffee when all of a sudden they jumped seeing Shane’s face plastered on their window.