This one is slightly on the longer side. I hope you like it and it all makes sense, quite a few introductions of new characters from the show who haven't been in this story yet in this chapter.

"Morning sleepy head." Michelle says as I enter the back room of the rovers, running my hand through my hair as I let out a yawn.

"Yeah, couldn't sleep." I reply.

"Are you alright?" She asks after a moment as I catch her concerned eye.

"Just tired, that's all."

"You sure?" She asks, suspiciously, to which I nod.

"If you say so." She says although I can tell she's still unconvinced.


I slowly wake up and adjust to my surroundings as I realise I must have fallen asleep on the sofa with Holly in my arms.

"I've got some people who would quite like to see you." Michelle says as she comes through the door.

"Who?" I ask curiously before a smile taking over my face as I realise who has walked through the door.

"Kate, Aidan, oh my god." I exclaim excitedly as they walk over to me.

"It's been too long sis." Kate says, meaningfully as she hugs me.

"That's true." Aidan says as he also hugs me.

"What are you doing back then?" Aidan asks me as we all sit down on the sofa, Kate taking Holly out of my arms as she bounces her up and down, tickling her face, causing us all to smile at the sight.

"Just came for a visit." I say, not wanting to explain that I actually believed there would be a way back for Nick and I.

"Well, how long are you staying for?" Kate turns to face me.

"I'm not sure at the moment, I need to check flights back to LA. I've still got some things I need to do before I go." I say, while they nod along, completely oblivious to the bombshell I may have to drop.

"I know you probably don't want to see him Carla and I totally understand but... it's just I'm sure our dad would love to see you whilst you're here? Holly too." I look up to Kate and I see the look in her eye and I know how much it would mean to her. I can't stop myself from nodding back.

"Yeah, we might as well see him whilst we're here. He is her granddad after all." I smile.


"I'm just gonna go down and sort out some stuff at the factory, I'll be a couple of hours. Don't worry, Kate and Aidan asked to spend some bonding time with Holly." I tell Michelle as I leave the room, deciding to walk through the pub.

I expect everyone knows I'm back now.

As I walk through, its clear that some people were in the dark. I know I need to just get it over and done with though.

I can see the factory workers and smile over at them as their faces are a mixture of shock and, what I hope is, joy.

Looking further around, it's clear not everyone has the same joy.

Sitting in a booth near the centre of the pub is Nick's family. All gathered round the table are Sarah, Audrey, Kylie, David and Gail. While most of them seem to be looking away, hoping to avoid making eye contact, I can see Gail's disapproving stare towards me as I leave.

I don't know what I expected. It wasn't like I've got a good name around here. I don't blame Nick's family, it's not like they know the truth. They think I ruined Nick's life just when we were happy. Well, I guess I did.


Walking down towards the factory just reminds me of yesterday. It reminds me of Robert, it reminds me of the way he grabbed my hair, it reminds me of his forceful grip, the memories.

I shudder as I pass the alleyway, unable to suppress a slight gag at the memories brought back from seeing him.

I'm so distracted, so in a trance that I don't even notice who is walking directly towards me, almost causing me to bump into him.

"Nick, are you alright?" I ask awkwardly as I expect him to be just as dismissive of what I have to say as he was two days previous.

"Yeah I'm fine, is there anywhere we could go? To talk?" He asks me as a hopeful look spreads across my face.

"I've got to go and check up on a few things at the factory but maybe I could pop round to your flat afterwards for a coffee? We can talk then?"

"Yes, I'd like that." He smiles gently. Although I can tell he's still angry about me not coming back and telling him sooner, I can see he's slowly coming around to the idea.


"Argh!" I exclaim as I place my now not full cup of coffee onto my desk and attempt to use tissue to get the coffee off my white blouse.

"Great. Just flaming great." I say to myself before my head shoots up towards the direction of the entrance to the factory upon hearing the noise of the door opening and shutting shortly after.

"Hello?" I shout, trying to remain calm even though I can feel my erratic heart beating in my chest.

"Is anyone there?"

Still, no reply. I can barely see through the blinds that I foolishly shut as I still try to calm myself down.

Getting up from the chair I was sitting at, I slowly back towards the wall at the opposite end of the office, silently hoping and praying it isn't him.

As I look around for something, anything to protect myself, I'm forced to pick up a nearby stapler. A vain attempt at protection, I know. But, I just need something.

Steps, I hear them. They echo around the factory.

Shoes.

Man's shoes.

No, it can't be.

I'm imagining it I am.

I completely regret closing all the blinds of the office, feeling completely helpless as I hear him approaching the door.

"I heard you were back."

I breathe out, trying to calm my heart rate as I place the stapler down on the desk.

"Hi Johnny," I say, disinterested as I sit down at my desk once again, putting my head in my hands. I can't help but feel slightly angry at him for scaring me like that, though know he didn't mean to but I still haven't completely brung myself to forgive him.

"Are you okay?" He asks me with a concerned look as he walks down to what is presumably now his desk.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Really? You look quite tired." He observes as I pull a face at him.

"Oh charming!" I laugh as he smiles back at me slightly.

"Where's Holly?" Johnny inquires.

"Kate and Aidan popped round and said they'd watch her for her bit so she's spending some time with them." I tell him as he, once again, smiles at the thought. "I'm just getting a few things done before I go again."

"Go?" He asks me, slightly shocked.

"Yeah it's just a passing visit, I'm sure you'll be gutted to hear." I say, sarcastically, looking down to the work in front of me.

"Well I am actually." He says which shocks me. "I know you may not think of me as your dad and I totally understand but I'd really like a chance. Maybe a chance to be a grandfather to Holly?"

I can hear the desperation in his voice as he asks me and I can't stop myself from nodding towards him.

"I'm ready to give you a chance Johnny, for Holly, if no one else."

"Really? Thank you." He tells me as he continues to ramble on but I don't listen. My mind wanders elsewhere.

Elsewhere being the man who saved me when I almost ruined everything. The man who I used to be engaged to. The man who is the father of my daughter.

"Johnny I'm sorry, I just remembered. There's somewhere I have to be." I quickly excuse myself before leaving the factory and racing over to his flat, about to press the buzzer for him to let me up.

It's like everything, everything that's happened has just made me realise that I let him go too easy. I dropped a bombshell and then I left, I left without even giving him a change to forgive me.

I didn't fight for him, I was too scared.

This time I'll fight, not just for me but for Holly too.

I know this is right. I should never have given up so easily. I should never have let Robert get the better of me and let the man I love go. That was a mistake.

I'm not going to make that mistake this time.

"Nick, let me up. I need to talk to you."

I hope that all made sense and you like it. Please review if you still like reading this story as it means so so much to me? Let me know any opinions on it or if you have any suggestions of whatever. Thank you so much for taking the time to read!