I can only apologise for the state of this chapter…
"What do you and Carla want for Christmas then?" Gail asked as she came back behind the bar.
"Oh um, we haven't got anyone anything yet actually," Nick admitted slightly embarrassed at how unorganised he had been.
"That's unlike you," Gail commented, "Are you okay? Y'know is your head okay?"
"Yes Mum stop stressing," Nick laughed, "I've just been busy with the engagement and work."
"So then, what do you want?" Gail asked again trying to divert the topic from the recent engagement.
"I'm not sure really, maybe well um we both like wine," Nick said.
"I don't think Carla needs given any wine," Gail said with a scowl.
"Right well um," Nick stuttered unsure how to react, "table three look like they need someone to take their order." Nick sighed a breath of relief as his Mum walked away and busied herself.
"Hiya darlin'," Carla said as she came in snapping Nick out of his daydream.
"Oh hi," He said distantly.
"What's wrong?" Carla asked concerned.
"We need to do our Christmas shopping," Nick informed her.
"Is that what was wrong?" Carla laughed.
"No, but it's part of it. Come on let's go now," Nick said grabbing his coat and walking around to Carla.
"I can't just leave for the afternoon," Carla protested.
"You're the boss, course you can," Nick said taking her hand and beginning to walk out.
"Nick, what's all this about?"
"We have to make this Christmas good," Nick declared.
"It will be good. We've got each other, family, friends," Carla reassured.
"It's our first Christmas as a couple, we have to show everyone we can make this work," Nick said walking close to the door.
"We don't have to prove anything to anyone," Carla said, "is this about your Mum?" She sighed.
"We've all had a tough year: I just want this Christmas to be good."
"Okay then come on," Carla eventually said allowing Nick to lead her out of the restaurant.
"You know I thought you were ill when you were hesitant to come shopping," Nick laughed as they walked into the shopping centre.
"I was just shocked at your sudden desire to buy presents."
"Well it's a nice thing to do," Nick smiled, "and I need you with me seen as you're the queen of the shops," he laughed.
They walked around hand in hand; it was a Wednesday afternoon meaning it wasn't too busy. There were many people just like them; couples walked around some buying for children, some buying for family. The shopping centre was decorated nicely, fairy lights glistened and many trees were gracefully decorated.
"Who do you want to get for?" Nick asked breaking the comfortable silence between them.
"Um Chelle, Roy, The Connor's and your lot," Carla said.
"I have no idea how to shop for Bethany and Sarah," Nick laughed.
"Well good job you brought me with you then ey," Carla said dragging Nick into the department store.
They walked around for a bit browsing through the homeware section.
"Y'know I might get Roy this cutlery set because his was shocking when I was staying there," Carla said, "honestly some of it must've been older than me."
"Now that's impressive," Nick joked, Carla shot him a death glare before carrying on.
"What do you buy a fifteen year old who's spoilt?" Nick sighed; they'd done all their gift buying but kept hitting a dead end when it came to Bethany.
"She loves her clothes and her make up," Carla said, "we could get her a jumper from 'Topshop' then some new makeup," she suggested.
"Yeah, yeah good idea."
"I'm full of them," Carla said making Nick laugh as they walked into the clothes shop.
"I can't go in there," Nick said as they arrived outside the 'Mac' store.
"Why not?" Carla asked amused by Nick's attitude.
"Well there's like a hundred lipsticks and well how are you supposed to choose?" He stressed.
"Okay, I'll go in and get her one," Carla laughed before going into the store.
"Get one?" Nick asked as Carla returned.
"No, I just though I's carry a bag from the shop for no reason," Carla smiled.
"Very funny," Nick said sarcastically, "can we go now, me feet are killing me!"
"Lightweight," Carla mocked as they began to walk back to the car.
"Ugh, finally," Nick said dumping the bags and sitting on the sofa.
"You really haven't got much stamina when it comes to shopping have you?" Carla laughed as she sat beside him, "I'd say that was pretty successful though."
"Hmm," Nick nodded allowing Carla to cuddle into his side, "I meant what I said earlier y'know."
"What?"
"About this being a good Christmas."
"I told you, we have so many positive things happening right now. Christmas is going to be fine," Carla reassured him.
"I want you to have a good day," Nick said quietly shifting himself so they were facing each other.
"I will, I've got you, we're spending it with people we love," Carla smiled, "for a change I'm actually looking forward to it," she admitted.
"Good, I'm glad," Nick said kissing her forehead lightly.
"Yeah, me too," Carla said quietly cuddling back into Nick.
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