Chapter 9

Fear:
–noun
1. a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.
2. a specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling: an abnormal fear of heights.
3. concern or anxiety; solicitude: a fear for someone’s safety.
4. reverential awe, esp. toward God.

The birds chirped, and Carmen smiled.

At some point, nightlong, they had made it to the bed and now the sheets and blanket and pillows were a crumpled, tangled mess. Carmen rolled on her back, turning fully to Shane. She brushed her collarbone, propped on her elbow and rested her head on her palm, observing her.

“Hey, Angel…”, she whispered.

The corners of Shane’s mouth lifted in a sleepy smile, and she half-opened her eyes.

“Hi…”, she murmured, hoarsely.

“Are you tired?”, Carmen asked, softly, her fingers brushing Shane’s chin.

Shane’s smile widened a little.

“I don’t know. I’m not sure. I guess I am”.

Carmen chuckled, her eyes shining with love.

Shane’s hand made its appearance from the safe shelter of the sheets and caressed Carmen’s long hair. She lifted her head from the pillow and kissed her slowly.

Carmen moaned gently into Shane’s mouth, closing her eyes, breathing in deeply and raking her fingers through her spiky, dark hair.

When Shane pulled back, her lips were slightly parted. Her eyes wandered all over Carmen’s face, in awe.

“…You know, I always asked the dying what they liked best about living…”, she murmured, quietly, “…And wrote it down on my book”.

Carmen ducked her head to a side, her hand still softly placed on Shane’s naked collarbone.

“…And this is it”, Shane said, staring at her, “This is what I like best”.

Carmen smiled.

“You haven’t even started yet…”, she replied, smoothly.

She leaned forward, her lips lingering again on Shane’s. Her hand disappeared under the blanket, stroking Shane’s flat stomach.

“…We have our whole lives together. You and me…”, she pulled back and smirked playfully, “…Mrs. and Mrs. Plate”.

Shane chuckled quietly as Carmen rested her head on her chest and sighed serenely.

”God’s got a plan, he’s making it clear
Sweet little love song in your ear
Like hearts made of diamond, love will prevail
Put a little wind in your sail…”