It comes and goes in waves

 "Are you feeling OK?" Carmen wasn't sure what she should ask Sammie, but she was happy to be over with lots of goodies for her. She went a little crazy at Dollar Tree. Carmen knew Sammie wouldn't mind. Truly, it felt like spring even if it was on the chilly side. Carmen was in no hurry to get out of sweaters. She unloaded the soaps and makeup assortments on the kitchen table. There were even new spring dish towels. 

"Oh, tired, but you know, nothing too crazy," Sammie grinned. Carmen hugged her and told her she was so proud of her. "You're gonna be the best mom."

"You'll be just as good, some day," Sammie said, hoping their kids would grow up to be best friends. Of course, Carmen wasn't ready to talk about something like that. She just didn't see her and Justin having a family. After all, they already had Randy. Carmen knew she needed to change the subject so they got settled at the dining table with the three ingredient peanut butter cookies that Carmen had made.

"How's Vada?" Carmen knew she was Sammie's best friend, and perhaps Carmen's worst enemy. After all, Carmen was with Vada's ex.

"Oh, she hasn't said much," she shrugged with an even lip. "I expected as much." Sammie made it sound as if she'd let Vada down.

"Now, don't even worry about her. She's..she's..well, Vada." Carmen nodded while Sammie went to get them juice from the fridge. 

"I hear Jared got on at the Art department," Sammie smiled.

"Really?" It was news to Carmen. She didn't know why Jared was keeping it from them. "I didn't know."

"Oh well, maybe he's just waiting to see how it goes, first." Sammie kept smiling.

"Guess so."

"It was Kevin's decision."

Carmen wondered what that was about. "I didn't think he could stand him." She remembered that Christmas party when Vada came on to Justin's brother Jared. It was totally strange in Carmen's mind.

"Kevin is a sweet guy."

"Maybe even too sweet for Vada," Carmen couldn't help herself. She didn't think she was mean, but she could hardly stand to be around Vada. Even if Sammie kept telling her they were complete opposites, yet they were both Sammie's friends.