New year.
It was now New year's Eve and Betsy was getting ready in Carla's en-suite bathroom while they were waiting for Lisa to finish her shift. Carla was just finishing putting on her lip gloss when the catch of the door opened and in stepped Lisa nursing a split lip and a bruised cheek. Carla gasped and went straight to her girlfriend and took her by the shoulders.
Carla- What the heck has happened to you?
Lisa- What this is nothing, the perks of being in the service i suppose. She laughed out but seeing the reaction of her worried girlfriend she reached out but Carla stepped back.
Carla- Who did this to you?
Lisa- Don't worry about it babe, are we going to the pub? Where's Betsy?
Betsy- Here....Holy Shit mum, what happened? She said going to stand in front of her.
Lisa- It's nothing i just walked into a door.
Betsy- Pull the over one mum, you're very stubborn you know that?
Carla- Come on we'll talk about this later, let's go to the pub...And it's lemonade for you. She said placing her hand on her shoulder.
Betsy- You're no fun okay mom. She replied and knowing what she just said she looked at the shocked expression on Carla's face and smiled before heading to the door and downstairs.
Carla- Is this about Mason's brothers?
Lisa- Why do you think that?
Carla- Lisa you've bought home the files, now are you gonna stop bullshitting me and tell me the truth.
Lisa- It wasn't Mason's brothers, it was a woman who i helped while she was going through domestic violence with her husband, I arrested him and now he got released and she was scared that she messaged me to say so but when i got there she decided to make up with him and he wasn't pleased to see me was he. She told her truthfully.
Carla- You've gotta report it Lise.
Lisa- Come on let's not get into this now, let's just go to the Rovers and see the new year with our girl, but first let me clean myself up it's new year after all not Halloween. She let out a humour laugh before walking past Carla who was still in shock about her partner being assaulted. Once she was cleaned up she walked past Carla this time holding out her hand for her girlfriend to take hold of who sighed before accepting the hand as they were now out in the cold air Carla linked her fingers through her partners as they followed the young Swain over to the Rovers as they entered the pub Betsy first saw Sally then she looked round and smiled when she saw Mason, Lisa saw her daughter's gaze and then looked at Carla who smiled back at her and mouthed 'It's okay'. As they walked over to the bar Carla ordered a glass of wine for both her and Lisa and ordered a glass of Lemonade for Betsy and Mason.
Jenny- So Carla you and Lisa a couple, I never really thought that you would go there. She said watching as Lisa found a booth to sit in.
Carla- I know me too but what can i say...I'm happy for the first time I'm really happy, she's all i ever want, I've finally found my soulmate even if it's a woman. She said looking over at her girlfriend.
Jenny- I'm happy for you and so would Aiden and your dad...As for Kate well she'll be more happy that you've finally found someone who doesn't treat you like crap...You've always been like a daughter to me but let's face it Peter wasn't the one for you and seeing you with Lisa I can see how happy you are.
Carla- Thank you Jenny. She said smiling as she took her drinks and went to join her girlfriend, instead of sitting opposite from her she came and sat by her side and as Lisa turned to face her she placed the drinks on the table and leaned in placing a kiss to her lips.
Lisa- Are you making any New Year's resolutions? She said placing her hand on her girlfriend's thigh.
Carla- I don't believe in all that but I would say this now...New year I'm vowing to make you and Betsy happy and stepmom/mom to Betsy. She replied with a smile.
Lisa- That's the first time she called you that...It doesn't make it awkward for you does it? She said picking up her glass and taking a small sip before putting it back down and looking at her.
Carla- No not at the slightest, although i was shocked she called me mom earlier but ever since she started working for me at the factory I've thought of her as a daughter she's so cheeky but she's a part of you which means she's a part of my life too.
Lisa- Do you mean that?
Carla- I do yeah..She's a bright girl and I love her. She said locking eyes with the blonde but before she could say anything else a shadow appeared beside her.
"Do you mind if we join you?" Came the voice beside Carla and looked round as Sally and Tim went to join their table without Carla replying.
Tim- Sorry ladies if you want to be alone? He said taking a stand but Lisa told him it was okay.
Carla- Sally..Tim, did you both have a good Christmas?
Sally- We did yeah it was good to see Mason happy too seeing Betsy he was so happy, he's a good lad.
Lisa- I only want the best for Betsy and if he makes her happy then I'm happy.
Betsy made her presence known and made her way to sit by Carla and made a grab for her glass of wine and was about to take a sip when Carla and Lisa stopped her but Lisa removed Carla's hand and told Betsy to take a sip, Carla open mouthed looked at her partner before watching as Betsy took a small sip and then laughed when she spat it back out and onto the floor beside her. Fizz saw this and made her way over to their table.
Fizz- First taste tester i see? She said looking at Betsy and then at her boss.
Betsy- Umm..Yeah, never again that was horrible.
Lisa- Well at least we don't have to worry about you necking a bottle of wine in the park.
Carla- Go on sweetheart get yourself another drink. She said reaching in her pocket and giving her a £10 note and watched as she left their table and went over to the bar.
Fizz- You're a great mother figure to Betsy, I've seen how you are with her at work helping her out when she's struggling and when she was upset you were by her side...I know it must be hard after the loss of your child bringing up someone else's isn't easy but i see the love you have for her.
Lisa- Please would you excuse me. She said taking a stand and stepping over her girlfriend as she left their booth, Carla watched as the detective went out through the back door which led to the beer garden.
Fizz- Did i say something wrong?
Carla- Excuse me please. She said standing up and going in search of the blonde. She knew that it must have hurt her as she was still to tell her girlfriend about her miscarriage, they had talked over some of Carla's past but never about her miscarriage as she knew it would cause some tension, they were only just starting out as a couple and to spring this on her just before Christmas she didn't want to do that to her. She went through to the back and into the garden she didn't need to search far as she saw her sitting down on the bench fiddling with her hands, with a sigh she went and took a seat beside her.
Lisa- You never told me about you being pregnant and then losing it. She said looking up at her girlfriend.
Carla- I was going to believe me, I just wanted us to enjoy Christmas as a family and see the new year happy.
Lisa- What happened?
Carla- It was stress related after finding out that Peter was having an affair with the babysitter Tina McIntyre.
Lisa- Tina McIntyre...That's the one who Rob Donovan killed?
Carla- Yeah my brother..Anyway she'd be 11 by now.
Lisa- You found out the sex...I'm sorry Carla....I'm so sorry. She said getting up from the bench and stood her distance from Carla facing away from her.
Carla- Hey you've got nothing to be sorry for..Hey look at me. She said standing up and making her way to stand behind her girlfriend and placed her hand on her shoulder. Finally she turned round and faced the brunette but with tears streaming down her face.
Lisa- I remember back to when i told you how would you know and about how many kids you've raised when i was having a go at you when really you have been a mother if only for a short while you carried a human inside of you..You're still her mother. You would have been a great mother just like you are with Betsy...Please forgive me.
Carla- Hey there's nothing to forgive i should have told you, I'm sorry...Hey don't cry darling.
Lisa- Is there anything else i need to know?
Carla- You know everything i want you to know the rest stays in the past, I've got my future right here...There is something i need to get off my chest but it can wait. She said locking eyes with the detective as she wiped away the tears.
Lisa- I'm so lucky to have you in my life... You're gorgeous, don't get me wrong i was shocked that you was the one to make the first move was even more shocked when you came back for round 2. She said looking at her girlfriend with a smile.
Carla- You want to take a look in the mirror because you're very sexy i can't keep my eyes and hands off you, even if you do have a split lip. She said placing hands round her waist and down to her arse loving the feel of her against her hands.
Lisa- The feeling is very mutual. She said leaning her forehead against the brunettes.
Carla- I've got to say...Since you've come into my life you've made it better, I did think about giving up and just staying on my own but being with you calling you my girlfriend, my partner, you mean more to me having Betsy too the daughter i wish i carried full term. new year is going to be a better year for us, I've got the perfect family, since we met i didn't think i would feel this way about anyone especially about another woman but you get me, you're my hero..The only one i want to stay handcuffed to.
Lisa- Very kinky...You've always been there for me too Carla on my low days, you've been the shoulder for me, when i was being framed for Joel's murder you stopped at nothing to clear my name, i wish i didn't pull away from you when we had our moment..I should have kissed you myself first, i felt attracted to you but i was so caught up with what was going up in my head when really i should have followed my heart.
Carla- This thing with Becky's killers...Please be careful because i can't lose you, not when it took us this long to finally be together, if you do the digging then promise me you'll be careful because i will do time if anyone as much touches a hair on your head.
Lisa- Don't worry i promise i will be careful...I have a plan. She said placing her hand to Carla's face and bringing their mouths together for a soft kiss which only meant to be short but it inflamed them both. Carla placed her hands back to Lisa's backside and pulled her into her as she kissed back with such passion that left them both breathless before a cough from behind Lisa startled them both. Lisa hid her face in Carla's chest.
Betsy- So mom's when you're both finished it's coming up to midnight in 10 minutes are you both coming back inside...You okay mum? She asked as she looked at her as she could tell she had been crying.
Lisa- Yeah darling I'm okay...We'll be right in. She told her daughter with a smile as she held onto Carla. As Betsy went back inside Lisa stepped out of her girlfriend's embrace and took hold of her hand again placing the back of her hand to her lips placing a soft kiss to it before linking her fingers as she made her way back towards the door Carla stopped her and stepped in front of her.
Carla- Thank you for being here with me making this Christmas and everyday special. She told her girlfriend who smiled in response.
Lisa- I loved every second and every minute of everyday with you, even through some of it was spent at the Hospital and not you in my arms...I feel like i let you down not getting your attackers, they're still out there getting away with it.
Carla- They won't get away with it they will slip up and we'll get justice for the lot.
Lisa- I hope so because I'm tired of it all..I want them caught and sent down for the lot...To think i nearly lost you.
Carla- I'm here I'm going nowhere....If anything this year has taught me that life is just too short we don't know what's going to go on now, tomorrow in a few months time but as long as we're together I'm loving life...I've been keeping something from you for some time now although I tried to tell you but not getting the right words to say but now i just want to say..Lisa I lo....
"Hey you love birds it's close to midnight are you coming in...Or shall i keep you locked out here".
Carla- Alright Jenny...We're coming in. She replied with a tutt as her moment was taken from her before she could tell her girlfriend how she felt.
Lisa- Wouldn't be too bad, we'll keep each other warm. She said running her free hand round the back of Carla's backside giving it a squeeze. The brunette took her girlfriend's hand and led her through the back door and over to the bar as champagne glasses were handed to them from Ryan Connor as the countdown began.
Jenny-
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1.
Happy new year.
Carla smiled and both Lisa and Carla lifted their arms up in the air before placing their hands on each others faces and went in for a passionate kiss before singing the Auld Lang Syne song with the others in the pub and they couldn't take their eyes off one another. Betsy came over to her two moms and placed each other their arms around them both and bought them in for a side hug and a kiss to their cheek then went over to Mason planting a passionate kiss to his lips.
Carla- Hey she's still your baby she'll always will be, we'll be there for her...And if he breaks her heart then we'll break something of his.
Lisa- I love her, i just don't want to lose her..I know I'll have to one day let her go and live her life but I'm not ready yet. She said leaning her head on her girlfriend's shoulder.
Carla- When that day comes we'll sit with her and talk to her.
Lisa- At least I'll have you when that happens right? She said lifting her head off her shoulder and gazed at her and when she saw the brunette smile back she grabbed her champagne glass raised it to her lips.
Carla- I won't ever leave you Swain you're stuck with me for life...In fact I wanted to tell you on Christmas and just before we got interrupted....But now is the right time....Lisa Swain I've fallen for you...I'm in love with you. When she finally told her how she felt Lisa choked on her drink and started to cough out.
Lisa- Sorry...Swallowed to quick. She said as she got her coughing fit under control and looked at her girlfriend who was waiting for a response.
Carla- I'm sorry that me declaring my love for you had you coughing your insides out.
Lisa- Sorry...I just don't know what to say. She finally replied.
Carla- You don't need to...I'm sorry I'm going to head off home I've got a headache coming on...Too much champagne and wine don't go together. She replied with a laugh as she picked her jacket up and left the pub.
Betsy- Where's mom gone?
Lisa- She's not feeling well she's gone back to the flat.
Betsy- I heard what she said...Mum she's in love with you...Go after her talk to her. She said placing her hand on her shoulder.
Hearing those words again Lisa half smiled at her daughter and grabbed her jacket and ran out of the Rovers she noticed Carla stood outside Audrey's Salon she called after her but didn't look back instead she started to walk in the direction of her flat. Lisa ran over to her and caught her just putting the key into the door as she opened the outside door she stepped in behind her and then they walked up the flight of stairs and into the flat.
Lisa- Carla I'm sorry I'm just a little overwhelmed, I'm sorry i upset you.
Carla- No I just wanted to let my feelings for you known...Although you kept me hanging, I didn't hear anything back.
Lisa- I'm sorry Carla.
Carla- No don't be...Either you feel it or you don't....
Lisa- We're both on our journey here, you're way ahead of me...I'll get there i will just stick with me.
Carla- Okay Mrs...But if you leave me hanging again by new years again I'm walking. She sighed but with a smile she was in no rush to hear those three little words but it did hurt..But Lisa was right they were both on a journey and she was so in love with her girlfriend and she was worth the wait.
Lisa- It won't take that long i promise. She said leaning in to kiss her girlfriend and moaned at the contact as she pulled back.
Carla- I love you, I know we're both on our journey my love for you won't ever change I'll wait. She said leaning her forehead against her girlfriend's before pulling away and turning her back only for her to grasp her forehead and with a groan she tumbled.
Lisa- Hey you alright? She said stepping in front of her girlfriend and placing her hand on her shoulder.
Carla- Yeah just too much wine. She said steadying herself.
Lisa- Would you like a drink of water?
Carla- Yes please.
Lisa- Then we shall go to bed. She said as she opened the fridge to grab her water bottle and handed it to her before closing the fridge.
Carla- I've no energy for anything else. She replied before taking a sip from her bottle and making her way to her bedroom with Lisa coming in after her.
When they arrived back at the flat in the early hours of New years day, Lisa just wanted to take her girlfriend home and show her just how much she really does love her because she too has fallen in love with her but telling her was something that she was scared about because the last person she told this was mowed down and left to die on the road. She didn't want to let her guard down again but she knew she had to tell her girlfriend how she felt it was more than just caring for her girlfriend. That morning as they went to bed all they did was sleep. Carla was on her side of the bed and Lisa was on her side with Carla's back to her she thought that Carla was upset with her. Lisa rolled onto her side with her back to Carla let out a heartfelt sigh as she did she finally felt Carla's arm under the blanket and around her waist. Lisa smiled and as she felt Carla come up behind her and placed her head onto her pillow she shuffled into her embrace and sighed happily.
Carla- I love you. She said placing her lips against her naked back.
Lisa- I promise it won't take that long for me to say it back. She said as she placed her hand and covered the hand which was holding her close and closed her eyes.
Late that morning Carla awoke late in the morning and her head was still spinning, she awoke alone as her partner had told her she had to work that morning. She got out of bed and straight away went for her shower before dressing for the day. She decided on a walk over to Roy's for her morning coffee, as she entered the café she walked over to the counter and Roy wasn't to be seen, then all of a sudden she heard a baby cry it was more than a cry it was a scream. Carla placed her finger tips to her forehead and rubbed her temple. Roy made his entrance known from coming out of the toilet. He saw Carla's head on the counter and placed his hand on her shoulder, Carla shot her head up and looked up at Roy.
Roy- You okay Carla? You don't look yourself.
Carla- I'm good Roy, just tired i think. She replied in response then that's when she heard the baby's cry yet again and she closed her eyes.
Roy- Carla...He said going round the counter and going over to her and taking her by the shoulders.
Carla- I've got a splitting headache....And that baby is making it worse. She replied shutting her eyes.
Roy- Carla, there's no baby here...I think you should go home and rest.
Carla- Yeah think i will...See you later. She told him as she walked out slowly onto the cobbles and slowly over to her flat.
Late that afternoon Lisa had entered the café with Betsy by her side, Betsy had spent her morning with Mason as she was due back at the factory the next day, Lisa had arranged a meet up with Betsy for dinner at the café. Betsy pulled up a seat at their normal table where they normally sat in the centre and waited for her mum to put in her order of a latte and a muffin her choice of order. Lisa made her way over to the counter and saw Roy just finishing up an order for a customer when he eventually went to serve the detective he decided to fill her in on Carla.
Roy- Detective Sergeant Swain what can i get you?
Lisa- Please Roy call me Lisa...You know me now. She replied with a smile.
Roy- I'll have to get use to calling you Lisa...So Lisa what can i get for you?
Lisa- A vanilla Latte and blueberry muffin for my girl and I'll just stick with the coffee.
Roy- Have you seen Carla this morning? He said as he reached in to grab Betsy's muffin choice and placed it onto the plate.
Lisa- I awoke early this morning for work, she was still asleep...I didn't want to wake her. She said taking the muffin to her daughter as she awaited for her drinks.
Roy- Have you called in on her?
Lisa- Is there something wrong?
Roy- It could be something over nothing.
Lisa- I'll be the judge of that. She said folding her arms against her chest.
Roy- She didn't look so good, not her usual self...I'm worried, i called her not long before you came in and it went to voicemail, she was experiencing headaches.
Lisa- Ah yeah she did tell me that this morning..In fact there's a lot of things she told me which I'm still trying to get my head around. She said staring at Roy then looking down at the counter.
Roy- I'm worried Lisa...I'll try and get cover and go over to the flat. He said about to take off his apron when Lisa stopped him and told him she would go right away to ease his mind.
Lisa- Could i have my coffee to go...Betsy love, I'm sorry I need to check on Carla.
Betsy- Yeah you go, I'll catch up with you both later...Tell mom i love her. She replied with a smile although she too was worried.
Roy- It's alright I'll take her drink over. He said handing Lisa her takeaway cup of coffee, she kissed her daughter on top of her head before leaving the café and headed in the direction of the flat.
When she arrived at Carla's flat she unlocked the front door with the spare key Carla had given her and climbed the stairs to the door of the flat and unlocked it she opened the door and closed the door behind her as she did she made her way inside and as she did that's when she saw her unconscious girlfriend laying flat out on her back on the floor breathing but passed out. She quickly got out her phone and made her call for the emergency service.
Lisa- Oh Carla please don't leave me...Baby please open your eyes, talk to me..Please don't leave me....Yes hello it's my partner she's unconscious please i need help...Ummm yeah she's breathing but weakly....Hurry quick...She said as she listened to the call as help was on the way. Lisa grabbed a cushion and placed it under Carla's head as she placed her hand over her cheek and laid out on the floor with her.
"Lisa". She managed to call out.
Lisa- Yeah baby I'm here help is on the way..Stay with me.
Over at the Hospital Lisa was pacing Carla's room waiting for the nurse to come back with Carla. When she was eventually bought back she took hold of her hand and pulled up a chair by her bedside as she sat there holding her hand what she was told next had her upset.
"Ms Connor has sepsis due to her head injury she had when she was first bought in, she has an infection...She does have kidney damage whether it can repair itself we're not so sure as yet...We've given her antibiotics for the infection".
Lisa- What if the kidney doesn't repair what happens then?
"She'll need a new transplant...We've given her antibiotics for the infection but we won't the damage until her blood test results come through so just be with her and we'll keep you updated."
Lisa- Thank you...She said looking down at her girlfriend who was still yet to come round from local anaesthetic. She placed her hand to her lips and kissed the back of it before breaking down in tears.
"He...Y don't cry". Called out Carla
Lisa- Hey you..Don't you scare me like that again . She said taking a stand and leaned over the bed so she could place her lips against her forehead.
Carla- I'm sorry. She said as she squeezed her hand as Lisa sat back down on her chair she placed Carla's hand that she was holding and placed it to her face feeling the comfort of her hand against her own face.
Lisa- You have got nothing to be sorry about I shouldn't have gone to work...If i didn't go to work then I would have been with you.
Carla- I don't know what happened, one minute i was experiencing these headaches then the next I'm feeling dizzy.
Lisa- I was so scared i thought I'd lost you. She replied while Carla wiped the tears from her eyes.
Carla- You won't lose me ever...Hopefully the doctors have got whatever it is under control, then i can be out of here and be with you and Betsy.
Lisa- The doctors have said you've got kidney damage due to the head injury it caused an infection...Now we don't know if the damage is permanent and that you need another transplant but I'm here we'll get through this together.
Carla- I know this is a lot to take in..I wouldn't blame you if you walked. She said rubbing her bottom lip with her thumb as she looked deep into her girlfriend's eyes.
Lisa- I don't want to walk away, you have me Carla all of me because I....
"Mom are you okay...I've been round to Roy's and he told me that he saw the ambulance at the flat, is this because of the head injury."
Carla- Darling I'm fine honestly.
Lisa- No you're not...Betsy i don't know how much you heard but Carla has developed sepsis due to the head injury she sustained from her attack and she may need another kidney transplant if they haven't caught the infection in time.
Betsy- I'm sorry mom. She called out as she went by her bedside and took hold of Carla's hand as she started to cry.
Lisa= This isn't your fault..It's those Radcliffe brothers i know it was them..But they walked free...I just know it's them.
Betsy- This is all my fault I'm sorry. She said looking down at Carla who squeezed her hand and nodded her head slightly which Lisa noticed their gaze.
Lisa- What do you mean it's your fault...Betsy what did you do? She said making her stand and releasing her hand Carla's as she did.
Betsy- I was the one that organised the Radcliffe's to burgle the Factory. She knew she had to confess to her mum everything .
Lisa- What!! She said looking at her daughter and then at her partner who was looking back at her.