Carmen could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she entered the living room.
No. No way.
Tyler and Tee…they were just standing there, kissing.
Shock and anger and hurt were the only things Carmen could feel right now.
She was aware of someone behind her, touching her shoulder.
"Carmen?" Johnny's voice. It was very vague, but it was there.
Carmen turned and ran from the room. She felt like everything was moving in slow motion. Her feet pounded up then stairs and she could hear Johnny shouting at Tee and Tyler.
Carmen let herself fall onto her bed, and her still-straightened hair fell onto her face and her pillow.
A soft knock at the door made Carmen come back to Earth. Rick was suddenly sitting beside her, a hand on her shoulder, and Johnny was on the other side.
"Carmen…I'm so sorry." Johnny said softly.
"Tyler's an idiot for doing that." Rick agreed.
Carmen nodded slowly before burying her head into her pillow.
After a bit, both boys left. Now all Carmen could feel was numbness.
"Carmen, sweetie, dinner's ready." Gina said softly.
"Not hungry." Carmen mumbled.
"Are you sure babes?" Gina asked worriedly.
"Yes." Carmen said, and then she resumed her position.
"Carmen?" Tyler had entered the room.
"Go away." Carmen said.
"I'm so sorry, but I can explain, please…"
"GET OUT!" Carmen screamed.
Johnny entered the room. "You heard her, you two-timing git. Get out." He said, and Tyler left.
"Do you want to be alone?" Johnny asked.
"…Yeah." Carmen said quietly.
Just before Johnny left, Carmen got up and ran to hug him. He returned it, rubbing her back comfortingly, before she lay down on her bed once more, and he left.
By the next morning, Carmen was better again. Or she was acting like it.
She was wearing a blue t-shirt with a purple jacket, her jeans, and her special aqua trainers.
"Carmen, I'm so sorry." Tee said quietly, but Carmen walked right past both her and Tyler. They'd obviously been making date plans.
Carmen sat down between Johnny and Elektra, and ate her breakfast in silence.
As she got up to leave, Tyler grabbed her arm just before she could go upstairs.
"She kissed me!" he protested.
"You let her." Carmen hissed, before yanking herself free and running upstairs.
Finally, the pain washed over her and she began to sob. Johnny was there instantly, hugging her tightly as she crouched on the floor.
"You deserve better." He said quietly.