Chapter 46:

A/N: this was supposed to be a two-parter, but I've been very into writing so thought I'd just upload it as one long chapter (after getting Nat's approval). This is very fluffy and VERY gay, but I mainly wanted to focus on catching back up with the 2018 storylines where I left off, and also writing some of C&M's relationship with Kate and Rana. Enjoy and leave a review if you get the chance!:)

Carla

"I think I'm gonna be super smug this year, you know? Buy and wrap all my presents by the end of November." I decide, scrolling through the Karen Millen online store on my computer. "Hey!" I pause in thought. "I could go all crafty, couldn't I? I mean I could make everything myself..." I ponder it. After all, it was safe to say I was softening and changing in my old age. I was even tempted to start cooking classes so that I actually had some skills in tow ready for when the babies grew up. "Yeah... Corn dollies. You know those little jars of jam with hats on, you'd love that wouldn't you?" I grin, pulling up a new tab and searching up how to make jam, my ideas manifesting them self in my head. I glance up at Michelle to study her reaction, expecting some sarcastic comment about how the pregnancy hormones had completely changed me. Instead, she's staring into her phone, completely gormless and evidently not listening to a word I had said. "Chelle?" I prompt her, still no response, so I snap a little harder. "Chelle!"

Her head moves slowly upwards, my tone clearly not stimulating any urgency from her. "...Sorry, what?"

"What is wrong with you?" I fold my arms, arching an eyebrow. "You've been in a mood all morning."

"Sorry..." She apologies again, opening her mouth to clearly confess something and I wait patiently. "I just-"

"Hello." Kate sings as she pushes the door to the office open and I spin my chair around in her direction.

"Uh, do you have a meeting scheduled with management?" I wind her up. "You can't just come waltzing in here unannounced. We could be up to all sorts."

"Ooh, bet you could." She plays me at my own game, a glint in her eye, perching herself on my desk. "I came to see how the scan went."

"...How did you even..." My mouth drops open, glancing at Michelle who just shrugs. "How did you even know?"

"Well I came by the factory yesterday to see if you fancied lunch, only to be told by Sally that you were 'unwell'." She mimes inverted commas in the air, raising an eyebrow cockily. "So I swung by your flat afterwards, no response. Then I worked out that you must be between eight and ten weeks by now, so I thought, bingo, perfect time for a baby scan. And I was right, wasn't I?"

"...You're wasted in Weatherfield, you." I nod impressively. "Isn't she wasted in Weatherfield, Chelle?"

"Yeah." I just hear her mutter from her desk, refraining from rolling my eyes.

"Ignore her." I shrug it off. "Anyone would think she's the one with the hormones."

"So, come on!" Kate coaxes me and I catch Michelle glaring at my comment out of the corner of my eye. "Spill the beans. Is everything ok?"

"Everything is fine." I nod, placing a hand on my stomach for effect. "Both babies are in tip-top condition."

"...Both..." She frowns, as her mind catches up with my words. A hand is thrown over her mouth, her eyes growing wide. "Twins? Twins!"

"Shh!" I scold her, unable to stop smiling myself and she jumps up, clapping excessively. "Remember, nobody else knows. We don't want everyone to know for a good few weeks yet, do we Chelle?"

"No." She avoids eye contact with me, staring down at her desk.

"Well I'm honoured that I'm the only one. Oh, I'm so excited. Come here!" She pulls me into a hug, squeezing me tightly.

"Ok! Ok! Your nieces or nephews can't breathe." I joke, peeling her off me.

"Dad is gonna be so made up." She grins and I raise a finger to my lips.

"Yes well, like I said. Keep schtum." I warn her. "We're not ready to start spreading the news yet."

"I promise." She ruffles my hair and I fend her off playfully. "Gosh, I can't wait to dress them in little rainbow baby grows." She decides and I pull a face at the idea. "I'm gonna be such a great auntie."

"Hey, hear that Chelle?" I look over at her. "Got ourselves a free babysitter already." Daring to crack a laugh, my expression grows withered at how she is back to staring into her phone screen, no interest in our conversation what-so-ever. "Oh what is wrong with you?" I snap suddenly and her head bolts up, shocked at my outburst. "Crack a smile Michelle. I'm sick of seeing you so miserable."

"I'll uh, leave you to it." Kate begins as Michelle suddenly rises.

"No need." She storms past her. "I'll take my miserable self elsewhere." Slamming the office door behind her, I watch her head towards the toilets in a rage, staring at Kate in bewilderment.

"What was all that about?"

"I have no idea." I shake my head, staring out of the office window in shock. "But I'm sure as hell gonna find out."

Michelle

It was as if I was back in year ten again. Slumped against the cubicle wall, dragging a piece of tissue across my sore cheeks. Only this time, at least it wasn't me with the morning sickness. I remembered spending the hour I should have been in sex education, studying the doodles on the toilet walls. Kimberley Doyle is a slut. Or Betty Logan luvz Rob Donovan. Maybe if I had showed up to the class a few weeks before, I wouldn't have resorted to sitting by the toilet in first period, crying into my hands at the thought of having to tell Dean, to disappoint my parents, to be murdered by Paul. Maybe if I hadn't spent my teenage years constantly in secret competition with Carla Donovan, I wouldn't have wished away losing my virginity so that I knew what she was talking about when she repetitively mentioned the night of six times. I had hated her so much. But at the same time, she made my life worth living.

As if we were back in secondary school, I hear the tap of her heels on the bathroom floor. The cubicle door is flung open and she gazes down at me. "Well, that was kind of rude."

"Carla, if you're gonna snap at me I'd rather you just leave me alone." I just mutter, but instead she drops down, crouching next to me.

"...Michelle." Her expression changes to worry and she tries to tilt my head to face her. "Baby, talk to me."

"I told Steve." I finally admit to her and she hesitates, sitting back slightly. Surprisingly, she doesn't open her mouth to shout at me, and instead, she waits, prompting me to elaborate. "...Yesterday, when I said I was fine... I wasn't." I take a deep breath. "I couldn't stop thinking about Ruairi. And how much... Everything came back to me." She reaches for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "And when I went to Dev's, I spotted the premature nappies on the shelf and I just... Broke. And Steve was in the wrong place at the wrong time, wasn't he? He knew... So I had to tell him why. I'm sorry Carla, I'm really sorry."

"Hey, hey." She wraps me in a cuddle, kissing the top of my head. "I'm not mad, alright? How could I be?"

"Really?" I sniff, pulling back and looking up at her. She laughs softly, pulling a piece of bog roll and gently wiping the strayed mascara from my cheeks.

"Is this what you've been so caught up over?" She asks and I just nod. "Chelle... Are you scared of me or something?"

"No." I answer honestly, pausing as I scan her expression. "I'm just scared of upsetting you."

"I was gonna say, maybe we could tell a few people soon anyway?" She suggests and my eyes widen at how confident she was about the whole situation all of a sudden. "What do you think? I mean, I'm growing two... I won't be able to hide it for much longer."

"You're sure?" I sound so weak and pathetic, but it never mattered in front of her. "You're ready for that?"

"Chelle, I'm sat on the floor of the factory bogs. I think I'm ready for anything." She jokes with me and I let out a giggle, feeling her press her lips to my forehead. "It's okay to have worries. This is about both of us." She whispers into my skin. "But I have a really positive feeling about everything. I woke up this morning thinking how blessed we really are. This is supposed to be the best time. We should enjoy it."

"Yeah." I decide quietly, pulling back to place my hands on her face. "Ok, from now on, we enjoy it."

"Deal." She links her little finger with mine, smiling before pulling herself up, holding a hand out to me. "Now go and get some work done, else I'll have to fire you."

Carla

"What do you want for Christmas?" I chew on a pen as I filter through all my tabs, too many ideas swirling my head.

Michelle raises her head, a curious look on her face. "Can't shut up about Christmas today, can you? Thought you hated it."

"Well I was thinking." I lean forwards on the desk, tapping my pen a few times. "This is gonna be our first and last chance to have a romantic Christmas together." I raise an eyebrow cockily, before thinking back. "Last year I was ploughing my way back up from a hotel in sunny Birmingham, having stopped there for the night after Aidan beckoned me up from Devon..." I reminisce for a moment, before trying to quickly lighten the topic. "Hey, got all your prezzies from the motorway services didn't I? I'm sure I can do better than that this year."

"You got me a king size jojoba and mint shower gel and a packet of condoms." She reminds me, coyly. "It's not going to be much of a stretch."

"Ooh, how little I knew about what two thousand and eighteen had to hold." I wink flirtatiously and she has to look away, dipping her head as a faint blush graces her cheeks. "Use all them up, did you?"

I feel her kick me gently under the desk, giggling smugly to myself. Watching the way her hair fell against her cheeks, how her brow creased slightly when she was swirling her handwriting across the paper, the soft bite of her lip in concentration. "Stop staring at me." I hear her murmur, although I see her lips twitch upwards at the sense of my eyes on her face. "You're putting me off these spreadsheets."

"Why aren't you doing those electronically?" I try to peer over, the boss in me coming out.

"Because it's for Sid Altree, isn't it?" She reminds me. "He likes everything to be 'traditional'. Don't worry I'll photocopy it."

"Sid fancies you."

"Sid fancies anybody with two 'X' chromosomes and a set of knockers." Michelle screws her nose up at the thought and I laugh at her humour.

"Do you want me to come to the meeting with you?" I offer softly, knowing she had struggled having one on one interaction with male clients since her diagnosis.

"...It's ok." She flashes me a smile, although I can see a hint of worry behind her eyes. "They'll run riot here if we both clock off again... You could meet me for a drink in the Bistro afterwards though?"

"Alright, it's a date." I comment and she shoots me a seductive gaze, dipping her head again to complete the sheet in front of her.

Michelle

"Well, just like the old days you've managed to charm me into giving you my signature." Sid preens, practically drooling as his eyes drop down to my chest. I force myself to remain professional, my skin crawling with anxiety and sheer disgust. "So, who's the lucky man then?"

"Ey?" My brow furrows as he reaches for my hand. I freeze up, feeling his finger roll over my wedding ring. "Oh... Yeah... New development." Is all I say. I had forgotten to ask Carla whether upon going back into business with Sid, she had confessed our marital situation as well as the business one. Now, I knew the answer.

"Well, he's won the lottery with you." He smacks his lips together, sitting back as he drains his glass and I make the tiring effort to force an appreciative smile on my face. "Anyway, I'd best be off. Else my cow of a wife will tell me to make my own dinner."

"Ah well thanks very much and we'll get started on the order straight away." The words fall out of my mouth with relief. "We're very much looking forward to working with you again at long last Mr Altree."

"Not as much as I am looking forward to working with you." He grins, leaning forward and placing a hand on my thigh. I can smell the cigarettes and scotch on his breath as he leans further even more, my stomach churning. "Trust me." There had been many occasions where I had been made to feel uncomfortable by men, but this one was possibly among the most repulsive. It felt as if his hand with burning through my tights, leaving a print against my skin. His eyes don't leave mine for a few seconds, that feels like an eternity, and I can see the dirty glint in them. Practically being dragged into his thoughts, dreading to think of the images that were flickering through his perverted mind right now. Finally, I feel the pressure free from my leg, goosebumps prickling in its absence. I force a smile, knowing it must look extremely fake, but willing myself to just hold out from panicking. For a few more minutes. "See you soon then."

"Yep, see you soon." There is a false brightness to my tone and I take the opportunity to practically jump up from my seat, the abrupt sound of metal on tiles screeching behind me. He kisses my cheek suddenly, lingering so that I can feel his hot, wet breath. The scratch of the stubble creeping through his chin. "Bye." Is all I can manage as he pulls back, shaking my hand and eyeing me up one more time before leaving. I practically fall back in my chair, lowering my head into my hands and taking a few deep breaths.

"Are you okay?" I hear Kate's voice. "He looked like a right pervert. I was going to intervene but I didn't want to do something I'd regret."

"Can I have another glass of Merlot?" Is all I say without raising my head, focusing on steadying my nerves. "Large." I wanted Carla to walk through those doors right now and wrap me up in her arms, but it was still four forty eight and although I was relieved the meeting had been shorter than anticipated, I knew there was no chance of her leaving the factory for at least another twelve minutes.

"Hey." Kate sits down opposite me and I hear the clink of the glass on the table, finally looking up to take a deep gulp. "...You should tell Carla what he's like, I wouldn't want to be working with someone like that."

"Oh she knows." I assure her. "But business is business isn't it?" Managing a small shrug, I weigh up the slight disgust in her eyes.

"Men are for business, not pleasure." Kate flashes me a small smile and I nod in agreement, reaching for her hand. "That's my motto."

"Yeah, mine and all after the year I've had." I respond, hesitating as I take another sip of my wine. "Hey look, I'm sorry about how I acted earlier in the factory... It's just all a bit crazy right now, you know? The scan brought a lot of memories back."

"You don't have to explain." She taps my hand gently. "But if you do ever want to talk, you know where I am."

"Thanks Kate. Likewise."

"...Well actually, there was something I needed to talk to you about." Kate sits back slightly and I lower my glass, suddenly inquisitive. "You can't tell anyone. Not even Carla."

"Oh no, not one of these." I groan, wincing at the thought of having to keep something from Carla again.

"No, no, it's a good thing!" She assures me and I wait patiently, watching an excited smile grace her lips. "I'm going to propose to Rana."

"Oh my God." I have to stop myself from dropping the glass in my hand, mouth falling open. "You're serious?"

"Yes, I have the ring and everything. But I need the perfect way to do it. So I need your help."

"Kate! This is so exciting!" I clap my hands, suddenly alleviated from my previous panic. "God, all these lesbian engagements this year. Johnny's not gonna know what to do with himself."

"Ha." She chuckles at the thought, leaning in to lower her voice. "So come on then, let's think of some ideas."

Carla

"Right ladies, once I've seen those baskets filled, you can get off." I clap my hands as I strut out to the shop floor, picking up one of Fiz's garments and admiring it. "Good work Fizzy, these are gorgeous."

"Thanks Mrs Connor." She smiles appreciatively, proud of her efforts.

"Ok, listen up." I address them, and the the whir of machines dies down momentarily, heads snapping towards me. "Michelle is currently in a meeting with Sid Altree. If all goes well, we're hoping to secure a deal that'll keep us ticking over until Christmas. This is going to be big money kids. Reckon you're up for the challenge?"

"Always, Mrs C." Sean salutes brightly. "Especially if it means it might sweeten the Christmas bonus a little."

"Oh you've thought of everything haven't you?" I narrow my eyes at him playfully, pausing as I scan their hopefully faces. "Go on, get off five minutes early. But I mean it, be here nine am sharp on Monday. We've got work to do."

"Carla?" A voice calls from behind me as my work force don't waste a second gathering their things to leave. I turn to clap eyes on Rana, who had clearly been waiting patiently until I had finished my speech. "Can I have a word?"

"Of course." I nod curiously, pointing to the office. "Come through."

"It's about Kate." She addresses as soon as she has taken a seat in Michelle's chair.

"...Is she alright?" I start to stress, but the calmness of her expression indicates that there was not a lot to worry about.

"Oh yeah, she's fine. We're fine. Better than fine actually... We're really good."

"Ooh, hoo-hoo, spare me the details." I flash her a smile. "Go on then, what's all this about?"

"...I'm going to ask her to marry me." She reveals and my eyes widen suddenly, biting back the grin that forms on my cheeks. "What do you think?"

"What do I think?" I sit back, studying her. "I think that I've never seen Kate as happy as I have the last few months. I think it's a brilliant idea."

"Yeah?" She sighs with relief. "Do you reckon she'll say yes?"

"She'd be stupid not to." I raise an eyebrow. "Course she'll say yes. She's besotted with you. You know, she was never like this with her ex Caz."

"Really?"

"Mm-hmm." I assure her and I can tell it gives her the boost of confidence she needs. "When were you thinking of proposing?"

"...Tonight."

"Tonight?" I splutter as she produces a ring box from her pocket, snapping it open. I reach forward, admiring the way the sapphire glints with royalty between the diamonds. "Wow... That is gorgeous."

"Will she like it?"

"Pfft." I glance up at her. "She's gonna be lost for words."

"I just wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing before I went ahead." She double checks and I hand her back the ring box, smiling proudly.

"She'll be made up." I tell her. "I can promise you that."

Michelle

"Ah, there she is." Carla sings as she enters the Bistro, clapping eyes on where I was sat with Kate. "Light of my life." She watches my face break out into a smile before swerving and wrapping her arms around Kate. "Oh and hi Chelle."

"Wow." I nod, almost embarrassed at how she had caught me out and she giggles, coming over and dipping down to peck me on the lips. "You're getting too cheeky, you."

"How was the meeting?" She takes a seat next to me, gazing at me expectantly.

"I managed to secure deal A." I tell her and her eyes light up suddenly. "He's sending us through thirty grand on Monday."

"Michelle Connor you are a star!" She announces proudly, leaning in to kiss me. "See, I knew you'd do it sweetheart."

"Yeah, came with a price though." Kate pipes up. "He looked like a right sleaze-bag."

"Oh he is." Carla nods knowingly. "Rich sleaze-bag though."

"Yeah well, I didn't like the way he was feeling her up."

"Kate-" I begin to stop her but Carla's expression has already creased to worry.

"Ey?" She turns her gaze to me and I just shrug, sighing. "What happened?"

"Nothing!" I assure her, noticing how defensive she was all of a sudden.

"Did he make you feel uncomfortable?"

"Of course he did, it's Sid Altree."

"If he laid a finger on you-"

"Carla, it's fine." I stop her and I see her relax slightly at my assurance. "Nothing I can't handle. It's business, isn't it?"

"Uh, well certain things come before business and one of those is the welfare of my wife." She taps my nose and I roll my eyes playfully. "Seriously, are you ok?"

"I'm fine, now I've seen you." I murmur, causing the corners of her mouth to turn up.

"Oh charming." Kate's voice breaks us apart. "Well, you've officially knocked me sick. I'll get back to work, shall I?"

"Ah, Kate." Robert appears at the table, giving us an awkward glance.

"Oh I only sat down for five minutes! I'm going back to work now."

"No no, I was going to say, you can get off if you want." He offers and her eyes light up.

"Really?"

"Yeah, we're dead quiet." He shrugs, glancing at the clock. "Daniel's in soon anyway."

"Result." Kate grins, swooping around him to go and get her belongings.

"Carla, Chelle." Robert just addresses, nodding like one of those weird Chinese bowing cat statues. "Good to see you."

"...Rovers?" Carla suggests as soon as he is out of ear shot, noticing the distaste in my expression.

"Yes, get me away from men." I beg her, lacing our fingers as we stand up, Kate appearing again from the kitchen with her coat on. "We're going to the Rovers. Coming?"

"What a stupid question." She ushers us out. "Course I am."

Carla

"Well I wish I could have a glass of fizz to celebrate but you two enjoy." I clink my sparkling water against their glasses of champagne. "Well done Michelle, this order's going to see us through to the new year."

"Mm yeah." Kate muffles as she takes a sip of her drink, lowering her voice. "How are you finding the sickness?"

"Not as bad as it could be, but I mean, I could do without it." I tilt my head to the side in thought. "They say it starts to wear off at around twelve weeks so fingers crossed I haven't got long to go."

"Gosh, you two really have made the most of this year, haven't you?" Kate points out. "Talk about productive."

"I know, it makes me dizzy even thinking about it." I respond, refraining from trying to go over everything that had happened this year. "It's insane."

"Still, least you're happy."

"Yeah well, we all deserve a little happiness, don't we?" I hint at her, knowingly and I watch as she gives Michelle a sly look. "...What?"

"Nothing."

"No, what was that look?" I question her. "What are you planning missy?"

"Alright fine." She gives in. "But you can't say anything-"

"Kate?" Rana appears next to our booth and my stomach actually does a quick somersault with excitement. "Uh, I need to see you back at the flat."

"...Well you can't."

"Why?"

"...Because we have dinner plans." Kate informs her, doing that same look to Michelle again.

"Since when?" Rana laughs softly. "I'm going to order us takeaway."

"No, I've booked us a table at this really nice place." Kate argues lightheartedly.

I bite my lip, leaning into Michelle's ear and whispering "she's going to propose."

"She told you as well?" Michelle murmurs, frowning. "Then why did she tell me not to tell you?"

"Who? Rana?"

"...No, Kate." She clarifies, our faces both mirroring the same realisation.

"Don't make me do this here." Rana begs, unable to contain herself as our attention is pulled back to them.

"Do what?"

"...This." She pulls the ring from her pocket, snapping the box open. Kate's hand flies over her mouth, whipping her head around to look at Michelle, who has leaned into my shoulder, grinning ecstatically.

"Wait..." Kate stops her, pulling a box from her own pocket. "Jinx." Johnny's attention is instantly averted from where he is serving Kevin, watching the scene play out like a hawk.

"...Well come on then." I prompt them after a long silence, whipping my phone out to take a picture.

"You go first." Kate giggles, tears rolling down her cheeks and Rana shakes her head. "Together?" They both kneel down, holding the rings out. It was as if the whole thing had been staged. A couple must be so perfect to be able to read minds the way Kate and Rana had the ability to. "Will you marry me?" They both say in unison. "Yes!"

"Ahh." Michelle starts a round of applause and I join her, watching Kate lean in to kiss her new fiancée.

"I can't keep up!" Johnny's shocked cry sounds from the bar, running around to hug his other daughter. "Congratulations! I'll get us all another bottle of champagne. On the house."

"Did you know she was going to propose?" Rana looks at me.

"No! No idea, let me see the one she picked out though." I hold my hand out for hers, admiring the ring Kate had chosen. "Wow, you've got an eye for jewelry, haven't you sis?"

"It's beautiful." Rana admires, as Kate shows hers off to Michelle.

"Well, welcome to the family." I stand to give Rana a squeeze, jokingly inputting, "you break her heart, I'll break your legs!"

Johnny runs over, equipped with some more glasses. "Carla, you haven't got a drink?" He observes, pouring one out. "Here you go."

"Uh..." My mind begins to whir again, out of excuses by this point.

"Come on, it's a celebration." He coaxes me. "Your kidney can handle one glass of fizz."

"Mm." I force a smile, pretending to take a sip and Michelle takes it out of my hand as soon as he has turned to offer one to Rana. "Tasty."

"Stop it." Michelle shakes her head at me, unable to stop smiling as she raises her glass. "To Kate and Rana."

"To gay rights." Kate winks at us, clinking our glasses as we all cheer in unison.

Carla

"Morning, you." Kate calls, crossing over the street to greet me. "Where's wifey?"

"Oh she's got a wedding later, she's at the venue now, sorting things." I inform her and Kate narrows her eyes, confused. "For a client." I make it clear and recognition flickers in her expression. "Hey, she'll be doing you two next."

"Don't, I still can't believe it." She links my arm as we stroll in the direction of the factory and bistro. "Dad keeps banging on about having an engagement party."

"Oh he will, I could stub my toe and they'd be throwing a party for it." I groan and she laughs. "Are you not so keen?"

"I don't know, I think I'd just prefer something quiet." She sighs. "Maybe a double date in town?"

"Hey, you know..." I pause in thought. "We haven't actually done that yet, have we?"

"Nope, it's well overdue." She agrees, once we have reached the end of the street. "Hey, we could go to Canal Street."

"Ohh, I don't know Kate. I'm a bit old for clubbing."

"Noo, there's some nice bars there!" She assures me, persuasively. "Come on, you married a woman and you've still never been!"

"Uh, I've been... Once." I jog my memory. "Don't remember much of it though... I think Maria got off with the DJ."

"Ooh, she'll be on board and all soon." Kate's eyes twinkle and I can't help scoffing at the thought. "...Please, please?"

"Ok, fine." I give in, after all, it was their engagement celebrations. "But nowhere too loud, and nowhere I have to stand up all night."

"Ok grandma." She teases me, heading off to work. "I'll check with Rana and send you the deets."

Michelle

"Hey Meesh!" I hear a cry, turning my head with the disgust of realising they were trying to nickname me. I see Jenny stood with a broom outside the Rovers, waving at me like a lunatic. "We're thinking of throwing an engagement party for Kate and Rana. We want to make it really, you know, LGBT." She spells it boldly, as if proud that she managed to get the letters in the right place. "You got any ideas?"

"...Why, 'cause I'm 'LGBT'?" I spell it out the same way she does and her face falls slightly. "Just put the lesbian flag on everything."

"The lesbian flag?" She stares at me inquisitively. "Is that not the same as the rainbow one?"

"No... That's just the general pride flag." I try to explain, only half-heartedly. "The lesbian one is pink and white and stuff."

"Ooh, I do learn a lot from you girls." She preens and I refrain from pulling a face.

"Well I am only five years younger than you."

"From you lesbians then." She nudges me playfully.

"I'm not a lesbian." I remind her, and her face falls.

"Ey?" Her brow furrows, as if it really is that confusing. "What are you then?"

"Married to a woman." I just respond. "That's all that matters. Anyway, I need to get to work so."

"Right well, nice chatting to you." I can tell it is sarcastic but I only roll my eyes when my back is turned to her, heading up the street towards Underworld.

"So I want heads down, stitch, stitch, stitch." I can hear Carla calling out as I fling the doors open. "Ah, and here she is right on cue. The woman who made it all happen."

"Ey?" I try to make myself look bright as I enter the factory, going over to where she is addressing the staff.

"Sid Altree called." I can see the look of glee on her face. "He's doubled the massive order you managed to wrangle with him. Said you did such a good job at selling it to him that he couldn't resist."

"Doubled?" My eyes widen. "But that was a thirty grand order to start with."

"Yes it was, but hush hush in front of the staff." She reminds me, although I had already blabbed it out to them all without thinking, practically seeing Sean's ears prick up. "Anyway, Sid's said he wants to meet you this afternoon to get the contracts signed. How about that, ey?"

"...Is he coming here?"

"No, no. He said he'll meet you at the bistro." Carla informs me brightly and I feel my heart pang in my chest. "Cheer up, this is brilliant news. You did it girl."

"To Michelle." Beth raises her water bottle and the rest of the staff join in playfully. I flash them all an appreciative smile before turning and heading into the office.

"Hey, what's up with you?" Carla follows after me, checking in as soon as the office door is closed. "This is the best news ever. They've all got job security out there thanks to you."

"Yeah sorry, just had a manic morning." I tell her, placing my head in my hands momentarily. "My client was an absolute bridezilla. Decided last minute that she didn't like the flowers so I had to beg Tracy to drop some off and she's not gonna let me live that down for a while. Then Jenny cornered me in the street, started asking me questions about my sexuality."

"Eh?" Carla pulls a face. "Bit late in the day for that isn't it? She's not converting and all is she?"

"Ugh, no." I just groan, rubbing my forehead in therapeutic circles.

"Hey well, you're here now." She takes a seat on my desk, leaning down to kiss me passionately. "With me."

"Yeah until I have to go and let Sid Altree drool over me some more." I point out and she pulls back slightly, studying me. "I can't catch a break."

"Ooh, 'poor me, poor me'." She tickles under my chin and I glare at her. "Least you haven't got sore breasts and nausea."

"Huh, I definitely will have nausea in about an hours time." I assure her, before stopping myself, exhaling softly. "Sorry... I'm so selfish. I haven't seen you all day. How are you feeling?"

"Exhausted. But we battle through." She smiles and I take a moment to admire her strength and positivity. "...You don't have to do anything you don't want to do, you know? I would pull the plug on this whole order if you weren't comfortable."

"Don't be stupid." I rub her leg supportively. "I'll be fine."

"Well I'd come with you but I've got this phone call scheduled with Bellman's."

"Are we really gonna be able to fit Bellman's in? Now Sid's doubled the order?"

"Well he's given us double the time." Carla points out and I shrug. "Besides, Bellman's will be more select, intricate work. They'll probably only order about five dozen gussets. We can have Fiz and Sinead work on them and all the others can plough through Sid's order."

"Well, as long as you don't think we're biting off more than we can chew." I cock my head to the side and she gives me an amused smile. "What?"

"It's just great to see you back where you belong." She runs a hand through my hair. "Suits you. You're an asset to this place."

"Hm well, this asset best get cracking on those contracts for Sid then, hadn't she?" I spin my chair around, unlocking my computer.

Carla

"How'd it go?" I ask as soon as the office door opens.

She throws the contracts down on the desk, falling into her chair. "Yep, done, dusted and rethinking my earlier remark about not being a lesbian."

"Haha. That bad?" I raise an eyebrow, checking them over, although I had every faith in her.

"Ugh, I think my skin is actually crawling." She groans as I stand up to file them away in the Altree folder. "When he touches me it's as if I can actually feel myself getting some kind of disease."

"He shouldn't be touching you." I prompt her again, turning on my heel. "It's extremely unprofessional. And sexual misconduct, may I add."

"Yes well what am I supposed to say? 'Please stop touching me'?"

"Well I'll have a word with him when I see him next-"

"No Carla please, that'll just make a mountain out of a molehill."

"Chelle, it's clearly making you uncomfortable!" I point out protectively and she sighs, holding her arms out. I smile, going over and taking a seat in her lap, clicking the volume up on the radio when Photograph starts playing and turning a lamp on now that the office was growing dark.

"What time did the girls clock out?"

"About ten minutes ago." I inform her. "It's nice to have some peace and quiet."

"You're telling me." She manages a small laugh, grazing a thumb up and down my cheek as I dip my head to face her. "I'm a moody cow, aren't I?"

"Yeah but so am I." I shrug, tapping my tummy. "Babies have no chance."

"Mm." She just mumbles, moving her fingers in circles soothingly upon the fabric that covered my stomach. "Are they behaving themselves in there?"

"Hey... Know what I noticed earlier?" I pull my top up and she glances down at the small bump that was forming. Tracing her fingers across my skin, she looks up to see the slight fear in my eyes. "Early, isn't it?"

"Well, you are pregnant with twins." She speaks softly. "...In your second pregnancy. It's probably normal."

"Ten weeks." I bite my lip, lacing my fingers with hers.

"And four days." She murmurs and I don't know why I am surprised that she has been counting the days like me. I hold her eye contact for a moment, my expression suddenly serious. This was the most I had ever valued my life. This was the peak of its importance. Most of that was down to her.

"...I love you." I whisper, cupping her face in my hands and leaning forward to kiss her. "So much." My hands move to her hair, feeling it fall softly through my fingers. I soak up every emotion I can, making the most of every flick of her tongue, every time she lingers teasingly on my lower lip. Sitting up, I straddle my legs either side of her, sitting upright on her lap.

She pulls away for a moment, absorbing and cherishing what we had. "I love you too." She finally says and I bite down on my lip, tracing a finger along her cheeks.

"Well that's good." I murmur, my eyes flickering down to her lips again, and she takes the hint to kiss me once more.

Michelle

"Morning." I raise an eyebrow as the bedroom door opens, lowering my iPad from where I am sat on the sofa. "Tired, were we?"

"Mm." She blushes softly, swooping down to wrap her arms around my neck from behind the sofa, dotting kisses against my cheek. "Hey I'm sorry about last night..." She bites her lip. "Blame the hormones... They've got me really-"

"Yeah I could tell." I assure her playfully. "Four times, Carla." She comes round to face me, trying to hide the scarlet tint to her cheeks by letting her hair fall over her face. "Not that it was a chore." I hold my arms out and she curls into my side, pulling her feet up on the sofa. "Could think of worse ways to spend the night."

"...I'm gonna need to delete the office CCTV from last night, remind me when we get to work. Else Sally will go snooping..." She trails off at the thought. "That'd be enough to make her resign."

"How you feeling?" I massage her scalp gently, watching her ponder the question.

"I want something..." She contemplates and I pull a face.

"Again?"

"Not that!" She elbows me, suddenly embarrassed. "Flamin' hell, I think I'm good for a few hours now." She sucks the tip of her thumb nail in thought, something which I found very endearing. "Ugh... This is gonna drive me crazy."

"Popcorn?"

"No."

"Meatballs?" I list off the things she had been especially craving.

"No." She pulls a face. "I've gone off meatballs."

"Uh, pineapple?"

"Rice pudding!" She suddenly clicks her fingers and I can't help emitting a laugh.

"Rice pudding?" I repeat. "That's a very specific thing to desire."

"Do we have any?" She sits up, now on a mission.

"I don't think I've ever bought it in my life."

"Ugh, I need it now." She decides, getting up to raid the cupboards and I rise, pulling my coat on. "What are you doing?"

"Going to get some." I say, as if it was obvious.

"...You don't have to do that."

"Yes I do." I kiss her quickly, making a bee-line for the door before she can call me back.


"I have a surprise for you." Carla sings softly, as I push the office door open, eyeing her up and down with concern. There was one thing to say for Carla Connor; she was never boring.

"What?"

"Don't look so worried." She beckons me over and I take a seat on her desk, watching as she turns her computer screen to face me. Waving her hand in front of it a few times to draw my attention, I study what is on the screen.

"Dubai... What?"

"You said you needed a break." She reminds me and my eyes suddenly widen when I realise what she has booked. "So, third of January, when everybody else is moaning about the Christmas comedown and I'm in my second trimester, we'll be off."

"...Are you serious?" I check and she nods proudly. "Carla!"

"What? This could be our last chance to have a break for eighteen years." She reminds me and I hesitate before throwing my arms around her neck. "Oh, but we're not alone. I've booked for Kate and Rana and all. If you don't mind? Thought it could be an engagement present. Girlie week away, you know?"

"Oh they'll be made up." I cup her face in my hands. "Why are you the sweetest?"

"Uh, don't admit to it. I'm supposed to be a cow." She pouts her lips expectantly and I lean down to kiss her. "Gonna be sick." She suddenly breaks away, standing up and running out of the office.

"Charming." I call after her brightly, falling into her chair and giving it a spin with excitement.

Carla

"I've come to a decision." I announce as I re-enter the office, chewing on a piece of gum to rid the distaste from my mouth.

"Feeling better?"

"No, I feel like hell." I respond bluntly, crossing my arms and leaning back against the office wall, gazing out at the shop floor. "We're gonna need a PA."

"We don't need a PA." Michelle laughs dismissively, evening out the papers in her hand.

"Oh really? Really?" I raise an eyebrow, indicating to the state of her desk. "Chelle, we're about to have two screaming children to look after."

"Not for six and a half months-"

"Yeah, six and a half months where I'm chucking my guts up every five minutes and have a loyalty card at the maternity ward of Weatherfield General." I remind her pointedly and she sighs, giving in.

"Right well who? Sally?" She pulls a face. "Because I had to work with her in here once and let me tell you, I didn't like it."

"Not Sally." I shake my head, trying to come to a decision myself, weighing up my options as I stare out of the window.

"Then who?" She scoffs. "Beth?"

"We're going out tonight." I remember I have to tell her and her brow creases at my change of subject. "I promised Kate we'd celebrate the engagement."

"Right, so we're going for a drink in the Rovers." She shrugs. "Big deal, can we sort this issue first?"

"It's not the Rovers." I tell her and she raises her head expectantly. "We're going to Canal Street."

Michelle

"I'm not going anywhere where the lights are too flashy." Carla observes, pointing to G-A-Y as we pass it. "And nowhere themed on dogs."

"We get it, you're old." Kate nudges her, which receives a death glare and I grab Carla's hand, pulling her back. "No there's some really nice bars up here. You've got Via, The Brewers, Vanilla - that's a lesbian bar."

"If it isn't our Kate!" A drag queen calls out and Kate runs over to hug her. "Who's this, your mum?"

"That's my sister and her wife, Ginger." Kate hisses, as Carla's expression turns to thunder.

"Ooh, you've got a right little gay family, haven't you?" Ginger teases her and Carla pulls on my hand, trying to escape the situation by dragging me about a metre away.

"Hey, she's only having a laugh." I whisper to her.

"Chelle, I'm not comfortable with all this." She mutters under her breath. "It's all too weird for me, can we go home?"

"No!" I give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You made the plans to come here."

"I didn't make any plans to come here, I never would." She screws her nose up, eyes darting down the street. "I'm not one of those 'say it loud' kind of... Women who marry women."

"Yes well neither am I but we're here for Kate." I remind her. "Besides, nobody's looking are they? Nobody's judging? This is the least likely place for that to happen."

"Michelle, he just assumed I was Kate's mother!"

"She." I correct and she rolls her eyes.

"Look, you've always been more into this kind of thing than me... Even when you thought you were straight." She argues. "It's really weird for me, and I have to do it sober."

"Where we off to then?" Kate interrupts us, an awkward silence ensuing for a moment.

"You're the boss." Carla shrugs, following Kate into a nearby bar. She grips my hand like she was entering a haunted house as we climb the stairs, eyeing up the pictures on the walls. "...This is that lesbian bar then?"

"How did you guess?" Kate grins, taking a seat at a table and picking up the menu. "Cocktails?"

"...I wish." Carla just mutters and I wrap an arm around her shoulders.

"The mojitos here are really good." Rana comments, giving Carla a side eye. "Uh, they do non-alcoholic ones and all."

"You told her!" Carla raises her eyebrows at Kate, who immediately gives her fiancée a light slap on the arm.

"Sorry! I thought that was subtle!" Rana argues back to her, before looking at us apologetically. "...Congratulations by the way."

"Ah, we kinda guessed you'd tell." I shrug, ignoring the sour look on Carla's face. "Can't keep secrets now you're engaged, can you?"

"Ooh!" Kate cheers excitedly. "Right I'm gonna go to the bar."

"Yeah I'll help you." I decide, popping a kiss on the top of Carla's head before following after her.

Carla

"...I know it's weird," Rana speaks to me once they are out of ear shot, noticing how I was picking at the coaster to remedy my discomfort. "It was for me when I first came here. Especially as I thought I was straight for so long, and then completely denied it when I realised I liked women."

"It's just not really my scene." I phrase it carefully, scanning the dim bar awkwardly. "...Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"...What do you like... Identify as?" I lean forwards slightly, lowering my voice as if it would be a weird question to ask in a place like this.

"Uh, bisexual I guess." She shrugs and I nod, taking it in. "Kate's the only woman I've ever had feelings for. I know I can't be lesbian, because I've been in love with men. But clearly I'm not straight either."

"...Yeah, Michelle's the only woman I've ever had feelings for." I nod, glad to be able to open up to her. "It seems a lot more normal when we're back in the comfort of Weatherfield... Coming somewhere like this... It throws you a bit, you know? I realise how little I actually know about... This, myself, the whole community."

"Trust me, I was in the same boat." Rana assures me, reaching for my hand. "Kate's so open about everything I guess it was almost like having a tutor. The important thing to know though is that this is a safe space. People can be whoever they feel they are here. You don't even have to label yourself."

"Yeah..." I nod, feeling slightly reassured by her words. "Thanks."

"Well this is cosy." Kate interrupts us, lowering our drinks onto the table. "Hands off." She winks at me and I roll my eyes, retracting my hand. "Uh Carla, that's the non-alcoholic."

"You're sure this has nothing in it?" I sniff it just for measure.

"I checked. Twice." Michelle promises me. Of course she would have.

"So." Kate leans back, sipping her drink, looking like she owned the place. "I'm the only person here who hasn't been married before. What are your tips?"

"Hey, don't take any off me." Rana holds her hands up, making Kate giggle. "Just try not to be swayed by the girl next door."

"Yeah I'm gonna assume you're talking about my current marriage and not the other sixty four." I joke. "And it's awful, soon as you're married she'll be doing your head in."

"Oi!" Michelle elbows me.

"Ooh, you know what we should get?" Kate's eyes light up. "Shots!"

"Oh yeah great." I mumble sarcastically.

"Uh yeah, I think I'll pass on that and all." Michelle adds. "It's not fair to leave Carla sober."

"Oh come on! It's six for a tenner here. You can mix and match and all."

"Chelle, don't hold back on my behalf." I feel inclined to say, although I was feeling very left out at this point. She weighs up my expression, faltering slightly. "Seriously, hey." I pull a ten pound note from my purse, handing it to Kate. "Have them on me."


"We're closed." I hear a faint muffle from inside the cafe, giving another knock to let Roy know I wasn't planning on leaving. "I said we're-" He pulls the door open to find me on his doorstep, middle of the night, tears rolling down my cheeks. "Carla? What are you doing here?"

"Can I come in?" I ask desperately and he just steps to the side, allowing me to pass him. "Sorry, I know it's late."

"It's eleven thirty two." He checks the clock, a weary look on his face. "Has something happened?"

"No... Not really... I just came from town." I sob like a stupid child, folding my arms across my chest defensively. "Michelle's still there with Kate and Rana."

"...Well has she done something to upset you?" He asks, offering me a chair, although I continue to remain upright, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"No." I muffle, sniffing as I try to compose myself. "It's just made me really confused, and scared, and I have a lot of questions."

"Carla, may I please ask you to sit down? This is making very little sense." He indicates to the chair he has pulled out, before walking behind the counter to boil the kettle. I hear him busying himself, the light tap of the teaspoon, the slip of a cup sliding onto a saucer. My throat ached from crying, but I felt so relieved now that I was here. Somewhere that I knew I was comfortable and safe. "Here."

"It's a bit late for coffee." Is all I can say, eyeing up the mug he has put down before me.

"It's decaffeinated." He explains and I just release a small and appreciative 'oh', taking a sip and feeling the warm liquid glide through me, heating my shivering body. "Now, start from the beginning of the story."

"I'm sorry for waking you." I realise I owe him an apology and he just waves his hand dismissively, waiting for me to continue. "Ok... Well Kate took us to gay village."

"Where?"

"Gay village, Canal Street."

"Ah yes." He nods, now that I had elaborated.

"Well it's not really my thing, you know? I only went because Kate's been banging on about taking us since... It all came out about me and Michelle." I just swallow and he continues to listen with understanding. "...I just felt so lost, Roy. Like, it was all so overwhelming. And plus I had to stay sober while all the others got drunk."

"And why was that?" His brow furrows and I sigh, taking a moment to research his expression.

"...Because I'm pregnant." I reveal and he doesn't move for a few seconds, I actually debate whether he has frozen up.

"You're... You're pregnant." He clarifies, opening and closing his mouth a few times. I knew the word running through his head was 'how', just as it probably would be for people who really were not expecting the news.

"Yeah uh, eleven weeks." I finally manage a smile, pulling the sonogram photo from inside my bag and handing it to him. He studies it momentarily, tilting it sideways with a confused look on his face. "Oh, and yeah, there's two."

"T-two?" He repeats, trying to remain calm.

"Yeah, that was my reaction." I grit my teeth slightly, waiting in anticipation of what he was going to say next.

"Well... Congratulations?" He checks and I nod. "Congratulations to you both. I must say it's taken me a little by surprise. I was not aware that you were trying to... Conceive."

"Well, a lot of unexpected things have happened this year, ey?"

"Well yes, that was my next point." He adds and I just nod. It was understandable, it had taken him a great deal of thought to come to terms with me and Michelle, never mind how far we had come over the course of a year.

"I think we just... Didn't want to leave it any longer than we had to. You know, we're not getting any younger."

"But your kidney... Is it safe?" He just stammers.

"Doctors gave us the go ahead so, I guess." I shrug. "I just have to be extra careful."

"...So that's not the reason you have arrived here in tears?" He checks and I hesitate, swallowing hard as I try to process my thoughts.

"I think I'm just scared." I whisper, daring to pour my heart out. "And tonight, I was scared, realising... That I'm so different to who I used to be... And I think I'm in denial about myself, who I am. I've put off trying to understand it... And now I'm pregnant and I have a wife and... Until tonight I didn't even really think of it all as being any different... But then I see how people are. How the world is. I see people who are supposed to be like me and I don't... Feel like them. I don't feel like I fit in where I'm supposed to."

"...You do realise that you don't have to conform to what society states you're a part of." Roy just responds, trying to level with me and handing me a box of tissues. I take one, mopping the dampness of my cheeks, trying to steady my crying. "Hayley, technically, was a part of the LGBT community but that doesn't have to define who you are. It didn't put her in a box. You can live life however you choose." I study him, realising how much his words meant to me. "You know, I see a lot of her, in you."

"...You do?" I breathe, hanging onto his every word.

"I do." He confirms, reaching very hesitantly to awkwardly pat my hand. "She lived as who she was, and she didn't let anybody tell her otherwise."

"Well thanks but I think I lack Hayley's bravery when it comes to that."

"Carla." He stops me and I look up at him. "This year... You fell in love with, married and are now having a baby with another woman. And despite all the questioning and all the confusion you've received off other people, I've been in awe of how you've taken it in your stride. You've just let yourself be happy, without desiring to live up to the standards of society. So I think you'll find that you actually embody Hayley's bravery." He pauses, looking at me sincerely before adding, "and I am very proud of you."

"Roy..." I just muffle, brushing the tears away that continue to fall down my cheeks. Taking a deep breath, I make my best effort to compose myself. "I needed that."


I decide to give it until ten in the morning, pacing back and forth in the living room for at least three hours before phoning Kate, convincing myself it would all be fine.

"Carla?" She sounds worn out, but still relatively cheery. "Hey, bet you're glad you haven't got a hangover today. How's Michelle? I'm sure she's looking a bit worse for wear after the state she was in last night."

"...She's not with you?" I feel my heart drop in my chest, trying to regulate my already rapid breathing.

"No..." Kate trails off, and I sense the worry in her tone. "Me and Rana got a hotel... She said she was getting a cab back to yours... Why?"

"Kate..." I start to panic. "Michelle didn't come home last night."