"I've been worried about you!" Michelle walked round the bar as Carla sheepishly entered the Rovers later that night.

"I'm sorry for snapping," Carla sighed before looking for Ken. "Where's Ken?"

"He's gone home but don't worry, he knows you didn't mean it." She smiled before narrowing her eyes. "Have you been crying?"

Michelle took note of the mascara marks underneath Carla's eyes, as well as her blotchy face.

"I'm okay." Carla shrugged.

"Let's go through to the back." She guided her through and followed her.

"Where'd you go?" Michelle asked, settled on the couch as she places a reassuring hand onto Carla's knee.

"I had a run in with Tracy."

"Oh god. What happened?"

"You wouldn't believe it if I told you..." Carla mused.

"What?"

"I went to the factory and the windows were smashed, the whole place was a right state. She started having ago about how it was my fault Rob's in prison and that I ruined her life." Carla explained.

"She did what!" Michelle screeched. "You need to go to the police, Carla!"

"Theirs no need for that." She shook her head.

"I beg to differ," Michelle paused. "She broke into your business and wrecked the place. You know, when I see her-..."

"Michelle, seriously it's fine. I'm too tired to be angry anymore. I'm just numb." Carla exhaled.

"I can't even she'd stoop so low. I know it's Tracy flamin' Barlow but the way she thinks this is all about her is beyond me. What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? Car, are you sure you're okay?" Michelle moved closer to Carla, squeezing her hand.

"If I'm being honest with you, Chelle, I actually feel sorry for her."

"What?" Michelle exclaimed. "You need your head examining."

"We both saw how much she was looking forward to that wedding. And it all got ripped away from her, including Rob. She really loves him." Carla sighed.

"And how is that your fault?"

"I was in he firing line. Can hardly blame her."

"If she wants to be angry at somone then it can be Rob. He was the one who killed Tina and you wouldn't of had to hand him in if he hadn't done anything in the first place."

"Mmm." Carla hummed.

"Why do I feel like you haven't told me everything?" Michelle narrowed her eyes.

"What?"

"You're acting shifty."

"No, I'm not." She rolled her eyes before sighing.

"We had a heart-to-heart." She added.

"Oh, I've heard it all now," Michelle cackled. "A heart-to-heart with Tracy flamin' Barlow?"

"She seems really down and said she felt like she had nothing good in her life."

"And what did you say?" Michelle listened intently.

"I told her she's lucky to have Amy. Because we're not all lucky enough to have a kid, are we?" Carla said, sadly.

Michelle squeezed her hand tightly; finally understanding why Carla had been so quiet since she arrived.

"And now I can't stop thinking about her. My due date would've been around now, I could've had a newborn baby with me. That's a crazy thought, Chelle." Carla opened up, slowly exhaling.

"She's always going to be with you though, you know that right?" Michelle smiled, softly.

"Yeah, I know," Carla nodded. "I'm okay though. I'm just really thinking, that's all."

"And that's perfectly understandable. It hasn't been a good year for you, has it Chick?"

"You can say that again," She scoffed before getting up. "It's getting late, I best head off."

"Alright. Get home safe, love."

"Bye, Chelle."

As Carla exited the pub, she saw the two people she really did not want to see. Tracy and Amy, that were about to walk into their home.

"Oh, hi." Tracy smiled, awkwardly.

"Hey. What are you two doing out so late?" Carla asked.

"Mum treated me to a fish and chips, look!" Amy grinned, gesturing to the plastic bag in Tracy's hand that radiated a strong scent of hot food.

"Wow," Carla replied. "Aren't you lucky."

"Grandad Ken told me to put my pyjamas on and then mum came in saying she was treating me to a takeaway! It was ace."

"Alright, Amy, we don't want it going cold." Tracy piped up, looking shifty.

"I won't keep you. Enjoy, Amy." Carla said before walking back to her flat.

The next morning, Carla was up bright and early so that she could go to Underworld. She needed to get back to full time in the factory and although she woke up in a foul mood, this provided a handy distraction.

As soon as she saw the factory in sight, the sound of whining and moaning filled Carla's ears.

"Take your time Mrs Connor," Sean rolled his eyes. "It's not as if we're freezing out here."

"If we have to be on time then so can you." Beth moaned.

"Well I'm here now." Carla sighed, unlocking the doors as she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Hello, Mrs Connor." Sally smiled. "I just want to let you know that I have been taking good care of the place in your absence."

"Sal," Carla frowned. "Have you got amnesia? I've been in before today."

"I'm aware of that but you haven't looked through the books and I just wanted to inform you that I've put a lot of effort into looking after the factory. I hope my work can be-..."

"Carla!" Julie screeched. "I think someone's broken in!"

"Oh my god." Sean's gasped could be heard.

Sally's eyes widened as she ran inside but Carla remained rooted to the spot.

She should've cleared away the events that occurred regarding her and Tracy but it just slipped her mind. Not knowing how to respond, she walked in and looked down at the broken glass surrounding her feet.

"Shall I call the police?" Julie panicked.

"Not, it's okay. Can one of you clear this up though?" Carla asked, being met with various confused looks.

"Mrs Connor, the window has been smashed in." Sean narrowed his eyes.

"What if they're still in here!" Julie cried.

"For god sake, just get it cleared away." Carla snapped, strutting into the office and exhaling.

The factory held some good memories but also some of the worst. She was expecting Rob or Peter to walk in at any moment but she knew that wouldn't be happening anymore. She never thought she'd see the day where she'd miss Rob barking on in her ear, going on about how much he knows it all. But right now, that's all she wished for.

Sitting down at her desk, she logged onto the computer and bit her lip in annoyance at the constant noise of the machines as well as the workforce's continuous gossip that was emphasised by the glass missing from the window. She couldn't deal with this all day, she was bound to get a headache by the time it hit lunch time.

A few hours later, she was furiously typing emails on the computer before she jumped...

"Hello!" Sally said, high pitched as she waved through the broken window.

"What now, Sally?" Carla droned.

"Have you checked the books? Have I done well?" She smiled, opening the door and standing in front of her beloved boss.

"I have. They look good, well done."

Sally grinned, victoriously.

"I've always just thought being the boss meant working when you want and being wealthy but theirs so much to it! Those girls are a hand full to get working, aren't they?"

"And what would you call this? You, sat having chit-chat with me?" Carla raised her eyebrows.

"I am talking about work related issues." Sally adjusted her blazer in an authoritative manner.

"Just get back to work." Carla sighed, not looking up to see Sally raise her eyebrows and wander off.

The workers were now on their lunch break, leaving Carla's thoughts to dwell as silence overcame the building. But it was welcome; after the chaos she'd already endured in the morning, she couldn't be more grateful to hear nothing.

Her relaxation was soon cut short though as her brain, which had become her worst enemy, reminded her of everything she's been through this week which instantly made her feel horrible once again. But at this point, she was numb. Too much had happened in this street and it was slowly but surely chipping away at her. Last night was confirmation that she had to leave. In her mind, she's ruined too many people's lives and will continue to do so until she's removed herself.

She suddenly grabbed her things and stormed out of the factory, the wine in the comfort of her own home was calling for her...

She'd just poured herself a glass as the buzzer went off, startling her.

She ignored it, taking a long swig of the red poison as she was met with silence once more.

Thank god, the persons gone.

But as she drank more, she was alerted again. But this time it was a knock on the door.

"Carla?" His voice shouted. "Someone let me up. Can you open the door? I want to have a word."

She didn't move a muscle, staying firmly rooted to the ground as she stood in the kitchen area.

"Car? I know you're in there because Nick saw you coming in. Are you okay?"

At this point, she gave up. Walking over to the door with an annoyed sigh, she opened it and was met with his dark, alluring eyes staring back at her with concern.

"What?" She hissed.

"Are you alright?" He asked, catching sight of the wine in her hand. "I think I know the answer to that."

"I'm not you, Peter. So if I have a drink, it means nothing. I'm not having a breakdown." She rolled her eyes, walking to the sofa as he followed her.

"You're sat alone drinking at lunchtime when you should be working. I beg to differ." He raised his eyebrows, sitting next to her. He softened as he saw her tearful gaze and he knew something was bothering her.

"What's wrong, love?" He whispered.

"I thought being back at work would make me feel better but I just feel worse." She croaked.

"How did the window get smashed?" She stared at him in surprise. "I heard the factory lot gossiping about it in the Rovers."

"It was Tracy."

"What?" His eyes widened. "Tracy? As in my Tracy?"

"No, Tracy Beaker." She dead-panned, sarcastically.

"Why would she do that? She didn't hurt you did she?"

"She said I ruined her life so she wanted to ruin the only thing that meant something to me."

"You wait until I see her..." He threatened.

"Don't Ey," She placed a hand on his. "She has every right to hate me for what I've done."

"That's exactly my point though, Carla. You haven't done anything wrong!"

"This street is just too toxic for me now. I'm leaving as soon as possible." She shook her head, avoiding his gaze that remained firmly on her.

"If anyone's leaving then it should be me. I've caused all of this." He sighed.

"It's a bit late to be playing the blame game, Peter." She smiled, faintly.

"I'm so sorry it's come to this."

"Look, you hurt me so much and you've done some unforgivable things. But you didn't kill Tina, okay? So stop beating yourself up."

"I think you need to listen to your own advice."

"I know I did the right thing by handing Rob in," She exhaled. "But it doesn't make the consequences any easier. It's consuming me, Pe'er. I feel like the worst sister ever."

"And I completely understand that. But there's people here that love you. And you can get help. Like a therapist?" He said, optimistically.

"I've had my fair share of 'help', don't you think?" She sighed. "No, I am just going to get away from it all."

"Will you come back?" He whispered.

"I don't know." She bit her lip, as a silence grew over the pair.

"She's wrong though, you know?" Carla piped up, a few minutes later.

"Who?"

She looked up and stared into his entrancing dark orbs that held nothing but love and care. He looked so concerned.

"Tracy," Carla whispered. "I don't just care about the factory. I care about you too."

"After everything I've done?" He licked his lips.

"I will never forgive you but," She swallowed. "I won't get anywhere if I can't move on from it."

"Why are you saying all of this?"

"I don't want to go with you thinking I still hate you. And I want you to forgive yourself and live the rest of your life for Simon. Because he's you're son and he deserves to have his father."

"I love you." He edged closer.

She deeply exhaled.

"We can't do this, Peter. We're not meant for eachother."

"The best part of my life was when you were in it. I still love you as much as I did when we first got together, Car."

"I wish I didn't feel this way," She whispered. "I don't know how much longer I can resist you."

"You just need to do what's right for you."

With that, she leaned in closer and placed a soft but inviting kiss onto his lips. As she pulled away, he placed his hand onto her cheek as he leant in again.

The pair became more passionate as they began ripping at each other's clothes, Carla moving herself so she was sitting on his lap.

He pulled back for a moment and looked at her, "Are you sure about this?"

She smiled before unbuttoning his shirt and raking her hands through his hair before they ran off into the bedroom.

Sorry this isn't great! I'd written this last month but it deleted so I had to find motivation to re-write it and it definitely isn't how I did it before. Also, I'm not good at writing soft Carter (I much prefer angst) so I tried my best but I have a lot to improve on. Let me know what you think! Twitter: @Carlafanx