The second time I write a George Lopez fanfic. I had the idea since late March to early April, but had no real motivation until I got down to typing it over the weekend.

I centered it around Carmen reuniting with Toby again. I thought that the character deserved a revival, plus, I kind of liked the friendship between her and Carmen. Nailing down Carmen and Toby's ages was a hellish task.

I apologize if I got a few things wrong, specifically on locations. I don't travel after all, and I've been to California one time. I only know from what I've seen on TV and movies.

Also, this fic takes place in 2019.

Carmen checked her cellphone. Almost noon. Putting it back in her purse, she sighed lowly and waited. She told her where to meet her on the phone. Maybe she was running late. She moved a strand of brown hair from her face. The sun was out and the day was young. Peeking over her shoulder, she looked into the window of the shop, her attention caught by the extravagant evening gown on display. It was an elaborate design with a trumpet skirt the color of plum purple.

A tap on the shoulder brought her away from the dress and face-to-face with a green-eyed woman with strawberry blond hair.

"Carmen."

"Toby," said Carmen. She flung her arms around her friend, who returned the hug.

"How are you?," asked Carmen, pulling away. "You look great."

Toby was a little thinner than Carmen remembered. Although she still had a bit of pudginess, she had that type of body that wasn't overweight but not skinny either. She wore a paisley dress that accented her frame. It made her hips look smaller. She wore black ballet flats, a gold bracelet and a matching necklace. She no longer had her glasses. Did she get contacts? Her strawberry blond hair cascaded to her shoulders; it looked like it'd been curled. Carmen liked it.

"I'm great," said Toby. "How have you been?"

"Good," replied Carmen. She pointed at Toby's eyes. "No glasses."

"Yes!," cheeped Toby. "I got laser eye surgery."

"That's awesome."

She and Toby crossed the street. From there the conversation continued.

"How was college in Vermont?," asked Toby.

"It was great," said Carmen, "I loved Vermont. The autumns there are wonderful."

They turned a corner and crossed the street.

"Come on," said Carmen.

The two headed for the restaurant, BOA Steakhouse. With Carmen leading the way, Toby followed her to the podium where the blond waiter was standing.

"Hi," said Carmen, "we have a reservation: Lopez."

The waiter checked his book. "Ah, here you are," he said, "Lopez." He stepped off the podium, menus in hand. "Right this way."

The waiter led them into the gold glow that was the grand dining area. The table was set well in the middle. After being seated, the waiter handed them their menus.

"Could you give us a minute?," asked Carmen before the man could tell them the appetizers.

"Of course," said the waiter.

Once the man was out of sight, Carmen turned to look at Toby.

"So, what have you been doing?," queried Carmen.

"I've been alright," said Toby, looking up from her menu. "I studied to be a life coach."

"That's great, Toby," said Carmen. "I studied poetry."

"Oh, that sounds great." Toby smiled.

"I got a book published," quoth Carmen. "Pocket of Hearts."

"I hope to read it soon," replied Toby.

The waiter returned. Carmen and Toby hadn't even looked at their menus, and both women skimmed through them as he stood before their table.

"I'll have the Lblt Sandwich," said Carmen, "with a side of green beans."

"And," spoke Toby, "I'll have the Cobb salad."

"Excellent," said the waiter, writing down their orders. "Anything to drink?"

"Iced tea, please," replied Carmen.

"Same for me," said Toby.

As their orders were taken, the waiter took their menus. Minutes later, he returned with their drinks.

"How's your family?," asked Toby.

"Fine," retorted Carmen, "Mom's still doing the wedding planning business."

"Good for her," said Toby.

"She's become a success," added Carmen. "Dad runs the factory now." She took a sip of iced tea.

"That's great," said Toby. "What about your brother?"

"Max works as a computer repair technician," replied Carmen.

"Really?," said Toby. She took a gulp of iced tea.

"Also—" said Carmen, but was cut short by the waiter who walked up to them with their orders.

"Here are your orders," he said, placing one plate in front of Carmen, "here is your Lblt sandwich."

"Thank you," said Carmen, smiling.

"And your Cobb salad," said the blond man, putting the plate in front of Toby. "Enjoy." He strode away.

"So," said Toby, taking a mouthful of salad, "what were you going to say?"

"I was going to say that my grandma got married," replied Carmen.

"She did?" Toby sounded incredulous. It wasn't that Toby didn't believe it, but it had been years since she last saw Carmen's grandmother Benny. Hearing that she got married never crossed her mind. "When?"

"About twelve years ago," answered Carmen, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "Yeah, she got married to this guy, Wayne; he was an old flame of my grandma. Yeah, so, they got married a year after being together."

"And she hasn't gotten divorced?," retorted Toby.

Carmen, registering the joke, let out a light chuckle.

"Though," she said, "she was going to marry someone else before Wayne. His name was Randy. He was younger than my grandma. They would've married if Randy's ex didn't come back into his life."

"Wow," uttered Toby. She took a drink of tea. "And did they ever get back together?"

"They almost did," replied Carmen, "but it didn't work out. Said that Randy bored her."

Toby shrugged and she took a bite of her salad.

"What about you?," inquired Carmen. "Anyone in your life?"

"I've had about three boyfriends," replied Toby. "The last one didn't work out. He kept trying to change me into something I'm not." She drank a sip of iced tea.

"That's too bad," said Carmen. She bit into her sandwich.

"Yeah," said Toby, nodding, "it was for the best though." She ate a forkful of salad. "So," she said, "is there anyone in your life?"

Carmen smiled cheekily. "Well," she said, "there is."

Toby chuckled. "What's his name?"

"His name's Luther," said Carmen, smile spreading across her face. "Luther Saunders."

"What's he like?" Toby raised her brows.

"He's 6'3," remarked Carmen, "sand brown hair, amber eyes. He's a chemist."

"A chemist?," chirped Toby. "Wow. That's interesting."

"Yeah. It took my dad a while to get used to him."

"Oh yeah?," remarked Toby, raising a brow. "How'd he take it when you brought him home?"

"The usual way all dads act when their daughter brings home a guy," responded Carmen. "He and Mom did the same thing they did to Jason when I brought him home. Interviewed him, asked him what his intentions are." She bit into her sandwich. "I know he means well, but it was like I was back in high school again."

"I can imagine," said Toby after a sip of iced tea.

"Yup, well," said Carmen, "at least Grandpa Vic liked him."

"Oh really?," remarked Toby. It was evident on her face that she didn't know or remember who he was.

"Yeah," piped Carmen, picking at her green beans, "he moved here after he and Grandma separated. You didn't know him; he moved in after you moved away."

"Ah."

"I liked Grandma Emelina," retorted Carmen, after a bite of her sandwich. "She was nice. I remember when she and grandpa would come over for the holidays." Her expression became nostalgic. "Then she died," she said, her tone becoming despondent. "She had a heart attack."

"Oh my god," uttered Toby, "I'm so sorry."

"What's sadder was that I was in Vermont at the time," said Carmen, "I didn't even get to go to the funeral. I was in the middle of midterms that day."

"Gosh."

Carmen took a sip of iced tea. "On winter break," she said, "I flew back home, and I went to see grandma's grave alone. I brought her a small bouquet. I stood there. Didn't say anything. Just stood there waiting for something to happen." She bit another mouthful of her sandwich. "I had nothing to say to her," she continued, "I mean, I know how much she hurt grandpa, but dying just before she and grandpa were going to get back together was a shock to all of us."

"Well, I'm sorry about that, Carmen," said Toby, trying to sound soothing.

Carmen smiled ruefully, then it turned into a scowl.

An hour passed in silence. The two women ate their lunch, neither thought about what to say. It was better to remain silent after Carmen dumped all that on Toby. Especially since she hadn't seen Toby in a long time. So much for trying to liven things up.

Carmen spotted the waiter.

"Check, please," she said, raising her hand.

The blond man came up to them and took their plates. Carmen and Toby stood up and walked up to the podium, assuring Toby that she was paying for their food. Their waiter went up to the podium before they did, after the transaction was made, Toby followed Carmen outside and into the streets, realizing they were going back the way they came.

"It's good to have you back, Toby," proclaimed Carmen.

"It really is," said Toby. She looked up skyward, looking at nothing specifically. "I really missed it here." She faced Carmen. "And I missed you."

"So do I," said Carmen. "Did I tell you about my cousin Veronica?"

"I remember you telling me over the phone a few years back," said Toby, brow furrowing. She was really taxing her mind to remember exactly who that was.

"Well," began Carmen, "she came to live with us after her mom died." She smiled gently. "I thought she was so cool. She was rich, she got to shop in other countries. She went to Milan."

"Aw, that sounds great," said Toby. "Did she tell you what it was like?"

"Yeah, said that she saw the Duomo di Milano. She didn't bring any pictures; I guess all that was left behind in her old house."

Toby nodded understandingly.

"I wish I could go," said Toby.

"Maybe one day you will," remarked Carmen. "And maybe I get to come with."

"I'd like that." Toby smiled.

"Anyways," said Carmen, "about my cousin Veronica, she became a fashion designer. She opened two shops. One in LA and one in New York."

"Wow," uttered Toby, raising her eyebrows in impression. "She's done great for herself."

"Definitely," replied Carmen. "The best part of being cousins with her is that I get designer clothes long before they're released in stores."

"Awesome," commented Toby.

"Maybe I can talk Veronica into sending you clothes, too," suggested Carmen.

"I would love that."

"Wanna go to Santa Monica Pier?," queried Carmen.

"Yeah," replied Toby, "I haven't been there in years."

"It's good to be back home," said Carmen.

"It sure is."

Carmen and Toby walked past the spot they met and stopped on front of a navy blue car parked three stores down. Carmen pulled her keys out of her purse.

"This is your car?," asked Toby impressively.

"Sure is," retorted Carmen, opening the door. Toby got into the passenger seat. Putting her seat belt on, she put the key in the ignition, put the car in drive and checked her side mirror for any oncoming car.

"Can't wait to hear what else happened while I was away," said Toby.

"I have plenty to tell," said Carmen as she pulled out of the parking space. Keeping her eyes on the road, she drove straight for the upcoming traffic light. It changed to red in an instant, prompting her to wait. A few seconds later the light turned green and she drove off, ready to enjoy the rest of her day with her lifelong friend.

The sun peaked through the horizon, as if saying goodbye to the California beach.

Before leaving, the sun gave a gift of pure peace and serenity. This heavenly sight held people's eyes prisoner to the brilliant, rich colors, painting the sky red, orange and gold with tints of pink and purple and little bit of pale blue.

Carmen held a pink fish plushy as she walked through the parking lot with Toby trailing beside her. She took out her keys, opened the car and stepped into the driver's seat. Tossing her fish plushy into the backseat, she put the key in the ignition just as Toby sat down and put her seatbelt on.

"That was so much fun," said Toby.

"I know," remarked Carmen, strapping her seatbelt. "I really loved going on the Ferris wheel." She peered over her shoulder, hoping no one was passing through. "Where did you say you were staying?"

"I'm staying with my cousin," said Toby, "it's just until I find a job here, and I'll be able to get my own place."

"That's nice of her," retorted Carmen, pulling out of the parking spot.

"He," corrected Toby, "his name's Lawrence. He's an optometrist. Yeah, I'm staying with him and his wife, Paulina, and their kids, Susie and Chase."

Pulling out of the driveway, Carmen was now on the the road. Her destination: home.

"Would you like to come over for dinner with me at my parents?," asked Carmen. "I'm sure they'll be glad to see you again."

"I'd love to," replied Toby. Opening her purse, she took out her phone, dialing some numbers. "I'll just call Lawrence and say I won't be home until at least ten o'clock."

Carmen kept her eyes on the road while she listened to the conversation Toby was having with her cousin, whose voice she heard clearly. A few minutes passed and the call was finished. Toby dropped her phone back in her purse.

"How's your cousin?," quoth Carmen.

"He's fine," replied Toby.

"Oh," piped Carmen, "I should tell you that my parents live in a different house now."

"Really?," muttered Toby.

"It's all part of running the factory," said Carmen proudly. "Remember Ernie? My dad's friend from the factory? Yeah, Dad made him manager."

"That's great," remarked Toby.

"He really deserves it," quipped Carmen.

Carmen saw the exit and drove in that direction.

Carmen drifted into the deck on their backyard. Toby stepped out and closed the sliding door. The outdoor light was on, dispersing the gloom that was the night, the air was balmy; a call for summery clothes. Carmen sat down on the rail while Toby chose to take a seat on one of the chaise lounges. It had a burgundy cushion.

"So," chirped Carmen, "how was meeting my dad again for you?"

"It was funny how he used my old joke on me," responded Toby. "Cumulus, nimbus, and stratus."

Carmen laughed, which got Toby laughing as well.

"Your mom's still the same as when I last saw her," interjected Toby. "Your grandpa seemed to like me."

"Yeah," said Carmen. "I'm happy he found someone after grandma died."

Toby nodded. "True," she commented.

"Sorry that Luther couldn't come," replied Carmen. "I really wanted you to meet him."

"I know," said Toby. "Maybe I'll meet him some other time."

Carmen glanced up. The night was deep, the silvery moon dotted the dark blue sky, and the mischievous stars run around her, chasing and playing. The stars will hold the moon, and the moon will not be lonely. She liked that. Carmen always thought if she could reach out her hand and touch the sky, it would feel like velvet.

"I feel a poem coming up," she said, keeping her eyes on the sky.

"Let's hear it," said Toby.

Carmen cleared her throat, mentally counting the stars.

"Night covers away/Drastic times until you're back," she spoke, "Days pass over here."

"That was great," commented Toby.

"Thanks," replied Carmen, "it's a haiku. You'll find a lot of them in my book."

"Nice," quipped Toby. Bringing her knees up to her chin, she asked, "So you live here with your parents?"

"Oh, no. I have an apartment up in Wiseman Residential," replied Carmen.

"I thought you were living with your parents," admitted Toby innocently.

"I can understand why you'd think that," reiterated Carmen. "But I've been living on my own since I came back two years ago. Max has his own place in Pasadena Park, by the way."

Toby seemed to teeter on a question she wanted to make, but felt like it was best not to voice it.

"You know," said Carmen, jumping off the rail, "I have a spare room in my apartment." She walked up to Toby. "I was thinking that...since you're looking for a job and you're looking for a place... I figured you can come stay with me until you find a job."

"Really?," uttered Toby. "You'd let me move in with you?"

"Of course," replied Carmen. "You're my best friend, and always have been. And you know, we'll finally get to live together like we always talked about when we were little."

"Thanks, Carmen," said Toby, standing up. She gave her a hug. "You're a lifesaver," she added, "It's going to be great. I just know it."

"How 'bout I help you move your stuff into my apartment?," offered Carmen, breaking the hug.

"That'd be great," quoth Toby.

Carmen smiled. "Also," she quipped, "I think I know a guy who might be perfect for you."

"Really?" Toby lifted an eyebrow. "Who?"

"He's my friend Olivia's cousin," responded Carmen. "His name is Dustin. Blonde. Green eyes. 6'1. Does track and field. Works with Sony. He can also play the guitar."

"Ooh," pealed Toby, smiling cheekily. "I like him so far."

"Wait until you meet him," cheeped Carmen, grinning widely. "I can't wait until we start double dating."

"Me too." Toby smiled.

I used a photo of the Santa Monica Pier because Carmen and Toby go there. It just felt appropriate.

I felt like this show needed a fitting ending to align what happened after the show's end, and to fill in the blanks that were made with Toby gone.

My attempts to put the show in its own section failed miserably, so I finally gave up and went ahead and published it. So much for that.