Three's a crowd
The Background:
Michelle's life got complicated when she discovered her son Ryan was swapped at birth. With her biological son Alex now on the scene Ryan is less than pleased. Michelle feels torn between both boys. And Steve's not that keen on the drama either
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The Story:
Ryan decides he doesn't want anything to do with Nick and Wendy and refuses to accept a letter from Nick, but Michelle is increasingly curious about Alex. After telling Ryan that she won't see Alex she turns up at Alex's school and tells him that she is there if he ever wants to talk.
Alex calls Michelle and she agrees to meet him, but feeling guilty begins to leave just as he arrives. Alex tells her about his unhappy home-life with Nick and Wendy, and Michelle tells him that his biological father Dean is dead. The secret meetings continue and Michelle begins to lie to Steve and skips out on Amy's birthday to see him.
The family arrives for Liam's wedding and as Ryan proudly acts as Best Man things seem to be getting back to normal. However when Alex shows up at the reception and introduces himself to Michelle's parents, she begins to worry about what he wants.
When Alex arrives at the Rovers Michelle tells him that he can't just turn up unannounced. Ryan's angered that Alex is intruding into his life. Steve wants her to set Alex straight but she just can't turn away her son.
A call from Nick reveals that Alex has gone missing. He arrives at the Rovers escorted by police, having run away from home. Michelle invites Alex to stay for a few days, but Ryan is not happy at having to share.
As he outstays his welcome with Steve and Ryan, Alex reacts badly to suggestions that he should go home. Michelle relents and allows him to stay on a bit longer. Steve finally snaps when Alex is left in charge of Amy and instead off playing with her he sends her off to hide in a game of hide and seek. When Steve confronts him Alex locks himself in the bar. Alex breaks down blaming himself for his parents marriage break-up. Michelle wants Alex to stay but is worried about Ryan's reaction.
Steve and Michelle decide to look for somewhere bigger to live to accommodate both boys. As Alex apologises to Amy, Ryan refuses to live with Alex any longer and goes to stay with Liam and Maria.
Alex's mum Wendy wants him back home and is frustrated by Michelle fobbing her off. She confronts Michelle at the pub, but Alex is unwilling to leave and Michelle refuses to make him. Meanwhile Steve's getting sick of the drama and agrees with Wendy that it's time that Alex went home.
When Ryan hears that Alex is still there, he refuses to come home until he leaves. As Michelle and Alex bond on day out Liam is left comforting a distraught Ryan.
Alex has to go
Steve finally issues an ultimatum - Alex is causing too much pain and has to go. Alex returns to Wendy, but is furious with Michelle for breaking her promise to let him stay as long as he wanted.
With Alex gone, Ryan returns home. Michelle's glad he's back, but can't stop worrying about Alex, and Steve worries that Michelle is not coping.
When Nick again suggests meeting Ryan, Ryan refuses saying he doesn't want to upset his mum. However Ryan reconsiders and Michelle is surprised when she comes home to find Nick waiting for her son, claiming that Ryan called him.
When Ryan asks if he can go away for Easter with Nick, Michelle refuses. Ryan defies Michelle and tells her he's going with his Dad. Liz helps persuade Michelle to let Ryan go, and she reluctantly agrees.
Ryan returns from holiday and Michelle is not sure whether to be worried or relieved when he seems to have little to say about the trip.
Michelle's pleased that Ryan and Nick are getting along but she's still missing Alex. Seeing how much it means to her, Steve goes to find Alex. Alex agrees to hear Steve out - for a small fee. However he agrees to go visit Michelle, and she's delighted when Alex turns up at the Rovers to see her.
Ryan seems to accept his mother's need to see Alex, but he's
still not going to play happy families with him. After explaining
the situation to her parents Michelle takes Alex to Ireland to meet
them, but Ryan doesn't want to go with them.
