1 year, six months and twenty-three days. Eighty-one weeks and five days. Five hundred and seventy-two days; that's how long it's been since she left Weatherfield and as she pulls up outside the Rovers and gets out of the car. She knows a lot has changed; Steve and Liz no longer own the pub, Steve and Michelle are no longer married.
'Carla!' A familiar voice squeals and she turns to find Kate practically running towards her.
'Hey, you.' Carla says softly as Kate throws her arms around her.
'Why didn't you tell anyone you were coming back?' Kate asks.
'I did; I told dad...' Carla replies smiling.
'What about Michelle?' Kate asks and Carla shakes her head.
'She doesn't have a clue. I wanted to surprise you lot by turning up at the factory.' Carla replies.
'Oh... I don't actually work there anymore.' Kate says.
'Really? Where do you work?' Carla asks.
'The Bistro...' Kate replies quietly.
'Oh okay.' Carla says.
'How long are you staying for?' Kate asks and Carla shrugs her shoulders.
'For the foreseeable I think.' Carla replies causing Kate to squeal again.
'You're back for good?' Kate asks and Carla nods her head.
'I think so.' Carla replies.
'Come see to the factory to see dad and Aidan! They'll be so happy!' Kate says grinning.
'You go ahead, I'll meet you there.' Carla replies and Kate nods her head. Watching Kate make her way towards the factory Carla sighs and leans against her car. Taking a deep breath she glances around the street before opening the car door.
'Are you ready to meet everyone? They're a bit crazy?' Carla says.
Making her way into the factory, Carla is almost instantly greeted by the familiar sound of the workers. Taking a deep breath she makes her way into the factory floor causing everyone to fall silent as they stare at her. Smiling she quickly makes her way into the office where she finds Johnny, Kate and Aidan.
'C-Carla?' Johnny says causing her to smile.
'Hey... I thought it was about time I introduced you to a very special person.' Carla replies.
'Who's this?' Aidan asks making his way towards his sister.
'This is Ottilie, your niece and granddaughter.' Carla replies gently bouncing the little girl on her hip.
'W-What?' Johnny asks.
'I'm sorry I didn't tell you all sooner I just- It's been a bit of an adjustment.' Carla replies and Johnny nods his head.
'How old is she?' Kate asks.
'Nine months.' Carla replies.
'Oh wow...' Kate says.
'So Nick knows about her then?' Johnny asks as they make their way out the factory.
'Yep. He came down to Devon after he left here and spent some time with her before he went away.' Carla replies.
'And you two are okay?' He asks causing her to shrug her shoulders.
'Yeah, for the most part. Obviously we're both still very hurt by things that happened but Ottie's healed a lot.' She replies.
'Who's that?' Carla says softly as she cradled Ottilie against her shoulder while making her way towards the front door of her little cottage. Pulling open the door she's shocked to come face to face with her ex-husband.
'Oh look, it's daddy.' Carla adds smiling slightly.
'Hi. I hope you don't mind me just showing up but I couldn't just go away without seeing her.' Nick says as Carla places the little girl in his arms.
'Of course not. Where are you going?' She asks letting him into the house.
'Canada, I think. I've not really thought it through properly.' He admits.
'With Leanne?' She asks.
'No. Leanne and I are finished.' He replies sitting down on the sofa and glancing down at Ottilie.
Carla sighs as she spots her ex mother-in-law walking towards them.
'Oh here we go...' Carla mumbles.
'I've just got off the phone with Nick who informed me that I have a granddaughter that I've been prevented from being in her life for nine months.' Gail says stopping right in front of Carla.
'The only one who prevented you being in her life was Nick... He's known since she was born. He could've told you; he could've brought you down to visit.' Carla replies adjusting the little girl in her arms.
'Nick would never keep something like that from me. I know this is all down to you and I am not willing to let it happen again; I will take you to court and I will fight for custody.' Gail says.
'You can do that and I promise I'll be gone quicker than you can blink; you'll never see Ottilie again.' Carla replies.
'You wouldn't.' Gail says.
'Wouldn't I?' Carla replies raising her eyebrows.
'Lets go.' Carla says glancing at Johnny before making her way back towards her car.
'You okay?' Johnny asks.
'Me? I'm absolutely fine. Why wouldn't I be?' She replies smiling.
'She just threatened to take you to court for your daughter.' He says watching as she uses her free hand to open the boot and pull the pram out.
'Nick would never let her take Ottie from me.' She replies.
'You're sure about that?' He asks and she nods her head.
'Nick knows regardless of what happened between us I'm a good mum; if he thought otherwise he would've took me to court, wouldn't he?' She replies passing Ottilie to him. Bending down she sets the pram up before taking Ottilie back and strapping her into the pram.
'I've got to tell you something... I'm sure you'll already know but Michelle-' Johnny begins.
'Is kissing Robert. Why the hell is Michelle kissing Robert?' Carla asks.