Hope your all still enjoying it. I know there hasn't been any Carla/Jaimee interaction in the last few chapters but this chapter is focusing entirely on them. Please review! Thank you!

Jaimee enters the office, making Carla jump slightly.

'Is it ok if we have a little chat?' Jaimee asked.

'Yeah.'

'Unless you're busy? I can see you're busy. I'll come back another time.' Jaimee stuttered, suddenly nervous at the thought of another long discussion with her 'mother.'

'No. Please don't.'

Hayley looks at the photograph in front of her and then at Jaimee, recognising her.

'It's fine. I'll leave you to it.'

'Thanks Hayley.'

Hayley smiles at Carla before leaving the office, closing the door behind her.

'Now you've got no excuse to run away.'

'It's not like I'd get very far. Michelle's guarding the front door to make sure I don't do a runner.'

'So you're not even here by choice?' Carla said, disheartened.

'Yeah. No. I don't know. My heads all over the place at the moment.'

'I know how you feel.' Carla said, sighing.

'Can I ask you something?'

'Anything.'

'Were you ashamed of me? Is that why you gave me away?'

'No of course not. I told you exactly what happened earlier.'

'Was it the truth though?'

'Why would I lie to you?'

'My whole life has been one massive lie so one more won't make any difference.' Carla's heart broke a little after hearing Jaimee speak those words. Jaimee tried to act like she was strong but there was a slight crackle to her voice, as if she was fighting back the tears.

'I gave you away because I thought it was the right thing to do. I thought you'd be better off without me.'

'Well you were wrong.'

'Maybe I was but if you give me a chance I'd really like to make it up to you.'

'Don't bother.'

'Please Jaimee. I'm doing my best here.'

'It's nothing personal. I've just decided not to stick around.'

'Where are you gonna go?'

'I've got my business in town but I'm gonna stay put in London.'

'You could have a fresh start here.'

'No.'

'Why not?'

'Because apart from the garage, there's nothing here for me. I can run it from London and pop back every few weeks. Why would I leave London and my friends for a mediocre life here.'

'I'm here.'

'But for how long though? You've never spent more than a day with me so how am I possibly supposed to believe that this time will be difficult. I can't commit to moving here permanently and then have you change your mind in a week or so.'

'I won't leave you again.'

'I don't believe you.'

'What else am I supposed to say to you?'

'I don't know.'

'Well you better make your mind up pronto! I am not living the rest of my life going round in circles with you!'

'Congratulations! You've just proved my point. We've not even tried to build a proper relationship yet and you're already fed up with me. I don't think I'm willing to stick around to see how you feel when you know the real me.'

'I'll be fine. We'll be fine. I'm sorry for losing my temper, sweetheart but this whole thing is really difficult for me.' Carla said softly, waiting for a response from Jaimee but is disappointed when she doesn't respond. 'But I'm not gonna force you to stay if it's not what you want.'

'Wow, you didn't try very hard to get me on side did you?'

'What's the point? You hate me and you hated what I did. You've made your feelings quite clear.'

'I don't hate you. I don't even hate what you did.'

'You don't?' Carla asked, shocked. She was convinced Jaimee would hate her as soon as she knew the truth. She wouldn't have blamed her either, but she was so glad she didn't feel that way.

'No. I wish you hadn't given me away but I'm not angry. But what I do hate is the fact that never in all my 20 years of being on this planet did you ever think to tell me the truth. You never even tried.'

'Yeah and it was the biggest mistake of my life. I'll never forgive myself for it.'

'It still doesn't excuse the fact you made up those vile lies about mum and dad.'

'They're not your mum and dad.'

'Stop avoiding the subject.'

'I didn't make it up. Why would anyone do that?'

'Why would anyone take out a restraining order against their own sister?'

'I think you underestimate just how much Darren and Amy wanted you.'

'Yeah right. They didn't love me. They hoped for a little angel of a daughter and got the reincarnation of the devil. I wasn't an easy child you know?'

'You were as good as gold when you were little.' Carla grinned, remembered how sweet Jaimee was when she was a small child. Bright eyes, long dark hair and the most beautiful smile she'd ever seen.

'That all changed the day after your wedding.' Jaimee glared at Carla. 'And I wonder why that was?'

Jaimee makes her way out of the office and Carla tries to chase after her.

'Jaimee! Carla called after her. The factory door slams and Carla turns to the workers who are watching. 'What are you lot gawping at? I pay you to stitch not stick your noses into my business.'