Today was the day Carla was coming home from hospital. She'd spent 3 days in the High Dependancy unit and although she was still weak and recovering, they were sure she'd be in safe hands as an out-patient as long as she has someone by her side which was of course Peter.
"Right, there we are." Peter mumbles, helping Carla her out of the car carefully.
As they begin their slow walk into Victoria Court, a voice interrupts them.
"Carla!"
"Oh, hi." Carla replies, tiredly.
"How are you? You're looking well." Michelle smiles, kissing Carla on the cheek.
"I'm alright. Glad I'm out of hospital."
"I bet. Just wanted to see how you're doing, I've been so busy with this catering course and the bistro so wasn't sure if I'd get to see you."
"Yeah." She murmurs.
"Anyway...I'll let you get inside and rest. See you soon, love you." Michelle rubs her upper arm gently.
"Okay, love you too. Seeya."
"Bye Peter." Michelle says before heading over to the Bistro.
"Hey." Peter taps his lover. "What was all that about?"
"What?"
"You...it was like you were being off with Michelle."
"No I wasn't." Carla lies.
"Yeah you were. Why?" He asks.
"It's just...don't worry, it's silly." She shakes her head.
"No, come on. What's up?"
"I just don't like everyone walking on eggshells around me, as if they're scared to say anything in case I get offended or something. I hate people giving me pity...why can't they just treat me normally like you do?" She explains.
"Oh, love. You know they're only doing this because they care, right?" Peter sighs.
"Yeah and that's why it makes me feel bad. But with Chelle just now, the only thing she was speaking to me about was based off of my illness. She'd usually have a joke, playfully nudge me but instead she treated me like glass, like I was about to break."
"I know but I guess no one knows how to be around you-..."
"You do." She interrupts.
"Well that's just how great I am." He jokes. "But seriously...if it's getting you down then we can just leave off seeing people for now, just you and me. How's that sound?"
"Amazing." She smiles.
"Hows about we go inside? We've been stood here outside for a while now." He chuckles.
"Can I get you something to eat or drink?" Peter questions as they get into their apartment. "Here let me help."
Peter helps Carla take her jacket off, putting it over a chair, he leads her over to the sofa. As she sits down, she hisses in discomfort.
"Ooo, you okay?"
"Yeah, fine." She releases a deep breath, placing her legs into the sofa and holding her abdomen.
"I hate seeing you in so much pain."
"Good for you." She sighs. "Sorry."
"Don't be." He kisses her on the forehead.
"Yes, by the way."
"Huh?"
"Go on, make me a strong coffee."
"Oh, haha. Coming up." He walks over to the kitchen area, watching in concern as Carla grunts whilst making herself more comfortable.
"Here you go." He hands over the coffee and lifts Carla's legs up, sitting down and placing them onto his thighs.
"Thanks."
"I love you, you know that don't you?" Peter says.
"Of course I do. But I wouldn't mind hearing it again." She smirks.
"I. Love. You."
"Aw bless." She giggles.
"So...you gonna say it back then or not?" He jokes.
"Mm. Might do." She raises her eyebrows. "Might not."
"Hey!"
"Only joking...I love you, baby. Better now?"
"I am."
"You're like a little kid, you know that? Doesn't matter that we can't have children because you're basically a child yourself." She playfully says but soon regrets it.
"Car..." He sighs.
"Sorry...I can't seem to say anything right today." She looks down.
"There's no right or wrong with what you say. It's just, I know this is all still so raw and emotional for us so you don't have to put your barriers up and make jokes about it." He explains, softly.
"I know...but you know what I'm like. If you don't laugh you'll cry."
"Yeah-..."
"And we've said all we've needed to say about it so theirs no point having another profound chat about it." Carla interrupts, sensing Peter was going to start talking about 'the positives'.
"I wasn't going too. But we can't just leave it on that, pretend like it never happened."
"We haven't!" She snaps. "Flamin' hell, I regret ever bringing it up now. Can we not even have normal conversations without it turning into some sort of depressing chat?"
"Alright, I'll stop. Just know how proud I am of you."
"Yep, as you keep on telling me."
One week had past since Carla returned home from hospital. However, today she was going back in because she has her first session of chemotherapy.
She sits in a leather chair with a wire attached to her arm which is what's used to administer the drugs. Peter was by her side, he'd brought some magazines and her fluffy grey dressing gown to make her feel more relaxed.
"Time sure does go slow when you're stuck here, doesn't it?" She groans, glancing at the clock.
"Why don't you try and sleep? That'll make the time pass by."
"Yeah I might do that, I'm absolutely knackered." She sighs, closing her eyes.
"You can go home, you know? You don't have to stay." She adds, her eyes remaining closed.
"No I want to stay. Like I said, I'll be here with you every single step of the way."
"You're the best boyfriend." She smiles slightly.
"I have to be with the best girlfriend."
"Ha ha."
Peter gently kisses Carla's hand, the hand that he'd been holding ever since they left Victoria Court this morning.
"Never thought we'd be in this position, ey?" She pipes up.
"Are you going to sleep or not?" He chuckles.
"I will but I was just thinking, I can't believe we're here. I never thought I'd be in this predicament." She sighs.
"Yeah, me neither. But we are so we have to face it head on."
"Mmm-Hmm. It's so strange seeing all these wires inside me."
"Yeah..." He whispers, not knowing what else to say.
He stares at her hands, imagining their life after her treatment was finished. He has plans, plans he wasn't going to tell her just yet.
Before he knows it, Carla's fast asleep. Her mouth falling open as she is at ease.
Peter can't help but have a smile form on his face, he'd always found her sleeping adorable. He stands up and softly kisses her forehead.
Sorry for lack of updates. Thought to make it up to you, I'd add a bit of carter smut because I know some of my readers like that. Leave reviews.