As Peter walked home, all he could think about was Carla, and how perfect it had been. It was everything he wanted and more.
'You took your time' Leanne said, a slight annoyance in her voice.
'Sorry love, me and Adam, my friend got carried away, he really needed a chat' Peter lied.
'Well your here now, so we can eat! Poor Simon has been starving!' Leanne said rolling her eyes.
This just annoyed Peter, he wished he could be back with Carla.. but for SImon's sake he had to keep it together.
Alone in her flat, Carla suddenly missed Peter, and found her reflecting back on their time. It really had been a big step for her, but now, it was as though some of the memories, the cruel, vicious memories of Frank's attack, slamming her against the way, gripping her legs, pinning her down, had been replaced with tender memories of Peter holding her, stroking her, loving her.
'That was lovely Lea' Peter said finishing his dinner.
They sat down and put the telly on.
'So do you reckon that is a good idea?' Leanne asked
'Peter, hello, earth to Peter' Leanne said
'Sorry, what?' Peter said
'About the IVF, I will book an appointment, no point hanging around' Leanne said
'Lea, listen, I don't think we should do anything.. not yet, you know, I don't think we are ready' Peter said
'Come on, we have been trying for months.. we are more than ready' Leanne said
'Well I don't feel ready.. please not today, it is Christmas, I would rather not argue' Peter said
'This isn't over Peter' Leanne said huffing
'I know' Peter whispered
******************************
It was boxing day, and Peter had managed to get away to see Carla. They were cuddling on her couch. 'Who'd have thought we would be like this, eh?' Peter said. 'I wished it for a long time.. I never thought it would happen' Carla said. 'I'm sorry I waited this long' Peter said. 'You don't need to be sorry, you have a wife, and kid, I should never have gone after you like I did, it was.. insensitive.. but I just loved you' Carla said. 'Well none of that matters now.. but this, this does' Peter said. 'Have you thought anymore about when you are going to tell Leanne?' Carla asked. 'It is always on my mind, I think after the new year, I will just have to man up, man up and tell her' Peter said. 'What about Simon?' Carla asked. 'He won't like it, he will hate me, but I hope he will understand, and realize I am doing it for the best. Leanne will always be his mum, I know that, but I can't be with someone, when she doesn't have my love' Peter said. 'But you do love her Peter' Carla said, stroking his hand. 'In a way, yes, and I care about her deeply, but with you.. it is more intense, and.. I can be myself with you, I just.. love you' Peter said looking into her eyes.
Carla cupped his face, and leaned his for a kiss. He stroked the back of her neck.
Suddenly they heard footsteps and the lock turning in the door.
'Shit, bedroom' Carla said, as Peter literally jumped up running into her bedroom.
Carla, flustered stood up. 'Michelle! I wasn't expecting you back!' she said.