Possession
This is set around the time of the Friday 17th Feb episode, and is my attempt at the type of scene I'd like to see. Hope you like & reviews always appreciated!
The midday sun glinted on the cobbles as Peter left the bookies and walked over to the factory. Reaching the front door, he hesitated for a few seconds, fiddling with his cufflink, still uncertain whether to go in.
He'd kept away from Frank lately, for good reason. His smugness and wide-eyed innocence had been nauseating enough, even before the sham that was the trial. Reluctantly Peter had to admit he was scared of coming face to face with him again. Frank knew exactly how to provoke him. One day he might just go too far.
But today was about Carla. If he was going to surprise her, there was no other option. His mind made up, he pushed open the factory doors and walked in purposefully. The murmurs from her workers showed the gossip hadn't died down yet. But he wasn't in the mood for a chat, so with just an offhand greeting, he headed straight towards the office.
Michelle, Sally and Frank were all in today, but his eyes fell only on Carla in the moment before he opened the door. She was hunched over some files, obviously tense in the awkward atmosphere, her jaw set in determination. Then as she looked up and saw him, her face brightened and a slow smile played across her lips.
"Hey love" he greeted, conscious of Frank's cold stare.
"Ah, the boyfriend". Frank's voice was smooth, but with disdain in every syllable. "Wondered when you'd show up."
"Frank..". Although Carla spoke softly, her tone of warning quietened him for now, and Peter wondered at her stubborn strength. While she was anything but unscathed by it, how did she manage to stay in the same room as him at all?
"Hiya" Carla walked over to Peter, slightly frowning. "Everything OK?"
"Course it is" he reassured her, his hand on her arm. "I've come to take you for lunch".
Pointedly ignoring Frank and Sally, he glanced at Michelle.
"Can you spare her for a couple of hours?"
Smiling, Michelle nodded.
"Reckon we'll manage."
"Sounds good to me" Carla leaned in closer to him, clearly relieved at the idea of escaping the office.
Noticing Frank's quick but menacing glance at them, Peter suddenly felt the urge to rub it in. That bastard thought he could control everything and get his own way, but he couldn't even control his own emotions. Jealousy most of all.
Possessively reaching his arm around Carla, Peter kissed her gently. After all the weeks of secrecy, he still felt a thrill in being able to publicly claim her as his. Especially in front of the man who wanted to destroy them.
She returned his kiss for a moment, her lips softly lingering against his. Then she broke away, knowing they'd had the effect they wanted.
"See you later" she called to Michelle, as Peter took her hand. Then they strolled out of the office with just a cursory glance back.
"That's right. Go and flaunt your infidelity somewhere else" Sally called after them, but no-one was listening.
.
Back out in the sunshine, he was relieved to feel her tension begin to fall away, and she seemed almost light-hearted.
Realising how uptight he'd felt in the factory, he allowed himself to relax too, relishing the freedom of a two hour lunch break. In the bright light, it felt almost like spring already and he felt his spirits lifting.
"Did you see his face?" he asked, smirking.
"Oh yes." She giggled. "Probably shouldn't make a habit of that. But it had to be done didn't it."
"I should whisk you away for lunch more often."
"Definitely". She stopped, pushing him against the wall playfully. "Which reminds me, where are you whisking me to?"
He smiled.
"Well, it's up to you. I could take you to a nice Italian place in town. Very swanky. Candle-lit tables an' all."
"Sounds good."
"Or there's a chip shop right there" he gestured with his hand "and a flat above a bookies…."
She laughed sarcastically.
"You do spoil me"
"I do my best..." He felt a rush of gratitude that even amid Frank's vindictiveness and Simon's resentment, she was still able to be happy.
"And in this flat…" she asked, tilting her head "would it just be you and me?"
"Si's at school and Deirdre's minding the shop"
"And what if I get chip fat all over my new top" she said.
He grinned. "I'll help you change into something else"
She raised her eyebrows. "Not so subtle, this plan, is it."
"Just joking." He stroked her arm "I wanted to spend time with you. A proper date. Let's go into town."
She took his hand again as they walked towards his car, tightening her grip at the disapproving looks from their neighbours. Unsure if her reaction was defiance or insecurity, he stroked her hand softly.
He knew his neighbours were just looking out for Leanne. He knew he should feel guilty. But on a day like this he couldn't help but feel exhilarated that the woman he was with was finally the woman he loved.
.
Then she suddenly stopped.
"But you know what, I actually do feel like chips."
"Is that a decision?" he asked, feigning grumpiness, but inwardly quite pleased.
Laughing, she led him over to the chip shop. Then seeing the long queue, he suggested
"Why don't you go on ahead, and I'll get these. My treat eh"
"What a gentleman." she teased. "OK, see you in a minute"
With a quick kiss on his cheek, she left. He watched her admiringly as she strode away to the flat.