Im sorry, Shane said, realizing that she didnt know anything about Carmens past. She had never asked the other girl anything about herself, and much like Shane herself Carmen had never offered.

Im not. Everyday that it felt like I would die, got me to today, Carmen said. Shane, I like being with you, I like talking with you, I like kissing you, and I like making you smile. Im not asking you to marry me, *****, Im not even asking you to be exclusive.

Then what are you asking me for, Shane cut in.

Carmen shook her head a knowing look on her face and leveled Shane with her gaze. Im asking you to understand that maybe this is new for me too and have a heart about it.

Shane looked down at Carmens hand covering her own. She was so honest, so real. She deserved more than Shane. She deserved more than the things Shane could never tell her. More than her past. She deserved to be treated like a queen by someone who didnt have a sordid past spent running and giving hand jobs for ten bucks so she could afford food. The look she gave Carmen held all the sadness in her being. What if I dont have feelings anymore? What if I dont have a heart?

Carmen just shook her head, leaned across the table and kissed Shanes lips. The kiss was so tender and soft that their lips were barley touching. They stayed that way trying to pass emotion through their mouths without words, neither moving to deepen it. When Carmen broke the kiss, Shane was breathless. Carmen took Shanes face in both of her hands and looked her straight in the eyes. You have a heart, mi amor. Perhaps its just not me you need to share it with.

Carmen gave Shane one more sad smile, took her beer and left the table.

*****. *****, Shane said as she grabbed the lone bottle in front of her. She gripped the neck, trying to get the pain in her stomach to subside. She watched as Carmen made her way to the door. It was for the best. It was the way it had to be. Carmen was to good for her. When Carmen reached the door, Shane caught a glimpse of her face, the strobe lights glistening off the fresh tears that had fallen from the girls eyes. *****.