Rachel Mason was sat in her sister's lounge with a large glass of wine. Tomorrow she was starting a new headship at a new school, Waterloo Road and she was starting to feel quite nervous about it.

Since moving to Manchester nearly two weeks ago, so much had been going on that she'd barely had time to stop think. Now though she'd got herself a new job, exchanged contracts to buy a new house and managed to reassure her two daughter's that they were all going to be much happier now.

Rachel was appreciative that Mel was letting them stay with her until they could move into their new house, but Rachel couldn't wait to have her own space again. It was still a few weeks until they were able to move though.

"Are you all ready for tomorrow love?" Rachel asked her oldest daughter Abbey who was 16

"Yeah I think so" Abbey replied worry apparent in her voice

Rachel did feel bad for having uprooted their lives. Abbey had been so understanding though about why a fresh start was the best thing for all of them.

It had been a very confusing time for Rachel's youngest daughter, Sophie, too. She didn't understand why she wasn't allowed to see her Dad anymore, she still loved him. Rachel had tried her best to explain to her without going into too much detail.

The last couple of weeks had been tough so Rachel was looking forward to having something to focus on and hoped this would be a good thing for Abbey and Sophie too.

"I've had enough of this crap" Phil said referring to The X Factor that they had on the TV "I'm going on the PlayStation"

"Okay love, not too late to bed tonight it's back to school tomorrow"

"Yes I know Mum" Phil said before going upstairs

"He's probably getting fed up of us all being here"

"No he's absolutely fine, he's always like that. It's definitely nice for me to have a bit of female company"

Rachel took another sip just as the lounge door opened and a sleepy looking Sophie came in.

"What are you doing out of bed love?"

"I woke up because I needed a wee and now I can't get back to sleep"

"I told you not to drink so much at tea, I'll come upstairs and sit with you for a bit"

Rachel and Sophie went upstairs to Mel's room. Mel lived in a 3 bedroom house so Sophie had been sleeping in with Mel, Rachel and Sophie were sharing the spare room and Phil had his own room.

Sophie climbed into the double bed and Rachel came and sat down beside her.

"Turn over and I'll tickle your back for a bit" Rachel said as this always made Sophie feel relaxed

Sophie turned over and pulled up her pyjama top so her Mum could tickle her back.

"Mummy"

"Yes sweetheart"

"Does Daddy know where we are?"

"No he doesn't"

"Why?"

"Because it turns out he isn't a very nice man, so I don't want him to be near you or Abbey"

"Do you think he misses me?"

"Definitely sweetheart, he's always going to love you"

"I know you said that he's not very nice anymore, but I do still miss him"

"Of course you do love, he was always nice to you. I'm sorry you're not going to be able to see him anymore"

"It's okay Mummy, you said this is the best thing for us to do. As long as I never have to leave you though, because I wouldn't like it if I never got to see you again"

"I will always be here for you Soph, I love you so much"

"I love you too Mum"

Sophie stopped talking after this. Rachel carried on tickling her back and before long Sophie had fallen back to sleep.

When Rachel came out of the bedroom, she saw Abbey coming up the stairs.

"I'm going to have a bath Mum"

"That's a nice idea love"

Rachel went back downstairs and sat with Mel, but she'd gone really quiet.

"You okay Rach?"

"Yeah Sophie was asking about Peter again. It's so hard for her, she still loves him so much"

"It's the best thing for her though, you don't want her growing up around a vile man like him"

"I know you're right, I just wish I could tell her the whole truth so she would properly understand"

"You can, but just not until she's a bit older"

Rachel sighed.

Abbey went to bed after her bath and read her book for a bit. Rachel came up to bed at about 10, as she didn't want to stay up too late before starting her new job tomorrow.

Rachel changed into her pyjamas before going to the bathroom, and then coming back to get into bed.

Abbey and Rachel chatted for a bit before they both decided to go to sleep. They flicked off the lamps and both laid down.

The two of them were really close so Abbey didn't mind sharing a room with Rachel too much. But she was really excited about going back to having her own room once they moved to their new house.

Rachel was awoken from a deep sleep in the middle of the night by Abbey screaming. It didn't take long for Rachel to realise that Abbey was having another nightmare, something that had been happening frequently in the last couple of weeks.

"Abbey wake up love, you're having a nightmare" Rachel said shaking her daughter "you're okay, you're completely safe. Nothing is going to happen to you"

Abbey woke up, covered in sweat. The nightmares always felt so real; she hated having to relive that awful day over and over again.

Abbey's eyes filled with tears. She knew it was just a nightmare through, and was feeling comforted being in her Mother's embrace.

"When are they going to stop Mum?" Abbey sobbed

"Hopefully soon love, hopefully soon"

Abbey soon fell back asleep but stayed cuddled into her Mum. Luckily she made it to the morning without having another nightmare.

Rachel had snoozed her alarm a couple of times, but realised that she really did need to get up now. Reluctantly, she left the warmth of the bed and went into the bathroom for a shower.

By the time she returned to the bedroom after her shower, Abbey was sitting up in bed and scrolling through her phone.

"You're not going to tell anyone that I'm your daughter, are you?"

"Not if you don't want me to, no"

"I don't want everyone to know I'm the headteacher's daughter, they'll treat me differently"

"I'm sure they wouldn't"

"Yeah they wouldn't want me around in case they did something wrong and then I went to tell you"

"I'm sure they'll find out eventually anyway, but we don't have to tell anyone to start with"

Rachel put on a grey skirt, with a red top and green cardigan over the top before sitting at the dressing table to do her makeup.

Abbey stayed in bed for a little while longer, before realising she should probably get out of bed too.

When she got to the bathroom to have a shower, she realised there was already someone in there so went back to the bedroom.

"I thought you were going for a shower"

"Someone's in the shower"

"Hopefully they'll be out soon"

After a few minutes Abbey heard the bathroom door being unlocked, so quickly rushed to the bathroom before someone else went there.

Only having one bathroom with so many of them there wasn't easy.

Once Rachel had done her makeup and dried her hair she went to wake Sophie.

Sophie loved school and was really looking forward to starting her new one.

"Morning love, it's time to get up"

Sophie jumped straight out of bed.

"I hope I make some friends today Mummy, because I haven't had anyone to play with for ages now"

"I've been playing with you lots"

"I mean someone my own age"

"Oh I see, I'm sure by the end of the day you'll have lots of new friends"

"Can I have them over to play?"

"We'll have to see, but I'm sure you can at some point yet"

Rachel and Sophie went downstairs.

"What do you want for breakfast love?"

"Toast please"

Rachel got some toast for Sophie and made herself a coffee.

Mel soon came down. She worked for the council so was getting ready for work too.

Phil and Abbey weren't too far behind her either. Abbey made herself a bowl of porridge, and Phil got some toast.

"Right let's go and get you dressed Soph" Rachel said once Sophie had finished her breakfast

Rachel helped Sophie to put her new school uniform on before going to straighten her hair.

"Are you ready to go love?" Rachel asked as she sprayed some perfume

"Yep I'm ready"

"Okay probably about time we left then"

Rachel and the girls said goodbye to Mel and Phil before getting in the car.

They drove to Waterloo Road and Abbey quickly got out of the car, not wanting anyone to see who she was with.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come in with you love?"

"Sure"

"Okay, see you after school then"

"Yeah I'll see you back at Auntie Mel's"

Abbey made her way to reception and Rachel drove off to drop Sophie at school. Rachel didn't have to be at Waterloo Road until 9:30 which meant she had plenty of time to drop Sophie to school first.

Sophie went into her new class without a fuss, so Rachel headed to Waterloo Road.

She went to Reception and was met by Ria Cheetham from the LEA. Rachel had really liked her when she came for her interview. She was really friendly, which is what she was hoping the rest of the staff at the school were going to be like.

Rachel and Ria made their way up to the office.

"Where's Eddie?" Ria asked Bridget when they got up there

"I'm not sure, but I told him he had a meeting at 10 so he should be back soon"

"We are a bit early, is it okay if we wait in the office?"

"Of course"

Rachel was really looking forward to meeting the Deputy Head, Eddie Lawson, and hoped they could become a good team in carrying out Rachel's plans for the school.

Rachel was laughing with Ria when Eddie walked into the office.

"Eddie, this is Rachel Mason" Ria said once Eddie had walked in

Eddie shook her hand "Eddie Lawson"

"Hi" Rachel said

"Rachel's the new headteacher"

"Sorry?" Eddie asked sounding confused, he thought he was going to be appointed acting head until the end of term

"Of Waterloo Road" Rachel said

"She's going to be taking over from Jack" Ria added

Rachel was taken back by Eddie's reaction. She was hoping he'd be pleased to meet her.

"Ria has spoken really highly of you, I'm glad to have you as my deputy" Rachel said offering Eddie a smile

"I'm sure you two have a lot to discuss, so good luck"

"Thank you"

Rachel watched as Eddie followed Ria out of the office. She decided to ignore Eddie's bad attitude and concentrate on what she was being paid to do.

"So there plans of yours" Eddie said as he walked back into the office "care to expand?"

Rachel explained her plans to Eddie, who was less than impressed.

Rachel made them each a coffee. Whilst Eddie sat down to have a read of the plans Rachel sent a text to Mel moaning about Eddie.

Rachel sighed when Eddie left the office, this wasn't how she wanted the morning to start.

Rachel's phone beeped and it was a message from Mel.

"DON'T LET THE BUGGERS GET YOU DOWN"

Rachel couldn't help but smile. Her sister was right though, she wasn't going to let Eddie ruin her start at Waterloo Road.

After a meeting with the staff at break time, Rachel was looking forward to getting stuck in.

Although Abbey had been really nervous about starting at Waterloo Road, she was already feeling a lot happier about it. Most of the people in her year seemed really nice and two girls, Janeece and Maxine, had been showing her around all day and she was getting on with them really well.

She couldn't believe when she found out that one of the girls in her year, Chlo, had gone missing.

Janeece and Maxine were only trying to help Mika by trying to persuade them to go out with them tonight, but Abbey could see why she didn't fancy it. If her sister was missing, the last thing she would want to do would be to go out and have fun.

Rachel came into classroom Abbey was in after break to introduce herself and talk about the entrepreneur initiative she wanted them to do today.

"Wait, you have the same last name as the new headteacher, you're not related to her or something are you?" Maxine asked laughing

"Something like that" Abbey sighed, realising she may as well just tell everyone now and get it over with

"Wait actually? I was only joking"

"Yeah she's my Mum"

"We'd better be on our best behaviour around you then"

"No you don't, I wouldn't snitch promise" Abbey said knowing they wouldn't want to be friends with her anymore

"You better not"

Abbey really enjoyed working on their photography business idea with Janeece and Maxine, it was definitely better than a normal day of school.

Rachel came in again at the end of the day for the presentations.

She was impressed by the ideas they'd all come up with and how much effort they had put in.

Suddenly a year 13 girl, Mika, stumbled into the classroom interrupting Brett Aspenel's presentation.

"Excuse me, what do you think you're doing?"

"How's this for your headline? Posh ego maniac screws girlfriends sister" Mika slurred "my sister's missing because of you, she could be dead"

Rachel went over to her and it didn't take her long to work out that Mika had been drinking.

Mika was being quite aggressive so Rachel went over and held her but all of a sudden Mika was sick all down Rachel.

Rachel had been informed by that Mika's sister was missing and Steph had been keen to give her the gossip about what had gone on between Chlo and Mika.

That was last thing Rachel had been expecting. Abbey couldn't believe it either, and didn't have a clue how her Mum was going to react.

Eddie took Mika out of the classroom, and Rachel wasn't far behind. She rushed to the toilets to sort herself out.

Rachel then went back to watch the end of their presentations. When they were over Rachel went to find Mika, as she was worried and wanted to make sure she was okay.

She went up to her office and saw Mika asleep on the sofa.

"I'm going to wake her up. I just wanted to have a little word with her and tell her not to feel bad"

"Go ahead" Eddie said

Rachel went over and crouched down beside Mika and put her hand on her. Eddie left Rachel to it.

"Mika love can you here me?" Rachel said and Mika started to stir "what have you had to drink?"

"A bottle of vodka"

"You'll be alright my love" Rachel said before grabbing a pillow to put under Mika's head "might have a sore head in the morning but we've all been there"

"I'm so sorry" Mika said feeling bad

"Hey, chalk it up to experience, always feel better after being sick huh"

"I can't believe it"

"Hey you make a mistake, but you're going to get through. And guess what, Chlo's been found"

Relief flooded through Mika and Rachel was so happy to see the look on Mika's face.

It wasn't long before the bell went signalling the end of the day.

"I'm going to nip home and get changed, but feel free to stay in here until Tom and Chlo get back"

"Thank you, and I really am sorry"

"It's all forgotten about now"

"Thanks Miss"

Rachel rushed off as she needed to pick up Sophie from school.

She was just coming out of the office when she bumped into Abbey.

"I thought you were going to walk home"

"Well everyone knows now, so I thought I may as well leave with you and come and pick up Sophie"

"Oh okay"

"Not that I particularly want to ride in the car with you when you stink of vomit"

"Can't say I'm particularly thrilled by the idea"

"Does that sum up your first day? Or was the rest of it better?"

"It wasn't as bad as being thrown up on, but I don't think anyone has taken an instant liking to you"

"I've been with Chlo and Janeece all day, and they seemed to like you"

"Just the staff I need to work on then maybe"

The two of them picked up Sophie who'd had a good first day at school.

"I need to pop back to school for an hour or so" Rachel said once she was changed "are you going to stay here with Abbey Sophie?"

"Yes please"

"Okay I won't be long"

Rachel returned to Waterloo Road and when she got up to her office, Mika was still lying on the sofa.

"Are you sure she's been found?"

"Yes and I'm sure they'll be back any minute"

Mika was looking anxious so Rachel sat with her for a bit and tried to reassure her.

Just as Mika stood up to look out of the window to see if Tom's car was there yet, she saw him driving into the car park with Chlo in the car.

Mika picked up her bag and practically ran out of the office.

Rachel looked at their reunion out of the window, as a smile spread across her face.

After a while, Rachel stopped looking out of the window and went to finish off the paperwork that needed doing.

Eddie soon appeared at the door and asked her to sign some forms for a school trip he was taking some pupils on next week.

Rachel didn't approve of Eddie's plans and it didn't take long for Eddie to start telling Rachel what he thought.

"You know, that's where you went wrong today is in the assumption that traditional education has nothing to offer a certain type of kid. They all need qualifications even if they're going to do something more vocational"

"What was today about for you today Rachel? Proving that you can throw the baby out with the bath water?"

"Hardly" Rachel said in disbelief

"Well that's what it seemed like to me"

"I do know what I'm doing, trust me on this one Eddie. So can I count on your support?"

Eddie didn't say anything. He turned his back and walked out of the office.

Rachel couldn't understand why Eddie was being so unreasonable. She realised now that Eddie thought the headship was going to be his, at least until the end of term.

It wasn't her fault the LEA had decided to appoint someone else though and Eddie just needed to deal with that.

Rachel had had enough, so packed up her stuff and went home. She just wanted to spend some time with her kids and not think about Eddie making her life difficult.

I've been rewatching Waterloo Road (again) recently so thought I'd do a story showing Rachel's life outside of school, but following the Waterloo Road storylines. Please review xxx