Lisa sat by her daughter's hospital bed, her heart heavy with guilt. The rhythmic beeping of the monitors was a constant reminder of the accident that had left Betsy with a potentially life-altering injury. Lisa's mind replayed the struggle with Rob, over and over—the moment the gun discharged, the moment she realise the bullet struck Betsy. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had failed as a mother.
Betsy stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Despite the pain evident in her expression, she managed a weak smile upon seeing her mother.
"Mum," Betsy whispered, her voice hoarse.
Lisa leaned in, gently brushing a strand of hair from Betsy's forehead. "I'm here, love. How are you feeling?"
"Sore," Betsy admitted. She glanced down at her bandaged shoulder, a shadow crossing her face. "The doctor said there might be nerve damage."
Lisa shook her head, the weight of her guilt pressing down on her. “I should have been more careful. I should have—”
She hesitated, her throat tightening. Her voice was barely a whisper. “This is was Carla's fault"
Betsy stiffened. “What?”
Lisa exhaled shakily, struggling to keep her emotions in check. “If it wasn't for Carla, for everything with Rob, for me being caught between all of this—I wouldn’t have been in that position. I wouldn’t have had to fight him for the gun. And Betsy—” She broke off, her voice cracking.
Betsy’s face hardened, and she squeezed her mother’s hand tighter. “No, Mum. That’s not fair.”
Lisa blinked, surprised by the force in her daughter’s voice.
Betsy sat up a little more, wincing at the movement, but determination flared in her eyes. “You do not get to blame Carla for this. It was Rob’s fault. He’s the one who pulled us into this mess, not her.”
Lisa clenched her jaw, but before she could argue, Betsy continued. “And what about me, Mum? I’m the one who came looking for you. What happened to me wasn’t Carla’s fault, and it wasn’t yours either.”
Lisa shook her head again, tears threatening to spill over. “I should’ve protected you.”
Betsy softened but didn’t back down. “You did protect me. You always do. But bad things happen, Mum. You can’t just push the blame onto Carla because you’re hurting.”
Lisa swallowed hard, looking down at their joined hands.
Betsy took a deep breath before saying, “Mum, listen to me. If I can find it in my heart to love Mason even though his brothers murdered Mum, then you can find it in your heart to keep loving Carla. Stop being so daft.”
Lisa looked at her daughter, surprised by her wisdom and strength. She knew Betsy had been through so much, yet here she was, offering comfort to her.
Lisa inhaled shakily before whispering, “I don’t want to lose you.”
Betsy's face softened “you won't. But don't lose Carla either. We've already lost one person we love, I don't want to lose another"
Lisa leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Betsy's forehead. "Thank you, love. For reminding me of what's important."
As they sat together, the bond between mother and daughter grew stronger, fortified by their shared experiences and unwavering love.
-
Lisa stayed at the hospital all night, only leaving when Ryan practically pushed her out the room demanding she have a shower.
She didn't know where to go, going to the flat felt so wrong, a no mans land between her head and her heart, between her and Carla.
It's only when she saw the light on at Underworld that she let her heart lead.
-
Lisa stood outside Underworld, her heart pounding. The confrontation with Carla still burned in her mind, and she knew she’d gone too far. The things she’d said in the heat of the moment, the accusations—it wasn’t fair. Carla had been there for her when she needed it most. Now it was Lisa’s turn to make things right.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door. The factory was quiet, most of the staff already gone for the evening. Carla was at her desk, sorting through invoices, her expression unreadable.
Lisa hesitated. “Carla?”
Carla didn’t look up. “What do you want, Lisa?” Her voice was cool, detached.
Lisa swallowed. “I came to say I’m sorry.”
Carla let out a humourless chuckle. “Yeah? Well, I’ve heard that before.”
Lisa stepped further in. “I mean it. I was out of order, and I— I regret everything I said.” She shifted uncomfortably. “You were just trying to help, and I threw it back in your face.”
Carla finally looked up, her eyes tired. “Yeah, you did.”
Silence stretched between them. Lisa could see Carla wasn’t going to make this easy, and she didn’t blame her.
“Betsy talked some sense into me,” Lisa admitted. “She reminded me that, despite everything, I still love you. That I can’t throw away the one person who’s always stood by me.”
Carla’s expression softened slightly, but she still held her guard. “Lisa, I can’t keep doing this. One minute you trust me, the next you’re pushing me away. It’s exhausting.”
Lisa’s throat tightened. “I know. And I don’t expect you to just forgive me straight away. But I do love you, Carla. I was scared. Angry. But none of that changes the fact that I need you in my life.”
Carla exhaled sharply, leaning back in her chair. She studied Lisa for a long moment before finally saying, “You really need to start thinking before you speak, you know that?”
A small smile tugged at Lisa’s lips. “Yeah, I’m starting to get that.”
Carla sighed, rubbing her temples. “Look, I’m not saying everything’s fine. But… I appreciate the apology.”
Lisa nodded, relief washing over her. “That’s all I ask. I just want to make things right.”
Carla tilted her head. “Then prove it. No more running when things get tough. No more shutting me out.”
Lisa reached across the desk, hesitating for a second before squeezing Carla’s hand. “I promise.”
Carla held her gaze for a moment before finally, ever so slightly, squeezing back. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”
Carla pulled her in close knowing that all Lisa needed right now was to be held, to rebuild her strength before she saw Betsy again.
-
Lisa and Carla walked side by side down the hospital corridor, the silence between them thick with unspoken words. Though they had taken a step toward making amends, there was still a cautious distance. Lisa kept sneaking glances at Carla, searching for any sign that things were truly okay between them.
Carla, hands stuffed in her pockets, was focused straight ahead. “You sure she’s up for visitors?” she asked, her voice level.
Lisa nodded. “Yeah, she’s been asking about you.” She hesitated. “She was worried I’d pushed you away for good.”
Carla's hand reached instinctively for Lisa's.
"Never,"
Lisa swallowed, guilt creeping back in. But before she could respond, they reached Betsy’s room. Lisa pushed open the door.
Betsy was sat up in bed, flicking through a magazine, her injured arm resting in a sling. When she saw them, her face lit up. “Carla!”
Carla’s features softened as she walked over. “Hey, kid. You look better than last time I saw you.”
Betsy smirked. “Yeah, well, I don’t plan on making a habit of getting shot.”
Lisa winced at the reminder, but Betsy gave her a reassuring look before turning back to Carla. “Mum said she’d apologised to you. You still mad at her?”
Carla glanced at Lisa, then back at Betsy. “Mad? Nah. Just… tired of all the drama.”
Betsy raised an eyebrow. “Then maybe you two should stop causing it.”
Lisa and Carla exchanged a look before Carla let out a chuckle. “You know what? You might be the smartest one in this family.”
Betsy grinned. “Obviously.” Then she patted the edge of the bed. “Come sit down. Both of you.”
Lisa and Carla hesitated before finally taking seats, one on each side of Betsy. Lisa reached for her daughter’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry for everything, love. For scaring you. For dragging you into all this.”
Betsy squeezed back. “I told you, I don’t blame you. You just need to stop overreacting and actually trust the people who care about you.” She looked at Carla pointedly. “That includes you.”
Carla smirked. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. I’m stuck with her.”
Lisa rolled her eyes. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
Carla gave her a look, but there was warmth in it. “I suppose I’ve had worse company.”
Betsy sighed dramatically. “Can you two just kiss and make up already?”
Lisa’s cheeks flushed, while Carla raised an eyebrow. “Cheeky.”
Betsy grinned. “You love it.”
Carla let out a small laugh, shaking her head. Lisa felt something in her chest loosen. Things weren’t perfect, but they were getting there. And for the first time in a while, she felt hopeful.
Lisa reached across and took Carla’s hand, squeezing it lightly. Carla didn’t pull away. Instead, she gave Lisa a look that said more than words ever could.
Betsy yawned, shifting slightly in her hospital bed. Lisa immediately leaned in. “You okay, love? Do you need anything?”
Betsy rolled her eyes. “Mum, I’m fine. Just tired.”
Carla smirked. “Yeah, Lisa, give the kid a break. She’s probably sick of you hovering.”
Lisa shot Carla a look, but Betsy nodded in agreement. “She’s right, you know. You’ve barely left this hospital in days.”
Lisa frowned. “I’m not leaving you on your own.”
Betsy sighed dramatically. “Mum, it’s a hospital. I’m not exactly alone, am I?” She turned to Carla. “Back me up here.”
Carla leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. “She’s got a point, Lisa. You’re knackered. Go home, get some sleep.”
Lisa huffed. “I’ll be fine.”
Betsy groaned. “Oh my God, Mum!”
Lisa looked between them, realising she was completely outnumbered. She sighed in defeat. “Alright, alright. But if you need anything—”
“I’ll call,” Betsy finished for her, smirking. “Now go. And take Carla with you.”
Lisa hesitated but finally stood up. Carla followed her lead, and before they left, Lisa leaned down, pressing a kiss to Betsy’s forehead. “Love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you too,” Betsy murmured sleepily, already settling back into her pillows.
-
The drive home was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Lisa sat in the passenger seat, arms folded, lost in thought. Carla glanced at her every so often but didn’t push. She knew Lisa needed time to process everything.
As they pulled up outside their flat, Lisa sighed. “Feels weird coming home without Betsy.”
Carla turned off the engine. “She’ll be alright, Lis. You, on the other hand, look ready to collapse.”
Lisa shot her a look but didn’t argue. They got out of the car and headed inside. The house was dark and eerily still. Usually, Betsy’s presence filled the place with life—her music playing too loud, her constant chatter—but tonight, it felt empty.
Lisa dropped her bag by the door and ran a hand through her hair. “I hate this.”
Carla locked up behind them and leaned against the kitchen counter, watching her. “She’s safe. You need to get some rest.”
Lisa turned to face her, arms still folded. “You don’t have to tell me what to do.”
Carla smirked. “No, but I will anyway.”
Lisa exhaled, rubbing her temples. “I just feel… guilty. Like I shouldn’t be here. Like I should be sat by her bed, making sure she’s okay.”
Carla stepped closer. “She told you to go home, Lisa. She wanted you to have a break. And I reckon she knew I’d make sure you actually took one.”
Lisa huffed a small laugh. “She’s too smart for her own good.”
Carla tilted her head. “Wonder where she gets that from?”
Lisa finally cracked a real smile, shaking her head. “You’re so smug.”
Carla shrugged. “One of my best qualities.” She hesitated before stepping even closer, her voice softening. “Look, I meant what I said earlier. I’m not going anywhere. And I don’t want you shutting me out again.”
Lisa swallowed, guilt flickering across her face. “I know. I’m sorry, Carla. I was just scared, and I took it out on you.”
Carla studied her for a moment, then sighed. “You are a nightmare, you know.”
Lisa rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, you love me anyway.”
Carla smirked. “Lucky for you.”
Lisa barely had time to respond before Carla leaned in, brushing her lips against hers in a soft but lingering kiss. Lisa melted into it, wrapping her arms around Carla’s waist, holding her close.
When they pulled apart, Carla rested her forehead against Lisa’s. “No more running?”
Lisa shook her head. “No more running.”
Carla exhaled, smiling slightly. “Good. Now, go to bed before you start causing more drama.”
Lisa laughed softly but pulled Carla with her toward their bedroom. “Fine. But you’re coming too.”
Carla smirked. “Wouldn’t dream of leaving.”
As they climbed into bed, Carla wrapped an arm around Lisa’s waist, pulling her close. Lisa let out a content sigh, finally allowing herself to relax.
For the first time in days, she felt like she could breathe. And with Carla beside her, she knew that whatever happened next, they’d face it together.