Note: So I think this might just be a two-parter, maybe even just a collection of separate little one-shots in the same universe if people enjoy it enough. Let me know what you think!

The sound of her daughter giggling fills the kitchen as Carla places her youngest daughter in her highchair. To say her life and expectations of motherhood have completely changed since her eldest child, Clementine Susan Barlow, entered the world six whole years ago would be an understatement. When she came round to the idea of having a baby she always pictured herself as the type of mum who still very much focused on her career, who's children were always presentable and perfectly dressed but here she is six years and two children later with her eldest playing in the snow dressed in her pyjamas, odd socks and wellies.

'Give it another year or two and you'll be out there playing in the snow as well.' Carla says softly as she reaches forward to fasten a bib around the little girl's neck. At just nine months old River Ophelia Barlow is their little ray of lockdown sunshine; her birth in April, barely a month into lockdown gave them something other than the virus to focus on and lockdown gave them an entirely valid reason to stay in their little 'baby bubble' for a lot longer than they would've without lockdown.

'How are you nearly one whole year old, hmm? Mumma needs to start getting everything in for your birthday although I do think we're going to still be in lockdown just like when you were born.' Carla says grabbing the bowl of fruit on the dining table and placing it on the highchair tray as the back door opens and Carla glances over her shoulder.

'Wellies off at the door please, Clemmie.' Carla says.

'Okay, mummy.' Clementine replies smiling. She kicks her wellies off her feet and places them at the side as Peter does the same with his shoes.

'Can I get a snack, mummy?' Clementine asks.

'Of course you can, baby. There is some of those coconut yoghurts in the fridge that you can have.' Carla replies smiling at the little girl. At an extremely young age they discovered that Clementine had a milk allergy meaning they had to adjust her diet and find something that worked for her.

'Riv and I were just talking about how we need to start getting prepared for her birthday, weren't we?' Carla says tapping her finger against the little girl's nose causing her to giggle.

'Oh it's mad, isn't it? Who would've thought when she was born we'd be back in lockdown three months before she turns one? It's not looking like we'll be having a party.' Peter replies and Carla nods her head.

'We don't need a party, do we? No, because we're all healthy and happy and if we need to celebrate just the four of us then that's what we'll do.' Carla says smiling as Clementine sits down at the table with her yogurt.

'I didn't have a party.' Clementine says and Carla smiles.

'I know you didn't sweetheart but once this horrible virus is over we'll do something amazing, okay?' Carla replies.


'Are you ready to help me pick daddy's surprise?' Carla says smiling as she helps Clementine out of the car.

'Mmm... What's the surprise for mummy?' The little girl asks.

'Valentine's Day, baby. It's on the 14th of February every year.' Carla replies.

'Pop your mask on for me, love.' Carla says and the little girl nods her head. Although it isn't mandatory for under 11's to wear masks in stores, Carla and Peter have always encouraged Clementine to wear one just to help keep everyone safe. They both put their masks on and Carla takes the little girl's hand and make their way towards the supermarket.

'When do you think I can go back to school, mummy?' Clementine asks.

'I'm not sure, sweetheart. Are you missing all your friends?' Carla asks and the little girl nods her head.

'Hopefully things will get better soon. They've started to give people the vaccine now so hopefully things will start getting better but it's okay to miss school and it's okay to be sad about it. Mummy's sad about things that's happening as well and that's okay.' Carla says running her hand over the little girl's head.

'I miss Auntie Chelle.' Clementine says pouting slightly.

'I miss Auntie Chelle as well but hopefully in the summer she'll be able to come over and visit or we can go visit her... Maybe when we get home we can see if we can phone her or facetime her if she isn't busy.' Carla replies.

'What about school?' Clementine asks.

'I think we've done enough school work for today.' Carla replies smiling.

'Do you think daddy will mind?' Clementine asks and Carla shakes her head.

'I think daddy will be quite happy for us all to have a day off school.' Carla replies smiling. This pandemic has been tough on them all but her heart breaks for all the little ones like Clementine who don't really understand what's going on or why she can't see certain family members. Today is definitely a day where it all feels a bit much and she just wants to wraps her babies up in cotton wool and protect them from the world.


'So what's your plans for Valentine's Day then? Obviously you can't get yourself a babysitter and head out this year.' Michelle says as Clementine runs off help Peter bath River.

'I'm gonna cook us dinner. I've got a couple of little surprises for Peter and I'm gonna do a Valentine's breakfast in the morning for Clemmie and River.' Carla replies.

'Sounds good... I still can't believe I haven't met River yet. How shit is that? I was one of the first to meet Clemmie and now River is what? Nine months old and I've only seen her through a screen.'

'I know but it'll just make it even more special when you do finally get to meet her which hopefully won't be too much longer.'

'I know. So any plans for another?'

'Hmmm... I don't know. When I think of what we went through to have Riv; all the miscarriages and then losing Hudson sometimes I think I should just count myself lucky that I've got my girls.'

'You have been through it, haven't you? Hudsy will be watching over you all though; he'll have made sure that River was safe and sound whilst she was growing.'

'Mmm... We'll see how things go. I can't believe he would've been two this year.'

'I know. Ruairi would've been four, isn't that crazy? I bet they're up there causing absolute mayhem with their Uncle Aidan.'

'Oh I bet they are.'


'So Chelle was asking me if we were planning on having any more babies.' Carla says glancing at Peter as he sits beside her on the sofa.

'Mmm... What did you say?' He asks.

'I said I wasn't sure. It's not something we've spoke about since River was born, is it?' She says.

'I know. Pregnancy is rough on you and I wouldn't want you going through something you didn't want to. I'm more than content with our little family.' He replies and she nods her head.

'I love our little family.' She says softly.