This is very short but I'm exploiting my need to write right now, so I hope you enjoy and thank you for the reviews.
The thing about guilt was that it always flared up in the most awkward of places. Guilt was a simple part of Carla and Peter's life, it was always there and the things they shared mutual understanding about were very prominent. Endless interviews with the police conceded that as well, especially with the likes of Johnny Connor. They sat in a courtroom and took it as it was, Johnny getting years for murder, apparently, what happened was Johnny went into town that evening for a business do, he took Carla's car after walking to her house with the keys he stole from Underworld, then returned after the business do and saw an angry confrontation between Carla and Nick which inwardly made his blood boil and made him want to 'sort Nick out' for daring to have an argument with his daughter which practically neglected him when the truth came out so to say. Anyway he saw Carla leave and he darted in and up the stairs calling for Nick who apparently was more than annoyed with his behaviour, and that was it the rest was history, Johnny 'accidentally' pushing Nick's body down the stairs and causing his life to end hoping for the removal of his sorry mess. There was even CCTV to prove it.
As the days rolled into weeks and the amount of upset about Johnny's confession, it was time for Carla and Peter to depart for Portsmouth in a bid to get away from the upset of the street. The reactions from the locals were really getting on Carla's nerves because no matter what happened they would have to accept it either way. Michelle wasn't very impressed but eventually came to the agreement that it was the best for Carla and her family and as for Aidan and Kate, they promised they would support her no matter what and that whatever their dad did, Carla needed time to heal from all the disruption that occurred in her life. Then there was Simon, of course, there were many disagreements ion his front but he eventually lamented and agreed that this was for the best, on the promise that he could visit any time.
"So then, all the girl's bags are packed" Peter smiles swaying Carla gently in his arms "Are you sure you want to go?"
"Yes, I need to get away" Carla whispers kissing him gently on the lips "We need to head off to the Rover's as well"
"My dad's going to take the girls for a bit so we can say goodbye to everyone" Peter explains as Carla smile resting a hand on his chest "We're going to be just fine you know"
"I know we are" Carla grins slightly "I can't wait for this new adventure and to be a mum again to our girls instead of a blubbering wreck"
"Come on," Peter says taking her hand as they walk to the car and get in "Let's go and say goodbye"
Carla and Peter dropped the girls off at Ken's who agreed to have them whilst they said their goodbyes to everyone. There were party poppers and champagne in the pub and everyone was embracing Carla and Peter in their hugs and wishing them well in their new life which they would have together, the future was looking very bright.
"I'm going to miss you, y'know" Michelle nudges Carla as she smiles tearfully "It won't be the same"
"I know," Carla says gently "You can come and visit us whenever you want"
"I know, it just won't be the same though," Michelle says as Carla wraps her up in a hug causing her to sigh gently as they hold each other for the longest time possible not really wanting to let each other go
"Come on you two, the longer you leave it the harder it'll be," Peter says as Carla hugs him instead, the safety of his arms supporting her through the moment causing all her worried to dissipate into nothingness
"I know, come on, it's time to go," Peter says taking Carla's arm and leading her out to the car which was waiting outside of the Rover's
"I'll go and get our girls," Peter says as Carla nods leaning against the car and taking the surroundings in; a way to say goodbye to the place she secretly loved as Peter reappeared with Hayley and Emma, Gail staring from across the street before walking over
"Carla, please, I'm sorry" Gail apologises as Carla sighs "Please forgive me, I won't fight for custody I'm sorry for everything"
"Gail" Carla huffs "Look you don't need to apologise…"
"Please don't take Emma away, I promise I won't fight for custody-"
"Gail!" Carla exclaims losing her temper "I'm taking Emma whether you like it or not, she's my daughter"
"Please Carla" Gail begs as Audrey appears beside her "At least let me say goodbye"
"Fine" Carla replies bluntly taking Emma out of the car seat briefly as Gail's eyes light up "Do you want to hold her?"
"Please Carla, I won't run off with her" Gail replies as Carla sighs glancing to Peter who nods at her as Carla hands Emma to Gail
"I'm going to miss you little lady" Gail whispers "You will keep in contact with how she's doing?"
"I'm not making any promises," Carla says abruptly as Peter puts an arm around her shoulders
"We need to get going Carla" Peter reminds her as she nods going to take Emma off Gail who was reluctant to let her go
"Gail it's time to say goodbye lovey," Audrey says offering Carla a sympathetic smile as Gail finally gives Emma up and hands her back to Carla who puts her back in the car seat before breaking down "I know it's hard, let's go home yeah?"
"Ok" Gail replies in a saddening tone as she walks back to her house with Audrey leaving Carla and Peter to say goodbye
"This is it then," Peter says as he watches Carla strap the girls in the back of the car "Our adventure"
"Yeah" Carla whispers kissing him briefly as Michelle brings Carla in for one last hug as well as Kate and Aidan "I've barely got to know you guys have I?"
"No, but you will eventually," Kate says quietly "We'll miss you, sis"
"Me too, I'll miss you, both of you" Carla smiles kissing Kate on the forehead as Aidan brings her in for a hug, all three siblings, brought together in a world full of animosity saying goodbye in a civilised way full of the love they hid from each other, that love, finally able to be shown
"Now go!" Aidan says as Kate nods as well "Look after our nieces"
"I will," Carla says getting into the car, Peter getting into the driving seat as everyone stands outside of the Rover's ready to say goodbye as Peter starts the car "We'll see you n the other side guys!"
"Take care!" Michelle says as Peter starts to drive off down the road towards their new adventure which was going to be the making of them, little did they know that the previous troubles would become obsolete and a whole range of new troubles would test their relationship further…
This definitely isn't the end of Johnny, there's definitely more I want to explore there so sorry if it seemed a bit abrupt, I kind of have an idea about wanting to go into the 'Connor's' past which I cant wait to explore. Just trying to find a way to link everything together right now and it probably won't be until ten chapters time.