Back to normality?

Chapter 11

As Peter let Scott in just after nine am, Carla placed three coffees on the table along with some biscuits; as they all took a seat, Peter grabbed her hand, knowing this would be a difficult meeting for her.

"So, let's start with the obvious? How have you been this week? I know you've had a couple of meltdowns?" Scott asked.

"Overall, it's been a good week away; it was peaceful and calm but been alone, away from real life, if you like, it gave us more time to have serious conversations about our past and our future. I guess at times, it's probably got a little too much to deal with..." Carla answered, honestly.

"Thank you for been honest with me; overall, you have made some great progress and talking about the past, given your history together, it's bound to stir up some memories. It's how you deal with it that's important..."

"I guess I did push him away a little; I felt like I needed time alone to process my thoughts but he was worried about me" she said, glancing at Peter.

"I know I was been overbearing and smothering her a little; we've talked and cleared the air. We both know what we want our future to hold for us and that's what we want to focus on, isn't it?"

"We want to move forward; this psychosis will always been a part of me but we know what we look for. As Peter says, having a bad day doing mean I'm not coping; and if he thinks I'm starting to show symptoms of another episode, I know he'll get me the help I need, whether I want to or not"

"Recognising the potential signs is good but it shouldn't dictate the rest of your life; learning to life with it is important but you shouldn't work your life around it. As long as you're taking your medications, attending your appointments and been honest to everyone, there is no reason why you can't have a normal life"

"We've been talking about that too" Carla said, feeling a little nervous in case Scott said it wouldn't be a good idea.

"I have a flat over the road above the flower shop (old bookies); I had been renting it out but we were discussing the possibility of moving in together, either there or somewhere else" Peter explained. "Do you think it's too soon?"

"If it's what you both want, there's no reason why you shouldn't go for it; as long as you keep me informed of where you go and you make sure all your support network know, it's a step in the right direction. Just don't push yourself too much"

"And having a family?" Carla whispered.

"That's more complicated but with the right information, counselling and support, it's a possibility but I do think we should save that decision for another time; let's focus on one thing at a time. Keep talking about it and any questions you have, I'll do my best to answer."

"Would having a baby cause a relapse?" Peter asked, needing know if it was a possibility.

"Theres always a risk of relapsing but it depends on medication, etc; certain ones are safer with pregnancy that others. What I'll do is gather some information for next week..."

"Okay"

"Right, I'll leave you to it but any questions,  you know where I am; you've made good progress this week, even if you don't feel like it"

Carla nodded as Peter showed him out; with their cups washed up, they put their jackets on and headed out. Standing in front of the flower shop, they looked up at the flat above it; with her hand in his, he looked at her.

"Would you be happy living there? With the memories?" He asked.

"I just want a place we can call our own"

"We could sell it, get a place at Victoria Court; you'd be closer to Michelle"

"And Simon, and Leanne and Nick" she sighed.