Thanks for those who continue to review, would really love some more feedback though? I know Jaimee is taking centre stage at the moment but the next chapter sees Carla and Peter making plans for their blessing and there will be some nice family scenes with Peter, Carla and the children. Please stick with this story and review, thanks xx
Later that day, Carla walks into the factory in a daze. The factory girls try and make conversation with her but she ignores them, chosing not to answer their many questions about Jaimee, although she knew they were just as worried as she was. Carla goes into the office where Michelle is working and Michelle is immediately alarmed by Carla's tear stained cheeks and sad eyes.
'Carla, what's wrong? What's happened?' Michelle asked, worried by Carla's distressed state.
'It's Jaimee.' Carla stuttered, falling back into her office chair.
'Oh no...' Michelle groaned, immediately thinking the worse.
'She's regained consciousness, she's awake but she can't feel her legs.'
'What? Why?' Michelle questioned, crouching down in front of Carla.
'They need to run a couple more tests but they're pretty sure the bullet fractured part of her spine.' Carla explained tearfully.
'Will she be able to walk again?' Michelle asked.
'I don't know.'
'Carla, come here.' Michelle whispered, pulling her in for a warm hug.
'I'm gonna find whoever did this. I mean surely the pub's got CCTV.' Carla said.
'The police have already checked it, remember?' Michelle reminded her.
'I'll walk the streets then. I'll search every shop, every house, every street until I find the scumbag who did this to her.' Carla said angrily.
'You weren't even in the pub when it happened Carla.' Michelle said.
'Are you trying to stick up for this bloke?' Carla snapped.
'Now that is the most stupid thing you've ever said to me! Why on earth would I take his side over Jaimee's? I love that girl almost as much as I love Ryan.' Michelle said defensively.
'I know. I'm sorry. My head's all over the place.' Carla shook her head.
'I bet it is, but listen, if we keep obsessing over the bloke that did this, we'll be denying Jaimee of the care and attention she deserves.' Michelle said softly.
'You're right. Sorry.' Carla apologised.
'No need to apologise.' Michelle said, giving her friend a reassuring smile.
'I better get going. I only came away from the hospital to grab some things for Jaimee.' Carla said, standing up.
'You're not going anywhere on your own. I'll get Hayley to cover for the rest of the day. Have you told Rob what's happened?' Michelle asked, grabbing her handbag from her desk.
'Yeah I called him before I came here. He burst into tears, bless him.' Carla replied.
'He thinks the world of Jaimee.' Michelle said.
'He's on his way over there now. I feel bad not being there too.'
'Carla, you've been away from her for what, half an hour? She won't hate you for taking a break every now and then. Let's go and get some lunch at the Rovers yeah? Then we'll pack a bag for Jaimee and I'll drive you back to the hospital.' Michelle explained.
'What would I do without you eh?'
'Paul and Liam would want to know we're looking out for each other wouldn't they?' Michelle said, putting a supportive arm round Carla.
'Yeah.' Carla replied, smiling at the memory of the Connor brothers.
At the hospital, Jaimee is propped up in bed. Matt had left her a few minutes previously to get some lunch from the canteen and Jaimee had been sitting, staring into space ever since. Rob enters the room, his eyes red and puffy from crying all the way to the hospital.
'Uncle Rob.' Jaimee said, a weak smile on her face.
'Hiya princess. It's so good to see you awake.' Rob said, rushing to her side and kissing her on the cheek.
'I wish I was still unconscious.' Jaimee muttered.
'You don't mean that.' Rob shook his head, sitting in the chair next to the bed.
'I can't feel my legs. The doctor did some tests and I didn't react at all.'
'It might just be temporary.'
'But what if it's not? If my legs have stopped working, how am I supposed to live my life?' Jaimee questioned, worried.
'You'll be fine darlin'. You might have to make some adjustments but it'll be ok.' Rob reassured his niece.
'My life will be over. I won't be able to drive or ride my motorbike. I won't ever get my garage back up and running.'
'You will. Just because you'll be in a wheelchair doesn't mean you can't fulfil your dream.'
'Matt's not gonna want to be with me anymore.'
'Has he said that?' Rob asked, angry at the thought of his niece being abandoned.
'No but our marriage is already strained. This is just gonna put added pressure on us and we really don't need that.'
'He married you for who you are Jaimee. Your health might have changed but the person you are hasn't. You're still that cheeky, feisty woman he married a few months back.'
'I'm scared.' Jaimee whimpered.
Rob doesn't reply but stands up and gently pulls his niece into a comforting embrace, hating seeing her going through such a hard time.
Back in Wetherfield, Michelle and Carla make their way over to the Rovers but Carla suddenly stops by the front door.
'I don't think I can go in there Chelle.' Carla said, panicking a little.
'I know it's hard for you to be here with all its memories, it's hard for me too, but it's our local. We've got to face those fears eventually. Besides, there's a lot of people that will want to know how Jaimee's doing. She's a hero in their eyes.' Michelle explained.
'She's a hero in my eyes too.' Carla said.
'So come in to the Rovers and show how proud you are of her yeah?' Michelle suggested.
Michelle takes Carla's hand and guides her into the Rovers. Michelle's eyes immediately glance over to the area by one of the booths where Jaimee was shot and it's clear she is still traumatised by the events that took place. Stella comes out from the back room and grins at Carla.
'Carla, it's so good to see you. How are you?' Stella asked, greeting her neighbour as cheerfully as possible.
'Could be better.'
'And Jaimee?' Stella questioned.
'She regained consciousness this morning-.' Carla said.
'Oh thank goodness! We've all been beside ourselves with worry.' Stella exclaimed, interrupting Carla.
'But there's a possibility she's been left paralysed from the waist down.' Carla explained sadly.
The pub falls silent upon hearing the bad news, everyone thinking back to the events that took place a week ago and contemplating what would have happened if Jaimee hadn't stood up for them, suddenly realising how lucky they are to still be alive and well...
