Note : So Remember will be coming to an end very soon. I have the last chapter wrote and ready to post but I still need to write the penultimate chapter to clear things up. This is possibly going to be my next story or just a one-shot, I'm not sure.
'What are you doing out here, Auntie Car?' Ryan asks as he makes his way out of the Rovers to find Carla leaning against the wall.
'I don't really want to go in there.' The brunette admits smiling as he moves to stand next to her.
'Is it because Nick is there?' He asks and she nods her head.
'I don't want to ruin his night or his birthday... I'm going to just go home, tell your mum I said sorry.' She replies.
'Oh no you're not... Come on, we can go in the back.' He says smiling. He links in arm through her arm and leads her round the back of the pub.
'In you go...' He says opening the back door and letting her make her way inside. Almost instantly she can hear the party going on in the bar and a familiar laugh fill the room.
'Go through, Auntie Car... I'll let my mum know you're here.' Ryan says and she nods her head.
'Thanks, Ry.' She whispers. He watches her make her way into the backroom before making his way out to the bar.
'Mum, Auntie Carla's here.' He says smiling as Nick automatically glances up at the sound of her name.
'Really? Where?' Michelle asks glancing around the packed pub.
'Backroom... She didn't want to come in here.' Ryan replies.
'Ah, okay... Can you take her a pineapple juice and tell her I'll be through in a minute.' Michelle says watching her son smile.
'Course.' He replies.
'I brought you some pineapple juice.' Ryan says placing the glass on the table in front of Carla.
'Thanks, Ry...' She replies smiling.
'So did you have a nice Christmas? It was Freya's first, wasn't it?' He asks sitting down beside her and glancing over at the pram beside her.
'Yep... We didn't do anything. I wasn't feeling well so we opened some presents and went back to bed.' She replies.
'I still can't quite believe you're a mum... Seems like just yesterday you were with Uncle Paul.' He says causing her to smile.
'Mmm... It does.' She replies.
'Do you miss them? Uncle Paul and Uncle Liam?' He asks.
'Course I do. I'll never just stop missing them, Ryan. Just like you won't and neither will your mum.' She replies.
'Are you moving back here?' He asks and she shrugs her shoulders.
'I don't know... I'm not sure I can deal with bumping into Nick every day.' She admits.
'When was the last time you spoke to him?' He asks as the door swings opens and Michelle walks in.
'Just before I left... Go enjoy the party, Ry. I'll see you later.' She says smiling. He nods his head and kisses her cheek before quickly leaving the room.
'He's a good kid, Chelle... You should be so proud.' Carla says smiling up at her best friend.
'Oh I am. So why you not coming out there?' Michelle asks leaning over the pram and gently touching the baby's cheek.
'Oh, you know... It's loud and Freya is sleeping.' Carla replies.
'So nothing to do with the fact Nick is sitting out there?' Michelle asks.
'Okay, maybe that is a reason as well.' Carla replies as Freya begins to fuss.
'You can't hide away forever Carla... You fucked up big time by cheating on Nick but you need to move on. You know he forgave you a long time ago so maybe it's time for you to forgive yourself.' Michelle says watching as Carla lifts the baby into her arms.
'I can't Chelle... I threw away the best thing that ever happened to me, other than Freya of course. I will never forgive myself for that.' She replies.
'Come get some food? If you still feel uncomfortable you can come straight back in here.' Michelle says.
'Okay.' Carla replies quietly.
'See I told you everything would be fine... Aiden and Kate should be here soon as well.' Michelle says as Carla leans against the bar, baby Freya snuggled tightly against her chest.
'Mmm... Think I'll leave the food though. Not really hungry.' Carla admits using her free hand to pick up her pineapple juice.
'Okay... I'm just going to serve Sally then I'll be back.' Michelle says smiling.
'Okay.' Carla replies quietly. She watches Michelle wander off to serve Sally as she feels a soft tap on her shoulder.
'Sorry. Am I in your way.' Carla mumbles turning around only to come face to face with her ex.
'Nick...' She almost whispers watching a small smile appear on his face.
'Hey, you.' He says.
'Hi... Happy birthday.' She says causing him to smile again.
'Thanks... Can I get you a drink?' He asks and she shakes her head.
'I'm fine thank you.' She replies gesturing to her pineapple juice that Michelle not long filled up.
'Okay. Well I'll leave you to it... Congratulations, she's beautiful.' He says gesturing to Freya before walking away. She watches him sit down at the table with Gail, Sarah and Bethany.
'Chelle, I'm gonna have this one and then go.' Carla says as Michelle makes her way back over to her.
'What? No, you can't.' Michelle replies.
'I can't stay until midnight, Chelle. I need to put Freya to bed and I really don't want to be driving home in the dark.' Carla says.
'Stay here? I have a travel cot you can use for Freya?' Michelle suggests.
'I can't...' Carla says glancing down at Freya.
'You can. What are you doing for dinner tomorrow?' Michelle asks.
'I have a microwave meal for one in the freezer.' Carla replies.
'That's not good enough. You're staying here and you're having dinner with us... I'm not taking no for an answer.' Michelle says causing Carla to smile.
'I wasn't going to refuse... I've had enough microwave meals to last me a lifetime.' She replies.
'Uncle Nicky... Would you mind-' Bethany begins as she glances over at Carla.
'Bethany!' Sarah says understanding exactly what her daughter was about to ask.
'Sarah, it's fine... Go see her, Bethany. Tell her she can join us if she wants.' Nick replies noticing Carla is once again standing on her own.
'Thanks, Uncle Nicky.' Bethany says smiling. She gets up off her seat and makes her way over to the bar.
'Hi.' She says leaning beside Carla who turns to face her.
'Hi, sweetheart. How are you?' Carla asks adjusting Freya in her arms as she smiles at the blonde.
'I'm okay. It's New Years Eve, why are you standing on your own?' Bethany asks.
'Not very many people round here like me at the moment... I've done a pretty good job at isolating myself.' Carla admits.
'You can come sit with us. Uncle Nick told me to let you know that.' Bethany says causing Carla to smile as she glances over at Nick.
'I don't think that's a very good idea but thank you anyway.' She replies as the blonde glances at the baby.
'She's beautiful, Carla. Looks just like you.' Bethany says gesturing to Freya.
'Thank you.' Carla replies quietly.
'Happy New Year, auntie Carla.' Ryan says smiling as the clock strikes midnight.
'Happy New Year, Ry.' Carla replies smiling as he pulls her into his arms.
Happy New Year, Miss Freya...' He whispers gently kissing the little girl's head as Carla keeps her snuggled up against her chest.
'Go spend time with your friends, Ry... I'm not going to run away. I think I just might be able to call Weatherfield our home.' Carla says smiling as she glances down at her daughter.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne.