This chapter is rated a high T because of refrences to phyiscal abuse and rape.

After Carla had her bath Peter told her that he was popping out to see Lottie and Simon. Carla nodded, not wanting to go out onto the street, not wanting to face the gossip of the locals. Once Peter had left the urge to drink became almost to strong for Carla to bare. She knew that there wasn't any alcohol in the house, but she needed something to focus on. Her eyes fell on Peters leather jacket. She walked over to it and searched through the pockets, finally finding what she was looking for. She pulled the box of ciggirates and a lighter out, thinking back to the last time she had smoked one.

It was when Frank was on trial, outside the court. She was so nervous, so scared that he was going to be let off, that she needed something to calm her nerves. Not wanting to make the house smell, she stepped out into the small back yard. She pulled one out of the box and lent agaisnt the wall staring at it, not realised that the man who haunted her nightmares was on the other side of the fence.

..

Frank knew that Carla would come outside sooner or later. He was surprised to see her holding a fag, but then silently chuckled to himself. Just swapping one addiction for another. He watched as she pulled one out and looked and it, then up to the sky.

'Remember this Lee? 22 years ago now, we shared that ciggie. God I miss you, I wish you were here. I wouldn't care if you were with Maria, I would just want to talk to you. There this man, hes not a man, he's a monster. I thought that Tony was the worst thing that a man could be, killing you, trying to kill me and Hayley. But he loved me, in his own twisted way. Yes, he wanted me so he took out the opposition, but what Frank did to me was pure rage and hatred. He knew that I didn't love him, so he destroyed me. If he couldn't have me then no-one could. He didn't love me. He wouldn't know how to.'

Carla pause before lighting up the ciggirate, taking a puff before continuing.

'I can't take this anymore Lee. I see Frank wherever I go. Everytime Peter kisses me, or everytime we have sex, I still think of him. It's worse when we argue. One time I was about to walk out and Peter said something about how he wanted to know the truth about what had happened, I can't even remember what we were arguing about but it brought me back to that night. Frank demanding to know the truth, and then completely destroying me. I was terrifed, and starting having a panic attack.'

Frank smiled as Carla confessed the hold that he had over her, even after all this time. He watched as Carla finished smoking and stubbed the fag out on the wall behind her, resting her head against the brick wall and shutting her eyes before making his move.

..

Carla shut her eyes as she rested her head against the wall, trying to let her mind go blank and falling. Talking to Liam had helped a little, let her open up about what was going through her mind, even though she wasn't sure if he could of heard it. She didn't notice Frank slip silently into the yard, not until he spoke to her.

'You should really get a lock on that gate Carla...'

Carla's eyes shot open, and she started to shake the mere presence of him terrifying him.

'...anybody could get in.' Frank walked towards her, when he reached her he lent foward so there noses were practically touching. Carla tried not to cry but her efforts were futile was tears spilled down her face.

'Wha...what do you want?' She said, trying to keep the fear from her voice. Frank pushed his body up against hers, effectively pinning her before whispering in her ear.

'You' He pressed his lips up on Carla's, trying to force his tounge in her mouth as his hands pulled at her clothing. Carla's body went rigid, but her mind was on over drive. No, no no I can't let this happen again, not again. She tried to push him off her but he just laughed in her face. He kept her pinned up against the wall as he undid her top and groped her body and she could feel Peter's lighter digging into her leg.

The lighter.

Carla stopped struggling against Frank and let her body go limp.

'I knew it.' Frank leered at her. 'You want it, deep down you know you deserve this.' Frank started undoing his belt, loosening his grip on Carla. She acted quickly, putting all her energy in to kicking him in between his legs. Frank stumbled back and doubled up in pain, and Carla pulled the lighter out of her pocket. Frank lunged at her and she flicked it open, pushing it at the exposed skin where his shirt had ridden up slightly. Frank bit his lip to stop crying out in pain and back handed Carla, sending her to the floor, making her drop the lighter which Frank kicked out of her reach.

Carla could taste blood in her mouth and her head was spinning but before she could do anything Frank grabbed a fistfull of her hair and yanked her up to face him.

'You're really gonna pay for that you bitch.'

Please review! (Makes puppy dog eyes) :D