Chapter 16:
Time went on and nothing major happened. The three of them established a more solid routine that seemed to work for all of them. Life was filled with going to school and work as well as family days out at the weekends and lazy Sunday mornings. Carla and Frank had even started making plans for their wedding. They had gotten as far as setting a date although Carla was still in two minds regarding their pending nuptials.
It was on a Monday morning and they were sat around the dining room table eating breakfast when Carla's mobile rang. She answered the call after just a couple of rings and held the phone up to her ear.
"Jackie, hi." She greeted, a note of uncertainty in her voice. Carla gave Rachel a reassuring smile when the child looked at her in concern. Rachel would still sometimes fret about the social worker taking her away but she definitely wasn't as bad as she was after the first few weeks upon her return.
Rachel smiled back and returned her attention to the plate of breakfast. She put a forkful of food in her mouth and then turned her head so she could see the television. Frank looked up from his own breakfast and studied his fiancé's facial expression. He watched intently as Carla's face was plastered with a look of concentration and then out of nowhere, a big smile appeared.
Carla grabbed onto Frank's forearm and shook it as she spoke into the phone, "oh Jackie, that is great news! Thank you so much!" She then seemingly settled down and released Frank's limb from her vice like grip. She continued to listen to the other woman on the other end of the line and nodded along, "today would be perfect. Five is great for us. See you then. Bye!"
Carla took her phone away from her face and stared at it intently for a few seconds before she let out a loud squeal. "Oh my god!" She exclaimed.
The ruckus made Rachel jump and Frank's eyes widened. Carla was practically vibrating in her chair she was that excited.
"Carla? What's going on? What did Jackie want?" Frank near demanded.
Carla glanced between Rachel and Frank, tears of joy in her eyes. "We've been approved to adopt Rachel! By the end of today we will officially have a daughter! Jackie is coming over tonight so we can sign all of the paperwork!" She explained.
Frank chuckled gleefully and Rachel leapt out of her own seat only to throw herself into Carla's lap. "That's amazing! I didn't think it would happen this quickly though!" Frank admitted.
His partner shrugged and bit into her bottom lip as she wrapped her arms around the girl on her lap. "Neither did I but Jackie said that we all seemed to be getting on so well. She didn't see any reason why things should be delayed any longer." Carla explained.
"Do you really mean it? You're really going to be my mum? Forever?" Rachel asked, not quite believing that she was finally going to belong somewhere and not just be moved on to another foster home at some point in the future.
Carla sniffled and cradled the child's face, "that's right, baby. By the end of the day you will officially be my girl forever and ever." She told her. Rachel grinned and threw her arms around her CC's neck.
"Does this mean I get the day off school?!" Rachel asked hopefully, "it is a special occasion!"
Carla and Frank chuckled and gave each other a look as if they were having a silent conversation. Carla eventually turned back to the girl on her lap and shook her head, "you should be so lucky, darlin'. You have a maths test today, don't you?"
Rachel groaned, "yeah but I hate tests!"
Carla pouted and ran her fingers through Rachel's tangled blonde locks, "I know, baby but it's a maths one so I'm sure you'll pass with flying colours!"
Rachel grumbled to herself and climbed off of Carla's lap. "I'm going to get ready." She announced before walking away from the table.
"Excuse me young lady, you haven't finished your breakfast!" Frank called after her when he saw that her plate was still half full.
"I'm not hungry!" Rachel called back, "and I have to go to stupid school!" There was a hint of attitude as she spat out the word 'school'.
Before Frank could retaliate, the girl had disappeared into the bathroom. The man shook his head in disapproval. "That attitude of hers needs to be stopped. I think we should have a word with her on the way to school." He commented.
Carla let out a puff of air and gave him a pleading look, "she's just a bit upset because we wouldn't let her have today off and I'm sorry to break it to you, darlin', but kids and attitude come as a package deal I'm afraid. You best get used to it." She warned.
Frank raised an eyebrow at her, "yeah but that usually happens when they get to their teenage years. She's only eight! If we don't deal with it now, can you imagine the hell she's going to give us when she's an actual teenager?"
"Ok but…can we leave it for now? Today is a happy day. She's starting to warm up to you and you don't want to ruin that. Especially not today." Carla told him.
Frank sighed in response, "ok but your softly softly approach isn't going be a good thing in the long run. You might live to regret it one day." He stated.
Carla just shook her head in exasperation before getting up and clearing away their plates.
"Hey look! There's Simon!" Rachel exclaimed. She had just stepped out of the car and happened to spot the curly haired boy with Leanne. "Simon!"
The little boy looked back and waved. Frank and Carla had just climbed out of the vehicle themselves when the little girl went running over to her friend.
"Rachel!" Carla called after the blonde child but her shout fell on deaf ears. She groaned and shook her head.
Frank chuckled and wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked towards the school gates. "What's the matter? Just be glad she's not still grumpy." He commented.
Carla sighed and crossed her arms, "I know it's just…I don't think I can handle Leanne giving me the evil eye this early in the morning." She moaned before forcing a smile on her face as they stopped right by Leanne and the two children.
"Good morning." Frank greeted the blonde woman.
"Morning. Rachel was just telling our Si your good news about the adoption. Congratulations." Leanne said but Carla could tell that she wasn't a hundred percent genuine.
"Thanks." Carla said before turning her attention to her child, "oi missy, what have we told you about running off?"
Rachel groaned and rolled her eyes at Simon who let out a small giggle, "I wanted to speak to Simon before we have to go to class. It's not a big deal." She whined out.
Leanne raised an eyebrow before not so discretely moving Simon onto the school grounds. Carla and Frank waited for the woman and child to be out of sight before turning to the girl before them.
"You don't run off like that. Especially not in a busy place." Carla scolded but not as harsh as she would have lectured her factory workers.
Rachel scowled and went to retort but Frank intervened, "enough of the sass, Rachel. You're pushing mine and Carla's buttons this morning and I won't tolerate it any longer."
Rachel swallowed back a reply when she saw the look of disappointment on Carla's face. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to tell someone that I'm finally going to be adopted!" She proclaimed honestly.
Carla practically turned to a puddle of mush right there and then. The light in the little girl's eyes was almost blinding. "Awww, come here, darlin'." Carla cooed and pulled the girl into her arms.
They stayed in the embrace for a few moments until Rachel eventually realised that they were outside her school. Being a kid her age, she became a little bit self conscious of the affectionate display and removed herself from the hug. It would have been so embarrassing if any of her classmates saw her cuddling with her 'mummy' for an extended amount of time.
"I better go. Don't want to be late!" Rachel stated.
Carla kissed the top of the girl's head before herself and Frank waved her off. They waited until she was safely behind the school gates and then turned to walk in the direction of Frank's parked car.
"It's nice Rachel's made friends with a couple of kids from the street." Frank commented as he unlocked the car and they both climbed in.
Carla waited until she had buckled up her seat belt as she thought of a way to respond to his general chit chat. "Hmmm. It's just a shame one of them has to be Simon Barlow." She moaned.
Frank raised an eyebrow in his fiancé's direction. "You think he will be a bad influence on our girl? I think you'll find it will be the other way around." He joked lightheartedly.
The dark haired woman chuckled but then became serious, "no. Simon's a good lad from what I've heard. It's just a shame his mother is Leanne Flamin' Battersby."
Her business partner sighed, "look, I know things are a little awkward between us and Simon's parents but that doesn't mean the kids have to suffer. How about we be the adults in this situation and invite Peter and Leanne out for dinner tomorrow night?" Frank suggested.
Carla shot him a look of astonishment and then giggled somewhat sarcastically. She stopped and looked at his facial expression, "oh…you were being serious." She stated more than asked.
Frank nodded and shrugged, "why wouldn't I be?"
The woman in the passengers seat let out a low chuckle, "let me think…who was it that said I had to stay away from Peter just a few weeks ago?"
Frank sighed, "I know, I know. It probably seems to you like I'm doing a one-eighty and I kind of am. I just thought it would be a good idea to clear the air between us and them. We don't want any awkwardness between us adults. It's not like we can just stop our daughter from being friends with their son, can we?" He brought the car to a stop just outside the factory and killed the engine.
Carla mulled over his justification before she finally relented, "oh go on then but you, mister, are doing the inviting. Oh and when you book the table make it a table for five. I get the feeling you want it to be just us adults but unfortunately I know for a fact that Roy and Haley have plans for tomorrow. Rachel's going to have to come with us."
Frank let out a sigh, "hmmm…her being there isn't exactly ideal. It wouldn't be good if she witnessed a slanging match between you and Leanne." He commented.
Carla made the sign of the cross over her chest and then fixed an innocent smile upon her face, "I'll be on my best behaviour." She pledged.
Frank chuckled as they climbed out of the vehicle, "why do those eerily sound like famous last words?"
The next day, Peter and Leanne were walking over to the bistro to meet Carla and Frank. Well, Leanne was walking whilst practically dragging her husband along.
"I'm sorry, Lea, but don't you think it's a bit strange Frank inviting us? We barely know him and to be honest with you there's something shifty about him. I don't like it." Peter complained. The truth was he didn't like seeing Carla all loved up with Frank. It just didn't seem right to him. Sure on paper they fit together but seeing them in the flesh was a whole different story. From the outside looking in, their relationship had moved so quickly it was almost like something out of a twisted fairytale - in other words not real.
Leanne rolled her eyes and came to a sudden stop. "Like I said, he said he wanted to clear the air between me and Carla. He's worried that us not being best pals is going to affect Rachel's friendship with our Si." She told him and then decided to carry on towards the bistro as she continued, "he's just being a concerned dad I suppose."
Peter just grumbled and knew not to say anymore when they approached the bistro where their intended dinner companions were waiting. They came to a stop by the entrance so greetings could be made.
"Ah, Peter, Leanne, I'm glad you made it." Frank spoke first and held out his hand towards Peter who reluctantly shook it with his own. Whilst Frank and Leanne shared pleasantries, Peter and Carla exchanged an awkward look which was interrupted by the youngest of the group.
"Is Simon not coming? I wanted to show him my new Lego set." Rachel asked in a disappointed tone. She pouted and lifted up the Lego box so all four adults could see.
Carla smiled and shook her head, "I told you he probably wouldn't be here and I did say not to bring it." She told the girl.
Rachel visibly deflated and her pout deepened but before she could show her displeasure by stamping her foot or something else of the sort, Frank put in his two cents. "You know the rules anyway. We don't allow toys or gadgets at the dinner table at home so what made you think it would be any different at a restaurant?" He held out a hand, "give me that. You will only mess with it instead of eating your dinner."
The blonde child scowled and moved the box out of Frank's reach. "No."
Peter couldn't help but closely watch Rachel's facial expression as she interacted with her newly adoptive father. He felt bad for the girl as he could tell that she wasn't the man's biggest fan. He gave a quick glance at Frank and didn't like the subtle dark look he was giving the little girl. It was then he decided to attempt to deescalate the situation if only for the sake of Carla and her little girl.
"How about you let Carla take care of your Lego for now? And when you come to our house to play with Simon you can bring it then?" He spoke to Rachel who was hiding behind the woman he had spoken of.
Rachel looked up at Carla who gave a soft nod, "I'll keep it in my bag." The girl looked down at the box and then held it out towards her CC. Carla smiled gratefully at Peter and didn't notice how Frank's displeased look became more intense at the interaction between the trio. "Right darlin', you know Leanne and I don't know if you remember but this is Peter - Simon's daddy. Peter, I'm sure you remember Rachel."
Peter chuckled and nodded his head in confirmation, "of course I remember. Who can forget such a pretty face?"
Rachel blushed and took a moment to examine her friend's father. He was so different to Frank in both looks and personality. Peter seemed so much more approachable in his contrasting dressed down attire. While Frank wore his usual businesslike suit, Peter had opted for a smart pair of jeans and shirt which was accompanied by his trusty leather jacket. His soft brown eyes were warm when he looked at her where as Frank's always seemed so cold and distant. The little girl couldn't help but think that Simon was lucky to have Peter as a daddy and wondered if he would be willing to swap him for Frank.
She was brought out of her thoughts when she felt the familiar sensation of Carla's arm wrapped around her shoulder. She tore her eyes away from the bookies owner and looked up at the dark haired woman. Carla was giving Peter and Leanne a somewhat apologetic smile, "sorry, sometimes she has these bouts of shyness." Carla excused the little girl's silence.
"To be honest I think that's the only time we get a bit of peace and quiet." Frank joked. Leanne and Peter chuckled whilst Carla's reaction was to tut and elbow him softly in the ribs. "How about we head in? They might think we're not going to turn up at this rate."
"So Rachel, do you like Bessie street?" Peter asked the girl who was sat beside Carla as quiet as a mouse.
Dinner had been civil mostly apart from a couple of subtle glares exchanged between Leanne and Carla. It got to the point where they were all quietly tucking into their food with no one saying much of anything apart from how good their food was. Peter could tell the little girl was bored and so he decided to take pity on her.
Rachel shrugged as she twirled her spaghetti using a fork. "It's ok. I like it better than my old school." She said, still with a shy blush upon her cheeks.
Carla smiled and rubbed the girl's back. "She's doing so well there. She got twenty out of twenty on her maths test just yesterday. Her teacher said she was the only one to get all the questions right." She boasted, a proud smile on her face.
Leanne scrunched up her nose slightly. She didn't hold anything against Rachel - she was just a child after all - but what she couldn't stand was the self satisfied demeanour Carla was exhibiting. To Leanne, it seemed like Carla actually felt like Rachel's accomplishment in school was all down to her. 'Give me a break, Carla! The girl's only been in your life for five minutes.'
"That's great. Our Si was pupil of the week in his class last week. He got it for being the best behaved." Leanne couldn't help but put in her two cents.
"Oh! Rachel got that the week before. Except it was pupil of the month and it was throughout her whole year group. The certificate said it was for excellent attendance and punctuality as well as perfect homework assignments." There was no way Carla was going to let the blonde bimbo win the little back and forth they found themselves participating in. She knew it was petty but something about Leanne always got her going.
Frank sighed and put down his cutlery, "Carla," he said as a way of warning.
Carla ignored Frank's glare and turned to Rachel, "hey, you was class monitor today wasn't you?" She asked.
Rachel nodded her head and smiled, "yup, Cassie Jones was well jealous. I don't think she's ever been chosen."
Leanne sighed. She couldn't help but think that the child at the table was going to turn into Carla's mini me. That was surely the last thing everyone needed on the cobbles.
Having enough of the conversation, the blonde woman stood up and announced she needed to powder her nose before stalking off. Frank wiped at his mouth with a napkin and followed Leanne's lead.
"I think I need to use the little boys room myself." He said to no one in particular before turning to Carla, "why don't you ask for the bill? I think it's time we called it a night."
Carla nodded and herself and Peter watched him make his way over to the gents. As soon as he was out of sight, the two remaining adults faced each other and their eyes instantly locked.
Peter was the one to break the silence that engulfed the table. "You seem happy. Motherhood suits you." He commented and gestured towards Rachel who had leaned into Carla's side.
Carla smiled softly and nodded as she wrapped her arm around the girl, "I couldn't be happier." She whispered and placed a kiss to the top of Rachel's head. Her brown eyes did not leave Peter's all the while.
Peter saw a flicker of doubt on Carla's face. He was pretty sure she wasn't dubious about becoming Rachel's mother but something else entirely.
"And you and Frank? How's the wedding planning going?" He enquired with a hint of jealousy in his voice.
Carla took a moment to ponder her response. Should she tell him that she still wasn't sure about Frank and the wedding? Should she tell him that when she kissed or 'made love' to Frank all she could think about was Peter himself?
Rachel shifted in Carla's hold which brought the woman out of her wondering thoughts. She saw the worried look on Peter's face and she realised she hadn't responded to his questions.
"The wedding's coming along nicely. We've even set a date." Carla told him.
Peter raised an eyebrow, "oh, aye? Do tell so I can put it in the diary."
Carla let out a gentle laugh, "I hope you aren't expecting anything too elaborate. We were thinking of keeping it small. If you must know, the registry office is booked for the twentieth of September."
The man opposite her let out a puff of air, "blimey, you two certainly don't mess about." He caught the questioning look Carla put his way, "I mean think about it…you've shacked up together, adopted a kid and getting married all in under a year? I've done some crazy things in my time but that just takes the biscuit."
Carla glared at the man before turning her attention to Rachel, "why don't you go to the loo before we go? I know what you're like. We'll be halfway home and you'll be desperate."
"Ok but I don't need to go." Rachel insisted. She decided she better do as she was told. It was obvious Carla wanted to speak to Peter privately.
Carla waited until the girl was out of earshot before she rounded on Peter, "I would really appreciate it if you didn't question mine and Frank's relationship in front of our daughter. She's only just gotten used to him being around and I don't need you putting seeds of doubt in her head." She whispered harshly through gritted teeth.
Peter's eyes widened and he held his hands up defensively, "ok, ok. I'm sorry if I overstepped the mark. I didn't mean any harm." He paused as he mulled over his next words, "but are you sure it's Rachel is the only one who has doubts about him?"
For a moment, Carla tried to think of a good enough comeback. She was about to question Peter when Frank arrived back at the table. Carla let out a small sigh of relief that only Peter noticed.
"Where's Rachel?" Frank questioned.
Carla gave him a reassuring smile, "she's gone to the loo." Then she remembered the small task she had been given, "I couldn't get anyone's attention for the bill. Maybe we should just pay at the bar?" She suggested as she stood up.
Peter followed suit and the three of them made their way to the till. Not long after that, Rachel and Leanne appeared, having left the ladies together.
Rachel looked between Carla and Peter who were doing their best to avoid eye contact with each other. The little girl tugged on the sleeve of Carla's blazer which got the dark haired woman's attention.
"What's up, darlin'?" Carla asked.
"Nothing. I was just going to ask when I can go and play at Simon's house?" Rachel responded.
Carla was unsure of how to answer but luckily enough Peter was able to think of a response to the child's question, "how about Friday after school? I can pick you and Simon up…I mean if that's ok?" He asked looking between Carla and Frank.
Carla was about to object. Sure, the four of them had all subtly agreed to be civil for the sake of the children's friendship but that doesn't mean she wanted her daughter spending time at Peter's. It would only mean that she would have to interact with the man she loved but - unfortunately - couldn't have on a more regular basis. That was the last thing she needed whilst she was still so conflicted over where her relationship was headed with Frank.
However, before Carla could think of a reasonable excuse as to why Friday would be unsuitable, Frank was the one to respond instead, "Friday would be fine. Carla and I have a meeting around three. We were going to ask Haley to collect her but to be honest with you, we feel like we rely on her and Roy way too much."
Rachel cheered excitedly and the four adults chuckled at the childish glee. "I can't wait! Do you think he will let me play on his Xbox?" She asked Peter.
Peter shrugged, "I don't see why not."
Leanne then continued the conversation as the group made their way out of the bistro, "Simon loves to share his things with all his mates. I hope you like chicken pie? That's what I've got planned for Fridays tea."
"Oh don't put yourself out. We should be able to collect her way before tea time." Carla promised.
Rachel crossed her arms over her chest in annoyance, "but chicken pie is one of my favourites. Can't you come and get me after tea?"
Carla and Frank shared a look as if debating the idea. Frank shrugged to show he didn't have any strong opinions on the matter whilst Carla still looked unsure.
Peter was the one to come to a conclusion, "honestly, we wouldn't mind having her until around seven. I'm sure the two of you have a lot of planning to do for the wedding and don't worry about putting us out. Leanne always makes plenty so no one will lose out." He said.
Carla looked at Frank and when he didn't make any comment, she looked at her daughter only to see a hopeful look on her face. She sighed in defeat and nodded, "oh ok but next time we'll have Simon over to ours. It's only fair."
Rachel cheered and fist bumped Peter who held out his clenched hand towards her. "I can't wait!"
Leanne looked down at her watch and gained the attention of her husband, "we better get over to your dad's. Deirdre must be wondering where we are by now."
The small group said their goodbyes and with one last well hidden longing look between Carla and Peter, they went their separate ways.