'What's going on in here?' Johnny asks gently tapping the side of Carla's head as she cradles Penelope against her chest.
'I lied. I don't want you to go and I hate it down here.' She admits glancing up at her father. It's been a few weeks since Penelope was in hospital and Johnny has decided to go back to Weatherfield for a while.
'You don't hate it down here, sweetheart. You love it.' He says and she shakes her head.
'I don't. Devon is beautiful and having the beach on your doorstep is amazing but it's so lonely.' She replies.
'Then come back to Weatherfield? That's your home isn't it?' He asks and she shakes her head.
'That's the thing, Weatherfield isn't home either. Weatherfield is the place that everything goes wrong. Where I lose everyone I love, I'm not prepared to lose anymore people.' She replies.
'You won't lose anyone. You've got so many people in Weatherfield who love you, Carla.' He says causing her to sigh.
'I walk down that street and I see Paul. I see Liam and Peter and everything I've lost... I might be lonely down here but I'm happier than I was up there.' She replies kissing the top of Penelope's head.
'Do you want me to stay for a few more days?' He asks and she shakes her head.
'I'll be okay. You should go see Kate and Aidan, they'll be missing you.' She replies and he places his hand on her knee.
'I'll be back as soon as possible.' He says.
'You don't have to rush.' She replies.
'Are you okay?' Maria asks placing a cup of tea down in front of Michelle.
'Mm... I'm looking at flats, I'll be out of your hair as soon as possible.' Michelle replies gesturing to the laptop in front of her.
'You don't need to rush, Chelle. You can stay here as long as you want. Have you spoke to Steve?' Maria asks and Michelle shakes her head.
'Not really. I did text him after the scan but he didn't really reply. I think I got 'k' back and that was about it. I'm being childish for leaving apparently.' Michelle replies.
'You're being childish? I think the man needs to look in the mirror. Have you spoke to Carla?' Maria asks.
'Yeah. Nearly everyday. Johnny's heading back home today and I think her and Nick are taking Penelope to meet David.' Michelle replies smiling slightly.
'Really? They two seem to be getting close lately.' Maria says and Michelle nods her head.
'Yeah. I don't think anything will happen though. Carla feels far too guilty and bitter towards Nick for anything to ever work out between them.' Michelle replies.
'Why though? It's clear Nick wants them to work.' Maria says and Michelle nods her head.
'And I think in an ideal world Carla would want them to work but so much as happened. She still feels so guilty about Robert and the Bistro but at the same time she still feels so angry that she had to go through the pregnancy and birth on her own.' Michelle replies.
'Hello, beautiful. Are you awake now?' Nick says smiling as he lifts Penelope out of her carseat. He closes the car door and smiles at Carla who's got the pram.
'Do you fancy a barbecue tonight?' She asks as he gently places Penelope in the pram.
'Yeah, that'd be great.' He replies as they make their way into Asda, Nick grabbing a basket and Carla pushing the pram.
'Lily's so excited to meet Penelope.' Nick says and Carla sighs.
'It'll be so strange seeing them all without Kylie.' Carla replies.
'It is pretty different... I guess I've got used to it.' He says and she nods her head.
'I'm sorry I wasn't there.' She replies quietly and he shakes his head.
'Don't worry about it. You had more than enough to worry about.' He says smiling.
'Carla, we're back!' Nick shouts as he makes his way through the front door followed by David, Max and Lily. He leads them through to the living room and smiles as Carla makes her way out of the garden with Penelope cradled against her chest. She's changed the little girl out of the cream sleepsuit she was wearing earlier and into a white bodysuit and light pink tutu with a matching bow, of course.
'Carla.' David says smiling.
'Hi, thanks for coming. How was your journey?' Carla asks making her way towards them.
'It was okay. Bit hectic with these two.' He admits gesturing to Lily and Max.
'Oh I can imagine... Well if your dad says it's okay and you ask Uncle Nick nicely then there is some ice cream with the freezer for you two.' Carla says smiling down at the kids who both glance up at David.
'Please, daddy?' Lily asks.
'Of course.' David replies and Nick take the kids into the kitchen.
'So this must be Miss Penelope.' David says and Carla nods her head.
'It is... Do you want to hold her?' She asks and he smiles.
'Of course.' He replies. She places the little girl in his arms and watches as instantly his whole face appears to light up as he gazes down at the baby. She can see a huge change in her brother-in-law; he looks absolutely exhausted, drained almost and part of her just wants to wrap her arms around him and never let him go.
'So I was thinking you and Nick could go for a drink tonight? There's a little pub down the road and I bet you two don't get much time together now.' She says.
'The kids.' He replies.
'Can stay with me. We'll watch a movie and I'll put them to bed in the spare bedroom, there's a room made up for you as well.' She says causing him to smile.
'I always liked you... You were good for Nick.' He replies quietly.
'Mm... I don't think I'm good for anyone.' She admits and he shakes his head.
'You need to stop putting yourself down. You and Nick were good together and what happened was a huge mistake that you both should try move on from. He still loves you, Carla.' He says causing her to sigh.
'Easier said than done.' She replies.
'I know but life can change in an instant, I know that. I would give anything for another day with Kylie. Don't give up on this relationship if you aren't completely over it. You don't know what's around the corner.' He says.