Oh I don't know why she's just my type

 Justin would never bring it up again. Of course, it was all so innocent when he overheard Carmen on the phone with her Foster mom about Kenny. Carmen warned her that he didn't have to have playdates. 

He knew instantly it bothered her to hear how his adopted family lived around his outings. Sure, there were lots of sports, but there were planned times for Kenny to be with friends from school or sports.

"Why is it a bad thing?" Justin wanted to know. Instantly, it gave him the idea that maybe Randy (although he wasn't a kid) needed playdates. Of course, he didn't know where, but he was sure they could find some socializing activities if he Googled enough.

"It just is." Carmen was closed-lipped about it. Of course, he didn't know why. They were alone in the kitchen, just in their sleep pants and tanks.

"What happened?" He asked out of concern as he made her some Sleepy Time Tea. Of course, these days he needed it himself. Thankfully, Randy was sleeping like a rock in his own room.

"I don't think you want to know."

She looked so sad. She squinted with tears as she hugged her mug of hot tea with both hands.

Justin sat across from her and took a sip of tea, but it was so hot. He sat it down to let it cool.

"Of course, I want to know if..that is..you want to tell me," he said.

Carmen shook her head as if it was impossible to let it slip from her lips, but then she did and it was a downpour of tears. 

She'd been sexually abused by other girls. Justin sat there numb. He gave her a nod, unsure to ask if she'd ever talked to anyone about what she'd been through.  

"See what a freak I am," Carmen looked up at him. Justin wasn't sure if she was trying to be funny or sarcastic.

"I don't think so," he told her. "You are a survivor."

She looked back at her tea as if she didn't believe him. He so badly wanted to reach for her hand, but he didn't. He knew it was best to sit and see if she wanted to talk. She didn't. 

Finally, he told her she'd been brave. And he knew it hurt. "Just try to think how far you've come. You are a good person. " Yet, he suddenly realized it  might take a lifetime before she accepted it.