“I… you were sleeping so well, I didn’t wanna disturb your sleep.”

“Oh.” It’s Shane turn to answer softly, feeling a wee bit guilty for sleeping so soundly.

“Did you bring your pills?” Shane frowned, remembering that in the heat of the moment, Carmen had skipped her dose. “I’m sorry…”

“Why?” Carmen was confused at the sudden apology.

“That I didn’t remember you had to take your pills, and also because I was enjoying myself too much to realize that you didn’t eat the whole day.”

Carmen smiled softly, truly touched at what Shane was saying. “Shane… Don’t… I did take my meds and yes. I brought it with me.”

“Okay.” Shane still felt guilty.

“Shane. Thank you.” Carmen said sincerely.

“You are welcome.” Shane chuckled softly at her lame attempt at lightening the mood. When there was a long pause, Shane could feel something was wrong but she didn’t know what.

“Peach…”

Another long pause.

“Peach?”

“Yeah… I am still here.” Carmen said softly.

“Hmm.” Shane suddenly realize what might have been bothering Carmen. “Have you spoken to your mom?”

“Not yet. But I am going to.” Carmen declared firmly. “You…” She wanted to accuse Shane of not telling her about the talk with her mother, but… Shane did no wrong, did she?

‘That’s what’s been bothering me, isn’t it?’ Carmen asked herself. The fact that Shane was keeping a grave secret from her, about her mother no less, made her really uncomfortable. She had to talk to Shane about this. Right after she finished talking to her mother.

“Baby, what is it? You know you can tell me anything.” The encouragement in Shane’s voice reminded Carmen of how much Shane loved her, and she knew Shane would never hurt her, would protect her from every form of pain.

“Shane. I don’t wanna lie and say nothing is wrong. But… I am not ready to talk to you about it yet. I promise I would when I get home tonight.”

There was another long pause. And all Carmen could hear was Shane’s steady breathing. “Baby?”

“Okay…” Shane said slowly. “But what about the radiation therapy later?” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I could swing by and pick you up.”