Chapter 1:

Eddie Lawson was the deputy of Waterloo Road Conprehensive School and worked along side the illustrious Rachel Mason. Miss Mason was known for her ability to swiftly turn a school around and make it a much better place, which was needed quite requarly in Rochdale.

Eddie had joined Waterloo Road last year when Jack Rimmer was head, however after some 'mental issues' he stepped down. When Eddie was told he would be acting head until interviews could be held for the new headship, he couldn't have been more happy. Eddie had grown rather fond of Waterloo Road and it's students and it would be a privilege to be the head. He had done all of his planning over half term of what he wanted to change and improve about the school and came in on he first day pumped and fired up, ready for his new role.

Rachel's First Day:

Eddie had already been to his office in the morning before alerting the staff to him taking over, to start off on the right foot he had arranged a large array of food to be put in the staff room hoping it would be the start of a successful reign.

After telling the staff he decided to head back to his brand new office with a beaming grin on his face. As he entered his office Bridget informed Eddie of a meeting that had been made by Rhia Cheetum from the LEA board.

"Sticking her nose in already!"

Eddie emptied his stuff in his brand new office, putting his belgongings in the draws of his new desk and making the most of the perks of being head, phoned through to Bridget asking for a 'brew'. This was the dream, things couldn't get better for him.

It soon came 10:00am, his appointment with Rhia. As he approached his office he could hear laughter, it sounded like two women. He recognised Rhia's voice but not the other one. As Eddie entered he lay his eyes on the most beautiful women he had ever seen, she had auburn hair and dazzling brown eyes. He shook her hand and was introduced to 'Rachel Mason' by Rhia. He knew he had a big grin on his face but couldn't help it.

"Rachel's the new head teacher."

What? How? Eddie's the new head!

It seemed there was a lack of communication and the LEA had decided on bringing in Rachel to see through the next two terms. "Oh great, a short term head! Just what the kids need..." Eddie thought to himself.

He was so angry and annoyed that some women had just swooped in here to take HIS job.

Eddie wore a disgusted, irritated look on his face, which hadn't passed Rachel's notice, while she talked him through her plans for the school. He had never previously heard of Rachel Mason so had no idea wether the would be a promising head for the school but either way he was not happy with the decision made. He had scrapped all previous views on Rachel and now despised her, but it didn't stay like that for long.

Rachel and Eddie had a rough first few weeks as he showed a lot of disagreement in her choices and a clear lack of enthusiasm towards her, however within a few months the two were really getting on. It was the end of a long, chaotic Friday at work and the two were in Rachel's office sharing a pizza and some drinks.

"Your day has been a piece of cake compared to mine!"

"Oh is that so ,Miss Mason? I was thrown down a cliff!"

"Oh barely you big wimp! Now come on, what hurts more, your neck or your ego?"

Rachel gave out a gentle laugh at the sight of Eddie, who while holding a school trip had been toppled over a small cliff edge and had his neck end up in a brace. Although Eddie was indeed in pain he couldn't help but smile at Rachel, he loved her laugh. It was so sweet and innocent. In fact he loved a lot of things about Rachel: he loved her driven attitude to work, her optimistic views, her ambition and alongside all of this he still thought she was the most beautiful woman ever. Of course, he could never tell her this.

"Come on, if your not in too much pain I'll take you down to the local pub for a pint. I'll pay..."

"Sold!"

They both walked out of the office and went for a drink at the local pub, what was only meant to be one drink had increased. It was now 9:00pm and neither of them were fully aware of their actions and had consumed quite a bit of alcohol. They had been talking in between drinks about all sorts, they had shared their interests and beliefs on certain topics, some more heated than others. They were having a great time when Rachel turnt to the clock on the wall.

"Blimey! Is that the time? I'd better get heading home."

"Your husband will start wondering where you've gone, think you've wondered off. I'd ought to get going to."

"Eddie, I don't have a husband..."

"Sorry, boyfriend I meant"

Rachel paused, Eddie thought she was in a relationship. I mean it was a semi reasonable assumption however she had never talked about any love in her life as she didn't believe in it. Rachel has given up on love after her only long term relationship had failed. She struggled with trusting men anyway, which if she shared her biggest secret, would be a reasonable statement.

"Goodnight Eddie."

"Night Rahe"

No one called Rachel 'Rache' but Eddie, and she loved it. It sent shivers down her spine everytime, like it meant something to her. They both left the pub and went their separate ways in cabs knowing they wouldn't see eachother until Monday morning, well that's what they thought.