After 30 minutes Carmen still hadn’t returned to their bedroom. Shane tried to fall asleep and give Carmen the time and space she obviously needed, but her worries kept her awake. ‘Fuck it,’ she sighed and she got out of bed. She picked up a sweater from the floor and made her way to the backyard. Carmen was still sitting on top of the steps on the porch, staring at nothing in particular, an ashtray with an unfinished cigarette sitting next to her. Not wanting to scare Carmen, Shane cleared her throat. Carmen quickly turned her head to Shane but a small, warm smile played across her lips when she saw Shane standing behind her.
‘Hey,’ she said.
‘Hey,’ Shane waved with the sweater in her hand, ‘I thought you might need this.’
‘Yeah, it’s cold outside,’ Carmen replied softly. Shane went to sit next to her and draped the sweater over Carmen’s shoulders. Carmen sighed and rested her cheek against Shane’s shoulder.
‘Y’know, you can also come back to bed and warm up there.’
‘I know,’ Carmen said, giggling softly. She stilled and bit her bottom lip. ‘I’m scared Shane.’
‘I know you are. It’s okay Carm, it’s normal.’
‘I just don’t know what to do.’
Shane wrapped her arms around Carmen and pulled her close. ‘I think you should talk to Julian.’
‘Yeah.. I think you’re right.’
‘And I also think you should come back to bed with me and get some sleep,’ Shane said. She stood up and offered Carmen a hand getting up. Carmen was too tired to protest when Shane guided her back to the bedroom and took her robe off for her. She slid between the warm covers and gratefully cuddled close to Shane.
‘What if I’ll lose them Shane?’
‘You won’t.’
‘You think?’ she asked, her voice filled with fear, and she rested her head in the crook of Shane’s shoulder.
‘Yes, and if they’re really giving up on such a beautiful, amazing daughter and sister like you then they’re just stupid.’
‘I don’t know Shane.. I’m really scared.’
‘We’re in this together Carmen,’ Shane said quietly as she ran her fingers through Carmen’s dark hair, moving it out of her face. She pressed a tender kiss to Carmen’s forehead. ‘Remember what I said? You’re not losing me. Don’t be afraid, I’m not gonna run, I’m here for you.’
Carmen sighed and closed her eyes, her grip on Shane’s wrist tightening for a moment, ‘I really love you.’
‘I love you too. Now just sleep..’

TBC… please leave comments! :)