Carmen: I can’t believe it.

Alice: Well believe it because we’re leaving.

Everyone got up to go because Shane had slipped in the door. She had gotten a haircut and was sporting the new summer clothes from her ad.

Carmen: Where are you guys…

Her mouth was open as she watched Shane make her way over. The gang all pats her on the back. She still looked skinny, but didn’t look super pale anymore. Shane took off her pair of dark sunglasses.

Shane: Can I sit?

Carmen nodded. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Shane was here with her talking to her. She put her sunglasses on the table. Carmen could see the dark circles under her eyes.

Carmen: You haven’t been sleeping well?

Shane: Yea, it’s hard for me to sleep.

There was an awkward silence between them. Shane fiddled her fingers. They started to say something at the same time.

Shane: You go first.

Carmen: I’m sorry about what happened between Sofie and me. I really didn’t think of her like that.

Shane: I know, I’m sorry I blamed you for it.

They stared into each other’s eyes. Carmen missed staring into the relaxing green that made her heart jump everything it curved into a smile. Shane leaned forward and reached out and cupped Carmen’s cheek.

Shane: You look tired.

Carmen pressed her cheek into Shane’s warm hand.

Carmen: I missed you.

Shane pulled back. Carmen looked at her confused. Shane saw the magazine in front of Carmen.

Shane: Do you forgive me?

Carmen: There was nothing to forgive in the first place.

Shane cracked a smile. Standing up she closed the space between them. Carmen looked up at her and saw Shane bending down towards her. A hand on her chin to tilt her upwards, Shane kissed Carmen. She didn’t know it would’ve been this easy. She didn’t know Carmen was going to forgive her so easily. Carmen didn’t expect so much adoration from Shane. It had been quite a while since Shane had been so gentle to her. They both were just happy. After Shane’s treatment was over, it was just a week without it and she became happy and cheerful again. Though she sometimes still had some aches, she was clear minded and desperately in love again with the beautiful Latina. Helena had told her how horrible she had been to Carmen and she felt really bad. She was scared to talk to her thinking Carmen might be angry with her. She was so relieved. The weight on her heart from guilt now turned to happiness and lust.