Shane: Fuck you Jaffe, fuck you.

Carmen began to feel dejected from Shane. Now she knew what everyone was talking about. Shane didn’t say anything mean to her, but she was just cold. Shane was sniffling most of the time, probably from an oncoming cold. The only time Shane let Carmen hold her was when it was nighttime. Shane had suddenly acquired a fear for the dark for no apparent reason. Carmen did everything she could to make sure Shane was comfortable. After a month into chemo therapy, Shane had lost a lot of weight. She was snapping at everything.

Bette: Carmen, why don’t you take a break. We’ll all take care of Shane for a bit.

Carmen: No it’s okay. I can do it.

Tina: Carmen, we can see how tired you are, just let us help. I know Shane can be a handful when she’s sick. Especially since she’s so moody.

Carmen nodded.

Carmen: I’ll go to the store and buy some things.

Bette: Go to the Planet, have yourself a nice afternoon.

Carmen: Are you guys sure?

Tina: We’re sure. We’ll keep her company. Alice and Dana might want to come too.

Carmen: Okay. Thanks a bunch guys.

Carmen drove to the Planet and sat in a corner. Kit wasn’t there that day either. She was on a date with some guy. She sat there with her coffee until she felt someone tap her shoulders.

Sofie: What’s a pretty girl like you doing here all alone?

Carmen: Oh, I’m just out relaxing for a bit.

Sofie: can I sit with you?

Carmen: Yeah, feel free to.

Carmen smiled at the girl. She had bright brown eyes just like hers, and shoulder length straight hair like Shane’s. They talked and talked for the whole afternoon. Carmen loved chatting with her. The way she moved the way she talked. She was captivated. Finding a friend on a bad day like this was great. She needed an emotional lift.

Sofie: It’s getting late, sorry I took up so much of your time.

Carmen: No, it’s my fault.

Sofie: Here’s my number, give me a call when you’re free. We can go hang out or something.

Carmen: Ok.

Carmen went home to Shane who was being bugged my Alice. Dana, Bette and Tina say around her on the bed all just chatting.

Shane: Hey, Carm.

Carmen gave her a dazzling smile. Her little afternoon chat made her super happy to see Shane. It wasn’t because she liked Sofie or anything. She was just happy to have made such a nice friend and to have so much in common with her. Carmen wrapped her arms around Shane giving her a small squeeze.

Carmen: I missed you babe.

Shane: Sorry for being an ass.

Carmen: I know you don’t mean it.

Alice: We smacked some sense into her for you Carmen.

Carmen: Awe, thank you guys.

Bette: Well since you’re home, we’ll just get going.

Carmen: You guys don’t want to stay for dinner?

Tina: No, we’re good. Go back to taking care of her.

Carmen waved at them and closed the door. She returned to their room and sat down on the bed next to Shane.

Shane: So, how was your day?

Carmen: Great, I met someone new.

Shane: New? Tired of me?

Carmen laughed. Cupping Shane’s cheek on either side, she turned the naïve face towards hers and kissed her lips.

Carmen: Never. I just thought you two looked alike and on top of that I think you’d like to meet her too. She’s a great person.

Shane pulled away.

Shane: Yeah, maybe some other time.

She lay down and pulled the covers up to her neck pouting. She could feel Carmen get up to go make dinner. Carmen was extremely happy humming through the house. Shane was jealous of this person, she wanted to make Carmen happy like that.