“I can’t. I wouldn’t be good company, it would be unfair for the other guests too.” Carmen was giving excuses, truth was, she didn’t want to face the outside world and having to answer question after question of concern. She didn’t want others to treat her like an invalid, and she didn’t need strangers to come up to her to voice their support.

“Nonsense! Look Carmen, it would only be the few of us. We hadn’t seen you for a while, and we hadn’t seen Shane for as long. I am sure she would love to have family night. At least do it for her.” Tina patted Carmen’s shoulder.

Before Carmen could answer. Mercedes butted in.

“Oh so you know this Shane?”

Bette and Tina gave each other a look, and then looked at Carmen. Carmen just shrugged her shoulders and said nothing.

Anna, setting herself back down on the bed, came to Carmen’s rescue as she handed the toddler back to Carmen.

“Our momma has this theory that Shane is an imaginary friend that Carmen made up.” Bette and Tina chuckled uncomfortably, by the look of things, they had guessed that Shane hadn’t gotten around meeting Carmen’s family.

“Now we know Carmen is not making her boyfriend up.” Anna added.

—————————-

“Al. This sucks, I hope Bette and Tina don’t blow anything up.” Shane moaned.

“You have double trouble. Literally. First they don’t know you haven’t met her parents. Then they also don’t know that Carmen is not outted to her family.”

Shane shot Alice a ‘duh’ look. “Alice. You are not helping.”

“Hey, just voicing the worst scenario, could be fine for all we know.” Alice shrugged.

“What should I do.” Shane moaned again as she sat her face down onto the table. Trust Bette and Tina to choose such an appropriate timing. Usually, they would call in advance if they were coming. Why in the world did they decide an impromptu visit today, Shane couldn’t understand.

“Seriously, I think you should get on over there, Shane. Everything might go out of control. And Carmen would need you there.” Alice stated softly.