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Chapter Text

It had been nine excruciating days since Carla lost her baby, and the days never got easier. Every day was a painful reminder of all that she had lost the constant reminders of the scan photos, the clothes she'd bought, the baby furniture, and every reminder was like a stab in the heart. 

And not only that she had a massive argument with Peter and kicked him out. He was the cause of all this hurt she was feeling if he hadn't cheated, none of this would have happened and she made sure he understood that.

She'd lost everything. 

So she found herself leaving the flat, heading straight to Dev's for a bottle of vodka. Drinking wasn't the solution she knew that. Of course she did, but right now, it seemed like the only thing to block out her thoughts. Leaving Dev's, she didn't have a destination in mind, but one thing she knew for sure was that she didn't want to go back to the flat... or the street, so she simply just put one foot in front of the other and kept walking. Eventually, she ended up at the park, sitting on a bench, tangled in her own thoughts. 

Every memory replaying on loop in her mind. Finding out she was pregnant and dreading becoming a mother because she was worried about juggling motherhood and a business but also because she didn't think she'd be good enough, to the point she contemplated an abortion. But then, in that room she couldn't go through with it, because she knew in that moment that life growing inside of her deserved a chance, the thought of becoming a mother excited her, she could be a better mum than her mum was and that was enough for her to carry on. 

Karma. That's what she thought it was. That the universe was playing some cruel joke. How could it give her the chance to be a mother when she hadn't even wanted it at first? Most people would have done anything to have a child, yet there she was, not even wanting it. And to her, she deserved it. She should've known it was too good to be true. 

She was taken out of her thoughts by a voice. Looking up, she saw a woman standing by the bench. She was short, dressed in running gear, her blonde hair tied up in a bun and a fringe framing her face. Her green eyes stared directly into hers.

The woman hesitated before speaking again. "Is everything okay?"

Carla squinted, taking in what was going on. "What's it to you?" She snapped harshly. 

The blonde flinched, caught off guard by her sharpness. She shrugged. "Well, you were in a world of your own. It's been raining, and you're drenched, but I've noticed you haven't touched the vodka, so... that's something, I guess." 

Carla flicked her gaze down to her hands where she was holding the bottle before looking back up at the blonde, her expression hardening. "Good? No, nothing is good. So just do me a favour and go back to whatever you were doing and leave me the hell alone." 

The woman took a step back, weighing up her options. She could leave now and leave this woman sitting on a bench, which she'd never forgive herself for doing, especially given the state that she was in or she could help her. She nodded slightly. "I could do that. But, honestly, I'd feel guilty knowing I left you here in this state, and I'd feel like I was failing my job, even though I'm off duty." She said softly. 

Carla scoffed. "You don't even know who I am. So why would you want to help me?" 

Lisa began to sit down on the other end of the bench. "Let's start with introductions then. I'm Lisa." 

Carla looked over, hesitating. "Carla." 

"Will you let me help you, Carla?" Lisa asked.

Carla shrugged.

"At least let me take you home?" 

Carla shook her head. "I don't want to go home. I'm fine here." 

"Don't take this the wrong way, but if you stay here much longer, you'll catch a case of hypothermia."  

Carla looked at her sceptically. "So what are you some kind of healthcare professional is that it?" 

Lisa shook her head. "Not quite. I'm an officer. But we do have basic first aid training." 

"Right, so you don't actually know if I'll get hypothermia is what I'm hearing." Carla said dismissively. 

"Well, no... but you're shivering. Can I at least check you into a hotel or call someone to help you? Friends or family, perhaps?" Lisa pleaded. 

"For an officer, you're not very smart, are you?" Carla remarked. 

Lisa quirked her brows. "Meaning?" 

"When someone doesn't want help, they usually don't want it."

"Carla, please stop being stubborn and let me help you. I can take you back to mine for a change of clothes and then take you to a hotel?"

Carla looked at her. "Isn't the number one rule not to go off with strangers you've just met, especially back to their house?" 

Lisa shot her a look. "I'm a woman of the law. You can trust me." 

"Okay, okay, fine." Carla said, holding her hands up in surrender, getting up. 

Lisa smiled, leading the way.

"So, do you make a habit of this then?" Carla questioned.

"Of what?" Lisa looked over curiously. 

"Picking up random women from park benches and taking them home." Carla said, raising her brows. 

Lisa chuckled. "You're making me sound like some sort of creep, but to answer your question, no, I don't tend to make a habit of it." 

"Hang on, why did you bring your car if you came here for a run?" Carla questioned.

Lisa shrugged. "Exhaustion after the run. It's easier to drive back."

"I thought the whole point of a run was that you run from your house."

"The run starts from your starting place. And I'm new to the area, so I'd probably get lost trying to get to this park by running straight from the house. So the car was the smartest way." 

The journey to Lisa's was silent. Carla sat tensely, looking out of the window lost in her own thoughts. Every now and then, Lisa glanced over at Carla, she felt for her. Her mission wasn't to get Carla to talk or open up but to help her.

"Nice place." Carla commented as she stepped inside.

"Thanks." Lisa replied, guiding Carla into the living room.

"I'll just go get you a change of clothes." Lisa added, going upstairs.

Carla stood there awkwardly, feeling out of place. 

A moment later, Lisa appeared and passed Carla a grey jumper and a pair of tracksuit bottoms. "Here." 

"Ta." Carla replied. 

"The bathrooms the first door to the left, I've left you a towel to dry yourself off with." Lisa said as Carla started walking up the stairs.

The first thing Carla noticed when she put the jumper on was how snug it fit. Her eyes drifted down towards her stomach, and she was struck at how small it had become. What had once been swollen due to the life she was growing inside of her was now gone and barely noticeable. It was yet another painful reminder on what she had lost. Part of her just wanted to rip it off and put on her wet baggy hoodie, but the dry and warmth of the jumper was more inviting. Tears welled up in her eyes, tears she couldn't hold back. 

Taking a deep breath, she used the sleeves of the jumper to wipe away her tears and headed back downstairs, her hands lightly soothing over her stomach. 

Lisa looked up, concern flickering in her eyes. "Everything okay?" She questioned, noticing Carla's red, puffy eyes. 

"It was her home. It was supposed to be her safe space." She sobbed out her voice shaking.

Lisa looked at her, confused. "What was?" She asked softly, trying to understand. 

Carla held her hands over her stomach, her body trembling with every sob that exited her body. "I was supposed to keep her safe. I was supposed to protect her." She broke down, tears streaming down her face. "And I failed."

Lisa's eyes softened, understanding the grief that Carla was going through. Without hesitation, she reached out and pulled Carla into a hug. 

Carla melted into it, her body relaxing.  "I'm sorry." She whispered.

"Don't be." Lisa reassured, pulling back. "Will you help me understand what's gone on?" She asked.

Carla hesitated, nodding, taking a seat on the sofa. 

"I found out I was pregnant in March..." She started. 

Lisa looked at her, remaining silent so Carla could tell her story.

"I was dreading it, I didn't want to be a mother. Truthfully, I didn't think I'd be a good one anyways because I own a business and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to juggle being a mother and running the place so I booked in to have the pregnancy terminated. Which makes me selfish." Carla said, vulnerably meeting Lisa's eyes.

Lisa shook her head. "It doesn't. You thought you wouldn't be able to focus all your attention on a baby that doesn't make you selfish, " She reassured. 

Carla nodded through her tears. 

"I didn't go through with the termination." Carla admitted. "That's not how I lost her." 

Lisa reached out, placing a comforting hand on Carla's. "You don't have to tell me, but if you do, I will listen." 

"Thank you." Carla whispered. 

"My husband he cheated." Carla began, her voice trembling with having to say the words aloud. "On our wedding night and the woman he cheated with was murdered. That's what did it, the stress of it all." 

"I'm so sorry." Lisa whispered.

"I'll never forget it, you know." She looked away. "The pain I felt, the way I collapsed in the street and then at the hospital when they told me that my baby had died and it would've been a girl. I imagined it all. Would she have had my green eyes or her dads brown eyes? Would she want to take over the factory one day, or would she go down another career path. It's silly really imagining those things when she was gone."

Lisa shook her head. "It's not silly. You're allowed to imagine those things." 

Carla pulled her hands away from Lisa's and gently rested them over her stomach. "This was supposed to be her safe place until she was ready for the world. Five months I managed to make it her safe place, and then she pressed eject... and honestly, I don't blame her." 

Lisa managed a weak, understanding smile. 

"I used to talk to her, tell her what I was doing, before eating I would tell her what it was. I mean, it's ridiculous now thinking about it, but it was comforting, you know? But I'd like to imagine she could hear me." 

Lisa nodded. "It's not ridiculous. It was a loving gesture you did. She was lucky to have you, even if things didn't turn out the way you wanted." 

"I just miss her so much. Every day feels like a battle, like I'm trying to hold on to her memory while everyone just moves on. I should still be pregnant right now. 19 weeks I had left, I should be counting down to meet her instead every day that passes reminds me that it's closer to the date she should've been here. If only I'd have been stronger, she would've still been here." Carla cried out.

"Now listen to me, Carla. This is not your fault, okay? Stop thinking that." Lisa said, gently moving closer and wrapping a comforting arm around her. "I didn't realise how recent it happened, which is probably why you're so reluctant to go home." 

"Yeah," Carla admitted quietly. "Everywhere I look is a reminder."

Lisa nodded understandingly. "Have you thought about talking to a grief counsellor? Sometimes, it helps to talk to someone." 

Carla shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I don't want counselling. I just want my baby back." She sobbed, turning herself into Lisa, her body trembling as she clung to her for comfort. 

Lisa held Carla tightly, rubbing her back gently. "I know you're hurting, and it's completely okay to feel broken. You don't have to go through this alone. I'm sure your family and friends will be there for you." 

"They are, but it's the constant checking in if I'm fine. Like obviously I'm not going to be. I just needed an escape today." Carla said, pulling back. 

Lisa nodded. "Thank you for trusting me with this and talking to me. I can give you my number if you ever need to talk, to cry, or if you just want to sit there in silence and just have the company, I just want you to know I'm here for you no matter what." 

Carla looked at her with warmth. "Thank you for today it means a lot."

"Always." Lisa smiled. 

"Does the hotel offer still stand?" Carla asked hesitantly. 

"Of course it does." Lisa replied. "But first, I think we should call someone to let them know that you're okay." 

"Text." Carla said simply, unlocking her phone and passing it to Lisa. 

"Alright, a text. Who should I send it to?"

"Michelle." Carla responded.

Lisa nodded, typing a message to Michelle and handing the phone back.

The drive to the hotel was silent yet comforting. 

"Thank you for everything." Carla said as they pulled up outside the hotel.

"You don't have to thank me." Lisa replied gently. 

"I was a cow to you earlier, and you were just trying to be kind." Carla admitted. 

"You were going through a lot. I understand, Carla." Lisa said softly. 

Carla nodded a faint smile on her lips. "You really made me feel seen today."

"In order to be seen you have to be heard" Lisa responded. "And I'm glad I was the person you were able to talk to. You will contact me if you need to talk to someone, though, right?"

"Of course." Carla replied. 

"You're stronger than you think, and do not let anyone try to tell you otherwise." Lisa said softly.

"You always know the right things to say." Carla replied, her voice thick with emotion. "It might sound silly, but I really feel like you were sent to me today, like you were meant to find me." 

"Guardian angel." Lisa whispered, smiling.

"Yeah." Carla answered quietly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She leant forward, giving Lisa a hug filled with gratitude before stepping out of the car. 

She watched as Lisa's car drove away. Tilting her head towards the sky, she whispered a quiet thank you. In Carla's heart, she liked to believe that her daughter had sent Lisa to her. A gentle reminder that she was not alone. 

Chapter Text

Since Carla had been back from the hotel she socialised as little as possible with people. She was pushing away the people who really cared about her, but she was afraid of letting them in and seeing her crumble. It had been two weeks since the loss of her baby, and she decided she wanted to get back to normal life as much as she could. It was a distraction, and she knew that, but it was better than sitting around moping trapped in her own thoughts. So when Michelle suggested a drink in the Rovers at lunchtime, Carla saw it as her opportunity to get back to normality. A chance for her to stop hiding away at the factory and flat.

Michelle sat across from Carla. "So let me get this straight, a woman approached you, took you back to her place, and then took you to a hotel?"

Carla nodded slowly. "Honestly, Chelle, she was like an angel. I dread to think what would have happened if she didn't show up." 

Michelle's brow furrowed. "You could've called me, Rob, or Roy. You know there's so many people who care about you."

Carla looked away. "Nah. You guys don't need me being a burden. Plus, that night away really helped me." 

"You're not a burden, Carla." Michelle reassured her softly. "You've been through something really traumatic." 

"No, I know. It's just that you all have a life to attend to. I can't just expect you to all drop it for me." 

Michelle offered a sympathetic smile. "Your well-being is the main priority."

"Thank you." Carla whispered. "It's just -" She started before getting cut off by Michelle's phone pinging.  

Michelle checked her phone, sighing.

"What?" Carla questioned, seeing Michelle's face drop.

"Emergency at work I've got to go. Call me if you need anything." 

"Will do." Carla replied. 

As Michelle left, the familiar emptiness settled over her once more. She knew Michelle couldn't help needing to go back to work, but that's what it would be whenever she tried to talk to anyone they'd have to return back to whatever it was they were doing.

Stepping into the flat, the echoes of memories haunted her. It never got easier. Her gaze fell onto the pile of clothes on the sofa, her eyes immediately being drawn to the clothes Lisa borrowed her. She hesitated for a moment, pulling out her phone and typing a message. 

It's Carla. Are you able to meet?

Before she could second guess herself, she sent the message. 

It had been five days since Lisa had dropped Carla off at the hotel, and she couldn't help but worry. Carla didn't owe her anything. Lisa knew that she'd just hoped that Carla would have at least sent a simple message, a simple reassurance that she was alright. But nothing. 

Every phone call and every notification she had since that day she was straight to her phone in the hopes it was Carla. 

So when she was sat watching TV and her phone pinged she was silently praying it was Carla. And it was. Relief washed over her. She finally had confirmation that she was okay.

Just let me know a time and place. 

She replied back quickly. 

Almost immediately, Carla responded, suggesting they meet at a café near the park. 

Lisa was the first to arrive and sat waiting at a table. She'd ordered two teas, but now she was doubting herself. Does Carla even like tea? Would Carla even want a drink? But before she could spiral anymore, she was pulled from her thoughts by Carla.

"Hello, stranger." Carla greeted.

Lisa looked up, a smile spreading across her face. "Hey, how have you been?"

She didn't know if she should get up and hug her. She figured that it would be weird, so instead, she remained sat down.

"Good, yeah." Carla nodded, slipping off her coat and sitting down.

"So, why did you ask to meet?" Lisa inquired. 

Carla handed over a bag. "Well, I thought you might want these back." 

Lisa peeked inside. 

"I've run them through the wash, don't worry." 

A smile appeared on Lisa's face. "I was just wondering, that's all. I got you a tea, I hope that's okay?" She questioned, placing the bag on the chair next to her.

Carla's face softened. "Thank you."

"Honestly, how are you doing?" Lisa asked gently.

Carla hesitated, weighing up her options. She wanted to be truthful, but with being truthful, there was a risk she'd get emotional. Instead, she offered a simple reply. "Fine." 

Lisa leaned forward, searching Carla's face. "Well." She started. "I can tell you're not." 

Carla was caught off guard. No one seemed to notice when she wasn't okay, but this stranger who hadn't even known her that long knew straight away. "Blimey, no flies on you." She muttered. 

"Comes with the job." Lisa grinned.

Carla managed a genuine smile. "How long have you got?" 

"As long as you need." Lisa replied sincerely. 

Carla shrugged. "The flat it's like one constant reminder of him, and it hurts. I look around and all I do is picture where he was with her. Him relapsing. Then seeing little reminders of the baby it's too much." 

"Relapsed?" Lisa asked.

"Peter. My husband. He's an alcoholic." Carla explained. 

"Ah." 

"That night in the hotel was the only night since it all happened I managed to actually get a decent night sleep. Now that I'm back there, I'm barely getting any. I've thrown myself back into work, leaving early in the morning returning late at night trying to be out of the flat as much as possible."

Lisa reached out. "I can't imagine how tough this must be on you."

"I just want life to go back to normal. I tried meeting my best mate, and when I tried opening up, she had to go back to work. That's just how it'll be. They can't just pause their lives for me but I just feel so lonely." She admitted.

Lisa nodded. "It's bound to feel like that you've just got to remember that they're not doing it because they're sick of you but because they're busy."

"No I know that. It's not just that though, I downloaded one of those apps where it gives you baby updates. I'd completely forgotten I'd had it until I had a notification saying she would've been the size of a papaya along with some facts like how her lungs are developing. I just can't bring myself to get rid of it." 

"I had one of those." Lisa smiled reminiscing. 

Carla looked at her curiously. "You have a child?" 

Lisa nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I didn't carry them admittingly, but it still helped me feel involved."

"Surrogacy?" Carla questioned.

Lisa shook her head. "We wanted to have children, so we tried using her eggs and me carrying the embryo, but it didn't really work." She frowned. "We got as far as six weeks, then I started bleeding. So, we decided she'd try carrying a baby using my eggs, and it worked. We have a six year old."

"I'm so sorry, that must've been tough." 

"Yeah it was." Lisa replied.

"You said she'd try carrying the baby who's she?" Carla asked. 

Lisa chuckled. "I'm a lesbian Carla, keep up."

"Did you have a boy or girl?" Carla asked.

Lisa hesitated.

"You can say it's a girl. I won't be upset." Carla said gently. 

"Well, yes, a girl, she's called Betsy."

"I wouldn't have guessed you had a wife and daughter. There was no indication at all." 

"Ex wife." Lisa clarified. "They live in London."

"Oh." Carla said softly. 

"She cheated with someone from the force and decided she saw a future with her, so I transferred down here." Lisa explained. 

"I think that's why I can connect with you on what you're going through." Lisa continued. "I mean, it's nothing compared to what you've been through, and I know I wasn't as far along as you were, but when I lost mine, it left me broken. Life moved on. No one seemed to care because there was no baby on the way anymore. They'd always say, 'you were only six weeks along,' to try and make me feel better. But if anything, it just invalidated me."

"What people actually said that?" Carla asked, surprised.

Lisa nodded. "That two week wait is dreadful. And then, when you take a test and see two lines and have a scan to confirm it, you get all excited planning your future only for it all to disappear. It's a pain only people have experienced will know. I felt like the biggest failure for the longest time that I was unable to carry and then I'd feel jealous..? I guess that my wife was able to experience all the symptoms of pregnancy, God that sounds so pathetic now I've finally said it out loud."

Carla shook her head. "It doesn't. You're allowed to feel like that."

"I wanted to experience it all the morning sickness, watching my belly grow and feeling them move and kick. My ex she'd always try and involve me by telling me to place my hand on her belly to feel the baby kick, but it didn't feel the same." 

"Did you not try again after Betsy?" Carla asked.

"We were considering it. We knew we wanted to wait until Betsy was in school before we had another. So when she hit four, we started researching again, but then she just shut down randomly. It was like I had a disease or something the way she was avoiding me. No more kisses, the physical intimacy disappeared, and eventually, she told me she wasn't ready to try again. I saw it coming, but it broke me. She seemed so excited before, and then it was like a switch flipped, and suddenly she was against it, but now I understand why. How could she want to try again when she was sleeping with someone else?"

"Well, she's a fool. Anyone would be lucky to have you. So, do you hardly see Betsy now?" Carla asked curiously. 

Lisa nodded. "Moving down here means I only get to see her during half terms. I mean, I tried still living up in London, but I just couldn't bear it." She hesitated, a sad look painted on her face. "I asked for a transfer, and well, here I am. That day in the park, I'd only been here 48 hours."

Carla's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously?" 

"Mhm. I wasn't even going to go to the park at first, but I wanted to check it out as a running spot."

Carla tilted her head, smiling. "So it really was fate then."

"Seems like it." Lisa replied.

Carla glanced at her watch. "I should probably get going."

Lisa looked at her. "What's the time?" 

"Four forty-five."

Lisa's eyes widened. "Already?!" 

Carla nodded, pulling her coat on. 

Lisa hesitated before reaching out gently touching Carla's arm. "You will be okay back at the flat, right?" 

Carla forced a smile. "It'll be hard, but I'll manage." 

Lisa looked at her concerned. "If you're sure. I don't start work for another couple of days, so I could always come around and help to make it feel more like a home?"

"You'd do that?" Carla looked over, looking surprised. 

Lisa nodded. "If it helps you sleep better, I'd do anything." 

"Thank you." Carla smiled softly. 

"Do you want a lift back?" Lisa offered.

Carla shook her head. "I'll get a cab, but thank you for the offer." 

Lisa nodded in understanding, waiting with Carla for the cab to arrive.

Chapter Text

It was the day Carla was hoping the flat could once again be a place that she enjoyed being in opposed to hating. When the buzzer rang, she buzzed them up immediately and unlocked the door, expecting it to be Lisa as she was coming to help.

"Thanks for coming." She called out, her back turned towards the door.

But instead of Lisa's familiar voice, a voice she'd been dreading spoke behind her. Peter. She froze briefly before turning around slowly. 

"I didn't think you would let me in." He said. 

Carla tensed, raising her voice. "What on earth are you doing here, Peter?"

"I want to talk to you." 

"Well, I don't want to talk to you. So, do one." She snapped. 

"We can talk about this. I made a stupid stupid mistake." He pleaded.

"A mistake? No, Peter. A mistake is like forgetting to, I don't know... when you forgot to pick up milk from the shop. Not sleep with someone several times." She shot back, her voice trembling with anger and hurt.

"It's also something you learn from, Carla. I've learned from it. We can put it behind us and have a fresh start." He said, taking a step forward.

Carla's lips trembled as tears filled her eyes. She shook her head. "No. We can't put it behind us."

"We can." He insisted, reaching for her hands. "We can pretend that Tina didn't happen and move forward with how life would've been if I didn't mess everything up."

"How life would've been?" She yelled, pulling her hands away, pointing her finger at him. "Our child is dead because of you. We can't move forward." She said, tapping her finger against his chest. 

"I'm sorry, Carla. We always find our way back to each other, no matter what. You can deny it all you want, but you know it's true." 

Carla studied him for a moment, cupped his face, and kissed him. "You've been drinking. I'd be a fool to take you back."

"You just kissed me... Carla, you kissed me. You wouldn't have done that if you didn't want me back."

"No, Peter. I did that to remind you of what you're about to lose. Now leave." She pushed him away, watching him stumble.

"Please." He begged tears exiting his eyes.

"Get out!" She yelled.

"You heard her." Rob said, stepping through the door. 

Peter looked over at Rob and then back at Carla.

"Leave, or I'll make you leave." Rob added, his tone cold and commanding. 

Without another word, Peter looked down, pushing past Rob and walking out.

"You kissed him? Seriously, Carla?"

"Drop it, Rob." She snapped.

"I'm sorry, but I'm worried about you."

"I'm fine. Please, I just want to be on my own." She replied quietly, walking to the door and waiting for Rob to leave. 

"Okay. Just text me if you need anything." He said before leaving the flat.

Once he was gone, Carla shut the door, sliding down it and bringing her knees up to her chest, sobbing into them. She remained like that for a while before composing herself and getting up. She headed to the bedroom and grabbed anything she could see of Peter's and chucked them in a pile in the living room. 

As she was heading back to the bedroom, the buzzer rang.

"What." She said, answering it, her voice raised.

"It's Lisa."

She hesitated for a moment, her throat tightened she knew if she spoke her voice would crack so instead she buzzed her up and opened the door. 

"Hey." Lisa said, stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. "So, how can I help make this place more comfortable for you?"

Carla pointed towards the pile on the floor by the sofa. "Just bag up that stuff there." 

Lisa tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes. "Are you okay?"

Carla nodded slowly. "I'll be in the bedroom." She muttered, turning to head back into the bedroom.

Lisa watched her leave, she could sense that something was wrong. But she knew better than to push. Instead, she set to work, opening a bin bag and kneeling down on the floor. She began to sort through the clothes, placing them into piles of trousers, t-shirts, and button-up shirts. 

Part of her just wanted to scrunch everything up and shove them into the bags. It'd get it done quickly and easy, and he definitely deserved to receive his stuff back like that. But that wasn't Lisa. Lisa was neat and tidy, and everything had to be organised.

She was interrupted from her task by the sound of the front door opening.

"Knock, knock," a voice spoke casually.

She snapped her head up, narrowing her eyes. 

"You are not Carla." He said with a point.

Lisa chuckled softly. "She's just in the bedroom."

A moment later, Carla appeared. "Rob, what are you doing here?"

"Charming, nice to see you too." He said with a grin.

"Rob." She said harshly.

"I was just coming to check in on you. I was worried after earlier." 

"I'm fine." Carla replied sharply, shooting him a pointed look.

Rob glanced at Lisa, nodding towards her. "Who's this?"

"That's Lisa." Carla replied. "She's the stranger that helped me."

Rob smirked. "Ah, your knight in shining armour."

Lisa rolled her eyes with a smile getting up. "I wouldn't go that far."

Rob shifted his gaze toward the pile of clothes on the floor. "Is that his stuff?"

"Yeah. Lisa's helping me to bag it all up."

Rob sneered. "Why are you doing it so neatly? I'd just rip it up and shove them into the bags it's what he deserves. Especially after what he did earlier? Who does he think he is coming here and begging you to take him back?"

"Rob." Carla snapped, her voice firm.

"And then you kissed him. I mean, now you've just given him the hope you'll get back together he won't leave you alone now, you know."

Lisa cleared her throat.

Carla's lip trembled as she clenched her fists at her sides. "Get out." She screamed, turning on her heel to the bedroom and slamming the door behind her.

Rob and Lisa glanced at each other. "I'll make sure she's alright. You go." She assured him. 

Lisa knocked on the door gently.

"Carla, can I come in?"

There was a moment of silence before Carla responded. Her voice trembling. "Leave me alone."

"Please, just talk to me. Don't shut me out." 

"You're probably judging me right now." Carla added.

Lisa bit her lip, tilting her head down. "I'm not judging you." 

Carla scoffed. "You're just saying that, but if I were to let you in, you would be."

"I promise, I won't." Lisa said softly.

After a moment, Carla slowly opened the door, busying herself immediately, cleaning out the wardrobe. 

"I knew something wasn't right when I came in earlier." Lisa said, sitting on the side of the bed.

"Well done, Sherlock." Carla replied sarcastically. 

"Carla, sit down." Lisa urged. 

Carla turned around and looked at her, uncertainty flicking across her face as she slowly walked to the bed and sat down.

"So you probably think I'm desperate, right?" Carla asked, searching Lisa's face.

Lisa shook her head gently. "No. I just want to understand what's happened, that's all."

Carla glanced away. "My brothers big gob has already told you." 

"I want to hear it from you if you're comfortable sharing."

Carla nodded slowly, taking a deep breath.

"He came round, and I thought it was you, so I buzzed him up without a second thought. But when I heard his voice, I froze I'd done such a good job of avoiding him. He was begging me to take him back. He said we could go back to how things were and pretend like he'd never had an affair and go on with life.." 

"What planet is he on?" Lisa asked, shaking her head furiously.

"I mean, how deranged is that? He's erasing her memory, and I don't think he even cares. Life was supposed to go on with her, not without her." 

Lisa rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "He has no remorse."

Carla breathed out. "You're telling me. He's more upset about his mistress getting killed than he was about losing his own child. Why am I the only one grieving her it's not fair." She said, wiping away the tears that had spilt out. 

"I'm so sorry. It must've been difficult."

Carla nodded. "I suppose your next question is why did I kiss him?" She asked, meeting Lisa's eyes. 

Lisa shrugged. "It wasn't, but if that's what you'd want my question to be." 

"I just wanted him to realise what he was missing. What he threw away. I know that sounds strange, but it's like the only power I have left if that makes sense. I just want to take all his stuff dump it at his dad's and then forget about him leave him in the past. I want to be able to grieve my daughter without him. Is that selfish?" Carla asked. 

"It's not selfish." Lisa replied firmly. "And don't you dare think that for a second. He didn't care about you or that baby because if he did, he wouldn't have carried on sleeping with that woman, but even then, that doesn't justify his actions. You've been left grieving alone while he what? Picks up the bottle, pushing you further away."

Carla nodded. "He's probably not thinking straight. It's probably the alcohol." 

"Carla." Lisa said sternly. "He's an alcoholic. He makes that choice when he picks up that bottle. He probably doesn't even give you a second thought. But you're just far too soft and see the good in him." 

"I can't help it." Carla whispered. "I've loved him for years." 

"No, I get it. And that love doesn't just fade away overnight. But believe me, when I say this, the only person Peter cares about right now is himself. If Tina were alive, would he be worried about you right now?" 

Carla shrugged. "Probably not." 

"Exactly. Now, why don't we take this stuff to his dad's and then finish up here?"

Dropping the bags off didn't go as smoothly as they'd hoped, being met with Ken pleading for Carla not to turn her back, which had made things even worse she felt rotten.  

"Penny, for your thoughts?" Lisa asked as they walked back to the flat.

"I feel so horrible. Ken was right. I shouldn't turn my back on Peter he needs me. What if this tips him over the edge and he ends up drinking himself to death?" 

Lisa took a breath, pondering the best way to reply. The last thing she wanted was to seem like she was trying to make Carla completely forget about Peter. "In the most respectful way, he has family around him that should be helping him. You, yes you Carla suffered something traumatic that you are still trying to cope with. You have what a few friends and family around to help when they are available he has family there around him all day who can help him. What he does is not on you. The only people to blame if that happens are him and his family." 

"Yeah... I guess you're right it still doesn't take away the guilt, though." 

"You're too nice for your own good." Lisa nudged her. 

Back at the flat, they stood in the room, which would have been the baby's room. In front of them, several boxes of flatpack furniture. 

"What do you want to do with it." Lisa asked, looking at it all.  

Carla shrugged. "Return it? Flog it to someone who needs it?" 

"Do you not want to keep it for the future?" Lisa questioned. 

"The future? Lisa, I'm 39 years old. I don't see myself ever having another child now." 

"Fair enough." Lisa replied. 

"I feel kind of bad for getting rid of it. I'd been begging Peter to assemble it for ages. Good job he didn't, or we'd be here now trying to take it down." Carla admitted with a small laugh though the pain was evident. 

Lisa reached out, gently rubbing her hand on Carla's arm for comfort. 

"Thanks for today. It really means a lot." Carla said, glancing at Lisa with a small grateful smile. 

Lisa returned the smile. "It's no problem, honestly. Any time you need me I'll be there."  

"I'm sorry." Carla whispered.  

Lisa looked at her puzzled. "What for?" 

"Well, you barely even know me, yet you're running around after me." 

"I'd like to think that's what friends do you know be there for each other. That's if we're at the friends' status, that is?" Lisa questioned. 

"Yeah." Carla nodded. "I'd like to think so."

Lisa paused, then added. "I must let you know though that tomorrow is my last day off before I start at the station." 

"So I guess that means lunch tomorrow? My treat just to show my appreciation?" Carla asked. 

"Yeah, definitely." Lisa replied 

Carla walked her to the door. "See you tomorrow." 

"You shall. Take care." She replied, stepping out the door.

Chapter Text

"When you said lunch, I thought you meant a café or something, not a restaurant." Lisa admitted twirling her spaghetti on her fork.

"Well, you've been a proper big help this past week. A bacon butty hardly screams, thank you, does it?" Carla replied with a smirk. 

"I don't need a grand gesture you know for you to show your appreciation." Lisa said softly. 

"No, I know that, but it doesn't hurt, though, does it?" Carla teased.  "Anyways, how are you feeling it's your first day at the station tomorrow, isn't it?"

Lisa paused, taking a swig of her drink. "Hmm. I'm not nervous. It's just a bit... I don't know how to explain it. They're going to have a new DC. I don't know how they'll take to that."

"You're a detective?" Carla asked, surprised.

Lisa nodded. "I'm trying to work my way up to DS."

"Blimey, go you." Carla said with a grin.

"Thanks, I guess?" Lisa chuckled. "And you're back at it at the factory." 

"Well, I'm not going to lie it's difficult finding the rhythm of things again, but once I'm back in the  routine of things, it should be okay." 

"Have you never thought about doing anything in her memory?" Lisa asked, gently realising the timing of her question was probably random. 

Carla shook her head. "Didn't see the point."

Lisa studied her. "It could help with the grief?"

"Nah." Carla dismissed quickly. 

"It's just.."

"Just what, Lisa?" Carla pressed. 

"I did some research and found out that the graveyard has a little memorial garden where you can go and plant a flower for your loved ones. People buy like plaques with their names on to put in front. I thought maybe you could plant one and we could go to the garden centre and have a plaque engraved for her."

Carla's shook her head. "Oh, I don't know. I never even gave her a name, and there's nothing of hers there. So what good would it do?"

"Well, it's just a place you can go when things get tough. It was just a suggestion, though. I shouldn't have mentioned it. I overstepped. "

Carla smiled, looking down and shifting uncomfortably. 

To lighten the mood, Lisa changed the subject. "What are you doing after we finish here?"

"Back to the factory, mountains of invoices to go through."

"Sounds... fun," Lisa replied with a hint of sarcasm. 

"Yeah, totally." Carla rolled her eyes. "Actually, I was thinking you could tell me about Betsy?"

Lisa smiled warmly, her eyes softening. "You actually want to know about her?"

Carla nodded. "Well, you know a hell of a lot about my life, so I'd like to know about yours."

Lisa's face lit up with a grin. She leaned back on her chair, slightly, finding the words to describe Betsy. "She's the cheekiest girl. Honestly, she's got her mothers gob, but she's also the most loveliest little girl you'll meet. She's obsessed with horses at the minute." A fond smile touched her lips. 

"Aw, is she?" 

Lisa nodded. "Becky... that's her mum she sent me a photo of Betsy sitting on a horse and said she was getting her into horse riding lessons." 

"How come she stayed up there and didn't move with you?" Carla asked curiously. 

Lisa looked away, a lump forming in her throat, clearing it she began to speak. "Betsy has a life up there. Her friends are there and her family. It'd be wrong to just rip her away from all that. She needs stability."

Carla nodded thoughtfully. "You'll go back every now and then to visit her and your family too." 

Lisa shook her head, scoffing. "I don't talk to my family. They didn't approve when I came out, so since I was 18 it's just been me on my own."

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry." Carla said sympathetically. 

"It's fine. My mum was under the belief it was immoral she used to say that two women can't be together, that the point is to have children, and you can't do that with a woman blah blah. She told me I was no longer welcome under her roof unless I was 'normal', so that day I packed my stuff, and I left." She confessed, staring into space her eyes watering as she recalled the memory. 

"Where did you go?" 

"A hostel. It was tough I was working a minimum wage job while in Uni but I knew in my heart I did the right thing if I stayed under my mothers roof I wouldn't be true to myself and I'd be pretending to be someone I wasn't." 

"Probably doesn't mean anything now, but I'm proud of you for doing that. Love is love." 

Lisa smiled. "Yeah, yeah, it is." 

"How did you meet Becky? Is that her name?"

Lisa nodded. "In the force. We were the newbies there, so we just kind of gravitated towards each other."

"Sounds like it all worked out from there then. Falling in love, having Betsy, marriage?" 

"Well, it was certainly nice while it lasted." Lisa frowned. 

As the hour passed, they continued eating their food and chatting comfortably. The conversation seemed to flow easily, with no topic of conversation fizzing out. Carla found herself genuinely enjoying it, having conversations that weren't solely about her life, while Lisa took pleasure in sharing stories about her earlier days in the force and Betsy. 

"Thanks again for lunch even though it felt more like dinner." Lisa grinned, beginning to put her coat on.

Carla sat bouncing her leg, hesitating before speaking. "Don't go."

Lisa looked at her, raising her eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

"Well, it's just... what you said earlier about the memorial. I've been thinking about it while we ate and I think... maybe I do want to do it."

"Yeah?" Lisa replied. 

Carla nodded. 

"If you're absolutely sure, I don't want you to do it if you don't want to. I was just suggesting it."

"No, no, I want to." Carla reassured. "But the whole name plaque thing like I said I never gave her a name. Oh God, how bad is that."

Lisa hesitated. "Well, I guess you didn't have a birth to register, so it's probably something you didn't think about amidst your grief."

"No, but I researched it not long after it happened. All those mothers on the forums I was on named their baby, and I didn't"

"Carla relax. You don't have to do a plaque."

"I want to." Carla replied firmly.  

Lisa nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, so... what names did you like while you were pregnant?" 

"When I knew for definite I wanted the baby. I said if I ever had a girl, I'd want to honour someone who meant a lot to me, Hayley. But I think it'd be weird to just give her that name without consulting Roy. That's Hayley's husband. I liked the name Isla." 

"That's a beautiful name. Are you absolutely sure you want to?"

Carla nodded. "Yeah."

"I'll drive us." Lisa said. 

Before going to the garden centre for the plaque, they stopped off at a florist. Carla browsed the flowers for what felt like ages she wanted a nice flower to honour her daughter. She knew the flower for June was a rose, but she felt like that was too basic. Instead, she settled on a lily. Was it basic? Probably. But it was the beauty that caught her eye.

With the plaque engraved and the plant in hand, they went to the memorial garden. Walking in there was a colourful array of flowers everywhere, which warmed Carla's heart. They walked around finding the perfect spot to plant the flowers, and she decided on a place by a tree. There were other flowers around, and it just seemed like the perfect place. They knelt down by the tree with a team effort planting the lily plant. Once planted, Carla placed the plaque in the ground in front of the flowers, getting up. 

"It looks beautiful." She said softly, admiring what she had done.  

"It does." Lisa replied with a gentle smile on her face. 

"It was such a lovely idea. I'm glad you suggested it now. It feels like she finally has a resting place." 

"You don't think I overstepped?" Lisa asked, a hint of concern in her voice. 

Carla shook her head, meeting Lisa's gaze, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Absolutely not. It was a perfect idea." 

Lisa reached for Carla's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Whenever you need a break, this can be your place to come. Check in on her plant, replant it, just sit on a bench and connect with her. She's guiding you and giving you strength." 

Carla looked up, blinking away the tears threatening to spill. "What a wet wipe I am it's just a plant, and here I am about to get all soppy."

"You're allowed to get soppy." Lisa reassured.

Carla took a breath, her voice trembling slightly. "I just feel at peace now knowing that there's a place for her. She may not be her physically, but spiritually, she is. I know it. Like you said, she's guiding me. I just hope she knows how much I love her." 

"She does, and she'll always know that. She's up there." Lisa said, looking up at the sky. "She's watching down on you." 

Carla hesitated and reached into her bag, pulling out a small plush heart. "When I was in the hospital, they gave me this." She said, holding it up. "They placed one with her, and they gave me one too. I carry it everywhere." 

"That's lovely." 

Carla looked down at it, a small smile forming on her face through the tears that had now flowed out. "I talk to it. Is that weird?" 

Lisa shook her head gently. "Not at all." 

Carla nodded, removing her hand from Lisa's to wipe away her tears. She walked back to sit on the bench facing the tree.

"I still carry that guilt around with me that it's my fault." She whispered. "And there's this tiny voice up here." She said, pressing her finger to her temple. "That tells me she hates me. I mean, I know it's not true, but when I'm spiralling in my thoughts, it's so hard not to believe it." 

"Oh, Carla." Lisa said gently, reaching out and placing a comforting hand on Carla's back. 

"It's like a broken record." Carla continued. "That voice on repeat. I know deep down that if I stayed calm, she'd still be here today, but I can't live my life weighed down by guilt."

"You're right. You can't, and she knows that, too." Lisa said, rubbing her hand soothingly up and down Carla's back.

Carla brought the heart up to her lips, pressing a kiss to it. "God, I love you so much." She whispered into it. "I'd do anything to have you back in here baking away." She said her free hand gently placed on her stomach. 

Lisa remained silent, her hand gradually moving away from Carla's back as she slowly got up, allowing Carla the time to speak to her baby. 

"I like to imagine you'd have my attitude keeping me on my toes walking around like you own the place. What would your favourite colour be? Your favourite animal? I'd already decided you wouldn't be watching that flaming pig, Peppa." She chuckled softly, sniffling. 

"I pictured taking you on holidays abroad, beach trips, you paddling in the sea and trying to eat the sand." She continued. 

"Would you get your hands on crayons and use the walls to be your canvas? It would have annoyed me massively, but it would have been worth it. I hope you're up there now doing whatever you like. I know Hayley will be there with you now looking after you. You finally have a name, Isla. I think it suits you." She finished looking up at the sky. 

Placing the heart back into her bag, she sniffled, wiping her eyes. she turned to look beside her and couldn't see Lisa. After a quick glance around, she saw her sat on the bench a bit further away. 

"Hey." She said, approaching Lisa sitting down. 

"Hey." Lisa replied.

"You disappeared." Carla murmured. 

Lisa nodded. "I wanted to give you a moment to connect with her."

Carla's eyes softened with gratitude. "Thank you." She whispered.

Lisa smiled warmly. "Come on, let's get you home." 

They got up, walking back to the car together in compatible silence.  

The journey back to Carla's was quiet, which was expected after spending the last few hours at the memorial garden. "I just want to thank you again for suggesting we do that. I really enjoyed the afternoon we had." Carla said as they pulled up outside the flat. 

Lisa looked over at her, her expression sincere. "It's no problem at all."

Carla smiled gratefully. "Good luck for tomorrow." 

"Thanks. Take care of yourself." Lisa replied. 

"I will." Carla said softly, stepping out of the car.

She paused on the doorstep briefly, taking a steadying breath before entering the flat. The weight of the day catching up to her, the only thing she wanted to do right now was have a bath and go to sleep. 

Chapter Text

It was Lisa's first day at the station and to say she was nervous was an understatement. First impressions mattered. She got dressed into a crisp white shirt, tucked neatly into tailored black trousers, topped with a black blazer. Her hair was swept back into a high ponytail. Standing in front of the mirror, she took a deep breath, steadying herself before stepping out the door. 

The first thing that happened was she was thrown into a briefing about a case she was told she'd be leading. After a brief introduction to who she was to the team, the briefing commenced with DI Hawthorn going through the case with her.

"We have a lot to go through today covering the Tina McIntyre case." he announced. 

Lisa felt her stomach tighten. She seemed to freeze in place, a faint buzzing sound ringing out in her ear. She hadn't expected the case she'd be leading to be this one.

"Victim is Tina McIntyre 23 years old. She was found unconscious on May 27th and tragically died on June the 2nd due to blunt force trauma to the head."

"We've interviewed all suspects, but we'd like to bring them in for further questioning."

Lisa nodded silently. absorbing all the information Hawthorn was saying. 

"Let's go review the suspects and their motives." DI Hawthorn began. "First, we have Peter Barlow. He had plans to run away with Tina, but he and his wife Carla announced they were pregnant on the same day, which she overheard. She later then threatened to expose the affair to Carla."

"And then there's Carla Barlow. She was pregnant at the time the affair was revealed and announced it to the pub. Witnesses have said she was heard saying 'I'm going to kill her' and going around to Tina's and finding her unconscious."

Lisa's world seemed to come to a halt for a moment. She had known Carla for several days, and never once did Carla tell her she'd been questioned in the case and found Tina unconscious. "We don't actually think Carla did it, though, right?" Lisa asked, glancing around the table.

"Meaning?" Hawthorn prompted.

"Well, she was pregnant. I find it hard to believe she'd shove Tina over a railing." Lisa replied.

Hawthorn shrugged. "We'll take it one day at a time, but we need to interview them all again. Go over the files and get familiar with the notes, and bring Peter in for questioning." He said dismissing the meeting. Lisa watched as everyone piled out the room. Once everyone was gone, she slammed the pen down on the table, leaning back on the chair and taking a breath. The one thing she wasn't looking forward to was questioning Carla. 

Walking into the pub, Lisa spotted Peter slouched at the bar, desperately pleading for a drink, only to be refused. To her left, in a booth, she saw Carla sitting with Rob and another person. She felt guilty just looking at them, both knowing they too would be hauled in for questioning. She offered a subtle smile before diverting her gaze back to Peter. 

"Peter Barlow?" She called softly.

Peter turned around. "What?" 

"I need you to come down to the station with me." Lisa said her voice calm but firm.

His eyes narrowed. "What for?" 

Lisa stepped closer, her gaze steady. "I just need to ask you a few follow-up questions, that's all." 

Peter crossed his arms. "I've already told you all you need to know."

Lisa kept her tone calm but firm. "Mr Barlow, we really need you to come down to the station now. You can do it the easy way and cooperate, or I can arrest you. What shall it be?" 

After much deliberation, Peter finally gave up following Lisa out of the pub.

"Was that..." Rob began.

"Lisa." Carla finished. 

Rob nodded slowly. "Yeah."

"Yep." Carla confirmed. 

Michelle looked puzzled. "Wait, hang on, that's the infamous Lisa you've swapped me for?" 

"Yes." Carla snapped. "And I haven't swapped her for you."

Rob looked at Carla, surprised. "You didn't say she was a copper." 

"Why does that matter?" Carla asked.

Rob's expression darkened. "You need to stay away from her, especially now that she's on the case. It's only a matter of time before she's hauling you back to that station for questioning."

At the station, Lisa leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, notes spread open in front of her. She fixed Peter with a steady gaze.

"Can you walk me through your whereabouts on the 27th May 2014?"

Peter looked at her, narrowing his eyes. "I've already gone over this."

Lisa raised a brow. "Yes to previous detective on the case but not to me."

He sighed, pulling his hand across his forehead. "I was at the engagement do."

Lisa nodded, looking down at her notes. "For Rob Donovan and Tracy Barlow?" 

"Yes." Peter snapped.

"And where does Tina fit into this?"

He rubbed his temple, exhaling sharply. "We were planning on running away together, but she overheard me and Carla announcing the pregnancy."

"So your wife was pregnant, yet you still planned to run away with a woman much younger than you?"

"I know it was stupid okay, but I didn't, did I?"

"Because you didn't get the chance. Now, what happened after she overheard?"

"I followed her outside to talk to her."

Lisa gave him a pointed look, urging him to continue.

Peter rolled his eyes. "She was angry about it and threatened to tell Carla about the affair, but she didn't get the chance."

"Why not?" 

"Because I left the flat to tell Carla myself."

Lisa leaned in slightly. "Did you push her before you left? Is that why she didn't get the chance?"

Peter looked towards his lawyer. "Can they ask that?"

His lawyer shrugged. "I thought he was just here to go over his story. If you're going to start throwing around accusations like that, you need to be recording." 

Lisa exchanged a glance at the other officer. "We'll be in touch."

Peter shot her a frustrated look, opening the door. "I'm sure you will." He said, slamming it behind him.

After finishing her shift, she was exhausted. She stopped off at the Bistro to get some food to take back home.

"Oh hey." She said, spotting Carla walking out of the factory. 

"Hi." Carla replied, offering a small smile.

"How are you?"

"Fine yeah." Carla answered.

"You don't seem so sure."

"Do you think Peter did it?" Carla asked quietly. 

"I can't say." Lisa replied honestly.

Carla nodded understandingly. "Yeah, course."

There was a brief pause of silence between them before Lisa broke it. "We could do something this weekend. Maybe grab a drink?" 

Carla looked away, considering it. "I'll think about it." 

Suddenly, Peter appeared stumbling out from the ginnel. "Come to arrest my wife now, officer?"

"It's a friendly chat, actually." Lisa replied. 

Peter scoffed. "Friendly chat, seriously?"

"Do one, Peter, and for the record, I'm no longer your wife." Carla said. 

"How can you just stand there and talk to the one who arrested me."

"I didn't arrest you." Lisa interjected calmly. "I was just going over your original statement. That's all."

Peter took a swig out of the bottle of whiskey in his hands. "Pfft yeah until the next time. You coppers are all the same. You should know better than befriending the enemy Carla. If Hayley was here, she'd be ashamed."

"Don't you even go there." She said, launching forwards, pointing her finger at him. 

"Whoa, whoa." Lisa said, stepping between them.

Michelle appeared at the door of the Bistro. "Hey, what's all the shouting about?" 

"He was just leaving." Carla said, moving back, walking towards Michelle.

Lisa watched Peter move away from the bistro before she followed them inside. 

"You okay?" Lisa asked, walking up to Carla, placing a hand on her back. 

"Yeah." Carla said, taking a sip of water Michelle had given her.

"Thanks for stopping her." Michelle said gratefully. 

"Ah, it's no worries." Lisa said, waving her hand dismissively. 

"You really do know when to show up and save her." Michelle added with a smile. 

Lisa chuckled. "Just looking out for a mate, that's all. Listen, I've got to shoot off before this gets any colder. See you." 

"Bye." Michelle and Carla said together.

Carla watched as her figure disappeared out of the Bistro. 

"She seems nice." Michelle commented.

"I guess." Carla replied with a shrug. 

Michelle paused, noticing the change in expression. "Carla, what's wrong?" 

Carla looked over at Michelle, sighing heavily, resting her head on her hand. "What Rob said is true, isn't it? It's only a matter of time before she's hauling me down that station." 

"And you've got to remember that it's her job. She wouldn't do it because she thought you're guilty but because she's been given an instruction by her boss."

Carla nodded, but an uneasy feeling still lingered in her chest, refusing to fade away.

Chapter Text

It had been the day Lisa had been dreading. She knew it was coming since the briefing yesterday, but it still didn't make it any better. Pulling up outside the factory, a wave of guilt washed through her. This is the last thing that Carla could possibly need right now. As she stepped out of the car, each step towards that factory gnawed away at her. She took a breath before pushing open the door. 

The atmosphere in the factory was calming. There was the faint melody of careless whisper coming from the radio and the steady hum of the sewing machines. Like she expected, as she entered the factory, the workers' eyes were no longer on their sewing but on her tracking her every step towards the office. She took a tentative step towards the office, giving it the softest knock. 

Carla had been expecting it. Of course she had. But seeing Lisa through those blinds felt like betrayal further proof that the trust she once had was slipping away, and she figured by the end of this, her and Lisa's friendship would be over.

"Come in." Carla said, stepping back and letting Lisa in.

Lisa looked at Carla the way she was avoiding meeting her eyes, and she didn't really know how to approach this. She should remain professional, of course she should, but this was Carla. Someone she considered her friend. She hesitated before speaking. "Hi." 

"Let's not do that." Carla replied her tone cool but firm. "I'm guessing this isn't a friendly visit, and you need me at the station?"

Lisa nodded silently. 

"So what then? You were undercover this whole time getting information on me?" Carla asked, her hands resting on her hips. 

"What? No, don't be ridiculous, Carla." Lisa protested. 

"Yeah, right, can we just go." Carla interrupted, turning toward the door.  

"Carla..." Lisa began, but before she got the chance to finish, Carla was already out of the office door. 

Walking down the stairs, Lisa called out softly. "It's just going over your original statement. You don't need to be scared." 

Carla paused briefly, turning around with a hardened look. "Don't I? It's not every day someone you thought was your friend is leading an investigation where you're painted as a suspect, is it?"

Lisa's voice caught in her throat. "Carla..."

"No." Carla held her hand up, cutting her off. "Let's just get this over with." She said, stepping into the police car.

"Swain a word." Hawthorn said quietly before they stepped into the room.

"Yes, Gov." Lisa replied.

"Yesterday, you were quick to jump to her defence. That's not what today is about. Don't let your own beliefs come between the actual evidence." 

"Noted." Lisa said, nodding.

As they opened the door, Carla's head snapped up she hadn't even registered Hawthorn's presence at first, her gazed fixed directly on Lisa's. In that moment, Lisa saw a flicker of vulnerability behind Carla's eyes. She could see the nerves trembling in Carla's face and the fear lurking behind her expression. A surge of sympathy rose within Lisa, but she knew her duty came first. Job first, friends second. She kept telling herself. Maintaining a harsh, steady stare, she took a seat. 

"Did DC Swain make it clear why you're here today?" Hawthorn asked.

Carla nodded. "To go over my original statement."

"Correct. The night of the 27th May, can you walk me through that again?"

"What, why? You have my previous statement in front of you. Just read it." Carla replied, frustration in her voice. 

Hawthorn remained quiet, fixing her with a pointed look. 

Carla shifted her gaze from him to Lisa, who was also fixing her with a pointed scrutinising look.  "Oh, I see what this is. You just want to see if my story changes."

Lisa shrugged. "And will it?"

"No." Carla snapped, raising her voice. 

"So go over it again." Lisa simply replied.

Carla rolled her eyes, letting out a breath. "Oh, for God's sake.  I was at my brothers engagement party." 

"And that's where you found out about the affair, correct?" Hawthorn asked.

"Yes." 

"Talk me through it. How were you feeling?"

"Well angry obviously I just found out my husband had been having an affair for months with his sons nanny."   

"Angry enough to shout about it to the pub?"

"Why are you questioning it if you know that's what happened." Carla shot back. 

"Just checking." He said with a shrug, nodding at Lisa to take over.

Lisa leaned forward, elbows on the desk, hands clasped together, eyes locked onto Carla's. "Going through the files, it says you were heard shouting 'I'm going to kill her' as you stormed out the pub. Is that correct."

"I might have said that." Carla admitted.

"And can you see why that makes you a bit suspicious here. Saying you were going to kill her, then you supposedly find her." Lisa pointed out. 

"Supposedly? I did flaming find her." Carla retorted. 

"How?"

"I went round to her flat."

"Steph and Tina's flat." Lisa corrected.

"Yes."

"It was made to look like a robbery." Lisa stated.

"Well, it was a bit of a tip admittingly, but that wasn't on me." 

"So after you entered the flat, what did you do?" 

"She wasn't there. But then I saw the door to the balcony open a crack. I went to check, and she wasn't there either. The next part is a blur, but what I remember is looking over and looking down, and there she was."

"We have two witnesses who can confirm this, although all they saw was Carla looking over." Hawthorn interjected. 

"Just say Leanne and Kal they're the witnesses." Carla said. 

"You said it happened in a blur. So if you don't necessarily remember it, what's to say you didn't push her." Hawthorn asked.

"I'm sorry, but didn't someone wallop her around the head? How could I have done that if I arrived and the flat was empty?" Carla shot back. 

Lisa shrugged. "Cover up."

Carla scoffed. "Are you flaming serious? You're a joke, do you know that?" 

"I'm just simply doing my job."

"No, what you're doing is throwing around wild untrue accusations when the person who actually did it is out there somewhere. I was pregnant, for goodness sake. Do you really think I'd commit a murder and risk me being sent down and not getting to see my baby grow up?" Carla shouted, tears rolling down her face.

Lisa immediately felt bad. She mouthed a subtle, sorry. 

Carla shook her head. "Unbelievable, are we done here?"

Lisa looked at her superior, and with a nod of the head, Carla was allowed to go. 

"Good work Swain you really cracked her there." He nodded, exiting the room.

Lisa offered a weak smile, letting out a deep sigh once he left. She felt rotten.

"The flaming nerve on that woman," Carla stormed through the Bistro and slammed her hands on the counter. "Largest glass of red, please."

Michelle looked up, raising an eyebrow. "You don't sound very happy." 

"Would you be if your so-called friend interrogated you?" Carla snapped. 

"I'm sorry what." Michelle said, handing over the wine.

Carla took a big swig. "Yep. The cheek of her, honestly."

"Have you considered maybe she was just doing her job?" Michelle suggested. 

"Who's side are you on?" Carla shot back. 

"Well, yours, obviously."

"Yeah, sounds like it."  Carla scoffed.

"Well, what exactly did she say?" Michelle asked.

"She tried to insinuate that I pushed Tina." 

"You what?" Michelle gasped.

Carla nodded.

"The flaming cheek of her just wait until I see her as if you haven't been through enough already." 

"I thought she was my friend Chelle. How could she do this?" Carla's voice trembled. 

"Yeah, well, no friend would suggest you murdered someone even if it's their job it's below the belt."

"And she had the nerve to mouth that she was sorry." Carla added bitterly. 

"You're joking." Michelle said, her eyes widening with anger. 

"Nope." Carla replied firmly. 

Michelle shook her head angrily. "That little swine." 

Carla remained sat at the Bistro for the remainder of the afternoon. Somewhere in that time, after her 5th large glass of wine, Michelle stopped serving her it and instead served her lemonade. Carla was annoyed, but deep down, she was thankful. The last thing she needed was to be drinking too much and paying the price in the morning. 

"There you are." Lisa said softly, walking through the door. 

Carla snapped her head around, hearing Lisa's voice shooting her a disapproving look. 

"I don't think so." Michelle interrupted. 

"I just want to talk to Carla, that's all." Lisa insisted. 

"Well, Carla doesn't want to talk to you." Carla said, glancing over at her with a cold stare.

"Please, just hear me out." Lisa begged.

"No chance." Carla snapped, grabbing her bag and storming out.

Lisa hesitated, about to follow, but Michelle called out. "Oi. Don't you think you've done enough damage?" 

"I just want to talk to her. That's all." Lisa replied softly.

"Yeah, well, good luck with that. "You tried to push the blame onto her. You were supposed to be her friend." Michelle shot back.

"I was just doing my job."

"Yeah, clearly. You don't care who goes down for it as long as someone does, right?" 

"It doesn't work like that." Lisa replied quietly. 

Michelle shook her head. "Do you want to know what the sad thing is? I defended you to her because you were the only one that Carla felt safe opening up to. And look where it got her."

Lisa took a moment to gather her words. "And like I've said, I'm sorry." Before turning and walking away.

When Lisa caught up with Carla, she was just slipping her key into the door.

"Carla, wait, please."

Carla turned around sharply. "What."

"Just hear me out."

Carla studied her waiting. "Well, go on then." She snapped.

"It wasn't my intention to go in harshly."

"So why did you?"

Lisa hesitated before answering. "I defended you yesterday, and my boss he told me not to let my own judgements of you get in the way of the case."

"So that means you can interrogate me? Try and say I did it?" Carla shot back. 

"No, of course not."

"But you did." Carla accused bitterly. 

"It's my job." Lisa replied. 

Carla's eyes flashed with anger. "Yeah, I bet it is. I was there to go over my statement. Instead, you pushed a false narrative on me." 

"Believe me, Carla, I hated it. I really did." Lisa said, her voice trembling. "But I swear I don't think you did it. Not for a second." 

Carla's face showed pain and hurt she took a step closer, her voice sharp with the betrayal she was feeling. "Do you want to know what you are? Two-faced. Acting all friendly to my face acting as if we're friends, but when you get to that station, you act like we're strangers."

"Carla... no, it's not like that." Lisa pleaded, placing her hand on Carla's arm.

Carla snatched it away, her voice cracking with pain. "Really? Because it's got me thinking... Has this friendship ever been genuine? Was your first day of work really yesterday? Or did you just tell me a cover story because you were sent to spy on me and see if I'd confess?"

"No." Lisa said sternly, narrowing her eyes. 

Carla hardened her gaze. "You know I wouldn't put it past you to have your copper crew bug that tree where I planted flowers to remember Isla to see if I say something that could incriminate me because I think no ones listening." She crossed her arms defensively. 

Lisa shook her head. "You're being ridiculous. Everything I've told you is the truth, Carla." 

Carla's voice wavered for a moment, laced with doubt. "I don't know what's true anymore."

"Come on, we're friends, Carla."

"Were friends." Carla said, taking a step back. "The saddest thing is I believed Isla sent you to me that she saw how much I was struggling without her. But honestly, I don't think my daughter would send me a two-faced cow." Her voice broke. "Us meeting? It wasn't fate. You just happened to be in the park at the right time to help me." 

"Carla..." Lisa whispered as a tear dropped from her eye. 

Carla turned to unlock the door, but Lisa had grabbed her wrist, causing her to spin back around. "Please, let's just figure this out. I'll drop the case so we can get back to how things were before."

Carla studied her. Really studied her. Looking her in the eyes seeing if there was hint of honesty behind them. She took one last look at her, letting out a small bitter laugh.

"Drop dead, Lisa." She said coldly, snatching her wrist away with a sharp tug. Her fingers closed around the key, and without another word, she turned and slipped inside, slamming the door shut behind her. 

The loud bang of the door echoed in the silence of the street. Lisa stood frozen her fists clenched tightly at her sides , causing them to turn white, fighting back the tears she knew would flood out. She really had messed up everything up. The one person she called a friend now hated her. And the ache of that realisation cut deeper than she could bear. 

Chapter Text

The day of Tina's funeral had arrived. Outside the Church stood friends, family, and neighbours gathered in silence, their faces etched with sorrow and grief. This was their final chance to say goodbye and to lay her to rest.

Carla stood among them, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum. She clutched her jacket closed, folding her arms in front of her. She had a deep hatred for Tina for what she had done, but that didn't mean that she wished she was dead. Rob stood beside her, his jaw clenched. He had a persona to keep up but looking around and seeing the people who cared about Tina he felt guilty as anything. 

To their left, Lisa stood stiffly with her boss, Hawthorn, whose gaze was intimidating. Carla knew they'd be here. Of course, she did, but it didn't help the ache in her chest. The air between them had been thick with tension for a while now but Carla had to remind herself she barely knew Lisa. She should go on with life acting as if they were never thrown into each others orbit. 

Rob nudged Carla gently, keeping his voice low. "Pay no notice, sis." 

Carla cast one last hurried glance Lisa's way before turning forward. 

Lisa gently stepped away from Hawthorn, her expression guarded but filled with determination to speak to Carla. 

"Carla, can I have a word?" Lisa's voice was soft but insistent.

Carla shook her head, keeping her eyes fixed ahead. "Not now." She responded, keeping her voice steady.

"It'll only be brief." Lisa pressed, pleading.

Carla hesitated, looking at Rob, who caught her eye and gave her a silent warning. After a moment of contemplating, she nodded. "Quickly." she said, her voice barely above a whisper and stepping away Lisa trailing close behind. 

"What." Carla asked.

Lisa took a hesitant step forward. "I just wanted to say I was sorry again. I hate how awkward it is between us."

"Yeah, well, you should've thought about that, shouldn't you?" She snapped. 

Lisa bit her lip. "Carla, please, if you let me explain properly, you'll understand fully." 

Carla shook her head. "Do you know how disrespectful this is? Doing this at a funeral? Take a look around." Carla said, sweeping her eyes over the guests gathered outside. "This is not the time nor place. And actually Lisa, I'd prefer it if we just went back to being strangers." 

"You don't mean that." Lisa said, her voice breaking. 

"I prefer to be friends with people who are genuine, not fake." 

"I am genuine, Carla. You can see that if you..."

"Just let you explain." Carla cut her off. "Yeah, you said. Read the room, Lisa." Without another word, she nudged past Lisa walking away.

Lisa froze for a moment, then slowly turned around, watching Carla walk away. 

"What was that about?" Rob questioned.

"Nothing." Carla responded. "Just leave it."

Rob shot a quick glance back at Lisa. He knew the longer Carla stayed around her, he would have to live on edge that she could uncover who was really behind Tina's murder.

The service had been going well until Peter appeared, sending gasps of shock and disbelief amongst the crowd. All eyes turned towards him. It was David who caused the first rupture of drama saying that Tina would still have been here if it weren't for him, causing Simon to realise Peter had shown up. It was Simon's outrage that caused Peter to get up and leave.

Everyone was expecting Peter to be long gone by now, but just after they'd buried her, Steve noticed Peter lingering at the back. 

"Peter, what are you still doing here?." He questioned. 

"I need to speak to Carla." He said, trying to walk past Steve. Steve pulled him back, preventing him from going any further. 

"No, not now. Leave it until tomorrow." Steve urged. "Not in this state, Peter. Not here, not at Tina's funeral. Why are you even here?"

"I just wanted to see if Carla was okay. Has anyone said anything to her? I don't care if they talk about me, but I won't let them slag her off." Peter shouted.

"No one has said anything." Steve reassured him, trying to calm him down. 

"They all think I did it. Carla, that copper, Rob, just everyone. Now Carla won't talk to me."

"She probably just needs time." Steve said.

But even with Steve's reassurance, Peter couldn't leave it.

"Carla." He shouted, stumbling towards her, causing everyone to look over and stare. 

"I'll talk to him." Carla said, walking towards him, but Eva reached out, trying to stop her. 

"No, don't. Look at the state of him." Eva said, pulling Carla away.

Carla listened, beginning to walk away. 

"Carla, wait, please." Peter pleaded.

"Peter, please, just not here." Carla shouted, turning around sharply. 

"You didn't mean what you said the other day. I know you don't want us to be over." He insisted. 

"Yes, she does now get the hell out of here." Rob said, coming between them.

"Let's go." Carla said, trying to pull Rob back. 

"No." Rob snapped, yanking his arm away from her. "You've destroyed everything, and if it wasn't for you, Tina would still be alive." He shouted, pointing at Peter.

"Yeah, well, she destroyed my life, so that makes us even." Peter retorted, causing the crowd to gasp in shock. Lisa and Hawthorn immediately exchanged shocked glances.

"Did everybody hear that?" Rob shouted, looking around. "He murdered her, just like he murdered his own baby." He spat out pushing Peter.

Lisa immediately shifted her gaze from Peter and Rob to Carla, whose face had dropped, her expression blank frozen to the spot. Part of her wanted to reach out, but before she could think anymore, a brawl broke out between Peter and Rob, resulting in them getting arrested. 

"Do you want to explain what that was about?" Lisa questioned.

"I just didn't think it was appropriate to make Tina's funeral all about him, that's all." Rob replied firmly. "It was disrespectful."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "I must say you seem to really care about Tina for someone who didn't exactly like her."

A cold wave of dread rushed through Rob's body. "Look, I just knew that a funeral was not the right place for Peter to try and reconcile with my sister and well you for that matter. You both really need to pick the time and place to do stuff like that."

Lisa looked away, her voice sharp. "Yeah, well, at least I don't go round punching people at a funeral. Do you call that respectful?"

Rob rolled his eyes. "You were there you heard and saw everything it's him you need to be speaking too. I mean he practically confessed."

"We can't question him until he's sober." Lisa shot back. 

Rob scoffed. "So what are you going to do charge me for assault or what? If you are, can we get it over and done with, or can you just give me a warning and let me leave?"

Lisa gave him a warning, and he was allowed to leave heading to Tina's wake. 

"You're lucky it was just a warning, Rob." Carla said.

"Yeah, I know that, Carla. I don't trust that Swain, though not for a second something's not right about her, so I mean it, Carla, you need to stay away from her."

Michelle nodded. "I'll cheers to that."

"I can't just stay away from her she was a friend. I actually really enjoyed talking to her." 

Rob shook his head, his voice firm. "Yeah, and if you enjoy talking to her again, what's to say she's not spying? She's proven she can't be trusted." 

"Yeah, I know that, but -" She started but was cut off by Rob.

"There's no buts about it, Carla. You see her walking towards you, you walk in the opposite direction or you cross the street. Do you hear me?"

Carla nodded. She knew what Rob was doing was coming from a place of concern and in her head she knew that she should stay away from Lisa, but her heart was suggesting something different. She misses Lisa. But was missing her enough to reach out and reconnect? 

Chapter Text

As part of moving forward, Carla had blocked Lisa's number. And now, three weeks on since the funeral, she had been doing a good job of avoiding Lisa all together. It was a hard switch going from someone whom she could truly resonate with and talk to to now having no one. Carla knew she had Michelle, but Michelle couldn't properly relate to how she was feeling. But she supposed it was a blessing in disguise. Michelle had been in Carla's life longer, and she certainly didn't need a new friend.

A day full of meetings ahead of her Carla went to Roy's for a quick coffee and something to eat, but what she didn't expect was Lisa to be there. She saw her hair first, that neat crisp ponytail swaying side to side as she moved her head. Part of her wanted to back out the door and go, but if Lisa was going to be living around here, she couldn't avoid her forever. She collected herself, taking a step toward the counter. 

"Oh hi." Lisa said, turning around and seeing Carla.

"Hi." Carla said, keeping her gaze focused ahead and her tone sharp.

"You okay?" Lisa asked.

"Yep." Carla said before turning her attention to Roy.

Lisa walked away, getting towards the wall by the door, taking one last look at Carla and leaving. She'd felt incredibly lonely since she ruined her friendship, and now she was living with the fact Carla was just going to treat her like a stranger. No matter how many times Lisa tried to remind herself, she was just doing her job she knew she didn't need to rip into Carla like that. She went over it several times. The only reason she went in harsh was to prove to her superior she could focus on the evidence at hand and not her personal perception of someone. 

Carla entered the Bistro with a client noticing Tracy and Rob seated at a table neat the entrance. 

"Just take a seat. I'll be over in a minute." Carla said, directing them in the direction of a vacant table. 

She approached Rob and Tracy's table. "Hey." 

"This is a quiet lunch." Tracy mused, not taking her eyes off the menu.

Rob looked at Tracy and then at Carla. "Want to join us?" 

"I can't business meeting." She replied, nodding her head towards the table where she'd be sitting. "I'll leave you to it." She said, walking off. 

"Do you mind?" Tracy asked, putting down the menu.

Rob raised an eyebrow. "What." 

"'Do you want to join us?' she mocked. "Seriously?"

"Well, she had clients she was hardly going to join us, was she?" He replied.

"That's not the point." She shot back.

Rob directed his gaze to Tracy's wrist, seeing something silver glowing in the light of the Bistro. "Where did you get that?"

"Oh, this?" Tracy said, admiring it. "Mam found it in the ginnel."

Rob's brow furrowed. "Well, give it to me. I can hand it in at the station to see if there's a reward."

"A reward? Babe, this is my reward finders keepers." Tracy replied with a sly smile. 

"No, it's stealing. Just give it to me, Tracy." Rob insisted.

"No." She said firmly.

"Well, can you at least pull your sleeve down. Keep it out of sight." 

Tracy rolled her eyes, sighing and pulling down her sleeve. But as she ate, the sleeve gradually slipped back up, revealing the bracelet once more.

Just the Steph approached the meal. "How's your meal?" 

"Good, yeah." Rob replied, trying to sound casual.

Steph's eyes flicked to the bracelet. "Nice bracelet." She commented.

Rob's expression changed, his face falling as he chewed slowly, lifting his gaze. His jaw clenched. 

"Thanks." Tracy replied.

"Can I see it?" Steph asked.

"Yeah." Tracy responded, sliding her wrist forward.

Rob cut in quickly. "Actually, Steph, can we get the bill? We need to go." 

"It's weird. I had one that looked exactly like this." Steph said, sliding the bracelet around admiring all the charms.

"Oh, did you." Tracy said, her face dropping as she pulled her arm away.

"That is mine, isn't it?" Steph accused.

Tracy looked shocked. "No, it's not yours, you cheeky cow. Rob got this for me." 

Steph looked at Rob. "Is this true?" 

Rob hesitated before agreeing. 

"We will get that bill, actually." Tracy said, gathering her things. 

Steph's suspicions lingered despite Tracy's protests. She couldn't shake the feeling that the bracelet actually belonged to her she pulled out her phone and rang the police.

The police arrived at Barlow's Buys, determined to look at the bracelet. The bracelet could be the key thing to solve Tina's murder and close the case. 

"Tracy Barlow." Lisa said, stepping into the shop.

Tracy scoffed. "I'm guessing this is about the bracelet?"

Lisa nodded.

Tracy rolled her eyes. "Seriously, I already told Steph it was my bracelet." 

"Do you mind if I take a look?" Lisa questioned.

Tracy hesitated. "You can, but I'm telling you it's mine."

Lisa carefully slipped the bracelet into a small bag, preparing to hold it for evidence. 

"Wait, you can't do that." Tracy protested. 

"A bracelet was stolen from Tina's flat the night she was attacked." Lisa explained firmly. "We need it for forensic analysis."

"Rob, got it for me. Didn't you, babe?" She said desperately, looking at Rob.

"I can prove that's mine." Steph said, stepping into the shop. "I know the charms and the meanings behind them. I can tell you exactly what they are and what they represent."

Lisa hesitated, then nodded. "Alright." She said, handing over the bag. 

Steph carefully examined the bracelet, going into detail the meaning behind each charm. "There's one missing, a top hat. Look, you can see where it's been snapped off.

Lisa shot a glance towards Hawthorn. 

"Are you still going to claim Rob got this for you?" Hawthorn asked.

"Well, yes, because he did." 

"Did you?" Hawthorn questioned, taking his gaze from Tracy to Rob.

Rob hesitated. 

"Okay, I lied." Tracy admitted. "Eccles found it in the ginnel my mam picked up, brought it inside, cleaned it up, and I claimed it." 

Lisa looked back and forth between them. "So if I speak to Eccles and your mum, they can corroborate your story?" 

Tracy chuckled. "If you can talk to animals, then sure you can ask Eccles other than that, yes, my mam can confirm."

"We have visitors." Tracy announced, leading the police in.

Peter looked up from his newspaper as Diedre came out of the kitchen.

"This is about a bracelet your daughter was found wearing." Lisa explained. 

"Oh, that one." Diedre replied casually.

"So you did find a bracelet?" Lisa asked, raising a brow.

"Oh yes, when I was out walking Eccles, he found it. I picked it up, brought it back here, and gave it a polish, and well, Tracy took a shine to it."

"What's so special about the bracelet? I mean, it's hardly the crown jewels, is it?" Peter said, looking up from his newspaper.

Lisa shot him a look. "That bracelet was stolen from Tina McIntyres flat on the night she was attacked."

Peter looked back down, focusing his attention on the newspaper. 

"So Eccles is an animal?" Lisa asked.

"Yes, the dog right there." Diedre said, pointing her out. 

Tracy tipped her head with a small smile. "Told you."

"So this bracelet where did you find it?" Lisa asked. 

"In the ginnel by the yard." Diedre replied. 

"Your yard?" Lisa prompted 

"Yes, I can show you where." Diedre nodded, leading Lisa and Hawthorn outside. 

Lisa followed closely, her eyes and ears sharp, listening to every detail as Diedre pointed out where she found it.

After some deliberation Hawthorn and Lisa made it known that they were going to be conducting a full forensic search of the house informing the Barlow's they'd have to find somewhere else to stay until the investigation was complete. 

Chapter Text

During the night, forensics had successfully managed to find the missing charm and had also discovered traces of blood in the outhouse, which they took samples of and were testing. Once the tests came back, the blood was confirmed to be a match of Tina's, and the charm bracelet had fingerprints all over it. Fingerprints which matched Peters. 

This evidence alone was enough for the police to believe it was, in fact, Peter who did it. Arriving at the street and walking up to Peter, it caught the attention of Carla, Leanne, and Simon.

"Mr Barlow." Lisa started.

"What?" He asked, his face dropping in horror.

"I am arresting you on suspicion of the murder of Tina McIntyre. You do not have to say anything. But, it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Do you understand." 

"I didn't do it." Peter protested as she placed him in cuffs. A shocked saddened expression painted on his face. 

"Dad." Simon shouted.

Peter snapped his head round. "I didn't do it son you have to believe me."

As Lisa got him in the car and walked round, she caught Carla's gaze. Then she looked at Simon, who was being hugged by Leanne. She felt evil. She was ripping his dad away from him.

Witnessing Peter's arrest, Carla hurried to the Bistro to see Michelle. 

"Carla, are you okay?" Michelle asked, concerned, seeing the distress on Carla's face. 

Carla leaned in whispering. "They've arrested Peter."

Michelle's eyes widened in shock. "What? When?" 

"Just now, outside." Carla replied, sitting on a stool at the bar. 

"They've got to have found something for them to think he did it and arrest him." Michelle reasoned. 

"Yeah, well, they arrested me, and I didn't do anything." Carla shot back. 

"Lisa thought you did." Michelle added softly. 

Carla shot her a look. "That's different."

"How so?"

"Because she was just doing her job, Chelle."

Michelle turned her head, narrowing her eyes slowly, making sure she heard correctly. "Seriously? You weren't saying that the other day. "

"Michelle Peter swore blind he didn't do it... and I actually believe him." Carla replied firmly. 

Michelle nodded thoughtfully. "Just be glad the police aren't hassling you anymore." She said with a pointed look. 

"As you know, we conducted a thorough forensic search of the house where this bracelet was found." Lisa said, placing the evidence bag on the table. "Do you recognise it?"

Peter looked at it and nodded. "Well, yes, it's the one my sister was wearing."

"But it wasn't hers." Lisa stated calmly.

"Yes, you've said it was stolen the night Tina was attacked."

"Do you know how it ended up there?"

"No." Peter replied, exasperated. 

"Go through with me what happened after you left Tina's flat." Lisa pressed.

"I went to tell Carla the truth."

"Except that's not quite true, is it?" Lisa interrupted, raising a brow. 

Peter looked confused.

"In light of this new evidence, a witness has come forward. They saw you entering the ginnel on the night Tina was attacked. What were you doing there?"

Peter narrowed his eyes, trying to think. "I went for a smoke." 

Lisa leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Hm. Coincidence, don't you think? You're seen entering the ginnel, and that's where the bracelet ends up." 

"Well, that's probably the way the actual criminal went after doing it." Peter shot back defensively. 

Lisa shook her head slowly. "I'll tell you what I think happened, shall I? I think you pushed Tina, took the bracelet, went down, and saw that she was still alive and hit her around the head. You'd killed her, so you took off and went down the ginnel to number one Coronation Street, but because it was dark you dropped the bracelet."

"I didn't." Peter insisted. "Do you really think I'd let my sister wear the stupid thing if I knew I robbed it when committing a crime?"

Lisa shrugged. "In light of this new evidence, we also found traces of blood in the outhouse." 

"Okay..." 

"The dried blood is Tina's." Lisa explained. "Which indicates that's where the weapon was held, and that's also where we found the missing charm, which had your fingerprints all over it. So this is your final chance to tell the truth."

Peter's voice cracked as he pleaded. "I swear to you when I left the flat Tina was alive."

Lisa's expression hardened. "Peter Barlow, in light of all this new evidence, the CPS have agreed to charge you with the murder of Tina McIntyre. You will be held on remand until you receive a trial date."

"I didn't do it." Peter pleaded, tears beginning to well in his eyes.

Lisa watched as Peter was taken out of the room. When the door closed, she sighed. She didn't know if they had the right person, but all she could think about was Simon. The look on his face is one she'd remember forever. 

"Oi, are you happy?" Tracy shouted, spotting Carla walking down the street.

Carla looked confused. "About what Tracy?"

"My brother was charged with a murder he didn't commit." Tracy snapped.

"What?" Carla said, shocked.

"Held on remand. It's you that should be locked up."

Carla pointed at herself. "Me?"

Tracy nodded. "I bet you worked with that copper to get him locked up."

"Oh Tracy, have you heard yourself? The second I knew she was bad news, I cut her off."

"Simon's left without a father. I mean, thank God your baby didn't make it both would have been left without a dad."

"Enough Tracy." Carla shouted, her voice trembling with anger. "You've said enough." 

"I'm just stating the facts, Carla. Honestly, you should be glad. If the jury finds him guilty both of his children would have had no father. Who wants to raise a kid alone with the father in prison? But let's face it you would've been doing it alone because he was off cheating..."

"I'm warning you." 

"Truth hurts." Tracy shot back with a smirk. 

"You're a vindictive cow who just spouts a load of rubbish. Focus on your brother Tracy and leave me alone. Do you hear me?" Carla snapped, pushing past her. 

As Carla walked down the street to her flat, she couldn't help but think Tracy was right. It was a good thing her baby didn't make it because why would she want to bring up a child in this mess? Maybe it was better things turned out the way they did. But then another thought crept in. Perhaps she was never truly fit to be a mother, and in some twisted way, this was a blessing in disguise. 

Chapter Text

Carla barely slept that night, Tracy's harsh words echoed relentlessly in her head. By the time noon approached, she figured she'd cried enough tears to fill a river and needed a way to numb the pain. She found herself in the kitchen, reaching for a half-empty bottle of whiskey in the cupboard. The first sip offered a warm feeling, which offered her an escape from reality, and one sip turned into another and another. And before she knew it, she knew there was only one place she wanted to be right now. With no way to drive, since she had had a drink, she took herself to Street Cars. 

"A cab please Eileen." Carla mumbled, stumbling up to the counter the bottle of whiskey clutched in her hand. 

Eileen scoffed, crossing her arms. "I don't think so love, not in that state."

"I said I wanted a cab." Carla repeated.

"And I said no, not in that state. Why don't you go home and sober up?"

"If I wanted to go home, I'd go home, you stupid cow, now order me a cab."

"No." Eileen said sternly.

"Either you order me a cab or I'll wave down a driver myself." Carla snapped.

Eileen shrugged nonchalantly. "I can just set an alert."

Carla brushed her free hand through her hair growling in frustration. "Oh, for God sake Eileen do me a cab before I lamp you one." She screamed.

"Okay, okay. Where too?" She asked. 

"Graveyard." Carla said flatly.

Eileen hesitated. "Is that wise?"

Carla glared at her, her voice edged with impatience. "Just do the cab and stop questioning me. I'll be waiting outside." 

Eileen smiled and nodded, quickly booking a cab for Carla and informing the police of her destination. To Eileen in the state that Carla was in and her wanting to go to the graveyard, she wanted to go to Tina's grave. But deep down, she truly had no idea of the real reason why Carla was heading there.

Hawthorn glanced at his radio and then looked up. "A calls just came through from Street Cars. A female known to us as Carla Barlow requested a ride to the graveyard. They're worried she's heading to Tina's grave." 

Lisa's stomach clenched. She knew exactly why Carla was going to the graveyard. Without any hesitation, she replied, "I'll go." 

Hawthorn studied her for a moment. "Okay, PC Jones, can you go with her?"

Lisa shook her head. "Actually, I think it's best if I go alone she might get scared if she sees uniform."

Hawthorn nodded. "Right. Call for backup immediately if she becomes violent."

Lisa took a deep breath and exited the station. She knew this was probably a huge mistake. Carla hated her, but if there was anyone that could get through to Carla, it could hopefully be her.

Stepping out the car, she walked straight past all the graves and headed for the memorial garden. Should she have probably checked Tina's grave just in case? Absolutely. But she knew Carla, and she knew that is not where she was likely to be, and she was right. Walking near the tree where they planted the flower was sat Carla on the bench swigging from the bottle.

"You'll be having one hell of a hangover in the morning if you keep drinking." Lisa said approaching the bench with caution.

Carla looked up hazily through her tears. "Huh?"

"The whiskey." Lisa said, taking a seat beside her.

Carla studied the bottle, her fingers trembling. "No. I didn't drink all that." She mumbled. "It was up to here where I started." She tapped her finger against the bottle.

Lisa nodded quietly. "Got it." 

"Why are you even here?" Carla asked.

"We got a call at the station about you. They were worried you'd go to Tina's grave and cause a scene. So I offered to come."

Carla looked at her, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "You knew where I'd really be." 

Lisa returned the smile. "Yeah. So come on, what's happened?"

"Tracy flipping Barlow." Carla muttered, about to take another swig. But Lisa's hands shot out, gently grabbing her wrists and pulling the bottle away.

"That's enough. Come on, give it to me." 

Reluctantly, Carla let go, handing the bottle and cap over to Lisa. 

"So what did Tracy do?" Lisa asked, searching Carla's face for answers. 

"She saw me walking down the street and told me about Peter." Carla replied.

"Ah." Lisa responded.

"But that's not what this is about." Carla added. "it's something else she said."

 "What did she say? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

Carla hesitated before answering. "Well, she just... she said..." Her voice broke as tears streamed down her face.

"Hey, hey." Lisa said, moving closer to put a comforting hand around her. "It's okay, take your time." 

Carla wiped away her tears. "You know what? You don't need to hear this. I've been such a cow to you." She said, getting up, wobbling slightly.

"Carla, don't go sit down and talk to me. Whatever happened between us, let's just leave it for now and focus on you and what Tracy has said to get you in such a state."

Reluctantly, Carla nodded, sitting back down. "She said a lot of things but the thing that's affected me the most is she said if the jury find Peter guilty Simon will grow up without a dad so it's a good thing our daughter isn't here because she would have too." 

"Oh, Carla." Lisa said softly, her eyes filled with sympathy. 

"I mean, she's right, though, isn't she? Isla would have had to grow up knowing her father was locked away for murder. She saved herself from a lifetime of humiliation and bullying."

"You can't think like that, Carla." Lisa said gently. 

"Why not? It's the truth, Tracy knows it, I know it, everyone knows it. I know she doesn't like me, but using my daughter as a way to get to me because she blames me was a low blow."

"Why does she blame you?"

"She thinks you and I worked together to get Peter convicted and me off the hook."

"That's ridiculous." Lisa said firmly.

Carla nodded. "I know. Do you think he did it?" She asked, turning to Lisa.

"That's not my judgement." Lisa replied carefully. 

"I know all the evidence points to him, but I just... I know he didn't do it, Lisa." Carla insisted. 

"That's fair enough. But you've got to remember it's not about what we think it's what that jury is going to think."

Carla nodded, her face turning pale. "I feel like I'm going to be sick."

"Let's get you home and into the warm and have you sleep off this whiskey." Lisa said gently, standing up slowly and helping Carla up.

As they started walking toward the car, Lisa slipped the bottle of whiskey into the bin. 

"Wait, hang on." Carla said, leaning against the car. "What if I puke?"

Lisa pulled a disgusted face. "Oh yeah, I didn't think about that. Get in the car." She said, walking around to the boot and pulling out a plastic bag. 

"Here." She said, handing it to Carla. "It's one of my shopping bags, but just make sure you vomit in the bag. I don't fancy scrubbing sick out of my car."

Carla nodded. 

Before Lisa got in the car, she fired off a quick text to Hawthorn to let him know everything was okay.

The journey back to Carla's was fairly silent. Getting Carla up to the flat had been a challenge.

"Right, let's get you into bed to sleep off this alcohol." Lisa said gently. 

"It's three fifteen in the afternoon." Carla replied with a hint of protest in her voice. "If I sleep now, I won't sleep tonight."

Lisa shrugged. "Well, it's either that or I make you toast and have you drink loads of water to sober you up?"

Carla hesitated, weighing up her options. "Toast and water will suffice." 

Lisa nodded heading to the kitchen. "Good choice."

With toast made and a glass of water in front of her Lisa didn't know if she should stay or go. She should probably go back to work, but then dread consumed her. What if Carla falls to sleep and ends up vomiting and choking? 

"Is it alright if I phone Michelle and let her know to keep an eye on you? I should probably get back to work, but I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving you on your own." Lisa asked.

"Don't go." Carla pleaded, putting her toast down. 

Lisa looked at her with confusion. 

"Carla..." She whispered.

"Please. I don't want to be alone." 

"You won't be alone with Michelle here." Lisa replied gently.

Carla shook her head. "She won't understand no one understands apart from you. I miss our friendship Lisa. I just want it to go back to the way it was." She admitted her eyes watering.

Lisa frowned. "Oh, Carla. Come here." She said, opening her arms, inviting Carla for a hug.

Carla got up and relaxed into the hug. 

"How about we get you into bed, and I'll put a glass of water and some paracetamol next to you for when you wake up? You're not thinking straight." Lisa said gently, pulling back and holding Carla by the shoulders.

"I am." Carla insisted.

Lisa shook her head. "You're three sheets to the wind. You couldn't stand me a few days ago, and now you're begging me to stay and want us to be friends again." 

"I do." 

Lisa sighed. "I know and believe me, I do too, but I think this is a conversation to be had when there's no alcohol in your system. Don't you think?" 

Deep down, Carla knew Lisa was right. She wasn't in the right frame of mind, and she could wake up tomorrow and decide all Lisa was doing was helping her, and there is no chance of the friendship sparking back up again. 

Lisa gently helped Carla into bed, turning her on her side and placing a bucket next to the bed. She then went into the kitchen and returned with a glass of water and some paracetamol, placing them on her bedside table. 

"Thank you." Carla whispered as she surrendered to sleep. 

Lisa smiled quietly and exited the bedroom. Stepping out of the flat, she went to see Michelle at the Bistro before returning to work. 

Of course, Lisa wanted to be friends with Carla again. But she wasn't willing to mend things while Carla was drunk.

Chapter Text

Carla awoke in a confused haze. A glass of water and a paracetamol sat on her bedside table. Fragments of yesterday slowly came back to her. She remembered the comfort of Lisa's presence and how it had helped her in her vulnerable state. The one clear thing she remembered was how she told Lisa she missed her and wanted to be friends. She could kick herself when you're drunk, you end up confessing all things, and that was one thing she wasn't intending on confessing, and now she would have to address it. 

She sat up slowly, popping the paracetamol into her mouth, and washed it down with a mouthful of water. She then made her way to the kitchen with the glass to pour the rest away.

"Michelle?" Carla said, noticing Michelle sat there.

Michelle looked up, smiling. "Morning you, how are you feeling?"

"Terrible." Carla replied with a tired sigh. 

"Yeah, Lisa did mention you had a bit to drink."

Carla's eyes widened. "What did she say?"

Michelle eyed her suspiciously. "Just that they'd had a call about you, and she brought you home, that's all."

Carla felt a flicker of vulnerability. She nodded slowly, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of the counter. "So apart from that, she said nothing else?" 

Michelle shook her head. "No, should she have?"

"No. What are you doing here anyway?" Carla asked.

"Well, she was worried about leaving you alone, so I came to keep an eye on you. And... this came this morning." She said, getting up and handing Carla a letter. 

Carla carefully took the letter from Michelle's hands, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened it. She read the words slowly, her expression shifting from confusion to shock.

"What? What is it?" Michelle asked, seeing Carla's face drop. 

"They want me to testify against Peter. They're asking for my personal account on my relationship with him." Carla replied, her voice shaking with every word.

"Let me see." Michelle said gently, taking the letter and giving it a read. "What are you going to do?" 

Carla shrugged. "You know what? I just want a shower and to be by myself. Can you go?"

Michelle hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, of course. Call me if you need anything." She said, giving Carla a reassuring look, putting the letter on the counter and leaving.

As the door clicked shut behind Michelle, Carla went over and locked it and slid her hands over her face, dragging them down with an exasperated sigh. She paused for a moment, gathering herself before grabbing her phone and unlocking it. Her finger hovered over Lisa's contact, and after a brief pause, she unblocked her number, typing out a text. Before she could overthink it, she pressed send chucking her phone on her bed, and going for a shower. 

[Carla:]  I need to see you ASAP.

The last thing Lisa had expected when her phone buzzed was a message from Carla, and her stomach clenched. The tone of the text was urgent, and a cold wave of dread washed over her, she was certain that Carla was about to drop the bomb that there was no way that they would be friends again, and that everything she said was just drunken nonsense. 

She took a shaky breath and pressed the buzzer. A wave of nausea washing through her, making her feel uneasy as she waited for whatever was coming next. As she was buzzed in every step up to the main door, she was filled with anxiety. 

"Come in." Carla said, opening the door and stepping aside.

Lisa smiled nervously as she stepped in. 

"So I'm guessing this is about yesterday?" She asked tentatively. 

"Not exactly." She replied with a slight shrug. "But if we get to it, we can talk about that too."

"Alright..." Lisa hesitated, taking a seat. 

"Tea? Coffee?" Carla asked.

Lisa shook her head. "I'm good, ta."

"Right, yeah, course." Carla said nervously.

"Carla, why am I here?" Lisa asked.

Carla hesitated, picking up the envelope and handing it to Lisa. "I just... I got this." She murmured.

Lisa took the letter and began to read. "Oh..." 

Carla began to pace. "What do I do? Who do I talk to? Can you help?" She blurted out, her voice hurried and strained.

"Okay, first of all, calm down." Lisa said gently. "And sit down. You're pacing, and it's making me dizzy." 

"Right, yeah, course." Carla said, sitting down. 

"Well, you're going to need to see a solicitor." Lisa said firmly. 

Carla's eyes widened. "What? Why?"

"So they can get your story, that's all." Lisa explained gently. "It'll be in your words, but they will make sure it's factually correct before you sign anything." 

"Then what happens?"

"Then it'll be used in court. They might ask you to take the stand, but you don't have to. Someone else can read your statement for you." 

"What if I don't?"

Lisa shrugged. "Like I said, they'll use what you wrote down and signed off." 

"So I won't get to talk myself?"

Lisa shook her head. "Not if you don't feel comfortable. It's your choice." 

"Do I have to make my decision right away?"

"No. You have some time. But Carla, I don't mean to pry, but haven't you had to do this before?"

Carla looked at her, wondering how Lisa knew.

"I saw your police files. We had to while looking into this case." Lisa confirmed. 

Carla nodded. "It was a different reason I'd rather not get into it." She said, tugging at a loose thread on the cushion next to her. 

Lisa nodded. "Understandable." 

Carla offered a small, hesitant smile. "So I guess now you want to address the elephant in the room?"

"If you'd like." 

Carla sighed. "I'm not just going to pass it off like I was drunk."

Lisa let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. 

"But..." Lisa prompted. 

"I'd love to be friends. Believe me, I would, but we just can't be."

"Why not?" 

"A lot of reasons. Like you thinking it's Peter when it's not. There's no trust between us, and well Rob says it's not a good idea while you're doing this case."

Lisa scoffed. "Right, okay, so you're letting Rob make your life decisions now? You're 39 Carla. This isn't school." 

"I never said it was." Carla stood up, her voice steady but firm.

"Why?" Lisa said, standing up. "You've said it yourself. You feel comfortable talking to me. So what are you going to do? Just close yourself back up?"

"I have Michelle."

Lisa paused. "Funny. She's always been there for you, yet you never went to her. I was the one you asked to help with Peters stuff. I was the one you actually opened up to."

"Oh, will you just drop it, Lisa? Your obsession with me is creepy."

"Obsession? I'm not obsessed, Carla. I care about you."

"You barely know me." Carla shot back.

Lisa shook her head in disbelief. "Alright fine if this is how it is, so be it. But don't you think it's a little bit weird how Rob is trying to push us away from each other?"

"What are you trying to insinuate?" Carla asked, narrowing her eyes. 

Lisa shrugged, walking to the door and leaving.

Chapter Text

It irritated Lisa how Carla was refusing to be her friend simply because of Rob, and she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeper behind it all. She pulled out a notepad and began sketching out a mind map, placing Rob's name in the centre. She added lines branching out, jotting down everything she noticed about him so far.

His hatred for Peter was understandable; he'd cheated on his sister. The outburst at the funeral, the twitch of his face whenever certain topics came up was odd. Yet, despite all that, she couldn't quite pinpoint what exactly it was that made him uneasy.

Was it really because she was a cop, and he believed that she was just gathering evidence on Carla to incriminate her? She didn't know, but one thing she did know was that something was off about him.

Hawthorn's voice broke her out of her thoughts. 

"What's that?" He asked, startling her.

Lisa looked down at her notepad and back up at him. "Nothing." 

Hawthorn leaned over, taking a quick glance. "You've got Rob Donovan written down in a big circle, and you're taking notes about him. That's not nothing, Lisa."

She hesitated before replying. "I just think there's something not quite right about him."

"Like what?"

Lisa shrugged. "It's just weird how he's determined to keep me and Carla apart, that's all."

Hawthorn raised an eyebrow. "And you think that's suspicious? Seriously?"

Lisa nodded. "Don't you?"

Hawthorn shook his head. "No. It's pretty normal for family members to not want their relatives befriending a cop especially when that cop is investigating a murder case in which the relative was a suspect."

"Exactly that's just it Carla was a suspect. That doesn't explain why he's still hell-bent on keeping us away."

"So that's what this is then? He questioned.

"I'm just saying that it's odd." She stated. 

Hawthorn leaned forward, his hands slamming down on the desk. "You have a case to be working on. The one I employed you to do now whatever this is," he said, picking up the notepad, ripping out the page, and crumpling it in his hands. "Drop it." He said sternly, chucking the paper in the bin.

But in true DS Swain fashion Lisa couldn't leave it. She began digging, and what she discovered was that Rob's name kept popping up in the case. Strange? Yes, but not necessarily a major flag. Tracy had claimed Rob had given her the bracelet, yet he seemed hesitant to agree. Surely, he would've just agreed outright? Or maybe disagreed?

Then there was the fact he had no issue what so ever of her being friends with Carla until he found out she was an officer. Lisa began to suspect that it was because if they grew close, Carla could let something slip that could make Rob seem questionable.

And then there was the incident at the funeral. The way Rob stared down the grave where Tina was buried. The sadness in his eyes, but Lisa had attended many funerals relating to a case, and his didn't seem genuine. Nothing about his behaviour was adding up, and Lisa was determined to find out why.

"Alright, sis?" Rob asked as he stepped in the pub seeing Carla sat there with a glass of wine in her hand. 

"Mhm." She replied, not quite looking up. 

He tilted his head, studying Carla, and concern creeped in. "Why have you got a face like thunder then?" 

Carla glanced around the room before sighing. "I got a letter today. They want me to testify at the trial."

Rob's eyes widened, sliding into the booth. "And are you?"

Carla shrugged. "Rob, they're trying to paint him like some evil monster when I know he didn't kill Tina."

"Yeah, well, you can't be sure of that, surely?"

Carla looked at him. "No, I know he didn't. I kept replaying his face when I told him she was dead. That wasn't the look of a man who already knew." 

"He's a good liar. I mean, he was cheating on you for how many months, and you had no idea."

"Yeah, well I spoke to Lisa, you know for a professional opinion on it all..."

"Hang on Lisa?" Rob interrupted.

Carla nodded. "Well, she said I don't need to talk in court that they'll read what I've written and signed. I have an appointment with a solicitor tomorrow to write it all down."

"I don't care about the solicitor. I thought I told you to stay clear of her." 

Carla exhaled sharply. "I told her we aren't friends, alright." 

He nodded firmly. "Good." 

Carla hesitated, wondering if she should bring it up. "She did say something about you, actually."

Rob raised a brow curiously. "Oh yeah?"

"She was wondering why you were so fixated on keeping us apart. I don't know what she was implying, but I didn't like it." 

Rob's face fell. "Did she now?"

Carla looked away. "Just drop it okay?" 

Looking up, Rob saw Lisa enter the pub standing at the bar.

"I could do with a drink. Do you want one?" He asked.

Carla nodded. "Yeah, go on then. Same again."

Rob slid out of the booth and made his way to the bar, standing beside Lisa.

"Afternoon officer." He said with a cocky grin.

Lisa didn't look over. Instead, she kept her gaze on the alcohol bottles ahead. "Afternoon." She replied curtly.

Rob leant in slightly. "Carla mentioned that you were implying something about me." 

Lisa finally turned to face him. "Good for her."

He didn't back down. "And I don't like what you're trying to insinuate."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Like I told your sister, your attempt to keep us from being friends is pretty odd. And I'm not going to stop until I find out why."

Rob shook his head, frustration beginning to flash in his eyes. "Like I keep saying, I just don't want her being friends with a cop that's all." 

Their heated exchange was interrupted by Sean placing a takeout box of hotpot in front of Lisa.

"Rob, what can I get for you?" He asked.

"Red wine and a pint, please." 

Sean nodded, turning around. "Coming right up."

Rob smiled before turning his gaze back to Lisa.

"You keep telling yourself that's the reason." Lisa said with a smirk. "But you've got a pretty strange interest in keeping us apart. I admire it. It's almost as if you're doing it because you're worried I'll figure something out." Without another word she raised her eyebrows, turned around and left the pub. 

Rob clenched his jaw, balling up his fists on the bar as he watched her slip through the door, anger simmering beneath his skin. 

Chapter Text

Lisa couldn't quite believe it was Peter's trial. It had been a long two and a half months, and she was finally ready to put this case behind her once and for all. In that time, for the first month, she had conducted her own investigation into Rob. Investigating in secret had been difficult. It posed so many risks, especially at work accessing files, but it was one she was willing to take, and she had managed to pull it off. Through careful examination of records, she uncovered Peters history with gambling.

She felt like she hit the jackpot when she discovered in late 2013 Peter had rented his shop rent free to Rob and Tracy. There had to be an explanation. Sure, they were family, but surely he wouldn't rent it out for that reason. No matter how much time she dedicated to this specific lead, she couldn't crack it. 

Unable to crack it, she accepted defeat. Maybe she was just looking for a reason to hate Rob. The thing that mattered the most was getting Peter sent down. A case that she was trusted with leading hopefully solved. 

She hadn't heard from Carla at all, and she figured it was for the best. The last update that she heard was that Carla was willing to take the stand. She figured it would be to defend him, but there was still that hope simmering in her that it wasn't. 

When she had arrived, everyone was already there waiting in anticipation, to be called in so the trial could begin.

"Why on earth is she here?" Rob questioned looking over and seeing Lisa. 

"Just ignore her." Carla said. 

Rob gave her daggers. "Why even show up here? She really likes being smug doesn't she?" 

Carla looked back. "I'm going to go and find out and tell her to do one. The last thing I need is her watching me when I take the stand." Carla said walking away. 

"Why are you here?" Carla asked, walking up to Lisa.

"It's the case I was leading. I just want to see the outcome." She replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "I don't want any trouble honestly." 

"You shouldn't even be here. You would be informed." Carla said, her voice sharp.

"Yeah, well, I'm not going anywhere. And I see you decided to take the stand after all."

Carla nodded slowly. "You saw right."

"Good." Lisa replied simply. "Well, hopefully, we can put this case behind us afterwards." 

Carla scoffed. "Just because the case is over doesn't mean we'll be friends, Lisa." 

Lisa shrugged. "That wasn't what I was implying, but good luck." She replied with a nod walking away.

Waiting in the room, Carla was filled with nerves. She knew all eyes would be on her.

"Carla Barlow?" A voice called, causing her to stand. 

"Are you ready?" They asked.

Carla nodded with a nervous smile. "Yes." 

As Carla entered the stand, she looked at Peter then at the stands at the people there to watch. Then her gaze flicked to Lisa who sat up straight hands clasped together. As she gave her name and said she'd tell the truth she took a steady breath ready for whatever questions they'd be throwing at her. 

"When he returned to the pub, what was his manner?" The lawyer asked.

"Erm, he was edgy and nervous he wanted us to go home and..." She sighed. "I refused, so we ended up going to the back room of the pub, and that's when he told about the affair. I'd erm... just announced our pregnancy, and if that wasn't enough, he told me his affair was with Tina, our childminder." 

"How old was Miss McIntyre?"

"Twenty-Three." 

The lawyer nodded and promoted. "And how old was your husband?"

"Forty-Nine."

"When did the affair start?" 

Carla took a breath looking down. "It started on our wedding day. Well I mean, that's when they kissed." She said, her hands shaking slightly. "As far as I'm aware they didn't have sex which is very considerate of them." She added with a hint of sarcasm.

"And when the affair was revealed, how did he explain his absence from the party?" 

"That he had been to see Tina. She turned up at the party with a bag and she seemed upset. It's not surprising, really. I mean, she thought that they would be running away together. Instead, she found us announcing our pregnancy, which he didn't tell her about." She looked up, blinking back tears. 

"Did he mention how Miss McIntyre had reacted when he went round?"

"Yeah. He said she'd made some threats and then she attacked him." Carla claimed glancing over at Peter who's head dropped down. She could see the vulnerability in his face. 

And now it was Peter's defence team to start asking her questions, and she knew this was going to the most irritating part. They would twist the whole narrative and try to pin it on her. She took a deep breath, steadying herself.  

"After Mr Barlow told you about the affair, what did you do?" The lawyer pressed.

"I went to her flat to confront her."

"How would you describe your state?"

"I was shaken and upset, understandably, so I just found out they'd been sleeping together."

"And angry?" The lawyer continued. "In fact, your husband tried to stop you from going there. Didn't he? Perhaps so he could stop you from hurting her."

"Or perhaps he didn't want me to find her dead?" Carla spat back. 

"On your way  through the bar several witnesses heard you say, 'I'll kill her." The lawyer said doing quotation marks in the air.

"I said it, but I didn't mean it." Carla said firmly. 

"Two of the witnesses who discovered the body saw you on the balcony. The same balcony that Miss McIntyre fell from."

Carla swallowed the lump forming in her throat. "Because I looked for her in her flat, okay? And I couldn't see her. I saw the door open and I went out."

"Why?"

Carla hesitated. "I'm sorry?"

"All you needed to do was open the door to see she wasn't there, so why did you need to go outside?" The lawyer questioned. 

Carla shrugged. "I don't know it's a blur I just did."

"Or maybe it's because you did push her, and then you went down to finish her off and rushed back up to make it seem like you just found her. Is that why it's a blur?" 

Carla's stomach dropped. "That's not true." 

Carla had expected this to be the outcome, but she didn't expect just how brutal it could be.

"What I'm not getting is why would he tell you about the affair if he didn't need to?" The lawyer asked.

Carla shook her head. "I don't know."

"Could it be because he was, in fact, telling the truth when he said that Tina was alive when he left the flat?"

Carla surveyed the room, catching sight of Ken and Tracy who were looking at her tensely, then she looked at Rob who looked like he'd just seen a ghost, he was frozen and distant, like he was lost in some sort of distant memory. She hesitated slightly, narrowing her eyes with suspicion, trying to work out what caused his vacant stare.

"Mrs Barlow." The lawyer shouted, causing Carla to snap out of her thoughts.

Carla looked back over at the lawyer. "Yes, I suppose so."

"So you're saying you believe he was telling the truth." The lawyer asked, raising a brow.

"Yes." Carla said.

Tracy and Ken smiled gleefully at each other. They believed Carla, saying this could be what they needed for the jury to see that Peter was innocent. 

"I believe that he is innocent. I saw his face when I told him she was dead and he looked really upset that wasn't the face of a man who knew that she was already dead."

"No further questions." The lawyer said, sitting down. 

As Carla prepared to step down from the stand, she caught the look on Lisa's face. It seemed like an expression tinged with annoyance. A surge of anger welled up inside her. She bit her lip and took a deep breath, exiting the room, waking around to take a seat in the stands.

With the testimonies concluded, the jury went away to deliberate. It was taking a while, which relatives were taking as a good sign as they believed there were members there fighting Peters case of innocence. Lisa on the other hand was wracked with nerves, if it was taking this long every slither of a guilty verdict was slowly disappearing and she feared it would lead to a not guilty verdict. 

"You did so well I'm proud of you sis." Rob said supportively. 

Carla half smiled. "I felt so pressured up there I hated it."

Rob nodded understandably. "Yes but you told the truth and that's all that matters."

Carla nodded, hesitating before asking. "What happened to you anyway? It looked like you froze for a moment in there." 

Rob looked over. "What?"

"In there when the lawyer was talking about Peter potentially not being there it's like your mind just drifted off." 

Rob let out a nervous laugh. Luckily for him he didn't need to think of an excuse because they were called back in as the jury finally had a verdict.

Everyone was filled with nerves. Those there for Peter were nervous about the possible outcome of him being sent down and their whole lives changing. And those there were nervous for the justice of Tina. If Peter got away with this it'd be like they were letting her down. She deserved justice for what happened to her. 

"Members of the jury have you reached a verdict in which you are all agreed?" The judge asked.

"We have." A member of the jury spoke.

"Do you find the defendant guilty or not guilt of the murder of Tina McIntyre?" 

"Guilty." The juror responded.

"Peter Barlow I sentence you to a minimum of 15 years imprisonment." 

Shock and gasps travelled between neighbours, friends, and family. Carla froze before looking round at Lisa who had a slick smile on her face as she watched them haul Peter down the stairs to the holding cells, she then watched Lisa as she got up exiting the room. Of course she was going to be smug the case she was leading had ended up with the result they were after and with it being the case she was taken on to do she knew Lisa would be getting praised for it.

Stepping outside the court, she saw Lisa on the phone, a smile painted on her face, which caused Carla to feel even more angry than she was before.

"Something to smile about?" Carla shouted, walking over.

Lisa spun around. "I'll call you back." She said, slipping the phone in her pocket. "What?"

"You with that big smile on your face and don't think I didn't see all your grins and smirks in there either."

"Give it a rest, Carla."

Carla shook her head. "You're unbelievable. Do you know that?" She said, taking a step forward before Rob pulled her arm back.

"Carla, leave it." He said.

She looked at him, then back at Lisa, pulling her arm away. 

"Follow your brothers orders Carla it's what you've been doing any way." She said cockily raising a brow. 

"Rob, for God's sake, just go away and let me deal with this alone." 

"Okay, okay." Rob said, backing away.

"You know you should really ask Rob about how much rent him and Tracy were paying Peter for the shop." Lisa mused.

Carla narrowed her eyes. "You what?"

Lisa shrugged with a smile.

Carla scoffed, starting to walk away before looking back. "I thought we could've been good friends, but I actually hate you." She spat looking Lisa up and down.

Hearing Carla say those words crushed her, and now Lisa was realising she had maybe gone too far. She'd ruined everything. 

Chapter Text

It had been exactly five days since the trial and Carla hadn't anticipated it would hurt so deeply. Yes, her and Peter were no longer together, but that didn’t ease the ache in her chest. She knew in her heart Peter was innocent and that he had been telling the truth all along. Yet now he was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit at all, meanwhile, the real culprit remained free. 

She found herself desperately trying to distract her mind, doing anything she could. She went through invoices, emails, cleaning and had even taken up cooking in an attempt to occupy her mind. Anything to avoid the temptation of drinking, the urge was overwhelming but she knew she shouldn’t. In recent months she had realised drinking wasn’t the answer and it actually did more harm than good.

As she folded her washing, the buzzer rang. When she heard the voice on the other side her heart skipped a beat, she hadn’t expected to hear from them. Taking a deep breath, she buzzed them up, then opened the door before busying herself once more with folding her washing, trying to hide the turmoil inside.

"So, if you’ve come here begging or trying to convince me Rob’s a wrong’un, you can walk yourself right back out my door." She said sternly. 

Lisa shook her head. "It’s neither of those things but I still do think Rob’s hiding something."

Carla looked up. "Seriously?"

Lisa sighed. "Carla just look at him. He’s jumpy, and that thing I mentioned about the shop, yeah I think it’s worth looking into. Even if I’m wrong which I’m certain I’m not then fine. But if I am wrong I’d love for you to show me. Show me I was mistaken."

"Alright I’ve heard enough. Why are you here?"

Lisa hesitated before answering. "A couple of reasons. First, I just wanted to apologize for how out of line I was at court. You’re right I was rude and I was acting stuck up. So I’m sorry about that."

Carla raised an eyebrow, picking up a pile of washing and walking into the bedroom to put it down before coming out again. "You know the word ‘sorry’ doesn’t just fix everything right?"

Lisa nodded. "I know I just figured I at least owed you an apology."

Carla shrugged. "Well you’ve said you’re  sorry now off you go."

Lisa hesitated again, before adding. "There’s another reason why I’m here."

Carla folded her arms waiting. "Do enlighten me."

“I’m heading back to London. I don’t know how long it’ll be for. It could be for a couple of weeks, months, I don’t know.” 

Carla looked at her. Her face falling momentarily, her strong exterior wavering for a brief moment. 

Lisa caught the change, thinking perhaps they were finally making progress and becoming civil again. But then, Carla quickly shifted, her guard snapping back into place, her expression hardening once more, as if the flicker of disappointment and vulnerability had never been there. 

Carla cleared her throat. "And you’re telling me this because…?"

Lisa shrugged. "I figured you should know in case you were wondering where I was. I thought I owed you an explanation."

"Yeah well you don’t and I doubt I would have even noticed. So if that’s it?" Carla said, walking to the door gesturing for Lisa to leave.

Carla would have noticed of course she would have and they both knew she was lying by saying that. 

Lisa nodded. "I’m sorry again, truly sorry. Take care of yourself."

"I don’t care about your apologies, it doesn't take away from the fact that I still hate you and I hope you never come back."

Lisa looked at her for a moment, tears filling her eyes and she slowly walked out. As she got to the bottom of the stairs she took one final glance at the door and left. 

Once Carla had shut the door her heart sank. She walked to the window and watched Lisa get into her car. Lisa must have sat there for around five minutes before driving away. Carla knew in her heart Lisa was definitely crying and it was all her fault. 

She didn’t want Lisa to go forever of course she didn’t but she was hurting. She was so angry at Lisa for everything. She wouldn’t see her around anymore and she should be happy… relieved even but she wasn’t. Knowing Lisa was around brought her a sense of comfort which is silly really but it was the truth and now she was gone. 

Carla had a wave of guilt. Was Lisa going because of her? Did Lisa decide she needed time away from the street to regather and compose herself? 

She hoped it wasn’t because of her but one thing for certain was that even though they weren’t friends the fact that Lisa had decided to tell Carla she was going showed that Lisa still cared despite everything. Or that’s what she had liked to think. Lisa had told her in case she needed to talk and she found out she was gone. She spared herself more hatred from Carla if that happened.

"Everything okay?" Michelle asked as Carla walked into the Bistro.

"Lisa’s gone." Carla replied flatly.

Michelle's face softened with concern. "Gone? Gone where?"

"Back to London. She doesn’t know how long she’ll be gone for."

"And how do you feel about that?"

Carla shrugged. "I acted like I didn’t care, but honestly I did, maybe just a little."

"You’ve been missing her."

Carla nodded. "It’s just… talking to her was so easy, like a breath of fresh air. I know I have you, Chelle, but…"

"Was it easier talking to someone you didn’t know that well? Someone you felt like you could really open up to?"

Carla exhaled slowly, nodding again. "I told her I hated her and I hope she never comes back."

“Oh Carla…”

"I didn’t mean it obviously." Carla admitted. "I had to keep up the act that I didn’t like her. If Rob found out I was the slightest bit nice to her after she’s been tarnishing his name he’d be furious and if I had to choose between her or Rob I’d choose Rob without a second thought."

"Right. Because you’ve always let Rob make decisions for you." Michelle shot back.

"Michelle, Rob knows how fragile I am right now. He’s trying to protect me."

"But your happiness matters Carla. If you’re asking me I think you’ve just lost the one person who truly cares about you. She fought for your friendship time and time again and now she’s gone and might not come back."

"She was like a dog with a bone when it came to Rob, telling me she’d looked into things and I should do the same."

"Then look into it Carla. Maybe she’s right." Michelle raised a brow.

"I’m sorry? Seriously?" Carla asked.

Michelle shrugged. "Maybe she’s wrong. Maybe she’s right. Look into it and prove her wrong." She said softly, heading through to the back.

Carla stood there, biting her lip thoughtfully. She didn’t even know where she’d begin but she was determined to prove Lisa wrong.

Chapter Text

After a tough day at the factory, all Carla could think about was unwinding with a quick drink at the Rovers. As she stepped inside, her eyes immediately fell upon Rob, and the Barlow's sat in a booth.

"Proud of yourself, are ya?" Tracy sneered, noticing Carla walk in.

Carla looked over, confused. 

"Tracy." Ken said sternly through gritted teeth.

"No, sorry, dad." Tracy started. "Thanks to her and her little friend, my brothers in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. And now he’s spiralling so badly he can't even leave his cell."

Carla’s eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

"Don’t pretend you care." Tracy snapped.

"Of course I care, Tracy."

Tracy scoffed, turning her head dismissively.

"Spiralling how? What’s happened to him?" Carla asked.

"None of your business." Tracy replied.

"Will someone just tell me?" Carla pleaded.

"You and that Swain got him sent to prison when it should be you locked up I mean you were the one who was heard saying you wanted to kill her and then found her but oh wait… you played the victim and pulled out a sob story of your dead baby."

"That’s not fair." Carla protested, her voice trembling. 

"Is it not? Peter lost his baby too, but he isn’t as cruel to use it as a way to not go to prison."

"Okay that’s enough." Rob cut in.

She knew Tracy had a nerve, but this was the second time she’d used the baby as a way to get to her. She wished Rob wouldn’t marry into the Barlow's. It caused nothing but trouble and conflict between them, and Rob just sat there letting it happen until Tracy crossed the line. 

Carla hesitated for a moment, then quietly turned and left the pub, feeling the weight of the confrontation on her shoulders.

She headed to the Bistro instead.

"Red?" Michelle asked, seeing Carla walk in.

Carla nodded. "Large."

"So what happened? Did you find something?" Michelle asked, passing her a glass of wine.

Carla tilted her head slightly confused.

"With what I said the other day? Proving Lisa wrong, did you find anything?" Michelle clarified. 

Carla shook her head. "No, of course not."

"Why not?"

"It would be a betrayal to Rob."

Michelle’s brow furrowed. "So if it isn’t that, what is it?"

Carla hesitated, glancing around the Bistro leaning in. "Peter’s having a tough time in prison. Tracy’s blaming me and Lisa."

"Blaming her I can agree with but blaming you?" Michelle said, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Carla nodded. "She said the only reason I’m not behind bars is because of a sob story about my baby."

"That’s just ridiculous." Michelle responded.

"I know. I feel bad, I mean, I haven’t visited Peter." Carla admitted, her voice heavy with guilt. 

"Carla… no don’t you dare blame yourself for whatever's happening to him." Michelle said gently. 

"They won’t tell me what’s wrong other than he’s spiralling." Carla replied. 

"Then put in a visitation order." Michelle urged.

Carla looked at her. "I can’t."

Michelle studied her. "You can’t or you won’t?"

Carla looked down, silence filling the space between them. She knew Michelle was right. 

That night, returning to the flat, Carla applied to be added to Peter’s visitation list. To her surprise, he had agreed to see her. She kept it quiet, knowing that if Tracy found out, she’d be furious

So here she was two days later. She sat nervously in the visitation room, waiting to see Peter. Her main goal was to check in and see how he was doing, but she also hoped she could talk about the shop. She could kill two birds with one stone while here. 

"Didn’t think I’d be hearing from you." Peter admitted, taking a seat.

"I heard you were spiralling. I thought the least I owed you was a visit." 

"It’s not as bad as it sounds." Peter said, trying to sound reassuring.

"Really? You look terrible." Carla remarked.

"Yeah, well, when people find out you’re in here for murdering a young woman, they’re not exactly welcoming." Peter replied grimly.

Carla’s eyes widened. "It’s that bad?"

Peter nodded. "Hardly anyone visits. No one answers my calls. I’m alone, Carla. I'm trapped between these four walls because I’m scared to leave my cell."

"I’m sorry. Tracy was right. It is all my fault." Carla whispered, looking away.

Peter shook his head. "Carla, look at me. This isn’t your fault. It's Swain's fault."

Carla scoffed. "Yeah, Tracy said that too, but I just feel so guilty."

"Don’t blame yourself." Peter urged.

Carla looked at him, tears spilling out of her eyes. "You shouldn’t be here. You're innocent."

Peter reached out and took her hands in his. "I know, love. This is all such a mess, but it isn’t your fault."

"You can say that again. Listen, I came here to check up on you, but to also ask you something." Carla said hesitantly.

"Go on." Peter encouraged.

"Lisa’s been mentioning about the shop, specifically how much rent Tracy and Rob are paying you."

Peter hesitated, removing his hands and looking away.

"Peter?"

He let out a sigh. "They were threatening me."

Her eyes widened in shock. "Threatening you?"

He nodded.  "The rent was only free for the first year."

He wanted to keep it brief and avoid getting into it, so he figured if he mentioned the rent, that would be it, and Carla would stop asking questions. But this was Carla, of course she’d want the whole story.

"But why?" She questioned, narrowing her eyes. 

"Rob and I were betting, it caused my shop to go bankrupt, so they offered me a deal that they’d take over the shop and change it, and I agreed."

"I still don’t get it."

"Rob did a £500 accumulator bet. I was unable to pay it off. That's where the deal came from Carla. It was all part of their plan to take over the shop. I never found out why they wanted it so bad."

Carla’s eyes widened in shock as she tried to process everything, her mind racing to piece it all together. But before she could ask more questions, the bell rang, signalling that visitation time was up. 

As she watched Peter go he paused turning back to face her offering a weak smile before disappearing she was left with more questions than answers.

Chapter Text

Peter's confession had sent Carla spiralling in turmoil. Her first thought was Peter and how he could risk everything with a gamble. Her second thought was Rob and Tracy. How could they blackmail him? Yes, Rob wasn't Peter's biggest fan, but that didn't justify his actions. Now, she felt foolish for doubting Lisa's warning. Lisa wasn't bluffing after all, and if she ever returned, Carla knew she'd be smug with an 'I know it all' attitude. 

Carla wanted answers but she didn't think it would be fair to demand them the night before their wedding, but she also couldn't sit through their wedding knowing what they did. 

"Great, you're both here." Carla said, walking into the shop and locking the door behind her.

"Uh, what do you think you're doing?" Tracy asked, emerging from behind the counter.

"Locking up the shop. What does it look like, Tracy?" Carla replied, hands on hips.

"You can't do that."

"Actually, I can. I want answers." 

"About what?" Rob asked hesitantly. 

Carla started walking towards the counter. "Lisa mentioned something about the rent on this place. I figured neither of you would be honest, so I paid Peter a visit. Care to guess what he told me?" She looked between them, her voice firm.

Rob and Tracy looked down, avoiding her gaze.

"No? Okay, let me jog your memory. The accumulator bet trying to bankrupt him so he'd give up the shop?"

Rob sighed. "I can explain." 

"Don't even try and talk your way out of this, Rob. No lies." 

Rob hesitated before speaking. "We needed a place to sell the goods."

"Goods?" Carla echoed, raising an eyebrow.

Rob nodded. "Stolen goods from Tony."

"Tony?!" Carla exclaimed, stunned.

"It was a good business opportunity. We made decent money from it. We could pay off the debts we owed. It was a win-win situation." Rob admitted.

"And you couldn't find your own place to sell your dodgy stuff?" 

Rob shook his head. "Peter was gambling anyways it worked out better this way." 

"Did he know?" Carla asked, her voice tense. 

Rob stared at her in silence. 

"Did Peter know?" She shouted, her frustration starting to ease out.

Rob shook his head. "No. Me, Tracy and Tony were the only ones who knew. Then, someone found out and threatened to expose us."

Tracy cast a suspicious glance at Rob, her eyes narrowing.

"I sorted it, don't worry." Rob said, noticing Tracy's panic.

"Who found out?" Carla demanded.

Realizing that he'd said too much, Rob started to panic. "Look, that doesn't matter. What matters is that you know the truth. Now, can we please drop it?"

"Drop it?" Carla scoffed. "You expect me to just forget all of this?"

"Carla, please, you can't mention this to anyone we'll end up in jail." Rob pleaded.

Carla shook her head. "You're unbelievable." She said, looking him up and down, unlocking the door and leaving.

Carla was back at the flat, a glass of wine in her hand. Each sip was supposed to burn away the anger simmering inside her, but it had no effect. The anger lingered. She should go to the police she knows that but she can't do that to her own brother.

Someone found out. I sorted it. 

Rob's words echoed relentlessly in her mind. Who found out? And how could he have "sorted" it?

She didn't understand no matter how hard she tried. He could have bought someone's silence that was the most Rob thing to do, but she doubted it. 

Then, her thoughts took a dark turn. Tina. She hated how her mind had drifted there, but it made sense. There was no way Peter had killed Tina to keep the affair quiet, only to then go and tell Carla everything. That just didn't add up.

Then there was the bracelet stolen from the flat on the night of the murder which Tracy was wearing, and now it didn't seem like a coincidence at all. Rob had access to number one, and he could have planted it.

Carla didn't want to believe her brother could do something so evil and she hated these thoughts, but somehow, it all made sense. With this, she should go to the police but they wouldn't believe her with no evidence, and it was just a wild accusation. 

Her eyes drifted to the clock. 19:42. Rob was coming round for food at eight, but the thought of sitting across from him and looking him in the eyes made her stomach churn. The idea was making her feel sick.

"I wasn't sure if I should still come around." He said, stepping through the door and waving a bottle of wine. "Peace offering?"

Carla offered a tight, awkward smile. "Yeah, well, it's your last day of freedom, isn't it?"

"Yeah." Rob replied with a faint smile. "Excited to have Trace as your sister in law?"

"Ecstatic." Carla smiled hardly. "So what are you thinking? Pizza? Chinese? Indian?" She asked, pulling menus from the drawer.

"Thai?" 

"Right, sure. Yeah." Carla replied flatly.

After placing the order, the atmosphere between them was tense, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air.

"I get you're angry, Carla, I really do. But do you think for tonight, we could park it? It's my wedding tomorrow and I'm nervous as is." 

Carla nodded with a forced smile, but inside, she wasn't sure how long she could hold her silence. 

When the food arrived, Carla sat silent, pushing the food back and forth on her plate.

"You gonna eat that or just slosh it around?" Rob teased.

Carla sighed, dropping her fork with a clink. "I know I agreed to park it, but I can't Rob. How could you do that to him?" 

Rob grunted, setting his fork down too. "Carla-"

"No, I'm sorry, Rob. I could have gone to the police but I didn't."

Rob shrugged dismissively. "Then why didn't you?"

"Because you're my brother Rob. I couldn't do that to you. God why did you have to be so stupid?"

"It's not that simple." Rob muttered.

"You could have refused to sell the stuff." Carla shot back.

Rob's eyes flashed with irritation as he raised his voice. "You just don't get it, Carla."

"What? What don't I get Rob enlighten me." Carla snapped.

Rob looked away, clenching his jaw. "What's the point? You're not listening anyway." 

Carla took a shaky breath. "Who knew?" She whispered. 

"I'm sorry?" Rob asked, turning his head slightly.

"You said someone knew about it. Who knew?" Carla pressed. 

Rob shook his head. "Drop it." He muttered through gritted teeth.

"Who knew." Carla shouted, slamming her hands on the table, her voice trembling with fury.

"Tina." Rob shouted back. "Happy now?"

"And you sorted it how?" She pressed, tears exiting her eyes.

A bitter smile twisted his lips. "Why do you think she was leaving?"

"Because she was running away with Peter." Carla whispered.

Rob burst out in a harsh, bitter laugh. "That's what you think. But really, she found out, I told her to go. It was either she went or I got arrested, and I was doing it for you, too."

"You're lying." Carla sobbed.

"I'm not." Rob said coldly.

"You knew about the affair, and you didn't say anything?"

Rob shrugged, rising to his feet.

"No...no... You're lying. You sorted it by killing her not by making her pack her things and leave." 

Rob clenched his fists at his side, and he took a deep, steadying breath. "Carla, I'm warning you." 

"You killed her. You pushed her. How could you?"

Rob shook his head. "No, the fall didn't kill her the blow to the head did that."

"So what? You pushed her to keep your secret hidden?" Carla asked.

Rob narrowed his eyes. "Wait hang on. Why are you blaming me? You said you wanted to kill her. It could have been you all along and now you're trying to pass the blame?"

"That's something you say not something you do." 

Rob waved his arms. "Fine. Yes. I pushed her. Are you happy now?"

Carla scoffed. "And you went down to finish the job? How could you?"

Rob looked away. "She was going to expose not only the stolen goods but the affair as well. I did it to protect you from the heartbreak, Carla." 

Carla shook her head, her eyes filled with anger. "No. You did it for yourself. You didn't even think about me. And now my husband is rotting away for a crime you committed." She yelled, pointing her finger.

"Your husband is the reason why your baby is dead not me." 

"No, you're not getting away with this." Carla said, making a dash towards the door. But Rob quickly pushed her down on the sofa. Instinctively, she put her hands out to protect and defend herself, looking at Rob through the cracks in her fingers.

Rob brought his hands up to his head, brushing them down his face. "I'm not going to hurt you."

"You just pushed me." She retorted, her voice shaking.

"Why did Swain have to get in your head? If you'd stayed away from her, none of this would have happened."

"The truth always comes out in the end." 

Rob softened his voice pleading. "You can't say anything. Carla, promise me."

Carla hesitated, glancing at him. 

"Carla." He yelled. "I'm getting married tomorrow. Just wait until me and Tracy are on our honeymoon. Please."

"Go." She yelled.

She watched as Rob left, and the door clicked shut before slowly sitting up, letting out a heart-wrenching sob. Tracy needed to know the truth. With trembling legs, she pushed herself up, wiping the tears from her face. Hesitating for a moment, she stepped out of the flat and made her way to the pub. She glanced around cautiously before entering the Rovers. 

She pushed through the crowd, desperately trying to find Tracy.

"Tracy." She said, approaching her.

"You're supposed to be with Rob." Tracy replied.

"Carla, love, are you okay?" Deidre asked, seeing the sadness etched across her face.

"Tracy, please, can we just go through to the back?" Carla pleaded.

Tracy rolled her eyes. "This better be worth it." She muttered following Carla through. 

"The person that found out... it was Tina." Carla revealed.

Tracy gave her a confused look, chuckling slightly. "You what?"

"I figured it out, and he admitted it." Carla said. "He sorted it by pushing her to keep her quiet."

Tracy shook her head. "No, he wouldn't do that." 

"Just think about it. How did that bracelet end up at yours? Why was there blood in your outhouse?"

"Peter." Tracy replied.

"No, Tracy, Rob."

"It's true." Rob said, emerging through the back door. "Let me explain."

"You murdered her?" Tracy asked.

Rob nodded. "I did it to protect us, Trace. If it got out, you would have gone back to prison, and Amy would have had to grow up without you again." 

"Oh, please." Carla scoffed. "You can't seriously believe that he did it for love?"

Rob looked at Tracy, his eyes pleading. "I did." 

Tracy hesitated and then looked up at him. "Rob..."

"Tracy, listen to me." He said, taking her hands. "We can get married tomorrow, go on our honeymoon and bring Amy with us, and be a family." 

"Tracy, I swear if you listen to him, you'll be making a stupid mistake." Carla pleaded.

Tracy's gaze flicked between Rob and Carla, doubt flickering in her eyes.

"Okay." She whispered, nodding slowly and looking back at Rob. "You go and pack our things. After we get married, we'll get out of here."

Rob's worried expression melted hearing Tracy say that. He smiled, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. "Thank you." He whispered, hurrying out the door. 

"Are you stupid?" Carla asked.

"Do I look stupid?" Tracy shot back.

"Well, what are you going to do?" Carla questioned.

"We go ahead with the wedding as usual and have the police arrive."

Carla nodded slowly. But unknown to them, Rob had heard every word.

Chapter Text

It was the day of the wedding and the day Tracy's plan would unfold. In the early hours of the morning, she called the station to speak to DI Hawthorn, alerting him of Rob's confession. With the plan now set in place, an undercover officer was assigned to watch from the distance. Once everyone had arrived and entered, the police would swoop in and arrest Rob.

Now, it was a waiting game. Tracy sat at home getting her makeup done, feeling a mixture of nerves and guilt tightening in her chest. 

"I forgot the curlers." Maria announced with a hint of annoyance. "I'll pop back to the salon to grab them."

"Alright, but don't take long. I am getting married today." Tracy replied.

"Yes, I know that, Tracy, thank you. I'll be two minutes max." Maria assured her rushing towards the door.

Tracy rolled her eyes and headed into the kitchen to refill her glass.

She jumped suddenly at Rob's voice as he whispered through the crack of the back door.

"Tracy."

"Rob! What are you doing? It's bad luck to see me before the wedding." 

"No, that's only when you're in your dress. Is anyone else here?"

Tracy shook her head.

"OK, good." He nodded, walking through the door. 

"Listen, Rob." Tracy said softly. "I've got mine and Amy's passports ready if you think I'm having second thoughts."

"So you still want to go ahead with it?" Rob asked, narrowing his eyes. 

Tracy nodded. "Of course I do."

Rob hesitated, then smirked. "Funny you say that after you and my sister conducted a plan by having the police arrest me at the altar." 

Tracy looked dumbfounded. "I didn't go through with it, and I'm hardly your sisters biggest fan, am I? It was all talk."

Rob raised an eyebrow. "Really? And you expect me to believe that?"

She nodded again. "Yes, plus I've thought it all through. We divert from our original destination and go somewhere else."

"How do I know I can trust you?" He challenged. 

"Would I really be getting ready if I knew that I'd not actually be getting married? Would I really have mine and Amy's passports ready if I didn't mean it?"

Rob studied her for a moment, weighing up her words.

"I'm back." Maria announced.

"Go." Tracy urged, pushing him out the backdoor. 

Tracy hoped she hadn't blown it, but just in case she sent a text to Hawthorn to let him know. The nerves swirling around inside her now were two times intense. 

Tracy stood nervously watching out the window, her stomach twisting with anxiety. Rob was late and panic creeped in, and she couldn't help but think she'd blown it.

"Why isn't he there?" Carla asked, emerging through the door with Hawthorn.

Tracy shrugged, trying to stay composed. "He heard us yesterday and came here earlier to confront me. I really thought I'd convinced him."

"Obviously not." Carla replied, her tone cold.

Suddenly, Tracy's phone pinged, breaking the silence.

"It's him." She whispered, her hands trembling as she looked at the message.

Carla leaned in. "What does it say?" 

"He's gone on the run." 

Carla's eyes widened in disbelief. She raked her hands through her hair, frustration and worry etched across her face. "I don't believe this."

Hawthorn sighed. "You two wait here." 

"What do I do?" Tracy asked.

"I have a plan." Hawthorn said. "I just need to make sure it can go in place."

Tracy nodded. 

Hawthorn darted out of the house and hurried towards the venue, his heart pounding. When he arrived, he alerted everyone to Rob's involvement in the murder and that he was a wanted criminal, which sent shock and gasps around the room. He demanded that everyone stay where they were until the area was cleared and deemed safe. 

When Hawthorn returned to the house, he gathered Tracy and Carla. His voice was tense but firm. "Everyone at the venue knows about Rob, and right now, Tracy, you're the only one who can find out where he is, so we need to act fast."

Tracy looked worried. "What do we do?"

"I need you to tell Rob you'll run away with him." 

Her eyes widened. "You can't be serious?"

"He's told you about his plan and no one else. He trusts you. If you figure out his location, we can send a team towards there first."

"Then what?" Tracy asked.

"You go in first talk to him make it believable we'll have a whole team outside waiting." Hawthorn confirmed.

Tracy hesitated, a flicker of fear crossing her face. "He could hurt me."

"We won't let that happen." Hawthorn reassured. 

After a moment, Tracy pulled out her phone to text. She typed quickly, sending the message and waiting for a reply. "He sent me a location." 

The coordinates led to a warehouse. His next message read. 

[Rob: I've got our bags. You just need to get Amy and bring your passports.] 

Police now on high alert Tracy got changed into something more comfortable. 

"Stay safe, yeah?" Carla said, following her out of the door.

Tracy nodded silently as she got into her car. As she started the car, a wave of nausea washed through her. 

Carla walked slowly back to her flat, her mind racing a million miles per minute. She sank onto her sofa, her shoulders slumping and the weight of everything swirling inside her. The thought of her brother being caught and arrested clouded her brain. Her baby brother, whom she fought so hard to protect since childhood, was now going to be locked away. 

But amidst this pain, there was a flicker of relief. Peter may finally be free. 

As Tracy pulled up outside the warehouse, a sick feeling settled in her stomach. She took a deep breath, steadied herself, then stepped out of the car, trying to compose herself and act as normal as possible.

"You came." Rob said, relieved. 

"Of course I came." Tracy replied, her voice trembling with nerves.

"Where's Amy?" He asked, noticing she wasn't with Tracy.

"In the car, Listen, she doesn't know about what you've done, and I don't want her to worry." 

Rob nodded slowly. "And the passports?"

"In the car." Tracy confirmed. "But I don't think we'll need them."

"Why not?"

"Rob, the police are everywhere. The moment you've scanned in and the name 'Rob Donovan' flashes up, you'll be arrested. We need to lay low. I've found a cottage in Cornwall where we can hide until we get fake passports." 

"You've thought this all through." Rob said with a small smile.

Tracy nodded. "Of course I have. I want to be with you no matter what."

"Not many would do that." He said softly.

"Come on, we need to get out of here before we're tailed." She said quickly.

Rob grabbed the bags, but as he stepped out of the doors, he froze. The place was swarmed with armed police, their guns drawn, blocking every escape route, Realizing there was nowhere to run, Rob surrendered, glancing at Tracy, who was crying silently.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

Rob's face twisted with anger. "You bitch." He spat, as he was placed in handcuffs. 

With Rob making a full confession Peter was released the next day. As he arrived on the street, he glanced around. The street that once felt like home now felt like a foreign place. No one here believed he was innocent, so how was he supposed to look them in the face knowing they believed he was capable of murder? 

He packed his bags. Of course, Ken tried to stop him, but no amount of stopping would be able to stop him. There was nothing left for him here anymore. He'd lost everything. 

Before he left, there was just one person he desperately wanted to see

"Hi." Peter said nervously, stepping into the flat.

"Hi..." Carla replied softly. "You okay?" 

Peter nodded weariness in his eyes. "It's a lot, but I'll manage."

"Can I get you anything?" She asked gently.

He shook his head. "No. Listen, Carla, I need to tell you something, and it's better if you heard it from me."

"Okay..." Carla said wearily, sinking down onto the sofa.

"I'm leaving for Portsmouth."

Carla's eyes widened. "How long for?" 

Peter shrugged. "Forever?"

"Peter..." She whispered, her voice trembling.

"I have to go. I can't live here anymore. There's nothing left for me. We're divorcing, and I can't stay on this street when everyone failed me and believed I was capable of murdering Tina." 

"You don't have to leave." Carla pleaded. "They'll apologize." 

Peter shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry, but I have to. I need to find happiness again. If I stay, I'm scared I'll relapse again, and I can't let that happen, I can't go back there. This new start will help me be a better father figure for Simon." 

Tears welled in Carla's eyes as she nodded in understanding. "I understand." She said, standing up and walking over to him.

"I'll never stop loving you, Carla, and I hope you understand that." He said, placing his hand gently on her cheek.

Carla melted into the touch. "I know." She whispered.

"Thank you for believing in me that I was innocent when no one else did." 

"I always knew you were innocent." 

He gave a small, sad smile. "Everyone says this, but it's not a goodbye..."

"...It's a see you later." Carla finished, her lips curving into a faint smile. 

Peter returned the smile, leaning down to press a gentle kiss on her head. "Goodbye, Carla."

"Take care." She replied, watching him step out of the flat. Her heart was breaking, and she couldn't control the tears that spilt out of her eyes. 

Chapter Text

It had been two weeks since Peter had left and the same amount of time since Rob was arrested. In that time, she had gotten visitation letters time and time again, and each time she had ignored them. But, tomorrow marked Rob's sentencing, and Carla knew she wouldn't be there to witness it. She'd always love Rob, but he'd done too much damage. This was the perfect time to accept a visitation order and look him in the eyes and tell him she was done with him. It was going to take some strength, and the thought of sitting across from him made her stomach twist, but it was now or never.

She sat in the same visitation room from when she visited Peter, and just seeing him walk out was enough to make her stomach twist.

Rob walked out of the door, stood up tall his face unreadable until he sat down in the chair opposite Carla, where his face lit up with a devious smile. 

"I must admit I didn't think you'd actually come." He said cockily with a hint of amusement in his tone.

Carla straightened. "You were wrong." 

Rob chuckled, leaning back. "So there's got to be a reason you're here now after all those visiting orders. Not once did you come and see me."

"Gosh, who have you become Rob?" Carla asked.

Rob's smile faded, replaced now by a sharp, piercing look. "Who have I become? You're the whole reason that I'm in here in the first place."

"No, your selfish actions are the reason that you're in here." She snapped.

Rob's eyes darked, leaning forward slightly, keeping his tone low and threatening. "No, you and Tracy are the reason that I'm in here. The pair of you couldn't keep your gobs shuts, you're both snakes."

"We did the right thing. It's called justice."

Rob chuckled. "What would you know about justice?" 

"You used to be such a good kid. My baby brother. What happened to you?" Carla asked, her voice cracking slightly.

Rob looked away, pausing briefly before locking his eyes back with Carla's. "You happened." 

Carla scoffed. "Most people would have given up on you long before I did. I gave you a second chance, put you back on your feet."

He shook his head slowly. "Then you knocked me right back down."

Carla shook her head. "No, I didn't. Despite everything, Rob, I was the one fighting for you like I did when we were kids. We fought to stay alive we fought to be where we are today, and you just threw it all away."

Rob's jaw tightened, looking away before meeting her gaze with a bitter smile. "The difference? You married into wealth, had everything handed to you on a silver platter. I never got that."

"Yet despite that I gave you a chance. And to cut to the chase, I came here to tell you that you won't be seeing me at your sentencing tomorrow or ever again for that matter."

Rob's eyes widened. "So what you're giving up on me again."

"I hope being in here can somehow help you, Rob. I really do." Carla said, her voice trembling as she looked at Rob. His cocky demeanour dissolved, replaced by a flicker of regret in his expression. Carla stood up slowly, averting her gaze from Rob and looking straight ahead. Without a second glance, she walked away. 

Carla had felt utterly rotten ever since she walked away from Rob for good yesterday. She was supposed to look after him, guide him, be his support, and she'd done a pretty terrible job at it. Their own mother couldn't guide them and offer that protection that a mother should, and now apparently, neither could Carla. She'd never forget that look in Rob's eyes before she turned away. She felt a flicker of sympathy for him. But, she quickly pushed it aside, recalling that he didn't deserve her pity. He felt no remorse what so ever for all those he had hurt. 

Guilt also gnawed at her for not attending his sentencing. She knew she'd be notified on how long he got, but that didn't stop the guilt she was feeling.

Amidst all this chaos, she also felt painfully lonely. Isla had gone, Lisa had gone, Peter had left, and now Rob was going too. One by one, the people who she truly cared about were leaving her life, and a dark thought crept in. What if Michelle or Roy were next? If that happened, she wasn't sure if she'd have the strength to carry on. She felt cursed.

Carla forced herself to carry on as if everything was normal, so she went to the factory. But even that wasn't enough to drown out the heavy weight pressing on her mind. Every notification that came from her phone made her sick with dread. Could this be it? Could it be the call revealing how long Rob got? Yet, each time, it was nothing. No news. No, nothing. No relief. No matter how hard she tried to focus, her thoughts kept spiralling. Frustrated and not being able to fully concentrate, she closed the factory at 4pm and headed straight to the Bistro to be with Michelle.

"They should've called me by now, Chelle. Why haven't they?" Carla's voice trembled with anxiety.

Michelle shrugged. "Give them some time, love." 

"I should've gone there myself. I knew I should've." Carla's voice cracked.

Michelle shook her head. "No, Carla, you did the right thing by not going. You can't control what's happening."

Carla's eyes brimmed with tears. "I walked away from him after everything. What type of sister does that make me? I should've been there today."

Michelle reached out. "Listen, they'll call you. Stop stressing." 

Carla's shoulders sagged, and she lowered her head into her arms. "I just want to know how long he'll be inside. Will it be the same as Peter? Fifteen years?"

Michelle hesitated. "I'm assuming it'd be longer with him going on the run."

Carla groaned, bringing her head up. 

Carla had gone from soda water to wine, the only thing she knew that would dull the overwhelming stress she was feeling. She knew it wasn't a good idea and that it was only a temporary escape, but until she received that call, it was the only thing that offered relief. Slumped on the bar stool, she took a slow sip.

Suddenly her phone rang. Her heart leapt the moment she saw the called ID, with trembling hands she accepted the call, saying nothing, just listening. Her face fell slowly, her body tensing up as she slowly brought the phone down.

"What? What is it, Carla?" Michelle asked concern etched across her face.

Carla's voice trembled as she managed to find her words. "Twenty-five years." 

Michelle's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my God. I'm so sorry."

Carla swallowed hard, her hand trembling as she wiped away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. "He'll be sixty by the time he gets out. Sixty. His whole life... gone."

"Well, unfortunately, when you do stupid stuff, you have to face the consequences. You do the crime, you do the time."

Carla's voice broke as she whispered, "It's a long time." She looked away, tears blurring her vision.

"It is, but Carla, you can't live your life feeling sorry for him. He knew by committing such a heinous crime the consequences he'd be facing."

Carla scoffed bitterly. "One by one, everyone is leaving me. Are you next?" 

"I'm not going anywhere. Do you hear me?" Michelle said firmly.

"Isla, Peter, Rob, Lisa... it wouldn't surprise me at this point if you and Roy were next." Carla murmured.

"Carla, stop it." Michelle urged.

Carla's eyes welled with tears. "Isla would've been born next month. That's when I should've been meeting her. Lisa would have been the only person I felt like I could've gone to. I miss her so much, Michelle. There's been so many times I wish I could just go and talk to her."

"I understand." Michelle said softly.

Carla shook her head, her voice cracking. "No, you don't. I know you try your best, but no one can understand me the way Lisa could. I told her I hated her. I really am rotten."

"You're not rotten." Michelle reassured her. "You were angry, that's all."

"Words spoken out of anger are words of truth." 

Michelle looked at her. "Carla no. If you're feeling like this, you need to reach out. Call her. Text her. Tell her you're sorry."

Carla shook her head slowly. "I ruined everything. Apologizing should be face to face. She's not coming back, and I need to live with that guilt."

"You need to stop blaming yourself." Michelle said sternly, studying Carla.

"Easier said than done." Carla scoffed, getting up and heading out of the door. The walk back to her flat was heavy with guilt. She couldn't help but truly believe she was a curse. Everyone around her she seemed to let down. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Carla knew there was no way someone could go about their day with barely anything in the fridge and cupboards, especially with a child in the house. Bright and early, she stood on Lisa's doorstep, holding a Freshco's bag in one hand and a carrier bag full of food from the café in the other. 

"Carla?" Lisa mumbled groggily, opening the door. It was clear that she'd just woken up.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" 

"Well, yeah. It's half past seven in the morning." Lisa replied, her voice still husky from the sleep.

"Sorry." Carla said, clenching her teeth.

Lisa waved her off with a gentle smile, stepping aside to let Carla inside.

"What's this, then?" Lisa asked, closing the door behind her and following Carla into the kitchen.

"Well, after I left yesterday, I didn't feel comfortable leaving your fridge and cupboards in that state, so I just picked you up a few basic things." Carla explained, placing the bags on the table.

"Basic things?" Lisa raised an eyebrow, curious.

Carla nodded. "After I left I stopped by Roy's and the Bistro to see if they had anything leftover you could keep in a freezer stash but they said no, but Roy said he didn't mind making you a few things. He made sandwiches and baguettes, and he gave you a selection of cakes."

"Oh, Carla, you didn't have to ask around, and Roy shouldn't have done that." Lisa said softly.

"He didn't mind at all. I also swung by Freshco's as soon as it opened. I grabbed a couple of frozen pizzas, some ready meals, a pack of mince meat, a bag of chips, and a pack of chicken nuggets for Betsy." Carla said, glancing over at Lisa, who looked taken aback.

"She does like chicken nuggets, doesn't she? I figured well... you know... there's a stereotype around kids only liking those." Carla rambled.

Lisa looked down, biting her cheek to stop herself from laughing.

"What?!" Carla said, confused, narrowing her eyes. "Oh, don't tell me you're a vegan."

Lisa burst out laughing. "No, we're not vegans." She managed between laughing. "And yes, Betsy does like chicken nuggets."

"What was that look for then? And why are you laughing?" Carla asked.

Lisa calmed down. "That look was because you've come here bright and early, doing all of this for me, and it took me by surprise, that's all. I was laughing because of your rambling, and then the vegan comment was the cherry on top." 

"You sure?" 

Lisa nodded.

"Alright then, fruit and veg next. Strawberries, oranges, grapes, bananas, carrots, onions, and potatoes." Carla said, pulling them out of the bag.

"How much did you get?" Lisa asked, surprised as Carla was still rummaging through the bag.

"We're on the last few things now. Coco pops, tins of soups and beans, jars of sauce, and a whole load of snacks, and we can't forget another loaf of bread." Carla replied, smiling. 

Lisa chuckled. "Is that everything Mary Poppins?"

Carla looked up, a mock surprised expression on her face. "Did you just call me Mary Poppins?"

Lisa nodded, beginning to put the shopping away. "You just kept pulling stuff out of that bag like Mary Poppins."

"Oh, haha." Carla mocked, helping Lisa put the shopping away. 

"Sorry if I overstepped." Carla said reluctantly, doubt creeping in.

"Sorry? Carla, you have nothing to apologize for. This is such a kind thing to do." Lisa reassured her.

"You don't mind?" Carla asked. "I know I woke you up, and I remember you said that you hadn't been sleeping well yesterday."

Lisa shook her head with a smile. "Don't worry about that. Honestly, you've saved me from spending my own money on a food shop, that's for sure." Lisa grinned.

Carla breathed a sigh of relief.

"Want a brew?" Lisa asked, flicking on the kettle.

"Yeah, go on then." Carla replied, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

Lisa brought over the teas and took a seat across from Carla, fidgeting nervously.

"I guess I want to apologize to you now." Lisa said softly, her gaze dropping as she tugged at a loose thread on her dressing gown. 

"Oh, yeah, about what?" Carla asked, taking a sip of her tea eyeing Lisa curiously.

Lisa hesitated, then rambled. "The way I nagged and begged you it was out of order, and I know that now. And the whole Rob thing... I basically ruined your life. I wanted to reach out, but you said you hated me, and I didn't want you to hate me even more..." 

"Lisa." Carla said softly, leaning forward slightly, trying to stop Lisa from rambling.

"It killed me not reaching out. You went through so much, and I wasn't here. Everyone around you was just leaving..."

"Lisa!" Carla interrupted sharply, her voice cutting through the air stopping Lisa mid sentence.

Lisa's eyes snapped up to meet Carla's.

"Please stop worrying, okay? You had things going on, I understand, and it's thanks to you that my murdering brother is locked away, and Peter is free."

Lisa scoffed. "Wasn't at first, was it, though?"

"Now stop it, Lisa." Carla said, placing her hands on top of Lisa's. "If anything, I thought you'd be all smug about being right that Rob was suspicious." Carla confessed.

Lisa offered a half smile. Before either of them could say anything more, Betsy descended from upstairs rubbing her eyes. 

"Sorry darling, did we wake you?" Lisa asked, opening her arms, welcoming Betsy into a hug. 

Betsy nodded shyly. "Carla's here." 

Lisa nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. "She is, and she got us so much stuff. Look at this." She said, getting up and showing Betsy all the snacks in the cupboard.

"Hey, don't forget the chicken nuggets and coco pops." Carla chimed in. 

Lisa laughed, looking back at Carla rolling her eyes and shaking her head. "Fancy some coco pops for breakfast today?"

Betsy nodded, taking a seat next to Carla at the table.

"Mummy never usually lets me have chocolate cereal for breakfast." Betsy admitted.

"Oh really? Why's that?" Carla asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Because it gives madam here a sugar rush." Lisa said, placing the bowl in front of Betsy with a spoon.

Carla's eyes widened, and she felt her heart sink. "I had no idea. I'm sorry."

Lisa reached out and squeezed Carla's hand gently. "It's fine." 

"Is Carla staying, or is she going to leave?" Betsy asked, taking a mouthful of cereal.

Carla hesitated, looking between them. "Well, I shall be going soon. I have a factory to run."

"Are you coming back later?" Betsy asked. 

"I'm not sure." Carla said with a shrug, looking over at Lisa.

Lisa smiled warmly. "Actually, I was thinking of taking me and Betsy to the Bistro later. Maybe you could come with us? My way of saying thank you for bringing Betsy home safely and for all the shopping?" 

"If you're sure and Betsy doesn't mind?" Carla asked gently.

"I don't mind." Betsy shrugged. 

Lisa smiled. "There's your answer. Meet you there at five?"

Carla nodded, standing up. "In that case. I'll get going. See you later, ladies." 

"Thank you again." Lisa said, walking Carla to the door.

"You don't have to keep thanking me." Carla replied. 

"I know, but... it meant so much to me." Lisa admitted with a shy smile, her eyes shining with gratitude. 

Carla returned the smile, pulling Lisa in for a quick hug. As she pulled away, she looked at Lisa. "Make sure you eat something before later."

"I will." 

Carla nodded, turning on her heel, and stepped out of the door. 

It'd been a long day at the factory, and Carla often felt like she was managing a classroom rather than a team of grown adults. The gossip of the events of the last few months was still going around like a wild fire, which aggravated her. If it wasn't them gossiping it was them bickering at each other and if that wasn't enough Kirk had driven the delivery to Worcestershire instead of Worcester meaning the delivery was now late leaving Carla with a ton of calls and apologies to make. The only thing keeping her from not losing it completely was that she was looking forward to the meal at the Bistro later.

Halfway through replying to an email, her phone pinged with a notification. As it lit up on the lock screen, she glanced and saw it was Lisa. Curious, she picked it up and tapped on the message.

Lisa: You said to make sure that I eat before later, and I'm about to eat half a cheese sandwich that Roy made. Here is your proof. [picture]

Carla smiled at the message. It may have only been half of the sandwich Roy had made, but she was glad Lisa had listened at ate.

Carla: Enjoy! I'm glad you've eaten. Are we still on for later? x 

Lisa: Yes. See you there, hopefully? x

Carla: You shall x 

Carla's heart warmed as she placed her phone down,  a faint smile lingering on her lips. But then, doubt began to creep in. What if she had pressured Lisa into eating? What if she made Lisa feel like she had to provide proof that she'd eaten? The guilt gnawed at her, adding a weight to her already racing mind. She bounced her leg anxiously and chewed at the skin around her thumb, unable to settle until she had some reassurance. Without a second thought, she grabbed her phone and called Lisa. Each ring making her nerves tighten even further.

"Is everything okay?" Lisa asked, answering the phone.

Carla hesitated before speaking. "I'm sorry. I feel like I pressured you, and that wasn't my intention."

There was a long pause on the other end, a daunting silence before Lisa responded. "You didn't pressure me."

"Are you sure?" Carla asked cautiously. 

"Yes, Carla. If you want an explanation, I'd just give Betsy half of the sandwich, and I was feeling a bit peckish, so I had the other half. I figured it'd be enough until this evening, and I can tell this stress has come from me sending the photo I only sent it to stop you from worrying."

"And you're not just saying that to make me feel better?"

"No, I swear. So, stop stressing, alright?" 

Carla exhaled slowly. "Right, yeah, okay. Well, I'll see you later."

"You will." 

With that, Carla lowered the phone and hung up, relief washing over her. 

Chapter Text

Carla let out a breath of relief as the factory workers finally departed. With a massive order complete and the delivery finally on the way to the right place she leant back in her chair with a content sigh. 

The final thing for her to do today was join Lisa and Betsy at the Bistro. She was excited, but a hint of nervousness lingered in her chest. Locking the doors to the factory, she headed over to the Bistro. She was half an hour early, but she didn't see the point in going straight home when she could just wait, and besides, she'd have Michelle to keep her company for the time being. 

"Glass of red?" Michelle asked as Carla took a seat at the bar.

"Actually, Chelle, I'll just have a glass of water." Carla replied. 

"You feeling alright?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Well, usually you come in here for a glass of red, and now you're asking for water."

"If you must know, I'm having dinner with Lisa and Betsy."

"Ah, so you've made up then?" Michelle teased, with a knowing smile. 

Carla nodded, a small smile playing on her lips.

Michelle placed the glass of water in front of Carla. "So, did you find out what the matter was?" She asked. 

"Yeah... but I don't really feel like that's my place to share." Carla replied, her tone guarded. 

"I understand." Michelle said softly. 

Just then, Lisa walked through the doors with a smile. "You beat us to it." 

"Yeah, sorry, I didn't see much point heading to the flat, so I just came here." Carla explained as she stepped off the stool.

"Fair enough. Shall we grab a table?" Lisa suggested.

Carla nodded as they headed toward a booth. "Hello, cheeky." She said to Betsy, who was walking alongside her.

"I'm not cheeky." Betsy giggled, looking up.

"Oh, yes you are." Carla teased, laughing.

Lisa watched the moment with a heartwarming smile. 

They settled into their seats, looking at the menu as Michelle approached the table. 

"What can I get you guys to drink?" Michelle asked her notepad and pen at the ready.

"An orange juice for Betsy, a coke for me and whatever Carla's having." Lisa replied.

"I'll have a coke, too." Carla added.

Michelle nodded, walking away. "Got it." 

"You know you can have a drink?" Lisa said softly. "You don't have to have a soft drink just because I'm not drinking."

"No, I know that." Carla responded with a small smile. "Just being respectful."

Lisa nodded, looking back down at the menu. 

"Madam here is having the chicken nugget classic. What will you be having?" Lisa asked, glancing up at Carla. 

"Probably the steak." Carla replied with a shrug. 

"Ah, the most expensive thing on the menu." Lisa teased. 

"I can pick something cheaper?" Carla asked hesitantly. 

"Carla, I'm winding you up." Lisa chuckled. 

As Michelle took their orders, Betsy wasn't too pleased when Lisa said she'd be having peas with her meal. She pulled a face and started a protest once Michelle had walked away.

"I don't want peas." She said, crossing her arms stubbornly. 

"Well, you have to eat your vegetables, Betsy. You know how it works." Lisa replied gently but firmly. 

Betsy shook her head. "Mummy never made me eat vegetables with my meals. Only you." 

Lisa paused for a moment, collecting herself before responding. "Well, I'm your other mummy, and my rules have always been to have fruit with breakfast and lunch and a vegetable with dinner." 

Betsy continued her tantrum, with her arms still crossed and pouting lips.

"You know veggies help you grow big and strong." Carla chimed in, noticing the effect the tantrum was having on Lisa.

"But they're disgusting!" 

"Vegetables always are, but I'll be eating my peas. Maybe we could have a race to see who finished first. I bet I can beat you." 

Betsy shook her head. "No way!" 

"We'll see." Carla replied with a cocky smile, which made Betsy break out into a giggle, ending her tantrum.

Despite the moment, Carla couldn't help but notice the strain on Lisa's face.

Michelle placed the plates down, giving them a smile before leaving them to it. The atmosphere was still thick with tension, as it was clear Lisa's mind was still preoccupied with Betsy's earlier comment.

Carla subtly tapped Betsy on the arm, picking up a pea from her plate and flicking it toward Lisa. The pea hit Lisa on the head and bounced on the floor, causing Betsy to burst into laughter.

Lisa looked shocked. "Who did that?" 

Betsy and Lisa both pointed at each other. "It wasn't me." Betsy said earnestly. 

"It was." Carla said with a grin.

"No, it wasn't!" Betsy giggled. "It was Carla!"

Lisa shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Noticing the playful mood, Betsy grabbed a pea and flicked it in Lisa's direction.

"Hey! Why are you two teaming up against me? I've got nothing to flick at either of you." Lisa protested.

"Oh, that's a shame." Carla teased with a pout.

Lisa grinned mischievously, then dabbed her finger in ketchup. She leaned across the table and playfully dabbed it on Carla's head, then did the same to Betsy, causing them all to laugh.

Michelle watched on from behind the counter with a smile. This was the happiest she'd seen Carla in ages. 

"Are you ready for that pea race?" Carla asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes!" Betsy squealed, scooping a generous forkful of peas.

"Three... two... one... GO!" Carla shouted, eating a forkful of peas.

Seeing Betsy determined to win the race, Carla slowed down, glancing at Lisa, who seemed a lot more perkier. 

"I've won!" Betsy declared happily, placing down her fork.

Carla looked at Betsy's empty plate and then down at her own, which still had over half of the peas. "So you did." She said with a playful frown, winking at Lisa.

"Were you just using that race to get her to eat her vegetables?" Lisa whispered, leaning in with a smile.

"Yep. And it worked. You're welcome." Carla replied with a grin. 

Lisa tutted. "Carla..." 

Carla shrugged. 

"Anyone for dessert?" Carla asked, glancing around the table.

"Strawberry ice cream and chocolate cake." Betsy grinned.

"I don't think so. It's one or the other." Lisa replied gently.

"Why not both?" Betsy asked, pouting.

"Because you'll be bouncing off the walls, and you won't even finish them both."

"Fine." Betsy muttered. "Strawberry ice cream then."

Carla chuckled. "You know what? Why don't I order the chocolate cake, and you can share mine?"

Betsy nodded happily.

Lisa looked at Carla. "Could I get the cheesecake?"

"Of course." Carla replied, gathering their plates.

"I would've collected them, you know." Michelle said as Carla approached.

"I know, but I needed to stretch my legs, plus I've got some dessert requests." Carla explained.

"What's the requests then?" Michelle asked.

"Cheesecake, strawberry ice cream, and a generous portion of that chocolate cake." 

"Generous portion?" Michelle asked, quirking her eyebrows.

"Little miss Betsy over there wanted strawberry ice cream and chocolate cake I said I'd get the chocolate cake so she could share with me but I have a feeling that she's going to end up with the majority of it so if you wouldn't mind asking the chef..." 

Michelle laughed. "I'll see what I can do." 

"Thanks, Chelle." 

"You seem happy." Michelle smiled warmly.

Carla nodded softly, glancing back at Lisa and Betsy. "It's the happiest I've felt in a long time."

"I'm glad." Michelle said gently.

Carla got back to the table and sat down just as Lisa got up.

"I'm just going to nip to the ladies' room and get us a refill. Same again?" Lisa asked.

"Yes, please." Carla nodded.

As Lisa headed off, Carla was left alone with Betsy.

"So, I heard your favourite animal is a horse." Carla said with a smile.

Betsy nodded. "Did you know that ponies aren't actually baby horses?" 

"I did know that." Carla said gently.

"I thought they were, but when I did horse riding lessons, they said they weren't." Betsy explained, rolling around a crumb on the table.

"That's where the magic of your imagination comes in. In your mind, you can believe anything." Carla said playfully, nudging her.

"Do you like horses?" Betsy asked curiously, looking up at Carla.

"I think they're cute, so yes, I'd say I like them." 

"Really?" Betsy said excitedly. 

Carla nodded, smiling. 

As Lisa exited the toilets, she stopped by the bar, smiling at Betsy and Carla chatting away before turning towards the bar.

"Everything okay?" Michelle asked.

Lisa nodded. "It's just them two... Betsy's really taken to her. Carla's great with her... better than me."

"I'm sure that's not true." Michelle said earnestly. 

"It is." Lisa replied, sighing. "I've been struggling so much to do this on my own. Then, in swoops, Carla doing things to help me manage and has already managed to avoid Betsy having two full-blown tantrums." 

"She's a natural." Michelle said warmly.

"She really is." Lisa agreed. "God, it's been so hard, and Carla's really helped me out these past twenty-four hours."

"Thanks to my little push." Michelle added with a smile.

Lisa looked at Michelle, raising an eyebrow.

"She told me about finding Betsy, and you passed out, and everything she said to you. I was the one who encouraged her to apologise." Michelle clarified.

"Did she mention anything else?" Lisa asked cautiously.

"If this is you trying to catch her out by seeing if she told me why you were in a state, then no. She made it clear it wasn't her place to say." 

Lisa nodded slowly. "Betsy's other mum died. That's what's happened, and ever since, it's been a struggle." 

"I'm so sorry for your loss. It must be really hard." Michelle said softly.

"It is. But, I'll get through it." Lisa replied. 

"Just don't lose Carla this time she's determined to help you get through this like how you helped her." Michelle said with a pointed look.

"I won't screw it up this time, and I know I have a long way to go to earn her trust, but the fact we're speaking and getting along means everything to me." Lisa said sincerely.

"Good. If you mess it up again, you'll have me to answer to."

"Right. Can we just get a refill on our drinks, please?" Lisa requested.

"Of course. I'll bring them over." Michelle replied.

"What was all that about?" Carla asked as Lisa returned.

"Just warning me not to break your trust or I'll have her to answer to."

Carla rolled her eyes. "Seriously?"

"She means well." 

With desserts eaten, Carla was right in ordering a bigger portion of chocolate cake as Betsy had eaten most of it, and now they were walking to Lisa's car outside.

"Bye, Carla." Betsy said, wrapping herself around Carla in a hug.

"Bye, sweetheart." Carla replied softly, returning the hug with a gentle squeeze. She then knelt down to Betsy's level. "You be good for your mum, and don't forget to eat your veggies." She said, gently tapping Betsy's nose.

"I will." Betsy grinned, climbing into her car seat.

"Are you okay? I've been meaning to ask, but I didn't want you to get upset." Carla said, turning to face Lisa.

Lisa nodded. "It's just... that comment she made was tough. It made me feel like... like I'm the rubbish mum, while Becky's the good one. But you soon cheered me up with your pea antics." 

"Yeah, sorry about that." Carla said with a grin. "But don't worry, you're a good mum." She added, placing a gentle reassuring hand on Lisa's shoulder.

"Thank you." Lisa whispered, tears stinging her eyes.

Carla smiled, pulling her in for a hug. "It's going to be tough, and it's going to be challenging, but you've got this." 

Lisa pulled away, looking at Carla, wiping her tears.

"Thank you for the meal." Carla said gratefully. 

"Thank you for the pudding and for just... everything you've done today." Lisa added, turning to buckle Betsy in her car seat before closing the door and walking around to the driver side.

"Goodnight, and drive safe." Carla said as Lisa got in the car.

"I will." Lisa replied.

As Lisa started the engine and drove off, Carla watched it drive down the street, her heart feeling warm at the evening they just shared.

Chapter Text

It had been four days since the meal, and everything since then had seemed to be going smoothly. They had been texting back and forth throughout the days until today. Lisa had messaged Carla in the morning and received no reply. She sent a follow-up message at lunchtime, but there was still no response. Lisa began to grow concerned. 

Lisa still had a couple of hours remaining before she had to collect Betsy from her first day of school, she decided to head to the street and rang the buzzer to Carla's flat waiting in anticipation for an answer. As each minuet passed without a response, her concern deepened. Before she got herself overworked with worry she decided to check the factory, but the door was locked.  Desperate for answers, she decided to go to the one person she knew would hopefully shed some light on Carla.  

She pushed open the doors to the Bistro, scanning around to see if Carla was there before she approached Michelle.

"Are you looking for someone?" Michelle asked.

"I was just checking to see if Carla was here." Lisa replied.

"Ah."

"You don't happen to know if she's okay, do you? She's not answering my texts. There's no reply at the door, and the factory is locked up."

Michelle sighed softly. "Yeah, she's not doing great today."

Lisa's stomach clenched. "Is she... is she okay?"

Michelle looked down for a moment before looking back up to meet Lisa's eyes. "Today would've been her due date. It's hit her pretty hard, and she's really struggling."

Lisa's breath caught. "I had no idea... I didn't know." 

"It's not something she likes to talk about. I knew, but when I went round this morning, she practically shoved me out the door and slammed it in my face. I just wish there was more I could do." She admitted her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "And if she's shutting you out today too, then I'm really worried about her." 

Lisa looked down at her watch, then back up at Michelle. "I still have over an hour until I need to collect Betsy. If Carla's not answering the buzzer, it's highly likely she's not there, and there's a place I can check to see if she's there." 

Michelle studied her sceptically. "What? Where?" 

"If I told you I'd be betraying her trust. But, please just trust me on this. If you give me your number I can let you know if she's there." Lisa said, holding out her phone.

Michelle hesitated for a moment, then nodded, taking Lisa's phone and adding her number. Lisa took the phone and slipped it into her pocket, slipping out of the Bistro doors.

Lisa was right. Carla was exactly where she thought that she'd be. In the distance, she spotted Carla seated on the bench opposite the plant she'd planted for Isla. A pang of ache twisted in Lisa's heart. Slowly, Lisa approached the bench, trying not to startle her.

"Hey." She whispered softly. 

Carla looked up, blinking away the tears in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she spoke. "Why are you here?" 

"I was worried about you." 

"I'm fine." Carla insisted. 

Lisa sighed, taking a seat on the bench and keeping a respectable distance. "Carla, you're crying, and Michelle told me what day it is today."

Carla looked over. "What?"

"She's worried about you, and so am I. I told her there was a place I thought you'd be, and here you are." 

Carla's eyes widened in shock, her heart sinking with betrayal. "You told her where I was?"

"No." Lisa was quick to reassure. "I told her I wouldn't tell her where I think you'd be, only that I'd give her a text if you were here."

"Thank you." Carla whispered. 

"Please just talk to me, Carla. I want to support you." Lisa pleaded. 

Carla's voice broke as she spoke tears streaming down her face. "I just... I needed space to process it all alone. Today or any day this week was supposed to be the day I held her in my arms, hearing her cry for the first time and soaking in all those newborn cuddles. I imagined her tiny hand wrapping around my finger and watching her sleep..." 

"Oh, Carla. I wish you'd have told me." Lisa said gently. 

Carla shrugged. "You had enough going on. I thought I'd be able to cope, but obviously not."

"Despite what I have going on right now, I would've been there for you. Please, don't shut people out. We want to help you." 

Carla sobbed, her shoulders trembling. "I'm sorry." 

Lisa moved closer to Carla, wrapping a comforting arm around her. After a beat, Lisa broke the quiet gently.

"Listen, I need to pick Betsy up from school. How about I drop you off at home, or I could take you to the Bistro to be with Michelle." 

Carla shook her head slowly. "I don't want to go home." 

Lisa's brows furrowed. "Well, I'm not leaving you here. It's freezing out and I don't think you should be alone right now."

"Can I come with you?" Carla asked softly, searching Lisa's face.

Lisa looked surprised. "Me?"

Carla nodded. "Just until tonight. If I can't it's fine. I just... I don't want to be on the street,  not today,  and I don't want to be alone."

Lisa hesitated for a moment, then sighed gently, offering a reassuring smile. "Come on then. But I should warn you Betsy will probably have the frozen soundtrack on repeat for the whole journey home." 

A small smile touched Carla's lips, easing some of the sadness. "I think I can handle that." She said quietly.

They began walking to the car. As they walked,  Lisa pulled out her phone and fired off a quick message to Michelle to let her know Carla is fine and where she'd be. 

When Lisa got back to the car with Betsy, Carla's presence didn't go unnoticed.

"Carla!" Betsy exclaimed as she scrambled into her car seat.

Carla turned around, her face softening. "Hey sweetheart, how was your first day?"

Betsy shrugged. "It was okay." 

Lisa fastened Betsy's seatbelt. "Did you make any friends?"

"I don't know."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "You don't know?" 

Betsy looked down, fiddling with the strap. "Well, I don't really know them yet. And I don't know if they'll want to play with me on Monday."

Lisa offered a small smile, placing a kiss on Betsy's head. "I'm sure they will."

The drive back to Lisa's was filled with the frozen soundtrack on repeat, with Betsy singing along in her car seat. When they got inside, Betsy plopped herself down in front of the TV, leaving Lisa and Carla to sit at the table.

Lisa brought over two teas, placing them down gently.

"You alright?" Lisa questioned.

Carla blinked out of her haze. "Yeah."

"You looked miles away." Lisa observed.

"It's all still a bit heavy, but being here is distracting my mind." Carla smiled reassuringly.

"Good." Lisa smiled in return. "So I assume you're staying for dinner then?" 

"What's on the menu tonight?" 

"Sausage and mash."

"Oh, go on, then I'll stay for dinner." Carla grinned. "And maybe when the little ones in bed I could watch an episode of catfish?" 

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Catfish?"

Carla grinned. "Yeah, what's wrong with that?"

Lisa chuckled. "You seriously can't watch that?"

"I absolutely do." Carla replied with a mischievous smile. 

A while after dinner was eaten, Lisa headed upstairs to get Betsy ready for bed, leaving Carla downstairs. 

Carla sat quietly on the sofa. The TV was on, but she wasn't paying attention. Instead, tears glazed over her eyes. Being here had momentarily distracted her mind, but the emptiness in her heart still remained. The faint sounds of giggles drifting down the stairs from Betsy's bath time only deepened the ache in her chest, reminding her of all the moments that she'd miss and things she wouldn't get to experience. 

What hit her the hardest was when Betsy insisted on giving Carla a goodnight hug. The innocent gesture of something so small broke something inside of her. This little girl, who she'd only known for a few days, had grown an attachment to her, and Carla wanted to do all she could to protect her. Betsy had stolen her heart.

She sat there, tears slipping silently down her cheek.

Soft footsteps came down the stairs as Lisa appeared. "That's Betsy asleep now." Lisa said, settling beside Carla.

Carla wiped away her tears with trembling hands. "Did she get to sleep okay?"

Lisa reached out, gently turning herself to face Carla. "Hey, hey." She said softly, cupping Carla's hands in her own. "What's wrong?"

Carla voice broke as she whispered through the tears. "A lot of things."

"Being here today around Betsy, it was a lot, wasn't it?" 

"No. Not at all. I know what I said before, and I'd never want you to feel guilty about that. It's just those small moments they were hard and made me realise what I'd be missing out on. The thing that set me off was her insisting on wishing me goodnight." 

Lisa squeezed her hands softly. "She adores you. She calls you her hero."

"Hero?"

Lisa nodded with a tender smile. "For keeping her safe and warm. And for what it's worth, I think that too." She smiled warmly.

Carla managed a faint smile in return.

"How about we sit back and watch catfish like you wanted to?"

Carla chuckled softly, removing her hands from Lisa's to wipe her tears. "You watching catfish?"

Lisa grinned. "What channel?"

"MTV." Carla replied with a small smile flickering on her face.

They settled into a comfortable silence, the glow of the TV casting a gentle light over the room. As the show went on, Carla's eyelids grew heavy. The exhaustion from all the crying caught up to her, and before she knew it, she had drifted off, resting peacefully on Lisa's sofa.

Lisa watched her for a moment, a small smile tugging at her lips. Gently, she eased Carla into a more comfortable position, draping a blanket over her and switching off the light. She took in the sight of Carla who was vulnerable but at how peaceful she looked. Her heart warmed at how Carla must've felt self enough to fall asleep there and in that moment she felt a wave of protectiveness. Carla needed her and she needed Carla. They needed each other. 

If Lisa was told two months ago her and Carla would be friends again and Carla would feel comfortable falling to sleep in her home she wouldn't have believed it. 

Chapter Text

Carla stirred, gradually waking up, blinking as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings. It was only when she woke up fully she remembered where she was. She was at Lisa's. 

With a slow stretch, she sat up, gathering her belongings quietly. She considered leaving, but hesitation held her back as it would mean she'd be leaving the door unlocked. Instead, she went to the kitchen for a glass of water.

"You're awake." Lisa said softly as she came down the stairs.

Carla nodded, her shoulders slumped as she poured away the rest of the water. She moved to gather her things. "Now you're awake, I'll get going." 

Lisa's brow furrowed in concern, taking a step towards her. "Is everything okay?" 

Carla hesitated, fiddling with the strap on her bag. She looked down, sighing softly before replying. "Listen, I didn't mean to fall to sleep here. I'm really grateful for you coming to find me yesterday and letting me come back here, but I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of you." 

Lisa reached out, her hand gently resting on Carla's arm. "Carla, look at me." 

Hesitantly, Carla looked up, meeting Lisa's gaze.

"Carla, why would I think that?" Lisa asked, searching Carla's face.

Carla bit her lip, looking down and feeling embarrassed. "Because I didn't want to go home and asked if I could go with you, and I ended up falling to sleep here." She shrugged.

Lisa shook her head softly, her voice reassuring. "You were exhausted. I get it. Plus, I didn't mind." She smiled warmly. 

"I've still overstayed my welcome." Carla murmured, walking towards the door.

Lisa quickly reached out, holding Carla's wrist gently, causing Carla to turn back round. "Carla, don't go. I can take us all to the café for breakfast and you can go home after?" She said insistently.

Carla hesitated, taking a deep breath. "If you're sure?" 

Lisa smiled reassuringly, letting go of Carla's wrist. "Of course, I'm sure. I'll go and wake Betsy up and get us ready. Make yourself comfortable." She said, turning to head up the stairs. 

Carla watched as Lisa disappeared up the stairs and sank onto the sofa with a sigh, her body relaxing. 

After what felt like a while, Carla heard the faint sound of tiny footsteps coming down the stairs. She turned her head with a warm smile, seeing Betsy walking down.

"You're still here." Betsy said softly, reaching the bottom step.

Carla's face softened. "I am. Good morning." She said gently.

To Carla's surprise, instead of Betsy taking a seat on the other end of the sofa, she lifted Carla's arm so she could snuggle into her side. The innocent gesture made Carla's heart swell. Her eyes flickered with emotion, and she couldn't help but smile as tears welled up in her eyes.

Once Betsy had settled comfortably, Carla reached for the remote and turned the TV on. She didn't really know what channels Betsy was interested in. "What channel?" She asked.

"105." Betsy replied.

Carla typed 105 on the remote, and the channel 'milkshake' came on. Carla rolled her eyes when she saw Peppa Pig was currently on. Not only did she have to suffer through this episode but three more after. It was her worst nightmare. 

Moments later, Lisa started to walk down the stairs. She paused for a moment, taking in the sight, Betsy curled into Carla's side, Carla's arm protectively draped around her. Lisa's lips curved into a soft smile. 

"Enjoying the show?" She teased, continuing to walk down the stairs.

Carla turned her head. "Oh shut up, you know I can't stand the flaming pig."

"What's wrong with Peppa?" Betsy asked, looking up at Carla.

"Nothing." She replied, looking down at Betsy before looking over at Lisa with a grin.

Lisa chuckled softly. "Betsy, go and get your shoes on." 

Betsy nodded, getting up to get her shoes on.

Once in the café Carla sat at a table with Betsy while Lisa went to go and order their food. 

Carla leaned in slightly. "So, Betsy, what have you asked to get for Christmas?" She asked curiously.

Betsy grinned widely. "Loads of things." 

"But from everything on your list, what do you want the most?" 

Betsy paused for a moment, thinking hard. "An Elsa doll, Shopkins and Lelli Kellys!"

Lisa walked over, ruffling Betsy's hair gently. "Not a chance, young lady." She said, taking a seat.

"What's a Lelli Kelly?" Carla asked, looking between them.

"Shoes!" Betsy beamed.

Lisa shot a pointed look in Betsy's direction, her tone playful yet firm. "And I've told madam here she will not be getting a pair of Lelli Kellys." 

Betsy slumped in her seat.

Carla chuckled. "Why not?"

"Because they're expensive, and she'll outgrow them in a couple of months." 

"Oh, come on, mum." Betsy said, pouting. 

Lisa shook her head. "Nope, sorry." 

Carla leaned forward, her voice warm but teasing. "It could've been a core part of her childhood. Just imagine when she's older it'll be something she'll look back on."

Lisa's expression grew serious, she looked down. "And that's where I become the evil mother again. Becky would've got her a pair." Lisa muttered, keeping her voice down so Betsy didn't hear.

Seeing Lisa's concern, Carla reached across the table, placing a comforting hand on Lisa's. "Hey, I didn't mean anything by that. I understand your reasons." 

"No, I know." Lisa admitted softly, her voice tinged with sadness. "It's going to be different this year, isn't it? She'll have no gifts from Becky, and she won't even be here." She looked down.

"You'll make it magical. Lelli Kellys or no Lelli Kellys." She smiled, her eyes filled with support. 

Before Lisa could respond, Tracy walked through the door with a grin on her face. "Well, isn't this cosy."

Carla removed her hands from Lisa's, looking at Tracy with irritation. "You what?" she asked, her tone sharp and her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Tracy. 

"Betsy, can you go and wash your hands, please?" Lisa asked, pointing towards the toilets.

They watched as Betsy nodded and headed off through the door.

"My brother hasn't been gone... what? A month, and you're here with the person who got him sent down?"

Carla's eyes narrowed, her tone sharp. "Oh, get lost, Tracy."

"I've lost everything because of you." Tracy said bitterly.

Carla blinked in surprise. "Me?"

Tracy nodded. "My brother and my fiancé." 

Carla's eyes widened in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding."

"No, I'm being serious." Tracy snapped.

"You see, that's funny because you're the one who conducted the plan to get him arrested in the first place." Carla shot back.

Tracy clenched her jaw. "Well, yeah, but if it wasn't for her and putting the idea into your head, he'd still be here." She gestured towards Lisa.

Lisa's face twisted, looking up and speaking. "Hang on a minute if he was still here. Your brother would still be in prison."

"Now if that's everything Tracy, we would like to enjoy our breakfast." Carla said.

Tracy scoffed, looking between them. "Oh, I get what you're doing. Sucking up to her because of her kid."

"What did you just say?" Carla demanded, her face clouded with shock and anger.

Tracy smirked. "Well, you couldn't have yours, and she's got one, so you thought you'd jump right in."

Carla momentarily lost her composure, her voice shaking. "What are you talking about?"

Tracy gave a shrug. "You two seemed pretty comfortable when I walked in."

Carla stood abruptly, trying to steady her voice. "She was upset, and I was comforting her, and who I choose to be friends with is nothing to do with you." She said, taking a step closer, causing Lisa to stand up and step between them, holding Carla back.

Before things could escalate further, Roy stepped in. "Ladies, please, if you wouldn't mind, calm down or take it elsewhere you are disturbing my customers." 

Tracy glared at them and scoffed. "It's fine, Roy. I'm going. I can't stand to be around snakes."  She said, turning around and walking out.  

"You okay?" Lisa asked softly, her hands still resting on Carla's arms. 

Carla looked at Lisa tears shimmering in her eyes. Without a word, she stepped back, her shoulders trembling slightly, sinking into her seat. "Yes." She whispered.

Lisa watched her for a moment, then turned her attention to Betsy who came out of the toilet and then at Roy, who arrived with their food and drinks.

The air around them was silent. The only sound was the clatter of dishes and soft chatter from other customers. Lisa watched Carla, who sat silently picking at her bread, her gaze distant. 

Carla couldn't shake the feeling that Lisa probably agreed with Tracy. The timing of everything, the way that things had unfolded had made her worry that now Lisa thought the only reason she wanted to be around was because of Betsy and not because she wanted to genuinely be friends but because saying they were friends gave her an excuse to be there to help with Betsy. To fill that gap into what she could've been experiencing. 

"You not going to eat that?" Lisa asked.

Carla pushed her plate away slightly. "Lost my appetite." She said quietly.

Lisa furrowed her brow, leaning forwards slightly. "Well, you need to eat, Carla."

Carla looked up, meeting Lisa's eyes. "I've just said I've lost my appetite."

Lisa raised her eyebrows, placing her sandwich on her plate, her tone firm but caring. "Carla, you need to eat. Even if it's a few bites or maybe just one half of the sandwich." 

Carla hesitated, then reached for her sandwich, taking a small bite. After swallowing, she looked at Lisa with a faint smirk. "I know what you're doing." She said boldly, thinking back to when she had encouraged Lisa to eat with similar words.

Lisa's face softened into a playful, innocent expression. "I don't know what you're on about." 

Carla's smile grew, her guarded expression melting away slightly. 

As Carla finished half of her sandwich, Lisa sent Betsy to the counter to pick out a treat, then turned back to Carla.

"Right, let's talk about it." Lisa said firmly.

"About what?" Carla asked, trying to keep her tone casual.

"About what Tracy said." Lisa replied, her voice calm but direct. "Because I can guarantee I know exactly what's on your mind."

"Can we just leave it?" Carla asked, looking down.

Lisa shook her head. "Nope." She said resolutely. "I know her bringing up Isla upset you, but I know what really caused your reaction. It was her accusing you of being my friend because of Betsy."

"It's not true." Carla mumbled. "My friendship with you is genuine, and it's not because you have Betsy and gives me the chance to I don't know...? Be maternal?" 

"Carla, I don't think that about you." Lisa reassured. 

Carla looked up, meeting Lisa's eyes, searching for a hint of dishonesty.

Lisa met her gaze steadily. "You can search my face all you want. I would never think that about you. In fact, I admire how much you care about Betsy. She looks up to you, and honestly, I can't imagine her looking up to anyone else." She said, offering a warm, genuine smile.

Carla's expression softened, offering a small smile in return.

"So ignore what Tracy says. By the looks of things Betsy's got you wrapped around her little finger." 

Carla laughed, feeling more relaxed. "Did you actually not get her Lelli Kellys?"

Lisa shook her head with a grin, keeping her tone firm. "Nope." 

They shared a light-hearted chuckle, the tension easing. 

Chapter Text

Lisa had got done with a meeting with Hawthorn at the station. When everything with Becky happened and she had to rush off to London, she was placed on compassionate leave. Now she's back, and Betsy is in school. Hawthorn was asking if Lisa would be able to return. Lisa left the meeting saying she'd think about it, but the truth is she had already made up her mind, and now she had so much buzzing around her head she wanted to get it off her chest. 

It was a moment of sheer desperation, and she stood outside the factory trying to find the strength to step inside. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the doors and made her way to Carla's office, ignoring the glances from the workers. It wasn't until Carla opened the door that her brave façade shattered and tears welled up in her eyes.

The last person Carla expected to see at the door was Lisa, but she could tell through the crack of the blinds something was wrong.

"Come in." Carla said, narrowing her eyes in curiosity.

Lisa walked past, her steps hesitant and slow as she sank into a chair. The tears that welled up were now tracing down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, her voice trembling. "I know you're probably busy, but I really needed to talk to someone. If I didn't, I might have ended up drinking, and I can't let that happen."

Carla shook her head gently and rounded the desk, and sat down in her chair. "My work can wait. Right now, let's focus on you and what's got you in such a state." 

Lisa nodded, wiping at her tears as she struggled to catch her breath.

"Can I get you anything? Tea or water?" Carla asked softly. 

Lisa shook her head. 

"It's okay Lisa just calm down and breathe." Carla urged.

Taking a few steadying breaths, Lisa felt relaxed enough to speak.

"You're going to think that I'm pathetic." Lisa murmured. 

Carla looked at her steadily, keeping her tone firm. "I won't." 

"When everything happened with Becky last month and I had to dash off to London, they placed me on compassionate leave." Lisa began. 

Carla remained silent, encouraging Lisa to go on. 

"When I got back, they called me and asked if I'd be willing to come back. I told them no, and I said it was because of Betsy and her not being in school yet. But honestly, that was only part of the reason."

"What was the other reason?" Carla probed gently. 

Lisa shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because I'm scared."

"Scared?" Carla prompted. 

Lisa nodded, tears brimming again. "Before, I'd go to work and put myself in dangerous situations that was my job, what I signed up for. I never thought about Betsy while doing that. And that... that makes me selfish."

Carla reached out, gently placing her hand on Lisa's. "Hey, listen to me. It was your job, and like you said, you signed up for that. Yes, maybe you should've considered Betsy, but you were passionate about the work you do. But what matters the most now is that you're here and you've recognised your past actions. Being able to recognise that takes strength." 

Lisa looked down, her voice trembling. "Despite all that, it still makes me a terrible mother."

"No, it doesn't, Lisa." Carla said, gently brushing her thumb against the back of Lisa's hand. 

Lisa shook her head. "It does. No mother would willingly put themselves in danger knowing that they have a young child. Honestly, I think it was because I had nothing left to hold on to." 

"What do you mean?" Carla asked, her voice filled with concern.

Lisa took a shaky breath. "Because Becky cheated on me, didn't she? We never got to extend our family, and I had to watch Betsy bond with someone else."

Carla squeezed Lisa's hand gently. "You need to be kinder to yourself, Lisa. You did the best you could." 

"I can't return back to work. I need to be there for Betsy." Lisa said, removing her hands to wipe at her tears.

Carla furrowed her brow. "So... you're just going to give up on your career?"

Lisa nodded slowly. "I can't let Betsy lose another parent. I refuse to let her go through that again."

"Lisa, you've dedicated your entire life to this and worked your way up in the ranks. Do you really want to throw it all away? It's a pretty sudden decision."

Lisa looked away. "I think it's the best choice."

Carla looked at Lisa, keeping her voice steady but keeping a friendly tone. "Well, I disagree. If you walk away, you'll be letting yourself down, and deep down, I know that you agree. Yes, you have Betsy, but this is a job you love."

"I may have put the job first before, but now Betsy comes first." Lisa said coldly, looking back at Carla.

"And she always will. She labels me as a hero, but you're her hero too, Lisa. Don't walk away from the job."  

Lisa scoffed, glancing away before looking back at Carla. "But I can't protect myself from danger, can I? Not if I don't know that it's coming. Becky didn't see that car speeding towards her. What if it happens to me? What if I'm called to a scene and I'm attacked? There's just so much to think about." 

"I think you're just catastrophising. Life's unpredictable. That's just how it is. An innocent trip to the shop could end in disaster. You can't live your life, basing things off the worst-case scenario. You work with such a huge team of people who clear scenes to make sure it's safe. If you went back, they'd adjust your hours, would they not?"

Lisa nodded slowly. "Nine to five." 

Carla smiled gently. "Exactly. Listen, I'm not here to tell you what to do, but the Lisa I know wouldn't give up this easily. Just think about it, yeah? Before you hand in your notice and walk away for good. That's if you haven't done it already."

Lisa shook her head. "I told them I'd think about it." 

Carla offered a supportive smile. "I really admire you for coming to talk to me instead of turning to the bottle."

Lisa's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "I knew you'd listen." 

Carla reached across, giving Lisa's hands a gentle squeeze. "Anytime." 

"I'm sorry for interrupting your work."

Carla waved her off with a smile. "I've already told you, it doesn't matter." 

Lisa hesitated, then nodded. "I need to get going to pick up Betsy, but I really appreciate everything you've said." She said, standing up.

Carla stood up as well, rounding the desk. "I can be wise when I want to be." She looked at Lisa with a supportive smile. "Keep me updated on what you decide, okay?"

Lisa returned the smile. "I will."

Carla reached out, pulling Lisa into a hug. "Remember to take care of yourself and to eat." 

Lisa gently pulled back, her hands lingering briefly on Carla's arms. As she looked into Carla's eyes, she saw the warmth and genuine concern shining through, and that was something she hadn't felt in a long time. It stirred a flutter within her that maybe something deeper than a friendship was lurking.

Lisa gave a small, awkward smile. "I will don't worry." 

As Lisa pulled back fully and opened the door, she glanced back at Carla, biting her lip slightly. She was starting to catch feelings, which was ridiculous she hadn't even known Carla that long, but somehow, it all felt surprisingly natural. 

Chapter Text

Carla was overjoyed with excitement when the parcel finally arrived. She'd been anxiously waiting for days, stressing whether it'd arrive in time for Christmas. And to her relief it had. It was 06:30pm on Christmas Eve she should probably wait for another day to deliver it, but tomorrow was Christmas, and she figured it was important. 

"Carla?" Lisa said, opening the door.

"Sorry, I know it's late, but I wanted to drop these around." Carla said, holding up a bag. 

"Come in." Lisa replied, stepping out the way.

Once Carla had entered, she noticed Betsy sat on the sofa. "Oh hey, Bets."

"Hello, what have you got?" Betsy asked her eyes, flicking towards the bag.

"Oh, these?" Carla replied, giving the bag a gentle shake. "Just some present for you and your mam." 

"You really didn't have to get us anything." Lisa said, stepping into the living room.

"Yeah well 'Tis the season." Carla replied with a wink.

Lisa smirked in response. 

"Bets, why don't you go upstairs and get Carla's present." Lisa suggested, watching as Betsy disappeared up the stairs.

"So I can't get you guys anything, but you can get me something?" Carla raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

"Exactly." Lisa replied, nudging Carla's arm gently. "And this -" She said, reaching into the cupboard. "Is what I picked out for you. Betsy's decision is what she's coming down with." Lisa said, handing over a bottle of wine. 

"Blimey, a posh wine. You shouldn't have." Carla said, admiring the bottle.

"Well, like you said,'Tis the season." Lisa replied with a grin. 

"Here." Betsy said, handing over a bag. "But you can't open it until tomorrow."

"Noted." Carla replied with a smile bending down to give Betsy a hug. "Thank you." Carla said, placing the bag on the kitchen side.

"So why are you not in bed, Madam? Santa will be here soon." Carla teased. 

Betsy shook her head. "No, he won't. We've been tracking him."

"And it is only 7pm, Carla." Lisa added.

"Ah, fair enough." Carla chuckled.

"Hot chocolate, anyone?" Lisa offered.

"Yes, please." Betsy replied eagerly.

Carla stayed in the kitchen as Lisa prepared the hot chocolate. "So what are you leaving out tonight?"

"Mince pies." Lisa answered. 

"No cookies." Betsy corrected, taking a seat at the table.

"Mince pies are more Christmassy Betsy." 

Betsy shook her head. "Cookies."

"I'm sure Santa will be pretty full on cookies." Lisa said with a grin, placing Betsy's hot chocolate down.

"Okay, ladies, how about you leave out both? Problem solved." Carla suggested.

"Two snacks?" Betsy questioned.

Carla nodded. "He would have been working for a full day. He needs fuel." She said, ruffling Betsy's hair. "But what shall he be washing it down with?" 

"A glass of milk." Betsy said.

"Well, I was thinking whiskey." Lisa teased.

"Whiskey? Isn't drink driving illegal?" Carla teased.

"I have a feeling he'll need it. Call it an adrenaline boost." Lisa replied.

"Who for? Him or you?" Carla winked, leaning into Lisa so Betsy didn't hear.

"Oi you." Lisa said playfully, swatting her arm. 

"Is Carla staying for the movie?" Betsy asked.

"Oh, I don't know. Carla?" Lisa asked. 

"Yeah, go on then." Carla replied. "What movie?" 

"It's a tradition that we watch Elf every Christmas Eve." Lisa said with a grin.

Once they had finished their hot chocolates, finished watching Elf, and set everything out for Santa, it was finally time for Betsy to go to bed.

"Do I have to?" Betsy protested pouting.

"Yes, you do, Betsy." Lisa replied gently.

"Santa won't come otherwise." Carla added with a reassuring smile. 

"Ugh." Betsy sighed, making her way to the stairs.

"Right." Carla said, slamming her hands on her knees and standing up. "I'll leave you guys to it." 

"Well, actually, there was something I wanted to talk to you about." Lisa began, hesitating. "But if you need to go, that's okay."

"No, it's fine. I can wait. Is everything okay?" She asked with genuine concern.

Lisa nodded softly, offering a reassuring smile.

As Carla watched them disappear up the stairs, she slowly sat back down on the sofa. Her mind raced with questions about what Lisa could want to talk about. 

"She was fighting sleep bless her." Lisa said softly, coming down the stairs.

"Aw, was she?" Carla replied.

Lisa nodded, taking a seat on the sofa. "She's just so excited."

"So what did you want to talk to me about?" Carla asked curiously. 

"I don't want to worry you. It's nothing bad. I just took your advice from the other day, and I talked to Hawthorn earlier and told him I was ready to go back to work." 

"Oh Lisa, that's amazing!"

"I just need to finalize a few things like getting Betsy into a breakfast club and after-school club, and then I'll be all set."

"I'm so proud of you, honestly." Carla said warmly.

Lisa smiled, a little shy. "Yeah, well, you gave me the kick up the backside I needed." 

"I'm glad. Do you know around about when?" Carla asked.

Lisa shrugged. "First couple of weeks in January we're aiming for."

"We should celebrate one night." Carla suggested with a grin.

"I'd love to do that, but Betsy." Lisa replied.

"Then how about a night in?" Carla proposed. "I could come over here, we could order takeout, watch a movie, and drink a good amount of wine." 

Lisa's face lit up. "Go on then. That sounds perfect." She said with a smile.

"That's sorted then." 

Lisa nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose I should set out Betsy's presents. Would you mind giving me a hand?"

"No, not at all." Carla replied with a warm smile, getting up to help.

Once they'd put out all the presents, Lisa stepped back, admiring the pile. "Do you think it's enough?"

"I think it's more than enough. She's one lucky girl." Carla said softly.

"Oh wait, I still need to add yours to the pile." Lisa remembered heading to the kitchen to grab the gift bag.

"Hold on." Carla interrupted. "That box there it's a pair of those shoes she wanted, but I didn't write that they were from me. Maybe you could say they were from you." 

"No, Carla, I can't do that." 

"I want you to." Carla insisted.

Lisa shook her head firmly. "No. She'll know they're from you. I don't want her thinking I'll say no and then get her it anyway."

"That's a good mindset to have. But now I feel like I've overstepped." Carla admitted.

"Hey." Lisa said, placing down the box and stepping closer. "You haven't," 

"Are you sure?"

"Of course, I'm sure." Lisa said with a reassuring smile.

She reached for the last gift in the bag. A small box with her name on it. "For me?" She asked her eyes bright.

Carla nodded, a smile touching her lips.

Lisa placed the box on the shelf. Her eyes welling up with emotion. "Thank you."  She whispered her voice beginning to tremble.

"No no. Let's not cry. Come on Lisa." Carla said softly, stepping closer. 

"I'm sorry." Lisa chocked out tears streaming down her face. "It's just so hard. No one has gotten me a gift in a long time, and I'm stressing over whether I've made Christmas special enough for Betsy."

Carla moved to her side and wrapped her in a comforting hug. "You have. Just look around at how you've decorated and at how many gifts you got her." She reassured.

Lisa sniffled her shoulders, trembling. "It's going to be tough for you this year, and here I am making it all about me."

Carla pulled back slightly, gazing into Lisa's eyes. "Listen to me." She said softly. "Yes, it's going to be tough for me too, but how you're feeling is completely valid."

Lisa looked down her voice barely above a whisper. "I just feel like a failure. It's not even going to be a proper Christmas. I haven't even got a turkey."

Carla reached out, squeezing her hands. "You're doing your best. That's all that matters."

Lisa scoffed. "Yeah, well, I hardly doubt that's what Betsy is going to think. You know she's used to opening presents and looking forward to a Christmas dinner and she won't get that this year. Becky always made sure it happened."

"Hang on." Carla said walking over to her bag and pulling her phone out.

"What?" Lisa asked curiously.

"Tomorrow, Michelle, Steve, Roy and I are having a Christmas dinner at the Bistro. I'm telling them you and Betsy are coming too."

Lisa's eyes widened. "You're not going to ask?"

"Nope. Just come to the Bistro at 2 pm tomorrow. There will be dessert afterwards and we'll be playing some games."

"Are you sure?" Lisa asked, hesitating.

Carla nodded confidently. "Now, you go and get yourself and early night. You'll probably be woken up bright and early." She added with a smile, heading to the kitchen to grab her gifts.

"Thank you." Lisa said, opening her arms for a hug.

Carla returned the hug. "See you there. Don't be late." She said, pulling away.

"I won't." Lisa replied with a smile.

As Carla stepped out of the door, she turned around. "Oh and Lisa?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't forget to drink your adrenaline boost."

Lisa chuckled softly, her eyes warm as she watched Carla drive away.