Chapter 52:
A/N: So in order to get this story arc underway, I'm moving the 2019 Christmas day shootings forward a year and a week. I hope that's not too confusing for people!
Trigger warnings:
Sexual content PoV 1
Descriptions of an anxiety attack PoV 6
Michelle
"Right well, we're gonna have to start telling people." I eye Carla up as she leaves the bedroom, her cheeks blushing slightly. "Like, pronto. Else we won't need to bother."
"Is it that bad?" She whines, lowering her hand to her stomach and I give a soft nod, causing her to glance down. "This is quite a tight top... I'll change."
"They're as big as peaches now." I call out to her, reading it on the pregnancy app I had been scrolling through. "Fourteen weeks. Second trimester. Hey, next week they'll be the size of lemons."
"Ughhh... Stop listing fruits." She just whines from the bedroom, and I stifle a laugh, setting about making her a brew while she rooted through the wardrobe. "I feel so bloated. Yuk." I can tell she is desperate to cry just from the tone of her voice, before she reappears in a floaty chiffon top which hides her bump a lot better. She takes a deep breath, tears springing to her eyes.
"Come here." I hold my arms out and she doesn't waste a second before coming over, falling into my embrace. "It's ok." I soothe her, brushing my fingers through her hair. "Hey, you look gorgeous."
"I just need to get past this week." She straightens herself up, trying to compose her appearance. "Then we can tell people."
"Why past this week?" I frown, and realise as soon as the words have left my mouth. "Oh, ok." I nod in understanding, reading her expression.
"I'm going to spend this whole week feeling sick that it's going to happen again."
"But it won't. Hey? I'm going to look after you." I reach for her hand, her face looking more reassured. "Carla, history doesn't always repeat itself."
"Mm..." She pauses, sighing to herself in contemplation. "Have we got any mayonnaise?"
"For breakfast?" I pull a face, just shrugging as I stand to take the jar out of the fridge. She hesitates, as if I was going to judge her, before dipping her little finger into the pot and licking it off. "Sexy." I joke and she glares at me, repeating her action before grabbing a spoon. "Hey, at least you're over the worst of the sickness now."
"Mm." She just mutters and I hand her over the saucer that I had sorted all her medication onto.
"...Where's the folic acid one?"
"You don't need to take that anymore. You didn't need to take it as soon as you hit the second trimester last week." I explain and she looks up in confusion.
"...But what if something happens?"
"It won't." I try to reassure her. "The babies neural tubes have closed up by-"
"Yeah that makes no sense to me, Chelle. You sound like your son." She half snaps, her eyes falling to the dish bitterly. "Is it going to harm them if I keep on taking it?"
"No-"
"Well then I'll keep on taking it." She storms over to the cabinet in a strop, emptying out a tablet into her hand and washing it back without even needing water. Hesitating, I decide it best not to say anything further, instead just turning an open magazine around to face her once she has returned back to me. Getting up to make her some toast, she stubbornly reads from the page I had presented to her. Only turning to see the thunder in her expression. "Why would you show me this?"
"Ey?"
"I get that I'm old Chelle, are you trying to tell me I'm overweight and all? Or that I'm not capable of giving birth?" She snaps and I furrow my brow, moving over to her and realising that she had been reading the page next to the one I intended.
As an older mum, you're more likely to conceive more than one baby. This may be through natural conception or through assisted conception such as IVF. Carrying more than 1 baby can make pregnancy more complicated, especially if you're older.
Being an older mum sometimes means that your body has to work harder than if you were younger. You are more likely to develop a health condition and are more likely to need help to give birth. You're also more likely to have pre-existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, especially if you're overweight. But try to remember that most women will still have healthy pregnancies.
"No, no. No." I sigh, tapping the page next to it.
"...Spice up your sex life in pregnancy?" She reads, folding her arms defensively.
"Don't think I don't know why you're so moody this morning." I tickle her under the chin, but she just responds with a death glare. "I remember month four."
"Michelle!" She retorts. "I'm absolutely fine, thank you."
"Fast fact: Women gain a whopping three pounds of blood during pregnancy. Most of this blood ends up flowing through the lower half of your body-"
"Oh good, that makes me feel less ill." She interrupts me, sarcastically.
"With all that extra flow, you may feel more in the mood than normal." I continue, ignoring her. "Not only that, but your orgasms may also feel more intense and - wait for it - you may even experience multiple-"
"Right, ok!" She shuts me up and I giggle at how her face has flushed dramatically. "It's like having a mind reader. I hate it."
"Oh right." I nod, challenging her. "So you don't want the mind reader to help you out then?"
"I don't need helping out. I can help myself... Out." She trails off, realising what she has insinuated and I arch an eyebrow cockily. "Michelle stop it! I'm not in the mood to be wound up!" She storms off into the bedroom again, and I decide to give it a minute before softly knocking on the door, taking the lack of response as my cue to enter. "I said don't wind me up." She just muffles from where she is lay on her side, pillow cuddled up in her arms.
"I'm not here to wind you up." I sit down on the edge of the bed and her gaze shifts to mine, wriggling uncomfortably. It's a matter of seconds before she has sat up, clashing her lips against mine, desperate for the intimacy. Her tongue wrestled mine like never before, grip loosening and tightening in my hair as she lets out a soft but aroused moan.
Pulling back suddenly, she squeezes her eyes shut, hands flying to her hair as if about to tear it out. "Fine. Ok? You were right." She almost shouts, hormones practically bouncing off the walls of the bedroom. "All my emotions are everywhere. I don't know why. I hate it."
"Embrace them." I shrug, speaking softly and she sighs, finally opening her eyes. I take the signal to move towards her again, laying her down, watching the hair fan out around her face. Taking just a brief moment to soak up her beauty, the shimmering lust in her eyes. "I'm not going to judge you. It's me." I whisper, moving down to kiss her gently, allowing her to lead me on intensifying the kiss. My fingers graze her thigh, causing her to emit another urgent moan, and knowing she wasn't in a place to be teased, I slip my fingers beneath her underwear.
She exhales sharply at the contact, murmuring to herself as I begin to work my fingers in circles where she was most sensitive. Desperate to have me closer, she pulls on her lace thong, prompting me to guide it down her legs. Resuming my position, she keeps her eyes on mine as I pick my speed up slightly, listening to the groan of arousal that leaves her lips involuntarily.
"...Why am I so..." Is all she utters and I smile, leaning down to plant a kiss on her cheek. "Is this normal?"
"Mm. I was terrible." I assure her, quickening my motions, knowing how badly she needed it. Her eyes snap shut again, uttering my name almost as a whimper. "Is that ok?"
"More." She just begs and I follow her command, the dynamics in the room intensifying. She was so wet, her thighs were trembling, it amazed me how I was lucky enough to cause them to shake like that. "...Chelle, I'm gonna-"
"That's ok." I murmur reassuringly. "You can."
I watch her climax, holding onto every breath she releases, embracing the pleasure she felt. When her body falls still, only her chest violently rising and falling to catch her breath, I curl into her, moving her head to rest in my chest. "Better?"
"Yeah... Yeah." She just swallows, relaxing at the sensation of my hand in her hair. "Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me." I muffle a laugh into the scent of her shampoo. "It's what wives are for, isn't it?"
"Yeah well, I guess you can stick around then." I finally feel her settle, fingers latching onto the hem of my top. "Maybe it is a good thing - having a mind reader. A tutor who's done it all before."
"Yeah?" I soothe, planting a kiss against her burning temple. "You're warm, sweetheart." Pressing a hand to her forehead, she tilts it up to look at me.
"Well, I wonder why?" She laces it with sarcasm, but didn't seem anywhere near as moody as she had done.
"Well, you want to know something else that this mind reader could tell you?" I ask and she poises a brow, as if unsure. "We're five minutes late to work."
Carla
"Yes. Yes!" I cheer as soon as I have hung up the phone, slamming it back down in it's holder, as Michelle and Sarah both stare at me expectantly. "That was Tia Holden. She's taking the order."
"The whole of Sid's order?" Sarah's eyes widen.
"Well most of it, for a discounted price, but with the initial cost Michelle managed to wrangle us, we're still up about twenty-five grand," I announce. "Turned out, she stopped working with Sid a few years back because he made a pass at her in a hotel bar. Asked her if she wanted to get a room with him."
"Ew." Michelle screws her face up.
"Well, sister's are doing it for themselves then." Sarah high fives her and I flash them both a victorious smile.
"Yeah actually Sarah, can you drop Sid an email and tell him sixty grand will be back in his bank in three to five working days. Don't bother with the pleasantries." I tell her. "If he sends you an arsey reply just forward it to me."
"Sure thing." She spins her chair back around and I notice how Michelle is gazing at me appreciatively, reaching to give her hand a quick squeeze.
"Knock knock!" Sean announces as the office door is flung open.
"Except you didn't." I point out, although there was a lack of sternness in my tone.
"Well..." He gives me a short apologetic smile, before bursting back into his energetic, sweet-talking self. "Me and the girls were just having a natter-"
"Never." I make the word sound overly surprised, Michelle kicking me lightly under the table as Sarah giggles.
"...We were just wondering." He hangs off the door, swaying slightly and I refrain from rolling my eyes at how well I knew each of them. "If we're getting a Christmas party this year?"
"Yep." I say quickly, before looking down at my paperwork. "Can you all do Friday?"
"I uh..." He suddenly stammers, surprised at my optimism. "I'm sure I can make time."
"Mm, schedule busy is it?" I joke with him and he shrinks slightly.
"Ok, I have a few more questions then." He continues, stepping into the office fully and I sigh, turning my full attention to him expectantly. "Will there be a DJ?"
"Yeah, Michelle's got her decks ready." I shift a glance to her, noticing the distaste in her expression. "Might get her one of those chain necklaces and snapback caps to complete the look."
"Uh! I am not DJ-ing." Michelle informs him, before pausing in contemplation. "I could ask Ryan though?"
"Ooh, good idea." I click my fingers, dismissing Sean. "All sorted."
"Well there's just one more thing-"
"Yes." I dare to roll my eyes now, swiveling my chair so that he could see that I had my arms folded.
"Well it's just... I'm not a big fan of beer." He explains. "And as one of your most long-standing, loyal employees, I've been to enough Christmas parties to know that usually, that's all that is left after an hour or so-"
"There will be plenty of wine, Sean." I cut him off, winking at him. "Tell you what, I'll put a bottle under your machine. Our secret."
"Ooh... Thanks Mrs C." His eyes glint, clapping his hands. "Hey." He turns his eyes to Michelle. "Whatever you're doing to put that smile on her face, keep it up-"
"Close the door on your way out please Sean." I call out, hiding the soft blush in my cheeks and he nods curtly, exiting the office. I notice Sarah biting back an amused smile as she taps away at her keyboard, Michelle thinking of something she can say to wind me up further.
"You are awfully chirpy this morning." She dares to release and I already have a pen poised, throwing it in her direction. She ducks quickly, allowing it to get caught in the tinsel that is hung up behind her.
I study the way she bites her lip in amusement, the hair that falls across her face, the soft glint in her eye at knowing how she made me feel. Leaning forwards, I tap out a direct message to her computer.
To: Michelle
From: Carla
How would you feel about telling family tonight?
I know she has received it almost instantly because the flicker of surprise shows in her expression, trying not to give anything away to Sarah. Her head pops up, staring at me as if working out whether I was serious. She nods her head, a small smile gracing her cheeks, before tapping out a message to me.
From: Michelle
To: Carla
Sounds good. Love you xx
Michelle
"You texted the group chat?" Ryan holds up his phone once he has entered the Rovers, noticing where a group of us including Carla, Ali, Kate, Rana and Maria were sat. "What's all this? We having a party?"
"Sit down, you're late," Carla orders playfully and he drops onto the stool next to Maria.
"You said there was news. What's the news?" Johnny comes over, Jenny in tow, leaving Gemma behind the bar looking miserable. "It's not your kidney, is it? Has something happened? Michelle love, have you had another funny turn?"
"No!" Carla stops him, frowning at his use of terminology. "Sit down Johnny."
"I know what it is!" Kate sings, nudging Rana and I roll my eyes, sitting back in my chair, knowing this could be an eventful conversation.
"How do you know?" Johnny interrupts as Carla attempts to open her mouth to speak again.
"Because I'm the best one." Kate preens and I narrow my eyes at her.
"Yeah well, I think I know what it is and all so, can I get off?" Ali folds his arms, smirking in amusement, followed by a sharp prod in the arm from Ryan.
"Oi!" Ryan cries. "You told him and not me?"
"We're trying to tell all of you if you'd just shut up." I raise my voice, silencing them, and Maria takes a long sip of her gin and tonic, reading the atmosphere.
"Thank you, baby." Carla taps my hand, watching how everyone stares at us like this was an intense scene in a theatre show. "Some of you may know that Michelle and I have been trying for a baby-"
"What?" Johnny splutters and I exhale sharply.
"...Eh?" Jenny just overlays, the cogs practically visible as they try to understand what we were saying. Her eyes dart between us, finger waggling ignorantly. "But you're both..."
"Yes, how very observant of you." Carla cuts her off and I smile to myself slightly. "We decided shortly after we were married that we would start looking at options. Because neither of us are getting any younger. We're running out of time... And I couldn't think of anybody else I would rather raise a child with." My gaze turns to her, eyes melting as I dip my head into her shoulder. "So, after a couple of attempts, we are officially fourteen weeks pregnant."
The room falls silent, Johnny's mouth hanging open, Maria's straw poised in her hand, Kate practically shaking with pride.
"...Which one of you?" Jenny is the first to pipe up and Carla just raises her hand.
Johnny is quick to burst out in shock. "What? Carla! You're in no fit state! Did you tell them you had kidney failure earlier this year?"
"No, Johnny, it slipped my mind." She responds sarcastically and his face falls. "It's perfectly safe. Doctor's told us so. They wouldn't have let us go ahead of it wasn't."
"I know... It's a shock." I add, noticing Maria compose herself. "And you're probably all like... Woah, they're moving very fast-"
"Huh!" Johnny scoffs. "Just a little."
"But, like Carla said we didn't want to waste any time." I lace my fingers into hers. There is silence again, Jenny still looking at us in utter confusion, Johnny's brow furrowing as if working out a difficult equation.
"Oh, and it's twins, by the way," Carla adds fuel to the fire, seemingly enjoying the shock that everyone was reveling in.
"This is so cool!" Ryan suddenly leaps out of his seat, coming to hug me tightly. "I knew you guys were thinking about it, I didn't know you were serious."
"Ryan, you found my hormone injections." Carla reminds him. "I'd say that seems pretty serious."
"Yeah but like... Woah... My auntie is going to be the mother of my brothers or sisters." Ryan works out and Carla's face screws up at the thought. "This is so sick."
"Sick means good, right?" Carla clarifies, laughing as he reaches down to hug her in turn.
"Yeah, I mean, I know I already knew but, congrats guys," Ali adds, giving us a thumbs up. "And you know where I am if you have any concerns or anything."
"Hang on, so everybody knew?" Johnny gazes around the circle, put-out at the realisation.
"Uh, I didn't." Maria raises her hand, flashing us a smile. "But it's so exciting. Liam's going to have a cousin."
"Uh, Liam's got a cousin." Ryan elbows her and she looks up, as if only just realising.
"Oh... Yeah, I meant, another one." She shrugs and I stifle a laugh.
"So who doesn't know then? Hey?" Johnny continues and I let out a soft groan at his complaining. "Have you popped in on Norris yet? Passed along the news to him?"
"Johnny, they only know because they found out." Carla sighs, sick of his whining. "Kate found us reading an IVF booklet, Ryan found my hormone injections and Ali saw on the medical records. We didn't intend to tell anybody before you. Trust me."
"Can't you just be happy for us?" I ask him, expectantly, a sharpness to my tone. "It hasn't been easy, this, you know? It's been a strain on both of us, especially Carla. And after everything that's... Happened in the past, we just need your support."
"Of course I'm... Of course I'm happy for you." Johnny sighs, lowering himself down into a chair. "I'm just surprised. But, happy surprised. I'm gonna have another grandchild."
"Two." Carla reminds him, holding up two fingers and he shakes his head, processing the information.
"Well, you two aren't boring, are ya?" Maria raises her glass, winking at me. "To Carla, Michelle and their little family."
"Aw, to Carla and Michelle." Kate raises her glass, smiling at us proudly. Carla curls into my side slightly, embracing the kiss that I plant upon her forehead. Everything was going to be okay. I could sense it.
Carla
"Right, Ryan, just keep it festive, ok?" I order as I finish presenting alcoholic beverages onto a makeshift table, my eyes drifting to where he is showing off at the DJ booth he had constructed in the corner of the factory. "None of that... Hip hop, teenagers stuff."
"Grime?" He raises an eyebrow and I just shrug.
"Chelle?" I call, soon hearing the tap of her heels on the stairs, a halo positioned in her hair. She had changed into a silver dress, hair falling in loose curls around her shoulders.
"Ah, a real life angel." Ryan teases her. "Come to deliver the news of immaculate conception to the lesbians of Weatherfield."
"Ryan." I glare at him sternly, turning back to Chelle and lowering my voice. "You look gorgeous. Didn't know we were dressing up."
"Well you came as the Virgin Mary." She pokes my bump gently.
"Uh, nothing virginal about me." I scoff.
"Yeah and don't I know it." She whispers the words against my ear, causing my skin to prickle beneath my floaty green dress. It covered up my growing bump well, although I was terrified at how early it was developing. I would be the size of a house by the birth. Hearing the main doors squeak open, the rabble enters, hungry eyed for booze and dressed in their finest Christmas attire. "Ho-ho-ho." Michelle murmurs, popping a Santa hat on my head and ruffling my hair, to which I return a look of distaste.
"Right." I clap my hands as they all gather around, noting the disco lights that Ryan has sourced for us. "A few ground rules."
"Ugh." Beth moans, batting a Christmas tree helium balloon out of her face.
"No fighting over booze, no drama and no talk about work, it's a celebration." I smile widely as they all cheer. "Oh and no getting off with Kirky, else Beth'll be giving you a sack of coal."
"Too right!" Beth warns them all off, snuggling into his shoulder.
"Seriously guys, you've all been amazing this year." I wrap an arm around Michelle. "I know it's been hard on us all... Losing a member of our family... The way you've all pulled together when I've had hospital appointments and... Honeymoons." Sean lets out a whistle, everyone swooning at the word, causing Michelle to blush. "And I know Michelle can be a cow sometimes-"
"Oi!" She slaps me lightly.
"Oh sorry, I know I can be a cow sometimes." I correct myself. "But we really do have the best workforce. I couldn't ask for more. Honestly, the way you've accepted me and just carried on stitching when times have been tough... I owe you one. So, here we are. Fill your boots." I hold my arms out at the table, Ryan beginning to blast out Merry Christmas Everyone over the decks. They charge forward and I am quick to pull Michelle away by the hand, spinning her to face me. "You ok?"
"That was a lovely speech." I notice there are tears in her eyes and I nudge my nose against hers, grazing a thumb against her cheek. "...Aidan would be so proud of you. If he could see how you built this business back up again."
"How we built it up." I remind her and she smiles softly, running her fingers through her hair before moving in to kiss me.
"Uh! Are you two going to be doing that mucky business all night?" Sean's words pull us apart and I sigh reluctantly. "You'll knock me sick."
"Sorry, best behaviour from now on." Carla salutes him.
"So how does it feel being part of the community?" He nudges us, munching on a mince pie.
"Ey?"
"Our family." He signals a circle with his hands. "The gays."
"Oh... Yeah it's fab." I just respond, hearing Michelle stifle a giggle. "Loving it."
"Carla?" Michelle draws my attention suddenly and I look to see who she is staring at.
"Sinead?" I pace towards where she has just entered, Daniel in tow, offering her a warm smile. "How are you, sweetheart?" I wrap her in a hug, having not seen her for a couple of weeks. Michelle and I had agreed to put her on sick pay so she could focus on the baby and her recovery without the stress of work.
"I'm ok. Just tired." She smiles, placing a hand on her bump. "Sorry, I didn't know whether I was invited."
"Uh, of course you're invited!" I scold her lightly, kissing Daniel on the cheek quickly. "You're our best employee. There's plenty of soft drinks over there. Enjoy yourself."
"Thanks Mrs Connor." She smiles and I decide to not fuss over her further, allowing her to pass me, hand-linked with Daniel's.
"Mrs Connor?" Sally's voice pulls me from my trance and I plaster a smile on my face. "Please accept my gratitude for making tonight happen. I know the other staff won't bother."
"It's... A few bottles of wine and some mince pies Sal." I prompt, keeping my voice playful. "It wasn't that difficult to organise."
"Well, thank you all the same Mrs Connor."
"It's Carla tonight Sal." I grab a pair of antlers from the costume table, sticking them on her head as Last Christmas starts to play. "Merry Christmas. Hey, they suit ya."
"Excuse me?" I hear Michelle's voice from behind me, spinning around into her embrace. "Sorry, I was just staring at you from over there. I just had to come over."
"Ey?" I frown at her weirdly polite manner. "You taken too many of your happy pills?"
"What's your name?" She teases me, pushing a lock of hair behind my ear and I pull a face. "Want to dance?"
"Are you role-playing with me?" I scoff and she giggles softly, dipping her head into my chest. "Well, yeah ok. But you should know I'm pregnant with my wife's children."
"Ooh, lucky her." She sways slightly, wrapping her arms around my neck.
"I don't really dance," I mutter awkwardly, allowing her to spin me round in slow circles all the same.
"Yeah there was a lot of things you didn't do before I came along." She bites her lip cockily, her head so close to mine that I can smell her shampoo.
"Full of yourself, aren't you?" I return her smile, before moving in to rest my head in her chest, allowing her to sway me gently. I felt so safe, so happy, so content. I didn't even care that I was on display in front of everyone. There was no speculation. Everyone was just laughing, enjoying themselves, letting their hair down for one night and leaving their troubles outside the door. "Chelle?" I whisper, moving my head out of her embrace but still moving in time with her as her arms secure around my waist. "Nobody has ever made me this happy or comfortable. Nobody."
"Yeah, same here." She smiles, exchanging the words quietly as she gazes at me with love. "I admire you so much, Carla. The way you still smile so genuinely after everything. Your strength, your courage, your willpower. Kinda my role model. Always have been."
"Pfft." I pull a face, prompting a slight flush to her cheeks. "You didn't shop around much to find me to idolise, did you?"
"I didn't want to." She pokes my cheek and I shake my head, her words spinning around my mind. She had lived every nightmare with me, watched me battle my demons like a fan at a football game, kept me sane, never gave up. She had seen me reach the darkest places and hit the lowest of lows, and yet she still loved me. She genuinely loved me, despite all of that. She never saw me as broken or damaged. She never held my mistakes against me. She always forgave me for the times I had treated her like dirt. That was something so powerful. That was something that, thinking back, I couldn't say anybody else had done. At least not for as long as she had. With Peter, I had been terrified to show vulnerability during the pregnancy. I hadn't wanted to appear weak. I couldn't, for his sake. I had been terrified of how I would look to him and everybody else when my body grew, when I was battling the pain in the birthing room, when my hair was matted and baby sick was lingering on my clothes. But with Michelle, there was nothing to be afraid of. I knew she would never judge me. I knew she would always see me as beautiful. I knew she had been through it all herself so she completely understood how I was feeling. I didn't have to feel ashamed or embarrassed. I could just embrace it, knowing she would be there to hold my hand, to wipe away the tears, to love me even on my worst days. That was a reassurance that I had never experienced to such an extent with anybody. "What are you thinking about?"
My head drifts up at the sound of her whispers and I read her expression, pressing a soft kiss to her lips before emitting, "just how much I love you."
Michelle
"What have you got Carla for Christmas then?" Fiz makes conversation, clearly slightly tipsy as she drains another glass of wine. "Spill."
"Uh, I've got a few ideas." I shrug and surprise creases her expression.
"You mean you haven't bought her anything yet?" She scolds, as if she were my mother. "Michelle, you've got eight days!"
"Yes, yes I know." I assure her. It was a slight lie, I already had a few gifts stashed away at the back of the wardrobe for Carla. But I wanted to get her something special. Something that showed how much I appreciated everything she was doing for us. "What have you got Ty anyway?"
"A new duvet." She sighs blissfully, and I try to work out whether she is winding me up for a moment, which I could tell by her expression, she was not.
"Wow..." I arch an eyebrow. "Lucky old Ty, ey?"
I am relieved that Carla takes the microphone from Ryan just as Fiz is about to respond, keen not to make further forced conversation about his exciting Christmas gift.
"Hello, hello." Everybody turns their attention in her direction as she speaks over the microphone.
"Thought you'd done your speech?" Sean heckles her, causing a few of the machinists to laugh.
"Yes well I'm the boss." She narrows her eyes at Sean, her amplified voice bouncing off the walls. "I have something to say."
"Has she been on the whiskey?" I hear Izzy comment, shooting her a glare as I knew Carla was stone cold sober.
"So... I'm not really very good at this." She glances around the crowd. "I mean, I'm all talk. I can boss you around all day long until it comes down to the serious stuff... Uh..." She hesitates, her eyes shifting to mine and I notice her settle slightly, before addressing the room again. "This year has been a rollercoaster... There was a point where I didn't think I'd be seeing Christmas. I didn't think I'd make it... And there were really dark points in the year where... I experienced genuine heartbreak. I blamed myself. I wished I could go back in time. I've spent more time in Weatherfield general than I have in my own bed but... Somebody got me through all that." Her eyes flicker back to me and I tilt my head to the side, smiling over at her. "Because despite all the awful things that happened this year, and the fear, and the unknowing, something amazing happened at the same time. And... If you'd have said a few years ago I'd be telling you all that I fell in love with Michelle Connor, well, I'd probably have sacked ya." There is a soft rumble of laughter, breath catching in my throat as I don't take my eyes away from her. "I wouldn't have made it through this year if it wasn't for her. And I know a lot of you are struggling to keep up with our rapid journey. I mean, same here, to be honest. And I know this will come as a surprise to you because well, we all know I'm not really the type to settle down and want a future where I rock my children to sleep and watch them grow up but... Well, she has changed me." She indicates to me and I feel Fiz wrap an arm around me, a quiet 'ah' emitting her lips. "So while we're here. While we're happy and celebrating our success and you guys are feeling a little tiddly... I wanted to tell you all that... Me and Michelle are expecting a baby. Oh, two babies, actually." I am shocked at her confession, Sean letting out a whimper of delight all of a sudden. "And I'm terrified, to be honest. But at the same time, I'm not scared at all, because I've got the perfect person by my side to spend the future with. And it just feels so right. So... Here's to the future little managers of the factory. Baby Underworld."
"Baby Underworld!" Everybody cheers, raising their glasses in shock. I notice a few of the staff race forward to congratulate her, others turning to gossip their surprise to one another.
"Oh my God. I can't quite believe it." I hear Sean clapping his hands excessively as I go over to where he is plastering Carla in air kisses. "Who'd have thought, ey? Gosh, you two are a force to be reckoned with. Weatherfield's power couple, hm?"
"That's quite a title," I admit, eyebrow poised as I reach them, hands firmly on hips as I stare at Carla. "Well that was unexpected."
"Are you mad?" She reads my expression, suddenly worried that I was about to flip at her.
"Mad?" I let out a soft laugh, and Sean takes his cue to leave us be. "Proud."
"I mean it, you know?" She replies as I snake my arms around her waist. "I'm not scared because I have you."
"You don't need to be scared," I whisper so sincerely that I notice it flicker in her expression. "It's you, me and these two. Hm?" I place a hand on her tummy, amazed that I could now do that in public. "Forever."
Carla
"Oof, you know, when I was pregnant, I couldn't stop eating mushy peas." Sally reminisces and I regretfully gaze around the circle I had managed to get myself into. Sally, Fiz and Beth, all exchanging horror stories of their pregnancies, which made me feel slightly nauseous.
"I had an obsession with chalk." Beth announces, and my head snaps in her direction, pulling a face. "Honestly, that's what I craved most."
"Chalk?" I repeat for clarification and she nods. "Poor Craig, had no chance did he?"
"Hey!" Beth elbows me gently, as Fiz let's out a snort of laughter. "I didn't eat that much! Just had a stick every now and then."
"Uh, no." I hold a hand up, wincing at the thought. "No, anchovies is about as weird as it gets for me."
"Ooh, craving salty things." Fiz points at me. "One of them will be a boy."
"Oh Michelle bangs on about all this rubbish." I roll my eyes. "See a few weeks ago I was addicted to toffee popcorn and peanut butter, and she told me that meant we'd be having a girl."
"Maybe it's one of each." Sally comments and I just sigh, I hadn't thought much on gender. I knew secretly that Michelle would like a girl, having two boys already, herself. I, on the other hand, didn't really have a preference. I knew in my past pregnancy I had the feeling it would be a girl, mainly just because I had the desire to raise her with the respect and love that had never been shown to me. But then, I knew a boy would remind me of Aidan. Either way, as long as they were healthy and happy, that's all that mattered.
"Mm, maybe." I nod as my phone buzzes, taking a step away from the group to check it.
Text Message
From: Johnny
Right, stay calm.
It takes me a moment to absorb the words. My heart begins to pound at the vague message, moving away from the girls and into the office. Maybe it was an MS attack. My phone vibrates again.
Text Message
From: Johnny
Gunman just left Rovers. After Gary Windass. Lock the factory and keep Michelle calm.
I re-read the message to make sure the words that were swimming around my head were accurate, wasting no time before dialling his number.
Hi, you've reached Johnny Connor at The Rovers Return, sorry I can't come to the phone right now-
"Damn it, Johnny," I mutter, tapping the phone against my hands and glancing out of the office window.
Text Message
From: Johnny
I'm on another call to the police. Just stay calm. Lock the factory and keep the noise down. I love you.
"Right." I say out loud, wracking my brains. Why couldn't one night pass with ease, without more danger needing to flood the street? I knew that if I told Michelle, she would go into full panic mode. Instead, I slip out of the side office door, quickly pacing towards the entrance and bolting them tightly, twisting my keys in the lock and setting the alarm for extra measure. I was not about to be held hostage again in my own factory. That had happened enough for one lifetime. "Uh, Ryan cut the music." I try to paint a bright smile on my face, and All I Want For Christmas Is You stops playing abruptly.
"Hey! That's the best one!" Beth yells. "You're not making another speech are you!"
"Everybody quiet." I order and Michelle glances at me worriedly. There was no way I could keep this secret from them all. As soon as I toned down the party, people would be ready to leave. "Ok... I have a game."
"A game?" Izzy repeats, giving me a weird look. "Why are you whispering?"
"We're all gonna sit down in a circle and we're going to go round, telling everybody what our favourite Christmas present ever has been." I bullshit, as Beth lets out a squawk of laughter.
"Boring!" She shouts, turning to Ryan. "Ry, whack the sound up will you?"
The beat begins to play out again and I scream at him over the noise. "Ryan! I said turn it off!" He follows my orders, promptly, everyone staring at me in awe of my sudden dramatic mood.
"Carla?" Michelle can tell something is wrong, and there was no getting around this. I squeeze my eyes shut before going over to her, cupping her face in my hands and speaking softly.
"Ok baby, listen to me. I don't want you to panic." I begin, but I can tell from the shiver of her lip that the anxiety was already setting in. "Ok? You're safe here with me. I've locked the factory. We're safe, alright?"
"Carla..." Her voice is shaking dramatically and she searches me for answers. "What?"
"Ok listen." I wrap my arms around her from behind, addressing the staff. "I've just heard from Johnny... Somebody has just tried to hold them hostage at the Rovers. A gunman. He's just left. He's on the street."
"No. No. No." Michelle starts to repeat over and over and I tighten my hold, stroking a hand through her hair as soothingly as possible.
"We're all gonna be ok. I've locked the factory. We'll just keep the noise down, Ryan, get the lights." I ask, trying to keep myself calm and confident. He turns out the disco lights immediately, plunging the room into darkness and Michelle lets out a whimper of fear. "Beth, there's a lamp next to you." I tell her and she manages to find the switch, a dim light casting over us all. "Right... We all just need to stay here. Stay calm. Look, we've still got all this booze." I try to joke. "So nobody's gonna go thirsty. And Johnny's on the phone to the police so they're sorting it." I move to murmur in Michelle's ear. "Ok? They're sorting it. Everything's going to be fine."
"I... I-" Michelle stammers and I turn her gently to face me again, smiling in the most reassuring way that I can. "Not again."
"You're safe. Listen to me. Listen." I lower my voice so that only she can hear it, knowing drawing attention to herself was the last thing she wanted. "Nothing's going to happen this time. Alright? I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Remember your breathing techniques." I try to calm her, but I can tell it is getting more unsteady. "Chelle? Deep breaths. Do it with me. Ok?" I keep talking to her and gradually she composes herself a little, all the vulnerability and fear written into her expression. "There you go. See? Everything's fine. I promise you, everything's fine."
"So what do we do? Just wait it out until the police catch him?" Beth pipes up, taking a seat on the floor, and a couple of people follow suit. "We could be here all night."
"Well it's better than being shot, Beth." Izzy points out and I feel Michelle shudder at the word.
"Where's Sinead?" I suddenly realise, scanning the surroundings.
"She left half an hour ago." Beth tells me and relief washes through my body. "She wasn't feeling well."
"Right, ok." I try to sit Michelle down on the floor, wrapping my arms around her shivering frame as she curls into my side. I knew I had to try and keep the atmosphere at bay, keep people's spirits up.
"Has anyone been hurt?" Sally asks, wincing as she reluctantly sits down on the factory floor, laying her coat beneath her. "I think my Tim was in The Rovers."
"I don't know, Sal." I reply honestly as she pulls her phone out, urgently sending a text to him.
"David? Have you heard?" Sarah is talking down the phone. "Yeah. Keep Harry and Bethany inside will you? Lock the doors."
"So, Beth, any plans for Christmas Day?" I force myself to make conversation, moving my hand in soothing circles against Michelle's back. I link my other hand with hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze, placing a kiss to her temple.
"Just same old. I think we're going over to Daniel and Sinead's. Daniel says he'll cook but I think we'll have a fight on our hands because Ken wants him." She babbles on. "Tracy's offered for us to go over to the Barlow's but I don't think Ken and Peter will be very keen."
"Yeah, we've got a big one this year, haven't we Chelle?" I nudge her gently and she just gives a small nod. "There's gonna be loads of us over at The Rovers." I listen to Beth idly chat to me, hardly bothered by the news I had delivered, holding Michelle close.
"Apparently he's run after Gary Windass with a vintage gun." I hear Sean explain, Michelle freezing in my arms. "Eileen says someone's been shot."
"Who's been shot?" I ask as gently as possible, so as not to scare Michelle further, and Sean just shrugs, anxiety woven into his expression. I release Michelle slightly to pull my phone from where it had been abandoned underneath me, sending a text to Johnny to check the family were alright.
Suddenly, it's as if the room has been drained of any life. Everyone stops like statues as there is a loud bang on the factory door.
Michelle whimpers softly, her head snapping around in fear. I bite down hard on my lip, willing for nobody to make a noise, everyone frozen in the echo of an angry fist hammering against the metal.
"Shh..." I emit quietly, stroking Michelle's hair as her eyes grow wide with fear. "Don't be scared." I repeat over and over, tilting her face to mine. "Hey, I've got you. Ok? Breathe. Everything's going to be alright."
"Not again. Not again." Her voice wavers, trying her best to keep it as low as possible. I cup her cheek, smiling warmly and shaking my head.
"It's not going to happen again." I whisper, kissing her nose. "Hey, listen..." I show her as the noise dies down, and we are just left with a souvenir of Gary's name being shouted before he departs. I hear the workers breathe a sigh of relief, words being exchanged, hugs being given. "See? He's gone sweetheart."
"Mm." She just swallows, nodding anxiously, her eyes darting around the room. I hold my arms back out, letting her head fall back into my chest and rocking her gently on the factory floor.
"I've got you." I repeat over, passing a smile to Sean who I could tell also needed some reassurance. Daring to raise my voice a few decibels, I decide to try and lighten the mood. "Well that's the quietest I've ever heard you lot be. I know what I've got to do when we need to get an order finished now."
"How do you stay so calm?" Sean asks me, and my brow just furrows, not really having an answer.
"I guess I'm used to it. Used to worse." I shrug, emitting a soft laugh, feeling Michelle grip my top. "This street, ey? Why do we all still live here?"
"Put up with a lot, you." Sean points out as if I had forgotten and I just nod, pressing a kiss into Michelle's hair.
"Baby, do you want a whiskey?" I offer when she sits up, trying to compose herself. "I've got the posh stuff in the office. I'm not going to be drinking it anytime soon."
"No... Just stay." She reaches for my hand and I nod, giving it a gentle squeeze. "...Why is there always something?"
"I don't know. But we're safe this time." I remind her and she nods, all the innocence and sweetness of the child she once was, flooding her expression. "Hey, we've got some time. Tell me about all the facts you've read up about the babies this week." I give her a gentle nudge, deciding to keep her mind at bay.
"Uh... The lungs are developing." I watch her scan her mind, intelligent as ever, a small smile creasing her face. "They can suck their thumbs now... And frown and grimace."
"Well if they're anything like me they'll be doing that a lot." I joke with her and I notice her body relax at my words.
"Mum..." Ryan's voice seeps into the safe space I had built up around us, her head turning worriedly when he raises his phone. "Uh... I've just heard from Ali. He's at the hospital. They've taken two casualties in so far... One of them is critical. They don't think he'll make it."
"...Who?" Michelle breaths, taking the silence as a bad sign. "Ryan, who?"
His eyes flicker to me, as if checking it was alright to be honest. Then kneeling down next to Michelle and speaking softly, he reveals the news. "It's Robert."
A/N: I really enjoyed writing this because there was a bit of everything in it hehe. I'm not gonna make a habit of writing loads of sexual content but it just seemed right to write it in here! Thanks for your support :)
