Sophie woke up to her cell phone ringing near her head. She was having a dream about work and in her dream she couldn't find her phone to answer it, so when she woke up she was disoriented and thought she was still at work.

"Hello?" she said slightly panicking.

"Sophie! You're alive!" said the voice on the other end of the phone.

"Ches?" she asked, becoming aware that she was in her room with the glare of another grey day lighting it.

"Oh and you remember me do ya?" said Chesney sarcastically. "How are you feeling then? Better I hope."

"Yeah ta. What time is it?" asked a very groggy Sophie.

"It's still early yet about 9 or so. Just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out today…"

Sophie thought of what day it was. Wednesday. Oh yeah, the day Ryan and Katy were to hang go out on their "date". No wonder Ches wanted to occupy himself. But at 9am? Sheesh.

"Yeah that's cool. I have to see if Dev needs me today first. I've missed the past two days being sick. Just as a common courtesy yanno.."

"Sure Soph, I understand. So what time will you know?" Boy Ches was eager beaver today.

"Um let me wake up and eat and shower and see, maybe we can meet up in a couple of hours?" Sophie didn't know what they would do all day. It's just kind of the same thing around the cobbles.

"Yeah sure. Text me when you're ready and let me know what the situation is. Bye Soph."

"Bye." Sophie put her phone down and closed her eyes for a bit. How was she feeling? Better. Almost 100%. She sat up. No weakness to speak of as she put her feet on the floor and walked to the bathroom. She looked in the mirror. She looked like she had slept for a day, and she had, but nothing too crazy. Soph just needed to wake up a bit.

She came back to her room and looked at her phone. She looked out of her window at the hint of sunlight poking through the clouds, and sighed. "Here goes nothing," she thought and opened up Facebook. She wanted to see if Sian had posted anything of course but nothing came up on her page. She liked a few things here and there, people's postings she didn't know but nothing out of the ordinary. No pics of her with that creepy guy, but she thought if she wanted to be thorough, she should look at the pics of the people's postings she liked. Only IF she wanted to be thorough. A week ago, yes. Now? Not so much. It's wasn't as urgent. Seeing as she'd been out of the game for a day or two, she needed to set aside time to sit and stare at her phone and her various apps. Only after she ate however. She put her phone on the charger and went downstairs to see what her parentals were up to for brekkie.

Sian opened her eyes from a strange dream. She was running but from a faceless person, she was a little spooked but not panicking. It was just a weird feeling and in the dream she ran to the Rover's and it was the usual cast of characters and Sophie was there but ignoring her. Didn't show any concern for her at all. Just as she was about to speak to Sophie, suddenly the whole scene changed and she was back in school about to take a test she hadn't studied for. Sian was actually glad to wake up from all that stress. The humor wasn't lost on her when she realized she had to deal with those same issues in real life. Well, metaphorically speaking. Sian had a shift later in the mid day to the start of the night rush at the Rover's, and that was when she was going to talk some sense into Darren. What a silly silly man he was being. Although, yeah, when he got out, whenever that would be, would she still make time for him? Make a place for him in her life, wherever or whatever it would be? She could say yes now, but then? What if she had kids and was married, would her spouse be understanding of the situation? Would say.. Sophie, who was already wary of the situation, (by Sian's own doing she admitted) be understanding, if it was indeed her she was with in 5 years? She hated thinking that far down the line when she couldn't even tell you what was going to happen in 5 hours, but it was something to think of. She just couldn't trust Charlie. Never thought she ever could and now here she is, in a different town, months out of a bad relationship and a bad situation and she had to care about all these people again. Sian shook her head as she trudged to the bathroom to see if she looked as tired as she felt. "Not as bad as all that then," she thought to herself. She started the shower and made a pledge to herself. She will work as hard as she could to right the issues she had with both Darren AND Sophie. Sian would need a nice hot shower and a trip around the cobbles to hopefully run into Sophie. First things first after all.

After a very subdued breakfast with Sally, Kevin and baby Jack, Sophie took over on the Weatherfield Gazette to look for things to do with Ches. Any good movies? "Eh." Any plays or performances? "Not really." Any sales then? "A few." And just that fast, Soph was out of ideas.

"What you looking for Soph?" asked Sally.

"Something to do today. Ches is really on me to hang out and I like hanging out with him but it's only 10am. I don't know what to do."

"Well maybe you should take it easy after how sick you've been, you don't want…"

"I'm fine mum," Sophie interrupted. "I'll take it easy. I won't go running any decathlons okay?" Soph said with a smile. She was feeling better and clear headed. Maybe she didn't have answers as far as Sian was concerned, but she decided to just take it as it comes. The more stress and thinking about it the harder it became.

"Sophie have you talked to Dev, he might need you in the shop. He's been in a right mood lately," said Sally to Sophie as she was getting up to start getting ready for the day.

"I'm sure it's fine mum. Maybe it's just you," joked Sophie. Sally first made a stern face, but then softened and laughed. Today had a normal feel to it, Sophie wanted to go with it. She laughed and ran upstairs to call Dev. First things first after all.

Sian left her house after reading her compulsory note from her dad explaining his absence yet again. It didn't matter that he was gone, she was used to it by now.

She started getting nervous as she approached the main drag that was Coronation St. So many lives, families, occurrences and tragedies happened here. Sian too wanted to leave her stamp on the street. She wanted Sophie more and more with every step she took. It was overwhelming. She never really felt this strongly this fast. It was new and exciting. When she thought of her and Soph potentially being together in 5 years it made her heart leap. She wanted that. She smiled so big she thought her cheeks would fall off. "Alright don't get soppy Powers," she playfully chided herself. She headed to Roy's for a cuppa and a some eggs. It was the perfect place to figure out a gameplan for her ex, and hopefully her soon to be .. girlfriend? Was that in the cards? Sian smiled big again, but she hoped no one was looking. She bet she looked like a nutter for sure. She would have to stop by the Corner Shop to maybe ask Soph out for a bite or for a drink to explain. She had to come clean about Darren soon, she might as well get that out of the way. Sian would have to explain all about Darren and his notorious temper and the drugs, and her participation in it. She guessed that was a big reason why she was mortified about it all. Her role in a known drug dealer's life and the amount of drugs they had done together as a couple. Sian sighed, but told herself she wasn't involved anymore. "Remember that."

Now the Darren thing, maybe he did have a point about when he gets out of prison, but she just couldn't be okay with him doing another favor for Charlie. It was so frustrating that she started stirring her tea loudly. So loudly in fact that Rita, who was standing in line, noticed Sian and her distant look.

"You alright love?" asked Rita kindly.

"Yes Mrs…." Sian stopped. She knew Rita had just gotten married but didn't know the new name.

"Call me Rita, that's fine love," said Rita with a smile. "If you need a chat, just let me know. You know where I am,"she said with a wink.

"Thanks Rita." Sometimes Sian had a hard time with her temper herself. Got it from her dad, her mom used to say. "Lovely, just like old Vinnie," Sian said again about to start stirring her tea. She realized what she was about to do and put her spoon down. "Don't start losing focus, think of Sophie." Sian smiled again. She liked thinking of Sophie.

Sophie hung up her phone after a quick chat with Dev. He wanted to make sure she was back to 100% before she came back to work. Dev wanted to make sure his twins wouldn't get sick, so that meant she was off for the day. She called Ches.

"Alright mate," she said going through her closet for something to wear. She had no idea what was to transpire and sort of hoped her oldest friend had an idea or two.

"Hey Soph," said Ches a bit subdued. Sophie knew she would have to really try to make him feel better today, and she had to face it, she wanted to feel better too. Yeah she had decided to let Sian come to her, but she also felt helpless that it had to be that way. She wanted to just go over and pound on her door and demand answers, but like that would help anything.

"Come on mate, don't get down now. We got a full day."

"I know Soph. I was thinking, hey let's go like we used to as kids and go rile up Norris by looking at magazines and eating sweets."

"Well I'm sure we could for a bit.." Ches was trying to take himself back to a time when things weren't so hard. She saw some psychological programme on the telly a while back about people that require situations to comfort themselves, and she guessed to Chesney it was to be a kid again. "But we actually have money now, yanno, to actually buy the magazines. Let's go kill some time at the shopping center, maybe catch a film. Whatd'ya say?" Sophie asked.

"Yeah okay, let's see the silliest movie we can yeah? Totally take our minds off of things."

Sophie guessed that he knew she was going through some sort of turmoil, since one of the last conversations they had was when he texted her asking who the fella with Sian was.

"Deal. I'll be ready in 30. I'll meet you at the Kabin. For old times sake."

"Cheers Soph," Ches said as they hung up. She would indulge her best friend because she knew he would do the same. It's what mates do.

Sian sat in Roy's uncomfortably. She had a wicked thought. Could she use her charm and wit and the obviousness of Darren's want for her to get her way with him? To not have him go and possibly get in more trouble by letting him use her body for one night? She felt sick to her stomach thinking about it. She loved him sure, but any feelings for him sexually speaking were gone a while ago. She decided to get out of Roy's and hopefully leave that thought behind along with the empty cup that once held her tea. As she was strolling about, she had about an hour or so before her shift, she saw Sophie walk out of the Kabin mid-laugh. Sian without thinking quickened her pace toward the gorgeous brunette. She wanted to say something, be near Soph, have the talk she so desperately wanted to have with her. Sian slowed however when she saw a bright redheaded boy follow Soph out of the shop also laughing. She liked Chesney just fine, he was actually a good person, but everything she wanted to say to Sophie she wanted to say one on one. Chesney locked eyes with her and waved at her.

"Alright Sian," said Chesney across the street. She didn't answer right away as she saw Sophie not even budge to turn around to look. The greeting just sort of hung there, in the grey Weatherfield air. Sophie noticed the silence and turned around. Chesney for his part was blushing like mad, almost embarrassed for just blurting it out without thinking, after all he had no part in this certain bit of drama, why shouldn't he greet Sian?

"Alright Ches, Sophie," she said reluctantly. Sophie locked eyes with her and gave a small smile. More a greeting than a genuine emotion. Sian suddenly had to get out of that staring contest her and Sophie seemed to be in. "Anyway, see yas," said Sian desperate to remove herself from yet another uncomfortable situation. She walked towards the Rover's. "Why not see if they need me early." Sian had to sort her life out, but when she came face to face with the problems she bricked it. One problem being she didn't know Sophie that well. She was technically still the "new girl". Sian didn't want to be known as the person messing everyone about. The other problem was someone she's known forever. Darren. She knew all about him and how to manipulate him if she needed to. She didn't want to but she thought it would be for the best all around. Sian looked down at her hands which were shaking. She knew she shouldn't have had that last cup of tea. It was going to be a long shift.

Sophie and Ches walked around the mall and agreed on some ridiculous purchases for each other. It was like old times with them. Sophie chose the most ridiculous action movie she could for the film they were to see. When it was over they had to adjust to it being dark outside. It always felt so strange going into a movie when it's light outside and coming out when it was dark. Like you wasted a whole day, but in this case it was exactly what they wanted.

"So.. fancy a drink Mr. Brown?" asked Sophie with a sly grin.

"Not the Rover's Soph…"

"Oi! I'm not that foolish. Nah more like our new usual The Flying Horse. What do ya say? Eh? Eh?" she said gently elbowing him.

"Oh go on then. I do have to stop home first, want to put my new trilby and top siders away. Can't believe you talked me into either of those!" said Ches through laughing.

"Well we will look dashing with my gold prom dress and platforms won't we?"

"I suppose. Thanks Soph, you know, for today and that."

"Oh don't go soft on me now. Thanks to you as well for occupying ME!" Soph reached in for a hug. It was great to have a mate like Ches. Especially when they were both trying to forget difficult relationship situations.

Sophie stood outside of Chesney's house after making a quick trip to her own house to drop off her bags. She didn't want to but of course looked the direction of the Rover's, wondering if Sian was in there working. She felt compelled to at least go to the window and peek in. Just as she was debating it, she saw Sian walk out of the Rover's followed by that creepy guy from before. They did not look happy however. Sophie stood at attention as Sian walked ahead of him, and he followed, yelling something at her.

"Come on Sian you knew this time would come!" he said to the back of her. Sian turned around to face him. Sophie couldn't hear what she was saying but couldn't tear her eyes away.

"Darren, you know you're fucking up your life even more by doing this don't you? Of course you're going to get caught, that's why they all let you volunteer! Use your head you idiot!" Sian got closer to him and appeared to grab his jacket. She was talking in a quieter voice right to his face and he looked down as she was talking. Sophie didn't know what was going on but wanted to see this play out. If he even made one move towards her, he would pay for it dearly.

The man reached out and grabbed Sian's wrists. Not roughly but with a strong enough hold to make Sophie walk towards them.

"Hey, you alright Sian?" asked Sophie, her voice shaking.

Sian broke out of the trance she was in in her anger and tearfully looked at Sophie.

"Yeah Soph, I'm fine. Just go."

"Well okay Sian but…"

"JUST GO SOPH. Please? I'm sorry. I'll explain later."

"What's all this then?" asked Darren. "Are you two mates?"

"Darren just leave it yeah? Sophie I'm fine thank you," said Sian looking between the two of them.

"Hey Sophie what's going on?" asked Chesney walking quickly towards the ruckus.

"They were arguing, and I wanted to see if Sian was okay."

"Which I am Sophie, thank you. I'll explain later," said Sian trying to hold back her sniffles.

"You know what? Don't bother. It's all just a waste of time innit?" said Sophie storming off with Chesney quickly running after her. When he finally caught up to her, he stopped her and turned her to face him.

"Don't get upset Sophie. We knew there was something weird going on, and now we know. I am sorry though," said Chesney sincerely.

Sophie had tears in her eyes but from anger, not from sadness. She reached in for another hug and over Chesney's shoulder she saw it. That guy kissing Sian. He kissed her then walked away from her. Sophie couldn't move. Neither could Sian apparently, she just stood watching the man walk away. Now Sophie's tears were from sadness, hot and quick.

After she watched Sophie walk away, Sian really started crying. "Was she serious? Was I just a waste of time?" Sian thought. She turned to Darren. He also had a hurt look on his face.

"Answer me. Are you two mates? Why wouldn't you tell me that?" he asked quietly. "You know what, don't answer. I already know. How many times do I have to tell you, I'm different. You don't need to hide things from me anymore. Or well you didn't. Sian I'm not here to hurt you. I wanted to make amends with you. If you wanted you never have to see me again. I just wanted to say goodbye and how very very sorry I was. And that… I love you."

Sian still couldn't form any words and before she knew it, he was moving in for a kiss, which she let him do. She didn't know why but she couldn't move at that moment. After the kiss was over, Darren slowly opened his eyes. "Goodbye Sian." And with that he walked away into the night. She watched him for as long as she could. His figure getting smaller and smaller as him and his shadow were just nothing in the darkness of the night. She could only watch. "Goodbye Darren."

Sophie had been pacing outside for about 10 minutes. She looked at the front door of the apartment of the girl that had caused her so much torment. Sophie noticed a light on in the living room. She took a swig of the cider she had bought after storming out of The Flying Horse while Ches had made a run to the loo. "All or nothing," she drunkenly thought. She bounded up the stairs and pounded on the front door. Sophie saw movement behind the peephole.

"Sophie? What are you.."

"Can I come in?" asked Sophie not wanting to answer any questions.

"Well sure but are you okay?"

Sophie blew in the doorway and turned around. She walked right up and forcibly kissed the occupant of the flat. The girl at first resisted but then was overtaken by the forcefulness of the normally timid Sophie Webster.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked the brunette.

"Do you want this or not Erinn?" asked Sophie trying not to slur her words.

The redhead grinned a devilish grin. "Of course I do."