Shane had dozed off due to fatigue. Cherrie Jaffie opened the door to tell Shane dinner was ready.

Cherrie: Shane?

The lights were off and she glided in. She sat next to Shane and brushed the loose strands of hair from her face. She looked adorable. Cherrie leaned over and kissed Shane.

Shane: Carmen…

Cherrie moved back. Carmen? Shane woke up and rubbed her eyes. She jumped seeing Cherrie there.

Shane: Do you need anything, miss?

Cherrie got up and smiled at Shane’s cute little movements.

Cherrie: Dinner is ready that’s all. I’ll wait for you in the kitchen.

Shane nodded pulling on her blazer and made her way to the kitchen. Cherrie had made a lavish dinner. There was lobster, pasta, salad, fruit salad, and garlic bread. Shane sat down across the table from Cherrie. Cherrie got up to get the wine. Shane got up too, but winced feeling the pain in her chest. She hadn’t noticed it there before probably because Carmen had kept her mind off of it.

Cherrie: I can do it, just sit and rest.

Shane: I’m okay. I can do it.

Cherrie: Sit Shane, sit.

Shane obeyed. She belonged to her, for now. Cherrie Jaffie talked throughout dinner with Shane giving her one word answers here and there. Shane poked at her food not having much of an apetite. Shane helped wash the dishes after dinner then retired to bed. Carmen had left her a message on her phone.

Carmen: Shane, good night. I miss you. I really wish you were here tonight with me. It’s so cold without you. Sleep well and come back to me soon.

Shane closed her eyes. Tears stung her eyes. She missed the fruity smell Carmen had. She hated telling Carmen these lies. The throbbing on her chest increased. Shane couldn’t sleep, so she opened the window and sat there waiting for the sun to rise. At least by looking up at the night sky, she was closer to Carmen. She could be like the stars and the moon looking over the sleeping beauty.

Shane’s days were spent mostly eating, sleeping, and listening to messages Carmen left her.

Carmen: When are you coming back? I miss you so much you don’t even know.