Chapter 3: New Beginnings

Michelle's arm linked through Vicky's as they wandered down the street, the pushchair jiggling as it bounced over the cobbles. The child seated within it remained sound asleep, much to the delight of his unlikely parents.

"Do you think he's warm enough?" Michelle wondered, peering over the hood of the pram. Despite having been the one to dress him in his new snowsuit and little boots, hood tucked up around his face, Michelle couldn't help but let doubts creep in.

"He looks just fine to me." Vicky smiled, giving her a slight nudge. Michelle offered a smile, mentally chastising herself for worrying so much. She glanced down the street, pleased to see that most of the residents were still snugly tucked up inside their homes, doors tightly shut against the brisk morning air.

"Reckon we've got time for a butty before this appointment?" Vicky asked, eyeing the 'open' sign in the window of Roy's Rolls. "My stomach is eating itself." She groaned. Michelle giggled, rolling her eyes.

"Afraid not, babe. But I promise, as soon as we're done here, I will treat us to a slap-up lunch." Michelle smiled.

"Ooh, amazing! I'm thinking lobster and champagne and-"

"How about hotpot and a glass of red at the Rovers?"

"Sounds perfect." Vicky smiled, pressing her lips lightly against Michelle's.

"Ey up, lovebirds!" A voice called out as the pair rounded the corner towards The Rovers. Michelle smirked at the sight of her best friend picking up the glass bottle of milk from the side of the pavement.

"Morning, Carla!" Michelle sang. "Jenny got you earning your keep then, has she?" She laughed at the grimace Carla offered in response.

"Honestly, Chelle, that woman! You'd think it was me and Peter running the pub, not her and Johnny." She shook her head. "What are you pair doing up so early?"

"We've got a viewing across the road in ten minutes, haven't we, babe?" Michelle explained, receiving a nod and a smile from Vicky.

"You're looking at the salon flat?" Carla grinned. Whilst she knew Michelle had planned to move back to Weatherfield, she hadn't realised that meant she'd be quite so close.

"Yep. Couldn't bare to be more than 100 metres away from you at any given time." Michelle grinned, sarcastically. Whilst it was just a joke, being away from her best friend for so long had been difficult for Michelle. She couldn't deny that being just round the corner from her again was part of the reason she wanted to move back to the street.

"Careful, Chelle. Don't want to make your girlfriend jealous." Carla teased, triggering a laugh from Vicky.

"Don't you worry about me, Carla. She's practically refused to let me out of her sight for the past eleven months. Very stubborn, this one." She gave Michelle a wink and a nudge, flashing her a beaming grin.

"Ooh, you don't have to tell me that!" Carla laughed, fully aware of her friend's tendency to stick firmly to her guns, whether she was right or not.

"Is this how it's going to be from now on? You pair ganging up on me?" Michelle scoffed.

"Well, it could be worse, babe. We could flat out refuse to talk to each other." Vicky pointed out, throwing Carla a grin.

"Yeah, that would be awkward, wouldn't it, love?" Carla agreed, giving Michelle a nudge. Whilst she knew it would take a while to get used to the idea of not being the number one woman in Michelle's life, Carla certainly didn't want to get in the way of her newfound relationship. Besides, Vicky had always been civil to her, even if she didn't get along quite so well with Peter. As long as she treated Michelle well, Carla was happy to put that aside.

"Well, I'm glad you two are bonding, but just remember I could ditch either of you in a flash. I'll have you know that I am a highly desirable and sought-after woman."

Vicky rolled her eyes, shaking her head in exasperation in Carla's direction. "We spent an hour in a gay bar over in Ireland, during which time three different women asked for her number. She's never let it go."

"As if her ego needed anymore boosting…" Carla laughed.

"You two would do well to remember how lucky you are to have me." Michelle teased, sharply prodding Carla's arm.

The sound of a sharp cry broke the serenity of the winter morning; the shrill sound echoing off the cobbles and brickwork of the surrounding street.

"Oh, here we go…" Vicky grimaced, crouching down to address the child in the pram. "Sonny, baby, hey. Shh." She felt around the pram for his dummy, trying but failing to get the child to take it. She sighed as it was flung onto the floor by flailing arms, glancing up apologetically to her partner.

"There's a bottle and nappies in the bag," Michelle suggested, helpfully, tugging open the zip.

"No, he's clean and only fed an hour and a half ago. He's just grumpy." Vicky huffed, dropping her head into her hands.

"Much like his mummy." Carla grinned. Michelle shot her a glance. "Sorry, not helpful. I'll leave you to it. Pop in and see me later, yeah? Let me know how it goes."

"Will do, babe." Michelle smiled, turning back to her family as the door of The Rovers swung shut. "Why don't you take him for a walk around the block? He might want to stretch his legs?"

"What about the appointment?" Vicky pointed out. Michelle rubbed her arm lightly.

"Well, I can head over now and explain and then you can join us once he's settled." She suggested. Vicky sighed.

"Doesn't look like we've got much of a choice…" She said, sounding resigned. "Come on then, you. Let's go for a walk."

Michelle watched as Vicky wheeled the pushchair off up the street, the sound of Sonny's cries quieting the further away they got. Vicky's hair was flicking around in the breeze, and her coat was cinched in neatly at the waist, clearly highlighting her slim figure. Michelle felt her heart flutter as she watched her.

Sighing, she noticed Audrey approach the salon and made her way across the street. She couldn't help but feel guilty by how relieved she felt. It was going to be a nightmare trying to explain her relationship with Vicky to the neighbours that had known her for so long and she couldn't help but feel glad she wouldn't have to start now.

She wasn't ashamed; far from it. She just knew the people on this street better than she'd like, and her coming out as Bisexual was something that would be on the lips of the residents for weeks; especially the older, more traditional ones. Not to mention the enemies Vicky had made throughout her short time on the street in the past. Michelle groaned at the mere thought of Tracy Barlow spotting them together. That was just something she'd just have to deal with when the time came.

"Thank you for seeing me at such short notice." Michelle smiled, as Audrey pushed open the door to number 2a Coronation Street.

"Oh, it's no trouble, Michelle. Honestly, I'd rather sell to someone like you than to a stranger anyway." She cooed, leading her up the stairs and into the main living area of the flat. The remaining furniture had been boxed up, awaiting removal to its new location, leaving the flat feeling open and airy.

Michelle wandered into the master bedroom, analysing the space available, before glancing into the box room. She smiled as she began to paint a picture in her mind; Sonny's crib tucked against the back wall, pale blue paint from floor to ceiling.

She made her way into the second double room, contemplating whether she and Vicky should give up the largest room for Tyler. She quickly decided against it, realising that they needed as much wardrobe space as possible, whilst Tyler could make do with a single chest of drawers.

She'd stayed in this flat before, more than once, but it had never really felt like a home to her. The idea of being able to transform it into a family home; her family home; made her stomach flip with excitement.

She made her way back into the living area, where Audrey was tapping carefully on the screen of her mobile phone.

"I'm just letting Maria know to come and open up downstairs for you." She explained, as Michelle continued to examine the flat.

"Thanks Audrey." She smiled.

"What brings you back to Weatherfield then, love?" Audrey questioned, politely. Michelle sighed.

"It was just the right time I think, Audrey. I'm ready to start again."

"Well, good on you, love. And you're happy with the asking price and details of the sale?" Audrey checked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yep. I've checked over the legal pack. Obviously, there's things we'll have to discuss, but so far so good."

"Oh, I am pleased! Well, do let me know as soon as you can. I've got another buyer interested. They're offering the asking price plus £50 grand in cash."

Michelle was taken aback. Despite the cutbacks and savings that she and Vicky had made, she wasn't sure they could compete with that sort of money.

"Oh, erm. I'm not sure I could compete with that-"

"Don't worry, love. I'd much rather take less money from you than sell to that man anyway. Apparently, he's made quite a few enemies around here."

"Who is it?" Michelle asked, warily.

"Ray something…" Audrey thought for a moment.

"Ray Crosby?" Michelle suggested, her stomach sinking.

"That's the one. Luckily I haven't had to have any dealings with him personally as of yet and if I'm honest I'm happy to keep it that way."

"Why would he want to buy the flat above a salon?" Michelle asked, confused. "No offence, or anything."

"Well, apparently, he's offered to buy most of the street. He's after the salon as well, or so Maria says." Audrey stated, clearly enjoying spreading the latest gossip.

"Well, in that case, I'm definitely serious about buying. Like I said though, I have a few things to discuss."

"Oh, I'm pleased to hear it! Okay, love, let me show you out. Hopefully Maria will be ready downstairs."

Audrey showed Michelle out of the flat, locking the door carefully behind them. She bid her farewell, leaving her alone outside the salon waiting for Maria. Looking down the street for any sign of her, Michelle spotted Vicky wheeling Sonny towards her, a smug look on her face.

"He's settled then?" Michelle smiled, crouching down to say hello to the boy.

"Yeah, eventually. Sorry I missed the viewing."

"Don't be silly. There wasn't much to it."

"Do you think it's right for us?" Vicky asked, meeting her gaze. Michelle smiled back, giving a slight nod of her head, sending her curls bouncing on her shoulders.

"I think it's perfect." She replied. "Although, if we want to buy, we need to get in quick. She's already got another offer."

"How much for?" Vicky asked, sounding surprised. Michelle explained what Audrey had told her, whilst Vicky listened intently, her brow furrowed.

"So, if we offer the asking price, she'll take it over Mr Sleaze?" Vicky quizzed, jerking her thumb over her shoulder in the direction of the Bistro. Michelle nodded her response. "Well, then. Surely it's a no brainer?"

"Steady on, Vicky. We need to check out the salon first before we make any decisions."

"But, providing the salon is fine, which we already know it will be, the flat is exactly what we want?"

"Yeah, I suppose it is." Michelle smiled. Vicky let out an excited squeal, reaching for Michelle's hand.

"I can't believe it! Our own flat! With no landlords or bailiffs or anyone wanting to take it away from us!" Vicky beamed. She glanced up to the window above them, already imagining the curtains she'd hang on the rails. Or maybe she'd choose blinds? At this point, she didn't care; as long as they were hers.

"Sorry I'm late!" Maria called, sounding flustered as she approached, rustling around in her handbag for the right key. "Liam's been an absolute nightmare. Told him his aunty Michelle was back and he started bouncing off the walls."

"Oh, bless him! Well, you can tell him I'll pop round and say hello later."

"Ah, he'll love that!" She grinned, pulling out a key with a fluffy pompom attached by a ring. "Here we are!"'

Maria pushed the key into the lock and twisted, shunting the door open and allowing the women to step through.

"See, I told you it would be fine, didn't I?" Vicky whispered to Michelle as Maria flicked on the lights. Michelle nodded, casting her eyes across the space, already making plans in her mind.

"Okay, now hear me out with this one, but I think we should knock that wall out and bring it forward…" Michelle gestured to the partition wall separating the main salon area from the kitchenette. "That way we'll get two equal sized rooms: this front one will obviously be the reception and then the office will be at the back. Or should we divide that into two rooms too? You know, in case we need to expand, or-"

"Michelle," Vicky laughed, wrapping an arm round her waist, "we can think about all of the logistics later. Just take it in. Is the space as a whole going to work for what we want it for?"

"What do you want it for?" Maria chimed in, curiously.

"Well, I've decided I'm going to go back into wedding planning. But properly this time, with proper premises and employees and everything." Michelle explained. She glanced across to Vicky, who was gazing at her, a smug grin across her face. "What?"

"You're amazing." She said, sincerely. Michelle rolled her eyes, laughing off the compliment.

"So, are you two going into business together? I have to say, I didn't expect you both to be so pally after, well, you know…"

Michelle and Vicky exchanged a glance. They were both silently asking each other the same question, checking they were okay with it. Vicky gave a subtle shrug.

"Actually, Maria… Vicky is my girlfriend." Michelle stated, proudly, pulling her into her side carefully.

Maria raised an eyebrow, looking slightly taken aback.

"I know it's probably a shock-" Vicky began.

"A bit yeah," Maria laughed, awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck, "but as long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

"Thanks babe." Michelle smiled. She turned back to face the room in front of her, a warm, fuzzy feeling overcoming her. That had been much easier than she'd anticipated. Turning back to Maria, she offered her a grin. "And, you know, don't feel like it's a secret you have to keep. If anybody asks-"

"Spread it like wildfire, is that what you're saying?" Maria laughed. She understood why they'd feel that way. She couldn't imagine having to keep repeating the same information over and over to everyone they passed that saw them together.

"Ooh, someone's getting restless again…" Vicky pointed out, acknowledging Sonny fidgeting in his pram.

"Let him have a wander around, babe. See what he thinks of the place." Michelle instructed with a light laugh. She watched as the toddler waddled across the room, picking up a stray hair roller that had been left behind. He fiddled with it for several moments, before toddling back towards them, arms open for Michelle to give him the attention he wanted.

She scooped him up and balanced him on her hip, taking the roller from between his chubby fingers and handing it back to Maria.

"What do you think then, Sonny? Do you think we should go for it?" She cooed.

"Yah!" He released, clapping his hands together, completely oblivious to what he'd just agreed to.

"That's settled then!" Michelle beamed, turning back to Vicky and Maria, excited butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "We'll take it."