The End Of The Day:
Last period Eddie had his Year 8's who were a rather chilled out lot so knew it wouldn't be too challenging with all on his mind. After teaching them the basic of Pythagoras Theorem all lesson, he glances at the clock to see it was only 5 minutes until the end of the day.
"Okay, that's the end of the lesson! Pass your books to the end of the tables, pack up and stand behind your chair pleaser. You've all worked really well today!"
Eddie made his way down the aisles of his classroom collecting in the books when he caught a glance of her. In the corridor outside his room stood Rachel already to leave the school. She had a coat on and was holding 2 bags looking rather eager to leave. She was staring anxiously out the window like she was expecting someone to come in the gates, Eddie thought she must be scared of Hordely coming back.
"Uh, sir?"
Without realising, Eddie had been found staring at Rachel and had completely missed the bell. He dismissed his class and picked up his coat and bag then headed out to Rachel.
He didn't stop when her reached her, just continued heading towards the car park and Rachel followed him attempting to keep up with his fast walk. They finally reached the cars and Rachel spoke - "See you at mine."
Eddie nodded back at her and got into his car. He relaxed his head into the chair slightly and put his foot down.
Rachel's House
Eddie felt weird being back at Rachel's, the last time he was there they were in such a better place and he had enjoyed himself. She opened her car door and headed to the front door then unlocked it with the key in her pocket. She wondered inside then Eddie followed. Rachel was acting weird - she looked out around outside before closing the door then double locked it before looking out her window again. Was she expecting someone?
"Rache, you seem on edge? What's up?"
The second he called her Rache, she started to smile from ear to ear. The most genuine smile he'd every seen. Eddie had no idea what she was smiling at as saying Rache naturally to him.
"Oh yes, I'm fine.
Coffee?"
"Depends, how long do you think this will take?"
Rachel simply shot a look at him and he nodded towards the Kettle. She knew exactly how he liked his coffee as for the past year, she had made him one every morning. She came over with both coffeees and handed it to him, she curled her legs up on the coach and wrapped her hands around her tea.
"So, What do you want to know?"
"Everything. All of it, but the full truth."
It had been 2 hours since their conversation had began and both of them felt so much better. Yes, Eddie had been so mad about all the lies but that wasn't happening anymore. Now she was telling the truth, all of it. She was being vulnerable to him. Then, she finally got to the bit she didn't want to share with anyone but knew she had to.
"You asked me earlier who had done this to my face..."
She indicated at the bruises on her face, they were more noticeable now she was pointing them out and they looked painful. Her eyes had a water layer form over them as she could feel herself about to cry.
"My ex. He's mates with Hordely and he must've told him where he lived, he came around last night to beat me up. Then he rang me today, at school. Now he knows where I live and work! I don't know what to do Eddie. He... he's horrible." Rachel spoke with a tremble in her voice, her body was shaking violently with fear and distress. Eddie put his coffee mug, from his 3rd coffee, on the table and gently pulled Rachel towards him on the couch. She was now resting her head on his chest with one hand his hands fingers running through her hair and the other stroking her arm. Just his comfort and embrace made Rachel feel so safe.
The two had stayed in this position for so long that Rachel had ended up falling asleep on him, but Eddie didn't mind. All of a sudden there was a knock at the door, Eddie moved himself away from Rachel to get up but just as he started to move she woke up.
"Hey, Rache. Don't worry, you fell asleep. I'm just gonna get the door"
"Oh, okay"
Rachel rubbed her eyes and stretched out her arms, she had just slept on Eddie's chest. Rachel then heard the voice at the door and jumped in her skin. It was him...
"Ah, you must be Mandy's client for the night. She upstairs?" He said while letting himself into the house and glancing up the stairs. Eddie instantly knew it must've been Rachel's ex. He looked like a scum and all of a sudden that jealousy he had felt when her first saw Hordely came rushing back, that this man had dated Rachel.
"Get out." Eddie initially spoke quite calmly.
"Alright mate, calm down. Just wanna see Mand's"
"I said, get out!" Eddie was sounding slightly less calm now and was getting closer to him.
"I'll do whatever I bloody well want, now where is Amanda?!"
With this, Eddie had had enough. As he did with Hordely, clenched his fists up and swung a punch at the male. He sent him knocking to the floor, and repeated himself once more.
"Now get the hell out of our house before I call the police!"
"The only thing they'll do is arrest you for assault, I'm sure the bruise will go well in my favour..."
"Get out, Adam!"
Rachel had now appeared from the living room, she was standing upright to try and make her look more confident than she felt. Eddie quickly went over to Rachel and stood in front of her as protection and Rachel's heart melted once more ,however this was not her biggest concern right now. With the threaten of the police, Adam started walking out but did the exact same as Hordely.
"Don't think this is the last of me!"
As he slammed the door behind him Eddie turned around and embraced Rachel, he wasn't really thinking but hated the thought of Rachel being harmed by that guy and just wanted to protect her. Once more Rachel buried her head into Eddie's chest until her broke apart and grabbed their coats.
"Come on Miss Mason, we're going bowling..."
At The Bowling Alley
Rachel and Eddie were sat at some chairs near their Alleys putting on their bowling shoes chatting away. As usual, Rachel was talking about work and how some teachers need to organise themselves better.
"I hope your not taking about me!"
"Of course not, Eddie. You're perfect."
Rachel didn't really think when she said this and clearly didn't process it either as she got up and grabbed the nearest bowling ball and walked towards the lane.
This was going to be a good night for them both.
