Carmen turned her head to face her and asked, " But why didn’t you tell me, we could have went to the police ? "

" I thought about that, but then when we would go to the police they would have arrested Coach Long and that would have ended the State Finals. I wouldn’t get my chance to go to Tenesse. That’s why I broke up with you … not because I wanted to … but only to try and protect you the best I could … "

Carmen looked at her lovingly as a silent tear slid down her cheek. She couldn’t resist, she placed both of her hands on the sides Shane’s face, then leaned in and softly kissed Shane on the lips. Carmen pulled away after a few seconds, not wanting it to last to long, for the sake of Shane’s wounds.

" Thank you … for everything … for protecting me … for tolerating my hated behavoir towards you … for running after me … and for saving me … ", Carmen said gratefully then pulled Shane in for another kiss. This one lasted longer, and just before it got to far Shane pulled away and said, " I love you … "

Carmen looked back at her and laughed a little, then replied, " I love you too … ", Shane smiled and kissed Carmen lightly on the forehead.

Both sat in silence, still smiling, knowing that they’d just confessed their feelings they had for each other since day one.

Then Shane reached over on the hospital end table next to her bed and picked up her GMT watch that Carmen had given back to her when they broke up.

" Carmen, will you be my girlfriend … again ? ", Shane asked hopefully

Carmen smiled even bigger and then kissed Shane deeply, " Of course ; i love you so much "

Shane pulled away and began tieing the watch back on her wrist. And then she said, " I can’t wait until I get out of this damn hosptial, so I can give you more then this watch "

Carmen placed a hand gingerly on her stomach, stopping her actions and minding her cut, " Baby, I don’t want anymore then this watch … " Carmen explained