It's been so long since I've updated this, so sorry for the delay… This is quite a short chapter to get back into it, but if you like please review and I'll try to write more!
Still shaken from the confrontation with Ken, Peter pressed the phone against his ear, wondering how to break the news to Carla.
"Hey love."
He spoke as quietly as he could. His dad might still possibly keep the affair secret, but if Ken's neighbours heard him, it was all over.
"Hi darling.." she said, her voice husky, making him long to see her. "My plans changed if you're still free?"
Squeezing his eyes shut, he wished more than anything that he didn't have to tell her.
For an instant he found himself planning his escape. He'd walk off, leave the yard, abandon this conversation with Ken. In ten minutes he'd be with Carla. In twenty minutes he'd be in her arms, kissing her. Would he even need to tell her that Ken knew?
He opened his eyes, inhaling deeply from his cigarette, trying to calm his nerves.
"Peter?" she called, concerned at his silence.
He glanced through the window, seeing Ken at the table, now holding a picture of him with Leanne and Simon. The once-happy family. Reluctantly Peter realised he owed Carla the truth, now all their lies were about to come crashing down.
"There's a problem." he whispered into the phone, using his hand to shield his voice from anyone who might be nearby. "Dad knows…"
After a pause, he heard the alarm in her voice
"How much does he know?"
"He guessed enough. I had to tell him the rest." he said, ashamed for letting Carla down. "Don't panic though. I'm trying to persuade him to keep quiet."
Her worried sigh echoed loudly from the phone handset.
"Would it help if I came over?"
Taking another drag on his cigarette, he thought for a moment.
"I don't know." He considered how Ken might react. Realising it might exacerbate the situation, he came to a decision.
"Can you go to the factory instead? I'll meet you after, or I'll ring if I need you."
"Alright" she answered, a trace of sadness in her voice. ""I'll be at the factory in ten minutes. If you want me."
For the first time he realised how it might seem to her, and he kicked himself for his lack of understanding. He wished he had some privacy so could reassure her properly.
"This changes nothing you know. I made my decision in December and that's how it stays."
"I hope so..." she replied, but he was relieved to hear she sounded more upbeat. "Love you."
"You too"
He ended the call, and after a final drag, stubbed the cigarette out in determination, steeling himself to face Ken again.
.
As he walked back into the living room, his dad was leaning back in the chair, the photo pointedly in front of him.
Peter glanced quickly at it, then seeing the happy expression on Simon's six-year old face and Leanne's arm placed maternally around him, he looked away, filled with guilt.
"How's your mistress then?" Ken asked acidly, his face emotionless.
"I might have asked you that question many times" Peter shot back. Then restraining his anger he answered more calmly.
"Carla's OK. I told her you knew." He thought briefly, wondering whether he could say anything that might put her in a better light.
"She offered to come around, explain things, but I said it wasn't a good time."
"Not a good time.." Ken said incredulously. "I'm hardly going to welcome her with open arms. When Leanne and Simon know nothing."
Peter sighed. "That's not what we meant."
He hesitated a moment, then dreading the answer, he asked. "Have you decided what you're going to do dad?"
Ken looked at him, seeming to register the worn look on Peter's face, the emotional toll this conversation was taking on him. He moved his gaze to the photo again, then to the floor.
"I honestly don't know" he said. "Is there nothing I can say that might persuade you to try again with Leanne?"
He continued, bewilderment on his face. "I just don't see how you've given up on your marriage."
"Dad…" Peter pleaded. "I've told you already. It's not working with Leanne. It hasn't for a long time."
"Tell me again why you won't work things out?" At the authority in his voice, Peter relented, taking a seat opposite his father.
