"Final Goodbyes - Saturday 11th December"

[Carmen Denali]

Eleazar: *sitting next to Carmen while she tends to Abbi knowing this will be difficult speaking softly* Carmen, now that she's better, we need to discuss taking her home....

Tanya: *Finishes unpacking and comes down the stairs hearing Eleazar’s words, knowing this will be a hard conversation*

Kate: *heads down the stairs behind Tanya, listening in on Eleazar's words to Carmen, frowns slightly*

Carmen: *turns to Eleazar, Abbi's tiny hands both still resting against my cheeks, instantly holding my breath & whispering* please not yet....

Eleazar: *sighing knowing this is difficult for you placing a hand on your back* Carmen, I know this is hard, but we've got to return her. Her family may have called the police.

Carmen: *silently, looks back to Abbi, who is oblivious to everything, whispers* They don't deserve her

Tanya: *Sits down next to Carmen on the couch smiling at Abbi* Hey little one..*looks up to Carm* It is time sister, she must return and live her life..That is what you want?

Kate: *bites my lip, seeing how hard this is on Carmen - she needs no words to express how difficult this is, it's written all over her face, walks over quietly and kneels down in front of Carmen and Abbi, smiles softly and looks at Carmen* It's time Carm.

Eleazar: *hearing Carmen's whisper* I know they don't love, but we cannot keep her Carmen. As unfair as it is, we must return her to her home.

Carmen: *closes my eyes & rests my forehead against Abbi's as she giggles, knowing you all make sense but not wanting to hear it* I know, but ....

Kate: *places my hand on Carmen's knee* I understand how you feel for her, but...*sighs* She deserves to grow up and experience life, Carmen. *smiles at Abbi*

Eleazar: *nodding in agreement with Katie* You saved her so she could have a healthy and happy life, now you've got to let her go live it.

Carmen: *takes a steadying breath, trying to ignore the increasing pain that is building inside, glances sadly to Eleazar* but right now? *turns to Tanya before Eleazar can answer* I'm know I have to but... *leans forward & kisses Katie’s forehead and rises from the couch, walking slowly to stand at the window as Abbi smiles happily to you over my shoulder* This is so unfair

Tanya: Carmen? *Stands and walks over turning you to face me* You remember ..*pauses giving you a knowing look* It IS hard. *whispers faintly into your ear so the others cannot hear* It is hard, but she will always have you to protect her..to watch her..

Kate: *Looks up at Carmen and Tanya, looks at Eleazar and gives him a faint smile then says softly before returning my attention to Carm* Carmen, you're strong - you're one of the strongest people I know..You can do this.

Carmen: *whispers back* I know sister... I do *shakes my head sadly & looks back to Abbi* This still hurts so much

Eleazar: *walking over to Carmen placing a gentle hand on her back whispering to her* I know it hurts now, but when you see her flourishing you'll know you did the right thing. And I'll be right here to get you through everything. I promise.

Carmen: *smiles sadly at Katie's words, while listening to Eleazar, Abbi's fascination with a bird outside thankfully taking her full concentration, swallowing hard & whispering* Ok

Kate: *walks over and watches Abbi, smiling softly* She's strong too Carmen, she can do this, you just have to let her.

Carmen: *pulls Abbi in closer hugging her gently, nodding sadly* Thanks Katie *nods* I know she is

Tanya: Do you want someone to go with you? *looks concerned that you may not let her go*

Eleazar: *waiting silently for Carmen to answer wishing I could take her pain away*

Carmen: *smiles faintly to Tanya* If its ok with you & Katie sis, I'd like Ele to come with me *waits anxiously hoping I haven't hurt you both*

Tanya: *Nods understandingly* No Carm, that is fine. I think Eleazar should go

Kate: *Nods at Carmen* That's perfectly fine sister, whatever you want. *steps closer and takes Abbi's hand* You be good okay? *smiles and steps back*

Eleazar: *moving in closer to Carmen nodding* Of course love. Right here beside you the whole time I promise *wrapping an arm around your shoulder*

Carmen: *smiles sadly & leans in kissing your cheek* Thank you *glances to Abbi before looking back to Katie & Tanya* Thank you for both for everything, I'm so sorry for what I put you through, but I couldn't have done this without you both.

Eleazar: *smiling nodding to Katie and Tanya heading to open the door for Carmen whispering* The sooner we go the better Carmen *knowing the longer we wait the harder it will be for you*

Tanya: No, Carmen. You have nothing to be sorry for, just do what needs to be done *smiles and kisses your cheek* All will be fine

Kate: *smiles at Carmen* You haven't put us through anything. *walks over and hugs Carmen tightly* I love you.

Carmen: *returns Katie's hug* I love you too sis *waits for Katie to disappear upstairs & glances to Eleazar* One moment darling *smiles softly* promise

Eleazar: *nodding waiting for you*

Kate: *smiles softly at Abbi once more and goes upstairs*

Carmen: *smiles to Eleazar & walks over hugging Tanya & whispers* Thank you sis, I won't forget *smiles as Abbi leans in hands outstretched to Tanya*

Tanya: *Hugs you back; grins down at Abbi* You want a hug too little one? *Softly squeezes Abbi and whispers in her ear* Be a good girl, and remember we are only a whisper away.. *smiles up at Carmen and kisses Abbi's cheek*

Carmen: *squeezes Tanya's hand, whispers* Thank you *turns to Eleazar, nods, adding quietly* Ready

Eleazar: *nodding waiting for you at the door* Ready when you are love.

Tanya: *Waves to Abbi with a sad smile; knowing how hard this is on Carmen and feeling the pull of sadness in my own heart*