“I would love to, momma, but I gotta ask Shane first…” She looked questioningly at Shane, who nodded her agreement, Shane couldn’t hear the conversation, but judging from Carmen’s reaction, she could guess what was being said.

“Okay, baby. You call me right back okay. You know you are my favorite hija, and that no matter what happens, I will love you forever. Yes?

“Yes, momma, I love you too… I will call you right back.”

After Carmen hung up the phone, she turned apprehensively to look at Shane, feeling really uncomfortable because Shane was staring right at her. She took a step back to lean against the wall, as it would help block out the look from Shane. Shane just stood there, waiting for Carmen to say something.

“So…” Carmen shifted her feet, she pressed her arms in between her body and the cool surface, and Shane knew that it was a moment of habit that represents nervousness.

“Dinner… right?” Shane probed softly, not wanting to push Carmen.

“Erm… right.” Carmen smiled at Shane, amused that she was almost psyhic. “How did…”

Shane shrugged, “Yeah well…”

A long pause.

“So…” Carmen started again. “Dinner at my parents, Friday?” She shrugged a little, trying to act nonchalant. But Shane could tell that she was on the verge of breaking down.

“Do you want me to go?”

 “I… I don’t know.” Carmen looked like she was going to start crying again. Shane closed the distance between the two of them… “Hey hey, peach…” She lifted her hands and Carmen walked right into them.

 “I’d like to go. Honestly can’t say I am excited about it, but… I’ll go if you want me to.” Shane said softly, as she rested her cheek on the top of her girlfriend’s bald head.

 “I wanna show you off to my family, get their blessings, I want them to love you, like I love you.” Carmen said with conviction, Shane knew her though, Shane knew there was a ‘but’ somewhere.

 “But…?”

Carmen sighed, now really grateful that Shane knew her so well.

 “But I’m not sure if they would completely embrace you. I don’t wanna torment them… I don’t wanna torment you either.”