First thing I've written in ages, but a song (Never Let Me Go, by Lana Del Rey) inspired me. Hope you enjoy, reviews as always really appreciated.

Just to set the scene, it's December 2011, so three months since Carla's rape.


It was the Rover's annual Christmas Party. The Rover's was bustling with people, a continuous cacophony of chatter and cheer. Peter was sat sipping his orange juice contently, the obligatory arm draped over Leanne's shoulder. But his eyes were elsewhere.

He'd watched her slip quietly through the doors, her slim figure beautifully defined by the knee length black dress she was wearing, her legs endless in glossy black heels. He'd tried to catch her eye, shoot her a gently smile but she hadn't looked at him, instead heading straight towards the bar, ordering a large glass of her favourite red wine, and then another. He'd noticed.

The once confident factory boss had engaged in little conversation, instead resorting to sipping her drink and looking downcast at the bar.

Leanne was too busy chatting to Ken and Deirdre to notice her husbands gaze, fixated solely on her once best friend.

He felt a stab of jealousy as a man, younger than himself, and not someone he recognised, take the opportunity to stand beside Carla, his intentions clear from the way he looked at her hungrily. He shuffled closer, making his presence known, boldly letting his hand rest on her lower back, his arm snaked round her side.

In an instant Peter saw her demeanour change, her body stiffen as she felt his hand around her back. She straightening up, pulling away quickly, stepping back to distance her self from the man. Peter saw her face pale, her hands clenched nervously, unable to remain still from the shaking.

The man, obviously offended wore a embarrassed, angry glare.

'Frigid cow' he said loudly, letting others hear.

Carla's eyes were wide with shame, and Peter watched as she turned quickly, her shoulders hunched as she hurried towards the doors, her ears burning as she felt all the eyes, all the mutters centre around her. Usually she'd love being the centre of attention, she was used to it, but not anymore, not since that fateful day in September.