Oh, I forgot to say, Carla is living about an hour out of Weatherfield. She still owns 60% of the factory, but Michelle is running her share for her, whilst Carla works from home and also owns a share in another factory. Frank got not guilty, but isn't in this fix, he sold his share to someone else who runs the factory with Michelle.
….
'Hey, come in' Carla said, her voice dull and strained.
'Are you alright Carla?' Michelle asked, tenderly embracing her friend.
'Yeah, just tired' Carla said.
'So how's the little man then' Michelle said rushing into the room to see Henry.
'He's alright' Carla said following Michelle into the room.
'Oh darling, come and give your Aunty Michelle a cuddle huh' Michelle said scooping him up to her arms and peppering his head with kisses.
'Put the kettle on Car, I'm parched' Michelle said sitting down on the couch with Henry in her arms.
Carla sighed and nodded. Michelle looked up to see Carla's face, drawn and a soft frown.
'Car.. what's wrong?' Michelle said.
Carla shook her head. 'I need a favour Chelle' Carla said.
'What?' Michelle said.
'I need you to take Henry for the weekend' Carla said.
'What, why?' Michelle said frowning as Carla took a seat beside her.
'Dean's away for two days, he has gone to visit his sister in law who's sick in hospital, and I've got so much work to do here, you know, sorting through some contracts, and that sort of thing, and I just can't juggling looking after Henry and doing that' Carla said.
'Carla, he's three weeks old. He needs you, work can wait, I'll give you a hand with it' Michelle said.
Carla shook her head. 'Please Chelle' Carla said.
'He can't be without you for two days' Michelle said stroking his soft head.
'Yes he can, he'll be fine. It's only for the weekend' Carla said.
Michelle sighed. 'Can't I help you with the work' Michelle said.
'No, I need to do it. Anyway, you love spending time with him' Carla said.
'But Carla, I'm running underworld for you, I can't take him in to work with me' Michelle said.
'Yes you can, he'll be fine' Carla said.
'Then why can't you have him here?' Michelle said.
'Oh stop asking me Michelle' Carla snapped suddenly, getting up abruptly.
'Car!' Michelle said.
'Listen, I don't ask much Chelle, it's two days, I'll pay you to look after him and then when Dean's back.
'Don't be silly Carla, You don't have to pay me' Michelle said softly, growing more concerned for Carla.
'So you'll look after him for me?' Carla asked.
'… yeah, if that's what you need' Michelle said as Carla nodded, relieved.
'Here is his bag' Carla said.
'You already packed it..?' Michelle said.
Carla bit her lip. 'Do you want that tea then Chelle?' Carla asked. 'Erm, yeah.. okay' Michelle said, rubbing Henry's back in soothing circles.
Carla made a quick escape, relived she would be free of her son for two days.
'Here' Carla said passing Michelle a mug of hot tea.
'Cheers Car' Michelle said shifting herself on the sofa.
'Oh aren't you a grumpy thing' Michelle cooed as Henry whimpered slightly in her arms.
'Reckon he wants a feed Car' Michelle said.
Carla looked uneasy. 'No, he's had one already' Carla said.
'Well maybe he wants a cuddle then, he doesn't need changing' Michelle said.
'No.. no, he looks happy with you' Carla said getting up.
'Car, just give him a cuddle. What's wrong with you?' Michelle asked her, confused.
'Nothing, look, I'm tired, I haven't slept and I have a lot to get on with' Carla said as Michelle shook her head.
'Well go and have a rest. Your so tetchy' Michelle said, reaching for the blanket to wrap around Henry.
'Are you going?' Carla said.
'Well your in a foul mood and you need to sleep' Michelle said.
Carla nodded. 'Sorry.. and thanks' she said.
Michelle reached for her coat and strapped Henry into his little carry seat.
'I'll call you this evening' Carla said kissing Michelle's cheek.
'Bye Car' Michelle said shaking her head.
Carla turned to open the door.
'What about Henry' Michelle said.
'What?' Michelle said.
'Aren't you going to say goodbye?' Michelle said.
'He is a baby Chelle. He couldn't understand' Carla said.
'Unbelievable' Michelle muttered under her breathe.
Carla looked down. 'Bye then' she said as Michelle left