Carla entered the room, nervously, unsure of what to expect. She hadn't spoken to Michelle since she'd accepted the sergeant's bargain and agreed to testify against her in court. With the trial looming, she was surprised to receive a visiting order. She wasn't even sure they were supposed to see each other.

All the same, she arrived at the prison early, rehearsing her apology over and over in her head. She had left Peter waiting in the car; a sort of reminder as to why she'd made this decision.

As she took a step further into the visiting room, her eyes met Michelle's. She noticed her friends face light up as she spotted her and instantly felt more at ease. Michelle looked thinner and paler than when Carla had last seen her, but it was clear that the burden of guilt had been lifted.

"Hey you." Michelle smiled, as Carla took a seat opposite her.

"Hey..." Carla whispered. "Chelle, I-"

"If you're about to apologise to me then don't bother, Carla." Michelle stated. She rested her hand on top of her friends. "You're doing the right thing. Neither you nor Peter deserved to get caught up in this..."

Carla sighed. Despite what Michelle was saying, she still felt awful for it.

"Besides, I'm the one that should be apologising. I should never have dragged you into this..."

"Why did you do it?" Carla asked, quietly. The question had been on her mind ever since she found out the truth.

"Call you?"

"No... Cover for her."

Michelle shrugged. She'd asked herself that question over and over again as she lay awake at night.

"I guess I thought Vicky had more to lose." She stated. It was true. That night, Michelle believed she had lost everything. Her future with Robert had been destroyed, and she didn't think she had anything left.

"Oh, Chelle..."

"Carla, lying to you was by far the worst thing I've ever done. There were so many times I nearly told you the truth, but then I'd just think of Vicky and the baby and I couldn't..."

"Chelle, it's okay. I understand."

They sat in silence for a few moments, fingers linked, enjoying each other's company.

"How are Ryan and Ali?" Michelle asked, nervous of the response.

"Blaming themselves." Carla answered, truthfully. Michelle sighed.

"You'll take care of them, won't you? When I..."

"If you." Carla corrected. "Chelle, it won't come to that..."

"But it might, Carla. It's aiding and abetting a murderer. I could go down for life. I need to know you'll take care of them."

"Of course I will. But the jury will see it as self defence, I promise you..."

"She stoved his head in, Carla, and I let her do it..." She whispered, the fearful look returning to her eyes.

"But only after he attacked you."

Carla had been trying desperately to stay positive and to keep morale up among the family. But everyone, including Michelle herself, believed that this was it for her. It was like they'd already given up. But Carla wasn't going to let her go without a fight.

"I don't think I can do this..." She muttered.

"What?"

"Stand up in court and drop you in it."

Michelle sighed. "Carla, just get up and tell the truth. That's all you have to do. Think of Peter."

Even the mere mention of his name was enough to bring a small smile to her lips. He'd been her rock over the past few weeks. He'd always been there with a kind word, and to hold her while she cried, reassuring her that she was making the right decision.

"So, what's the gossip then?" Michelle prodded, desperately wanting to talk about something else. Carla paused for a moment, thinking.

"Not much really. You're the talk of the street, obviously." Michelle rolled her eyes.

"Obviously..." She thought for a moment. "What do they all think of me?"

Carla hesitated.

"There's been a... Mixed response..." Michelle raised an eyebrow. Carla sighed. "Most of them just think you're an idiot for covering for her. That's me included by the way..." She gave her a cheeky nudge, hoping Michelle would see the funny side. She gave a small smile.

"Hey, you always wanted to be on the front of all the magazines when we were kids!" Carla teased. Michelle giggled.

"Yeah... I was hoping it would be a glamorous photo shoot as opposed to a mug shot though..." She laughed.

"You still look hot. You know, all mysterious and-"

"Murderous?" Michelle finished. Carla snorted, trying to hold in her laughter. Michelle sighed.

"How did it come to this? I always thought you'd be the one to end up in prison..."

Carla laughed. "Yeah, you and me both!"

"If only my mum could see us now..."

"She'd probably still find a way to make this my fault." Carla mused. Michelle giggled.

"Has anybody spoken to them?" Michelle asked, her tone more serious. She hadn't heard from her parents in months, and in all honesty, she wasn't sure she wanted to.

"Johnny said the police contacted them straight away. They thought that's where we'd gone. They're coming over for the trial."

"Oh, great..." Michelle said, sarcastically.

"Chelle, they're on your side. We all are."

"I know..." She mumbled. She was overwhelmed by the support her family had offered her. As terrified as she was, it was such a relief to her when Vicky had finally come forward and told the truth. At least now everyone knew that she wasn't a cold hearted killer.

Michelle sighed as a bell rang, signalling the end of their time together. Carla squeezed her hand.

"I'll see you at the trial..." She whispered, slowly rising to her feet.

"Carla," Michelle said, as her friend turned away. She looked back over her shoulder to meet her friends eyes. "Thank you. For everything. And don't be scared, okay? You know what you have to do."

Carla nodded, before turning to walk away. The next time she'd see her best friend, the woman she'd considered a sister for so long, it would be in the dock. Anything and everything she'd say would be used against Michelle, and would probably result in her being sent down for years. She wasn't sure she could do it.

She approached the car, quickly wiping away the fresh tears that had begun to fall since she'd left the prison. She had to be strong. She pulled open the door, sat down in the passenger seat, and leant her head back against the headrest.

"Did you tell her?" Peter asked, softly. Carla shook her head.

"I didn't have to..." He placed a hand gently on her thigh.

"What do you mean?"

"She didn't want to hear an apology. She said I was doing the right thing-"

"Which is exactly what I've been saying." Peter interjected. Carla sighed.

"I couldn't find the right time to say it after that... Oh, Peter, I don't know what to do. She doesn't deserve this."

"Baby, listen to me. Michelle said herself that she understands. She covered up a murder. She's not exactly innocent."

"I just feel so selfish..." Carla stated, allowing a tear to fall.

"You are the least selfish person I know, sweetheart. This is an awful situation to be in, and no one can blame you for doing what's best for you and our family. I need you with me. Not in some grotty prison god knows where. And more importantly, so does this little one."

He placed a hand gently across her stomach, using the other hand to wipe away her tears.

"This is our second chance, Carla. Please don't throw it away over Michelle."

Carla looked down to where his hand was still resting against her stomach. She knew that this was her future, and she wanted it so badly. But she couldn't bear the thought of it not including Michelle.

"I just don't know, Peter. I don't know what to do..." She cried. He wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her tightly towards him. She rested her head against his chest, feeling safe in his embrace.

"It's okay, baby. It's okay..." He soothed. "I understand. You don't have to decide anything yet. But whatever decision you make, just know that I'll stand by you. Every step of the way."

THE END