Happiness can't last forever.
Carla and Peter, with a little Michelle, but it's mainly Carla.
Carla yawned as she opened her email. Sat at her desk, in the dull gloomy office, she could think of so many other things she could be doing right now. One of which was sleeping. Not only was she absolutely shattered from a night on the town with Michelle, it happened to be a bank holiday. And she was stuck sorting through a load of paperwork that had just built itself up, over the past few weeks. Despite the company of a little Lana Del Rey, all Carla fancied was a large paracetamol and her bed. Relief flooded her body when her phone began to ring.
"Carla Connor I am never EVER going out with you again." Was the voice that greeted her. It took a few seconds for Carla to register that it was in fact Michelle, and she sounded in a much worse state than Carla was.
"Aha… Well 'Chelle, you should know better than to come out with me on an empty stomach! I did warn you! Anyway, at least you aren't stuck in the office like me. You are probably snuggled up right now watching friends reruns. Aren't you? Well?" It seemed like Michelle was a little baffled by how well her friend could read her, and didn't reply straight away.
"Ah, well I don't own a business babe. You see I can afford to spend my days in my pyjamas watching the gorgeous Matt Le Blanc on my television. You on the other hand cannot. I suppose I better let you get back to your work then! Have a nice day now!" And with that Carla heard the beep indicating the phone call had ended.
"Love you too." She said sarcastically, to no one in particular. It was at this point, she realised there was really no need for her to be in work. No one else was, so why should she sacrifice her life for the sake of a few knickers? Sighing, she grabbed her handbag off of the floor and rushed out to the car. Only to be greeted by the one and only Peter Barlow.
"Hey gorgeous! I was just coming to see how you were getting on, looks like I've found the answer? Given up?" He asked, brushing the hair from Carla's face as he did. She just nodded, and fitted herself under his arm. "Fancy some lunch? The Rovers?"
"Why not?" Carla replied, and they made the leisurely walk to their local pub.
A few minutes later they found themselves sat at a table, having ordered two hot pots. Because Peter was now allowing Leanne to see Simon, Stella seemed to tolerate the two of them. Although she did it with a stony look on her face.
"Hey? Are you okay?" Peter said, looking at Carla who's skin had gone white. Carla didn't respond, only closed her eyes and placed her head on Peter's shoulder.
"I think I just had a bit to much to drink last night. I'll be fine." She replied, trying to reassure him. Only Peter could see something wasn't right. He placed his hand on her forehead, and she was burning up.
"Carla sweetheart, you are not okay."
"I think I just need some fresh air…" She said, rising from her seat, and turning towards the door. Peter got up too, and went straight to the other side of Carla, who was unsteady on her feet. She grabbed onto Peter, wobbling, seeing stars. "Peter-" she started, but she didn't get the chance to finish. Her legs gave way, and she collapsed to the floor, her eyes closed.
"Carla!" Peter shouted, as he crouched next to her. "Someone call an ambulance!" Everyone stared at the image in front of them, a man clearly lost in the midst of panic.
"The ambulance is coming." Someone said, Peter didn't know who, he was to busy watching Carla, helpless.
Carla lay motionless in the arms of her love, her fate undecided.