You know I've always been a dreamer

 "How are things really going?" Gabe wanted to know when Rico came over without Carmen. 

Heavy snowflakes were falling, but it wasn't freezing or sticking. Gabe knew they didn't want to keep Rico long. It was definitely winter.

"Oh, you know, she wants to be there for Kenny and..well, I think it's been so hard on her, but she won't say it." Rico shrugged that he wasn't sure what to do about it. Carmen wouldn't dare say what happened to her parents' marriage that put her father in such a rage. It was true he wasn't in his right mind. She even thought he might be suicidal since he couldn't work at the warehouse like he used to. He was down in his back and probably needed back surgery, but didn't have the insurance to cover it. Yes, Carmen went without a lot, or so Rico was beginning to notice. He said he didn't know how she'd survived for so long. Her house was always so cold and falling apart.

Sammie brought them mugs of cocoa. Naturally, Rico found himself asking about Vada who was always here.

"Oh, well..she's been busy with Justin," Gabe nodded with a smile and Sammie grinned as if it was like a long-lost Christmas present they finally delivered to the right place.

"Well, hopefully he's a good listener," Rico sighed as he set down at their little dining area at their studio. He looked behind him. He looked at their bed neatly made. Yes, it was close quarters, but it was all so cozy. He sipped his hot cocoa and then said, "Maybe I'm just not a good listener." He then talked about how Carmen was being so quiet. He hoped there weren't any more changes.

"She's not going to break up with you," Sammie assured him. "I know she thinks a lot of you."

"Well, I know Kenny comes first," Rico said about the matter. "I wish we could all be together."

"You would raise Kenny?" Gabe looked at him surprised.

"Yeah, I think I could." Rico winced.

"But you're not even out of high school," Gabe reminded him.

"I know, but it can at least be my goal. I want to be there for Carmen. I love her." He told both Gabe and Sammie.

Gabe looked up at Sammie wondering if she'd speak up, but she didn't. "Are you sure? You've hardly been dating. This is your first Christmas." Gabe wanted him to rethink all this. It would be a lot to take on somebody and their little nephew.

Rico nursed his bottom lip. "I want to do what I can. Carmen has always been there for Kenny. I don't want to separate them."

"Well, they are in a good place now," Sammie nodded. "Let's just think about right now and how good it is."

Gabe agreed. He didn't want his close friend to rush into anything.