This is the final chapter, I hope you like it. Thankyou very much for all the lovely reviews I have received for this fanfic, comments on the last chapter will be as appreciated as always thankyou! :)
It was about a month later. Carla was finally feeling more settled into being out of hospital and back in Weatherfield. These last few weeks she has started to feel like she was getting her strength back both physically and mentally. Peter stuck by his word and gave her the space that she needed. She was the one that called the shots and was in control and so therefore these last few weeks she saw him on her terms and when she wanted which he has respected. She had finished her counselling sessions last week and had just come back from her last CBT session today. She just parked outside Underworld as she got out of the car.
"Carla". Michelle called out as she walked in the direction of her. Carla didn't hear as she was in a world of her own as she continued walking up the stairs to the factory. "Carla". Michelle added louder this time as Carla suddenly heard her name being shouted out as she turned round.
"You turned death". Michelle joked as she approached her.
"Sorry love I was in a world of my own". Carla replied.
"I could see that, are you ok". Michelle asked.
"Me, yeah I'm fine". Carla answered.
"Tough morning". Michelle suggested knowing too well that it was her last therapy session today and this would be quite a big deal.
"Not overly its just I don't know...its weird I feel like I have just finished school or something it's silly really". Carla muttered as she pulled her hair out of her face.
"No it isn't. How you feeling about it". Michelle asked.
"Ok yeah...pleased that its all over with". Carla said.
"How about me and you go to the bistro for a drink to celebrate". Michelle smiled.
"Feels silly celebrating my last therapy session". Carla murmured.
"Not to me it doesn't...come on". Michelle said as she playfully nudged her.
"What about the factory, I need to start working back there full-time again". Carla replied.
"You can from tomorrow". Michelle quickly said.
"Ok, fine but I'm just gonna pop in see how Robs getting on". Carla said being persuaded by Michelle.
"Good, don't be long though, I'll get you a drink in, red wine". Michelle asked.
"Go on then". Carla replied with a smile as they both turned away from each other as Carla headed into the factory. The factory lot were singing along as they saw Carla walking in, a few of them chorused "Morning Mrs Connor" cheerfully as they sewed.
"Morning, working hard that is what I like to see, keep up the good work". Carla positively said as she walked past them and went into the office.
"I think a congratulations is in order". Rob smugly said as Carla entered.
"You what". Carla asked confused as she looked both at Rob and Eva.
"I have just got us a new contract you know that Rendell order that we had a meeting about the other day well thanks to me giving them a little phone call you know gently asking them stroke hypnotising her with my mystical sexy voice we have just got ourself's a deal and a better one than what they were offering the other day mighten I add. Here's the papers that I just got sent". Rob smirked as he handed Carla them.
"Your not smug at all are you". Eva joked. "And that was not a sexy voice you sounded like you had a cold". She added as she laughed at Rob.
"Well it obviously worked for Jacqueline Rendell". Rob jokily replied as Carla was looking at the order.
"You can do whatever voice you want if it means you keep getting orders like that, well done Rob". Carla happily said, very pleased with what she was reading.
"What can I say I am a man of many talents". Rob satisfyingly said as Eva laughed at him.
"I am glad your doing such a great job cos you won't mind working without me for the rest of the day either then". Carla quickly said as she looked up at Rob.
"Where you going". He asked.
"Just to the bistro with Michelle for a drink... I better go because she's got the drinks in you know what she's like if she's left waiting". Carla said as she smiled and went to leave the office.
"Yeah...hey how did earlier go". Rob asked just remembering where she went this morning.
"Good thanks". She replied with a smile.
"Looks like its double celebrations then, come to the pub later we can celebrate my success...first round might even be on me". Rob exclaimed.
"You buying me a drink for once how could I refuse that, see you later then". Carla replied as she made her way out of the office.
A couple of minutes later Carla entered the bistro, she looked round to see Michelle sitting over at a table the other side of the room. She noticed Leanne behind the bar she gave her a smile which was reciprocated and walked over to Michelle.
"I am impressed, you actually weren't long at all I am surprised I weren't waiting round for at least half an hour while you fiddle about at the factory". Michelle joked as Carla sat down and took her jacket off.
"Oh no, my baby brother has got it all under control I left him with his head increasing by the minute, he got us a new contract today a big one but he reckons he only got it that good because the women loved his sexy voice". Carla replied.
"Nothings changed then". Michelle smirked.
"Nope". Carla said as she took a sip of her drink.
"I didn't get us a bottle as I wasn't sure if you are drinking a lot at the moment or...". Michelle questioned.
"I have only had a few glasses here and there lately, can't seem to take much of it these days before it goes straight up here". Carla replied pointing to her head.
"Oooh well that's the best way less money you have to spend to get drunk". Michelle joked.
"Yeah". Carla smiled.
"How do you feel, really I mean. I don't want no I am fine if your not, today's a big day". Michelle asked.
"I am fine and I meant that". Carla said. "I don't want people making a fuss about it, I mean nothing has really changed has it, it just means I don't have to keep taking some mornings off at the factory and I can go back full time". She modesty added
"It means a bit more than that Carla". Michelle insisted.
"Yeah well I just want to move on from it all now". Carla replied as Michelle gave her a worried look. "I feel stronger both physically and mentally and well my head is in a much better place now, I'm not 100% yet I don't know if I ever will be but what I do know is I feel like I am slowly getting the old me back". Carla truthfully said as Michelle just smiled at her.
"Well your starting to look like the old you again, and by the sounds of the factory lot moaning about your strictness most lunchtimes in the pub I say that your sure showing who the boss is". Michelle said as they was a silence. "I am so proud of you you know and I know what your gonna say there is nothing for me to be proud of but there is so much...you reached rock bottom and you, all by yourself got yourself better and well enough to be here now...when you collapsed outside here I knew it I just had this horrible thing what was wrong. I felt so useless standing there looking at how frail you were and then when I saw you in hospital and I couldn't get through to you I was so scared that I was gonna lose you". Michelle said truthfully a real sincerity in her voice as her eyes started to water.
"Hey...". Carla hushed trying to stop her from getting upset.
"I really thought that, in some ways I thought I had already lost you, you where like a complete stranger I just wanted to take all your pain and suffering away". Michelle recalled as Carla eyes started to fill with tears too. "I wasn't sure if we'd do this again you know both skiving off for a afternoon drink". Michelle said.
"I am not skiving you forced me here". Carla joked.
"Well you didn't take much persuasion". Michelle jested. "Seriously though I mean it I don't think there's no one more pleased to see you so well than me and I bet there's a few people watching down on you pleased too". Michelle honestly added.
"Paul and Liam". Carla said quietly.
"And Hayley". Michelle gently said as both women looked at each other for a moment. "Just remember there are so many people that care about you, some that you might not be able to see but you will always have me, Rob and Maria so please if you ever feel like your struggling again then please please ask for help because now I hope you have finally realised your not weak if you ask for help if anything you are being strong because your accepting the truth". Michelle honestly said engaging Carla in the eyes. Carla was a little taken back by her kind words which she felt tug with her emotions both women tried to wipe away their tears that were falling down there cheeks. Leanne turned round from clearing a customers plates away to see this.
"Everything alright here". Leanne asked concerned.
"Yeah fine". Carla said. "Sorry hope were not putting any customers off sitting here crying". She added joking.
"No course not". Leanne insisted.
"Were just being silly that's all". Carla explained shrugging it off.
"Well as long as your alright...I'll leave you both too it". Leanne sincerely said as she smiled before walking of.
"She meant what she said then". Michelle stated.
"What's that". Carla asked wiping away her final tears.
"You two being civil to each other". Michelle replied as she took another sip of her drink.
"Looks like it yeah...all that stuff between us seems like a million years ago now". Carla exclaimed.
"Well yeah I suppose...so how are you and Peter then". Michelle asked.
"I know you don't like him so you don't have to pretend to care we can talk about something else". Carla suggested.
"Your right I don't but I care about you so how are things". Michelle asked again.
"Good, yeah Rob's word with him really has done wonders". Carla smiled.
"I still can't quite believe that Rob of all people...have you spoken to him about it". Michelle asked.
"No I thought it was best if I just left it, but he knows how grateful I am to him". Carla said shaking her head. "And you, you do know how grateful I am don't you, you have stuck by me through so much especially the last 6 months and I honestly don't know what I would of done without you, many people would of easily gave up on me but you didn't". Carla sincerely said looking straight into Michelle's eyes as she reached over the table and put her own hand on top of hers.
"Well were sisters aren't we, family don't walk away from each other do they". Michelle quietly said as they both shared a moment together, there emotions started to arise again.
A hour later and after two glasses of red wine a slightly tipsy Carla had just left the bistro and was now entering the bookies. Peter was dealing with a customer when he saw Carla walk in, a big smile appeared on his face. She stood there a little coy as she could see that he was busy, she waited until the customer had gone before reaching over the desk and giving Peter a meaningful kiss.
"What was that for". A surprised Peter asked after Carla had pulled away again.
"Are you complaining". Carla asked.
"Of course not". Peter shook his head.
"I wanted too that's all...plus I have just had two glasses of red wine so that might have something to do with it". Carla joked, Peter could see her confidence was coming back and this really made him happy.
"Oh really...I've missed you". Peter stated glaring into Carla's eyes.
"You only saw me two days ago". Carla said.
"I know but I still can miss you can't I. How did today go". Peter asked
"Good". Carla stated.
"You are amazing you do know that right". Peter meaningfully said feeling so proud of his girlfriend. "This place has been pretty dead today why don't I close up now and we can go up to the flat...or we don't have too we can do something else or not...". Peter said suddenly worrying that he was pressuring her.
"No the flat is fine". Carla assured.
"You sure". Peter asked.
"Yeah course". Carla quietly insisted.
Half an hour later Carla and Peter were cuddling on the sofa of Peter's flat. Carla still didn't feel 100% comfortable in this flat but she felt more at ease then a few weeks ago. Peter had his arm over Carla's shoulder as she was leaning on him slightly as he was stroking her hair. They were both feeling fairly content in each others arms, both sitting in silence just relaxing in each others company. Peter suddenly moved Carla gently so he could get up. Carla groaned slightly at this, she then turned around and saw Peter opening a kitchen draw and picking up something from in it. She then looked up at Peters face and noticed that his expression had changed slightly, he looked apprehensive.
"What's that". A quizzical Carla asked. Peter walked back over to the sofa and sat back down, they were both turned inwards facing each other. Peter nervously gave Carla the book, she looked at the front cover and her face turned into a expression of confusion.
"Its a housing magazine". Carla exclaimed.
"It is... if you think I am going to fast please just say. I have had it for a few weeks now I was waiting for the right time and I feel today is that time. You know how much I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you and I will never do anything to jeopardise that again. I want to start a fresh as we mean to go on and I thought the best way would be to move". Peter explained.
"Move, move where". Carla asked shocked.
"Near, maybe not on the street as there's not really anywhere available but near so its obviously near the bookies and the factory. I don't mean move away completely I mean move away from this flat". Peter suggested.
"But you love this flat, its been your home for years". Carla stated.
"It has but I love you much more and I have realised you don't love this flat. Lets get something that is both me and you, this place was never you lets face it even when we were happy here I could tell you'd much prefer your fancy shower at your old flat". Peter jested a little.
"But my old flat had too many horrible memories". Carla quietly said looking down.
"I know and now I have made some horrible memories for you here". Peter shamefully stated as Carla looked back up at him. "Lets start as we mean to go on, start a fresh I'm talking new sofas, a new bed new everything". Peter added.
"Can you afford it". Carla asked.
"The bookies ain't been doing that bad lately. I am not talking 5* accommodation I just want somewhere that we both will feel comfortable. So what do you think". Peter asked nervousness filling his body.
"What about Simon he has lived here most of his life". Carla asked.
"The likelihood will be it will only be 5-10 minutes away, he could do with a garden anyway". Peter explained.
"You mean it don't you". Carla realised as Peter nodded. "I thought I would never prise you away from this place". She added.
"We don't have to rush, we can wait a month, 2 months whenever you are ready we can look then". Peter explained as the last thing he wanted was for her to feel to much pressure again.
"How about this week". Carla replied.
"You what". Peter asked shocked.
"There's no time like the present is there". Carla explained as she smiled.
"Are you sure". Peter spoke.
"Yeah". Carla insisted as Peter smiled at her he wiped away some hair that was in her face. "I feel like the old me is getting there but the only thing that is missing...is you". She added as Peter leaned in for a kiss. "One condition though". She said after pulling away after the kiss.
"What's that". Peter asked apprehensively.
"We have to get a dishwasher". Carla insisted.
"I'm sure that can be arranged". Peter smirked as he leaned back in for another kiss. Carla felt so happy that he understood her enough for him to know that this place wasn't right for her and that a clean start is defiantly what she needed.
A couple of hours later Carla and Peter were walking arm in arm to the rovers.
"Do we have too". Peter moaned not happy about being dragged to the rovers for a drink with Rob.
"Yes we do". Carla insisted.
"I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing less than having a drink with your brother". Peter grunted.
"Well I could say the same about your sister". Carla replied as Peter agreed.
"Are you gonna tell him". Peter asked.
"Well he's gonna find out sooner or later and I doubt he'll be that surprised". Carla explained. "Come on smile alert". She added before he opened the rovers door for her. Rob looked up and saw Carla walk in.
"Over here sis". He called out before his expression soon dropped when he saw who was behind her. "Oh I didn't think he'd be tagging along". Rob added unimpressed.
"Please Rob not today can't we just have a nice quiet drink no dramas". Carla insisted. "Tracy". She added as she politely smiled at her
"I got you one in already". Rob said
"Thanks". Carla replied as she sat down.
"I'll just get myself a orange juice love". Peter said as he went over to the bar.
"Ok". Carla said before taking a sip of her drink. There was a little atmosphere between the 3 of them.
"Carla I must say your defiantly looking like you've piled a few pounds back on". Tracy abruptly said filling in the silence.
"Tracy". Rob exclaimed appalled with his girlfriends rudeness.
"Rob its fine". Carla insisted. "Do you know what comments like that would normally affect me but it hasn't I am pleased I have". Carla added, as the words came out it made Carla realise how far she actually had come because even though she knew it was Tracy and everything she said is normally just out of spite if she had said that a few weeks ago it really would of got to her.
"I meant it in a good way". Tracy suggested.
"Of course you did". Carla bluntly replied back sarcastically.
"Michelle said she'll bring it over".Peter exclaimed as he walked back over to them and sat down next to Carla.
"Good she can take a break when she does so I can tell her too". Carla said to Peter.
"Tell us what". Rob asked.
"Oh my god your pregnant". Tracy exclaimed.
"I would be very surprised". Carla assured as Peter looked uncomfortable a little as it would be impossible that she was pregnant.
"Your engaged again although I don't see the ring...maybe my brother is saving up to buy it this time". Tracy bitchily said.
"Do you ever give it a rest Trace". Rob snapped annoyed at his girlfriends persistence of catty comments and interference. Michelle came over with the orange juice and put it on the table.
"Michelle will you join us a minute". Carla asked as she smiled at her best friend.
"Err yeah Liz and Sean can cope without me for 5 minutes, what's up". Michelle asked as Tracy and Rob moved up so she could sit next to them.
"Well I'll just spit it out, me and Peter are getting our own place". Carla explained as she was feeling a little apprehensive of the reaction she was about to receive.
"By own place you mean...". Michelle asked.
"Don't worry were not moving away". Carla insisted.
"There's a shame". Tracy muttered as both Michelle and Carla just glared at her.
"Its obviously gonna be near for our businesses and Simon's school, we just thought it would be best to start a fresh away from the flats bad memories". Carla truthfully explained as Peter sat quiet sipping his orange juice.
"Who's fault is that". Rob muttered as the comment just came out.
"Well I am pleased for you Carla if you are happy and I can see you are then I am happy". Michelle explained.
"Thanks Michelle". Carla smiled.
"Do not mess up this time though". Michelle firmly said warning Peter as she looked directly in his eyes.
"I won't". Peter quickly reassured her as Michelle accepted it.
"He better not or he won't be here to find out what life's like after it". Rob threatened again not being able to keep his mouth shut.
"I'm just gonna go for a ciggie love". Peter said as he felt on scrutiny, rightly so but even so it sometimes gets a bit much for him.
"Ok". Carla replied. "Do you have to be like that". She added when Peter had gone.
"You know I hate him and that won't change". Rob spoke.
"I know but I thought...you could at least be civil". Carla asked.
"I'll try". Rob said. "But if he hurts you again". He added.
"He won't". Carla quickly said defending Peter.
"He better not...because I haven't seen you this happy in months and he better not change that". Rob declared. "Like Michelle said I am happy if you are". Rob added as Carla gratefully smiled at him.
"Touching". Tracy sarcastically added as they all chose to ignore her.
"I'm just nipping to the toilet". Carla said as she got up. Michelle got up too and touched her arm this make Carla stop and turn back round.
"Hey, you sure your ready for all that". Michelle asked being over protective a little.
"Yeah I am I just want to put the past year behind me and concentrate on the future". Carla explained.
"Ok". Michelle quietly said believing her and realising this is the right thing for her to do. She smiled at her before walking back behind the bar. Carla walked past the toilets and walked outside in the smokers yard to find Peter.
"Oh hey love". Peter said as he saw Carla walk out, he was puffing a cigarette.
"Sorry about my brother". Carla apologised.
"Sorry about my sister". Peter quickly spoke back.
"Siblings hey who would have them". Carla joked as Peter smirked. He then looked down taking another drag of his cigarette. Carla could tell by his expression something was on his mind.
"What are you thinking about". Carla asked concerned.
"Just how I am the luckiest guy on earth and the most stupid at the same time for ever hurting you". Peter sincerely explained.
"That's in the past now I would rather just leave it there". Carla insisted. "We have both done things we regret and would change if we could but we can't. I don't see no point looking back any more lets concentrate on the future". Carla added stating truthfully how she feels. Peter stubbed out his cigarette and took a step closer to her, placing both his hands on her arms.
"We are gonna have a long future you know that don't you, were gonna both be happy and healthy I will make sure of it". Peter meaningfully assured looking into his girlfriends eyes.
"I know baby". Carla whispered really believing what he was saying. In that moment she felt secure, protected and loved again and wanted nothing more than to put the past turbulent year behind her. She now knew that as long as they were both happy and healthy and had each other than that was what mattered the most to her and everything else that was thrown their way would be ok as she now believed again that they future was looking a long bright one.