All right so I tried to finish this story before New Year's but to no avail. These dang holidays are making it hard to find time to write. I promised Sian's POV and here it is, and I'll update again this week. Sorry for the length. Anyhoo, Corrie Countdown is closing and while I'm sad for that, I'm happy I found my way there since there wouldn't be this story that I used as therapy for the better part of the year.
Thanks so much again for the readership and also if any of y'alls are here from Corrie Countdown, howdy :):):)
ALSO HAPPY FRICKEN NEW YEAR! I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE THIS SHITTY YEAR END! HERE'S TO A GREAT 2K15
Sian had been waiting for an appearance from Vinnie for hours now. She didn't know exactly what to say, since she didn't know what exactly he was going to say. Sian knew she had some explaining to do, and she wanted it done now rather than later. She also thought about yesterday. How any other time, she would be so blissfully happy that Sophie would come sweep her up in her arms, it was just bad timing. Sian smiled to herself. Soph had that effect on her.
Sian heard voices outside. It was her dad saying thank you to someone. She heard keys next and the front door open. She took a deep breath. Vinnie walked in looking at his phone, then looked up at his daughter waiting on the sofa.
He looked at her for a bit. It felt like hours but it was only seconds.
"Dad…" said Sian quietly.
"I've talked to your Gran, I want you to stay there. She has a spare room and you can work in the village.."
"No Dad, I'm not going to." Of all the ways the convo could have gone, this one was the most she was prepared for. "I'm staying. I have a life here, and I want to stay."
"To be a lesbian? No, that won't happen," said Vinnie storming past her into the kitchen.
Sian got up to follow. "Dad, I don't know what I am, but I know after all I've been through, Sophie is nice and good and kind. Wouldn't you want me to be with that instead of what I was in?"
"It's unnatural Sian. You move from one bad crowd to the next. I won't have that for you."
"Sophie is not a bad crowd! Give me a break! She's honest and caring, I don't see any issue with that. The fact that she's a girl, should not be an issue."
"Not an issue? NOT AN ISSUE? I don't believe this. That's the issue! That's everything!" yelled Vinnie clenching his fists.
"Dad please, no need to get so upset. This really isn't about her, this is about us. You've never had to raise me or had to have me around so much right? It was so easy to stay away and blame everyone but yourself for your shitty life, and now I'm here and doing something that isn't even bad, you can't accept it or deal with it. Real nice," said Sian crossing her arms and shaking her head.
"This is my house Sian…"
"Yeah well I know that, Dad."
"My house my rules. If you want to continue to ruin your life, then do one, otherwise, you are going to your Gran's. I know you're not a kid anymore so I can't feel too bad kicking you out. Pam's going to move in anyway."
"Oh of course she is, you know what? Sod it, don't need you or your.. house," said Sian grabbing her jacket, not being able to think of a good enough comeback.
"Next time I see you, you better have your mind made up. Don't keep your Gran waiting!" yelled Vinnie while Sian closed the door. Sian put her hands in her leather jacket's pockets. She had to think and fast. She started walking towards Coronation St. Sian remembered an option. It was a long shot but she had to try.
Sian approached the Corner Shop. For how cold it was and how she didn't layer up before she left the house, her hands felt sweaty. She opened the door to see a smiling Sunita behind the counter.
"Alright..Sian is it?" asked Sunita putting her clipboard down.
"Uh, yeah. Hi, is Dev around by chance?" asked Sian feeling her phone buzzing in her pocket.
"Well, no actually, why?"
"I um, had a question. Regarding Amber's flat. Upstairs…"
"Wait I know about this! You want to rent it right?" said Sunita getting a bit excited.
"Well I wanted to speak to Dev to see if he would…"
"I talked to him about this when he mentioned it. That daughter of his is far far too flighty and unworthy of having all this privilege. I say yes, and I can usually get my way with Dev. So let's get to know each other yeah? As landlord/tenant I mean. Grab a drink," said Sunita smiling.
Sian smiled. "Easier than I thought!" She grabbed a drink and proceeded to tell her life story. Just then her phone buzzed again, and she checked her phone. Two messages, one from Soph, one from Rosie. The Sophie text was so sweet and endearing. Her heart felt like it was swelling up she was so happy. The Rosie text however was a bit naggy and she felt she owed Soph a response, but didn't know what. She texted a short heartfelt response and even put a kiss at the end. Also she wanted to really win Sunita over so they could double team Dev when he showed up. The flat wasn't 100% locked down so she needed something to say to Soph to let her know it's all good so far.
After talking for more than an hour, Dev strolled into the shop.
"Hello ladies, what are we conspiring this evening?" asked Dev instantly knowing something was afoot. When Dev mentioned Sophie's suggestion of renting the flat to Sian to Sunita earlier, she had agreed just a bit too eagerly for Dev's liking and that started a bit of an argument. Now, seeing both Sian and Sunita sitting at the counter talking, he knew it could be only about one thing.
"I have to talk to Amber's mother.. but if this does go through…" said Dev as Sian and Sunita were high fiving each other. "If this is a deal, we are going to have to have a chat yeah?" asked Dev looking at Sian.
Sian tried to look serious, "Oh of course Dev, er .. Mr Alahan."
Sunita started giggling. "Call him Dev, Sian. Can't have him being too serious now."
Dev walked back into the office and Sian got closer to Sunita.
"How good are my chances then?" Sian whispered.
"I'd say pretty good," said Sunita with a wink. "I'll work on him for ya."
"NO WHISPERING YOU TWO!" yelled Dev from the office.
Both Sunita and Sian started laughing. "You know, we are both very fond of Sophie. We got close when she was going through her stuff with that god awful Erinn person. I hear you two are… close as well?" asked Sunita.
Sian started blushing and her mouth went dry. "Um well yeah she's uh… great."
"It's okay love, I know all about her. And now I know a bit about you. She vouched for you and I wanted to see your greatness in person. She's a pretty good judge of character. Well.. most times," said Sunita.
Sian was more than appreciative of her treatment from Sunita. Her mom was never a hands on parent either and she felt an admiration for women that treated people kindly.
"Will I see you later? At Sophie's party?" asked Sunita throwing away the trash they had accumulated.
"Yes, and also um.. because of the situation at home the sooner I know about the flat the better. Otherwise I'm homeless or getting shipped up to Scotland…"
"Oh of course love, let me get on him to call Amber's mother. We should know hopefully tonight."
"Thanks so much Sunita!" Sian said with her squeal she does when she's excited and happy. She went in for a hug. "And thanks for your consideration Dev!" Sian walked out of the shop feeling pretty happy. She realized she didn't get Soph anything just yet, but she knew just where to go. She waited for the bus near Sophie's and debated just banging on the door, but no, she will surprize Sophie with the necklace she was going to get her AND hopefully with news of her moving into the flat. Things were looking up. She did however remember her father and his threats and couldn't help but feel sad. "To gain one, I have to lose one." Sian shook it off. Family is forever, he'd have to get over it.
Sian's good mood was not to last however. The bus broke down on the way home, making her late to get ready for Sophie's party. She also had to dodge the possible land mines laid out by her dad getting home. If she were to see him however, she would say she was to move out to the cobbles. Maybe if the flat falls through, she could couch surf until something came along. She would not leave this potential relationship with Soph, not if she could help it.