I know you will be thinking "2 chapters in 1 week what is going on?" but I thought while I'm having a study free week you all deserve another update!
Thank you so much to the people who reviewed my last chapter you really made my day. Now on with the show ...
Michelle leant her head back tiredly into the headrest feeling a headache beginning around her temples she tried not to groan in pain, the air freshener in the taxi was not doing her any favours the pungent smell was only increasing the pounding in her brain and it only made her long for her to be home. Carla was going to do her nut in when she realised she had discharged herself but in that moment Michelle felt so happy at being out of the hospital she didn't care if she was cold shouldered for a couple of days. Besides after the abrupt text she got yesterday Michelle was less than happy with her brunette lover.
Once she had read the text she had tried calling Carla's phone and each time she had gone straight to voicemail after the third time of leaving a message and not hearing a response Michelle gave up. Trying to sleep last night without worrying had been near damn impossible and this morning she had demanded the paperwork to discharge herself. The nurse in command had been less than happy she had lectured Michelle on how too much strain to her still healing lung could cause permanent damage but begrudgingly, after Michelle proved she could breathe just fine unaided, she provided her with a large box of painkillers and a direct instruction that if she felt any abnormal pain she was to contact the hospital immediately no excuses.
As she arrived on the cobbled road that was Coronation Street she winced in pain as the car went over every bump in the road. Turning towards the flat Michelle noticed Hayley standing on the corner with Julie and she waved hesitantly slightly cringing at the look of shock that crossed Hayley's face if she wanted to creep home without a fuss that wouldn't be the case now the entire factory workforce would know she was back which meant Carla would soon be informed. Arriving into the complex Michelle paid the driver and thanked him profusely when he offered to carry her bag to her door stepping over the threshold she breathed in the smell overjoyed that it neither smelt of antiseptic or bleach she said goodbye to the driver, tipped him for helping her and breathed a sigh of relief that she was home. Switching on the kettle she slowly carried her bag into the bedroom and placed it neatly into the bottom of the wardrobe she couldn't be bothered emptying it now but she also didn't want it cluttering up the living room. Catching sight of herself in the full length mirror Michelle grimaced she looked terrible her face looked drawn and haggard the bruise on her cheek had started to heal but instead of a deep purple colour they were now a sickly yellow. Her hair looked lank and limp and her skin had a greyish tinge to it.
Deciding that a hot bath was in order she made her way to the bathroom and began to run the hot water placing plenty of bubble bath into the tub she smiled looking forward to a long soak. Hearing the kettle boil she made herself a coffee and slowly began the laborious process of getting undressed a non to easy feat while trying not to pull at the stitches that currently marred the right hand side of her chest. As she settled into the bath tub she couldn't help the moan of pleasure that escaped her, the hot water felt wondrous on her sore bruised body and she sank deeper into its depths relishing the relief it brought her. How long she was sat in the bath she did not know but by the time she emerged, painfully, her skin had begun to prune. Michelle dried herself of slowly and wrapped herself into her dressing gown and made her way back into the living room after making a quick stop for her first dose of medication and a glass of water she wandered over to the couch. Smiling she took two of her painkillers and settled herself more comfortably into the cushions allowing her eyes to close she decided to have a nap so that she was rested and more than ready to face Carla when she eventually came home.
"Can we please stop chin wagging and get on stitching this order please it needs to be out of here by five!" Carla pinched the bridge of her nose exasperatedly she could feel the onset of a headache beginning to form and she screwed her eyes shut in frustration. After going home last night she had collapsed onto the couch carrier bag in hand and drunk herself into a stupor a decision that she was 100% regretting today, with a bad back and little sleep getting through the workload had been a difficult feat and now with only a few hours until the next order had to be dispatched her body and mind were beginning to wane.
"Yes Mrs Connor"
The staff chorused back all looking rather guiltily in her direction and she scowled in response which quickly sent them scurrying to their machines. Really they had plenty of time they had almost finished and the delivery truck couldn't be loaded until it had returned from the mornings rounds but Carla felt she needed something to vent her frustrations at and unfortunately for them it was falling on her staff. Heading back into the office Carla sat back in her chair and groaned she had still not decided what to do over the CCTV footage and she had felt immense happiness when she had looked at the diary this morning and realised Frank would be out at client meetings all day meaning she wouldn't have to see him. She honestly didn't know how she would respond to the sight of him and until she spoke to Michelle Carla knew she couldn't confront him.
Thinking of Michelle made her feel guilty she had listened to the three voicemails that had been left on her phone before she had set off for work and hearing her lovers agitated voice as she asked why she wasn't coming only made her feel guilty at the way she had handled the situation. So far she had not mustered up the courage to respond knowing that whatever feeble excuse she came up with would not stand with Michelle. Knowing she was stuck here until five at least gave her a chance to try and think of how she was going to broach the topic at the hospital later. Although at the present time she didn't know how she was going to think of anything not with her brain in the muzzy hung over state it was in.
A knock at the office door startled her from her thoughts and she reluctantly shouted come in seeing that it was Hayley who had entered she relaxed slightly "What can I do for you Hayley?"
"Well I was just wondering if you wanted me to keep an eye on things here then you can go home" Carla furrowed her eyebrows "No I'm fine thanks love I'm doing a full day today think it's long overdue and misery isn't here so all's well"
"But what about Michelle?"
Carla sighed "I'm going tonight nurses are getting sick of me turning up at all hours you know what they're like"
Hayley looked at her confusedly and Carla scowled "Have I said something funny Hayley you're looking at me like I've got two heads"
"Well I'm not sure, Is Michelle not due home today?"
"Not that I'm aware of nurse was giving her a rollicking yesterday for keep harping on about it why do you ask?" Hayley looked worried and it seemed that she was thinking hard about how to answer and Carla began losing her patience "Spit it out please Hayley"
"Well at dinner I nipped to The Rovers with Julie, just for an orange juice, and when I was coming out a taxi went past and I could have sworn I saw Michelle in the back"
Carla felt herself becoming angry trying not to take it out on Hayley she forced a smile "Right I'll sort this if I need to leave I'll give you a shout".
Twenty minutes later Carla was furious she had spoken to the nurse who confirmed that indeed Michelle had discharged herself against hospital advice and that she would need to take it easy while her body was still healing otherwise Michelle could cause herself permanent damage. Deciding that she needed to go home, there was no way she could carry on with working her concentration had gone, she left Hayley in charge and set off towards home.
Michelle awoke abruptly pain searing through her side she grumbled internally when she noticed she had turned in her sleep one of the couch cushions was now pressing into her stitches. As quickly as her body would allow she turned over and let out a shaky breath as the pain began to ebb away lying back into a more comfortable position she felt herself becoming sleepy again as she settled into the warmth of the couch. Her happiness was however to be short lived, hearing footsteps outside the door Michelle slowly eased herself up and as she came to be upright Carla came marching through the door anger clearly written across her face. Trying to hide her nervousness Michelle cleared her throat and smiled hesitantly.
"Alright love?"
"Why didn't you phone me?"
Trying not to wince at the anger in Carla's tone Michelle stood up her movements laboured "Because I knew you would try and persuade me to stay"
"Damn right I would have. Look at the state of you Michelle you can barely stand you need looking after by people who know what they are doing" Carla stood defiantly with her arms crossed inside she was seething but she was trying not to shout something which was becoming a struggle to control.
"I'm fine here I have my medication and I feel miles better just for being at home it was driving me mad being in there you know that"
"But you were safe 'Chelle you were getting better" Carla's voice broke with emotion and Michelle felt a wave of guilt wash over her she moved to Carla as quickly as her body would allow and pulled her lover into her arms."Shhh I'm ok I promise a little sore yes but I'll heal don't worry."
At Michelle's words Carla pulled away abruptly her temper no longer in check "Don't you dare speak to me like I'm a child. Ok?! No you're not ok! You're anything but ok! Don't you dare try and weasel your way out of this one with a few soft words and gentle smiles I'm furious with you" Michelle flared a little at Carla's words she knew the other woman would be upset but she didn't think she would be this angry that she had come home.
"Anyone would think you weren't happy to see me nice to know you've missed me Carla"
"Oh shut up playing the woe is me card of course I've missed you but I don't want you here I want you back at that hospital where you can be properly looked after"
"I'm perfectly fine healing here, well I thought I would be with your love and support but it's clear I'm not going to get any of that anytime soon!" Michelle took a deep breath ignoring the burning pain in her chest she wasn't about to come off pained in front of Carla not while this argument was raging. She was furious over Carla's lack of support she was going mad sat there at the hospital staring at the same four walls constantly worrying about Carla and the two men who seemed to be constantly vying for her attention. Sometimes Michelle didn't know who she hated more Frank or Peter. While fuming silently she watched as Carla's eyes gleamed with anger and frustration she seemed to be struggling internally and Michelle honestly began to feel a little on edge surely her coming home didn't warrant this level of fury.
"You lied to me" Carla's voice was low and deadly the words were almost whispered and Michelle scoffed trying to hide her unease this felt different almost like a whole new argument was beginning to take centre stage one where she wasn't party to all the details it made her feel wrong footed and unsure something which she hated "I hardly lied Carla I just didn't tell you that I was planning on coming home there is no need to sound so wounded."
Carla shook her head slowly back and forth and began to walk forward "No you have lied to me Michelle and you have kept on lying not caring that you have been betraying me in the process!" Michelle felt fear flood her veins she knew instinctively this was no longer about leaving the hospital but surely, surely Carla couldn't know about what happened with Frank how could she? "I don't know what you're talking about Carla love"
Watching her lovers face contort into a sneer did nothing to stop the gnawing sensation deep in Michelle's being "You are lying to me now. I can see it 'Chelle written clear as day across your face. Tell me why else would your face have drained of its colour hmmm?" Michelle couldn't think of a response all she could do was shake her head
"Oh well shall I enlighten you? Who caused your injuries Michelle Ryan's mate was it? Or was it more like the psycho rapist I have to share my office with every day!"
Michelle looked at Carla anger pain and hurt was oozing from her posture her fists were clenched by her side and she was breathing as if she had run a great distance. Michelle didn't know what to say panic welled up inside of her she knew in that moment she had to come clean or risk pushing Carla to the brink. She wasn't prepared to take that risk not after everything she had gone through for them to be together. Running a hand through her hair she made her way back to the couch and sat down heavily.
"Come sit with me" Carla did not move "Carla please?"
As Carla sat down Michelle's heart clenched at the pain and confusion that swam in her lovers eyes she never wanted to hurt her everything she had gone through had been for them, had been to keep Carla safe and happy.
"How did you find out?"
"You're not denying it then? It was Frank?"
Michelle sighed and met Carla's probing gaze "Yes. Now tell me how did you find out?" Carla let out a deep breath and worried at her hair a clear sign of her own unease.
"When I arrived at the factory that dinner and they told me what had happened to you I felt as if my heart had stopped beating. Waiting in the hospital when I didn't know what was going to happen I swore no matter how you felt about it I was going to make sure that little bastard paid for hurting you" Michelle took Carla's hand cautiously feeling immense relief when her gesture was not rebuked "I asked Kevin for a copy of the CCTV footage from the garage I only managed to look at it yesterday and I watched as Frank entered the factory and you left in the state you turned up at the apartment in" Carla pulled her hand away and moved so that she was fully facing Michelle "I've been going round and round it all in my head all last night and most of the day its drove me mental thinking about how he laid his filthy hands on you, the only person that means anything to me" Carla waved her hands angrily her breath coming in angry pants but then her posture sagged and she seemed to deflate right before Michelle's eyes "But the worse thing, what I cannot understand is, why didn't you tell me?"
Carla's voice broke and Michelle struggled to hold back her own tears "I didn't want to lose you"
"You honestly think this is better? I find out my best friend, the woman I have feelings for has been keeping this huge secret from me. Out of everyone Michelle you were the one I thought I could always trust no matter what. now I feel so confused and, I'm not going to lie, I feel betrayed" Michelle couldn't stop the lone tear that ran down her cheek she felt awful she had never stopped to think what would happen if Carla had found out. At the time only having Carla as her friend the lie had seemed like the best option she would keep her best friend and Frank would keep her sordid secret. Now though that they were a couple, happy together, Michelle was beginning to realise that the night they confessed their feelings for one another she should have told Carla the whole ugly truth.
"God Car' I'm so sorry" Michelle couldn't help but cry and she started to sob when she felt Carla place a hesitant arm around her shoulders "Don't cry it's ok shhh it's ok" Michelle cried harder as she did her body tried to pull in more air which resulted in her lung burning with pain and her chest constricting. Gasping and choking she began to panic.
"'Chelle calm down come on breath with me slowly and deeply come on you can do it"
Michelle could see the fear in Carla's face and she tried to ease her lovers worry concentrating hard she tried to match her panting breaths with Carla's and she was relieved when she felt her chest muscles relax. As her breathing slowed she gave Carla a shaky smile which Carla tried to return though Michelle could see the worry clearly expressed across Carla's face.
"Could you get me some water and two of those painkillers off the side love?" Carla hurried into the kitchen within a couple of minutes Michelle had taken the tablets and was settled back at Carla's side.
"I best get explaining then these things seem to cure the pain by knocking me out"
"We can talk later"
Michelle shook her head "No. No we need to do this now I don't want to cause you anymore hurt" taking a slow deep breath Michelle began to tell the tale from the beginning. All through the explanation she didn't look at Carla she couldn't bring herself to look into her eyes, she didn't want to see the upset or dismay that was sure to be lingering in those gorgeous brown eyes she loved so much.
"I should have told you that night we confessed our feelings but I'd already started the lie and I was frightened of what Frank would do if he found out you knew. It's something that's still troubling me now" Carla sat quietly she hadn't moved or made any indication that she had even heard what Michelle had just said to her but looking closely at Carla's furrowed brow Michelle realised she was trying to take it all in.
Struggling to conceal a yawn Michelle made up her mind standing she made her way to the bedroom door smiling slightly at Carla's confused expression "I know it's a lot take in I know your hurt and angry with me so I'm going to go and get in bed and sleep then you have some time to think alone without feeling any pressure for your response from me" she went to shut the bedroom door but before she did she wanted Carla to know one last thing.
"I did it all for us I didn't want to lose you. You mean everything to me, everything" closing the door on Carla Michelle quickly got under the covers feelings her eyes began to droop shut she was grateful for the drugs that she had taken that would carry her into an undisturbed sleep.
Blearily opening one eye Michelle tried to see what had woken her from such a deep slumber. Noticing the room was dark she frowned squinting at the alarm clock next to the bed. 11:15. Surprise ran through her she had been asleep for over 7 hours and from the way her body felt she knew she could probably easily sleep another 7 hours away. Movement from the corner of the room distracted her again and she smiled when she realised what had woke her Carla was trying to quietly change into her pyjamas obviously trying not to wake her. Quickly closing her eyes when Carla turned around she waited to see if Carla would settle in beside her or whether she would leave her on her own. Her body filled with warmth and relief when Carla slowly pulled back the covers and carefully slid herself into the bed. Still pretending to be asleep Michelle snuggled closer into Carla's side taking a deep breath smiling when Carla's unique scent filled her lungs. Feeling herself being lulled back into a sleepy haze she felt nothing but contentedness when Carla wrapped an arm around her shoulders pulling Michelle firmly into her side.
"I don't blame you for what you did you know. I know how I felt when you were in the hospital and I'm guessing that's how you felt about this situation. I know I couldn't have coped if I had lost you" Carla sniffled slightly and Michelle knew from her whispered voice she still thought Michelle was fast asleep "I love you and as long as we're together that's all that matters to me" Michelle's heart was filled with happiness and when she realised Carla wasn't going to say anything else Michelle sat up as quickly as she could. Ignoring the look of surprise on Carla's face that she was awake, Michelle looked into the gorgeous chocolate brown orbs that belonged to her lover and placed a tender kiss against her lips.
"I love you too".