Back to normality?

Chapter 52

Getting out the car outside Victoria Court, Peter grabbed the bags whilst Carla held Coco in her arms, content and happy; Peter had noticed Carla hadn't took her eyes off the puppy since she first saw her and something in him told him this would definitely help in the long term. Walking through the front door, Michelle was waiting for them, eager to see the new addition herself, having been in on Peter's plan from the start; sitting on the sofa, Carla settled the puppy in her lap as she and Michelle stroked her gently.

"She's beautiful, more so than the photos" Michelle smiled.

"She is; where's Tilly?"

"Having a nap; she's absolutely fine, i promise. So, I brought over the food and stuff; her collar and lead are on the table ready to go"

"Thank you so much, for everything" Carla said, carefully hugging her friend.

"You're welcome; I hope you get your results soon"

"Me too but I'm trying not to worry about it; I didn't have a tablet last night"

"How did you sleep?"

"The best in a long time if I'm honest; I don't know if it was the massage, the bed, been away or whatever but I woke up this morning and I felt happy. I didn't dread waking up tired or wanting to stay in bed, avoiding everyone"

"That's good, you seem more positive, more like the old you"

As Carla went to reply, Matilda's cries echoed through the monitor; within minutes, Peter had brought her out and had her settled in his arms, still whimpering.

"I think someone is missing mommy" he said, sitting on the arm of the sofa.

"I'm gonna leave you to it but it's nice seeing you looking so good" Michelle said as she took Matilda whilst Peter moved Coco from her lap and set her on the floor to explore.

"Gym tomorrow?" Carla asked as her friend put on her jacket.

"Let me know when you're ready; I'm on the late shift"

"Will do"

As Michelle kissed her hair and left, Carla turned her attention to her now happy daughter in her arms as Carla's phone rang.

"It's Ali" she said, pulling it out of her pocket and answering. "Hiya...okay, er sure; that will be fine. Thanks"

Ending the call, she set in on the arm of the sofa and turned to Peter.

"Results?"

"Yeah, he's got permission to come over and give them to us; save going to the surgery"

"When?"

"Tonight"

"You okay?" He asked, sitting in Michelle's empty seat and resting an arm around her shoulder.

"We can get through it, can't we?" She put back to him, worry evident in her voice.

"It might not be anything yet; surely if it was something serious, he would've had you in straightaway and at the surgery, not come here after his shift"

"I guess"

"Come on, where's that beautiful smile gone?" He said, stroking her hair before pulling her into his side. "Whatever he says, we will get through it because you've come too far to stop now; let's get Tilly ready, put the lead on Coco and go for a walk"

Sighing, she nodded and headed into the nursery; that evening, with Tilly settled in the nursery, and Coco asleep on Carla's lap, she and Peter were sat on the sofa while Ali sat on the chair.