"Never mind I'll find someone like you, I wish nothing but the best for you too. Don't forget me, I beg."

Carla held Peter's arm as they left Leanne's flat and took a deep breath. The air in that flat felt like it was suffocating her and she couldn't catch her breath. Finally, in the fresh air she felt calm again and relaxed slightly in the light summer breeze. She didn't mention what Leanne had said as they walked over to the cafe, she didn't want to ruin Peter's good mood. He looked so blissfully happy, his eyes sparkling as he pulled out a seat for Carla and she sat down with an almost school girl giggle. It had been so long since she'd felt a soft touch or a pleasurable kiss, she'd almost forgotten what happy felt like until Peter came back. Right now, it didn't matter that everyone kept throwing glances at them. Tracy's remarks from the queue didn't matter either because Carla could see Peter only had eyes for her and that was what mattered right in that moment.

Peter smiled up at Roy and both of them were grateful for a friendly face. "Hello Carla, Peter. What can I get you?" Carla's heart warmed at the lack of judgement. He really was just like his late wife. If Hayley had been here she would have told Carla to go for it, because you only get one life. She would have said, take it by the hands and run with it, before it runs from you. Hayley would have told her that she would be a good mum and she would love her baby endlessly. She would have said, "believe in yourself, Mrs Connor and you're half way there." And then Carla would have corrected her to Barlow and then corrected her again and say, "How many times, Hayles. It's Carla!" They would have laughed and and shared a silent moment of understanding and Carla would have felt cared for, loved. She'd do anything to look into those warm, welcoming eyes again.

" Carla?" Peter broke her thoughts with a chuckle and Carla laughed herself. "Sorry Roy, in a world of my own there. Just the usual please darlin'" She smiled up at Peter and shook her head as he gave her a confused look, "Just thinking about Hayley." She whispered, and smiled gratefully as he squeezed her hands. She knew people were looking, she couldn't bare it. But she tried to ignore it, knowing if they could get through it for now then at least it would be over soon and everyone would find something else to talk about.

Most people had welcomed Peter back, but some still blamed him for Tinas death, regardless of the fact he hadn't actually committed the crime. It was his fault, if he hadn't slept with her then she'd still be alive. She could have got married, had kids, seen the world. That's what people said. She was young. But what about her? What if Carla wanted to have a baby, what if she wanted a husband and a proper house and their own family? Tina couldn't have that now and she hated her brother for taking that away from her but Carla still could. She was alive and god knows she'd overcome enough to still be here. Surely she was allowed happiness too.

That's what made her stand up to Rita as she stood by their table in the cafe. Asking Carla how she could bare to look at him after everything she had caused. "If he hadn't had an affair, starting on his wedding day with a girl young enough to be his daughter then Tina would still be here with us today."

Carla shook her head up at her, "Last time I checked it took two to tango Rita. She wanted him right back. She was happy enough to sleep with him in my bed, she was happy enough to try and take him away from me. I lost everything when Tina died, I lost my husband, someone I thought was my friend, my brother." She swallowed back, "I lost my daughter. And it is not my fault Tina is gone but I am sorry she is. But please, give me a break for once in my life. I need one." Carla hadn't realised she had an audience, everyone listening to their conversation. Rita didn't know what to say to that. She knew it was true, she knew Carla was the person she should blame least as she had lost more than anyone. But seeing Peter looking so happy turned her insides.

Peter reached his hand out to Carla but before he could she stood up, shaking her head.

"I need space."

And with that, she was gone, the sound of the cafe door swinging shut behind her as she disappeared.

Carla looked up at the sky and took a deep breath as she got away from the heated public conversation. She knew who she wanted to see except Michelle still hadn't replied to her message and she wondered if she'd even give her a chance to speak to her. Before Peter could follow her out she made her way to the Rovers and stood at the bar, "Hiya Steve. Is our 'Chelle here?"

Steve frowned at her, "Eh, she text and said she was staying at yours last night?" Carla swallowed back at that. Where was she? If she'd told him that, she mustn't have told him about their argument so probably hadn't been home at all. What reason would she have to lie about where she was?

"Oh she did, she left a while ago and I needed to speak to her quick. She must have popped to town or summit." Carla lied, though she wasn't sure that was for the best. She had no clue where Michelle was and felt sick to her stomach. As she turned to leave she saw Rob walk in, as bold as anything, not caring who he saw. He smirked at her, "Alright sis?"

Grabbing his arm she pulled him outside, "What the hell are you doing round here, how could you after everything? Do you have no idea of the people you've hurt?"

Rob shrugged, "Where else would I go?"

Carla laughed bitterly, "Oh and you think anyone wants you around here do ya?" The look in his eyes made her feel sick,

"Met someone last night actually. She seemed quite happy to keep me company." Rob always had loved having the upper hand.

"Oh until she finds out what you did. She'll run a mile like everyone else. You're a murderer Rob. Pure and simple." Carla shook her head and went to walk away but he stopped her with his next words.

"Oh she already knows. She knows me very well actually Carla. Knows all about Tina, knows all about our little party in the warehouse, eh she even knows about that time I dressed up in mums clothes when I were 8. I've waited a very long time to get my hands on her."

Robs laugh went straight through her. Michelle. Carla thought she might throw up there and then. She couldn't get her head around what he was saying. Michelle had slept with Rob? She knew the truth, knew everything. Carla added everything together in her head and assumed Michelle wouldn't have known she was still pregnant when she slept with him. Her own best friend had betrayed her and her heart physically hurt at the realisation.

She walked away quickly without saying a word, her hand to her mouth as she headed towards her flat, knowing Peter couldn't be there as he had no key. She ignored Rob as he shouted back to her, "She might be a shit best mate but she's bloody good in bed, Car'"

His words rung in her ears as she rushed inside quickly and into her bathroom where she fell to her knees and emptied the contents of her stomach into the toilet, clutching her tummy at the same time.

As she did she realised how alone in the world she was.

When she saw Michelle she wouldn't beg for forgiveness, she'd kill her.