'N-Nick?' A voice almost whispers and Nick instantly rushes over to the closet. Pulling open the door he gasps slightly as he finds Carla sitting on the floor, Thea curled up in her arms as tears stream down her cheeks.

'What happened?' He asks bending down in front of her.

'I-Jake's escaped... I heard noises downstairs and I panicked.' She admits causing him to sigh.

'Oh sweetheart, it was just me coming home.' He says taking Thea from her arms.

'Let me put her in the co-sleeper and I'll be back, okay?' He says and she nods her head. He quickly places Thea in her co-sleeper before making his way back to Carla and helping her out of the closet.

'I've got you... You're safe now.' He says wrapping his arms around her.

'I was so scared.' She mumbles glancing at where Amelia is sat on the floor playing with some makeup brushes.

'How did you find out he's escaped?' He asks.

'The news... Fuck, why can't my life ever be easy.' She says shaking her head.

'Hey, we'll get through this. You, my love, are safe and so is Amelia. I won't let him hurt you.' He replies kissing the top of her head as she sighs.

'Don't leave me.' She whispers.

'Never.' He replies.

'Do you want me to make sure all the windows and doors are locked?' He asks.

'Please.' She replies quietly.

'Stay here. I'll be back up in two minutes, okay?' He says and she nods her head. Hesitantly she sits down on the edge of the bed and glances around the room as he quickly makes his way downstairs to lock everything.

'Are you okay?' Nick asks making his way into the bedroom where Carla runs her hand over her stomach.

'Mmm... Cramped closet properly wasn't good for my stitches.' She replies and he sighs.

'You should get back in bed... Rest for a while.' He says standing in front of her as she rests her head against his stomach.

'I'm scared.' She admits quietly.

'Hello?' Nick says holding the phone to his ear as he glances down at Carla fast asleep curled into his side.

'Nick, it's Michelle. I've just seen the news; how's she doing?' Michelle asks causing Nick to sigh.

'Not good, Michelle. I went to Asda this morning to grab some bits to make her breakfast and when I got back she was literally hiding in the closet... We were finally getting somewhere and now he's fucked it up again.' He replies.

'Johnny's going to drive up tonight, is that okay?' She asks.

'That would be great. Can you ask him to phone when he gets here instead of knocking? Carla's a bit jumpy with sudden noises.' He says glancing as she stirs slightly before settling back down.

'Of course. Phone me if you need absolutely anything.' She says.

'I will, thank you for phoning.' He replies.

'Don't even worry about it.' She says before hanging up. Placing his phone on the bed he sighs and kisses the top of Carla's head; this was not how he envisioned spending her birthday.

'Nick...' She mumbles sleepily and he runs his finger down her cheek.

'You're okay, I'm here... You're safe.' He says.

'What do you want to do today? Anything special to celebrate your birthday?' Nick asks.

'Can we just stay in?' She asks quietly as she glances at where Amelia is playing with her dolls house.

'If it's what you want but I don't want you to stop living your life because he's escaped. They'll catch him and he'll be locked away for even longer.' He says.

'I want to just stay in.' She replies and he nods his head.

'Okay then. So I was thinking we could book a holiday? Maybe take the girls to Disneyland?' He suggests and she smiles slightly.

'Sounds perfect to me.' She replies.

'Are you still tired?' He asks as she covers her mouth and yawns.

'Little bit.' She replies glancing at Thea.

'Go back to sleep? I can sort out Amelia and I promise I'll keep all the doors and windows locked.' He says and she nods her head.

'Okay.' She replies quietly.