Chapter 12

Nikki checked her phone as they made their way down street after street, the girls inspecting every little thing in case they missed something. Melissa just happened to look over the road and saw Pret staring back at her. She let out a small squeal, causing Nikki to jump.

"What the…Melissa what is it?" Nikki asked worried.

"It's Pret."

All the girls heads shot around, following Melissa's gaze.

"Oh….my…god, it is. Nikki we have to go over, please."

"Go for it."

The girls carefully made their way across the road, Nikki, Lorraine and Amanda following behind them.

"What the hell is Pret when it's at home?" Nikki asked, looking at Amanda.

"It's the takeaway shop the actors use in the…"

"Say no more."

"I might just…"

"Go for it."

Amanda went to join the girls, getting out her phone.

"You know I'm beginning to wonder who the biggest kid is?" Nikki said.

Lorraine could only laugh as she leaned in to Nikki.

"They're having a good time, at least we know we're now their favourite teachers, thanks to this trip."

"Well that's true."

"Come on, there's a boutique next door…I want to look."

Nikki smiled as she followed Lorraine next door, leaving the girls to enjoy themselves for five minutes.

Rachel was leaning on Eddie's shoulder as they watched some romcom on the tv, pizza box beside them.

"How you feeling?" He suddenly asked.

"Yeah I'm good, you?"

"Are you kidding, I just found out I'm gonna be a dad, I'm ecstatic."

Rachel pulled back, looking up at him, worry on her face.

"Are you really, because if you're not, you can tell me…I mean I…"

"Rach, I've never been so happy. You really made my day with this news."

"Yeah."

"I can't wait to tell everyone."

"Oh Eddie wait I don't think so."

"Oh come on, why not."

"It's a little early."

"It's never to early for good news."

"I have an appointment on Monday morning before work, can I least make sure every thing's fine before we tell people?"

"Yeah okay, I guess you're right. Can I come?"

"If you like, it is yours after all…or is it?" She teased.

"Not even funny Mason."

Eddie began to tickle her, causing her to scream out before the pair ended up in fits of laughter.

Gemma and Tom were in the kitchen having some wine, as Josh came down the stairs, dressed for going out.

"Oi, where are you off too." Tom asked, watching his son pamper himself in the mirror.

"Out?"

"Yeah, out where?"

"Just to meet someone?"

"Who?"

"Dad, come on…Gem talk to him will you."

"Leave him alone Tom."

"I'm just curious, date is it?"

"Dad, seriously."

"What's his name?"

Josh came through, sighing as he ran a hand through his hair.

"You're not gonna stop are you?"

"Tell me and I'll shut up."

"His names Jordan, he's seventeen and we're just going to the cinema and then burger king, that okay with you?"

"Back by eleven, then it's okay with me."

"Eleven it is, thanks dad."

"Have fun, don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Josh rolled his eyes as he headed out the door, Gemma giving Tom a look he couldn't read.

"What?" He asked.

"You're terrible, winding him up like that."

"It's what dad's do, and step mums." He grinned, looking at her.

"Oh my god, I'll be a step mum. That didn't occur to me."

"Just as well he like you."

"I'm glad he's okay with us getting engaged."

"I knew he would be, he adores you."

"And I adore him…and his dad."

Tom gave her a wink before she leaned in and kissed him.

The girls made it to the mortuary and Amanda asked permission from the manager if the girls could look around, which he agreed to as long as he was present, he allowed them to take a few photos, while the girls asked a few questions about how long they filmed and who actually stood in the mortuary. The girls got in to a small group and stood where Amelia and Pippa had stood in the show, Lorraine offering to take the picture on her phone and get it printed for them. Lorraine went back over to join Nikki as the girls and Amanda continued to take pictures.

"They're really starting to worry me now, a mortuary, really."

"If it keeps them happy."

"This is one for the record books."

Nikki checked her watch, realising that it was nearly 6pm.

"Wow, it's getting late. Okay girls, I'm sorry but it's getting late and we really need to think about heading back now."

"But the other station Miss." Sophie spoke up.

"Huh?"

"The other police station in Bury." Lorraine replied.

"Oh, yeah right, well I…"

"I'll drive and we can quickly stop and take a few pictures on the way home, how's that?" Amanda asked.

"Sounds good, right come on girls. Thank the gentleman for showing you around and lets go."

The girls offered their thanks and followed Nikki and Lorraine back to the mini van. Amanda getting in the driving seat. As they set off to their last location, Nikki leaned her head on Lorraine's shoulder.

"You okay Boston?"

"I'm exhausted, remind me never to agree to something like this again."

"Oh come on, it's been fun and look how happy you've made those girls."

Nikki lifted her head and looked back at the girls, all smiling faces as they looked back over their pictures that they'd taken.

"Yeah you're right…it was worth it and I got to be with you." Nikki said as she kissed Lorraine

Monday morning came around far too quickly for Nikki as she made her way in to the school, Lorraine walking beside her, her hand resting on Nikki's back. They spotted the girls by the vending machine, telling everyone about their trip, the girls looking up and smiling at their n ow favourite teachers. As they made their way in to the staff room, Em and Chris were in the middle of sharing their news that they were moving in together, which everyone seemed happy about.

"Well, I guess if we're sharing news, Gem and I should tell you all."

"What is it? Nikki asked.

"We're engaged." Gem beamed.

"Really, guys that's great." Nikki smiled, hugging Tom and Gem before everyone else congratulated them.

Rachel and Eddie entered the room, Gabby about to come in to see Nikki but stopped by the door when she saw everyone else in there.

"What's going on?" Rachel asked.

"Em and Chris are moving in together and Tom and Gem are engaged." Lorraine smiled.

"Oh that's great news guys, congratulations." Rachel smiled.

"Yeah really happy for you." Eddie added.

"I guess Nikki and I have something to say too actually."

"Lorraine, what are you doing?" Nikki asked, pulling her back.

"You know I love, and I mean that. I want our colleagues to know, to share our happiness…don't you want that?"

Nikki saw the sincerity in Lorraine's eyes, taking hold of her hand.

"Yeah, I want that too, go on then."

"Okay everyone, well seeing as we're all sharing…Nikki and I would just like everyone to know that we're seeing each other now."

Grantley's head shot up at Lorraine's announcement.

"You're what? You two."

"Problem Grantley?" Nikki warned.

"No, no problem at all. Congratulations…I guess." He grumbled.

Nikki rolled her eyes at the older man, choosing to let his attitude pass her by.

"We're very happy for you, aren't we everyone?" Rachel smiled.

Everyone agreed before Eddie spoke up.

"Well then, it seems to be a news day anyone so…"

"Eddie." Rachel warned him

"Well we know every thing's fine so why not, please."

"What's going on?" Em asked.

Rachel looked around as everyone watched them before she looked at Eddie and gave him the okay.

"Well everyone…we're having a baby.

Em let out a squeal of excitement as she rushed over to Rachel and hugged her while everyone else offered their congratulations.

Gabby stood by the door, witnessing all the happiness that was coming from one room, watching Nikki to see how happy her now favourite teacher was. She closed the door quietly, before rushing back to her new best friend and filling them in on all the good news, all the screams being heard all over the school. Gabby looked around and smiled to herself.

She was going to be just fine here, where she truly belonged.

-Fin