Outside she began to hear familiar sound of children arriving to school. Bolton's voice occasionally raised above others and Michaela and Amy having an argument. Rachel went to stand by the window. No violence so far, a good sign. The girl gangs had seemed to have vanished which was good. Rachel smiled at the atmosphere outside, even though it was freezing the kids still found stuff to be happy about. Rachel sighed,
'Once more unto the breach'
she thought to herself. Rachel rose from her chair and checked her reflection in the mirror before walking outside to face the throng of students and teachers coming towards the front doors of the school. Walking down the corridors, teachers and students nodding at her as she passed them. She was dreading this, facing them in the staff room, the gossip and speculation that there was bound to be and of course the awkwardness and uncertainty between herself and Chris. Rachel took a deep breath and opened the door to the staff room.
Steph looked up as she entered as did Jo. She smiled at them and scanned the room as Steph smiled back knowingly, Grantly was reading the racing post, Ruby was in the 'kitchen' making coffee, Steph was sitting next to Jo both chatting and reading some sort of fashion magazine. Kim obviously hadn't arrived yet however in the corner were Chris and Tom, deep in conversation, Rachel's breath caught, did Chris realise he was sitting in Eddies chair? of course he didn't, he didn't even know Eddie,
'Stop being so silly Rachel' she told herself 'Start behaving like a mature adult and put him out of your mind'
Tom caught her eye and nodded. Chris noticed Tom's momentary distraction and looked up at her, he immediately withdrew his gaze and became absorbed in whatever Tom was saying. Rachel nodded to herself and went to check Kim's office.
The door to the pastoral office was shut and the blinds drawn but there were noises inside. Rachel took a deep breath and opened the door. Kim was rummaging around in a cupboard beside her desk. Rachel shut the door silently and went to sit on the sofa opposite the desk. Kim was her friend, she needed to tell her. Rachel chewed her lip, she didn't like revealing her feelings, it made her feel vulnerable. But she needed advice. Slowly she cleared her throat and waited for Kim to turn around.