Peter was the first to wake, squinting as the luminous orange rays of the morning sun filled the bedroom. He wasn't quite sure how long it had taken them both to fall asleep. The last thing he could remember was Carla as she cried herself into a state of exhaustion and finally gave in, falling asleep in Peter's arms. No matter where she was, how she felt or what was going on in her life the safety she felt from Peter's embrace provided the solace and calm that she so desperately craved.
It had been several weeks since their return to the street after Carla's treatment in Carlisle and although she had been dubious at first at the thought of returning to a normal life in familiar surroundings she had soon settled in to a stable routine. Her body had become accustomed to the new antipsychotic medication that Scott had recommended and she appeared to be in a better place compared to how she was before her sectioning.
Scott maintained regular visits to number one, keeping up to date with Carla's progress and ensuring that both she and Peter were aware that extra help and support was only a phone call away; not that they had needed it recently but after last night's episode Peter couldn't help but fear for Carla's progress and whether this setback would require her to return to the hospital for further assessment.
Peter raised his hand, gently pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear and allowing his thumb to affectionately graze the skin of her cheek as she began to stir. The colouration of the sunlight coming through the window complimented her skin and despite the look of fatigue in her expression her ethereal beauty shone through.
"Morning, gorgeous."
Carla allowed her eyes to adjust to the light before fixing her gaze on Peter's soft features, her lips slowly curling into a smile, one that only Peter was able to provoke. It soon faded as she began to recall the events of last night. Although she was unable to recollect minor details she knew, judging by how drained she felt in that moment, it had been a rough night for the two of them.
"I'm sorry."
Peter frowned at at her words and shook his head.
"For what? You've got nothing to be sorry for."
"Last night. I didn't mean for any of that, I don't know what happened. I'm going to have to go back, aren't I?"
The vulnerability in the softness of her voice was so clear to Peter and he could see that even though she had come a long way in recent weeks she was still so unsure of herself and her mind. Without thinking she would still seek out Peter's approval for things such as using the bathroom and although he was glad that she was able to place her trust in him and turn to him if need be he also had to encourage her to do things on her own so that she could get back some of the confidence and independence that she had once been well known for having.
"It's okay, love, it's all going to be okay. I've already spoken to Scott this morning, he's gonna come round later for a chat. Do you think you'd be up to that?"
Carla nodded slowly in understanding and knew that it was for the best. She hadn't always been open with people in the past but after what had happened she knew it was the main thing that needed to change. A part of her was still terrifying of the repercussions of last night's incident but with Peter at her side every step of the way she knew she would be capable of doing anything.
"He also thinks it might be best that we go to the medical centre, just so they can check you over and make sure you're alright."
She shook her head without hesitation, not wanting to be fussed over after having spent weeks being watched and studied as if she were some sort of lab rat.
"I'm fine, Peter, I promise. I would tell you if I wasn't, you know that."
"I know you might think that but the water.. that couldn't have done your skin any good."
He thought back to the previous night and how he had found her submerged in the water. He hadn't allowed himself the chance to register what was happening before his instincts took over and he pulled her from the tub. It was only after the memories of the fire escape steps came flooding back to him. He had almost lost her once recently, he couldn't let it happen again.
Peter ran his hand gently over the top of Carla's arm, narrowing his eyebrows as he recalled the searing heat of the water and whether she was still in any pain because of it. He wouldn't pressure her into doing anything she didn't want to but he couldn't help but allow his concern for her wellbeing to become more evident.
"I don't really remember much of what happened but I'm not in any pain, cross my heart. It was a bad night but I'm okay now. I feel okay."
Peter let out a deep breath and nodded, trusting Carla's judgement.
"Okay, okay. Let's just play it by ear, ey? We'll see how things go with Scott later and decide after that. It wouldn't do any harm just to get checked out though."
Peter lifted his hand from Carla's cheek and lowered it to rest further down before continuing.
"After all, we've got this little one to think of now, ey? We can't be too careful."
Carla's moved her hand to rest on top of Peter's before looking down at her stomach where a small bump had already begun to take shape where it had once been flat. She ran her thumb over his hand, taking comfort in his words and, despite her trepidation, feeling reassured that things would soon start to look up for them.
"Will you come with me? I don't want to go alone."
"Of course I will, my love. Of course I will."
