this is how i think wednesday 9th june corrie should have gone... let me know your thoughts!
make sure to check out always: part 1 by cartersultimatelovestory :)
4am
The waiting area in the transplant centre was quiet. Too quiet. All that could be heard was the irritating sound of the clock on the wall ticking away, mocking the concerned and exhausted people who were sat there patiently waiting for news on their loved ones. It had been half an hour since Daniel, shortly followed by Peter's surgeon explained the surgery in depth and how it went as planned with no complications but they still hadn't been able to see Peter.
Adam had gone home not long after the surgeon had spoken to the trio, they all agreed there wasn't any need for all three of them to still be there, sleep deprived, as they knew for certain that Peter's surgery had been successful and the surgeon was optimistic.
Carla had her laptop perched on her thighs, her thoughts were if she kept busy, the time would go by quicker so she would be able to see Peter sooner.
"Daniel, why don't you go an all?" She caught him falling asleep on one of the small, uncomfortable monochrome chairs they were both currently sat on, "We don't even know when we're gonna be able to see him, go and get some kip at home and I'll text you as soon as he's awake."
"I don't know." The bearded blonde looked down at his watch and saw that is was 4am, they'd been at the hospital on and off since around 3pm the day before but thanks to an extremely early wake up call from Bertie, he'd nearly been awake for 24 hours now, "I'm not sure if I want to leave you on your own." He rubbed his eyes tiredly but attempted to put up a fight.
"Whether you're asleep here or at home I'm still on my own, your snoring doesn't count as company." She giggled, "Go on, I'll be fine." She knew she would be fine, the only company she currently wanted was her husbands and hopefully she would get it soon.
"Are you sure?" His tired face was full of concern and she couldn't help the appreciative smile that appeared on hers.
"Yes, I'm sure." Sick of the sight of her laptop screen, she shut it down and placed it back in her bag, "He probably won't be in a talkative mood when he wakes up anyway, you know what he can be like first thing." She smiled to herself as she remembered how moody Peter was yesterday morning, neither of them knowing what the day would end up like.
Daniel chuckled softly, "You're not wrong, he can be a right grumpy so and so." He picked his jacket up from the chair next to him and put it on, "Call or text me with any updates please."
"I will, I promise."
Daniel leant over, gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and walked out the door, leaving her alone in the bleak room. She picked up Peter's notebook again and began flicking through it, it made her feel closer to him and it put a smile on her face. She neatly put each of his 'scribblings' as he had called them, on the chair next to her so she could study them properly and after a few minutes, decided that the angel wings were her favourite.
Once she put the drawings back safely, she found herself daydreaming about Barcelona, walking through the beautiful, sunny streets hand in hand with her husband, stopping in a quirky coffee shop for a latte as well as designer stores to get a new pair of shoes or a bag, she could already hear Peter's groan at her shopping habits. She was even thinking about getting a tattoo herself, not anything as big as Peter was going to have done but maybe something small and meaningful that only the two of them would understand.
Carla's back started to ache after being sat in the same position for such a long time so she stood up and stretched her limbs, the unpleasant sound of her joints clicking one by one, echoing through the building. She briskly walked over to the coffee machine and quietly chuckled to herself, she knew Peter would probably scold her if he could see her because she'd already had enough caffeine to last her about a week but it wasn't going to stop her from having another one.
5am
"Mrs Barlow?"
Carla could faintly here her name being called by an unfamiliar voice but all she could see was darkness.
"Mrs Barlow?"
Her green eyes fluttered open, luckily she hadn't been properly asleep, she had been in the stage before where you just start to drift off but are still aware of what's going on around you. When she noticed the male figure dressed in scrubs stood directly in front of her she immediately sat up straight.
"Is it Peter? Is he awake?" She rubbed her eyes to make herself more alert.
"Not yet, you can come through and sit with him though. He's expected to wake up within the next couple of hours as the sedation is wearing off."
Carla scrambled to her feet clumsily, ready to follow the doctor down the hallway, "That's great, thank you." She picked up the half cup of now cold coffee that was sat by her feet and chucked it in the bin as she walked past it.
"He's in the intensive care unit." The doctor pointed towards the sign and turned down the quiet corridor, Carla looked at him with a worried expression on her face, "It's standard procedure after such a major operation."
"Oh thank god, you had me worried for a second." She released a huge sigh of relief for what felt like the 50th time in the past 12 hours.
"Hopefully we'll be able to move him to a regular ward soon. Every patient who undergoes a liver transplant is different so we will monitor him closely for the next couple of days." The doctor explained as they walked through the building and towards the intensive care unit. "He has various tubes attached to him right now, they're to help him breathe, to give nutrients and fluids and also to drain any excess fluid from the wound so nothing to worry about. Do you have any questions?"
"No, I don't think so." She just wanted to see Peter. To be with him. This was probably the longest they had been apart since they got married and she didn't like it.
"Well if you or Peter once he's woken up, think of anything don't be afraid to ask."
"Okay, thanks again doctor."
They reached the small room Peter was in and as Carla gazed at him lovingly through the window, she couldn't help the instant reaction of her eyes filling up. Even with slightly blurred vision she could already tell he looked better than he had pre transplant. The strong yellow tinge to his skin had faded slightly and the dark purple circles under his eyes were less prominent, she sniffed emotionally at the sight.
"I'll leave you to it." The kind doctor gently patted her on the shoulder before he left her alone to reunite with her soulmate.
A single tear dribbled down her cheek when she opened the door as quietly as possible, she padded towards Peter who was still sleeping peacefully and carefully leant over him to kiss his forehead delicately. She desperately wanted to kiss his lips but the tube he had in his mouth prevented her from doing so.
"Wake up whenever you are ready baby, I'm right here just like I always will be."
She gracefully sat down in the large, cushioned grey chair that was placed right next to his bed, took his left hand in hers and devotedly laced their fingers together.
7am
Carla had dozed off not long after she was reunited with a sleeping Peter, the cushioned chair next to him much more comfortable than the one provided in the waiting area. Their fingers were still laced together, wedding rings as close as they could possibly be. She was leant forward, her right arm on his bed and her head rested on top of it whilst it acted as a makeshift pillow.
She was dreaming about herself and Peter, cuddled up in bed, a small, fluffy puppy running around the room wildly, the morning sun shining through the glass doors that led to their balcony and a typical weekend cooking show on the television in the background that neither of them were taking too much notice of. Her head was resting on his bare chest as he ran his fingers through her soft hair, it was something he always did, a habit that both of them got comfort from.
The hair stroking felt real though. Her eyes flickered open. It was real. His hand was definitely in her hair.
"Ah there she is, me very own sleeping beauty." Peter's voice was deep and gravelly where it hadn't been used much in the past 24 hours, he noticed her tired but shocked expression and smirked, "Didn't think you'd get rid of me that easily did ya?" He flashed her a perfect smile, the dimples that she adored on show.
"Baby!" Instantly more awake she sat up, reached over and gave him a few soft kisses on the lips, the tube that was in his mouth now gone, "How long have you been awake? Do you feel okay? Why didn't you wake me up?" She rambled cutely.
"Slow down, love." He chuckled, "Not sure, maybe half an hour or so? I didn't want to wake you, you looked peaceful. I can't believe you've been here all this time, you must be knackered."
"Always here, remember." She lifted their still linked hands up in the air slightly and kissed his wedding ring, they gazed into each others eyes, both pairs full of love and adoration, he ended up copying her action and kissed her ring too, "Now answer the question mister, are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah I feel as fine as I can, the doctor came in and checked me over and said everything looked perfect so far. I've had some painkillers and I can breathe perfectly fine without the tube in me mouth which is good, it were pretty uncomfortable when I first woke up."
"Check you out already breathing by yourself, I'm proud of ya darlin'." She tapped him on the nose lightly with her free hand.
"Well, when you wake up after being under sedation for hours with more tubes in ya than London you gotta at least try and get rid of some." He winked at his wife cockily.
Carla shook her head and chuckled but was glad to see him in high spirits, "Ooh I better text the family letting them know you're awake, I promised I would." She leant down to the floor to retrieve her bag, got her phone out and quickly typed the message informing everyone that Peter was awake, it was still early so she didn't expect many people to see it just yet, except maybe Ken as he was an early bird.
Peter gently moved over on the surprisingly comfortable hospital bed and left a gap next to him, "Come here Mrs Barlow." He patted the empty space by his side.
"Is that even allowed?" She raised one of her eyebrows.
"I couldn't care less, I want a cuddle with me wife after having lifesaving surgery, are you or anyone else gonna deny me that?" He gave her his best puppy dog eyes, he knew she couldn't always resist them.
"And the guilt trips start." She joked, "Fine but if you start to hurt or get uncomfortable you tell me, okay?" She quickly made sure the message had delivered in the group chat and once she saw that it had, chucked her phone back in her bag carelessly.
"I promise, now hurry up will you."
"God this new liver has made you so demanding Barlow."
Carla stood up from her chair and carefully sat on the bed, a worried expression etched on her face in case she hurt him but he just continued to encourage her to lie down with him. She made sure to face him so she didn't accidentally put any pressure on his body, after all, she remembered how it felt after having an organ transplant. He had his left arm behind her so she softly placed her hand on his heart, beyond happy to feel it beating so prominently.
"Are you okay? You're not hurting at all?" She double checked, making sure to look directly in his eyes so she would know whether he was being honest or not.
"A new liver and a cuddle with you? I'm perfect baby."
She reached up gave him a loving kiss on the lips, "I love you."
"I love you more."
She gave him one last peck on the lips, not able to resist after so much time apart. Carefully, she moved her head down, rested it on his shoulder and sighed contently, she could already feel her exhausted eyes struggling to stay open, his arms had always been her kryptonite. The two of them felt so comfortable in each others embrace that it wasn't long before they unintentionally drifted back off into dreamland together.
9am
Carla woke first from their impromptu nap but refused to move even a muscle as she didn't want to disturb Peter, instead she stayed serenely in his arms until he fluttered his chocolate brown eyes open around 15 minutes later. He had to stop himself from stretching out, the temptation to do so was strong but he knew it would be extremely painful if he did. Instead he gazed down at his wife who was still laid peacefully cuddled into him, his small movement caused her to look up at him adorably.
"Hey you." He kissed her on the top of the head, "Nice nap?"
"Mmm, the best."
"Best sleep I've had in ages too."
She laughed loudly, "Peter, you've pretty much been asleep for the past like 16 hours, possibly more."
"So what?" He smirked, "It's always better when I have you with me."
"Oh look who's getting soppy." She teased, "I better check my phone in case one of the delightful Barlow's has messaged me."
"You're a delightful Barlow too ya know Mrs." He softly poked her in the arm when she sat up on the bed gingerly, a yawn escaping her mouth at the same time.
"I know I am darlin' and I wouldn't change it for the world."
"Ooh look who's being the soppy one now ey?" He adoringly watched her get her phone out of the black handbag that was still sat on the floor by the chair, "Anyone care that I'm alive then?" He continued to watch her whilst she unlocked her phone, he still felt the need to pinch himself every now and then just to make sure he wasn't dreaming and that she was actually his wife again.
Carla rolled her eyes, "Everyone cares that you're alive Peter." She stated firmly before Sarah's spiteful words from a few days ago unexpectedly came into her mind, she shook her head as if to get them out.
He noticed her shaking her head and raised an eyebrow, "You alright there?"
"Yeah, just a had a random shiver. I'm a bit cold that's all." She lied, she didn't want to ruin his mood and tell him what she was really thinking about, it wasn't worth it.
"Come back here then, I'll keep ya warm." He beckoned her back over.
She sat on the edge of the bed and read through her messages, her free hand on top of Peter's that was currently resting on her thigh, "Right, Daniel and Adam are coming back within the next hour or so to see ya, Tracy and Amy are gonna come after school and your dad is coming after Daniel, he's looking after Bertie as Beth couldn't get time off to look after him." She explained, summing up all the messages quickly.
"Why do I have the feeling it's gonna be like Piccadilly Circus in here for the next couple of weeks."
"That's what you get for being so popular, baby."
He studied his wife's appearance whilst she typed her replies to their family and noticed the dark circles under her eyes, "You should go home and get some rest when Daniel and Adam are here, you look tired." He squeezed the thigh he was holding softly.
She raised her head up from her phone screen and turned to look him in the eye, "Is that your way of telling me I look a right state?" She chuckled and quickly realised she hadn't actually looked in a mirror since the day before because she had been too busy worrying about Peter.
"Never. You, my love, are still out of this world even when you're sleep deprived and unwashed."
"Such a charmer, that liver must have belonged to a right Casanova… Ey, maybe that's why it was such a perfect match." She locked her phone, threw it on the empty chair and swiftly turned her body, the smirk on her face evident.
"Oi cheeky." He pouted his lips and pretended to be hurt by his wife's teasing.
She carefully hovered over his body, making sure she didn't put any of her body weight on him and kissed his pouted lips. She moved her lips passionately against his and hummed contently, he opened his mouth to allow her skilful tongue access and they continued to lovingly kiss for a few minutes, both of them getting completely lost in each other. It was only when he released a soft groan that she pulled away, seductively sucking and nipping his bottom lip as she did.
"Are you alright?" She asked when she got her breath back, wondering if she'd accidentally hurt him during their unexpected and passionate encounter.
"Yeah." He breathed heavily, "That wasn't an in pain groan it was a why have I just had major surgery when I want to take you on this bed right now groan."
She released her trademark dirty giggle, "It's gonna be a while until we can do that again mister, take it from someone who knows all about organ transplants."
"Oh yeah, Mrs I had an organ transplant first, how long did you wait then?"
Carla winced as she thought about the first person she slept with after her kidney transplant, "A couple of months I think." She guessed, genuinely not quite sure how long it was after her operation.
"It wasn't Daniel was it?" He never really knew all the details about the fling between his wife and half brother as he was with Toyah at the time so had to try and hide his jealousy which he knew he failed at, not that he wanted to know about it anyway.
"No! That was before when I was in my denial phase. Ey, denial, Daniel, it all makes sense, I must have thought they were the same thing." She smirked when she noticed the similarities in both words.
"Very funny love, I'm just glad I'm on painkillers right now."
She gazed at him lovingly, "You're the only one for me, we're inevitable remember."
"Yeah and you know what they say…"
"What?" She raised an eyebrow.
He grinned at her curiosity, "The couple who takes immunosuppressants together stays together."
She couldn't help the loud laugh that escaped her plump lips, "I wonder if we'll get a 'buy one get one free' offer or 'buy this many boxes and you'll get a discount code'."
"We should do, our cupboards are gonna be full of the stuff." He placed a piece of her soft hair that had fallen across her face when she was laughing back behind her ear.
"I always knew we were soulmates but this organ transplant thing might actually confirm it." She thought about the similar scars they were going to have on their bodies for the rest of their lives and giggled.
"Ha, well we're two sides of the same coin baby, always have been and always will be."
At Carla's loving smile and nod of agreement, he reached out for her delicate hand and linked his fingers through hers once again. He knew as long as he had her by his side everything would be okay, there was no doubt about it. It had always been them two, right since the very beginning and it would be until the end.
10am
Peter's doctor had been in again to check on his progress and was still extremely positive that he was making a good recovery which the couple couldn't have been happier about. It looked like Peter would only have to be in intensive care for a day or two before he'd be moved to a more relaxed and laid back ward where he wouldn't need to be checked up on so regularly.
Carla had gone to freshen up in the bathroom as she knew visitors were going to start arriving soon and although she had planned on going home at some point she wasn't sure when it would be. She'd got Peter's phone out of his bag and given it to him as he hadn't actually looked at it since the day before. He scrolled through his messages and saw a mixture of 'good luck' and 'glad to hear it went well', the one text he wanted to see was from his son but he knew it wasn't possible right now due to him still being in hiding.
"What's that look for?" Carla caught the glum expression on her husbands face, he was sat up straight in bed and had his phone in his right hand when she came back into the room looking slightly more awake than she had 10 minutes prior.
"Just thinking about Simon that's all, love. I can't wait until he can come back and we can be a proper family you know?"
"We already are a proper family, baby." She reached over and stroked his full beard lovingly once she reached his bedside.
"You know what I mean. We finally have a place of our own, he can have his own room and stay whenever he likes, it's going to be perfect." He sighed dreamily as he thought about the not so distant future.
"You can say that again. It won't be long now, that Harvey fella is on trial soon ain't he?"
"Yeah, a couple of weeks time I think."
"See, everything is going to work out. You're getting better, Si is gonna come home safe and sound and hey, maybe I'll even let you get that puppy you so desperately want." She leant over and gave him a rough kiss on the cheek.
Amused, he looked at her like she'd grown two heads, "Who are you and what have you done with me wife?" He couldn't quite believe that had come out of her mouth, she'd never been an animal lover and didn't think she'd start now. Truthfully, he never thought she'd allow a dog anywhere near her expensive clothes, shoes and handbags.
"Very funny. I were dreaming about us this morning and there may have been a puppy running around and it may have been quite… nice."
"Really? Which breed?"
"How am I meant to know that?!" She scrunched her nose up and frowned dramatically.
He laughed loudly and winced slightly, forgetting he had stitches he needed to be careful with, "Good point, I'd be happy with any to be honest."
"I know you would." She agreed, "Don't think I didn't see you in pain just then, lie back properly and take it easy."
"Yes Nurse Barlow." He followed her orders and carefully laid back down, the bed was still at a slight angle so he wasn't completely flat on his back, "Actually-"
"No, I do not own a nurses outfit and no I am not going to buy one either." She interrupted bluntly knowing exactly what was going to come out of his mouth without him even needing to say it.
"Spoil sport." He playfully poked his tongue out at his wife, "You know you'd love it really though." He continued to tease her, "Please baby, it'll make me feel better."
She spotted Adam and Daniel when she looked through the window, they were nattering whilst walking across the rather empty car park, "If I say I'll think about it will you shut up?" She giggled at his defiant nod and cheesy grin, "Fine, I'll think about it."
He discreetly admired her whilst she stood at the table by the window and sorted out his overnight bag, "Have I ever told you how much I love you?"
"Hmm, you may have mentioned it once or twice." She neatly folded the clothes he had been wearing before his operation and placed them in the large black bag.
"Well I do, a lot."
"I know." She looked up and straight into his brown eyes, their souls instantly connected in a way they always had done, "Luckily for you the feeling is mutual."
Adam and Daniel strolled into the room just as Carla finished sorting Peter's overnight bag. The duo had brought Peter a newspaper as they knew he liked to read it every morning, a new jigsaw in case he got bored or lonely, as well as few different snacks that were mainly for Carla as all she had been functioning off of for the past 17 or so hours was coffee and a rather bland cereal bar she had found in her handbag.
"Car, why don't you go home?" Peter asked his wife as he watched her yawn for the third time in under a minute.
"Are you trying to get rid of me? Need some lads time do ya?" She joked, she knew he was right but didn't really want to leave his side.
"Of course not but you really should get some proper kip and eat something substantial."
"He'll be fine with us, I promise we won't annoy him too much." Adam joked.
Daniel joined in, "Well… let's not make any hasty promises."
She saw the look on Peter's face and reluctantly agreed, "Fine but if anything changes and I mean anything, one of you needs to call me." She stood up, put her long black coat on and lifted her hair out from underneath it expertly.
"You have our word." Daniel promised his brothers wife, he knew how difficult it was to leave your partner when they were stuck in hospital so completely understood her worry and separation anxiety.
"Behave yourself you, no showing off in front of the boys." She leant forward and placed a kiss on her husbands lips, her intention for it to be a quick peck as they had an audience but Peter wasn't bothered about the eyes on them and instantly deepened it, his hand on the back of her head to stop her from going anywhere.
"Alright you two that's enough."
"Didn't she just say no showing off?"
The happy couple chuckled into their kiss when they heard Adam and Daniel's comments, both of them thoroughly enjoying the moment as well as winding up the two men at the same time. After a few seconds, Peter released Carla from his hold and she gave him one last peck. She squeezed his hand lovingly before she let go of it and walked towards the door with her bag across her shoulder.
"See ya lads, look after him for me."
"We will, now get gone before I bring up my breakfast." The youngest out of the three men joked.
"Bye baby, love you." She blew a kiss to Peter who dramatically pretended to catch it, the sight made her heart skip a beat.
"Love you more. Have a nice sleep and remember to eat please love."
"I will."
Carla gave Peter a little wave and after he copied her action cutely, opened the door and left the room without looking back, she knew she would've struggled to leave if she did turn around.
Peter didn't take his eyes off of the door after Carla walked out, he somehow missed her already even though she had only just gone. Daniel and Adam teased him immaturely, calling him 'a lovesick puppy' and 'whipped' but Peter felt too lucky to care, he had a new liver and Carla as his wife. All he needed was his son to come home to feel fully complete and he knew it wouldn't be too long until that happened.
This was it. One last chance to live life to the fullest and Peter was determined to do it right, for Carla and for Simon, the two most important people in his life, they always had been and they always will be.