“No,” Carmen shook her head. “You can stay if you want.”

“Carmen.”

“I’m in the kitchen,” Shane walked past Shay watching TV in the living room. She walked into the kitchen and walked over to Carmen. She kissed her softly and turned around.

“Hey Pops—,” Eva rolled her eyes.

“It’s Papi, but call me Eva: that’s my real name.” Shane nodded.

“Eva,” she looked at Carmen. “Did you feed Shay?”

“Yeah Shane,” Carmen sighed. “You really need to bond with him.”

“I know, but I’m really busy with WAX.”

“But nothing—he is your brother, and he needs you just like you need him.” Carmen looked away and then looked at Shane. “Besides, he asked me a very personal question today.”

“What will that be?”

“If you and I were gay?”

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him that it wasn’t my place to tell him. That it was your place.” Shane sighed and moved away from Carmen. She wiped her mouth and put her hands on her waist. “You need to talk to him Shane because it’s not my place to babysit him for you.”

“I know that Carmen, but I’m the only one in the house who has an actual job.”

Eva got up from her chair. “I think it’s time for me to go.”

“No,” Carmen shook her head. “I want you to stay Eva.” She took a step towards Shane. “What is your deal? I just want you to be responsible for that damn kid. He’s not my problem. He didn’t get dropped at MY door step; he got dropped off at YOURS. You need to be a sister to me and be there for him when he needs you because like I said—it’s not MY place.” Shane dropped her head, and Carmen crossed her arms. “Don’t abandon him like his mother and your father did.”

“I’m trying my best all right—that’s all I can do.” Shane looked at Carmen. Carmen touched Shane’s arm as Eva looked on between the both of them.

“Well—do your best, that’s all I ask.” Shane smiled softly and kissed Carmen on the cheek. She walked away and out into the living room. Shane raked her fingers through her hair as she took a seat on the couch. She looked at Shay and smiled.