Back to normality?

Chapter 63

Authors note: I apologise for no update for a month. The lockdown has made me kind of lose interest for a while but have reread what I've written and think I know where to go next.

Also thinking of starting a new fic going back to 2014 after Carla found out about Peter's affair. Would primarily be a Carchella fic but who knows where it would end up. Would anyone be interested?

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As the months went on, Michelle and Tom had moved in next door, wedding plans had been finalised, except for Michelle's dress fitting, and Peter and Carla were going from strength to strength; it was now June 3rd, Matilda's first birthday. Since the beginning of the year, Carla hadn't experienced any more episodes; her sessions with Scott had finally stopped, two years after her initial sectioning, and mentally, she found herself back to her old self. Whilst she still had to take the medication every day, she was grateful that she finally seemed to be over the worse of it; waking up snuggled in Peter's arms that morning, she smiled and kissed him softly, waiting for his eyes to open and look at her.

"Morning love" he smiled. "That was a nice wake up"

"Tilly's still asleep" she replied, kissing him again.

"Really?" He said, raising an eyebrow.

"We should make the most of the quiet' she whispered.

An hour later, Carla lifted Matilda into her arms as Peter wrapped around her waist from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder.

"Happy birthday princess," he said, rubbing her back.

"Mommy's little miracle" Carla smiled.

With breakfast eaten, they were settled on the sofa, Matilda on Carla's lap as they helped her open her presents, mainly consisting of toys and clothes; with Matilda more interested in the wrapping paper, Peter had noticed the quietness from Carla but didn't say anything. Once Matilda went down for a midmorning nap before her party, he watched as Carla started to tidy up the mess from the wrapping paper and toys; watching as she bit her lip, picking up her daughter's teddy bear and hugging it close, he sighed and moved to take her hand.

"Hey, how are you doing?" He asked, cupping her cheek gently.

"I'm okay" she whispered, forcing a smile.

"That the truth?"

"No" she sighed, taking a seat on the sofa as he sat next to her. "Our daughter is one Peter; two years ago..."

"It was a hard time, for all of us but you got through it; today is bound to stir up some memories and feelings but we have to remember that...this is Matilda's special day and eventually, that is all you will associate with today's date," he said, taking her hand.

"I know and for the most part, I'm okay; just occasionally..."

"It creeps up on you?"

"Summat like that" she nodded.

"I know you had a bad start to the year but in the last five months, you've had no anxiety attacks, no bad days. You've finally stopped your sessions with Scott; love, you've come so far in two years and I couldn't be more proud of you, neither can Michelle or Kate or anyone else that matters"

"I guess...I've been worried in case today triggered something after so long of not having any" she admitted.

"Thank you for admitting that but I think, once the party gets going, you're gonna be too busy and having too much fun to even think about anything else; and if you find it's too much, then you tell me and we'll sort it"