Thanks for reading, hope your still enjoying it as there's a lot more to come for the Oakley/Connor/Barlow family! :-) A much longer chapter this time, please read and review xx

Carla and Jaimee are sat in 'Roy's Rolls', occupying a small table for two, sat opposite each other. Both are nursing strong cups of coffee and look as if they've barely slept.

'Thanks for agreeing to talk to me.' Carla said, breaking the awkward silence.

'I would have spoken to you last night too if you'd have stayed instead of storming out like a little kid.' Jaimee replied, as if she is still sulking.

'Sorry.' Carla apologised, dropping eye contact with Jaimee.

'I really could have done with your support. I know I made a mistake but it doesn't stop me being your daughter. You should have been there for me.'

'I know. It was just such a shock.'

'I was a married man's dirty bit on the side. Hardly mother material is it?' Jaimee scoffed although it's clear she is upset.

'A lot of people say I'm not mother material but here I am. As long as you can give your child love, that's all they need.'

'Maybe you're right but I've already made up my mind and nothing you say will change that.'

'And I'm assuming you mean you're going through with the termination?'

'The clinic had a cancelation for 9 tomorrow morning.'

'Ok well give me a text in the morning when you're ready to be picked up and I'll take you to your appointment.'

'You will? I thought you were dead against the whole thing.'

'I'm not against it, never have been. I just worry about you. I'd hate for you to do this then come to me in six months time and tell me you wish you'd never gone through with it.'

'I won't. I know 100% that this is what I want.'

'Then I support you completely.'

'Thank you.'

'Has Sam tried contacting you?'

'Yeah but I won't be picking up his calls anytime soon.'

'Good girl. You can do so much better.'

'Like Matt?'

'Yeah he seems like a decent man. Although if I remember correctly you were the one that broke up with him.'

'Because I could feel myself falling for Sam and I didn't want to hurt anyone. How ironic that me trying to avoid causing pain has caused more than I ever have imagined.'

'You weren't to know.'

'I know but I've ruined my chances with Matt now haven't I? Even if he was to come back any time soon he's not gonna want to come anywhere near me.'

'He might surprise you. Not all men are bad.' Carla reassured her, giving her hand a little squeeze for support.

'In my experience they usually are.'

'I can see why you'd be cautious but honestly I think he's a lovely man. He helped with the tram crash and I had a couple of chats with him after the whole Frank situation.' Carla said.

'Well I'll be keeping my fingers firmly crossed in the hope he'll come back.' Jaimee smiled, trying to be brave. 'Anyway, how's Peter and Simon?'

'They're good thanks. Simon's taken the engagement really well.' Carla grinned.

'That's great. It feels like ages since I've seen him. I'll have to pop over sometime.'

'Definitely. He'd love that. He's always talking about you, asking where you are and when he can see you.'

'I take it he'll be pageboy.'

'Actually Peter wants him to be his best man, or best little man as he likes to put it.'

'Aww bless.' Jaimee cooed; she loved Peter's relationship with Simon, having never known her real father.

'And I'd really like you to be my chief bridesmaid.'

'Are you serious?'

'Yeah, only if you want to though.'

'It'd be an honour, mum.' Jaimee beamed as tears filled her eyes, leaning over and hugging Carla.


The next day, at around half 1, Carla returned to the Underworld office. Michelle is sat working on her laptop. The workers are slowly returning to the factory after their lunch break.

'Where's Jaimee?' Michelle asked, looking behind Carla, expecting to see her.

'At the garage.'

'Is that really wise? She should be resting after this morning, not putting herself through any more un-necessary stress.'

'I've tried telling her all this Chelle but she's a stubborn little madam. If she says she's doing something then she's doing it.

'How's she holding up?' Michelle asked, worried.

'She says she's fine but I can tell she's a bit down. I mean, who wouldn't be?'

'And what about you? Can't have been easy for you either.'

'Apart from what Frank did, it's hands down the worst thing I've ever experienced. I've just been driving round for the last few hours, not knowing what to do with myself.' Carla sighed, looking and feeling utterly exhausted.

'Let's just hope she stays away from Sam now. If this wasn't a wake-up call then I don't know what is.'

'I still don't know if she's done the right thing.'

'Well keep those opinions to yourself yeah? Because after what she's been through lately I'm sure the last thing she wants is for you to turn against her.' Michelle advised Carla.

'I won't do that. Never again.' Carla shook her head, cursing herself for ever turning her back on Jaimee.


Over at 'Oakley Motors' Jaimee is working on a Ford Focus. Her mobile rings and she looks at the name on the screen: Sam, before rejecting the call. Taking a deep breath, she finishes the car before going into the office.

After tapping some numbers into her calculator and filling out the paperwork, Jaimee dials a customer's number and holds the phone to her ear. There is no answer so she leaves a message.

'Hi it's Jaimee here from Oakley Motors. Just a quick message to cars all done and ready for collection whenever suits you. Thanks.' Jaimee spoke cheerfully.

'You're good at that.' Julie commented, a pained expression on her face.

'Julie?' Jaimee jumped slightly, having been unaware of Julie's presence.

'Putting on a brave face for your clients when all you want to do is break down and cry.'

'I'm ok.'

'You're not.' Julie replied, bluntly.

'How do you know?'

'I found advert for the clinic in your room. I wasn't being nosey, I just went in there to hoover and I stumbled across it. Anyway I text your mum and she explained everything and told me you were here.' Julie explained.

'Sorry I didn't tell you before.' Jaimee apologised, sadly.

'Don't worry about that. You had a lot on your mind. I understand why you kept it quiet.'

'Not exactly something to be proud of is it?'

'No but everyone makes mistakes.'

'It seems I make more than most.'

'But you learn from them, that's the main thing.' Julie said before noticing Jaimee is completing more paperwork. 'You know, you really mustn't over do it. I'm sure the doctor told you to take it easy for a day or two.'

'I'd rather keep busy.'

'At least join me for some lunch?'

'I'm not hungry.'

'A drink then? And don't tell me you're not thirsty because judging by the amount of cars waiting to be picked up, you must be parched.'

'I guess so.'

'You could always take the rest of the day off. We've got it all covered here Jay.' One of the mechanics offered, popping his head round the door, having heard the tail-end of the conversation.

'Yeah, you know what I think I will. I didn't feel too bad before but now I've sat down I feel shattered.' Jaimee said, admitting defeat.

'You'll feel better after a drink and a good night's sleep.'

'I'll be in as normal tomorrow though.'

'Go and relax.' The mechanic ordered, gesturing for Jaimee to leave.

'Cheers mate.' Jaimee said, getting up from her seat and hugging her employee before leaving the garage with Julie.