A bit of a time jump of almost a year so I can start moving the story on a bit more, I hope you don't get too annoyed with it hopping around all the time.
Thank you for the reviews, this one's quite long.
Christmas Day 2017
It was almost a year since Emma's diagnosis. And with her therapies, she was making really good progress. She was now able to crawl and stand but her walking was still sketchy at times, she was starting to develop inconsistent speech so overall things were looking really good. Carla went to visit Michelle and with Carla being there she was able to open up about losing her son but life was never simple and as for Michelle she found out that Steve cheated on her with Leanne Battersby of all people who gave birth to Steve's son causing her to separate from him and go off with none other than Tracy Barlow's ex Robert, the whole thing was way too confusing for both Carla and Peter who just decided to not judge the situation and get on with their lives instead of adding more aggro. Then things started to take a turn for the worse, not for Emma this time, but for Carla.
Carla was having a lot of trouble with generally feeling under the weather, she felt nauseous, exhausted and would sleep for many hours a day without even knowing and at that point Peter started to get really concerned for her wellbeing and practically dragged her down to the doctors so they could run tests. Carla was then told she had kidney disease which was just the start of more problems to come. With Carla's kidney's deteriorating it was suggested that she was put on the transplant list as her kidneys would not be improving this left Peter to consider ordering her to go back to Weatherfield to ask Aidan and Kate for help in regards to a new kidney.
Stubborn was Carla Barlow's middle name, she immediately dismissed the urgent need to go back to Weatherfield as she was in denial over the whole situation. This caused a number of emotional blackmail attempts from Peter ranging from 'Do you not want your girls to have a mum?' and 'Do you want me to be wifeless before my time?' but Peter knew the what the final decision was but something happened that managed to sway Carla's decision on returning to Weatherfield.
A month prior to Christmas Day, Carla was looking after Hayley, she was ordered by Peter to keep her phone on her at all times in case she passed out and injured herself which she found rather irritating but she did what she was told so she didn't receive the third degree from her husband. She was chopping food for Emma whilst she waited impatiently in her highchair to be fed. Carla started to feel dizzy and lightheaded whilst Peter was out with Hayley doing the food shop knowing that they needed more stuff in. Of course, given Carla's predicament she passed out and fell to the floor and was found by Peter a while later who tended to her as well as sorting Emma and Hayley out and at that point, Carla knew that she needed to start thinking about returning to Weatherfield.
Peter was eager, he planned the whole thing from evicting the tenants in their house as well as packing all by himself knowing Carla shouldn't be doing anything strenuous. He also got Emma transferred to a clinic in Manchester and Hayley's preschool transferred as well. Peter then said that they would travel up on Christmas Eve and move their furniture and stuff into their house again. Peter heard through the grapevine that the Connor's were having a family meal at the bistro causing him to concoct a plan to gate-crash it which Carla was somewhat all for saying that it gave her some sort of excitement in her grief-stricken life.
"So then, we have Emma's changing bag," Peter says handing Carla the bag as she nods hooking it on to the pram "We have the iPad for Hayley"
"Daddy!" Hayley calls running into the kitchen and hugging him "It's Christmas"
"I know it is," Peter says as Hayley grins at him "We're going to see Aunty 'Chelle, Uncle Aidan and Aunty Kate"
"Really?" Hayley replies eagerly as Peter chuckles in response glancing to Carla who was smiling at the union as well as holding Emma on her hip
"Yes really" Peter smiles kissing Hayley on the forehead as she squirms to get down "Shall we head off then?"
"Yeah I could do with the walk" Carla mutters as Peter shoots her look, there was no way they were walking in Carla's condition
"No, we're driving" Peter reminds her as Carla sighs in response knowing he was probably right and that if they were to walk she would get exhausted very quickly "Come on let's get you in the car"
"Yay!" Hayley beams as Peter smiles in response heading to the car and putting Hayley in her car seat and then helping Carla with Emma who starts to cry "Shut up!"
"Hayley" Peter scolds as Hayley smiles sweetly at him fluttering her eyelashes before poking Emma who just cries in response "Hayley Michelle Barlow"
"Daddy" Hayley rolls her eyes moodily as Peter glares at his daughter "It's not my fault she won't be quiet"
"That doesn't mean you can poke your sister" Peter reminds her as Hayley rolls her eyes "Apologise"
"Sorry Emma" Hayley replies as Carla smirks towards Peter "Sorry daddy"
"Good girl," Peter says as Hayley smiles at him widely "Right, let's head off before we have more meltdowns" he mutters as Carla laughs allowing Peter to pull off the drive
"Parenting 101 with Peter Barlow, you should do a blog…day in the life of a stay at home dad who looks after a three-year-old going on thirteen and a two-year-old who has meltdowns, it would be a sell-out" Carla grins as Peter rolls his eyes as they drive up Coronation Street and to the bistro, Peter parking his car alongside
"You should do stand-up" Peter retorts as Carla smiles getting out of the car and tending to Emma, unstrapping her from her car seat causing her to giggle
"It's really not that funny Em," Carla says as Emma continues to laugh "Whatever…"
"Right then, Hayley, are you going to be good?" Peter questions as Carla raises an eyebrow watching as Hayley contemplates her answer thoughtfully
"I always am" Hayley reminds her father confidently as Peter glances to Carla who tries her best to suppress her laughter at Hayley's cocky attitude
"Let's just get this over and done with" Peter mutters as Carla lifts Emma's changing bag onto her shoulder as they enter the bistro, Michelle dropping a glass in response to the new arrivals
"Carla!" Michelle practically screams running over to hug her best friend who tries her best to return her hug "Oh my god look at you!" she beams looking at Emma who laughs at her "She's laughing!"
"I know, let's just not get into that though, I just want to enjoy Christmas with my family," Carla says confidently as Michelle nods slowly "You haven't told anyone, have you?"
"No," Michelle says running a hand over Emma's head as Aidan and Kate approach Carla
"Hey sis" Kate smiles bringing her in for a hug "Look how much little Emma's grown"
"And me!" Hayley pouts her lips as Kate bends down to her level
"How could I forget you!" Kate exclaims lifting Hayley onto her hip "I love your outfit"
"Mummy picked it out" Hayley beams excitedly looking down at the blush pink dress she was wearing with sparkles scattered through the material "It's Christmas!"
"I know, shall we go and sit down together then?" Kate says as Hayley nods
"Can I sit next to you?" Hayley whines as Peter shrugs his shoulders at Kate "Please daddy"
"Of course sweetheart, you can sit with Aunty Kate" Peter replies gently as Hayley beams, dragging Kate over to the table
"Let's see this fella of yours then," Carla says to Michelle as she beams excitedly running into the kitchen to grab Robert and returning with him
"Robert, meet Carla, Carla meet Robert" Michelle beams as Carla offers her hand out for Robert to shake which he does
"Nice to meet you, Carla, can we provide you with any drinks?" Robert questions as Kate pipes up
"Order a bottle champers, Robert!" Kate calls as he chuckles walking off to the bar with Michelle who was getting the drinks ready, Carla sitting down at the table with Peter who had Emma on his lap "So then what have you lot been up to?"
"Nothing much really" Carla replies dismissively watching as Michelle pours champagne into champagne flutes "Not for me thanks all the same 'Chelle"
"No?"
"No I'm good, I'll have a lemonade if there's one going though?" Carla questions as Michelle nods handing Aidan and Kate a glass of champagne "You can get Hayley some orange juice or something"
"Alright, I'll be back in a minute" Michelle smiles as Carla turns to face Peter who kisses her gently on the lips allowing her to rest her head on his shoulder and poke Emma on the nose causing her to laugh "She is so cute Carla," Michelle says placing Hayley's orange juice in front of her
"Thank you Aunty 'Chelle" Hayley smiles widely as Michelle runs a hand through her hair
"You're welcome sweetheart," Michelle says as Hayley smiles at her, gripping onto her hand "How about I see if someone can cover for me then you can tell me about Portsmouth?"
"Ok" Hayley smiles sweetly as Michelle bends down to kiss her on her head "Have fun"
"She's very confident isn't she?" Michelle questions to Peter who hums in response Carla laughing at Emma as they play a game of peek-a-boo together
"She's three going on thirteen" Peter informs Michelle who raises her eyebrows before leaving them all to it to see if she could get cover
"So then shall we order?" Kate questions as Peter glances to Carla who nods with a smile, Peter could see she was finding this difficult and probably couldn't wait to get out of here, he just hoped she wouldn't crack…
Carla and Peter sat happily eating their meals as well as helping Emma eat food as well causing various stares from Aidan and Kate but at this point, Carla was fed up with keeping secrets and didn't care what people thought. Carla decided that she would go and see Gail whilst Peter took Hayley to see his family and Simon. Carla knocked nervously on the Platt's door greeted by David who raised an eyebrow.
"Carla?" David questions as Carla smiles slightly "Come in, be warned it's a bit of a madhouse here"
"It's fine" Carla smiles as she steps into the house and into the living room causing Gail to gasp "Hi, I know you probably don't want to see us"
"Carla?" Gail questions incredulously before glancing to Emma who was situated on Carla's hip "Sorry it's just a shock"
"I understand if you wanted us to leave…"
"No…no quite the opposite" Gail says getting up and going over to Carla to have a look at Emma "She's grown so much"
"I know" Carla smiles "There's actually something I wanted to discuss with you if there's somewhere a bit more private we could go?"
"Um, yeah, I guess we could go into the annexe" Gail suggests as Carla nods following Gail into the annexe with Emma on her hip as they both sit on the bed "What do you want?"
"I'm surprised you're not telling me to get lost, to be honest?"
"What's the point, yes Nick's not here but I've had time to grieve and accept everything for how it is, I hope that in time you can forgive me for everything I have done in the past"
"Gail, let's just start afresh yeah?" Carla suggests as Emma smiles up at her "I need to speak to you about Emma as well"
"Really?" Gail replies shocked as Carla nods slowly
"Because I didn't know I was pregnant with her, I was drinking throughout my pregnancy and it's had some lasting damage to her, she's on the foetal alcohol spectrum" Carla explains sniffling slightly and wiping her eyes, the situation was still as raw as ever and to an extent she still blamed herself
"I don't know what to say" Gail mumbles "What sort of lasting damage?"
"Emma has therapy three times a week ranging from physical therapy, speech therapy, she may also need a psychologist when she gets older as it can have mental health implications"
"How long have you known?" Gail questions offering her hand to Emma as Carla sighs
"A year now, I'm sorry for not telling you, I just didn't know how you would take it" Carla whispers as Gail looks up at her, her heart sympathising with Carla on a level she didn't think it would "Do you want to hold her?"
"Can I?" Gail questions as Carla nods handing Emma to Gail as she smiles widely "She is so beautiful" she whispers "Can I ask you another question?"
"Of course" Carla smiles knowing it was probably for the best to get everything out in the open
"Doe's she call Peter daddy? I know it seems a weird thing to ask…" Gail trails off as Carla shakes her head making her look hopeful
"No, I always call Peter by his name when she's around, I don't want to ruin her father's memory," Carla says gently as Gail smiles at her running a hand through Emma's blonde hair "She looks a lot like him doesn't she?"
"The eyes," Gail says as Carla smiles "Are you staying around?"
"Yeah I think we are, we've moved back into the house so you can come and see her whenever you want, you can even come with us to her therapy so you can understand" Carla suggests as Gail nods eagerly "Anyway I must get off, we need to tell my family as well as Peter's about her condition so I'll leave you to tell everyone here"
"Thank you, Carla, for everything you really didn't need to do this"
"Gail it's Christmas, I need to know she has a supportive family behind her as well as it being the time for forgiveness" Carla replies as Gail nods showing her out leaving Carla to sigh in relief at the situation leaving her to go and see Peter…
She didn't know how she felt, the thing about emotions is that the negative ones always flared up in the most awkward of times. When Carla left Gail's she thought about how her little girl had the love of three families behind her so in a way she felt that if something was to happen to her Emma would have the support of multiple people if she was no longer in this world. Carla was snapped out of her thoughts when she knocked on the door of number one, greeted by Simon.
"Carla!" Simon beams wrapping her up in a hug as she ruffles his hair
"Haven't you grown!" Carla exclaims as Simon smiles at her "How are you doing then?"
"Good, dad says you're staying?" Simon glances to Peter who was hovering in the doorway to the living room as Carla glances to him as he gestures for her to continue
"We are," Carla says confidently as Simon launches himself at her again, "I think Emma wants a hug from her big bro," she says as Simon takes Emma from her
"She's pretty small for a two year old" Simon states as Carla glances to Peter who bites his lip, Simon glancing curiously between them both "Is something wrong?"
"Um, yeah it's just we need to speak to everyone about Emma," Carla says nervously not knowing how she was going to be received letting Simon take her into the living room, Carla following as she sits on the sofa with Peter
"It's nice to see you Carla" Ken nods as Carla smiles at him "We're just waiting on Tracy, Adam and Daniel, you haven't met the boys have you?"
"No I haven't" Carla smiles slightly glancing to Peter who runs a hand through her hair as the door goes again, Daniel and Adam appearing and gasping at Peter's appearance
"Adam" Peter grins bringing him in for a hug as Carla smiles at the union "Daniel" Peter nods as Daniel smiles slightly glancing to Carla "This is my wife, Carla"
"Nice to meet you" Carla nods as Emma crawls over to her causing her to lift her up onto her lap
"Daddy!" Hayley calls running down the stairs before raising her eyebrows at the number of people in the room
"And this is your cousin, Hayley, Adam," Peter says as Adam smiles down at her as she flutters her eyelashes coyly "She's basically a thirteen year old in a three-year-old's body"
"Right" Adam chuckles as Hayley grins running over to Carla who was entertaining Emma
"And Emma is kind of your cousin but not biologically if that makes sense" Peter informs him as Adam chuckles in response causing Emma to laugh as well "She laughs at everything at the moment so just go with it"
"Simon!" Hayley shouts shoving him as Simon scoops her up into his arms and tickles her "Stop"
"Ok children!" Carla groans as Hayley looks up at her mother fluttering her eyelashes again "What have I said about doing that, Hayley?"
"Sorry mummy" Hayley replies coolly as Peter rolls his eyes sitting on the sofa as Tracy enters the house with Amy who greets Simon and sits at the table
"Peter!" Tracy smiles bringing him in for a hug as she sways her briefly in his arms "Carla"
"Tracy" Carla nods as Emma yawns causing Carla to adjust her in her arms "So why have we all been summoned then?"
"We have some news," Peter says gingerly putting an arm around Carla's shoulders as she bites her lip
"Oh no, she's pregnant isn't she?" Tracy questions as Ken raises his eyebrows in response to Tracy's suggestions
"No" Peter replies as Carla smiles at him "It's regarding Emma actually. I'm just going to come out and say that she's not very well, she has a long-lasting condition which can't be treated"
"What?" Ken replies shocked as Peter sighs in response glancing to Carla who was holding Emma as she sleeps in her arms "Is it serious?"
"We don't know the extent of it. Due to the fact, Carla didn't know she was pregnant with Emma she was drinking throughout her pregnancy, quite heavily in some cases so Emma is now on the foetal alcohol spectrum"
"There are things they can do to help her though?" Ken questions as Carla glances to Peter who gestures for her to continue
"Yeah, she has therapy three times a week ranging from physical therapies, speech therapies and psychological therapies when she's a bit older" Carla explains as Ken nods taking his glasses off "We've been working hard to provide her with everything she needs"
"We're always here if you need anything all you have to do is ask" Ken replies supportively as Carla smiles at his gratitude considering Emma was practically nothing to him
"Thank you, all of you" Carla replies "Anyway we should get off as we're having drinks at Michelle's flat"
"Alright, take care you two" Ken smiles as Carla and Peter nod leaving the flat with Hayley as they head over to Michelle's flat…
Carla and Peter spoke briefly about everything and about how her family would take to Emma's condition causing Carla to internally worry about the possible judgement of her family. Carla was starting to get tired most likely from her kidney's as well as feeling quite sick as well but she promised Peter that she would tell him if she felt really sick then they would go home but she wanted to try at least. They were sitting on the sofa in Michelle's flat, Carla resting her head on Peter's chest as she snoozes causing Peter to sigh at the deterioration her body was going through, she definitely seemed like a shadow of the woman he used to know.
"She's out already?" Michelle chuckles as Peter smiles running a hand through Carla's hair "Mind you she does look rather pale"
"Yeah she's been feeling under the weather lately" Peter blags vaguely as Michelle raises an eyebrow
"Anyone would think she's up the stick again" Aidan chuckles as Peter glances down to Carla secretly wishing she was pregnant instead of dying in front of everyone's eyes, pregnancy would be so much easier
"She's not. We just had a long journey yesterday that's all" Peter replies as Aidan chuckles, Michelle narrowing her eyes suspiciously thinking something wasn't quite right or that there was some underlying secret they were keeping having already been informed of Emma's condition
"Hmm" Carla hums forcing her eyes open "Oh god, how long was I asleep for?"
"Only a couple of hours" Peter replies kissing her on the forehead as she smiles yawning again
"Have you told them?" Carla questions as Peter shakes his head knowing she was referring to Emma's problems "Right, well I suggest we get it over and done with"
"Ok" Peter responds as everyone looks on expectantly "Well, Emma's not very well, she's on the foetal alcohol spectrum due to the fact Carla didn't know she was pregnant she was drinking throughout her pregnancy, therefore, causing Emma to develop the condition"
"What does that mean?" Kate scrunches her nose up as Carla chuckles slightly glancing to the beanbag where Emma was sleeping
"Well, it means that she needs extra help with things like walking, talking and psychological stuff as well, we're just taking it each day as it comes and trying not to get too overwhelmed"
"You have our support," Kate says "Anything you need"
"Thank you, love" Carla smiles taking her hand "Why don't you get off? Both of you?"
"Yeah come on Aidan, let's go to the pub," Kate says noticing that Michelle, Carla and Peter could do with some time together
"I'm sure she'll be fine Carla," Aidan says kissing her on the forehead "Bye"
"Come on then, out with it," Michelle says plonking herself down next to Carla as Peter glances to her causing her to bite her lip "Are you pregnant?"
"No, Michelle" Carla replies as Michelle narrows her eyes
"I don't believe you, you're off the booze, you're tired" Michelle lists as Carla glances to Peter to help with the situation "All of those signs are indicators of pregnancy to me"
"I have kidney disease," Carla says, the words tumbling out her mouth unable to stop them as Peter closes his eyes in response Michelle laughing slightly
"You're joking…you cant have" Michelle trails off before panicking "You are joking right?"
"No, 'Chelle," Carla says taking her hand before groaning and sitting up before running to the bathroom causing Peter to follow her as she leans over the toilet to be sick
"Do you want some water?" Peter asks as Carla nods slumping down onto the floor causing Michelle to sit down next to her
"So are you going to …you know" Michelle trails off not wanting to say the crass words which were going to come out of her mouth
"No, she's not," Peter says returning with a glass of water "She's on the transplant list and she's going to speak to Aidan and Kate"
"They don't want to be burdened with my problems" Carla yawns as Michelle rolls her eyes in response
"They'll be burdened with your death instead then?" Michelle questions incredulously as Carla sighs in response; she was right and that was something she hated to admit
"Look I just want to do this my way" Carla mumbles as Michelle groans in response knowing Carla's way was not exactly the best way of doing things "Please don't say anything"
"Fine I won't" Michelle mumbles "If you need anything let me know yeah, even if it's to have the girls fora bit to give you a breather" she whispers as Carla yawns nodding "Why doesn't Peter go and collect the car then you can go home and rest?"
"Sounds good to me" Carla responds sleepily "Can you move me out of this bathroom?"
"Of course, come here," Peter says lifting her into his arms and walking her to the sofa to place her down onto it "You ok?"
"I'll get a bucket in case you feel sick again" Michelle sighs as Carla nods slowly letting Michelle drape a blanket over her as she places the bucket on the floor as Hayley wakes up from her sleep "Hey princess"
"Hi" Hayley yawns tiredly jumping up onto the floor "Mummy sick"
"Yeah she's not feeling too good," Michelle says quietly as Hayley hugs her "Daddy's just getting the car so we can her home and into bed"
"I'm tired" Hayley yawns again as Michelle runs her hand through her hair, her eyes focussed on Carla's deteriorating body as Peter appears
"Let's get mummy in first, mind if you stay here 'Chelle to watch over these two?" Peter says as Michelle smiles at him "Of course, you get Carla in"
"Come on then Car," Peter says lifting her up into her arms with ease as she was much lighter now "Let's get you in the car," he says taking Carla downstairs and putting her into the car making sure she was comfortable before returning for Emma and Hayley "Thanks for everything 'Chelle"
"I'll pop by tomorrow"
"I'll see you tomorrow then hopefully she would've fully recuperated by then" Peter sighs as Michelle smiles at him letting him leave the flat ready for another sleepless night full of worry about Carla's continuous deterioration…