"I don't even know where to walk to Hayley"
"Erm how about by the canal? There's some lovely benches down there where we can sit if you like?"
"coffee van near there too?"
Hayley smiled and rolled her eyes.
"if I remember rightly yes"
"Then lead on Mcduff!"
Hayley had a shocked expression on her face. Shakespeare? Coming out of the mouth of Carla Connor?
"Yes Hayley I did read back when I was a kid"
She chuckled and started to lead the way to the canal, albeit rather slower this time. She wasn't in any rush to get to their destination she just wish she have picked up that scarf, the chill was now definatly settling in.
They walked along for about half an hour, no word was uttered they just walked. Hayley figured Carla would start to talk when she was ready. Hayley coughed a little to clear the chill that seemed to have attacked her wind pipe, she hated how the cold air did that to her.
"You know in a few weeks it's 3 years since Liam?"
Hayley was mentally preparing her weekly list for Freshcos whilst strolling alongside her Boss and was snapped back to reality when Carla began to speak.
"I did realise Carla. Didn't want to mention it tho y'no with what's happened an' all"
"of course you didn't Hayley, you're too good like that"
"oh no I just don't like bringing up bad memories for people, especially when they are going through a rough patch. Anyone would be the same"
"no no Hayley they would. You think I don't hear the girls and Shaun gossiping over their morning biccies? Oh I hear them alright. An' all the names they refer to me as. But not you, you are a good egg..in a pen full of chickens "
"I just know how hard life can be sometimes!"
Carla smiled sympathetically at her and touched her arm. She did know about Hayley's past but never asked for major details, she didn't need to know. What mattered was that they had a mutual respect for each other and a very special friendship.
"I know you do darlin' you know life can be a bigger bitch than, well me!, and you carry on regardless! Not a malicious bone in yer body but you've been dragged into some right messy situations, especially working for me!"
They had come to the crossroads just off viaduct street. The canal was to the left and down some stairs but directly to the right was a coffee van! Perfect!
"oooo fabulous! Cuppa Hayley?"
"two sugars for me"
Carla hopped over, quite literally, to the nice man who was about to give her the daily caffeine dose she needed just to function properly. She picked up two kit kats and thought nothing more about the diet she had been thinking about starting.
"kit kat for a treat "
She handed one of the chocolate bars to Hayley and they shared a naughty smile. Their walk began again and was reverted back to the earlier atmosphere, completely silent!
Upon reaching the benches Hayley cleared her throat and played with the side of her cup nervously.
"Carla, I know it wasn't idle chit chat you wanted. And tell me of I'm out of line with this but what's really on your mind?"
Carla copied her nervous cup fiddling and gave her a sidewards half glance half sad smile.
"know me too well Mrs Cropper"
Hayley relaxed knowing she hadn't crossed any lines with her and listened patiently.
"Well you see, it's my brother..."