Shane fell asleep with Carmen in her arms. Her dreams were plagued by Molly. She massaged the bridge of her nose when the sun hit the windows and shined on her. She opened her eyes dreading the start of the day. Carmen felt Shane stir and opened her eyes too. She touched Shane’s arm. Shane looked down at her apologetically.

Shane: Sorry for waking you.

Carmen: It’s okay, I get to live my dream.

Shane: And what is that?

Carmen:  Waking up with you next to me. Having your arms wrapped around me. Just being with you.

Shane kissed Carmen’s forehead. Carmen could feel how tense Shane was today.

Carmen: Babe, are you feeling okay?

Shane: I don’t think I want to go to interrogation.

Carmen: You don’t have to then.

Carmen kissed Shane’s chin.

Carmen: You can do whatever you want to.

Shane: Do you think I should go?

Carmen: If you want to find the answer.

Shane placed her hand over her face. She was torn. She wanted to know, but was scared shitless by what she might hear. Shane cherished friendship, and the one with Molly, she liked it.

Shane: I don’t know what to do, Carm. I don’t know,

Carmen placed her hand over Shane’s.

Carmen: I’ll be there with you all the way no matter what you chose.

Shane took Carmen’s hand and kissed her hand,  

Shane: Thanks.

They stayed silent for a while longer before Shane got out of bed and washed up. She needed an answer. Carmen was cooking in the kitchen when she came out. Carmen made her a hearty breakfast and kissed her passing each other in the hallway so she could also wash up and get ready to go with Shane. Shane was fidgeting around and playing with her food when Carmen came out wearing a pair of jeans and a plaid dress shirt. The sleeves were rolled up above her elbow. She smiled watching Shane.

Carmen: Babe, food goes in the mouth not around and around on your plate.

Shane snapped up hearing Carmen’s voice, she was lost in her own thoughts.