Shorter chapter but I think I'm going to write shorter ones as it comes to a close by New Year's. Thanks so much, you all are lovely. Sian's POV next :))))

Despite Sian wanting to talk to Sophie after she calmed, she had unintentionally let it go for a day and a half. She was in contact with Soph for sure but it was more like.. "I'm sorry Soph, it'll get better I promise." To which Sophie basically had no choice but to simply answer, "Okay."

Sophie wasn't trying to garner any sympathy or play games, she was simply in a state of wonder about what would happen next. She didn't want to push it with Sian because she felt bad enough as it is, and she didn't want to let out any more of her feelings since that's all she's done since their talk that night up in Amber's flat. Even though both girls wanted to be upfront and honest about what was going on in their respective minds, right now seemed so delicate, no one wanted to disrupt the flow and push it one way or the other. Which in turn meant no one spoke up or made bold efforts to end the tension.

Meanwhile, Sophie's birthday party planning was in full swing. It was happening at the Rover's and both Chesney and Ryan were to say they had plans that night and her parents were to act as if they didn't remember the day. Initially Sian was to be the "date" and was to lead an unsuspecting Sophie to the Rover's where the surprise would happen, but Rosie keeping her ear to the ground and sensing the mood between the two quickly changed the plan to leaving Sian's role up in the air. If she worked that night, then fine, and if she were to be there for the surprise part, that was fine too. Rosie instead was going to act appalled but understanding that their parents "forgot" Sophie's birthday, and both Kevin and Sally were to act short and terse with each other during the day, which to be honest wasn't that difficult, but lately they have found themselves getting on better than they had in a long long while and so they had promised to have fake disagreements during Sophie's day at the house.

Sophie woke up on her birthday with a slight uneasiness in her chest, as the stuff with Sian still wasn't resolved and both Chesney and Ryan playing phone tag with her. "Am I really going to be alone on my birthday? Did everyone really forget?" thought Sophie with a sense of dread. She looked at her phone. There was a snapchat story from Sian. It was a picture of the blonde in a Beatles shirt featuring the famous Apple logo. Sophie couldn't help but wonder if that was a message, but either way, she wouldn't wallow on her birthday. If no one remembered or planned anything for her, she was going to have the best day she could despite the setbacks. She was going to get ready for the day, dress slightly nicer than her usual wear and just try to enjoy the day. Maybe get a few punters to buy her a drink or two if it really came down to that.

Sophie walked down the stairs to the kitchen for her usual birthday breakfast, but instead found Sally rushing around and Kevin dealing with a cranky Jack. Sophie noticed the calm that had been upon her parents around each other was gone as it was a little tense this morning. Of all mornings.

"Are yous two fighting?" asked Sophie.

"Well your father insisted on getting in the shower first this morning, even after we had established that I was to be the first one….."

"Give it a rest Sally, I said I was sorry. I thought I'd be quick this morning, but I didn't know you would be up early.." trailed off Kevin.

Sophie sighed as she slowly put toast in the toaster. "It's going to be a great day yeah? Don't start squabbling now."

"Well maybe you should have told that to your father before he got the great idea to be 'quick in the morning' " said a very disgruntled looking Sally Webster. Soph couldn't help but roll her eyes as her toast popped out of the toaster after a long silence. Both Kevin and Sally looked at each other during the silence and nodded. It would appear that Sophie had bought their "fight" and didn't want to press it any further. They both made moves to leave the house and start their days of work, and Sophie felt a bit lonely watching them leave. She would even settle for babysitting baby Jack at this point. She phoned Rosie.

"They forgot," said Sophie with a sigh.

"Forgot? Forgot what exactly?"

"It's my birthday innit? I thought that maybe since they've been getting along better that we could all.."

"Yeah well Sophie it's amazing to you and me that they are getting along but let's be realistic here, they won't get along all the time. Tell ya what, let's totally go shopping. My treat. Or well Jason's treat," said Rosie suddenly giggling at her own statement.

"Yeah Rosie, I don't know…"

"Oh come on Soph, we'll have lunch and gossip about Ryan and Chesney, it'll be like.. ladies night. But in the day. Well, you know what I mean," said Rosie.

Sophie couldn't help but smile a bit at Rosie. "Yeah okay sure. Thanks." Sophie didn't really want to leave the cobbles and be even farther from Sian and her mates but, since no one had even made a move to say happy birthday at least, maybe a day away would be okay. Especially with someone who was actually making an effort.

The girls meandered around the mall trying stuff on, buying things here and there and having lunch at one of the nicer places located there. Sophie was checking her phone so often for word from anyone that Rosie began to feel bad that she knew no one would be texting her, and if they did, it was to blow her off. Of course she knew it would pay off with the big do waiting for her at the Rover's in a mere three hours, but still, for the time being, she was genuinely trying to make her little sister feel better.

"Should we order champagne?" asked Rosie.

"Eh, we don't have to. But I do like champagne," said Sophie with a slightly wicked grin.

"Right. Oi waiter! A bottle of champagne please, for the birthday girl!" At first the server cringed at being called at in such a manner but then automatically brightened up at the mention of "champagne" and "birthday". He quickly scampered off to get one of the more expensive bottles of bubbly as revenge. He would teach this brazen young lady a lesson. You can't just order something without naming the type you want. If you are rude and ask for something, you better be sure that you will be brought the expensive stuff.

Even Sophie cringed at Rosie's outburst, but was happy that someone was in the mood to celebrate. She would have champagne but not get drunk, as it was only around noon and didn't want to waste the day being….. well…. wasted.

After a bottle of bubbly and some hilarious chat about their family and friends, the girls were ready to catch the bus back to the cobbles. Sophie had only purchased a few things as she wasn't really in the mood to shop but the few things she decided on, she was pleased with. That and half a bottle of champagne put her in a pretty fine mood, so she pulled out her phone to text the only person she could focus on.

To Sian P:

"Hiya babe. I miss ya. Take your time sorting things out, I'm not going anywhere :)"

Even though she knew it was a positive message, as soon as she sent the text she felt worried that Sian would take it the wrong way. She hadn't really heard from the blonde in a day and a half except for polite chit chat but nothing about meeting up or pursuing what was brimming at the surface with the two of them.

Rosie saw some of what was going on just by watching the confused look on Sophie's face and quickly focused her younger sister on her own life. Rosie went on and on about her and Jason and her possible modelling in the future. Sophie listened intently, as it was an excellent distraction from thinking of her foolishness by listening to Rosie's foolishness.

The bus pulled up outside the Webster home and both girls got out to head home. This was the part that Rosie was worried about. Letting Sophie alone to stew about how no one had really contacted her for her birthday. Coming back to the Coronation St., Sophie quickly ran out of steam she had earlier, as she remembered that she might actually have to remind people that it was her birthday. I mean let's face it, no one wants to have to remind people of that. Rosie invited Sophie to the Grimshaw house and lured her in by asking what the deal was between her and Sian. Rosie was going to let Sophie air her grievances completely to 1) kill time and to 2) offer some advice. Sophie simply shrugged at the suggestion and followed her sister to where she lived with her boyfriend and his family.

Sophie felt a bit freer than normal, probably due to the champers at lunch but she talked of everything she had ever felt about the blonde. Rosie couldn't help but feel a bit bad for her sister yet again because she knew she never had to worry about these things. And to Rosie it seemed so easy. They obviously want each other, it's just other people ruining and blocking the path.

Rosie listened intently but also got out her phone and texted Sian.

To Sian P:

"Hi babes, listen. Sophie and you need to work out k? She's here pouring out her heart on her birthday and she's on the verge of tears. Text her back at least! and you better not flake tonight"

"Who are you texting?" asked Sophie stretching out on the couch.

"Oh just work, to see they need me tomorrow. What do you want to do tonight then?" asked Rosie putting her phone away.

"I'm kind of down to just keep it mellow tonight actually. Maybe a drink or two but early to bed. I don't want to be hungover in case Sian comes around yanno."

Rosie's heart almost broke hearing that. Just then Sophie's phone buzzed.

From Sian P:

"Thanks Sophie. It means a lot xx"

Sophie's heart took off like a bottle rocket shooting up to the sky. She had a good feeling about her and Sian. Even if everyone forgot her birthday, save her sister, she knew that Sian still cared even just a little bit.

"Alright so, I'll go home and meet you back here at about 6?" asked Sophie looking at her watch. It was just after 3 and she saw she had time to nap off the buzz she had from lunch and get ready for a low key night with her sister.

"Um yeah sure babes, you sure you don't wanna…"

"Nah Rosie, I'll be back here at 6 on the dot. On. The. Dot." Sophie left the Grimshaw house which was surprisingly quiet and headed back home. She took a deep breath as she stepped outside. She liked this feeling and was going to go with it. Even if she had to force it.