The staffroom was practically empty when Rachel entered. First period left only certain members of staff and considering the requirement, none of them were promising. She pinned the list of supply teachers for the next month on the notice board, pressing the edges down. Her voice cut across the silent room.
"Our supply is stuck in traffic and I need someone to cover the first half of his lesson. So, who…?"
A quick glance made it clear that she was being deliberately ignored, the end of her sentence trailing to a questioning close. Two of the science teachers saw her looking and turned their backs. Nearby, Grantly and Steph were reading their respective newspaper and magazine. They barely glanced in her direction. No doubt, that was a collective rejection.
Rachel clapped her hands together. "Right, Grantly, I believe you have some time free."
"I have, actually." He dragged his gaze away from the newspaper, nonplussed. "But it's my PPA time. Staff cannot be redirected to undertake any other duties, including cover for absent colleagues."
Rachel's mouth twisted into a bitter smile. She knew that answer was deserved for even asking. Scratching the back of her neck, she knew she couldn't force him and it would only end in an argument.
"Right…"
She released an unbelieving huff, glancing around the staffroom once more. There didn't seem to be any other option. The best alternative was to force someone; the class needed to be covered.
"I'll do it."
Davina was looking at her from across the room, having turned around from the table amid the bookcases. She began to make her way over and as she did, Rachel could hear the snide whispers from the two senior staff members.
"We were that enthusiastic once," Steph muttered.
Grantly rolled his eyes. "Enthusiastic, yes. Brown nosing, never."
They knew they had been overheard, glancing quickly up at Rachel, who offered a disapproving glare and sigh. She appreciated Davina's work ethic; the school definitely needed more staff like her. Stepping aside, she met her by the window to keep a reasonable distance from the others.
"Thanks so much, Davina," she grinned. "The problem is it's the year eleven PSHE group."
Davina shrugged. "Well, I've got to learn sometime. Experience and all that."
Observing her reaction, Rachel could see she was nervous and Davina was only a classroom assistant, which meant she shouldn't have been an actual choice. Yet, none of the actual teachers had spoken up and the supply would only be another hour or so.
"Okay," she nodded, deciding to trust her instinct. "Right, well, I'll get Eddie to come and watch over you. Listen, the supply teacher is here for about three weeks and I hear he's quite a character. So, how about you follow him for the day and you'll see how he deals with new classes."
"Yeah, that will be great."
"Okay, good. His name is Maaka." She took a moment to make sure she had pronounced it right. "Maaka Lacey, and I believe he's from New Zealand."
She raised her shoulders, excited to meet him. He sounded like an interesting man from all accounts and it would be good to get some fresh faces in the staffroom. Exiting, Rachel was pleased that Davina had offered. She had shown considerable initiative that term and always delivered on her work. Hopefully, that would continue. Davina was the kind of staff member that Rachel enjoyed, eager to progress and prepared to listen to advice. It was the kind of endeavour that kept her happily occupied.
Listening to the familiar bustle of the corridor, Rachel took her time to pass the students, offering a smile whenever she could. Her image was critical and although she had not met outright judgement, she was conscious of the possibility. Usually, she was accompanied by the heavy footsteps of a certain deputy, yet she had spent the morning alone. He was late and he hadn't returned any of her questioning texts. It was Eddie's duty to sort the supply teachers, alongside other various pieces of work he had neglected over the past week.
As if her thoughts had led her to him, Rachel caught sight of him with Melissa along the corridor. They hardly noticed the swarm of students around them, standing remarkably close and laughing between themselves. She noted Eddie's rumpled clothes and recognised them as the ones he wore the day before. Rachel pushed that thought aside. She needed to speak to him about some of his missed duties but she hardly wanted that conversation with her sister there. Luckily, Melissa's phone began to ring, which she accepted, placing her hand against his chest before leaving. Eddie smiled after her.
Seeing them together, Rachel felt her pace slowing. Yet, she was still annoyed that he was slacking. It was clear now why he was late. She allowed herself to feel a surge of irritation, choosing to direct it at him.
"I thought you were supposed to be doing the cover sheet today."
He had the sense to look reasonably apologetic.
"Sorry," he offered.
He was already backing away from her. Rachel knew when she wasn't wanted and he couldn't have been clearer. She glared at him without realising but before she could say anything, the voice of Candice drifted up the stairs.
"Excuse me, this club is like world war flamin' three," she hollered.
The breakfast club. The new scheme that Rachel had begun earlier that week and which Melissa was meant to be supervising. The same woman who had been seen sauntering through the corridors. Rachel refrained herself from sighing heavily. Surely, she had covered enough of other people's failings that day, shooting another glare at Eddie. He had been lucky Candice had interrupted them, although she was aware that she had also been lucky. It wouldn't have helped to start an argument.
Starting down the stairs, she saw that he had already turned his back to her, hurrying down the corridor. She waited only a second to see if he would look at her at least once. When he didn't, she started down the stairs, trying desperately to mask her disappointment. As she descended the stairs, she missed the apologetic glance he gave over his shoulder.
The cafeteria was absolute mayhem. Food was plastered to every surface, including a ruffled Janeece. On the other side of Rachel was Candice, her hands on her hips.
"I ain't cleanin' this lot up," she snapped, formidable at the sight of the chaotic cafeteria.
"I don't expect you to." Rachel tried to sound calm.
It was another predicament that had been thrown on her lap; she was at the beginning of perpetual irritation. A sure sign of the day ahead. Melissa was nowhere in sight, despite it being her shift to supervise. That brought her back to the sight of her and Eddie together, riling her further. Their rendezvous were aggravating enough without bringing that distraction into the workplace; it was unprofessional at best. She was undoubtedly disappointed, pushing aside her fringe as she started down the cafeteria aisle.
Rachel placed her hands on her hips. "Right, Janeece, can you identify the culprits, please?"
"It was all of them."
As her foot hit the floor, Rachel heard a squish. She closed her eyes briefly, hoping to maintain some semblance of sanity. There was a smudge of yellow on the sole of her shoe. She didn't pause to question what it was.
Exhaling, she turned back round. "Yes, let's have some names."
Janeece responded with an eye-roll. As she waited impatiently, Rachel tried to subtly scrape her shoe along the floor to clean the sole.
"You're supposed to be a supervisor," she emphasised, realising there would be no answer.
Candice shook her head. "I told you this breakfast club idea was no good."
From the corridor, the voice of Melissa bounced into the cafeteria. She was laughing at something and from the way she grew louder, Rachel assumed she was heading in their direction. Melissa slipped into the room, her phone pressed to her ear.
"Alex, you are such a bad…" She halted at the sight of the mess, her grin dropping. "…person…" Her eyes flickered over to Rachel. "I'll, erm, be right back."
Her phone was stuffed quickly into her back pocket. Rachel swiftly advanced toward her, conscious of chastising her in front of the other two women. Melissa sensed that. Before Rachel could say anything, she was already uttering some mollification.
"No worries. I'll clean it up."
Hesitantly, she edged to the kitchen, knowing she had been careless. Candice followed to ensure she had the right cleaning equipment, grumbling to herself. With the two gone, Janeece glanced cautiously over at Rachel.
"Miss, can I go get changed?" she questioned, scrunching up her face in objection.
"Yes, you can, of course." She turned to her. "And it wasn't your fault, Janeece."
The girl said nothing in return. As she passed, Rachel caught a hint of egg and tomato. Grimacing, she was glad the girl couldn't see her reaction. Another promising venture wasted within weeks. All the same, it had run well until Melissa's shift. She waited until the door had closed with a resounding thud, rushing across the room with a scathing glare. Evidently, Melissa did not know what she was doing with the cleaning basket, poking around in the hope that inspiration hit. Her back was facing her sister, arguably deliberate as her cheeks flushed in shame. Practically pressed to Melissa's back, Rachel exhausted her restraint, refraining her voice from rising louder.
"It is not her fault," she hissed. "It's your fault. How could you leave Janeece in charge?"
"There's something I had to do. This thing hasn't stopped ringing all morning." Even she appeared to realise how lame the explanation was, lifting her phone uselessly.
Rachel backed away slightly, unable to look at her. It was another excuse and this time she didn't believe her. Her mouth gaped in bewilderment as she tried to formulate a professional response. She had not fully anticipated how personal it could become.
"By all means, delegate but you've got to stay on top of things, Melissa. Adequate supervision at all times."
Rachel knew her exasperation was getting the better of her nerves, trying to maintain her calm. She almost blurted an accusation about Eddie. What bothered her the most, if she ignored the main reason, was that both had continually neglected their work.
"I-I'm really sorry, Rachel." Her brow furrowed, the same pitiful look she'd always had. "I promise it won't happen again."
"What was it that was so important that you abandon Janeece to the mob?" she demanded. There was no answer and Rachel knew that Melissa had answered the phone upstairs. That meant she wasn't even in the cafeteria to begin with. With no answer, Rachel shook her head. "I'm not sure I buy that phone excuse. Every time I call you it's switched off."
That was a slight quip that she couldn't help but mention. Melissa had not returned any of her calls and with her sister trying to smile at her, Rachel found it slightly offensive. It was best not think what had distracted her so much.
"Well, I'll go and find you some volunteers," she ended.
The conversation would lead nowhere and Rachel knew she would upset herself if she continued. Spinning around, she hurriedly left the cafeteria. Her temper had flared more than expected and she berated herself for allowing Melissa to bother her so immensely. Although, it had felt good to release some of her irritation.
Among the frenzy of break-time, Rachel was pleased to be among the students and observe their mundane routine, even if they paid her no mind. She clasped her hands together, inhaling deeply in appreciation of the moment.
"Some schools I teach in, you never see the heads in the corridor."
Rachel glanced over her shoulder, noting the stranger by the door. She assumed he was their new supply teacher, having heard he had arrived, and she lowered her arms, smiling widely. He seemed quite friendly, certainly enthusiastic to be there.
"Well done, you," he added.
"Maaka," she grinned, admittedly flattered. A part of her always enjoyed professional compliments; it was the only kind she would allow. Assuming he had already taught his first class, she continued as such. "Listen, we asked Davina to stand in before, just till you got here, but I was hoping that she'd be able to sort of shadow you, I guess. Just while you're with us."
It would be a great opportunity for Davina to further her career and Rachel wanted to allow her that chance, if possible. She could see great potential. However, Maaka didn't seem to agree, his smile fading.
"I found it really interesting. She was giving a lecture on stereotypes when I arrived. Maybe she needs to be a pupil for a little longer."
Rachel offered him her usual smile but she was undoubtedly perplexed. Davina was regarded as an exemplary member of staff. Whatever he was hinting at, it seemed unlike her.
"What do you mean?" she prompted, refraining the comment from becoming a demand.
He glanced across, almost looking as if he were sorry he had brought it up. "Racism is such an emotive word."
That was the last thing she had expected to hear. Her smile vanished immediately, feeling her heart plummet.
"I don't use it lightly," he continued, "but I think Davina is guilty of subtle racism. Hard to identify but just as pernicious."
This was an image of Davina that she had never considered, nor even thought possible. If they had not been talking about her then she would never have guessed who he was referring to. Grantly, maybe. Widening her eyes in disbelief, she tilted her head to one side as if to check she had heard wrong. When he made no attempt to correct what he had said, Rachel knew what that meant.
Leading him to her office, she requested that Joyce ring for Davina. The faster the issue was sorted, the better. She could feel her heartbeat pulsating fiercely at the mere thought of where the accusation may lead. It had appeared out of nowhere, seemingly, and it was not something she had needed to deal with before.
Rachel wouldn't allow herself to sit down. Her fingers fumbled together until the teaching assistant entered, clearly confused as to why she was there.
"Davina, thanks for coming." She watched as Davina noticed Maaka, who looked away from her in disgust. Rachel paused before considering her next step. "Right, well, I think we need to clean the air a little, don't we?"
Glancing into the antechamber, she was glad to know it was empty, deciding to leave the office door open. She took a seat, allowing Davina to sit on the other side of the table.
"It seems that in the last lesson, some things were said," she began carefully. "Maaka is alleging…"
Maaka sprung forward. "Not alleging. I don't want this to sound like we're in a court of law."
Taking a moment, Rachel knew she had to be careful. This was a precarious situation. It was also important that she was seen to support Maaka, whether he was right or not. Peering at Davina, she tried to appear as calm and comforting as she could. If she were to be seen panicking then that could give the wrong impression.
"Sorry." She tried to smile apologetically. "Maaka has informed me that you made several barbed comments about his background."
Davina flickered her gaze over to him and Rachel was relieved to see no malice residing there, but then her gaze returned to silently plead with her.
"No, not at all." She noticed the way Rachel inclined her head to the side and knew she had to explain further. "I just said that in our culture, we don't stand for homophobia."
This complicated matters. Neither of them were recounting the same story. Maaka seemed to sense her judgement as she glanced across at him, knowing she would naturally believe her own member of staff. He leant forward with a smile.
"Maybe I can clear the air. Miss Shackleton felt that I should have challenged some remarks a few of the boys said. I hold my hand up to that, but as I explained, homophobia, now I don't agree with it, is a part as much of my culture as it is of all human cultures."
Rachel considered what he had said, knowing exactly what the issue was and it had nothing to do with Davina. However, there was still a fine line for offence and Rachel knew she had to remain firm.
"Yes, that may be true but our school has very strict anti-discrimination policies."
Davina nodded her head fiercely, offended that her professionalism had ever been questioned. More particularly, her personal beliefs. He sat back slowly. Maaka seemed to realise that he wasn't going to win the argument, beginning to nod himself.
"And thanks to Miss Shackleton, I am now aware of the situation." He watched as they began to relax, relieved the situation was over. "However, I did take great offence at the way she appeared to ridicule my culture, as if we were still living in the dark ages."
Davina quickly shook her head, her frown returning. "No, that is…" She paused to laugh in disbelief. "That is not what I was saying at all. I believe…"
He raised his eyebrows, a clear sign he didn't trust her. Rachel quickly interjected.
"You know what I think we have here? I think we have a very basic, simple misunderstanding." Her word was final and although such favour could be harmful, she didn't believe Davina capable of such prejudice.
The other two were clearly unsatisfied with the outcome. Davina exhaled slowly, the first to respond.
"Okay, look," she sighed. "I didn't mean to offend you and if I have then I'm really sorry, okay?"
She flashed a smile, as if to question whether she had placated the situation. Rachel seized the chance to settle the matter.
"I have to vouch for Davina," she insisted. "I can't imagine she'd try and insult you."
Maaka watched them both, pursing his lips as he considered the options. Eventually, he reached out his hand to shake and Davina took it in acknowledgement. Rachel could still sense the tension, granting this normal after what had occurred. She was just relieved that it was over.
"Great." Rachel flashed a grin. "You know, you two have got a free period next, haven't you?" She checked with her fellow teacher. "Davina, why don't you take Maaka to see Melissa?" Then she turned her attention back to the supply teacher. "She's in charge of our adult education. She's always on the lookout for a good teacher."
Perhaps it would prevent her sister from getting distracted. Maaka seemed more her type anyway; he had a similar vibe to one of her earlier boyfriends.
"Sounds good," Maaka agreed.
"Great, have a good day together."
Davina didn't hide her disinterest at being with Maaka, but she felt her boss' scrutiny, nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, I'm sure we will," she muttered.
Their chairs scraped across the carpet when they stood, all eager for the meeting to conclude. Rachel managed to call for Davina before she was able to storm out of the office.
"Davina, can you just…" She hesitated, watching Maaka as he left the antechamber. Lowering her voice, she stepped closer to her. "If he decided to push this, you could be in real trouble. Accusations of racism are not taken lightly."
The surprise on Davina's face was clear.
"Racism?" she exclaimed, her mouth gaping.
"That's what he was claiming if I hadn't talked him round." She watched carefully for any sign that he may be right. Davina placed her hands on her lips, biting her bottom lip as she considered the accusation. "Just be careful about what you say."
Davina never gave an answer, sighing heavily and rushing out of the office. Hopefully they had time to sort their differences. After all, they had another three weeks of him. Closing her eyes, she took a moment to review the situation, knowing there was little she could do. She couldn't control every outcome, as much as she wished she could.
Merely an hour later, Rachel heard the rustle of trousers. She assumed it was Eddie, leaning back into the chair with a genuine smile. He had hardly visited her the past week and she could feel her heart race with the possibility that he was there to see her, even for a brief talk.
But it wasn't him. It was Maaka. Her idea hadn't seemed to work; he looked enraged at whatever had passed in the last hour.
"I'd like to make a formal complaint about the student teacher you've settled me with," he demanded, his voice unusually stern.
She took a moment to gage his reaction, staring in disbelief. It was unclear how the situation had managed to escalate so quickly. It wasn't even lunch yet.
"Davina?" she questioned. "What's happened now?"
"I've tried, Rachel. I really have." His effervescent demeanour had disappeared and instead, he was furious. "But I've never met anyone so obstructive or unhelpful. I'm telling you, she's one nasty piece of work."
Rachel felt her panic rise. Not once had she ever received a complaint about Davina, apart from the odd scathing remark from Grantly. She was an example professional. Rachel knew she couldn't handle this on her own, especially as her last attempt hadn't worked. She would at least need Eddie's advice. If he hadn't been to see her, she was irritated to admit that she knew exactly where he would be.
To be optimistic, she checked his classroom, although she knew he had a free period. The classroom was resolutely empty. Rachel took a moment, sighing heavily. She knew she should speak to him, but she was scared of what she might find. Yet to her surprise and concern, Melissa's classroom was also empty. She wandered along the corridors, hearing only her echoing footsteps in response to her thoughts.
Rachel followed a vague sense to the cafeteria, reasoning that was the last place she had seen them. From through the glass pane, she saw the two standing closely together with their backs to the door. It had clearly taken Melissa the whole morning to clean the mess. Eddie was a distraction, their sides pressed together and their voices lowered in conspiracy. Rachel hesitated before opening the door, hearing their voices drift across the room.
"…wrapped around her little finger," Melissa was saying tauntingly.
He scoffed in response, visibly uncomfortable at whatever she was saying. Melissa didn't mind. She nudged him in the side, giggling. Rachel wasn't used to the notion that Eddie wasn't involving her in any discussions, that he could possibly have those private moments with anyone else. Some confusing, heated emotion rose instantly. Rachel was surprised at how quickly she was growing irritated with their charade. The realisation that she was being left behind terrified her.
"Hello?" She managed an inquisitive smile, her eyes flickering between them. "So, this is where you're hiding."
Her voice suggested she was joking, yet she adamantly refused to think of what she had seen the week before. Since then, they had hardly spoken to her or even concentrated on work. They spun around at the sound of her voice. Melissa hardly seemed embarrassed by her arrival, but at least Eddie looked suitably uncomfortable. He struggled with what to say.
"Yeah…" His mouth hung open. "Me and Mel were just talking about the Davina situation."
Rachel ignored that he had used her abbreviated name. "Well, he's just made a formal complaint against her."
She waited for an answer, but it seemed she wouldn't receive one from Eddie. He was staring at her strangely, as if he wasn't fully comprehending their conversation.
"He is such a chancer," Melissa scoffed, unaware of Eddie's strange behaviour. "Honestly, Rachel, just tell him to swing his hook."
Despite her slight annoyance with her sister, Rachel knew Melissa had met him earlier and her opinion counted for something.
"What are you going to do?" asked Eddie, his voice soft. It was clear that he wasn't going to advise her nor help her this time; his thoughts were elsewhere.
"I guess I'll speak with her." She released a sigh, questioning how it had come to this. "I just really don't need this right now."
"Right, well, erm…" His head jerked to the side, glancing between the two sisters. Rachel hoped he may offer to help, but that wasn't exactly his intention. "If you need any help, let me know. I, erm…"
Eddie fell silent. He felt her questioning stare as she tilted her head to the side. She couldn't understand his behaviour. It was unlike him to be so unfocused, especially when it came to the school. He seemed to sense that, avoiding her stare. Eddie lifted his hand to point lamely at the doors behind her.
"Better go." He hurried past her without a second glance.
She smiled despite herself. "Right? Thanks very much, Eddie."
Peering over her shoulder, the only response his offered was the raise of his hand. Undoubtedly, she was perplexed, seating herself on the edge of the table next to Melissa with a short laugh.
"What was that all about?" she chuckled.
Rachel hoped it was some explainable behaviour and the conversation would end there. If Eddie wouldn't speak to her, then she was curious enough to resort to asking Melissa. Although she didn't like the idea of having to ask her sister. Glancing up, she noticed that Melissa's accompanying laugh was rather quick and awkward. Her eyes widened as she struggled to answer. Rachel could still hear herself laughing but she was certain of what was about to happen. Her pulse quickened rapidly and her hands curled around the edge of the table, gripping it tightly as if it would steady her nerves.
"Look, Rach, there's really no easy way of telling you this."
Rachel felt her smile drop instantly. She considered the possibility that it would be something more serious, but then Melissa grinned and Rachel knew exactly what was happening. Her eyes flickered to the door, contemplating the idea that she could make her excuses and leave, although she needed the satisfaction of hearing a definite confirmation. At least then, she would know where she stood.
Melissa's voice cut across her raging thoughts with little mercy. "Me and Eddie have been seeing each other for a week."
Despite the confirmation of a fact she already knew, Rachel felt her heart stop and her mouth go dry. Gulping, she tried to maintain her composure, avoiding the vivid memory that she had of the two together. No matter how she felt, she knew she had to be support Melissa.
"Rachel," Melissa whispered, too excited to maintain her composure. She hardly noticed the change in Rachel's expression. "He is absolutely amazing! He's hardly been home in two days." She hardly paused to see Rachel smile bitterly. "You forget what that newness in a relationship does for you."
Rachel took a moment to answer.
"So, when did this…?"
She knew when but wanted to maintain her ignorance. Her voice seemed to fail her and she was left to watch Melissa grin, abashed for the first time in a while. She bit her bottom lip, swaying slightly in her giddiness.
"My first day?" she giggled.
For a moment, Rachel felt like they were teenagers again. Back when Melissa had rushed in, bright pink and continuously giggling about her first boyfriend. Her feelings softened at the image, missing those easier times in their relationship, but then Melissa shattered the illusion.
"You know what they say. Sex is good therapy."
Melissa laughed again. Her voice disorientated Rachel as she considered what she had just said, somehow enraged and uncomfortable at the mere suggestion. She blinked in rapid succession, leaning back, almost wanting to run from the room. The last thing she wanted to discuss with Melissa was all of those intimate moments with Eddie. Ones that she had imagined as happening much differently.
Rachel struggled to smile, feeling the edges of her lips flick frantically upwards. Then her smile disappeared as quickly as it came. Perhaps it was luck that Melissa did not catch her discomfort, else both would have to confront some unwanted truths.
"It's time you got someone, sis," she continued. "It works wonders."
Rachel tried one last attempt to appear pleased, but she couldn't deny how much the news had affected her, even as much as she had tried to prepare. Melissa was staring expectantly. If she hadn't been looking, Rachel would have flinched, taking a moment to abandon the farce that she barely was holding onto.
"Maybe I will." Her voice sounded strangled and this time, she did flinch. "You never know."
She let out a laugh, standing and reaching out for Melissa. Whether that was to steady herself or for Melissa's comfort, she wasn't sure. Squeezing her shoulders, Rachel dropped her arms back to her side and gave her one last reassuring smile. Then she finally allowed herself to leave.
Dragging her feet across the floor, she hardly registered the journey, the time, or even Joyce's greeting murmur until the office door closed resolutely behind her. There were no interruptions or thoughts. Rachel didn't have to pretend anymore. She stood there, glancing around the empty office before realising her hand was still gripping the door handle. Her chest heaved as her hand released her grip, but all she could feel was the furious tremble in her fingers. Raising her hand, she couldn't fathom how it would help but she felt her hand touch her lips, brushing along the skin there while she walked to her desk. Then her hand dropped and thudded against the desk. It hardly registered in her mind. Her gaze dragged across the office, at the grey sky through the window panes, the sofas and round table, and then the closed door. Resolutely empty. Five minutes passed before she realised that there was still Maaka to deal with. Her hands ran down the lapels of her blazer and as she gripped onto her blazer, she sat down and returned back to her comforting headmistress persona that she relied so heavily upon.
Rachel requested for Eddie and Davina to join her in the office, knowing he should be involved in one thing that week. It was serious enough for him to be informed and with a free period, there was no excuse for him not to be.
He arrived first, his neck craning to peer round the office as if expecting trouble. Then he stared down at her, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"Hey, what's going on? Is this about Davina?"
Standing, she headed toward the table. "We've had a formal complaint against her. It's about racism and general competence. I thought you needed to be here."
Eddie blinked slowly, nodding. He sensed her vague irritation with his previous absence but before he could form any response, Davina arrived. She glanced around, perhaps expecting Maaka.
"Ah, Davina." Rachel stood, edging toward the round table. "Please sit. There's something I'd like to discuss with you in terms of Maaka."
"What is it?" Davina demanded, perched on the edge of her seat. She glanced between the two senior members of staff, hoping someone would explain.
Rachel seated herself opposite, trying to gage Eddie's thoughts, yet he would not meet her eye. He was positioned by the door, arms folded like some kind of bouncer.
"A formal complaint has been made by Maaka Lacey," she told her, "in terms of your professional competency. I am afraid we will have to see this through…"
"A formal complaint?" Davina exclaimed, her voice rising over Rachel's. "It's me who should be complaining. You know he's not actually teaching them anything? I mean, he shouted at Karla. He even shouted at me."
Rachel glanced once more at Eddie. His mouth was firmly shut, despite being troubled at these new accusations, but there was still an undeniable absence in his eyes as if he were mentally unfocused. She couldn't rely on him to help her.
"Davina, I have tried my best to avoid this. I have to follow a procedure."
"So what?" she demanded. "Do I need to get my union involved?"
Leaning back in her chair, she took a moment to deliberate. "It would be an idea to speak with them, yes," sighed Rachel.
Davina rolled her eyes, clutching her hands together in her lap, perhaps to refrain herself from saying something she'd regret.
"No doubt Grantly will advise you on your position," added Rachel. The only thing he was always reliable for.
"Why am I getting the blame?" she frowned, her gaze resting on the table rather than on her boss.
"No one is getting the blame," Eddie finally interjected. He seemed to have taken notice of the situation, meeting Rachel's eye in silent encouragement.
Davina continued to grumble, her voice growing more scathing. "Well, it sounds like it."
"It is just a procedure." Rachel was desperate to gain control of the situation, trusting that Davina hadn't done anything wrong. She believed it would end in her favour if nobody was rash. "One I hope we can solve with mediation."
"Obviously we'll have to pull you out of Maaka's classes," added Eddie. "Sit in with me next lesson."
"Yeah, you just move me." She spun around in her chair to shoot a withering glance at Eddie. "Don't tackle the real issue."
"There is no issue," stressed Rachel. "He's a supply teacher."
Davina was too miserable to consider her opinion, raising her eyebrows and nodding her head slowly. "Pretty obvious who is going to be believed then."
Pushing up from her seat, she headed for the door, pushing past Eddie to get into the antechamber.
"Come on, Davina," Rachel called.
Her only answer was the slamming of the office door. Rachel sat back, shaking her head in disbelief. She knew Davina had a good case and the matter would be easily quashed. Eddie watched her, seemingly nonplussed at the turn of events.
"I'll have a word," he said with surprising calmness.
He turned to leave and she felt a certain panic. It occurred to her that he might want her to say something- anything- about his new relationship. She should have been a better friend.
"Erm, Eddie?"
He paused, peering over his shoulder at her. She wished she had remained silent, with the particular notion that she had to say something when there was nothing at all.
"I just wanted you to know that I know about Melissa and you."
She tried to smile in a friendly way, the same polite one she always used, but he stared at her with the same indifference. The silence was worse than his disapproval. Her voice cut across the room and she wished she knew when to stop.
"I don't know if congratulations is the word but, yeah, congratulations."
He was looking down at her, the same look in his eyes as the one he had near the staircase. Rachel wasn't sure what it was or what it meant, but it scared her that she might not really understand him at all.
"Thanks, it's early days." He motioned a smile but it ended in a grimace.
She assumed it was due to her awkwardness at handling the topic. "Well, as long as it doesn't affect your professional responsibilities." Such as the notice board or the breakfast club.
Her voice was growing higher in pitch and she cleared her throat quickly, trying to dampen her nerves with another realistic smile. She tried to shrug away the tension in the hope he would take it as a mere joke. He continued to stare strangely at her, not once appearing amused. His eyes dragged slowly around the room, then back to her with a flicker of a smile before leaving the room without another word. The thud of the door felt final and her smile dropped instantly. That had not happened the way she had envisioned, chastising herself for the clumsy handling of the news. No matter how annoyed he had been with her before, he had never been so distant.
Rifling through her business cards, Rachel felt the same sense of unease that had accompanied her since the start of term. Her work had been left aside and as the time ticked slowly by, she had grown restless. From the collection, she pulled out the card for Dr Patrick, the same doctor who had tried to persuade her to consider plastic surgery. She stared at the card, in-taking the slightest detail, then reached across the grab the office phone.
Dialling the number, she stood suddenly. "Hello, Dr Patrick. This is Rachel."
Her feet paced across the carpet of the office, turning at each wall that blocked her momentum.
"Yeah, Rachel Mason. I'm fine." Her voice was a strained cheerfulness; one of her hands moving up to fiddle with the hem of her shirt. "Well, I was just ringing to see if it's possible for us to meet up and, erm, discuss the… options." She dragged the word out as if to test it were the right one. "Well, any time. Right, tonight? Yes, that will be fantastic. Well, if it's alright with you, I'll meet you here later. Okay, yes, thank you very much. Bye."
She disconnected the call instantly, holding her breath for a second while she questioned whether that had been the right choice. Either way, she had organised a meeting and it seemed feeble to cancel. Placing the phone down on the desk, she shuffled closer to the window and peered into the playground. Some of the students were already filing outside for lunchtime. Their laughter calmed her slightly, yet it wasn't enough to distract from her turbulent thoughts.
Shuffling through the paperwork, Rachel was glad to find an inconsequential, yet beneficial, pastime. Joyce was beside her, both muttering a few exchanges every few minutes to decipher which paper went where. She needed the quiet. As she allowed herself a smile, she found herself regretting it mere seconds later.
With a startling push of the door, Tom entered the antechamber with a determined fury in his expression. "Rachel, I'm resigning as head of pastoral care."
"What? What's going on?" she frowned, standing straight.
Used to such dramatics, Joyce continued to rifle through the stacks of paper.
"Look, I can't be head of pastoral care while they're still here," he vaguely explained.
She knew who he was referring to without needing to ask. This was the opposite of what she had wanted, although she should have expected such a reaction after the apparent tension. Perhaps she had expected too much of him and assumed he would continue to be the professional she thought he was.
"Oh, come on, Tom," she sighed. "I know I've had my concerns about you and the Kellys, but never about your ability to do the job."
"You don't need to concern yourself anymore." He turned to leave, clearly thinking that would be the end of the conversation.
Rachel couldn't allow him to leave without further discussion. Between him and Davina, she had more than enough issues to deal with.
"Wait a minute!" she cried, rushing after him. "Tell me what happened."
He rounded back, his voice breathless. "I almost hit Earl Ke…"
Eddie bounded through the door at the same moment, his voice cutting across Tom's in his impatience.
"Rachel, I think Davina was right," he blurted.
As their voices mixed together, Rachel decided that Tom admitting physical threat was more important. The two men were staring at her. Tom began to open his mouth but she held up her finger; his lips fell shut.
"Can you just wait?" she suggested.
"I'm not sure I'm going to be able to stop myself next time," he declared melodramatically. "In fact, I know that I won't."
This was not something she had expected from Tom and she wasn't even sure how to respond with. These were serious allegations, even more so than Davina's. He could see her bewilderment, scrambling to explain further.
"He came into the office, goading me about…" He abruptly stopped, his head snapping to the side, as if he were highly vexed at whatever had been said. "I was that close to putting him through the window."
His fingers began to curl into his palm, while from behind, Eddie was looking between them, perplexed.
"Early Kelly?" he questioned.
"Yeah."
"When?"
"Half an hour ago."
Rachel knew something had occurred. Eddie never jutted his jaw for nothing and his hands had already dug deeply into his pockets. Rachel wasn't sure what she was going to do with two enraged men, especially as Tom had continued his avid rant.
"Look, I put it down in writing straight away in case I change my mind."
"Okay, Tom," she interjected, "you need to think about this when you calm down."
Tom sighed heavily and Eddie was glaring round the office in his usual disgruntled manner.
"It's not up for debate, Rachel," Tom told her. "I'm resigning."
"Come on, Tom, please." she shouted.
Tom had decidedly left that time, having concluded that he had no need for her opinion. She watched him disappear, throwing the envelope in her hand back down on Joyce's desk. Despite knowing it wasn't her business, Joyce, for once, had paused to watch the commotion.
"Great, that's all we need," exclaimed Rachel.
She was determined it was half Eddie's fault for not being present, but between Tom and Davina, she couldn't decide who was the biggest inconvenience. Without realising, she had passed a withering glance at Eddie, who appeared to be concerned for the first time that day. Rachel turned her back to him, heading back into the office but the rustle of trousers warned her that he was following. His hand reached up to cover his mouth, dragging down till it dropped from his chin and back to his side.
"Maaka Lacey is responsible for this." His voice was resolute in the otherwise silent room.
She found herself responding to the name, finally interested in what he had to say. He had ignored her all day and now, he had burst into her office, ranting the same way he always did. Although this time, she didn't understand what he was trying to say.
"Excuse me?" she frowned.
"He let Earl wander around the school when I specifically told him to keep him in lessons," he blurted, almost too quick to be audible.
Rachel sighed heavily. Lacey had only been there a day and he'd already caused every severe situation she'd dealt with in those following hours. First, his formal complaint and now letting students out of class, resulting in Tom's resignation. She knew what she had to do.
The corridors were silent. As much as Rachel enjoyed being among her students, she also loved that quiet when she could walk around the school and see the classes underway. She had been searching for Davina, having heard she was still somewhere on the grounds.
Eventually, she turned down the science corridor and saw a figure leaning against the door at the end. Rachel paused, scrutinising them for a minute before deciding it was the person she was looking for. She had her back to her, not reacting to the sound of Rachel's heels approaching, choosing to stare out into the car park.
"Davina." She reacted instantly to her name. "Can you come with me for a minute?" Rachel noted the anxiety in her face and tried to offer a comforting smile, particularly as their last meeting had escalated quickly. "Come on."
She trusted that Davina would have never been so unprofessional, yet her own role meant she couldn't have personal alliances. Rachel questioned whether her staff knew that or whether they assumed she had no interest in supporting them. After what she had learnt, she was suitably guilty that Davina had been blamed because of a lie.
Silently, she led Davina back to the classroom where Maaka was supposed to be covering. The class could be heard before she saw them. They were sitting on the desks, listening to music and scrolling through their phones. Glowering, she couldn't believe this had occurred without her noticing. She chastised herself for not listening to Davina.
Eddie was waiting for them by the door, already as concerned at his teaching methods as her. He reached out and opened the door for her, allowing her to go through first. The students fell into apprehensive silence immediately. Their gaze darted between her and Maaka, who was reasonably embarrassed. Her formidable stare swept the room before turning to Maaka.
"Mr Lacey."
One student pushed her magazine on the floor, as if pretending it wasn't hers. The break in silence did not lessen the tension.
"They were just having a chat," he muttered, trying a smile. He knew he had been caught. "They've worked pretty well."
"Right…" Dubious, she could see by their timid expression that he was lying. "Getting an easy time of it, huh?" They were surprised that she was questioning them, anxiously glancing between each other. "You can sit and chat at lunch and break times. Idleness is not an option in year twelve, is it?"
They seemed suitably frightened. Pleased they were dealt with, she stepped aside to let Davina pass.
"Miss Shackleton."
Already catching the hint, Davina passed with a smirk. "Thank you, Miss Mason."
She began to write on the board, her confidence returning. With a shooting glance, Rachel was half-turned to the door when she addressed Maaka.
"Can I have a word with you and can you bring your stuff?" she requested lowly.
While Davina's voice cut over the now silent classroom, Rachel returned to the corridors with Eddie in tow. He caught her eye before Maaka joined them, offering a smile of recognition at her handiwork. It was the first time he had properly addressed her presence all day. She felt a certain edge of comfort return, suppressing her annoyance for that small second of satisfaction. He checked that Davina had settled the classroom, closing the door firmly behind the three of them. Rachel walked slowly toward the staircase, only feet away, and paused at the top. When she turned to face him, Maaka was smart enough to look wary.
"You know, today I was reminded of how important every single lesson is and the difference a conscientious teacher can make."
She thought of the cumulative effect Maaka had made, starting at his late arrival and how that had continued to affect her day. All aside from her issues with Eddie.
"That's why we came into the profession," he tried, clinging onto the hope that she liked him.
Rachel studied him for a moment, the corner of her mouth flickering upward. "Yeah… I don't think you were making much of a difference today, were you, Maaka?"
"I think I gave them something different, yeah."
"Well, thanks to Davina, those kids are going to go home with a hell of a lot more than they would have done if you'd let them sit and chat all day." She saw him visibly gulp. "You can register your hours in the office." Turning to leave, she hesitated. "Oh, and as for your formal complaint, if you decide to pursue it, you should know that I will be backing Davina the whole way."
She was determined to show her staff more support, more than they believed she was capable of. Starting with Davina was the right thing to do. Joining them, Eddie stopped behind Maaka, bringing his familiar air of reassurance that convinced her that he ultimately supported her. Her smile widened, relieved that everything had ended positively, with Davina and with Eddie.
"She cares about children," she continued. "I don't know what you care about but it certainly isn't our kids."
With a second attempt to leave for her office, she heard him scoff.
"Your kids?" he seethed. "You talk about them like they are little angels. Half of them are a bunch of whining little bullies and the other half don't even have the brains they were born with."
Eddie cocked an eyebrow, peering at Rachel for her reaction. She caught his look, biting back a smile at his offended glare. This was the Maaka that Davina had tried to tell her about and Rachel should have listened. Now, she saw him clearly, trusting the instinct that she would rather be a teacher short than have him near her school. As much as it affected her, she had come to accept that she didn't need anyone else to tell her the school was worth it. She knew it was.
"No worries," he uttered scathingly. "I wouldn't come back here if you begged me."
He rushed down the stairs without another word or glance. Leaning over the bannister, she watched him disappear, feeling Eddie lean over to also watch. He brushed against her arm in the process and she instantly looked over to him. With a sly grin, he gestured to the bottom of the stairs.
"Goodbye to bad rubbish, if you ask me."
She hummed an agreement, too busy in-taking the pleasure of him talking to her again. He watched her, questioningly.
"Best go find Tom and Davina at the end of the day," he suggested softly.
"Yes," she nodded, blinking out of her reverie. "We should. I have some apologies to make."
Mere minutes after the school day had ended, Eddie appeared in her office to walk with her to the car park. Grinning at the simple gesture, she practically jumped from her seat and went with him. They kept to menial conversation, to which Rachel was conscious of the blunder she had made early in trying to congratulate his new relationship.
As predicted, they found Tom and Davina at the end of the science corridor, his arm in its custom position around Davina's shoulder. Rachel took a moment to relish their bliss, feeling the weightless air on her own shoulder.
"Davina," she called out.
The two took note of her, both happier than they had been the whole day. She was genuinely pleased to see they were in high spirits.
"Look, as you might have guessed, Maaka Lacey is not coming back."
"You were dead right, Davina," Eddie contributed. "He's a lazy waste of space."
Pleased, albeit modest, she was clearly pleased with the outcome. Tom tugged at her shoulders, pulling her closer.
"I told her," he grinned. "I said not to stand any messing from him, didn't I?"
The continued image of them perfectly happy and in love affected Rachel more than she realised. She had begun to smile without realising, staring absentmindedly at the two. But when Eddie spoke, his voice focused her back on the conversation.
"And if it wasn't for his incompetence, you wouldn't have had that conflict with Earl Kelly."
Tom's smile diminished and Rachel seized the opportunity.
"Yes, so we have a proposition for you," she told him.
Eddie nodded. "Yeah, we understand how hard it is for you to separate home and school at the moment. So, as from today, we're handling everything to do with the Kellys. Let's see it as you avoiding a conflict of interest."
He glanced between them, sombre but grateful that they had made the effort. "Thank you. I'll think about it."
It was better than a refusal. Rachel accepted his response, her good mood returning.
"Good. Well, we'll see you later."
They exchanged their goodbyes. With his radiant assurance, it almost felt as if there had been no awkwardness earlier between her and Eddie. She assumed it was something personal, else he would have continued to act strangely around her. They had even returned to finishing each other's sentences and conferring silently. Rachel peered up at him, unknowingly grinning, and he returned the gesture. Although he had said nothing, she knew he was following her back to the office.
Eddie stayed only a short while before he left to pack for the day. The conversation had remained on professional grounds but there was a lightness that hadn't been present earlier. She had waited till he had gone, sitting back in her chair for a few minutes, smiling foolishly at the door. Then she had packed her own things and headed for the car park. She had asked the surgeon to meet her by the science corridor, where she had parked nearby.
Hurrying through the corridors, she was conscious of staff seeing her with the doctor, no matter how innocent. Yet, half of her rush was the adrenaline at the prospect of removing her scar. She knew she couldn't keep it. Not if she wanted to return to normality. Rachel brushed her fringe to the side, spotting him at the door. Exhaling in relief, she approached him, eager to get it over with.
"Mr Patrick," she greeted.
"Hi."
"Thank you so much for seeing me."
"It's no trouble." He reached out to shake her hand, flashing a warm smile. "And please, it's Benjamin."
"Benjamin? Okay." She was already edging towards the door, anxious to leave. There was a chance she would be seen.
"Can we…" he began.
From the end of the corridor, Melissa's laugh carried across and Rachel knew her chances of remaining unseen were dashed. Abashed, she stepped closer to the door. The last scenario she wanted was for them to find her with a plastic surgeon, not that they would know that necessarily.
She saw Melissa enter the corridor with Eddie, their arms linked and laughing at some shared joke. Whether it was the fear of being caught or the sight of them, Rachel leaned closer to Ben with urgency. "Can we go somewhere a bit more private?"
He glanced at the door, questioning her unease, when Melissa exclaimed loudly in surprise.
"Just when you think you've seen the back of us today," she giggled.
Rachel's laugh sounded strained, even to her own ears. It was painful to hear.
"Benjamin, this is Melissa. She's my sister." She paused. "And this is Eddie, my deputy."
Melissa had already reached out to shake his hand, observing him all over with delight.
"Ooh, my deputy." She glanced up, beaming.
Eddie didn't look at her, barely muttering a greeting and seemingly disinterested in shaking Ben's hand. When he didn't reply, Melissa continued, nonplussed.
"No flies on you. Where have you been hiding this one?"
Melissa had never been good at discretion, nor whispering for that matter. Understandably, Ben appeared confused at first as to what she meant, although understanding dawned with excruciating slowness. Rachel knew he was uncomfortable with the assumption, as she was, and she tried to tell him silently that Melissa didn't speak for her.
"Erm, sorry," he frowned, "I'm…"
Rachel didn't want him to explain that he was a surgeon. She would rather take the embarrassment of him being mistaken for a date.
"Actually, we were just heading off, weren't we?" she interrupted, a clear suggestion to all that the conversation had ended.
"Somewhere expensive, I hope," Melissa rattled on, oblivious to the discomfort of everyone else. "I heard that new place in town is really nice."
She nodded suggestively, but harshly, at Ben, raising her eyebrows. Clearly, she wanted Rachel to be well-treated. The short silence that ensued was more than Rachel could endure.
"Right." Her comment was clear and final. "See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, sure," whispered Eddie.
He hadn't made eye contact with her nor Ben since meeting them. Heart racing, Rachel was certain he was judging her. For what, she didn't want to think about. All she wanted was to leave and so, she spun round and stormed off, knowing the couple were staring after her.
Ben led her to his car and even after they had sat inside, there was a deafening stillness. She held her breath, not sure if she should say something to appease the misunderstanding. As she opened her mouth, he spoke out instead.
"Rachel, I'm not really sure what happened there."
"I'm really sorry." She tried to laugh it off but she could feel her cheeks burning. "I… Well, I just didn't want to explain things in front of them."
He was clearly uncomfortable with the situation and she couldn't blame him. So was she.
"This has to be strictly doctor-patient," he asserted, trying to make direct eye contact. "There's no misunderstanding?"
Rachel released a quick silent string of curses for Melissa, who always happened to ruin things at the worst moment. She shook her head quickly, flustered that he'd even had to ask. As attractive as he may be, she certainly wasn't interested in him. That was not something she wanted him to believe.
"Absolutely not, no," she affirmed.
She tried to use her usual smile but it fell when she saw his face. He was suddenly cautious of her motives and she understood why. The meeting had been ruined. Turning her gaze out of the window rather than face him, Rachel wished she had arranged to meet him elsewhere. Anywhere that Melissa and Eddie weren't.
"Perhaps I should have arranged this at the surgery," sighed Ben.
"Of course." She reached for the door, knowing better than to plead her case. It would only make her look worse. Now she would have to wait longer for an appointment.
He seemed to take pity on her. "Look, why don't you call my secretary in the morning?"
"I will," she uttered. Seeing his doubt, she tried to offer one last smile. "I will."
Climbing out of the car, she slowly walked back to her own, hearing his car pass behind her. She half-heartedly raised her hand in acknowledgement as he left. Throwing her handbag into the boot, she got into the car and closed the door harder than anticipated. Rachel dropped her hands onto her lap, staring out ahead at the empty car park. She leant forward and rested her head on the top of the steering wheel, inhaling sharply. It had been a long day.
19th September 2008
Dear Eddie,
What is there left to say? These letters feel wrong. I was never under the impression that I was ever speaking to the real Eddie nor that these weren't questionable in the first place, but you belong to someone else now. I have no right to these unfortunate entries that are slowly collecting into reminiscent moments I would rather forget. And with that woman being someone so close to me, this only reinforces my concern. However, I know as wrong as it feels, I cannot end these yet. These feel my only lifeline to what we had, to everything I could possibly ever say but never will.
Today has been such a rollercoaster. Perhaps I could have said this to you in reality but you were hardly around to have experienced it. The whole scenario with Tom and Davina, together, apart, and that ever-looming dissent over the Kelly family. I just about managed on my own, although I have come to rely heavily on you for such simple things that I was quite unsure of myself. Never my judgement, rather the sense of where I am in myself.
Although I do question my judgement when it comes to you. I thought I knew you and even as I alluded to this in my previous letter, I felt that was reinforced today. For starters, I have hardly seen you all week. No doubt, you've been preoccupied elsewhere but as strenuous as our friendship has become, I hardly thought you would disappear completely. I feel like some small child or dumb animal, lingering around in the hope you'll notice me.
I admitted that I was ready for a relationship, more particularly, with you. That perhaps you will grow bored of each other and then I may build the courage to approach you. But I can see now that I misjudged the situation and that you and Melissa have genuine feelings for each other, whatever that may be. I hadn't anticipated your relationship to progress so quickly. Only a week ago I saw you both together and now you are already inseparable. I wonder if we ever seemed that way to others. I wonder if you ever thought of us that way. Now, I think of it more and more with a haunting realisation that my opportunity has escaped me. I will have to watch you grow closer as we become further apart.
For the whole week, I was certain that you might not last and even if you did, it would not last long. I still stand behind this, yet I have another fear that I may be wrong about it all. What if you stay together, going as far to live together or get married. At least you have both done it before- get married, I mean- whereas I have never even had the chance to be engaged. Another happy couple who are together forever. It wouldn't be fair for me to wish your relationship into an early end, but when I saw you both together this morning, that is exactly what I wanted.
There a lot of feelings that reside within me when I think about you both or are confronted with your happiness, most which I could never explain. Am I jealous? Naturally. If it were someone else, I might have taken the opportunity to express my feelings, even now, but I couldn't do that. Not to Melissa. I may have felt reassured somewhat if our friendship had remained the same but I felt that you hardly saw me today. It was like you saw straight through me. Either that or you were avoiding me. It wasn't until we had to work together that you took notice and like the fool I am, I relished every second.
Even the way you looked at me was strange. I couldn't figure out what that look was. In the past, I would have believed I'd seen it all- angry, sad, happy… All those other emotions. I had never seen the way you looked at me today. I thought that you might be angry with me still but that wasn't anger. Then it may have been guilt, although you would have completed your workload if you were that guilty. Perhaps you were reminded of what you had said to me and wished to forget it. You probably don't need reminding that you had ever considered the notion that you were attracted to me. Having been with Melissa now, I suppose you will forget that you ever said those things to more or ever thought them. That's understandable, of course, but it hurts nonetheless.
You know, I had to start my therapy this week, the one assigned for traumatic events. I hardly discussed any of last terms events, apart from the more obvious facts. This guy, Steve, after listening to me speak a while about my job in general, he said- "you rely on this Eddie, a lot, don't you?" I was so embarrassed that I refused to speak of you again for the whole session or any other sessions, for that matter. If he sensed that in the first hour then I am wary of what else he may find. As reluctant as I am for this therapy, I know it may help and so I hope to keep an open mind. It may be useful to have someone to talk to other than this journal, objective and non-judgemental. I know this is what I need.
Once I am able to understand myself, I may be able to correct everything, including us. Until then, this journal may have to be enough.
Faithfully,
Rachel
xxx
AN
FINALLY! I've been working on this since Christmas. It's been so disjointed that I can't even tell how well it flows and the ending was definitely rushed, so I hope it's okay. I have had this at the back of mind so don't think it's abandoned. Uni was just ridiculously hectic.
Also, who else finds it cringy when Eddie and Melissa flirt? I hated writing those scenes so I tried to leave them out as much as possible and will continue to. Plus, it's centred around Rachel, not them, so half the time it's irrelevant anyway. Although, it has made me want to write it from Eddie's perspective because he was so weird in this one. I thought it would have been interesting to search into how Eddie feels about Rachel finding out and how he views Rachel and Melissa in the beginnings of his relationship with Mel. It was very clear in this episode and not so much later that he's still very into Rachel (which in real terms, it has only been a week).
Rachel also came into her own in this ep and her character is back on track a little, so it's been good to write it.