"So are you sure you're ready for everyone to know?" Carla sighed, looking into the mirror as she put her earrings in.
"It's got to come out sometime." Peter shrugged, throwing a T-shirt on.
"Well yeah but, I don't know, Simon isn't going to give us the best reaction is he? He's going to give us the hardest time. I don't want it pushing both of us back now that we're finally content with our decision." She smiled, weakly.
"Nothing will change my decision." He reassured her.
"Hopefully not, Barlow, because times getting on a bit now." She patted her stomach.
"I thought I saw a slight bump when you got out the shower this morning," He kissed her neck, moving her hair out of the way. "How do you feel about it?"
"It shows that our baby's growing. But yeah, it's also weird. To see my body changing. Quite overwhelming? Does that make me sound bad?" She fretted.
"It's all natural emotions, baby."
"Mmm," Carla mused. "Michelle couldn't believe that she hadn't caught on quicker when I told her."
"This is ominous." Michelle frowned.
"What?" Carla replied, sat across from her at the bistro.
"You've bought me here, you never specified why. Just that it's important."
"Yeah." Carla nodded, knowingly.
"You're not about to tell me you're dying, are you?"
"Chelle!" Carla hissed, playfully.
"Is it about the factory?" She guessed.
"Oh just shut up, will ya?" Carla chuckled. "I'm pregnant you daft cow."
"You're what! Pregnant? Oh my god, Car!" Michelle screeched, throwing her chair back and hugging Carla.
"Shh! It's still a secret." Carla hushed her, smiling in delight as she squeezed Michelle in their embrace.
"I can't believe it! I never thought this day would come." She pulled away, a hand to her mouth and tears lining her eyes.
"You're not-…" Carla's mouth fell open. "You are!You're crying! Come on, Chelle. You're more excited than I was when I found out."
"This is going to be the making of you, darling. I'm so happy for you." She grabbed Carla again, squeezing her tight.
"I wonder what they're celebrating." Leanne dead-panned from behind the bar, glaring at the two brunette women.
"What do you mean?" Nicks eyes focussed on them.
"Michelle and Carla," She motioned to them with her head. "They look overjoyed by something. It's suspicious."
"I guess," Nick nodded. "It doesn't feel right seeing Carla actually smile. Well, Cruella."
"They don't have a bottle of their much loved Merlot though." She quizzed.
"Give them time, babe." Nick joked.
"Mmm," Leanne frowned. "Somethings happening. And I'm going to find out what."
"Do you think it might be none of our business?"
"It's always my business if Simon's concerned."
"This is brilliant, Car! How many months?" Michelle asked, sitting back in her seat.
"Four." She replied.
"Four! And you didn't think to tell me?"
"It hasn't been easy, Chelle. My head was a mess for ages after I found out. Me and Peter agreed to pretend I wasn't pregnant for the first few weeks because the thought of it was too much." Carla explained.
"But you're okay now?"
"I'm happy," She beamed. "This is what I want. And what Peter wants. It just took a lot of getting used to. But I'm not going to let that so called mother of mine dictate my future anymore."
"That great, Car. I honestly think this is the best thing that's could've happened. A beautiful way to shut off everything you've been through the past two years."
"This is finally our shot of happiness."
"Peter! Carla! Lovely to see you." Ken gleamed as the couple stood on the doorstep.
"Hi, dad."
"Carla, you look ever so pale." He frowned.
"Oh, I'm fine." She shrugged off his concern, as they walked into the living area.
"Oh, it's you." Tracy rolled her eyes.
"Good afternoon to you too, Trace." Peter said, sarcastically.
"Have a seat," Ken smiled. "Simon! Amy! Dinner is almost ready."
"So…" Tracy conjoined her hands in front of her and smiled.
"So what?" Peter looked confused, noticing Carla shifting uncomfortably because she still felt awkward around his family.
"Simon still hates your girlfriends guts then?"
"Not now." Peter hissed.
Carla bit her lip, staring down at the table.
"We've heard all about it here. Every time he comes over, which is a lot recently might I add, he's always telling us what you two have been up to."
"I know he isn't happy at home at the moment, but it's a process. He needs to get used to the change."
"It's been months, Peter!" Tracy laughed. "I'm not judging but you need to put that kid first."
"What like you do with Amy you mean? Are you forgetting the fact you almost got sent down." Carla piped up.
"Some people just shouldn't be mothers, Carla. And Simon can see that."
Without a response, Carla stood up hastily and went to the bathroom.
"For god sake, Tracy! We're under a lot of strain right now." Peter shouted.
"What's happening?" Deidre narrowed her eyes, walking into the living area with the children.
"Dad!" Simon squealed, excitedly.
"Heya, Son!" Peter smiled, ruffling his curls.
"You didn't bring Carla! I get to spend time with you!" He sung in glee, as the adults shared an awkward glance.
"No, er, Carla is in the bathroom, son."
"Oh." Simon moved away, bluntly. He moved over to the sofa and sat there in silence.
"It's alright though, we can still hang out Ey? You can show me what you've been up to in school." Peter sat next to him.
"Mmm. I guess." Simon mumbled.
"Oh, hi. You alright, Simon?" Carla walked back into the living room. Peter could tell she was fighting back emotions, and was feeling extremely uncomfortable.
"I was." He said.
"Simon…" Ken sighed, noticing that Tracy was trying not to laugh.
"I could go if you want? Have some proper family time." Carla suggested.
"No, love!" Deidre smiled, feeling guilty for the younger woman.
"Carla, it's fine." Peter shook his head, giving her a look that they needed to tell their news.
"Let's all sit down, dinner should be ready to serve now." Ken said.
"Okay." Carla smiled.
"That was delicious, Ken." Carla stated.
"Just gorgeous." Deidre said, getting all the empty plates.
"Right that's it, thanks for coming. But we have things to do." Tracy interrupted.
"Actually," Peter cleared his throat. "We need to tell you all something."
"Is it going to take all day?" Tracy rolled her eyes.
"Erm," Peter looked at Carla, full of nerves. She was biting her lip, holding her hands together in which he assumed, to stop them from shaking. "Well, me and Carla-…"
"We're having a baby." Carla cut him off, speaking with newfound confidence.
"You're pregnant?" Tracy spat out her drink.
"What?" Deidre and Ken gasped in unison.
"You're having another baby?" Simon asked, quietly.
"You're going to have a new sibling but it doesn't change anything," Peter began. "Shall we go to another room and talk? Just me and you?"
"You're going to replace me because I prefer leanne?" His bottom lip wobbled.
"No, son. You are my absolute world. You are the reason I wake up in the morning. You're my child, my flesh and blood. and it doesn't matter if I have another child or if I have ten more, I'll love you the same." Peter explained, making Carla soften.
"Your dads right, Si. As soon as I told him, you were his priority. We didn't want to add fuel to the fire." Carla imputed, gently.
"Well I for one am very happy for you both. Who doesn't like a new grandchild! Congratulations." Ken walked round the table and hugged Carla tightly, sensing she needed some reassurance.
"Said absolutely no one." Tracy mumbled.
"Dad?" Simon asked.
"Yes, son?"
"So you said that you cared about what I thought?"
"Of course."
"Then don't have it." Simon said, spreading shockwaves through the room.
"Simon!" Deidre hissed.
Peter looked towards Carla, both of them visibly upset.
"The thing is-…"
"See! You will put the child before me!" Simon cut him off, grabbing his jacket and speeding out of the house.
"Si!"
"Simon! Don't run off like that!" Peter shouted, running out of number one.
"Where did he go?" Carla panicked, following Peter and looking in every direction.
"Simon!" Deirdre shrieked.
"This is all my fault." Carla mumbled, a hand to her forehead.
"This isn't funny, Simon!" Peter yelled. "I'm gonna go look for him."
"What's happened? Why are you calling for Si?" Leanne and Nick appeared, an uncertain look plastered on their face.
"Simons ran off." Ken sighed.
"I'm not standing here for a cosy chat, I'm going to look for my son!" Peter snapped, rushing off.
"Why has he ran away?" Leanne shouted.
"Because Cruella here is up the duff!" Tracy announced.
"What?" Leanne's voice was deadly low.
"Thanks a bunch, Tracy!" Carla said, sarcastically.
"Are you serious? You can't handle one kid and you're both going to bring another into it! Did you even consider him for one second! You're a lot of things Carla but I didn't think stupid was one of them. Oh, how I was wrong! You haven't got a maternal bone in your body." Leanne ranted, getting closer until Nick held her arm.
"What good is this doing? We need to find Simon." Nick piped up.
As everyone rushed away, Carla exhaled as a tear silently fell down her cheek. She knew they wouldn't have the best reaction, but she didn't expect a hate campaign. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't having second thoughts now. But ultimately she knew this is what her and Peter wanted and needed, and it was no one else's business.
Pulling herself together, she started walking down the road and in alley ways to try and locate the nine year old boy.
"Car, are you okay?" Michelle asked, walking out of The Kabin.
"Simons gone awol," Carla sighed, her emotions immediately pouring out for the woman in front of her. "I don't think I'm cut out for this, Chelle."
"Okay, calm down. What's happened?"
"We told them all about the pregnancy. Simon ran off, Tracy told Leanne. It was a mixture of unimpressed looks and basically getting told I shouldn't be a mother." She explained, shakily.
"For a start, you know they're biased. They aren't happy with yours and Peters relationship after how it begun, and no one can compete with 'saint leanne'. But the likes of Leanne and Tracy will just say anything to upset you." She reassured her.
"I can't take this constant arguing," She whispered. "I'm not strong enough for it anymore."
"Do you want to come back to mine and have a chat?"
"I'd love to but, I can't leave them to look for Simon without me. It'll give them another reason to hate my guts." She sighed.
"Alright, darling. But just remember, you and Peter are already the best parents that kid could ask for."
"Thanks, Chelle. Love you." She kissed her cheek, walking away and continuing her search.
"Hey, any luck?" Carla jogged over to Peter who was looking more and more anxious by the second.
"No, I'm really worried now. Oh god, where is he?"
"Calm down," Carla said. "Do you think it's time to call the police now?"
"No, I'll find him."
"You're completely out of breath, Peter. I'll go to the cafe and get you some water. Stay there." Carla ran into the cafe, which was next to them.
"There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere, Carla!" Hayley gasped.
"Why? I've been looking for Simon for the past hour." Carla narrowed her eyes.
Hayley then pointed downwards, Carla's eyes following to see the curly haired boy behind the counter in the corner. His knees were to his chest, head resting on them, and she was sure she heard him whimpering.
"Oh." Carla whispered.
"I'd gone upstairs for two minutes, Roy's under the weather you see. I had to check he was okay. When I came back down, he was here."
"Thank you," She smiled at her older friend. "I'll talk to him."
"Hey you," Carla knelt down to his level, making sure to not go too close. "Everyone's been worried about you."
"Yeah right." He mumbled into his sleeve.
"It's true. You mean so much to all of us."
"Then why would dad leave mum for you? Why would he not let me do what I love, being with Leanne. Why would you replace me with a new baby?" He snapped.
"I can see how it looks, Si. But your dad has done all of this because he thought it was the right thing. Us having a baby isn't replacing you. It was an accident but we want to make a go of it, with you."
"I want things to be how they were." He cried.
"I understand."
"I want you out of my life." He seethed.
"I hope in time, you can accept me." She sighed.
"You destroyed all of our lives. Mum hates ya." He spat.
"It'll take time-…"
"Simon!" Peter cried, rushing behind the counter. "You don't run off again! Do you hear me!"
"Peter, calm down," Carla muttered. "He's upset."
"So was I! Thinking I wasn't going to see my son again."
"I don't want a baby brother or sister!"
"You can teach it how to play football though, Si. Or video games. Whatever you want." Carla suggested.
"No!"
"Oh my god, thank god." Leanne exhaled in relief, running into the Cafe.
"I understand this is a serious moment but can we clear way." Hayley piped up.
Once they were all outside of the Cafe, Leanne let her anger out once more.
"Don't think I'm finished with you two yet! I still can't believe it! A baby!" She cackled, sarcastically.
"Not in front of Simon." Ken said.
"They don't care about that little boy, their actions prove that!"
"Just stop!" Simon sobbed.
They all fell to an uncomfortable silence, watching as the child reached his breaking point.
"I'm sorry, Si." Leanne muttered.
"You need to cut this all out, immediately! It isn't fair on him. You're adults and you're bringing Simon into it!" Ken hissed.
"Tell leanne to mind her own business then." Peter answered back.
"Peter!" Carla hissed, nudging him. "You're right. We're sorry, Si."
"For once, it isn't even Carla! It's mum and dad!" He cried.
"I'm just as angry as you are." Leanne tried sympathising.
"Look, me and Carla aren't going to get rid of our baby. We've known she's been pregnant for a while now, we have an attachment to it. It'll take some getting used to, I understand that, but it'll work out!"
"What a day." Carla moaned, almost pouncing onto the sofa once she'd taken her heels off.
"I know, baby. It's been difficult. How are you feeling?"
"Pass."
"It didn't exactly go as well as we'd hoped." He grimaced.
"I know where they're coming from, but the things they said. It isn't the child's fault for how we got together." She replied.
"I think it's just the timing. I mean, we haven't been official for that long either. But I promise you, everything will work out."
"Will it? How can you be sure?" She whispered, tearfully.
"Because I love you."
"Maybe we're kidding ourselves. I was dead against it when I found out. So was everyone else." She sniffed. "But now, I really love this baby. And it hurts to think no one else will."
"I know, love. It hurts me too. They're my family, I thought they'd get it more. At least dad wasn't too bad, Ey?"
"Mmm," Carla nodded. "I'm proud of you for giving in and letting Si stay round Leanne's. I know it's hard because it's what she wants, but we need to start listening to him. Otherwise we're going to get nowhere."
"It's hard seeing her smirk. But I can't have Simon like this much longer, it's draining. I hate seeing him so agitated."
"And it's my fault."
"No," He shook his head. "Don't think that. It's a combination of things."
"It's all such a mess. So much for a stress free pregnancy, eh?"
"When have you ever been stress free?" He joked.
As she giggled, he kissed her on the nose. Following on, lifting up her top and doing the same on her stomach.