3 Doors Down – The Road I’m On
_____________________________

"I know you feel helpless now and I know you feel, hold on
That’s the same road, the same road that I’m on"

Philadelphia.  It’s the morning after and everyone’s had their rest.  Now it’s time to go home and this time, it’s near nonstop.  Everyone begins leaving their hotel rooms and heading for the bus.  There’s a mass grogginess among many of the 43 people along for the ride, one of which is Carmen.  For Carmen however, there’s a lot on her mind and there’s one person she must talk to before her conscience implodes.  Carmen lightly tugs at her sleeve as she finds her in the lobby with most everyone else.

Carmen: Helena?

Helena: Yes?

Carmen: Can I talk to you for a minute?

Helena looks over at Tonya.

Tonya: I’ll wait for ya on the bus, go ahead.

Tonya’s smile is reassuring.  Shane’s already about to board with Alice, Lara, Bette, Tina, little Angelica, Kit and Angus.  Carmen and Helena walk away from the rest of the group.

Carmen: ….Tell me what you heard…

Helena: Excuse me?

Carmen: In the bathroom the other night.

Helena’s tried not to think about the conversation she overheard that night.  But now she’s being forced to address it.

Helena: Look….Carmen…this isn’t any of my business.  I think…I think if what I heard is correct…then…you were right to apologize…and Lara was commendable for accepting and still wanting to be your friend.  Other than that….I really don’t want to get involved in this.

Carmen: Am I sick?

Carmen looks down.

Helena: I think you’re confused and dealing with a lot of issues right now.  And I agree that you do need your friends right now.

Helena places her right hand on Carmen’s left shoulder.

Helena: But right now, we’ve got to board before we’re left behind.

Carmen nods, still looking down.

Helena: Look at me, Carmen.  Please.

Carmen looks up.

Helena: We are here for you and for Shane.  If you make a mistake, we’re not going to turn our backs on you.  At least, not me.

Carmen: …Thanks.

There’s a pause for a second before Carmen asks the question.

Carmen: Should I tell Shane?

Helena: Frankly, that’s not up to me.  Admittedly, I wouldn’t know what to do in your position, either right now.  But I do know we need to board.