Part 10
"Rachel…when the time comes that you are unable to hide it any longer…"Darren started however he was interrupted by Rachel removing her head from his chest, "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it" Rachel replied hoping to avoid this conversation as she knew that the one person she didn't want to admit the truth to. I'm such a hypocrite the sole reason as to why me and Eddie fell out was a lack of communication however I'm going to do the exact same thing, and that was something that was temporary but this is permanent; it's what I always wanted and despite the love that I have for Darren…I always imagined that I would achieve it with Eddie.
The silence that took control of the room was causing a tension atmosphere between the pair of them, seeing Rachel's expression of worry Darren knew that he had an opportunity to ease her suffering.
"I've been thinking while I'm here I might as well talk to Eddie to see if I can solve the broken friendship, because I know that it has upset you more than you will let me know". Darren suggested, to which Rachel winced at the sound of Eddie's name with the guilt over-powering her. I have to try to stop Darren talking to Eddie because I don't think that Eddie would appreciate that.
"You don't have to do that because we have started to sort it out ourselves" Rachel lied hoping that this would persuade Darren to leave the pair of them alone.
Darren looked confused at Rachel, surely she would have told me if she had resolved her differences with Eddie because I know how much their friendship means to her. "Ok then…as long as you're sure" he replied hoping that this would reveal the wavering emotion causing Rachel to expose the truth; unfortunately Rachel was aware as to what he was doing, "yep I'm fine and I'm sure that me and Eddie will be fine soon". Darren and Rachel smiled at one another as he rested his hand of her stomach and gazed at her affectionately. I never thought that I would ever be this involved in a relationship and I never thought that I would be as lucky to have a woman like Rachel; and who is having our child…I'm going to ask her to marry me soon as it will complete the family.
The silence filled the air as Eddie and Steph were contemplating what he had said. Neither of them understood why the friendship had deteriorated to such an extent although it was almost as if believed this conversation could hold the key to the reasoning behind the gulf in Rachel's and Eddie's relationship. Steph realised that the only way she was going to be able to understand the reason would be to place herself in Rachel's position it was then that Steph realised something that didn't quite make sense.
"I wonder if Rachel feels that Melissa has taken her place" Steph suggested which caused Eddie to look unimpressed, after considering the idea for a couple of seconds he shook his head, "no she couldn't because I only started a relationship with Mel when Rachel assured me that there wasn't any chance that the pair of us would have a relationship as she doesn't have any feelings for me". Eddie responded and the despondent expression returned on his face knowing that this wasn't going to be the conversation where he would be able to understand the thoughts of Rachel and the way that he could sort the situation out with her. I never thought that I would be two months that we haven't been talking for, especially as seeing her throughout the day was the reason why I loved working at Waterloo Road; she is the one person that stops it being the typical school where it is a job rather than something that I love doing.
Darren's phone vibrated on the table causing the pair of them to jump, Darren had been watching Rachel sleep smiled as her eyes started to flicker open and an involuntary smile appeared on her lips as she realised that she was in Darren's arms. As Rachel's eyes adjusted to the light, she started to frown something that wasn't relieved when Darren stroked her hair from her forehead and placed a light kiss in his place. The frown started to turn into confusion, why would I have been asleep in my office. Panic shot through Rachel's body, how unprofessional is that…I should be working not sleeping. Realising the worried expression on Rachel's face, Darren replied, "Rach…don't worry, you're obviously going to be more tired…" Rachel glared at him not prepared to allow him to make excuses for her, "no that isn't a reason that is an excuse".
"The problem is that I just can't get beyond her barriers; it seems as though ever time I make progress she is only waiting to fortify them to keep me further away from her than ever" Eddie explained whereas Steph had a moment of realisation when she realised half of the reasoning behind Rachel's rejection. "I might have just worked out why she rejected you…it's not because she wants to keep you away…." Eddie interrupted her by stating, "Well it certainly feels like it to me". Steph glared at Eddie wondering whether he actually wanted to hear the reason or whether he was going to keep interrupting her. I hope that they sort it out because the pair of them look so miserable and Mel is nice enough but it is clear that she isn't the one that Eddie loves.
"Eddie you need to think of it from Rachel's position...you know Rachel better than any of us but even I know that she is a private person…that was the reason why she was destroyed when her past came out last year" Steph stated and Eddie looked at her confused; what has this got to do with the broken friendship.
Noticing the perplexed expression on Eddie's face, Steph decided that she was probably being to complex for the man who was concerned by the situation, "well you were the person who helped her through it all…you were the person who supported her and she came to rely on you" Eddie couldn't prevent the proud expression on his face when Steph was saying her recent comments knowing that she was referring to times where he felt he was worth something. Before he was able to prevent himself, he asked, "so what happened then?" I can't believe that I'm actually asking Steph for help but she seems to be making sense.
Steph sighed noticing the hurt expression that was fixed upon Eddie's face and the sudden sadness that had returned to his eyes.
"Well Mel came and she made it that more of Rachel's private life was public for people to speculate and pass judgement upon. Then you…" Steph paused questioning how she was going to comment without causing more pain to the broken man in front of her, taking a deep breath hoping that the end result would be worth the pain, Steph continued, "then you started to take an interest in Mel and Rachel lost her last ally".
Eddie reflected upon what Steph had said and realised that the majority of it seemed to make sense, "so Steph what can I do?" the desperation in his voice pulled at Steph's heart knowing that the next answer wasn't going to be that easy to achieve, "you have to show her that you are there for her and you're not going to let her stand alone".