Eddie and her mother were definitely acting oddly, Lex decided, and had been since painfully soon following the beginning of term. Which didn't bode particularly well, considering what they'd been hiding the last time they'd acted like this. Conversations were stopped when she walked into the room, Eddie was obviously over-protective of Rachel and it hadn't escaped Lex's notice that Max Tyler seemed to have it out for the both of them, along with Melissa and possibly Miss Haydock as well.

She sighed as she came to the bottom of the staircase, dropping her bag to the floor and sitting down on the step, propping her chin on her hand. The school was empty, the corridors silent but she'd managed to forget her keys that morning, meaning now she was stuck waiting for Eddie and her mother to finish for the day.

When a pair of footsteps came towards her, she glanced up curiously and blinked in surprise when she saw Miss Campbell and Mr Tyler walking so close together the backs of their hands were brushing. Much like a certain headteacher and her deputy had tended to do.

Miss Campbell looked up and spotted, smiling warmly. "Hello Lex. I thought you'd be long gone by now."

Lex watched in amusement as Mr Tyler immediately stepped to the side, folding his hands behind her back. She quirked an eyebrow at him, before looking back to Miss Campbell. "I left my door keys at home this morning."

"Well, that wasn't very clever was it?"

Lex gave her a small, insincere smile as she pulled her bag away so they didn't trip over it. Miss Campbell studied her for a moment. "I'll catch you up," she said quietly to Max, waiting until he'd gone up before taking a seat next to Lex. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Talk about what?"

Miss Campbell shot her a disapproving look. "Don't play stupid, Lex, it doesn't suit you. I know you've been distracted in class lately, a bit testy with the teachers and your friends. And I'm not the only one who's noticed."

"I'm fine, miss," Lex said automatically.

"No, you're not. Now we had this conversation before, back in the summer, didn't we?" she raised an eyebrow, and Lex winced. "You assured me it was just a bit of bad news. And that's the only reason I didn't go to your mother. Now you can either tell me, as your teacher. Or I raise concerns as a pastoral leader to your mother. What's it going to be?"

Lex scowled angrily. "If I were any other student, would you still be contacting my mum?" she challenged.

"Yes! Lex, I know something is wrong. And you need to talk to someone about it."

She sighed, all of the fight leaving her in a whoosh as she shifted on the step. "Melissa knows. Sort of," she admitted. "She got it out of me before the summer."

"Well, that's a start," Kim conceded. "You haven't spoken to her since?"

Lex shook her head. "She's sort of had her own problems. You know the CPS decided to charge her?" She grimaced as she remembered the many, many meetings with lawyers and the police. "Not to mention Mr Tyler's vendetta."

"Mr Tyler does not have a vendetta," Miss Campbell defended. Lex raised an eyebrow at her.

"Where the hell have you been for the past few weeks? Any more obvious and he might as well sign a declaration."

"That's inappropriate," she scolded.

"Says the woman sleeping with her boss's boss."

"Lex!" Kim looked horrified. "How did you even-?"

She rolled her eyes. "Miss, if you wanted to keep it a secret, don't make goo-goo eyes at him in the corridor."

"I do not make goo-goo eyes! And those comments are unacceptable under any circumstances- I don't care whose daughter you are. Do you understand me?" Kim frowned at her. Lex nodded, resisting the urge to roll her eyes at the taste of the woman in front of her. She still looked unhappy but decided to ignore it for now in favour of getting to the bottom of whatever was wrong with the girl. "Lex, what is it the Miss Ryan knows?" she questioned, gentling her tone. "What's going on?"

Lex bit her lip. "Are you going to tell mum if I tell you?"

"If you're in trouble, then I have to…"

"No, miss, it's nothing like that," Lex sighed. "It's… it's my dad."

Miss Campbell looked startled. "Your dad?" Lex nodded.

"He died when I was a kid. But I started looking into him a few months ago."

"Okay…?"

"I found out last year that he'd only been sixteen when his family disowned him and kicked him out. They never took him back." Lex glanced up at her, looking miserable. "But I was curious, so I looked into them a bit more. They're these rich, successful people who built a business on the back of 'family values' and 'loyalty'. They've got this whole network of extended family and in-laws who all work there, and the whole time they have a son who they've just… forgotten about."

"I see," Kim pressed her lips together. "And how does that make you feel?"

Lex stared at the floor in front of her. "Angry."

"Because you think your dad should have been a part of that? That you should have?"

"No!" her face twisted in disgust. "God no. I don't want any of what they have. I'm angry because… because sometimes I think I'm the only person who remembers my dad. And he was so full of life, so outgoing and… bright. He should be remembered, and your family… they're the ones who're supposed to love you. They should remember you. And his don't." she looked up at Miss Campbell, eyes stormy. "They took everything from him. He spent more than half his life suffering for their decisions, and now they don't even remember him."

"Maybe… maybe they do. Behind closed doors," she suggested gently. But Lex shook her head.

"Me and mum are the only ones who ever visit his grave. Even on his birthday, or at Christmas."

"I see…"

"It isn't fair," Lex said quietly. "My dad… he was brilliant. And I know everyone says that about people who've died, but he really was. And he's buried six feet under, while those… those scum are alive and enjoying life. They should be the ones who died, not him."

Kim reached out and rubbed her shoulder comfortingly. "Life doesn't work like that, I'm afraid."

"Be nice if it did," Lex muttered, staring stonily at the floor. Kim looked sympathetic.

"Lex, have you thought about telling your mum any of this?"

"No," she glared at her. "She has enough to deal with at the moment. I don't want her to know." She surged to her feet, grabbing her bag and swinging it onto her shoulder. Kim scrambled up, hands held out soothingly.

"She might be able to help…!"

"You want to help, miss?" Lex scowled at her over her shoulder. "Then get your boyfriend to back off of my family. That'd be a great help."

She stalked away, hands clenched tightly by her sides while Kim sighed, feeling the beginnings of a headache coming on.

W.R.

A few days later, Lex had been avoiding Miss Campbell and cautiously watching for any signs that she'd told her mother about their conversation. So far, it didn't seem as if she had, thankfully, since Lex had no idea how she'd explain everything to her mother. She did know, however, that Melissa had had a meeting with her lawyer that day, and so when the lunch bell sounded she bypassed the canteen, and instead ducked into Melissa's classroom. "Mel? Are you in he- oh!" she was brought up short when she spotted the two extra people in the room. "Sorry…"

Her eyes widened when she saw Melissa's father and brother stood in the room.

She almost didn't recognise them at first, but their meeting months before had left an impression. Even if it hadn't, Melissa looked visibly strained, arms tightly crossed and fingers clenched so tightly that Lex could see the white of her knuckles. In contrast, her father and brother were quite relaxed, the former leant casually against the wall.

"You let your student call you Mel? What kind of school is this?" Melissa's brother- Thomas? Lex wondered- questioned.

"I'm not actually a teacher," Melissa told him through clenched teeth. "Lex, I'll catch up with you later, if you don't mind."

"Okay." She agreed quietly, stepping back and turning to leave, only to pause when she heard Thomas speak again.

"Wait a second."

She looked at him in confusion, only to stumble back when he came towards her, hand reaching out. "What are you doing?" she demanded as he grasped her chin and turned her face from side to side.

"Thomas! Let her go!" Mel grabbed him by the shoulder, pushing him back.

He stared at them with narrowed eyes. "What's your name?" he demanded.

"Lex…"

"Your last name."

Lex glanced uncertainly at Melissa. "Jennings."

"What's your mother's name?"

"Thomas, for God's sake…!"

"Answer me!" he commanded. Lex flinched back slightly, but lifted her chin and refused to back down.

"Rachel! Why?"

His gaze softened, and he stepped back. "I thought… sorry. You just remind me a bit of someone…"

Lex resisted the urge to squirm uncomfortably, knowing exactly who he was thinking of. "Lex, off you go," Mel urged. She nodded, eager to escape the two men who made her so uneasy but she'd barely made it two steps before the door in front of her opened.

"Uh oh…"

"Hello love," Rachel greeted in surprise. "I was looking for Mel- is she in here?" Lex nodded silently, glancing behind her with poorly disguised anxiety. Rachel noticed, and frowned. "What's wrong?"

Her daughter just looked at her with wide eyes, faint traces of panic on her face. Worry panged in Rachel's stomach and she stepped around Lex, one hand coming up to rest on her arm. "Melis-" she began to call, cutting off when she caught sight of exactly who was in the room. Melissa had a hand over her face, and the man stood next to her allowed his jaw to drop.

"Amanda?"

Lex winced as a look of horror came over her mother's face, a look which only deepened when her father stepped into view. There was a long, uncomfortable silence.

"Amanda. You look well. It's nice to see you," her father ventured. Her mother's jaw clenched.

"The sentiment isn't returned." She turned her head to look directly at her sister, ignoring the two men and Lex thought she was the only one who realised that her mother's breath was coming in gasps, in juxtaposition to her overly calm voice. "Mel, Phillip is in the nurse's office. He took a football to the head in the playground. The first aider is worried about concussion."

"Thanks," Mel said softly. Rachel studied her for a moment, an unreadable look upon her face and whatever she saw there caused her expression to soften slightly. She gave her a small, almost pained smile before glancing towards her daughter.

"With me."

Lex nodded obediently, following her towards the door.

"'Manda, wait!"

Her brothers voice apparently jolted something in Rachel, because she spun on the spot, eyes dark and her voice icy cold. "I have absolutely nothing to say to you. Either of you. And you have nothing I want to hear. Finish with Mel, and then get out of my school."

"Your school?"

"Yes. My school. Melissa, make sure they leave."

And she was gone, a hand on Lex's back to forcibly ensure she left too. Melissa suppressed a smirk. "I think she summed it up pretty well. You should leave. And not come back."

"Mels…"

"Don't you get it, dad?" she turned on her heel, one hand on her hip as she glared at him. "You lost your chance. With both of us."

"I've changed! Mels, I'm different now!"

"No you're not." Melissa looked at him tiredly. "You're an abusive, alcoholic, sad old man. My best guess is that you probably need money or something, and that's why you're here. But you're out of luck, because I really don't have any and if she does, Ra- Amanda hates you more than I do. So whatever it is you think you're going to get by being here, you're wrong. Now please leave. And this time, stay gone."

Melissa hadn't missed the security guard lingering in the hallway, so she didn't hesitate in walking out of the room and heading straight up to Rachel's office, relieved to find it Max Tyler free. Lex was perched on a chair in front of the desk, biting her lip anxiously with her hands twisting in her lap while Rachel was sat on the sofa, her head in her hands. She looked up when Melissa walked in, her face chalk white.

"Mel?" she whispered. Melissa swallowed thickly, and crossed the room to sit next to her.

"They turned up a few months ago," she began quietly. "I didn't know what they wanted and I didn't ask, I just told them to go. I thought they'd stay gone until they turned up again this morning. I still don't know what they want. And I'm not interested."

Rachel stayed silent, eyes fixed on the floor.

"Rach? Are you angry with me?"

Her sister let out a slow, measured breath. "You should have told me." Her voice was low and shaky, and Melissa winced.

"This is why I didn't. I was trying to protect you."

Rachel reached out, groping blindly for her hand. Their fingers entwined, gripping tightly as Rachel took another, careful breath. "Do you think they'll be back?"

"I hope not," Mel muttered. "But… I honestly don't know."

Rachel nodded, and they sat in silence.

"Rach?" Melissa waited until she looked at her, biting her lip before deciding to carry on. "What did he do? To make you leave?"

The headmistress shook her head, mustering a small smile for her sister. "Doesn't matter anymore."

"Of course it does…"

But Rachel had stood, releasing her grip and smoothing out her skirt as her gaze fell on Lex. "How much do you know?"

The girl shrugged a shoulder, pressing her lips together for a moment. "Enough to get the gist, but little enough that I'm still mostly confused."

Rachel let out a shaky laugh, walking forward to press a kiss to her head, squeezing her eyes shut to prevent the tears that threatened. "Then all you need to know is you are not to be alone with any of them, at any time. Okay?"

"Okay," Lex nodded.

"And if they ever come near you, you go get someone. Me, Eddie, Mel, one of the other teachers if it's here at school. Don't talk to them, don't take anything from them-"

"Mum, basic stranger danger- I know." She looked faintly amused, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "Honestly… your dad freaked me out a bit. I won't be going near either of them."

"Good." Rachel pressed another kiss to her head, holding her tightly for a moment before releasing her. "You should go get some lunch before the bell rings."

Lex nodded her agreement, rising and walking to the door. But before she opened it, she paused and looked back. "Mum?"

"Hm?" Rachel looked up, forcing a smile onto her face.

"I love you."

Rachel's expression relaxed, and she smiled more genuinely at her daughter. "I love you too, sweetheart."

Lex shot her a smile and closed the door behind her as she left. Instead of heading down to the canteen, however, she headed along the corridor towards the maths classrooms. When she found them empty, she carried on to the staffroom and knocked sharply.

"Jennings?" Mr Tyler raised an eyebrow at her as he opened the door.

"Sorry to interrupt, sir. Is Ed- Mr Lawson in here please?"

He studied her for a moment with an unreadable expression, before stepping back and glancing over his shoulder. "Mr Lawson. It's for you."

Eddie appeared from the depths of the room, looking at her curiously. "What's wrong, love?"

Lex simply scooted backwards, glancing uncertainly at Mr Tyler, who still stood close by. Eddie got the message and closed the door, leading her over to the window and shooing away two year ten girls there. "What is it?"

Lex explained as quickly as she could, and Eddie groaned. "Just what we need," he muttered, shooting a glare at the staffroom. "Do you know why they were here?"

"Mum and Melissa both seemed to think they probably want money."

Eddie rubbed the back of his neck. "Right. I'm going to go see your mum. You distract Mr Tyler if he comes out."

"What?" she yelped. "How am I supposed to do that?"

"You're a smart girl- think of something!"

Lex's jaw dropped. "Bloody hell…"

She glanced at the staffroom, then back at the rapidly disappearing figure of Eddie. How was she supposed to delay him? She wandered down away from the staffroom to the top of the stairwell where she'd still able to see if he came out and leant against the window, biting her lip. And hoped he wouldn't make an appearance.

When ten minutes had gone by, she began to relax. There wasn't long until the end of lunch- with a little luck Mr Tyler would stay put until after the bell had-

He pushed open the door and strode down the corridor towards her, head buried in a file. Lex groaned. Of course he couldn't just stay where he was, could he?

As he began to come closer, her eyes widened as she began to panic. What could she do? Until suddenly, a poster on the wall caught her eye. It advertised a counselling service, held out of the nurses office on a Wednesday lunchtime. And just like that, she had an idea. She stood in the middle of the corridor, where he wouldn't be able to pass her and deliberately blanked her expression, staring at the wall.

Sure enough, as he pushed open the door at the end of the corridor, he glanced up and did a double take when he saw her standing there.

"Jennings, what are you doing?" he enquired, coming closer. She didn't respond to him. "Jennings?"

He glanced around uncertainly, and she concentrated on keeping her breathing slow and steady. "I… Alexandra? Can you hear me?"

She counted slowly to five, and then deliberately blinked, eyes drifting to him. "Sir…?" she questioned slowly, furrowing her brow. He looked relieved, hiding it under a pursed look.

"Jennings, are you ill?"

She slowly blinked again. "I… I don't know. How long was I gone?"

"I don't know. I found you in this state. Do you need to go to the nurse?"

She nodded. "I'm not supposed to walk there on my own… in case I seize again."

"I'm aware," he said shortly. "Shall we?"

To his credit, Lex supposed, he kept a hand hovering by her elbow as they walked downstairs- in case of a sudden seizure, she assumed. And as they walked through the corridors, he was careful to keep the more boisterous students away from Lex. If he wasn't such a bastard, she might even like him, she thought.

"Was that your first seizure today?" he questioned.

"The first bad one. The others were barely noticeable." At least that wasn't a lie.

"I see."

As they turned a corner, she deliberately stumbled slightly. Just as she'd hoped, he automatically reached out to catch her, dropping the file in his hand and scattering pages across the floor. "Sorry sir," she mumbled. She knelt to help him gather them, deliberately moving slowly.

"Do you know when you're going to have a seizure?" he asked, gripping her elbow to help her to her feet.

"No sir. But if I have one, then I tend to get worse. Which is why I'm not supposed to be left alone if I am having bad ones."

He nodded his head, guiding her along the corridor and into the nurse's office. There were two boys with bloodied noses sat in there, along with a girl lying and clutching her stomach. She glanced up as they walked in, sporting a harried look.

"Take a seat and i'll be right with you, Lex!"

Lex did as asked, and Mr Tyler glanced at her. "I'll leave you in the nurse's capable hands, then. Feel better."

"Sir?" she called, and he paused to glance back at her. "Thanks. For not freaking out, or making a big deal."

"Does that happen often?"

She shrugged slightly. "You'd be surprised."

He raised his eyebrows, inclining his head at her and walking out. Lex quickly withdrew her phone, and shot off a text to Eddie. He'll be in office in 5- couldn't delay any longer. Sorry. Mum ok?

Her phone buzzed two minutes later. Mum fine- got her to classroom. Stop using phone in school.

Lex rolled her eyes. "Hypocrite."

"What was that, love?" the nurse glanced over.

"Nothing," she hastily shoved her phone into her pocket and shot her an innocent smile. "Are they okay?" she nodded towards the boys.

"Well, they won't be practising karate moves from films anymore, will you boys?"

They both mumbled something indiscernible, and Lex laughed softly. At least some things never changed.

Thank you so much for reading!

And thank you to Celticgirl84 and Lynny for the reviews :) x