It was a couple weeks later and it was the beginning of May Michelle was struggling to hide her pregnancy so there was no way she would be able to go back to the street unless she wanted people to know. She utilised Lilah's house this meant she could start saving to buy a place of her own. Lilah still hadn't been in contact but everyone just assumed she was busy. Peter was running the bistro with Carla doing one shift a week as she felt stronger now and she had also been making a budding friendship with Leanne which confused everyone. Carla became increasingly determined to annoy Nick but her inner reasons for doing this would really annoy Peter. Carla noticed there was a booking for the Platts, and she wanted to step up and annoy Nick, she found it fun.
"Hi Peter, Carla" Nick says "We have a table booked"
"Oh yes, follow me" he smiles and shows them to the table then returns to the bar
"No game playing you" Peter says pointing at Carla
"Me? Why would you think such a thing?" she mocks a shocked expression as Nick joins them at the bar
"You missing Lilah?" Carla questions
"Shut it Carla" Nick says sternly
"Does Leanne know yet? I'm in a need for a bit of gossip" Carla asks
"As if she'd believe you, you're enemies the last time I checked" he raises his eyebrows
"You obviously don't check very often then" Carla replies smugly
"You wouldn't" Nick sighs
"Would I not?" Carla retorts
"I know you remember" Nick states
"I don't think you do, Leanne's been complaining a lot actually" Carla says trying to keep Nick intrigued
"Really?" Nick asks falling for the bait
"Oh you know, 'Nicks been really distant' 'I'm afraid he's not into me anymore' you see if I wanted to keep my relationship I would do something about that. Just a heads up though" she says
"How do I know you're telling the truth then?" Nick asks
"A few months down the line she will get fed up and dump you, therefore I will be there to say 'I told you so'" she replies "If you want to ruin a good thing, then go ahead"
"Nick hurry up with those drinks!" Sarah shouts from the table
"You keep your mouth shut" Nick says sternly
"Won't need to the rate you're going" she laughs "Run along" she says hurtfully as Nick leaves to take the drinks to the table
"Ok, what has gotten into you, you've been acting weird ever since you came out of hospital" Peter says concerned
"I'm fine" she pouts
"Fine but I must admit I'm enjoying feisty Carla. I just don't understand why you're pursuing this" he says
"My own entertainment" she smiles as he rolls his eyes
A while later Leanne enters with Oliver to join the family lunch. She goes over to order a drink at the bar before joining the rest of the family.
"People would start to think you're avoiding them" Carla says turning to face Leanne
"You know what they're like" Leanne says rolling her eyes
"I do indeed. You look like you could need a stiff drink" Carla observes
"Something like that" she laughs
"Want me to bring your drink over?" Carla questions as Leanne nods before heading over to join the Platts and a few minutes later Carla approaches the Platts table with Leanne's drink
"Can I get you anything?" Carla asks
"Ok right, Carla you have good fashion sense" Sarah states
"I wouldn't really call it good" she laughs
"Would you buy these shoes to go with this skirt" Sarah asks showing her the pictures
"I guess I'm more of a fan of dark colours" she shrugs
"Carla could I have a cocktail please, for my lady" Nick says
"Which one?" Carla retorts smartly as Nick glares at her
"What's going on?" Leanne questions
"Nothing, I was just asking which cocktail Nick wanted" she smiles sweetly
"The most expensive one a treat for being the best girlfriend ever" Nick says firmly trying to enrage Carla
"That's really sweet" Carla states "I'll be right back" she replies as Nick pretends to get up and go to the toilet
"Could you make it any more obvious?" he questions
"Could you get any more paranoid?" Carla asks
"You would know all about that wouldn't you?" he replies hurtfully "What do you want to make you forget about me and Lilah?"
"What if I don't want to forget?" Carla questions
"Come on Carla, you must want something otherwise you wouldn't be going to all this trouble" he states
"Maybe I just like to see you squirm, think of it as revenge" she shrugs
"This? Again, it was self-inflicted and you know it" he says angrily
"So what if it was? But there is one thing you should have learnt from it" she replies
"And what's that then?" he sighs
"That one night stands end in relationship break downs we're even a living example of that and you made a mistake. At least I wont get the blame this time" she shrugs
"You're a bitch" he spits
"And you're a fool" she retorts "Go back to your family meal and be good we wouldn't want my mouth to get ahead of itself" she says as Nick heads back to join his family
"What has gotten into you?" Peter interrogates
"Nothing" she trails off
"You and me are having a discussion about your behaviour tonight" he replies
"Yes, Sir" she says rolling her eyes
"Enough of the cheek" he states
"I'm going to see 'Chelle, I guess I will see you tonight then so I can get my lecture" she huffs as she exits the bistro
A while later Carla arrived to collect Michelle to take her shopping as she wanted to forget about the lecture that Peter was going to give her later that evening. She knew she would have to reveal why she was acting tough but she really didn't want to as it would make her feel weak she wanted to keep it to herself instead of burdening people with her problems.
"Why have you dragged me here?" Michelle questions
"Because I am very bored" Carla pouts
"Ok, what's the real reason, you and Peter have been in each other's pockets since you've been out of hospital what's changed" Michelle asks
"Fine. Nick and his family were at the bistro" Carla states hoping that Michelle would guess and therefore not having to feel vulnerable about revealing her true intentions
"Ok? What happened" Michelle sighs
"I kind of went a bit too overboard on the bitchiness towards him" Carla says quietly
"Why Carla? I can understand where Peter's coming from but it's dead, buried, in the past now maybe it's time to move on?" Michelle suggests
"I guess you're right" Carla says backing down
"You know I am, right where do you want to go?" Michelle asks
"Any where with clothes?" Carla says with a laugh
"You don't need anymore clothes Carla you have like 3 wardrobes full" she says with her eyebrows raised "If it's anyone who needs clothes it's me, so you are shopping on behalf of me"
"Fine where we going then? Mothercare?" Carla sighs
"Don't act all upset with it, I expect you to use your good sense of fashion to pick me out some clothes to wear" she says firmly "And yes, Mothercare" she states as they walk in the direction of it
"Why are we in here when there's shops that have good looking clothes across the way?" Carla asks
"Because your little niece or nephew is getting a little bit too big for me to fit into my normal clothes size" Michelle states
"Fine, this looks nice" Carla says holding up a stretchy burgundy top
"It's all dark colours with you isn't it?" Michelle laughs
"Do you want my advice or not?" Carla asks
"Fine" Michelle sighs
"Here put these in the basket" Carla says holding out a few pairs of maternity leggings
"Good girl" Michelle says
"Patronising cow" Carla pouts before heading over to some dresses
"I like this one" Michelle suggests holding out a red stretchy dress
"Too colourful for my taste but if you want it go ahead" Carla suggests secretly enjoying this shopping trip "You must go for a black one in favour of me"
"Fine something to keep you happy" Michelle sighs "Now you are going to be a good girl and pick out your niece or nephews first outfit"
"You what?" Carla splutters
"You heard me, come on" Michelle says dragging Carla along to the endless racks of baby clothes
"How do I know what to pick?" Carla asks confused
"Pick something you like then I will help choose the size" Michelle says
"I like this" Carla says holding up a white fluffy teddy bear all-in-one
"Now choose the new born size" Michelle prompts as Carla looks through the rack to get the correct size and then places it in the basket "Well done"
"Ooo I also like this" Carla says picking out a set of three panda body suits in the new born size
"Ok anyone would think you're excited" Michelle laughs
"Can we get those little shoe things!" Carla exclaims excitedly unable to put an act on anymore
"It's always shoes with you isn't it" Michelle giggles as they head over to a small rack near the clothes
"These" Carla says holding out a pair of black baby shoes along with a white converse type shoe
"Very stylish, I'm impressed" Michelle says confidently placing the items in the basket "Right we just need some basic white baby grows and sleepsuits then we're done here for now"
"Ok, then can we look at the cots and stuff" Carla asks hopeful
"If you want, only looking though, I don't have a place of my own yet" Michelle says picking up the items she needed "Come on then let's have a look at some furniture"
"This is nice" Carla points to a leather rocking chair black in colour
"I agree, I might actually have to get that at some point" Michelle says completely in awe with the way Carla was acting
"And it would go well with this!" Carla exclaims excitedly pointing to a black cot "Aw and this is cute" she says looking at a changing station
"That is very practical I'm impressed, I might have to get you to design the baby's room at this point" Michelle says raising her eyebrows
"Can I?" Carla asks childishly
"If it means that much to you" Michelle laughs "Come on let's pay for this and get you home to Peter so he can lecture you"
A while later Carla drives home to see Peter, she invites Michelle up for moral support and as it was getting late she invited her to stay the night so she didn't have to deal with a grumpy Peter. Carla helped Michelle with the bags as they made up their way upstairs.
"Hey, baby" Carla says going to peck him on the lips
"Hello, love, Michelle" he smiles
"Sorry I wanted to drag her baby shopping" Michelle says "And I've given her a pep talk on the Nick situation" she says nudging Carla
"We still need to speak about it though" Peter says sternly
"I know but first look at what I got Michelle to buy" Carla says giving Peter the fluffy all in one bear suit she got
"Carla Connor? Are you there?" Peter questions sarcastically
"Yes I can go back to being a bitch towards Nick if you want" Carla says
"I think I like this Carla more" he says
"Michelle even said I can design the baby's room" Carla exclaims excitedly
"Michelle you do realise the walls are probably going to be black right?" Peter jokes
"Don't worry she's even been picking out black furniture and black shoes for the baby" Michelle rolls her eyes
"Poor child" Peter says
"You will get a smack in a minute if you're not careful" Carla says
"Come on, we need to talk" Peter says guiding her to the sofa
"Please don't be mad with me" Carla begs
"Woah where's all this coming from?" Peter questions gently as Carla's eyes start to fill with tears
"Carla what's going on?" Michelle asks gently
"Carla please speak to us we want to understand" Peter prompts whilst Carla walks over to him and sits on his lap
"I just needed control and I think it got to my head a bit" Carla says
"Oh Carla" Peter sighs "Why didn't you say you were feeling out of control"
"I didn't want to be treated as incapable of living a normal life, so I decided to control Nick and make him feel intimidated by making him paranoid about me revealing to Leanne about his and Lilah's one night stand" she sighs
"I understand but why?" he asks gently
"I just wanted someone to feel the same as what I felt" she says
"Oh sweetheart, next time talk to us, don't take it out on Nick" Peter says
"We're here to help Carla, and you can decide whether we know the gender of the baby at the next scan" Michelle proposes
"Really?" Carla says perking up a bit
"Yes really!" Michelle exclaims
"This means that we can pick out little sets of clothes and stuff and colours for the room" Carla says excitedly
"You mean shades for the room" Peter jokes
"Ha ha ha" Carla replies sarcastically "I'm going to get ready for bed now as I am pretty tired, I'll see you guys in the morning" she replies yawning
"I'll be in soon, you get comfy" He smiles at her as she leaves to go into the bathroom
"That cheered her up a bit" Michelle says
"Yeah, did she really pick all that stuff out?" he laughs
"Yep she was so happy it was weird" she says reflecting on the day
"Anyone would think she's getting broody" he says
"She probably is, don't push it with her, it's still a sensitive area" Michelle replies
"I know, but thanks for cheering her up" he says
"No problem, glad I could be of assistance" she laughs "Right I'm going to go and steal some pyjamas and go to bed, goodnight"
"Night 'Chelle" Peter says