'We've been worried sick about you.' Johnny says as Carla makes her way through the front door carrying Penelope's carseat.

'Me, why?' She asks. She places the bags she's carrying down on the floor before carrying the carseat over to the sofa.

'We woke up and both you and the baby had gone.' Michelle says causing Carla to laugh.

'What did you think I had done? A runner from my own home. You two are crazy. I went to get nappies, is that allowed?' She replies sighing.

'You just didn't leave a note or anything...' Johnny says.

'I'm a grown woman. I shouldn't have to leave a note every time I leave the house, my house.' Carla replies unstrapping Penelope and lifting her into her arms.

'I know. I'm sorry, we were worried.' Johnny says.

'I've been down here on my own for the last eight months. I'm pretty sure I'm capable of looking after myself.' Carla replies kissing the top of Penelope's head.

'Have you spoke to Nick yet?' Michelle asks and Carla shakes her head.

'If he wants to be involved in Penelope's life he can text me.' She replies.

'Now you're just being childish, Carla. He tried, he came down here and he tried to make things up to you.' Michelle says.

'No, he came down here to try get me back. Something which I'm not interested in.' Carla replies.

'Who are you kidding, Carla? You're so clearly still in love with him.' Michelle says.

'Or maybe I'm in love with someone else? I love Nick, of course I do he's the father of Penelope but that ship has sailed.' Carla replies.

'Who, Alex? Jumping into bed with the chef again, how classy.' Michelle says.

'He's the only person who's been here for me, Chelle. Throughout the whole pregnancy he was the only person there because clearly no one else cared enough. You are supposed to be my best friend and where have you been? Where were you when I was praying that my little girl would cling on to life. Where were you when she was in an incubator being tub fed because her little body couldn't cope. Where were you when I needed you?' Carla asks, tears streaming down her cheeks.

'And where were you when I needed you Carla? When everything with Steve was falling apart? When he got Leanne pregnant?' Michelle asks.

'I was here, praying the bleeding would stop and I wouldn't lose another baby. I let you use my flat and you know I would've come up if the doctors would let me.' Carla replies.

'Look, I think we're all feeling a little bit emotional today.' Johnny says.

'I'm not doing this. Feel free to do what you want for lunch. I'll see you later.' Carla replies standing up. She quickly leaves the house with Penelope and Johnny glances at Michelle.

'Was there any need for that?' He asks sighing.


'Pineapple juice.' Alex says placing a glass down in front of Carla.

'Thanks...' She replies quietly. She's sitting in the office of the restaurant, Penelope fast asleep in her pram in the corner of the room.

'Come on then, lovely... What's the matter?' He asks.

'Nothing. Just a stupid argument with Chelle.' She replies.

'I thought you two were close... All you seem to do is argue.' He says.

'We are... We were. I don't know what's happened. We just seem to have drifted since I moved down here.' She admits.

'Well maybe you need to take some time out and just spend it with her. Just the two of you.' He says.

'I have Penelope. What am I supposed to do with her?' She asks.

'Leave her with your dad.' He replies.

'I'm not sure I'm ready to leave her.' She admits.

'Then don't. I'm not saying go out. Set up your table in the garden, have some dinner and leave Penelope in the house with your dad.' He says.

'I don't know... I just- I just feel like I don't know her anymore, like she's changed.' She replies.

'We'll get to know her again. If you two were as close as you said you were then surely your friendship is something worth saving?' He says and she sighs.

'You should get back to work.' She says and he nods his head.

'As long as you're okay.' He replies and she smiles.

'I'm fine.' She says. She watches him leave the office before glancing down at her phone. Picking it up she sighs and begins to compose a new text.

To Nick (11:05am) :

When you're back in Devon you are more than welcome to come meet Penelope. I'm sure she'd love to meet her dad.

From Nick (11:08am) :

I'd love that. I can come back down this weekend if that's okay?

To Nick (11:12am) :

That's fine. You know where we are.


'I hate her for leaving. I've never felt so alone. Sure I've had Maria but she's not Carla.' Michelle admits causing Johnny to sigh.

'You know leaving wasn't easy for her, uprooting her whole life and moving to a place where she doesn't know anyone. She's probably felt just as alone as you have at times.' He says reaching for Michelle's hand.

'I'm pregnant...' She whispers.

'W-What?' He asks and tears stream down her cheeks.

'Eight weeks... I can't have Steve's baby when Leanne's practically about to pop.' She replies.

'So what are you going to do?' He asks.

'I don't know. I wanted to speak to Carla about it but I just don't feel like I can.' She replies.

'Oh Michelle...' Johnny says.

'I miss her.' Michelle whispers.

'Well tell her. I think Carla needs you a lot more than she lets on and I think the last couple of weeks have been hard and she wants someone to take her anger out on.' He says.

'Do you really think she's in love with Alex?' She asks.

'I don't know. I think she seemed very comfortable around him yesterday but she has every right to move on Michelle. Nick can't just expect her to run into his arms now he's decided he can forgive her.' He replies.

'You know you can talk to me anytime you want.' He says and she nods her head.

'Thank you.' She replies quietly.