A/N: Thank you for the recent reviews! It has taken me absolutely forever to update this chapter, but this update is super long so hopefully that makes up for the delay.

Chapter 6

Carla's p.o.v:

I was awoken by a raucous noise. Rubbing my eyes and blinking sleep out of them, I gathered my bearings. Now that I was alert, I realised where I was, as light pierced through the paper thin curtains. I could hear Simon rowing with Leanne which was loud enough to wake the whole street. Instantly I was reminded of yesterday's events of. A pang of guilt consuming me.

Yesterday had just been a disaster from start to finish – there was absolutely no denying that. And now, here I lay, in my ex-husband's bed.

Admittedly we hadn't slept together, but what did that matter? I still felt degraded at the fact I had slept in his bed. The bed he and his girlfriend shared. How could he not see how his actions were completely inappropriate. It felt wrong; but it simultaneously felt so right. I was so perplexed. Everything was so unclear, in my head.

I waited until the screaming died down, assuming that the coast was clear – no doubt Simon was well on his way to school by now, and Leanne was taking Oliver to a mother and baby group. Despite this certainty, I still cautiously crept downstairs.

Opening the door to the back room, I instantly spotted Peter curled up on the sofa. I sauntered into the room before shouting, 'Morning sleeping beauty'. My teasing brought him out of his trance as he shot up off the sofa.

Clearly startled he said, 'Jeez, Carla, you gave me a fright. I didn't hear you coming in'.

'Evidently'. I smirked.

'Sleep well?'

'Mmm', I hummed. 'I would ask the same, but judging by the lumps in that sofa I doubt there's any point in asking'. I paused before continuing, 'Thanks for last night… For putting up with me. I know it wasn't a pretty sight me crying on ya… And thanks for letting me stay'.

'Nothing I haven't seen before'.

'I mean it – thank you'.

'Well as we're being all candid, I've got something to say to you too. I just wanna apologise… For kissing ya. It probably couldn't have come at a worse time for you with all the stuff with your family. I don't want you to think I'm purposely trying to mess with your head –' I cut him off. I couldn't cope with a conversation as heavy as this. Not at this time in the morning.

'- Peter, it's alright. Yesterday wasn't the best day for either of us. It's already forgotten about… Mates?' I cringed at the question. Was I capable of being friends with a man? Not just any man, but, Peter.

'Mates', he muttered, sounding totally dejected. However, in attempt to keep the conversation going, he asked, 'Can I get you some breakfast?'

'No thanks. I'm not actually very hungry. I think I'm just gonna get off'.

'Aww no, you can't go without having a coffee'.

'No, I really ought to get off. I've got a lot to sort out'.

'I suppose you do'. He didn't realise there was so much more to what was going on in my life. He thought he knew all my problems. If only he knew…

'Anyway, I wouldn't want to still be here when Toyah gets back'.

'I wouldn't worry about Toyah; she knows the score… I mean she knows we've got history'.

'Right'. As if I didn't feel guilty enough. 'Well, I'll see you around', I said as I sidled closer to the door.

'I hope I do'.

'Bye then'.

As I walked out of the back entrance of the pub, I was totally unaware of Michelle's presence.

'Hey you!' she shouted from afar, as she careered towards me in her six inch heels. 'Where did you get off to last night? We were all really worried when you just ran off like that. We didn't hear from you all night. Did you not get my messages?'

'Sorry, love, phone was on silent', I excused.

'And I've just come out of Roy's to check you were alright, but he said he hadn't seen you since yesterday morning. He is just as worried as I've been!' Oh god. Poor Roy. Why was I so selfish? My actions always seem to effect other people. I'd need to go see him and make it up with him.

'I suppose I'll have some explaining to do then'. I grimaced as I wondered how I'd get round this one.

'Carla, are you sure everything's alright?'

'Yeah', I lied. 'Anyway, I better get going'.

'If you need anything –'

'Thanks Chelle', I said as I brushed shoulders with her, heading in the direction of the café.

The knot in my stomach tightened as I entered the café. Hearing the door swing open, inviting a blustery gust of wind into the warmth of the café, provoked Shona to look up from her work station. Standing behind the counter as she smiled directly at me.

'Hi Carla'.

'I'm looking for Roy…'

'Yeah, he's upstairs. He will be glad to see you. He's been freting over you'.

'Do you mind?' I asked as I gestured to the stairs that led to Roy's flat.

'Oh don't mind me', she smiled.

'Roy', I called out as I began the jaunt upstairs. 'Roy, love, it's me, its Carla'.

'Carla! Goodness, I am glad that you're alright'. He appeared flustered. 'I do not want to appear to be keeping a record of your outings, but I feel a tad responsible for your welfare while you are under my roof. Without meaning to interfere, I just want to ask… Where have you been meandering?'

So I told him. I told him about my cock up with the Connors and also where I spent the night. I told him the truth – a concept that was often perverse to me. 'Now, please tell me if I'm encroaching on your private life, but what is going on with you and Peter?'

'I keep asking myself that, Roy. I don't know… Its complex. It is driving me crazy. More to the point, he is driving me crazy. I just wish he'd be straight with me. I'm not in the right mind for silly mind games – I've got too much to think about. I've always had feelings for him, we both know that, and I'll always be drawn to him. But I don't need this now'.

'I agree. I'm also relieved that you're thinking of your own wellbeing, for once'.

'Yeah', I sighed. 'I'm gonna head over to the medical centre later and get registered with a GP there, then make an appointment as soon as'.

'I think that's very wise'.

'Thank you. I'm glad you laid into me the other night. You gave me the reality check I've been needing'.

'Glad to be of service', he said in his usual blunt manner. 'I did fear where you had got to last night'.

'I'm sorry Roy. I didn't mean to worry you'.

'I do worry about you Carla. I care about you very much… Anyway, the day is ticking away so I must get back downstairs and help to assist Shona. Will you be alright?'

'Of course'. I smiled, squeezing his arm before he headed out of the room. I had things to be getting on with. Hopefully I'd begin to stop feel so guilty if I managed to distract myself with idle tasks.

Peter's p.o.v:

I had been feeling numb as soon as Carla had left. My thoughts had been totally overpowered by her. Instantly I was infatuated with her. It was like the switch had been turned back on and boom… I was head over heels in love with her all over again. It was just as intense as those feelings when I fell for her for the first time. And while my mind briefly flickered at the image of my girlfriend, I didn't feel guilty over the feelings I possessed for Carla. I felt resentment that I wasn't a free agent; that Toyah wasn't the lady with the sparkling almond shaped eyes; or the sun kissed skin; or the well-conditioned brunette locks; or the plumped and pouted lips.

Her image was in my head all day. Even when I was sat in the living area of my home, attending to my caffeine addiction, when Toyah peeked her head round the doorframe, grinning widely at me. There was certainly nothing wrong with us in her mind's eye.

'Hello you', she sung.

'Hi, love'.

'Miss me?'

'Oh yeah'. I lied – what a shock.

'How's your friend?'

'If you're referring to our surrogate, then yes, Jacqui's fine', she snapped. I just nodded, not wanting to start an argument that could go on for days. I couldn't be bothered. She paused before wittering on again. 'You been for your run this morning?'

'Yeah went as soon as I got up. Had a shower once I got back, so I'd feel fresh for opening up the bar'. Another lie.

'Why don't I get Liz in this afternoon to cover your shift, we could go into to town for a lunch, a bit of shopping… Baby shopping?' He eyes bulged as she finished her sentence. She was so desperate for a baby, but not just that… She was desperate for me to share her excitement. How I wish I could.

'That would be nice, but I can't. Sorry, love'.

'Why not?'

'Well what kind of example are we setting the staff if the boss is skiving so he can have a bit of time with his missus, hmm? Anyway, we can't ask Liz to come in this afternoon – she was doing the close shift last night'.

Looking rather defeated, she said, 'Was she? Oh ok'.

'Another time though, ey?' I lied, while simultaneously trying to keep the peace between us. I didn't have any energy to be rowing with her. Rowing with Toyah was the worst because usually it often resulted in us not speaking for days on end. The silence was torturous.

'Yeah', she said, 'I've got loads of jobs I could be getting on with in here anyway. This place is needing a bit of a spruce up'.

'Alright, love', I said as I pecked her cheek. Oh god, I actually felt repulsed being affectionate towards my girlfriend – of all people! In that moment I had wished Carla was standing where Toyah was. 'Right then, lots to do', I stated as I ambled through to the bar, ready to set up.

The day was in full swing, as the pub began filling up as the dinner hour descended. I was working alongside Eva and between the two of us we were swiftly attending to our customers' orders. And before long, there was no one left to serve. In an accomplishment, we high fived one another, just messing about and chatting for a brief moment. However, wanting to keep busy, Eva moved on to clearing tables that were no longer occupied. No doubt in case we had another mad rush. Good thinking, I thought as I grabbed a cloth from the sink area behind the bar and started wiping down the surface of the bar. As I stood alone, I heard the door swing open. Glancing up, I saw it was Carla and Michelle. Extremely pleased to see her, I grinned at her.

'Hey Carla!' She smiled, though more subtly than I had.

'I'll get these. Why don't you go and find us a booth, Car' Michelle said.

'No no, both of you take a seat and I'll bring them over. What will it be, OJ and a red wine?' I asked as I tried to be as accommodating as possible. Anything for Carla. And I noticed she looked tired. Black bags encircled her eyes. Maybe she hadn't slept as well as she'd let on. I mean it was an unfamiliar bed. I knew myself, I never slept well in other people's beds. Nothing like your own. I guess I had that luxury to look forward to tonight.

'Oh right… Erm yeah, that's right. Thanks very much, Peter', Michelle said, sounding surprised at my offer. They both turned away before taking up a boot directly opposite from the where I stood, behind the bar, preparing their drinks. I frequently gazed up at Carla making sure that she wasn't just a figment of my imagination. That she was genuinely sat in my pub. Again. I noticed she too kept grabbing moments when Michelle went to check her phone, to glace at me. I wondered what was running through her mind as her eyes met mine from where she took up a seat.

Carla's p.o.v:

'There we go, ladies', Peter said charismatically as he brought the drinks to our table. 'One red wine', he said placing the glass in front of Michelle. 'And one orange juice for you, m'dear', he flirted as he handed my juice. Could he have made that anymore obvious?

'Here, while you're round this side of the bar, I'll just pay for these now', I said.

'You will not', he insisted as he shook his head in refusal of payment. 'These are on the house', he said before shouting, 'enjoy', as he returned behind the bar. Michelle looked totally dumbfounded, and who could blame her?

'Well that was… Odd'. I knew she'd have something to say.

'It was nice'.

'Bit strange though, practically giving away his profits'.

'For a red wine and an orange juice. Michelle, get real', I snapped before pausing. Seconds later the pair of us had burst into a fit of laughter.

'Alright alright, fair point. I just think it's a bit weird. Does this mean he's giving all the people he's ever had a crack at in the past a free drink?'

'If he does, he'll be out of business in no time', I winked at her.

'Do you know what else I find a bit odd?' she asked, changing the subject.

'No but I'm sure you're going to tell me'.

'How comes he knew you'd order a glass of orange juice? I mean anyone who didn't know would have immediately assumed you'd be after a glass of red'.

I winced as she was clearly referring to the 'pregnancy' that she'd wrongly deduced. 'That's because he knows', I whispered hoping nobody was listening in.

'Peter does?' I nodded. 'Well how?' she paused before she started bombarding me with questions. 'How would he know? Oh god, Carla. He's not the dad is he? I thought you'd have learned… And everything he put you through!' She did get a tad carried away, at times.

'Michelle, you've got it all wrong'.

'So how does he know?'

'Because we chatted'. We also did a bit more than chat, but I wasn't willing to tell anyone that. Accept for Roy. He was the only confidant I had. 'Remember when he served us a few days ago? And I nipped through the back to speak to him?' She nodded, eagerly. 'Well we were just catching up on lost time. Anyway, to put a long story short, we've agreed to try being friends'.

'Since when did Peter do friends with women?!' she laughed.

'Since I came back', I winked at her before glugging the remains of my juice.

'Want another?'

'Go on then. One more and then I'll get off', I said. I had things I needed to be getting on with. More important things than drinking orange juice. Almost automatically, Michelle collected our empty glasses before heading up to the bar. Ever the barmaid I thought to myself, smirking as I recollected the copious amounts of red wine Michelle had poured me... And in this very pub. I sighed, downtrodden, realising that another glass of wine may never pass my lips again.

As my mind was blurred by a multitude of thoughts, I was blissfully ignorant of a storm which had started brewing in the pub. That was the case, anyway, until Toyah came charging through from the back, evidently baying for blood. 'How dare you!' she screamed as she came hurtling towards me. I turned around to ensure it was actually me she was yelling at.

'Sorry? Are you speaking to me?'

'Oh don't act the innocent with me', she tutted.

'Care to tell me what I've done to upset you?'

'Oh I don't know… How about the fact you've slept with my boyfriend! I mean, I knew it wouldn't take you long, I've heard all about your track record!'

'I think you should get your facts right before you start accusing me of all sorts. You should probably quit now before you start embarrassing yourself'. How dare she accuse me. She doesn't know me.

'I beg to differ, Carla. Because when I went to change my bedding this afternoon, I wasn't expecting to find my bedsheets smelling of another woman… Because I certainly don't use that perfume. And I am practically chocking on the same scent from standing too close to you'.

'And you think that means I've been in your bed?'

'I think you and me both know the truth', she roared. Her face was a picture. Glancing round the room, I realised everyone's conversations had muted as they listened in. Not that they could help it, with the large uproar she'd caused. I looked towards the bar, noticing Peter coming round. Good, he'd be able to put her in her place… Seeing as I couldn't seem to talk her down. She made Leanne look like a pussy cat, and that wasn't something I thought I'd ever find myself saying.

'Toyah, love, why don't we talk about this in the back?' he asked, placing a hand on her arm. She soon shook his hand off her, screaming at him to get off her.

'There's no need for that!' she bellowed as she turned towards the bar. In the belief that she was storming back through into their living quarters, in a strop, I relaxed. However, suddenly, a gush of a wet, cold and sticky substance rained down on me, covering me head to foot.

'Urghhhhh!' I screamed, wiping beer from my eyes, no doubt smudging my eye makeup in the process. As I blinked my eyes open, I was met by a sneering Toyah who was towering over me after just having chucked a pint over me. She was definitely Leanne's sister; she was most definitely Janice's daughter. This was definitely Battersby 'style'. As if I wasn't shocked and embarrassed enough, I could not have foretold what was to come next… Michelle, who was still leaning on the bar, as she had been waiting to get served, snatched the nearest pint to hand.

'Hey, that's mine!' an annoyed Tim roared at her.

'I'll buy you another', Michelle retorted as she marched towards Toyah and I. Before I could stop her, Michelle had flipped as she screamed at Toyah, 'Oi, you! Over ere a minute!' And in a moment of madness she was throwing Tim's freshly poured pint over Toyah's head.

'How dare you!' she screamed at Michelle, before turning back to me. 'YOU! This is all your fault! Why did you have to come back?! Everything was perfect until you rocked up'. Embarrassed as a combination of tears and bear ran down her face, she ran off into the back room.

Instead of running after his girlfriend, Peter edged closer towards my beer sodden self. 'Are you alright love? Want to get yourself cleaned up through the back?' he asked. Horrified at what had just happened, I couldn't believe he was asking me through. Imagine if I agreed. I'm sure that would only encourage for another argument.

'No. I'm gonna go back to Roy's for a shower'.

'Right. Well I suppose I better speak to Toyah', he admitted to me.

'Good luck', I mumbled as he slunk off like Simon often did when he was in trouble.

'God Carla, what a state you're in! What a cow! What right does she think she has?!' Michelle raged, clearly on a roll.

'Chelle, keep your voice down – please!' I begged as everyone in the pub continued to look on. 'I think I've caused enough of a scene for today. Mind if we go? I'm oddly not really in the mood for another drink', I jested, attempting sarcasm.

'I can't blame you. Right let's get going, then', Michelle said as we neared towards the door.

'Ehhhh what about my pint?' Tim quizzed, not one to ever miss out on the offer of a free drink.

'Another time', Michelle said, practically disregarding Tim as we fled the pub. 'Cheeky sod', Michelle grumbled as we walked over the humps and bumps of the crooked cobbles.

'Well you did nick his pint'.

'Never mind that, Carla, I can't believe how calm you were in there. I was about to go for her on your behalf', she raged.

'I know. I saw. I was there', I retorted. I was just as disappointed in myself as Michelle was. I was a shadow of my former self. I never would've let anyone treat me like that. I had always been up for a slanging match. However, I couldn't and I hadn't. I was completely worn out. I was tired and I wasn't sure if I had any fight left in me.

'Suppose in your condition n' all, getting in a scrap is the last thing on your mind'. I cringed as I was reminded that I still had to put them straight. The Connors.

'Can't believe I'm gonna have to walk through the café looking like a wet rat. It'll be like doing the walk of shame', I said sullenly, pouting my lips.

'You don't have to, silly. Come back to mine and have a shower', she suggested.

'What about Robert?'

'What about him?'

'Will he mind? I mean, he won't be full of questions?'

'He probably wouldn't think ought of it…. He is a man after all', she giggled to which I mirrored. 'Anyway, you won't have to worry about him, babe, he's on shift at the Bistro'.

'Oh. Alright then. Thanks Chelle', I said as we continued the walk towards Victoria Court.

Today had been hectic to say the least. I was glad it was nearing to an end as I began preparing for bed. I was relieved to be spending the night under Roy's roof tonight.

I pulled back the duvet so that I could snuggle down and unwind, when a small smile crept up on my face as I found a hot water bottle tucked under the sheets. Roy, I thought. Oh Roy. The man who always thought about other people's comfort before his own

As I lay wide awake in the dark, unable to fall sleep, I began to mull over the day. And that also led me to appreciate how clean I felt as I lay snug beneath the duvet, heated by Roy's hot water bottle. Unlike earlier… When I was soaked through my clothes. Never had a shower felt so good. And best of all, I hadn't had to explain to Roy why I was drenched head to foot in beer. Honestly, you couldn't make up the things that happened to me. However, he did ask if I'd managed to accomplish the two tasks I had sworn I would have done by the end of play today.

Shit.

I had said earlier that I would. Yet, as always, my life was so unpredictable that I was distracted due to events out of my control. I mean, when was the right time to do that? After I had been drenched in beer certainly wasn't the right time, anyway. So I lied to Roy. I had to though, didn't I? As much as it pained me to lie to the most honest man in my life... But if I told him the truth, I'd have to tell him about Toyah going for me which resulted in a whole pint being poured over my head… It was too much effort having to go over everything in great detail. It was far too easy to lie, so that's why I did it. Because it was convenient – for me. And as always I was knackered. I needed to rest after the tiresome and eventful day I'd had. Yet, here I was, lying in bed and unable to drift off into a peaceful sleep. So my mind continued to waver over today's events... Never had I thought going for an innocent drink at lunchtime would result in being fought with by the landlady. You honestly couldn't make up half the things that happen to me.

As I lay alone, still fighting sleep, I had only my thoughts to keep me company. However, I was started when I heard my phone vibrating against the bed-side table. The impact of the buzzing perforated the wooden table. Picking up the phone, I squinted as my eyes adjusted to the blaring bright light. My home screen revealed that I had a new message. I unlocked my phone, opening my messages, curious to see who I might be from... Probably Chelle, I'd thought for a brief moment as the messages loaded. However I was wrong. I gasped as my home screen read 1 New Message from Peter Barlow. My hands trembled and a knot in my stomach formed as I read his message. And this is what it read:

Carla, I can't tell you how sorry I am for shit kicking off today. I've never seen her react like that before. I've tried explaining to Toyah but she isn't having any of it. I am so disgusted by her behaviour, although she has had some terrible news, so that's likely what was upsetting her. Not that I am condoning her actions - far from it! In fact, I'm staying the night at Daniel and Adam's place – on the sofa… AGAIN… Of all places hahaha. Anyway, I suppose I just wanted to send you a message to make sure everything is okay your end? X

Why did he have to be like this? So caring and endearing. Just like he had been way back in the early days of flirting and courting me. I'd been thinking lately, just how ordinary things have been between us.

Maybe we had needed time apart before we could be in one another's company again?

After thinking of what to respond, I replied:

Peter, please don't apologise! I hope you haven't had too much of berating. I am sincerely sorry to hear this, just a shame I had to be on the receiving end hahaha. Your back is gonna be in some state if you keep kipping on a different sofa every night! I hope you guys get things sorted out soon! Everything's fine here. Looking a sight better than when you last saw me!

Seconds later, his response came bouncing back:

I think things are a tad more complicated than you might think. Good, glad someone's alright haha. Oh I don't know, you still managed to look beautiful. Anyway, I wanted to see if you'd be up for meeting up? We could maybe go for a coffee down the precinct like last time? X

I was not impressed that he was attempting to flirt with me via text message. I wasn't having it. I also wasn't going to be his bit on the side, I'd been there and done that. Never again. And I most certainly wasn't going to be picked up and used when he and Toyah had a fall out.

So after some deliberation, I eventfully wrote back:

Peter, I don't think that's a good idea. You need to prioritise your relationship with Toyah. Until you've done that, I think its best we don't spend time together.

Instead of waiting on a response from him, I turned my phone off, placing back on the bed-side table. I knew he'd be disappointed when he opens my message. He'd think I was being unfair... Maybe I was. But it was the right thing to do. I had to be strong for him. And myself. I couldn't give into temptation, so in order to do that I had to keep my distance... For a while. Yet it felt equally as wrong knowing that we wouldn't be spending time together for the next few days. The thought of it was killing me. Now that he was back in my life, albeit as a friend, I couldn't imagine even a day without Peter. He made me forget my problems while I was with him, even if it meant only forgetting for a few minutes. Time didn't matter. What did matter, however, was that he made me feel normal.

Without Peter I was just a woman with a kidney disease.