It was a couple of days later and Lilah made her way to Carla's flat to talk to her about Liam's day release which was going to be tomorrow just so that everyone was aware that it was happening. She wanted to ensure that there was a plan in place so Liam could feel supported by his family.
"So then why have you called us here then?" Carla asks
"I wanted to talk about Liam" Lilah replies apprehensively
"Oh right" Carla frowns
"I just wanted to let you know he has day release tomorrow and I was wondering if any of you were free to be with him, I'll be there so you don't need to worry about being alone with him" Lilah explains
"I will be obviously because I don't work, and I'm sure 'Chelle would, wouldnt you?" Carla asks
"Yeah of course, sibling bonding and all that" she smiles
"Alright then I'm glad I got that sorted, is there any recommendations on what you think he'd like to do?" Lilah asks poise to take notes on her notepad
"Maybe go to the Rover's for a drink?" Carla suggests
"I could bring the photo albums, I'm sure you have one don't you Carla?" Michelle asks
"Yeah I have a few some from years ago, so I'll dig them out" she says
"Alright seems all good to me I'll let you know when we're on our way" Lilah says collecting her stuff
"Alright then I'll see you tomorrow" Carla says "Take care"
It was the next day and everyone was apprehensive about Liams day release and what it meant for Carla, he was scared that this may bring back some horrible feelings for her as she would be reminiscing about which may cause her to retreat into some dark places in her mind but Carla reassured him that she would be fine.
"So then shall we get going, we need to meet Lilah in the Rover's at 2" Carla says
"Alright let me just get Alannah ready" Michelle says
"She sleeps a lot" Carla frowns
"Well she is a baby, and they tend to do that" Michelle laughs
"Are you going to put her in black?" Carla asks excitedly noticing Michelle going through Alannah's clothes
"Well I was going to put these little black leggings on with this pink dress if that's ok with you?" Michelle questions sarcastically
"Not sure about the pink I would prefer black" Carla frowns
"Yeah, not happening" Michelle says
"Right do you need me to do anything?" Carla asks
"No I think we're just about ready to go" Michelle says strapping Alannah into her pram
"Is it weird I'm nervous?" Carla asks taking a sit in the far corner of the Rover's
"I don't know really, I am but at the same time I just want to see my brother" Michelle says before Lilah and Liam enter
"Hi" he says timidly
"Hello, again" Carla flashed him a grin
"Hi, you look well, you both do" he smiles taking a seat next to Carla
"You alright 'Chelle?" Liam asks
"I cant believe it's you, I think I'm dreaming" Michelle says
"What would you like to drink?" Lilah asks them all
"I'm fine for now" Carla replies holding up her orange juice
"Just a tap water for me" Michelle says
"And you Liam?" Lilah asks
"Umm I'll have a pineapple juice" he smiles appreciatively
"Carla Connor without a glass of red in her hand, what has the world come to" he laughs
"Trust me, I would have one if I could" she sighs
"I remember you're on anti-psychotics" he says
"Yeah and aren't they fun" she retorts sarcastically
"Still the same Carla then 'Chelle" he replies
"Yeah it gets quite annoying living with her sometimes, me and Alannah mostly lock ourselves away in the spare room" Michelle states
"Oh I bet she's even worse at home at least she can restrain herself out here" Liam says
"Everything ok?" Johnny asks Lilah over the bar
"Yeah, just giving them some time to speak to each other, looks like I'm not needed" she laughs slightly
"Yeah they were inseparable when they were younger" Johnny replies
"I bet they used to cause a lot of mischief" Lilah says raising her eyebrows
"Hm they did, used to swan off to the quarry play those stupid games like spin the bottle, truth or dare, card games at Pauls flat you name it" he smiles glancing over at them
After a couple of hours both Carla and Michelle returned to the flat, Alannah in tow. They both started to prepare dinner for when Peter returned that evening so that they could all sit down and have a meal together.
"I need to talk to you about something" Michelle starts
"Oh really? What about?" she frowns
"You're not going to like it.. But I'm thinking about moving out" Michelle explains
"Oh…It's your life I guess" Carla shrugs
"So you're not mad?" she asks cautiously
"Like I said, it's your life" she smiles "Right shall we carry on preparing this?" Carla says
"Yeah alright, let me just go and check on Alannah" she says going into the spare room
Messages
Peter:
You might want to get home I just dropped a bombshell on Carla and you may be needed, see you soon
"I think I'll just sit her moses basket in here so we can keep an eye on her" Michelle says
"Good idea" Carla sniffs
"You alright?" Michelle asks cautiously
"Yes! I can cope on my own you know" she snaps
"Ok I was just worried, Carla" Michelle replies
"Can you get Peter?" Carla asks, tears filling her eyes
"Ok, want me to go and get him from the bistro?" Michelle asks
"No don't leave me" Carla says quietly
"Ok look, I don't have to move out if you don't want me to" Michelle persists
"You're allowed to live your life 'Chelle" Carla sighs
"Look why don't I give Peter a call? I'll go in the other room so Alannah doesn't wake up, will you be ok watching her?" Michelle asks
"I don't want to be left on my own" she sighs
"Ok, that's fine I'll just ring Peter then we can all sit down and-" Michelle says before she hears the keys in the door
"Are we alright…?" Peter asks carefully
"No not really" Michelle starts
"I'm not listening to this" Carla says removing herself from the situation
"What's happened?" Peter sighs
"I basically asked to move out because I thought it was time me and Alannah should get our own place at first I thought she took it ok but maybe she didn't hence her awful mood" Michelle says "Sorry if I've caused unnecessary upset"
"It's not your fault 'Chelle you're allowed to live your life the way you want it, I knew this would happen"
"I'm sorry if I caused friction…" Michelle says
"I'll go speak to her" Peter says heading into the bedroom
"Car?" he questions gently
"What" she snaps
"Speak to me, I want to understand" Peter persists as she starts sobbing uncontrollably
"Please baby, you really are worrying me" he sighs going over to her
"Don't- Don't touch me don't come near me" she says
"Do you want me to read to you?" he questions
"Just leave me alone" she replies bluntly
"I'm sorry I can't do that" he replies
"Fine then, I will go myself" she says grabbing her jacket, phone and keys making her way out of the house
"What was that about then?" Michelle asks, confused
"I give up I really do sometimes, I think she's making progress then the simplest of things send her into a rage" he says rubbing his forehead
"She'll be back, she's probably just gone to clear her head or something" Michelle suggests, trying to be optimistic
"I'm going to go out and look for her, I don't suppose you can phone around?" Peter asks
"Of course I'll do my best, you go and have a look" Michelle suggests
"Ok I will see you later" he says leaving the flat
About an hour later Carla arrived at Lilah's wanting someone different to talk to, and to compose herself for a conversation with Peter.
"This is a nice surprise" Lilah says answering the door to Carla
"I'm not in the mood for sarcasm Lilah" she huffs
"I know, Michelle rang me saying you went AWOL" Lilah states "Want a drink?"
"Sure, just water will do" she sighs
"So then what brings you here then I thought you and Peter were doing fine" Lilah frowns taking a sip of her coffee
"We are, it's Michelle" Carla replies
"What about Michelle then?" Lilah asks
"She wants to move out" Carla says bluntly
"Ok? And you're not happy with that?" Lilah questions
"For someone who's had a number of years in psychiatry you're not very smart on emotions are you" she snaps angrily
"Woah calm down I was just asking" Lilah rolls her eyes
"Yes, Sorry I know" Carla replies tearfully
"So then, why aren't you happy?" Lilah rephrases
""Me and 'Chelle have become so close since she's been living with me and Peter I'm just going to miss them both"
"Are you sure that's all it is?"
"You tell me" she sighs
"You seem to be rather sensitive, that's all" Lilah raises her eyebrows
"Well you'd be if your friend didn't want to live with you" she huffs
"Ok, let's take a step back and think about this properly, Michelle is stuck in your spare bedroom with her baby, maybe she just needs more space" she suggests
"Yeah…maybe you're right" she contemplates
"Ok, is there anything else you want to talk to me about, because I'm all ears" Lilah smiles
"Could I maybe stay here tonight, it's just I think I need a break to get my head around stuff" Carla questions quietly
"Of course, I need to let Peter know that you're here though, that's the deal" Lilah says
"Fine" she huffs
"Good now you pick a movie for us to watch" Lilah suggests