” Hey, KIt ” Carmen said cheerfully

Kit looked up quickly to see a bright smile on Carmen’s face. ” Oh, hey girl. What’s new? ” Kit asked while she finished the table.

” Not much, just passing through. ” Carmen said tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear.

” Oh yeah? Well, the other night you disappeared. I didn’t get to ask you if you could spin tonight. Jobs still open but if it’s too short notice it’s coo….”

carmen cut her off “Yeah of course I’ll do it, Kit” Carmen realized she was smiling like an idiot and tried to stop.

” That’s great, sweetie. Thank you. ” Kit stared at Carmen for a minute. ” Are you okay girl? “

” Huh? ” Carmen stopped smiling thinking something was wrong.

” Well, you look like you just found your lost puppy. ” Kit laughs

” Oh. ” Carmen looks down at her hands ” No. No, nothing like that, well sorta. I mean you know I’ve just had a great week that’s all. ” She explains

” Oh alright, well good for you. ” They stand there in silence staring at each other.

” Well then, what time should I set up? ” Carmen asked finally breaking the silence.

” Um. How about 6 o’clock, if that’s good for you “

” Sounds good, i’ll be back at 6 then. ” Carmen smiled and turned to leave.

” Okay, bye girl. “

” Later boss. ” Carmen waved over her shoulder.

———————————-

Carmen drove down her street, she could see Cris’ car parked by the curb. She smiled but it quickly faded when she saw her mother’s van in the driveway.

Her mother had left it at the airport. She was back early.

———————————–

45 minutes previous…..

Cris pulled up in front of Carmen’s house. She noticed the van in the driveway and couldn’t remember if it had been there yesturday. She shrugged it off and turned off the engine. She walked up to the door, she could hear splashing in the back and young kids yelling at each other. Not angrily, but the way kids do when they are trying to get your attention. She knocked on the door. A moment later an older women answered the door, her hair was longer than she’d remembered and she was wearing glasses. Mercedes pushed open the screen and smiled at the site.