'We meet here today to honour and pay tribute to the life of Nicholas Paul Tilsley, and to express our love and admiration for him. Also to try to bring some comfort to those of his family and friends who are here and have been deeply hurt by his passing.' Billy says as he looks out at the numerous people who have turned up to say their goodbyes.
'Those who were close to him will know Nick wasn't a particularly religious person, so it's befitting that this should reflect what he was; a gentle, kind, loving person who was devoted to his family and what a beautiful little family he had. He was husband to Carla and father to little Willow and Pippa; Nick adored his family, he loved nothing more than being at home with his three girls and I know that he'll be watching over them all as the girls grow into beautiful young ladies... Now I believe Michelle is going to read us a poem.' Billy says and Michelle gently squeezes Carla's hand. She whispers something in her ear before making her way up to the front. Wiping her eyes, she takes a deep breath and begins to read from the sheet of paper in her hand.
'When tomorrow starts without me and I'm not here to see if the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me.
I wish you wouldn't cry the way you did today while thinking of the many things we did not get to say. I know how much you love me as much as I love you. Each time that you think of me I know you will miss me too
When tomorrow starts without me please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. The angel said my place was ready in heaven far above and that I would have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But when I walked through Heaven's Gates I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me from his golden throne. He said this is eternity and all I promised you. Today for life on earth is done but here it starts a new.
I promise no tomorrow for today will always last and since each day's the exact same there is no longing for the past.
So When Tomorrow starts without me do not think we're apart for every time you think of me remember I'm right here in your heart.'
Michelle makes her way back to where Carla's sitting with tears streaming down her cheeks.
'You okay, sweetie?' Michelle asks taking hold of Carla's hand again.
'I-I don't want to go to the Rovers... I just want to go home and be with my girls.' Carla almost whispers.
'Okay. We can do that.' Michelle says and Carla shakes her head.
'I want to be on my own.' She replies quietly.
'Mummy!' Willow shouts as Carla makes her way through the front door followed by Kate. Instantly Carla lifts the little girl into her arms and hugs her tightly.
'Hi, beautiful... Did you have a nice time with Auntie Caz?' Carla asks.
'We made cookies with peanut butter and marshmallows.' Willow replies.
'Wow... Well Auntie Caz is going home now so can you say goodbye.' Carla says placing the little girl back on the floor.
'We can stay if you want?' Caz says and Carla shakes her head.
'I need to be on my own at some point.' Carla replies.
'Not today but...' Kate says.
'Go home to your babies or go to the pub and have a drink for Nick... We'll be okay, wont we Willow?' Carla replies and the little girl grins.
'Yes, mumma.' She says.
'I'm only a phone call away.' Kate says hugging her sister.
'Thank you.' Carla replies quietly.
'How was Carla when you left?' Michelle asks as she slides a red wine across the bar to Kate.
'Surprisingly pretty calm... We offered to stay but she didn't want us to.' Kate replies and Michelle sighs.
'This is only going to end badly, Kate... She's putting on such a front and she may seem okay now but I'm scared one of these days she's going to come crashing down.' Michelle admits.
'I know. I think at the moment it's easier for her to pretend this isn't happening to her, she planned the funeral like it was someone she barely knew... Almost like she's on the outside looking in.' Kate says and Michelle nods her head.
'I know. I think the girls and the baby are going to get her through. If she didn't have them I'm pretty certain we wouldn't have her right now.' Michelle replies.