Jada's party couldn't have got off to a more perfect start…
People arrived to Twelve A Rosamund Street either early or bang on time and by four fifteen on December fourteenth, all the guests that had been invited to Jada's party were piled into Peter's flat to celebrate her second birthday.
There was the Barlow's of course and they had arrived to Jada's party first.
Ken, Tracy and Amy seemed very impressed with the decoration of the flat and praised Carla and Peter for the truly wonderful job they had done.
Next to arrive at the party was David and Kylie, with their little girl Lily. Jada and Lily had never met in their life but they made friends instantly and were soon running around the flat throwing balloons at each other and squealing excitedly.
Fizz and Tyrone arrived very soon after that with their two children Hope and Ruby and it wasn't long before they were also running happily around the flat with Jada and Lily, trying to catch balloons and dancing away to the music that was playing.
Maria came to the party, along with her son Liam and then Steve and Michelle turned up too, both with presents in hand and both very eager to see the birthday girl who had already been spoilt enough today without all of the presents she had been receiving from everyone.
The last to arrive at the party was Roy and he actually did bring Cathy along like Carla had suggested. This act surprised her a little but it also made her happy to see that even Roy wasn't going to be alone during the festive season and maybe even beyond that.
Now, had you of asked Peter a month ago if he thought that anything of the sort would have been happening in his very flat, he would have laughed sarcastically and said
"Yeah right"
Only a mere four weeks later and now he couldn't imagine spending his little girls birthday in any other way.
He had watched with pride as Jada practically bounced around the living room in her glittery skirt and he had watched as she said a very excited,
"Hello" to each person who had arrived at her very special Lion King themed birthday party.
There was a Disney film playlist playing from a set of speakers in the corner and it was clear that Jada was thrilled to hear some of her favourite songs being played at her party because she sang along loudly and danced around the room in an adorable fashion which made everyone smile broadly.
Peter could swear his little girl hadn't stopped smiling since her party had started and had watched when Jada was handed a present by each person who had entered her party.
He watched as she excitedly tore open the wrapping paper to see what was beneath it.
Jada didn't even need to be prompted to say thank you to those who had brought her presents, she offered hugs and kisses to those who had given her some very thoughtful gifts, which made Peter feel even more proud of his daughter and as he beamed down at her, he couldn't help but feel slightly emotional.
Of course, he wasn't the only emotional one at the party...
After the arrival of all the party guests, Peter's flat was pretty much full to the brim, there weren't enough seats for everyone as Peter only had an armchair and a sofa to sit on but no one seemed to care and watched with pleasure as Jada's party got into full swing.
Carla showed off a bag once everyone had arrived, which was full of lots of special animal headbands. Jada shrieked with laughter as she was handed the bag and went around choosing exactly which pair of wild animal ears to give to each of her party guests.
Very soon the room was filled with Lions, Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Zebras, and Giraffes an after making sure everyone at her party had on a pair of animal ears, Jada had chosen Elephant ears for her self and also for Simon but surprisingly she had insisted that her parents wore a pair of matching of Giraffe ears instead.
"You and Daddy ones." Jada nodded as she thrust two pairs off Giraffe ears towards Carla who had been stood in a corner of the room talking to Michelle, She had been given a pair of Zebra ears to wear only a minute or so ago and was placing them on her head as Jada spoke.
"Oh really…" Carla moaned in a jokey fashion, "I wanted to be a Leopard Jada…" Jada giggled at her Mum and showed her the almost empty bag as she said,
"No more left, sorry Mummy…" She then pointed over at her Dad and said, "That one for Daddy."
"Go on then Carla..." Michelle said, smirking as she nudged Carla towards Peter.
He was stood in the kitchen in mid conversation with Steve and Tyrone when from behind he felt Carla's soft hands touch his shoulders.
Before Peter could say or do anything other than turn around to face Carla, She had gently placed a pair of Giraffe ears on his head.
Both of her hands then ran down the back of Peter's head and only for a moment did they rest there before Carla let go of him.
She didn't say anything to Peter at all during this somewhat electric exchange, She just smirked at him deliciously before turning back around and sauntering back to Michelle.
Peter was quiet for a moment and took the small amount of time to relive the irresistible look Carla had just given him whilst Steve and Tyrone both watched with rather comical expressions.
"You alright there Peter?" Tyrone asked with a grin. Tyrone's question had snapped Peter out of his Carla related daydream and made him nod quickly and say,
"Yeah fine."
"You sure?" Steve asked with a raised eyebrow, Tyrone took a sip of the coffee had been previous drinking and watched as Peter nodded again and said,
"Of course mate. I'm just happy that's all."
"I'd say you look more than happy." Tyrone replied which made Steve chuckle and say,
"Yeah, In fact I'd say you look like a right love sick puppy."
"Love sick?" Peter replied, rolling his eyes and shaking his head, even though Steve was probably one hundred per cent right about the way Peter was feeling about Carla right now and vice versa.
"Oh come on mate, don't even try n deny it… it's totally obvious something is happening between you n Carla." Tyrone said with a nod.
"Yeah it's dead blatant." Steve nodded in unison. "I mean I've seen all those long chats… I've seen ya both ave in the corner of the pub… you can't say there's nothing there mate."
Peter shook his head once again and tried to act as if his and Carla's relationship hadn't shifted a lot closer to what it used to be when they were together and when they were happy, over the past few days.
Unlike Carla, he hadn't actually told anyone about anything that had happened between him and Carla since she had got back.
He hadn't told anyone about the fact that he and Carla had slept together when Jada was in hospital.
He hadn't told anyone about they way they would lean against each other whilst watching the television and how one night they had even sat with their arms around each other just like they used to do way back when and he hadn't told anyone that just earlier on that day, he and Carla had shared a passionate kiss in the very kitchen that they were stood in now.
"See…. He's still not actually denying it." Peter heard Tyrone say and it was then that Simon had arrived in the kitchen, he was putting some left over wrapping paper in the bin and had overheard what Tyrone had just said.
"Denying what?" Simon asked curiously.
Peter knew what was coming, he couldn't stop Steve and Tyrone grinning at each other wickedly and he couldn't stop Steve from saying,
"Your Dad reckons that there is absolutely nothing going on between him n his ex missus…" Peter tutted suddenly at Steve using the word ex to describe Carla because as far as he was concerned Carla was always going to be his wife and when he tutted, both Steve and Tyrone grinned even more because they knew they must be on to something.
"So go on then Si, Tell us. Is he telling us the truth?" Tyrone asked.
Simon, who knew a lot more than Steve and Tyrone could ever imagine, just gave his Dad a quick glance and very rapidly said,
"Sorry… I've gotta go n get the pass the parcel game ready." Simon hastily vacated the kitchen area after that, which obviously left Tyrone and Steve thinking that he was trying to avoid the question and full of more questions and smart comments towards Peter.
Tyrone and Steve were only trying to tease Peter in a friendly way.
They thought their banter was totally harmless but deep down inside Peter was finding it slightly difficult to stay cool.
He felt a sudden sadness when he thought about the fact that in a few days he might not be able to have this conversation at all.
There would be no umming and ahhing about his relationship with Carla cause she'd be gone.
In a few days Carla and Jada could both be thousands of miles away for all he knew and the actual thought of this made Peter roll his eyes and get determined to change the subject.
"Look, as I said, I'm just happy… it's me little girl's birthday… it's nearly Christmas... why wouldn't I be happy?" Peter said and he didn't give Steve or Tyrone a chance to reply because he walked back towards the living room and towards the party.
"You alright son?" Ken asked as Peter stopped nearby the coffee table in a slight state of anguish.
"Yeah…" Peter nodded slowly but he knew Ken had been watching and eventually said, "Steve n Tyrone were just teasing me that's all… about…" He nodded towards a cheery Carla who was in the middle of taking some comical photos with Michelle and their animal ears.
"Oh." Ken nodded, Understanding at once why his son was now looking slightly distressed.
"I am alright Dad… it's just… I dunno… I guess this is it isn't it?" Peter said slowly and sadly for that matter. "After today… everything's going to change."
"What do you mean?" Ken asked, watching Peter who was looking down at Jada. She was standing by her big brother's side and watching what he was doing with a rather large parcel that he had prepared earlier on that day.
"Well… it's Jada's birthday aint it? Carla had always said that she was leaving after that, so…" Peter trailed of with a sad smile as Jada started jumping up and down excitedly and followed Simon who had started gathering all of the other children together.
"Peter, Don't get me wrong… I mean I'm not saying that Carla is going to choose to stay or anything…" Ken began, also watching his Grand Children with a loving smile. "But that was all at the beginning… Things have changed since then… haven't they?" Ken asked with a slightly knowing smile.
Peter tried to look nonchalant for a while but couldn't keep it up for very long, especially when Carla's gaze caught his as she walked over to the table with all the party food and drink on, again nothing was said but as Peter winked over at her and made her grin back at him, Ken raised an eyebrow and said,
"I don't know exactly what has happened between you two…" Peter turned his direction of gaze back to his Dad and rolled his eyes but again he wasn't the slightest bit convincing. "But it's very clear to me… and everyone else for that matter, that you and Carla are madly… madly in love."
"Dad, don't." Peter interrupted, shaking his head as Simon and Amy got everyone organised in a circle on the floor. "I really don't… Scratch that, I… really can't talk about this." Before Ken could say anything else Peter had left the kitchen and joined the group of children who were sat on the floor at his Son's feet reading to play Pass The Parcel.
"You're doing a great job son." Peter said, giving Simon a proud pat on the back as he walked past him.
"Thanks Dad." Simon beamed as he sat down on the floor so he could get the game of Pass The Parcel organised, Amy had been asked to be in charge of the music and was sat by the speakers so she was able to start and stop it easily.
Never in a million years could Peter have imagined himself in this position, watching his oldest child take charge of his youngest child's birthday party rather overwhelmed him and as the game of Pass the Parcel got started, he looked over at Carla who was now also watching the game begin and she also was starting to get rather emotional.
She had been spending most of her time today trying not to think about her boss back in L.A and the opportunity he had offered her but after spending such a pleasant day with Peter and Jada combined with seeing her little girl so happy, Carla really did feel like she could burst into a fresh state of confused tears at any moment.
Like Peter she had been watching Jada having so much fun with Lily, Liam, Ruby and Hope, not to mention she had been watching how much Jada clearly adored her family members and the more Carla stood and watched the scene before her, the more she felt as if she knew what the right decision had to be.
She couldn't go back to L.A… Could she?
"You alright?" said a familiar voice, one that made Carla smile even before she turned to see who was talking.
"Yes…" She said, nodding slowly as she watched Jada who was now sitting on Simon's lap as they played pass the parcel. Carla then turned to Peter with an overcome smile and said, "I'm… fine…"
Peter couldn't help but take a deep breath and sniff as he watched an emotional expression spread over Carla's face.
"Carla…" He said because she actually had tears in her eyes. She turned around and stood in front of Peter with her back to the game so that the other party guests couldn't see that she was almost crying now.
Michelle, Steve, David, Kylie, Fizz, Tyrone and Tracy were all busy watching the game of Pass The Parcel whilst Ken was taking pictures although it wasn't too long before all the adults in the room had their eyes on Carla and Peter instead.
"Hey…" Peter grinned as Carla wiped her eyes and let out a laugh. "What's wrong?"
They didn't notice that Can You Feel The Love Tonight had started playing on the speakers as the game of Pass The Parcel continued in the background, A song choice that Amy and Simon had thought was rather genius given the situation that Carla and Peter were currently in.
"I dunno…" Carla said, still laughing and shaking her head, "I guess I can't believe this is happening… I can't actually believe our little girl is two…" Carla continued with more tears in her eyes, she sniffed as Peter put an arm around her and pulled her close to him.
There was a moment of pure silence between them as they both took advantage of the situation and breathed in deeply.
"I mean…." Carla said into Peter's chest, "It still feels like just yesterday that she were born…"
"I know…" Peter nodded slowly, "It really does."
"It must be worse for you…" Carla added, slowly pulling away from Peter a little and sniffing again, not realising that every adult in the room was watching her and Peter's embrace.
Peter didn't notice either, he had all of his attention focused on Carla who was standing in front of him and he didn't want to do anything to change that.
"It must be worse…" Carla repeated with another sniff, "I mean I've been thinking about it for a while now… n I've had two years with that precious little girl of ours… n you've had what? A few weeks?"
"Carla…" Peter began weakly but she shook her head with tears streaming down her cheeks and said,
"I'm sorry Peter… So sorry… I should ave done more… visited more or something."
"Carla!" Peter said firmly, his voice only slightly rose so that she would listen to him and stop apologising in the frustrating way that she was. "Listen to me… I do not blame you for leaving… I really really don't… You did the right thing… I was a mess… a total car crash… As hard as it was… I needed all of this to happen to be the man I am today."
That was the first time he'd said it.
The first time he'd ever been honest and agreed with Carla that her leaving two years ago really had been the right thing to do.
Carla breathed in as she rested a hand on Peter's chest, she could feel how much his heart was pounding and took another breath before saying,
"Thank you… for everything…" Peter looked slightly confused now and as Carla stared back at him she said, "For letting us stay ere… n… everything…" She paused as she sniffed again and wondered if she should say it.
If she should say what she desperately had wanted to say… Something that she had wanted to say all day long.
"Peter…" Unfortunately, Carla didn't get to say anything. There was a loud shriek from Jada who called,
"Mummy I got Prize! I got prize Look!" Carla turned around to see that Jada had actually got up from her spot on Simon's lap and was waving around the little toy she had won during the game of pass the parcel.
"Wow Jada." Carla said, bending down to see what Jada had won… She felt every adult plus Simon and Amy's eyes on her as she did so but she didn't dare to look at anyone other than Jada.
Peter on the other hand, looked at Steve who had his eyebrows raised so high it was a wonder they hadn't actually left his head.
Amy and Simon were both grinning at each other whilst all of the other adults in the room also tried to hide how amused they were.
"Come on then monkey." Carla said laughing slightly nervously, "Go back n finish the game then." She ushered Jada over to where the other children were sat waiting to have the next turn of the game and once Jada was sat down, Carla very quickly began to sort out some of Jada's gifts just so that she could look busy.
She picked up as many as she could, which had been left in one corner of the flat and took them into the bedroom, which she and Peter had been sharing for the past few days.
She had to make a few trips but eventually Carla had most of Jada's presents rested on the bed and as she sat amongst the books, dolls, dressing up outfits and musical instruments, Carla couldn't help but let another tear fall down her cheek.
"Blimey…" Said a voice, Carla looked up to find Michelle stood in front of her carrying a Frozen puzzle. "You're gonna need to buy another bloomin suitcase to take all of this back to California aren't ya?" Michelle spoke in a jokey fashion but then she saw the tear running down her best friends cheek and looked worried. "Carla… babe…" Michelle said, quickly sitting down on the bed and putting an arm around Carla.
"Ignore me Chelle…" Carla said sighing as she pushed some of the presents Jada had received out of the way so Michelle could get more comfortable. "I'm just way too emotional today that's all."
"Yeah so I noticed…" Michelle smirked, nudging Carla in the side who let out a frustrated laugh. "We all saw you n Peter's little… moment earlier. Me n Fizz were dead convinced you two were gonna start snogging like a pair of teenagers."
"Don't..." Carla cried as Michelle looked down at all of the thoughtful presents Jada had been given and smiled at them, she couldn't help but think that maybe people had chosen these presents specifically because they weren't too big and because they thought that they would be easy for her to maybe pack into a suitcase. "She's got some lovely presents aint she?" Carla said, running a finger across one of the sparkly picture books Jada had been bought by Kylie and David.
"Don't try n change the subject." Michelle grinned as Carla sniffed.
"I kissed Peter this morning…" Carla eventually said, half smiling and half frowning because she was so conflicted as to what to do next.
The plan had always been to leave after Jada's birthday and now Jada's birthday was here, Carla wasn't sure she could do it… but she also wasn't sure she could stay either.
"Did ya?" Michelle asked intrigued.
"Yeah…" Carla nodded slowly, smiling properly now as she remembered her and Peter's kiss and what happened after it. "Jada n Simon interrupted it though…" Carla sniffed again and then said, "You should ave seen our Jada's face… she was giggling when she saw us it were so cute… Simon looked pretty pleased about it too."
Carla thought about how happy Jada and Simon seemed to see her and Peter kissing and she couldn't help but feel sad again because for that moment, Simon and little Jada probably felt as if they were finally part of a proper family.
"Bless em." Michelle said smiling again, She watched Carla as she ran a hand through her hair and said, "So… what did Peter do to deserve a kiss from you then?"
"What? You mean other than him being a complete and utter dream?" Carla gushed, rolling her eyes because she felt like a lovesick teenager when she spoke about Peter.
Michelle laughed at her best friend who sighed and leant against her shoulder and said, "He were so lovely this morning… All day in fact." Carla smiled reminiscently as she thought about the day she and Peter had spent together and for a while, She and Michelle sat in a companionable silence.
After a good few minutes, Michelle looked at Carla closely and delicately asked,
"So… what's the plan then?"
"The plan?" Carla replied, knowing what Michelle was getting at but still asking anyway because it seemed to delay the inevitable… even if it was only for a few seconds.
"Yeah…" Michelle said sadly, feeling slightly emotional her self as she spoke. "Are you leaving… are you staying? What's happening darlin?" Carla's face dropped as she shrugged and said,
"I… dunno."
"Okay..." Michelle replied slowly as Carla sighed dramatically.
"I don't Michelle… I really don't know… On one hand… these past few weeks have been pretty damn amazing and on the other… do I really want to give up Los Angeles? Don't get me wrong, I miss everyone ere like mad but I adore it there Chelle… n so does Jada, Not to mention I'd be a fool to pass up such an prestigious opportunity."
"Opportunity?" Michelle asked, not knowing anything about the job offer Carla had been made this morning. After Carla had explained everything to Michelle, including how she had decide about the job in the next few days so it could all get sorted before Christmas, Michelle was quiet for a moment, silently going over the information she'd just been told.
"So I'm guessing Peter doesn't know about this job then?" Michelle said looking concerned They were both so caught up in their conversation they didn't notice that someone had been lingering by the bedroom door in silence... Someone who had just heard what Michelle had said.
"No course he doesn't." Carla said shaking her head, "I didn't want to ruin the day for him… but It's such a good job Chelle… I'll be starting in the New Year. I know I'll love it… n the money… I know it's not all about that sort of thing but with that I'd be able to give Jada anything she'd ever want in this world…" Carla said before there was the sound of the door creaking slightly.
She and Michelle both turned around to see if someone was there but when no one seemed to surface, Carla turned back to Michelle sadly and then said,
"Everything but a Dad that is… everything but Peter… What do I do Chelle?" Carla groaned, shaking her head because she was really finding it difficult to make a good decision.
"Carla…" Michelle said shaking her head slowly, "I can't make your decisions for ya… However…" Michelle smirked as Carla folded her arms and sighed, "I would obviously love it if you stayed ere… not to mention Peter n Simon would be over the moon." Carla let a tear dribble down her cheek as she thought about the possibility of staying in Weatherfield.
"But this job does sound amazing Carla… I wouldn't blame ya for leaving." Michelle nodded slowly, She and Carla were still sat on the bed with their backs to the bedroom door, the noise from Jada's party echoed through the flat as Carla shook her head and said,
"How? How am I supposed to leave ere Chelle… How am I supposed to separate Jada from her family?" Carla coughed this time, almost chocking on her tears as she spoke because there were so many. "How can I separate her from her Dad?"
"I ave no idea…" Michelle replied, sniffing because the sight of Carla crying always made her tear up as well.
"I don't think I can do it…" Carla cried, "I can't…" She sniffed again and wiped her nose before saying, "I don't think I can live with out him again..." Michelle nodded, knowing exactly who him was, she put her arm around Carla again and wiped her cheek softly saying,
"Then don't."
"It's not that easy though…" Carla said, detesting how back and fourth this all was. "I say I don't think I can live without him but I also don't know If I can live with him... If I stay ere… If me n Jada stay ere n then things go wrong… what then eh? I don't think I could cope Michelle. I couldn't stay round ere n not be with Peter n I know I couldn't live like we did before… n what about Jada? I've been trying so hard to make sure she has stability to make sure she has a solid home life n stuff… I don't want her to grow up like I did... It wouldn't be fair on her to just move back n forth when things went wrong."
"Darlin…" Michelle said with a tear running down her cheek, "I really don't know what to say ere…" Carla wiped her eyes and sat quietly for a few moments, but after those few moments it was as if she suddenly deciding enough was enough and shook her head stubbornly.
"Y'know what…" She said getting up off the bed and going over to a mirror that was on the wall. She looked in it and wiped the smudged eyeliner away from below her eyelids before readjusting her Giraffe ears on her head so that they say straight. "I'm not going to think about this anymore… Not today. It's Jada's party… I shouldn't be in ere bawling like a baby."
"Carla you can't just ignore…" Michelle began but Carla had already smoothed down her dress and walked towards the bedroom door, sniffing and trying very hard to pretend as if she had just been in an almost uncontrollable state of tears.
"Yes, I can… I'll have a proper think about all of this tomorrow… Come on, Jada will be wondering where we are." Carla said, she gestured for Michelle to follow her out of the bedroom and promised herself she would once again, try not to think about leaving.
After going back into the Living room and pretending that she hadn't been upset, Carla sat down with Jada to finish the game of pass the parcel with her. Peter was stood nearby and watched the game continue, which ended with Ruby as the winner.
As Ruby pulled her prize out of the wrapping paper, a few of the other children at the party started to cry because they hadn't won but Jada just clapped excitedly and cried,
"Yay!" Carla bent her head and kissed Jada on the forehead lovingly for being such a good sport whilst Simon and Amy tried to calm down the other kids and explained that they had some other party games planned.
After a few rounds of musical bumps and pin the tail on the donkey, it was time for the food. Carla and Peter were both so busy handing out plates, cups and party food that they barley had time to speak again on their own. The next time they actually spoke properly was when Carla went into the kitchen to get Jada's birthday cake ready.
"Peter lend us ya lighter will ya?" Carla called, waving Peter over from the corner he'd been stood in with Simon. As he quickly walked over to Carla, he smiled at her but his smile seemed slightly forged and as he handed Carla the lighter she couldn't help but ask,
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah of course." Peter nodded, a little too enthusiastically for Carla's liking.
He was trying very hard to pretend as if he hadn't heard it.
As if he hadn't heard about this amazing opportunity Carla had been given and he tried very to pretend as if he didn't know what she was going to do about it.
Carla watched Peter for a moment but couldn't take too long as Jada had already been sat on the sofa, ready for her surprise cake to be brought over to her.
She was sitting right in the middle with Simba on one side of her and Ariel the mermaid on the other. All the other party guests surrounded the sofa, most of them with their phones in hand so they could take a picture of Jada when it was time, Michelle holding her own one and Carla's, whilst Tracy had been left in charge of Peter's one.
Jada didn't know exactly what she was waiting for but had a very excited look on her face as her parents stood in the kitchen in silence.
"You sure?" Carla asked again suspiciously as she began to light the two candles on Jada's cake.
"I said so didn't I?" Peter replied with a nod. He then turned to Simon who was stood by the light switch and called, "Turn the lights down Si."
With a light tap on the switch, Simon had dimmed the lights in the flat earning a,
"Ohhhh…" from various party guests and a exciting gasp from Jada.
"D'ya wanna do it together then?" Peter said as he went to pick up the specially made Lion King cake. Once again winked at Carla as he spoke and she couldn't help but grin foolishly as she nodded and picked up the cake with Peter.
They both carried it over to the sofa where their adorable little girl was sat in anticipation. As everyone sang Happy Birthday Jada smiled gleefully and clasped her hands together as her cake was held in front of her.
"Look!" She cried when she had realised what was actually on her cake. "Simba!" She exclaimed as she picked up her own Simba and held it near the cake. She peered at the specially made characters and at the delicate trees as Carla, Peter and everyone else continued singing Happy Birthday. "Wowwee!"
When they were finished singing and taking photos, Jada just beamed at her cake in awe. she didn't rush to blow out her candles like Carla had thought she would have and in the end, Peter chuckled and said,
"Go on then Jada, Blow out the candles."
"Make a wish baby." Carla said affectionately as she and Peter held the cake before their daughter.
Jada giggled excitedly before leaning forwards and attempting to blow out the candles that were lit in front of her. Then she paused, looking between her Mummy and Daddy for a moment and in a way that made both Carla and Peter's heart melt.
"Go on Jada!" Simon cheered, noticing how it looked as if his little sister really was making a wish. After a few more cheers, Jada eventually blew her candles out.
"Yay." Carla said, leaning forward slightly and kissing Jada on the cheek, Peter did the same and after Jada had received a few more hugs and kisses from her new found friends, She pointed at the cake before her and said,
"My cake."
"Yeah, d'ya want some?" Carla said, standing up as Peter had let go off the cake now. Simon had turned the lights back up and the music back on whilst many of the party guests looked at their photos and the children started messing around with the balloons again.
"Yes pwease!" Jada said, jumping up and down on the sofa. As Carla took the cake over to the kitchen, Peter bent down and picked Jada up. He kissed her once again as he carried her over to the kitchen so she could watch her cake being cut.
"Which bit d'ya want then monkey?" Carla asked as she pulled a knife out of the kitchen draw. She pointed at Simba and smiled asking, "D'ya want Simba?"
"No!" Jada cried as Carla went to place the knife onto the cake. "Don't cut Simba Mummy!" Peter laughed at his little girl who looked horrified at the thought of her Mum slicing into Simba and said,
"Uh oh…" Carla smiled at Jada and said,
"Baby you can eat them though..." Jada shook her head once again and said,
"No cutting Mummy. No cut Simba and Fasa." Carla sighed slightly as Peter watched in an amused fashion.
"What do I do?" Carla said to him as Jada still looked as if there was no way her cake was going to be cut.
"Dunno." Peter shrugged comically.
"Helpful." Carla replied with her eyebrows raised, Peter smirked at her and then turned to Jada and said,
"How about Mummy takes Simba and Mufasa off the cake so you can keep them? Can we try some cake then?"
"Kay…" Jada nodded although she didn't look too convinced by this idea. Carla carefully used a knife to gently prise Simba and Mufasa off the cake, she placed them on a nearby plate and looked at Jada for approval.
"How's that?" She asked as Ken joined them in the kitchen, he didn't say anything as he had only been on his way to put something in the bin but he smiled at the sight of Carla, Peter and Jada huddled up quite close in the corner of the kitchen.
"Take Puba off too." Jada said, pointing at the warthog character in a bossy fashion. Carla and Peter grinned at each other before Carla eventually took off every single icing character off Jada's cake and also some trees too.
"There ya go Little Miss Diva." Carla said, shaking her head in amusement as she looked down at the pretty bare cake before her. All that was left was the message that said, Happy 2nd Birthday Jada and a few leaves.
"Can we ave some cake now?" Peter asked Jada, poking her on the nose. "Other wise we'll ave to eat you." He growled at Jada and tickled her as Carla sliced into the cake and began cutting pieces for everyone at the party.
Ken stayed silent as he watched this precious moment and then returned to the living room where everyone was watching patiently for a slice of some cake.
Almost three hours and a half later, when all the party guests had gone home armed with Party bags full of treats and with balloons tied to their wrists and after the tidying up had almost been finished, Carla was sat alone in the bedroom with a very sleepy Jada.
After a very long and eventful day, She had been bathed, taken out of her party clothes and put into a new pair of Frozen pyjamas.
Jada's party guests all said Thank you before leaving and it turned out to be Michelle and Steve who left the party last. It seemed as if both of them had wanted to speak to their best friends privately but there never really seemed to be the right moment for it and in the end, Michelle just said to Carla on the way out,
"Call me in the morning… okay?"
"I will…" Carla said, before hugging Michelle tightly and kissing her on the cheek goodbye.
Carla had expected Jada to fight going off to bed after she had got out of the bath but when Carla had said it was bedtime, Jada had said a loving goodnight to her brother and her Dad.
"Good night Jada." Simon said, giving her a huge hug and kiss.
"Nun Night." Jada wrapped her arms around her brother's neck before being passed over to her Dad who scooped her up and said,
"Night night Princess." Peter said, kissing Jada gently on the nose and then on both cheeks, which made her giggle sleepily.
"Night Dadda." Jada said as she rubbed her tiredly eyes. Carla walked over to Peter and took Jada off him, She smiled warmly as she did so and he couldn't help but smile back as she said,
"I reckon she'll be asleep in a few minutes…"
"If that." Peter said quietly, gently stroking Jada on the head. She smiled up at her before putting a thumb in her mouth. He bent down and picked up Simba before handing it to Carla who headed off to the bedroom with Jada in her arms.
She had cleared away all of Jada's presents earlier on so the bed was ready for them to get into it. As Carla laid Jada in the middle of the bed where she always slept these days since Peter had been in there with them, She smiled down at her as she tucked Simba in next to her and said,
"Ave you had a good day Jada?"
"Yes Mummy." Jada nodded, her thumb was still in her mouth as she spoke and as Carla stroked her head softly she took a deep breath and said,
"Do you like it ere Jada? In... England?" She knew Jada wouldn't really understand the question too much but she still continued and said, "Do you miss living in California?"
"Miss Auntie Susie." Jada nodded, showing Carla that she did understand a part of her question, if not all of it.
"Auntie Susie misses you too." Carla said softly as Jada yawned. She paused for a moment and then felt foolish as she asked, "Do you want to go back? To where Auntie Susie is? Do you want to go back to the beach… and back to Butterfies Nursery to see all your friends?"
"Yes." Jada nodded slowly, "I want go on airplane gain and see Susie... and my friends." Carla shook her head in a heartfelt way as Jada's eyes began to close. She knew that what Jada was saying didn't really mean anything as she was only two years old and not really capable of making proper decisions and that she was also half asleep but she couldn't help but ask Jada what she wanted to do.
Of course, Carla didn't mention that going back to California meant that they would have to leave Peter and Simon and as she walked back into the living room after Jada had fallen asleep, She saw them both, sat on the sofa and going over all the pictures taken at Jada's party.
"Out like a light." Carla said, as she walked over to the sofa, still wearing her giraffe ears on her head. Simon instantly stood up and gestured for Carla to sit down next to his Dad. Carla smiled at Simon but sat down next to Peter awkwardly, Simon smirked mischievously and then said,
"I think... I'm gonna head to bed too… Got an early start at school tomorrow." Peter rose an eyebrow at Simon and looked at the clock, which said it was only nine twenty pm.
"Oh yeah." Carla replied, also watching Simon suspiciously. He nodded and shrugged his shoulders before faking a yawn and making Peter and Carla both laugh.
"Thanks for today kiddo." Peter said, looking slightly seriously at Simon now and being totally grateful to him for his behaviour today.
"Ahh it was nothing... I had a fab time" Simon said with another shrug but Carla nodded.
"Thank you Simon. You've been totally amazing today." She said, getting up to hug him in pure appreciation.
As Simon held Carla close for a moment, Peter watched with his heart in his mouth. After the events of today, He wasn't entirely sure he would be able to handle being alone with Carla for too long and he knew that that was where things were headed.
After their goodnights had been said, Carla sat back down on the sofa with her body facing Peter and said a rather exhausted,
"What a day eh?"
"It's been perfect." Peter nodded slowly, "I mean it…" He said, looking at Carla intently as she moved up the sofa so she was sitting directly next to him. "Thanks for staying this long… I know I've said it a lot but honestly Carla… ya don't know how much this visit has meant to me N Si."
"Don't mention it…" Carla began, unable to ignore the way Peter had said the word visit. For some reason it irked her and mind her squirm slightly. "I'm really glad I chose to stay… These past few weeks have just been incredible..."
Suddenly… There was a tense silence.
One where Peter swallowed hard and where Carla tried to ignore the horrible feeling she had in her stomach.
This had to be it.
They had to talk about it now didn't they?
It seemed as if there was going to be no good time for Peter and Carla to discuss what happened next between them and for a moment, it seemed as if now was the right time but then… Peter couldn't help but let out a cheeky chuckle.
"What?" Carla asked slightly perplexed, Peter didn't answer her, instead he leant forward and playfully flicked one of her giraffe ears. "Oh…" She said feeling slightly foolish because everyone else had taken their ears off ages ago now. As Carla reached up to take her furry giraffe ears off, Peter quickly took hold of her hands and said,
"No leave em on, they look dead cute."
"Give over." Carla giggled as Peter held onto her hands. "Peter, you've got yours off." She tried to squirm free but Peter was stronger and she was unable to get away. "Peter…" She laughed yanking her hands to no avail.
Suddenly Carla and Peter were so close to each other they could hear each others slightly rigid breathing.
They gazed into each others eyes deeply and instead of letting go of Carla's hands, Peter just held onto them, even tighter than before.
The next thing Carla and Peter knew... their lips were touching, tenderly… moving together in perfect sync.
There was still music playing dimly from the speakers and the Christmas tree lights faded on and off as Carla and Peter got slightly more comfortable on the sofa by leaning back, Peter only very slightly on top of Carla as they kissed.
He had a hand on Carla's waist, stroking it gently as Carla rested a hand on the back of his neck, they were both utterly engrossed in each other, finally alone once again.
This tender but rather enchanted kiss between Carla and Peter, only lasted for a few more supreme seconds.
"Carla…" Peter said quietly, criminally pulling away from her and leaving her in a slight stake of shock and confusion, almost trembling in fact.
"Yeah…" She said with bated breath. "What... what is it?" She asked as she had felt as if this kiss with Peter was definitely about to lead to something else before he had stopped it so suddenly.
"It's…" He began, hating what he had just done but feeling as if it was probably the right thing to do right now… especially given the situation they were in. "It's nothing…" He said with a slightly scared smile.
"Well then…" Carla said, smiling back at Peter and placing her hand back on his neck. She smirked at him seductively and pulled him towards her but he somehow... somehow resisted.
"I can't…" He said shaking his head and he actually stood up now, making Carla even more shocked and her cheeks go slightly red. "I just… can't… I'm sorry."
Carla sat on the sofa below Peter for a moment and felt incredibly foolish after being knocked back by him, it was all too familiar feeling, one she had felt many many years ago when she had first realised her feelings for him and she detested it.
Carla was also so embarrassed and couldn't understand why after their kiss this morning and after more than a week of rather shameless flirting Peter was suddenly acting like this towards her... Maybe she'd got it wrong... after all this time.
She eventually stood up in a clumsy fashion and pulled the giraffe ears of her head desperately because she felt like they only made her look even more idiotic.
There was another horrible silence before Peter gazed around the almost tidy flat awkwardly and cleared his throat. Carla stood before him with the giraffe ears in hand still unable to work out what had gone wrong.
"It's been a long day…" Peter said, not quite looking Carla in the eyes because he knew they would be full of hurt.
He didn't want to cause her pain.
Of course Peter wanted nothing more than to kiss Carla and never stop kissing her again but he knew that if he did that she'd probably end up making the wrong choice... he wanted better... She and Jada deserved better than him.
"How about you go on to bed and I'll finish this lot..." Peter said putting his hands into his pockets casually and looking around at the little bit of mess that had been left behind.
Carla didn't know what else to do but nod slowly and walk into the bedroom she had been sharing with Peter for the past week.
She flounced down onto the bed, shaking her head and still mortified at how Peter had pulled so suddenly away from her.
She tried her hardest to work out what had gone wrong, not knowing that the real reason Peter had pulled away from her and that the only reason was because he thought that she was planning to leave.
He had heard her and Michelle talking earlier on and in his head he he had somehow figured out that Carla had to leave.
He figured that although she'd seemed to have had a good time in Weatherfield, nothing could compare to life in L.A.
He figured that she knew he was a long short and although he'd kept a brave smile on his face during the party, inside he was breaking.
During the short time he'd had since accidentally hearing about Carla's job offer, Peter had convinced himself that he wasn't good enough for another chance and that his time with her and Jada was up.
Carla wasn't going to stay in dreary Weatherfield with a complete wreck like him when there was a sunny and bright life waiting for her in Los Angeles.
In the bedroom, Carla took her make up off… her dress off and put her pyjama's on… She waited until ten o'clock and yet there was still no appearance from Peter.
She desperately wanted to go out there and speak to him, ask him why he had suddenly been so off with her when earlier on had been so perfect between them but she was still so stunned an embarrassed she just couldn't do it.
Instead she hoped… prayed he would come in and speak to her… that he would go into the bedroom and say that he had made a mistake… only he didn't.
Eleven o'clock came and it was still just Carla and Jada. Carla was sat with her phone in her hand as she finally accepted the fact that Peter wasn't going to be coming in.
He'd obviously finished tidying up ages ago and was clearly making the choice to stay away, which made Carla feel even more embarrassed than before.
The sound of Carla's email tone went off and as she clicked it open she saw that the email she had just received was from her boss.
She scanned through the email quickly, not wanting to read it too much at this time of night and saw that it was just a reminder about the wonderful new job that was waiting for her back in L.A… as if she needed reminding.
At the end of it she saw that her boss had written the words… Let me know, asap.
Carla swallowed bitterly as she looked down at Jada and remembered how Peter had moved away from her so quick.
She hastily typed out a reply to her boss and before she could change her mind... She pressed send.
Jada's party couldn't have ended in a more frustrating and downright dreadful way.
I reckon that was probably the longest chapter of this fic so far...
Hope you enjoyed it, if ya did let me know with a review & as always, Thanks for reading.
:)