Shane could hear pots and pans banging around in the kitchen from where she stood in the bedroom closet. Looks like this morning is off to a rocky start she thought. It had been like this for the last 3 weeks. Since Ms. Morales left the apartment, Carmen claimed she was okay though Shane had noticed her mood would be up one day, and down the next. She was so easily angered, yet she was always quick to apologize to Shane for any hurtful things she said or did.

Shane knew that the decision had not been easy. Having to choose between your family and the woman you claimed to love was an impossible task. And it honored her that Carmen chose to stay. Yet, it tore her up inside to think she was the cause of Carmen being cut off from her mother and family. For days afterwards, Carmen would try in vain to reach her mother. Each time she was met with the same reaction – the answering machine or one of her siblings telling her that her mother didn’t have anything to say to her.

Shane thought back to the previous week. Carmen was in such a good mood, temporarily forgetting about the problems with her mother. Three nights ago, the two along with the rest of their friends met up for a night of bowling. Shane didn’t play for long, especially after bowling so many gutter balls, but Alice of course reminded her that she was not what she used to be. "Old strike ‘em out Shane must have flown south for the winter" Alice had joked halfway through their game. Of course, Shane took it all in stride and vowed to Alice that one day she would be back to top form. Carmen had such a good time, enjoying the "date time" as she now referred to their plans together.

Shane had surprised Carmen last night with a picnic basket and blanket, instructing her to the park nearby. Once they were there, Shane laid the blanket out, and spread out the small feast that she had prepared while Carmen was gone to an afternoon dj’ing gig. Tuna sandwiches, potato chips, and some individual fruit punch drinks were served. They even took turns feeding each other the grapes and cut up cantaloupe that Shane brought along. She was determined to show Carmen a good time – that they didn’t have to go out or spend lots of money in order to enjoy each other’s company. Besides, Shane knew the Latina liked the simplicity of such a date because to her, there was more thought put into this than a night on the town.