Bit of a shorter update, but the next one is nearly finished so will be up in the next few days. Thank you for the continued support and reviews. Hope you all enjoy this instalment x

Text from +44..

Times up, need your answer

Michelle bit her lip as she read the message, how Frank had managed to get hold of her number was beyond her, it scared her how he could manage just about anything he put his mind to, she had spent the weekend thinking of what to do, but she couldn't see a way out yet. She would just have to do whatever it would take to keep Carla and her unborn baby as far away from that monster as possible until she could figure something out.

Taking in a deep breath she began to tap out a reply to the text, confirming that she would agree to the deal. She hated herself for it, she really did.

Text from +44..

Perfect. Tonight at 7. Be ready at the agreed place.

Michelle wanted to take her mind of things and also cheer up Carla, with everything that had happened in the last week, Michelle could tell it was beginning to take it's toll. She was about to knock on Carla's door when the door swung open and her best friend flew past her, into the bathroom and retching into the toilet. Michelle followed, standing at the door for a minute, watching as Carla knelt down, Michelle remembered this feeling all too well and she slowly made her way over to Carla, pulling her hair out of the way and rubbing her back gently. Usually Carla would have hated anyone seeing her in this state, but she knew Michelle had seen her in much worse.

"Remember we used to be like this the day after a good night out" Michelle laughed as she reminded Carla of their teenage years.

Sitting up slightly Carla couldn't help but laugh at the memories, it seemed like such a long time ago, and so much had changed.

"Oh god don't remind me, you were a bad influence on me" Carla smirked at Michelle as she stood up, and began to brush her teeth.

"Was you this bad with Ryan?" She quizzed her and Michelle instantly knew that Carla was thinking it was abnormal and that there was something wrong.

"I was worse, never mind morning sickness, I was sick all flaming day, it was awful!"

"I've got my scan next week, would you come with me?" Carla seemed nervous as she spoke, after all that had gone wrong it was evident that she thought this occasion would mirror her previous visits to the hospital.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world babe" Michelle attempted to remain cheerful, wanting to remain upbeat in an attempt to put Carla at ease.

Later that day, Carla was rooting through what seemed to be the entire flat, every cupboard and every draw, fresh out of the show Michelle heard the noise and came out of the bedroom frowning in confusion at the sight before her.

"Ave you seen my work laptop anywhere?"

"Erm, no I don't think so, is it not at the factory?"

"Ah yeah, probably. I'm going to go over there for the evening with Aidan, take a proper look at everything, you don't mind do you?" Carla asked and Michelle smiled, the factory had always been something that could bring the passion back within Carla, being back here had been hard, but the factory would make her feel like she had a purpose in Weatherfield.

"Course not babe, see you later" and with that Michelle disappeared back into the bedroom and began to get herself ready. An hour later and she stood up from her dressing table and moving over and looking the in the long mirror at herself, her hair fell loosely mid way down her back in loose curls, and her slender figure was emphasised by the black dress she had on, she sighed, hating that she was having to go to so much effort for his benefit, the thought of what she was doing making her feel sick and she had to take a minute to stop herself physically throwing up. She reached into her wardrobe pulling out a blazer that could cover her up a bit, making her feel slightly less exposed. Finally she swiped a slick of red lipstick over her lips, gently rubbing them together before taking a deep breath, reminding herself of why she was doing this. For Carla's sake.

Michelle made her way along the cobbles as quickly as she possibly could in the heels that she had on, she began to walk away from Coronation Street and further into the darkness of Manchester, she finally reached the agreed destination and like perfect timing, his car pulled up just as she reached the corner, nervously opening the door she slowly climbed inside, pulling her dress as far down her legs as she could, already feeling his eyes roaming over her bare legs.

"You look beautiful, good choice" was all he muttered as he began to drive.

Carla and Aidan spent a good few hours talking business and she had been extremely impressed with how well he had been doing over the last few months and they both called it a night and locked up the factory, as they closed the doors and stood in the darkness of the night, she smiled, she felt at home again.

"So fancy buying me a drink seeing as i'm such a good business man then?" Aidan cheekily asked her, giving her a soft nudge as he did.

After a moments hesitation and going through a million reasons why she didn't want to, she then decided she would, she'd text Michelle and see if she wanted to join too

"Go on then" she smirked at Aidan, linking his arm as they made their way over to the pub.

As they almost reached the pub, Carla was startled as the door to the Barlow's opened, and all Carla saw was a leather jacket, that leather jacket. She froze on the spot, her eyes widened, it was yet another person she didn't think she would have to face ever again.

"Peter?" Upon hearing her voice, he turned round quickly, coming face to face with his former wife, nobody had told him she was back, and for a moment he found himself unable to speak, maybe it was the shock, or maybe it was the drink.