A/N: Hey, I know its been quite a while since this story was last updated and I wouldn't be surprised if people have forgotten about it. I've just recently got back into writing so decided to carry on with this project as I still have a few plans for it. I hope whoever opens up this update enjoys it. I would love feedback so please review if you can or even send me a PM.
"So we've been asked along to a HR conference. The itinerary looks about two days worth of talks." Frank spoke as he read through the email he had been sent. He and Carla were sat in the office at the factory busily getting on with their set tasks and only speaking when necessary.
Carla scoffed and continued to scribble down numerous figures as she tried to write up a a contract for a new client. "Mmm...HR isn't really my thing, baby." She told him. Sure, she cared deeply for the people who just so happened to work for her but she just didn't need to know the ins and outs of what was going on in their personal lives. Carla honestly believed that what was going on in her employees private time was between them and no one else. End of. However – from her point of view – Frank seemed to think he had the right to know. On the other hand, she had enough going on to the point where she didn't really care. As long as the job was being done, she wasn't going to interfere. Happy employees equalled a happy Carla Connor – soon to be foster.
She wasn't about to open up and tell anyone and everyone that she was unsure about her and Frank's pending nuptials. Carla wasn't looking to embarrass herself or her current business/life partner so why would she expect her employees to air their own dirty laundry?
Frank hummed as he mulled over her words and then said offhandedly, "no, I guess it isn't really your 'thing' but I bet Rome is?"
This caught his fiance's full attention and as he expected, Carla's head snapped up so she could look over at him. Frank was surprised she hadn't given herself whiplash from the sudden movement.
"Come again?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. As much as she loved to travel, the adoption had thrown her somewhat. Her mind was focused solely on what was best for herself and Rachel. She no longer needed small exotic getaways and she certainly did not need any impromptu weekend breaks. In recent weeks, her time had been spent making sure her girl was enjoying her free time. She had made it as point to squeeze in family activities on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon ever since Rachel had been left in her care. It had become somewhat of a routine which was what she had been trying so hard to establish for the child.
Frank smirked, "the HR thing? It's in Rome and it starts on Monday. I'm looking at flights and hotels as we speak." He told her.
Carla's eyes lit up as she let out a girlish squeal of excitement. However, a thought suddenly occurred to her which prompted the big grin to fall from her face. "You'll have to go without me." She stated in a tone laced with disappointment as she once again focused back on the work in front of her.
It was Frank's turn to look up sharply, "what? Why?"
Her nose scrunched up and she held up her hand to show a small gap between her thumb and forefinger, "you're forgetting one tiny little problem. That problem being our daughter?"
Frank tilted his head questioningly to she he didn't understand what she was saying. She sighed and shook her head in exasperation. "You know? The little blonde that lives with us? She's about this high..." Carla said slowly as if explaining something to a small child. She held her hand up to her shoulder as if to demonstrate how tall Rachel was.
Frank rolled his eyes and held up his hand to stop her from continuing, "I know who you're talking about." he chuckled before he gave her a small shrug, "what does Rachel have to do with a trip to Rome?"
Carla sighed and rested her chin on her clasped hands, "well you seem to be forgetting she still has a whole week of school before the summer holidays start. Teachers – and not to mention the law – tend to frown upon parents taking their kids out of school so they can go globe trotting."
Her fiance sighed and sat back in his office chair. "Well...the conference is only for a couple of days. Rachel can stay with Roy and Hayley whilst we're gone? I wasn't exactly planning on her coming with us-"
Carla mimicked his hand gesture from moments before and shook her head quickly. "No. No. Absolutely not. I'm not leaving our little girl behind whilst we go on holiday. This our first summer together as a family and I don't want to spend any of it with us apart and, if I'm being honest, I don't particularly want to leave her so soon after the adoption."
Frank heaved a sigh. "Ok," he relented as he rifled through some official papers that was scattered in front of him, "it's a good job I started filling these out then."
Carla carefully studied the forms he handed over to her. She was shocked to say the least when she realised he had began the process of applying for Rachel's first ever passport. Of course she had imagined taking her girl abroad but she didn't think it would happen this soon! She also felt a little gobsmacked that Frank had in a way gone behind her back. They hadn't even touched on the subject of applying for the official document for their daughter.
The dark haired woman looked up to her business partner, "but...I thought we would wait until things were more solid. I mean, the ink is barely dry on the adoption paperwork. We haven't even discussed a passport."
Frank waved off her concern, "Carla, you're just coming up with excuses now. Rachel is ours and we're almost done with the wedding planning before she even mention anything about that. We couldn't be any more 'solid'. Just sign on the dotted line, I've made an appointment for express passport. We'll be good to go. Trust me."
Carla looked between Frank and the passport paperwork somewhat unsure before she took in a deep breath and signed the parts that needed a 'mother's signature'. It wasn't until then when she slowly started to realise that it was Frank who would always be in control from now on. For better or for worse.
"But I don't want to go!" Rachel exclaimed as she watched Carla pack for their last minute holiday. She had so many things coming up and the little girl knew that she was about to miss out on the end of term activities Bessie Street had planned. There was sports day and also a fun school trip she was looking forward to! Sure, the prospect of going on a plane was exciting but surely that could have waited a week or so?!
Carla composed herself before she responded. There was no need to snap at the girl when it was clearly Frank who had caused her stress. He had already gone ahead and booked everything before she could come up with a valid excuse as to why they shouldn't go.
"I know, baby. I'm sorry you're going to miss out on all that fun stuff but don't worry...I've done my research and I've found a few places for us to explore in Rome." Although Carla tried her best, Rachel still seemed unsure about the whole situation, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you get to celebrate the start of summer with all your friends when we get back. We can have a party...
Rachel mulled over the idea. She tilted her head to one side questioningly, "is there a theme park in Rome? I've never been to one before."
Carla paused her packing as she thought about the girl's question. She looked the girl dead in the eye as she responded, "listen, we're going to have a blast. I don't really have to go to the boring HR stuff. Frank will deal with all that.. You're about to see a different part of the world and that's all I want for you. You deserve to experience new things and places." The fact that her girl had never been to a theme park had touched a nerve. She new what it was like to miss out on fun childhood experiences and she didn't want that for her own child. Carla was even more determined to make this holiday a fun experience. She would just have to put her foot down with Frank when it came down to her skipping the conference stuff.
Carla had always been free spirited. She genuinely enjoyed travelling and she hoped her little girl would find it just as exciting as she did. She couldn't wait to take Rachel sigh seeing.
Rachel couldn't help but grin back as the woman's glee became infectious. "Ok, I guess missing the last week of school won't be so bad. I've always wanted to go on an aeroplane as well!" The little girl exclaimed before jumping off her bed and trotting out of the room to do god only knows what.
Carla watched her leave with a soft smile on her face. Ok, so she hadn't planned to go on a family trip so soon. If anything, she had thought about making hers and Franks honeymoon a family thing. However, seeing how excited Rachel had gotten over their impending holiday made her feel better about it all.
The almost three hour flight from Manchester to Rome went by without a hitch. However at one point, Frank was worried that they would miss their flight as Carla just had to check and triple check that they had everything. Not to mention the fact that Rachel decided to pee at the last minute just as they were about to head down to the awaiting cab outside their building.
Things were pretty smooth sailing once they arrived at the airport although Carla insisted on getting Rachel some snacks after they had dropped off their baggage and gone through security. Although she was nervous at first, Rachel soon settled down enough to play some games on her iPad whilst Carla read a book and Frank looked over some business paperwork.
By the time they had landed and arrived at their hotel, the eight year old was dead on her feet. So much so that she actually allowed Frank to carry her up to their hotel room.
The concierge opened up the door to their suite and placed their suitcases by the door. The family of three stepped into the temporary living space and Carla looked around a little shocked.
"Oh Frank, this is a bit much. A family room with a double and single bed would have done us for this trip." She stated. The living quarters had a living room with three doors which lead to two bedrooms and a bathroom. There was even a small kitchenette are which Carla certainly had no intention of using for the duration of their stay.
Frank used free arm to pull his fiance closer to him and placed a kiss to her temple. "I know but only the best is good enough for my girls." He told her and winked at the concierge who gave a small smile in response.
"Is there anything else I can get for you and your family, Mr Foster?" The hotel worker asked.
"That will be all thank you. Oh before you go...Carla, could you just..." Frank gestured to the girl in his arms and Carla wasted no time in taking the peacefully sleeping Rachel from him. She went off to explore their accommodation whilst Frank took out his wallet and handed the concierge a ten euro tip. The other man thanked the factory boss and left the guests to settle in.
Frank found Carla in the bedroom which contained two single beds. She had just finished tucking Rachel into one of the said beds just as he entered.
"I wouldn't bother with that, love. We should really wake her." Frank suggested.
Carla's mouth hung open in shock, "what? Frank, we can't. She's knackered. Have you forgotten this was her first time flying? Her little body is jet lagged."
Frank sighed and looked at his expensive watch. "We have to be at the first HR meeting in an hour. I didn't think you would want her to be surprised when she wakes up and sees one of the hotel nannies is looking after her."
Carla held up her hand in his direction, "wait, hotel nanny? What are you talking about?"
"Well we can't take a child along to these meetings so I've booked us in for the nanny service the hotel offers." Frank announced.
The dark haired woman shook her head, "Nope. Not happening. I wouldn't let a stranger babysit back home so what made you think I would allow that to happen in a foreign country?"
Frank scrubbed at his face in frustration before responding, "Carla, the nanny service is rock solid. I read the reviews and did some research. The hotel is very strict with background checks." He assured her.
Carla looked at the sleeping child and stroked Rachel's soft blonde hair. She then turned to Frank and shook her head, "I'm sorry. I'm not leaving her with strangers. Especially on our first day here. You go to this meeting on your own and when you come back, you can fill me in."
The dark haired man realised that Carla wasn't going to back down so eventually nodded in acceptance, "ok fine. Just remember that this isn't just a family holiday. It's meant to be a business trip." He reminded her.
His fiance stood up from the bed she had been sitting on and walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him into a deep kiss. "I'll make it up to you later on tonight." Carla murmured and gave him a sultry wink.
Frank smirked and tightened his hold around her waist, "I'll hold you to that." He remarked back.
They kissed one more time before they separated. Frank left for first meeting of the conference whilst Carla went about unpacking their luggage.
Later that day, Carla found herself in the shallow end of one of the many hotel pools. About an hour after Frank had left the suite, Rachel had woken up fresh and raring to go after her nap. Carla, not wanting to trek far from the hotel, had suggested that they go for a swim. It was then that she learned that her little girl had never been taught how to swim.
So that's how she found herself in the pool, her arms stretched out with Rachel's midsection balancing upon her upper limbs.
"That's it, darlin'. You're doing great! Kick those legs!" Carla encouraged all the while shooting people apologetic looks as Rachel splashed in the water. "Ok, I'm going to take my arms away but don't worry, I'll be right next to you the whole time!" She continued and slowly lowered her arms.
Rachel panicked a little even though she had a pair of armbands around her upper arms. Carla was quick to wordlessly reassure her by taking hold of her hands."You're ok, sweetheart. I'm right here." She then went on to explain that she was going to slowly let go of Rachel's hand but told the girl to continue kicking her legs.
"That's it! See, now you're swimming all by yourself!" Carla exclaimed proudly.
"CC, my legs are getting tired." Rachel commented and attempted to reach out to her adoptive mother.
Carla made no move to hold the girl, much to Rachel's surprise. "That's ok. Just relax. Those armbands will keep you above the surface." She assured her.
Slowly but surely, Rachel paused the movement of her lower limbs and was amazed when she realised that she was actually able to float without constantly kicking.
"I like swimming. Can I maybe start having some lessons when we get back home?" Rachel commented.
Carla grinned and nodded in agreement. "I'm sure we can figure something out." She stated. "Now...are you ready to learn how to doggy paddle?" She asked and proceeded to explain step by step what was going to happen with the rest of the last minute swimming lesson.
Carla was glad she decided to go ahead with the unexpected trip. She always enjoyed spending quality time with her girl. Especially when it came down to showing or to teaching Rachel new skills. She may have missed the girl's first steps and first words but it was in these moments that she realised there was still so much the child needed to learn and Carla vowed to herself – and Rachel – that she would be the one to guide her when it came to new experiences.
The rest of the trip was spent sight seeing and general exploration of the famous and historic city. There was even a trip to the nearest theme park and also to a zoo. Many memories were made and at their time away, Carla and Rachel were able to experience a lot of new things together.
Frank managed to find the time to join them on the few excursions they made. However, the only time he and Carla spent alone time together was at the end of the day when Rachel was tucked into bed and the only time Frank and Rachel spent alone together was when Carla went for a spa treatment she had booked for herself.
The rest of the trip was spent with Frank going to some talk or meeting or when they all went exploring. Although Rachel had a great time, she mostly preferred it when it was just her and her CC. Carla as well found that she enjoyed the simple moments and quality time she spent with her little girl.