Chapter 10

Jenny was sitting on the couch browsing the channels when she passed by the interview with Shane.

Reporter: Do you want to say anything to Carmen?

Shane: I really miss her. Not a day goes by without thinking about her. I’m sorry Molly. I’m trying to move on. It’s just hard. I’m still waiting for her to come back one day.

Jenny’s eyes went wide when she saw Shane’s eyes roll back and her body go limp.

Reporter: Shane McCutcheon has just been sent to UCLA hospital and is being treated right now. No other reports on her condition has leaked out.

Jenny turned off the television before anyone else could hear it. She ran downstairs and grabbed all the magazines and newspapers and hid them in her room. Locking her door she called Bette:

Jenny: Hi, Bette.

Bette: Jenny! Do you know where Carmen is?!

Jenny bit her lip.

Jenny: How’s Shane?

Bette: Not good, her fever won’t go down. She’s been delirious, asking for Carmen. I swear I think she’s going to crack.

Jenny: I see.

Bette: If Carmen contacts you, please tell her Shane needs her.

Jenny: I will.

Bette knew Jenny could reach Carmen. She wouldn’t be surprised if Carmen was with Jenny in New York right that minute. Jenny paced about the room when Cezar called.

Cezar: Has Carmen heard about Shane yet?

Jenny: No, she’s still sleeping.

Cezar: Should we tell her?

Jenny: She’s going to go back to L.A.

Cezar: She’ll be in danger.

Jenny: I’ll go with her.

Cezar: Take care of her.

Jenny: I will.

Cezar: Be careful too Jenny. Take care of yourself.

Jenny: I will.

Jenny sat there thinking about how she would go about showing Carmen what happened to Shane. Magazines? Or the news? Oh heck, she’d just show her both. She grabbed a bunch of magazines and walked towards Carmen’s door. She knocked but there was no answer so she let herself in. Carmen was still asleep. Jenny sad on the side of the bed. She stroked Carmen’s cheek gently.

Jenny: Carmen? Honey, wake up.

Carmen rubbed her eyes. They were red from crying. She had bags under her eyes too.

Carmen: Hey, need me to do something?

Jenny: We’re going back to L.A.

Carmen sat up in bed defensively.

Carmen: Jenny! You know why I can’t go back!

Jenny: Shane… Shane is sick.

Carmen: You’re lying to me.

Jenny placed the magazines in front of Carmen who flipped through them frantically skimming.

I miss her.

Not a day goes by without thinking about her.

Wait for her to come back.

Carmen: It’s just an advertising stunt.

Jenny grabbed the remote control and switched the new on.

Reporter: Shane McCutcheon, detective and model was admitted to UCLA’s hospital today. She collapsed at the end of an interview after talking about Carmen. Her condition is unstable. We’ve been told she has been asking for her. We really hope that if anyone knows the whereabouts of Carmen, to contact her. Shane McCutcheon’s model status has skyrocketed in the last few months. She is Hugo Boss’s model but is also sought after by Dolce&Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Hermes, and more. Shane visited our station a week ago and everyone fell in love with her personality. We hope she gets well soon. We will keep you tuned in for further reports on Shane.

Carmen’s eyes filled with tears.

Carmen: It’s a lie. It’s a lie.

Jenny slapped Carmen across the face.

Jenny: It isn’t a fucking lie Carmen! Shane needs you right now!

Reporter: Do you want to say anything to Carmen?

Shane: I really miss her. Not a day goes by without thinking about her. I’m sorry Molly. I’m trying to move on. It’s just hard. I’m still waiting for her to come back one day.

Carmen watched Shane speak. The piercing green eyes she once loved were now dull and hollow. They were in pain.

Carmen: Let’s go. Fuck Jaffe.