“No, I’m just like…”

“Please!  You are not like him!  Forget about what he said.  He’s just a parasite that thinks that the best way to justify his actions is by blaming his genes.  Shane…”she takes Shane’s face with both hands “… It was enough for me to just look into your eyes to realize the great loving and caring person you are.  You have a great heart in there.  You are the kind of person who would sacrifice anything because of the people you care about, right?”

Shane nods slowly.

“That honey, that’s what makes you different from me and your father… Don’t let your fears defeat you like they did to me.  Don’t stop a possible tomorrow… Just fight, fight for your love, and fight ‘til there’s no more air in your lungs… The only person to walk away is her.  That’s the only obstacle you’ll have.  If she wants you out of her life even after everything is said and done.  That’s it; but at least, you’ve tried and you’ll know for sure that you had your chance… Nothing is over ‘til she says so.”

************

Shane let her body fall completely on the bed, and she puts her arm over her forehead.

* … Nothing is over till she says so.* those words roamed in her mind ‘til she fell asleep.

The next morning she doesn’t know exactly how she ended up there, but she’s right in front Carmen’s house door.  She decides that there’s no time to waste or think and knocks.  The door is opened by Nicole.  Shane can’t help the jealousy running through her veins as she watches the woman who has Carmen by her side.  She tries to control the jealousy that is threatening to make itself known, and she speaks carefully.

“Excuse me… I want to talk to Carmen please… I’m…”

“Shane.” Nicole calmly completes the sentence.

Shane is surprised that the woman knows her.  Nicole looks at her from head to toe, and instead of anger or hate, Shane can see pity in the woman’s eyes.

“She’s in the park right across the street with the baby.” Nicole states coldly and closes the door.

Shane doesn’t know what to make of her attitude, but again there’s no time to waste.  She needs to talk to Carmen, now.