And I wasn't as critical as I am now

 Carmen didn't have time to feel bad about her foster mother being upset with her. 

"You're together!" It was as if Pat hit a harsh note of excitement that made Carmen wince harder.

At least Christmas was over, but Jared was still here and there was Vada to worry about. Carmen didn't have any answers for anything, but to tell her mother not to worry.

"So how is Liv?" Carmen sighed with a smile as if to change the subject. 

"Well, she is married," Pat crossed her arms and gave Carmen the eye.

"I know." Carmen went to dry another dish. She needed to keep busy and hope all was going better for Justin in the livingroom with her foster Dad who hadn't said much to anyone. He was rather reserved and Justin was good at being reserved too. Of course, she and Justin wondered what Jared and Vada were up to. 

They'd spent New Year's together. 

Of course, Carmen had scolded Vada not long ago between Christmas and New Year's Eve. "What about Kevin?"

Naturally, Vada looked like a playful Bambi with only one thing on her mind. Carmen guessed she'd turned into Vada's Foster Mother.

"Are you out of your mind!" Carmen started in when they were alone at Vada's place. "I guess you really do like men with problems."

There was a silence yet Carmen felt like speaking her peace. "Kevin is so sweet. He's so good to you. How, just how could you start flirting with Jared?" Carmen was wide-eyed about the matter. "Is this because of Justin?"

Now as Carmen thought back on the situation, perhaps she was at fault. Not that she was actually Vada's friend. She guessed she should have talked to Sammie about this first, but Sammie was busy with her family. And Sammie was sure to tell her, "You can only do so much, and then it's up to that person."

Carmen pressed her lips tight as she listened about all of Justin's faults, and now his brother was living with them. It was as if the last straw broke the camel's back.

"Look, I know you don't like him. I don't know who he reminds you of. Maybe you are just like your mother, I'm sure she didn't like who you chose either," Carmen put away the last dish. She'd had enough. "You know, there is only so much you can do for me...or for Liv, for that matter. But then it's up to us."

Her foster mother was ever so quiet. It was as if she finally realized Carmen was no wallflower.