Defeated

Chapter 3

"I don't know. But we have to talk about...what the doctor said." He moves so he's sat next to her, holding her hand.

"I don't want to." She mutters.

"We have to, love."

"It's...it's too painful." She sniffs.

"I know it is. I know." Peter kisses the side of her head.

"I will get it if you want to leave me and find another woman, by the way. I understand." She sighs.

"What?" His eyes go wide, tilting her chin so she's looking at his shocked expression. "Why the hell would I do that?"

"Because...I can't give you what you want." She whispers.

"What do you mean? Is this about the hysterectomy? Because there is no chance ever that I'll leave you. I love you more than anything in my life." He reassures her.

"But, I'm not going to be like other women anymore, Peter. I won't have a womb, I can't have children. I'll be sick, I'll require so much from you...just go." She shakes her head.

"Never! I have Si, don't I? I don't need another child. I only need you-..."

"Well you might loose that privilege too."

"Stop speaking like that. It shatters my heart when I hear you speaking like you're going too...you know." He snaps.

"Die? Go on, say it. Because one day you might have to face up to it, Peter. That might be how things end up."

"Carla..."

"I can't do this...just leave me."

"When will you get that I love you. I don't want to be with anyone else, I'm here whether you like it or not. What kind of person would I be if the love of my life gets sick and I just walk away, you must have a very low opinion of me."

"It's not that...I'm just trying to think of you. I feel selfish, I'm holding you back."

"No you aren't. I already have a kid!" He strokes her hair.

"And I want one." She breaks down, sobbing violently.

"I know, I know." He embraces her, tightly.

2 days later...

"Are you sure you can do this?" Peter questions, making her a coffee as she brushes her hair in the living area.

"I'll have to do it sometime...might as well be now." She replies, quietly.

"I know that...I'll be holding your hand throughout, okay? And if you feel like you have to, just leave the room and I'll speak to them."

"Thank you, baby." She walks over to him and pecks him on the lips, before the buzzer goes off.

"They're here." Peter sighs.

"Let them up." She says. "Oh my god, I'm so nervous."

"It'll be okay." He presses the buzzer and unlocks the door.

"Heya, love. You okay?" Johnny asks, walking in and hugging Carla. "My god, you're pale. Are you still ill from when you fainted?"

"Erm..."

"Hey, you alright now?" Michelle embraces her friend.

"Alright?" Kate smiles. "Gonna explain why we were all summoned?"

"Can you guys all sit down a sec?" Peter clears his throat.

"You're worrying me now..." Johnny narrows his eyes.