A/N: I am determined that I am gonna finish this fanfic. How better to spend lockdown? Only just realised that when I uploaded chapter nine I accidentally uploaded chapter 6 *face palm*, so here is a resubmission of chapter nine.

Carla:

I hated to admit it, but the last two weeks have been a sweet paradise. Being able to rebuild things with Peter. I really felt I was getting somewhere; like I was actually living a purposeful world. And that was all down to him. He made me laugh. He made me smile. He made me feel human; like I had so much to live for… And that's where the one problem lay.

Me. My illness. My kidney disease.

While I'd been spending so much time it meant I'd missed countless appoints I'd made, rescheduled and avoided. As the guilt of my immature behaviour washed over me, I was reminded I had made another appointment. It was today at 12 noon. But I had a date with Peter. And I knew as I lay in bed, drifting off to sleep, despite the sunlight which seared through the window, which I'd be attending… Because it was easier to go out with Peter. It was where I was capable of feeling normal. Without him I wouldn't cope. Yet he was still to discover the massive secret… As were my family. In fact, I'd been doing my best, considering they all lived only metres away from me, to steer clear of my family as I couldn't face them… I didn't know how to put them straight. However, for now the secret remained very much a secret.

Hours later, after having gathered the strength to separate myself from the safety of my bed, I was showered and dress, now just adding the finishing touches to my make-up when Roy came stumbling in to check up on me.

'Ah Carla, you're awake'.

'Well I do hope so, or this is a rather bleak dream', I attempted to joke. 'I was joking Roy'. He awkwardly nodded in response.

'I believe you have an appointment at the Medical Centre'.

'Yes', I muttered, feeling awful for lying to him. All he ever tried to do was care for me. I honestly didn't deserve his kindness and loyalty.

'I thought so. 12:15, isn't it? I just wanted to inform you that you will be in my thoughts'.

'Thank you', I said as he noticed the conversation was drawing to a close, heading back downstairs no doubt. I released a long sigh as I gathered my things chucking them into my disorganised handbag, before grabbing my black leather jacket. Butterflies swam in my stomach; most out of guilt over the lies I'd continued to tell Roy, but also out of giddiness for my date with Peter.

As I walked down the street, heading in the direction of the precinct, I fished my phone out of my handbag to compose a message to Peter to let him know I was on my way. It was only fair since I was running late… All thanks to my failing kidneys… I've been getting more tired the longer I've put off seeking help. As I unlocked my phone, I was met with a text message from Peter which read:

Hey gorgeous,

No doubt you'll be busy beautifying yourself – not that you need to – but just letting you know I'll be waiting in the usual seat by the window. I'll have a scorching cup of joe waiting with your name on it. Can't wait to see your face.

Love Pete X

I walked along the street with the widest beam on my face as I felt like the luckiest girl in the world… Well, almost…

The precinct had become our usual rendezvous as it was far enough out the way of prying and suspicious eyes. We'd often go for a coffee, often in the place where we had begun to rekindle many weeks ago from now. Sometimes, however, we would just walk… Nowhere in particular, just walk and hold hands and talk about idle things. I'd been given so many opportunities to tell him the truth and yet he still remains very much still in the dark. I didn't know how long I'd be able to keep the charade up that everything was fine. It wasn't fair on him and since we'd been spending a good portion of time together, he was growing increasingly concerned when we were out walking and I often struggled to keep up; my breathing increasing. I had managed so far to brush him off with comments about needing to get back to the gym, but I knew he was cynical… He just never said anything. As these thoughts crossed my mind, I couldn't help but begin to feel ever so slightly light headed. Initially I had tried to ignore it, trying to speed my pace up as I realised Peter had sent that text quite some time ago. However, the quicker I tried to move my legs the dizzier I began to feel. I could see colours. Spots of yellow and purple and blue. My head was spinning. I knew I'd maybe be able to gather my bearings if I just sat down for a second. Yes, good idea Carla. I'll sit down and send Peter a message. Just let him know I'm gonna be running late, not feeling very well. However, I started to stagger as I tried to make my way over to Maxine's bench while simultaneously trying to text a response to Peter. But I was so discombobulated that all the letters on the keyboard had blurred into one. Instead, I thought, I'd try to ring him. I tried to do this while failing to contain my balance and also failing to make my way towards the wooden bench. Instead I had managed to make my way towards Audrey's Salon, using the wall to keep my balance. That's it, I thought as my back was supported by the sturdy brick wall which allowed me to concentrate on only Peter. I had to squint in order to find his contacts logged in my phone. After much time spent on simply trying to find his name, I located it and press CALL. As it rung, I felt myself focusing back on my state of dizziness, and suddenly lost my balance… Again, as I fell and slumped onto the ground. The ringing stopped… I think. I was so tired I knew I'd just feel so much better if I closed my eyes.

'Hello you'. I heard the voice. I think it was coming from my phone but I couldn't be too sure. The only thing I was sure of was it was Peter.

'Peter', I slurred.

'Carla', he responded. I didn't even have the energy to respond which must've worried him. 'Carla', he repeated. 'Is everything okay?'

'Hmmm', I mumbled, 'Just tired… Not well'.

'Carla, are you drunk? Carla, tell me where you are. I won't be mad. Is everything okay… Carla, just tell me what's going on and I'll come to you'.

Peter's p.o.v

The line went dead. I was so worried but I didn't know where to start, panic consumed me. The last few days she hadn't seemed herself. I knew she was keeping something from me but I didn't want her to expose her secrets without feeling comfortable to open up to me. I just wanted to know what was going on… And this phonecall had done nothing to relax my fears. I had an instinctual feeling that she was in trouble. I just needed to locate her. No doubt she'd be somewhere between here and Roy's, so I should get on the move.

I immediately raised myself from where I sat in the café – our proposed meeting place. 'Hey mate', I called to the waiter. 'I've left the money on the table – Keep the change!' I neared the door as I called out to him.

'Hang on', he called me back just as I stepped out onto the street.

'Yeah?' I was really needing to get going but he seemed intent on keeping me where I'd been sat five minutes ago before my serene disposition had been disturbed by Carla's phonecall.

'You haven't even touched either cup of coffee… I could put them in take-away cups if y-'. I had to cut him off or else I'd have been standing there all day.

'No need pal, its not important… I've got somewhere I need to be… Thanks though', I shouted back as I began to run. Ironic how I was now running…

As I turned off the top of Rosamund Street and onto the cobbles of Coronation Street I would never have been able to guess the sight that I'd see as I turned the corner. Initially it was the echoing screams of 'Carla' which boomed from Michelle. She was attempting to shake her. I couldn't see very clearly, so I jogged closer to investigate and I was stunned. There Michelle sat, croached on the ground as she lightly tried to she Carla, who appeared to be unconscious. My heart dropped. I felt sick. I thought I was actually going to be sick. What had happened? 'Michelle', I timidly approached them. She turned round looking extremely distressed. Tear stained and shook up. She mustve found her like this.

'Peter, I don't know whats happened… I had an appointment at Audrey's and just found her lying here… What do I do?' she cried.

'Its alright', I said trying to remain strong for both of us… And Carla. Although inside I was a nervous wreck. 'Lets just see if we've got a pulse', I said as I reached out to place two fingers on her neck. She was still warm. That was surely a positive sign. And right enough there was a pulse. It was laboured, but all the same it was there.

'I don't even know how long she's been lying here… like this', Michelle continued to weep. Instinctively I pulled my phone out ringing for an ambulance. My fingers trembled as I dialled 999, taking way longer than it should've done. 'Hurry up, Peter!' Michelle roared at me, frustrated that there was nothing she could do. 'When you get through to them, tell them she's pregnant!'

What was she talking about? In an instant I feared that it was true… Until I was thankfully reminded, while the phone connected the call, that it was untrue. How could I forget that eventful day? That extremely emotional day. She obviously still hadn't put them straight… Although she wasn't preganant there was something wrong and she hadn't even told me. She looked so pale, she was so tired, something wasn't right and I endeavoured to find out what was happening.

We'd been waiting for the ambulance and there was still no sign which only intensified mine and Michelle's anxiety. I could tell how she was feeling largely due to the fact she kept whispering in Carla's ear, 'Youre gonna be okay babe'. Although I think she was speaking more to herself than to Carla… Whereas I kept pacing back and forward wondering where on earth this ambulance had got to.

'Peter, I'm sure the ambulance will be on its way soon enough, why don't you just leave us to it?' she suggetested. It looks like Carla had been keeping her in the dark about quite a few matters. Evidently she was unaware of our 'relationship'.

'I'd rather stay if its all the same'. I was going to stand my ground. I deserved to be here for Carla just as much as she did.

'But what's it to you? She's nothing to you anymore', she protested as she possessively enveloped her arms around Carla's fragile frame.

'That's where you're wrong', I retorted as I could faintly hear sirens – hopefully the ambulance – as I began to put things straight to Michelle. 'We're… Well, we're back on', I admitted.

'I knew there was something going on, she's been behaving really strangely'. Just as she said this I had no time to respond as the ambulance drew up, with two paramedics jumping into action. Everything was a bit of a blur until Michelle prodded me, asking, 'Peter, love, why don't you go in the ambulance with her? I can get Robert to drive me. I'll meet you there, if you like?'

'Michelle, I'm so scared', I admitted as I began to finally realise the severity of what was happening, as one of the paramedics guided me towards the back of the van, where Carla now lay.

The ambulance ride had been awful. Until we drew up at Weatherfield General, as that's when Carla gained consciousness. 'Peter', she mumbled in the husky tone which she often suffered from first thing in the morning.

'Hey, baby', I whispered as I stroked her hair, attempting to sooth her. 'You gave me a bit of a fright there'.

'What happened?' she asked as the two paramedics began wheeling her into the entrance of the hospital. She craned her neck as her eyes searched for me. I to jog to keep up with them as they practically ran with the trolley which they had Carla on. I followed them, making sure they were careful with her. She was precious and I was extremely protective over her, especially when she was so vulnerable. They marched along the corridor before reaching a room full of beds… A ward possibly? I had no idea what you'd call it. Soon enough they'd transferred her from the trolley and onto a hospital bed, where a doctor took over as they had been informed on what had happened. I made my way into the room. Carla, who had noticed me, held out her hand. Immediately I took it, clasping it in my hand. 'Kidneys', she whispered as her stare burned into me.

'What's that, love?' I asked. She turned away from me as she grabbed the attention of the doctor.

'My kidneys. I've got kidney disease'. She paused before expanding, 'It wont be on my notes because I haven't been to see a doctor since I moved back here'. She turned back to me, tears drowning her usually sparkling eyes. 'I'm sorry', she mumbled, her voice clearly wobbly. 'I wanted to tell you. I just didn't know how', she said. I brought my free hand up to her face, wiping the tears which glistened her cheeks.

'None of that matters anymore', I said as I bent over her, placing a soft kiss to her brow.

I could hear a myriad of noises. However, one which gradually began getting louder was the sound of high heals hitting against the hard linoleum of the hospital corridor and before I realised the noise getting closer, Michelle stood next to me, where I sat occupying the seat next to Carla.

'Sorry I took so long! Traffic was a nightmare! Robert's just parking the car', she rattled on. 'Oh love, you had me so worried!' she said, totally ignoring my presence and making me feel slightly awkward listening in as they began talking. 'So when will you find out why you collapsed?'

'They've taken my blood, they're doing some tests… It's just a waiting game now', Carla informed her.

'Y'know what, I think I'll go in search of a vending machine… I really could do with a coffee. Can I get either of you one?'

'No thanks, Peter', Michelle said, finally acknowledging my presence since she appeared on the ward.

'Carla?' I asked.

'I'm alright', she stated as I began to raise from my seat. However, Carla abruptly grabbed at my arm as she attempted me to pull me back into the chair. 'Stay', she commanded me. 'Please'. She pleaded me with her eyes, and for that reason alone I couldn't say no. I would just have to sit it out in silence, while Michelle resumed her idle chatter, discouraging my inclusion. 'I don't want you to leave… I want you', she whispered the latter part although I was sure Michelle had heard as she screwed her face up, clearly cringing. I began fidgeting in my seat for a number of reasons: self-conscious of Michelle's opinion of me and of us; also full of unexplainable worry on Carla's behalf. I just hoped everything would be okay…

It felt like we had been in this hospital forever. That was possibly just how I was feeling due to Michelle, who had decided to stick around for the test results. Meanwhile, Carla had managed to update her on our reconciliation. However, just as she was about to explain what these tests were for, the doctor appeared at Carla's bedside.

'Hi, Carla', she greeted.

'So what's the verdict?' Carla asked, probably just as desperate as I was to uncover the reality of her illness.

'You do realise she's pregnant?!' Michelle challenged the doctor.

'Your notes never mentioned anything about a pregnancy', the doctor spoke directly to Carla.

'Because I'm not pregnant… I never was, Chelle', she said, speaking directly to Michelle who looked incredibly perplexed at this revelation.

'But I... I thought-' She was totally dumfounded.

'- I'm sick; I'm not pregnant, Chelle'. This only caused her to stop hassling her friend with questions, and instead began to listen.

However, luckily for Carla, the doctor stepped in. And so she explained… In all her medical jargon, but nevertheless she managed to translate it in simpler terms. I wish she hadn't though. I don't think I managed to get my head round the fact that Carla had a problem with her kidneys, never mind the fact that they were so poorly performing. I'd known she hadn't been quite herself, but I wasn't entirely sure what had been going on. And I would never have guessed. I heard the doctor mention a word I'd heard somewhere before: dialysis. They wanted her on a course of dialysis as soon as. That meant she'd be seeing a lot more of the inside of Weatherfield General than Carla might like. She was never a lover of hospitals; neither was I for that matter… But who was? However, it was a place that held so many awful memories for us both… Reminding me of all the hardships we'd faced, but at least we'd faced them together. This was just another hurdle we'd have to overcome.

I had been zoning in and out of the news the doctor had been delivering, but my mind focused on the last parting words which escaped her mouth before leaving the room: 'Eventually it become a case of needing a donor for transplant'.

I glanced round the room. I wanted to run away, but I had to stay strong for Carla. I couldn't even begin to imagine how worried she must be. I could see how badly all these shock revelations that had come Michelle's way had affected her. I could truly sympathise with her, as she sat at the end of Carla's bed, her whole body shaking as tears cascaded her cheeks. In an effort to comfort Carla's best friend I flung an arm round her, to which she gratefully accepted.

'Carla, I am so sorry. I can't believe I got everything so wrong', she said in between sobs. I looked at Carla to gage her reaction and all she did was smile sweetly and appreciatively.

'You've got nothing to be sorry for, Chelle. It's me who should be apologising… You don't know how guilty I've felt keeping things from you. I don't know why I did it… I was trying to kid myself for a long time that it wasn't happening'. Michelle seemed to take heart from this confession as she gave her a small smile in return. 'Look, you heard what the doctor said, they're going to be discharging me soon, so why don't you get home? I'm sure you've seen enough of these places recently'. That was Carla clearly referencing to the time Michelle spent in here when she lost Ruhridh; and more recently when Robert had his horrific battle with cancer. Both of these women who sat in the same room as I did had been through some unimaginable things, and yet they somehow managed to bounce back.

'Yeah. Hopefully he's found a space by now', she joked as she wiped the tears out of her eyes and plastering a smile on her face. 'Remember where I am though, okay?' Carla nodded as she opened her arms, welcoming Michelle in for a hug. 'You need anything and I'm your girl, okay? I mean it, Carla!'

'Thanks love', Carla said before pecking her friends' cheek. It was a lovely moment to witness: seeing two friends share a moment of tenderness.

Watching as Michelle disappeared out of our sight, I could feel Carla's eyes on me. Turning around to face her, I could see she was about to say something. It looked like she was plucking up the courage, though. 'Sorry for ruining our date', she grumbled, sounding annoyed with herself.

'Hey hey, don't start that. Hardly your fault, is it? You didn't decide to collapse', I said as I attempted to make light of the severity of the situation. 'I must say though, wasn't expecting our date to be in a hospital', I joked to which she smirked as she nudged her forehead against mine.

'Wish they'd hurry up with these bloody discharge forms. I just wanna get out of here', she moaned.

'I'm not that boring, am I, that you want to clear off?' I continued to wind her up. 'Oh well, really isn't your lucky day, because I'm not going anywhere. You're gonna be so fed up with me'. She smirked at the sarcastic tone I adopted in an attempt to cheer her up as much as was humanly possible.

'Mmm I suppose I can live with that', she retorted before I hopped from the seat which was so solid it had made me loose the feeling in my backside, and onto the bed next to her. 'Ermm personal space thank you', she prodded me with a finely manicured finger.

'Oh come on, you're not gonna deny me a cuddle are you?' I jested. Eventually she caved in, unable to resist my masterful puppy dog look.

'Mmm I won't lie, think I needed that as much as you did'. She closed her eyes, taking a large inhale. If I could've bottled that moment there and then, leaving out the reason why we were in the hospital, I would've. Just to feel her, hold her close to my own body.

'In that case, you're a cheap date… Cheapest date I've ever had', I said as I began chuckling. However, this time she didn't join in. 'Sorry, was that insensitive?'

'No…', she sighed before looking me in the eye to reassure me. 'No, it's not what you said. It's just I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner… If you wanna back out now I'd-'

'Hey! There's no way I'm letting that happen. We've not gotten to where we are now to pack it all in. I've let you go once, I'm not letting it happen again'. I planted a kiss to her lips, softly caressing mouth as my tongue slipping inside. However, the moment of paradise was short lived as she pushed me away, reminding me where we were.

'I just don't want you to resent me', she mumbled, looking down at her hands. In an instant I used the hand that wasn't held onto her wait, to raise her head so she was eye level with me.

'That would never happen'.

'But I'm just gonna get more sick. You heard that doctor'.

'Well I'm not gonna let it get to that', I reassured her.

'Peter, you can't make promises like that. You don't know what might or might not happen'.

'Will you just listen a minute? Because while that doctor was giving back your results I've thought of all the hard times we've had inflicted on us… And while this might be one of the toughest we're yet to face, we can do it. The fight is so worth it'.

'I don't think I've got any fight left in me'.

'You don't mean that. Maybe once you get started on a course of dialysis you'll start feeling a step closer to being yourself again', I said as I tried to put a positive spin on things. 'And if not, I can be strong for the both of us'.

'Peter', she mumbled. But I wasn't finished. There was so much more to say.

'Lots of ideas crossed my mind while she was talking, actually. And it's really made me realise how much I want you. I want you to still be here in fifty years' time. So I've got a proposition for you…' I paused for breath. Taking this as her moment to speak she said,

'Peter, I love you'.

'I'm gonna give you a kidney, Carla'.