The next two days Shane and Carmen didn’t spend a moment away from one another. Shane had taken both days off to make sure Carmen was okay. Sam really had done a number to her. Not as much mentally as she did physically. The side of Carmen’s face was swollen, and her left eye was black and blue. Carmen tried to tell Shane numerous times that she was okay, there was no need to take time off of work. But Shane wouldn’t have it. She needed to be with Carmen.

Shane-“ Carm I promise I want to be here and make sure everything is okay. Plus you don’t hear me complaining about the fact that I get some extra time with you. Do you?

Carmen-“No, I just feel bad. You should really be at work.”

Shane-“ Babe, there is no need to feel bad.”

There was a very long pause between the two of them where they just stared.

Shane-“ Plus you might have to do the same for me very soon.”

Carmen’s confusion was written all over her face.

Shane-“Once you mother gets her hands on me…”

Carmen was laughing hysterically. Even though she knew that this would be no laughing matter. It would take a lot of convincing to get her mother to understand why she took Shane back. And a lot more to get her to accept it.

Carmen-“im sorry babe, I didn’t mean to laugh. I just don’t know what to tell you. Other than.” Starting to giggle again. “you might be right.”

Rolling her eyes

Shane-“I think I should talk to her and explain.”

This causes Carmen to stop laughing and look at Shane with a very serious expression.

Carmen-“Are you sure?”

Shane-“ That I need to talk to her?  Yes, I am sure of that. I may not be as sure if I really want to, but I know I need to.”

Carmen-“ do you want me to call her?”

Shane-“ you might want to do that now, before I come back to my senses.”

Carmen smiles at Shane, then gives her a reassuring kiss to try to calm her nerves.

Carmen picks up her phone and dials her mother’s number. Her own nerves almost took her over.