“If I am so inclined. Well that’s very elegant….yeah. I’d love to get a drink…..sure.”

“Really? Great!”

She took a pen out of her pricy hand bag and wrote her address and phone number on my arm. She kissed my cheek and went on her way.

Carmen.

 I was suddenly thinking about Carmen. I was thinking about all the things we did together. The fun we had. I was hoping she found what she was looking for, some kind of redemption. I was thinking something weird. I was thinking maybe I found mine. An angel sent down from the heavens to guide me and forgive my past crimes. I was thinking about calling her and I did.

Chapter 3

“So all this time, you have been labouring stuck in the past. That’s why I don’t meet your family?”

“Yes.”

“You and Carmen where sweethearts in this violent world. It all makes sense. I understand. Its not you anymore, yet its all you. I understand. Shane all I ever wanted was to understand.”

We where closer after that. It was only natural. I clung to her, went everywhere she did. Photo shoots, movie premieres, it was great. It lasted a week. I cracked and went back home to the old block. And there everyone was, right where I left them. And there she was, on her mom’s porch maybe waiting for me the whole time.

“Hey?”

“Took you long enough.”

“Sorry I was up the coast with Trish.”

“I like her, she is really nice.”

“Yes, she’s great, and funny, you wouldn’t think funny but she is.”

“Look at you, you’re in love. Didn’t think that was possible.”

“Carm…”

“No its great, I am glad you are happy. You deserve to be happy.”

“Carmen….I don’t see you for years and now…..can I come in?”

“You never asked before.”

“Can I?”

“Sure, pull up a crate.”

“……..How’s Manny?”

“You know good, they turned down his parole.”

“Because he won’t talk?”

“Yeah and he incited a riot, you know Manny.”