Part 29

The lunch bell rang; Rachel left the Waterloo Road building and got in the same car which picked her up a couple of nights ago. Then drove into the park's car park and just sat there in silence, Jamie didn't know how to say what he needed to and Rachel didn't know what she was doing here.

Tom was sitting next to Eddie in the staff-room, "so do you think I should do it Eddie?" Tom asked hoping that Eddie would give him the courage he needed to ask Davina.

"Yes, I honestly think you should, I mean, what did you tell me 'you should tell her' so yes I do believe you should do it". Eddie and Tom laughed knowing that it was a lot easier to give the advice than to take it. "You know what; I'm going to do it now". Tom said defiantly marching out of the staff-room.

Steph had just walked into the staff room as Tom marched out looked at Eddie "What was that all about?" trying to act as if she was concerned rather than just wanting the gossip. "Don't worry about it Steph I'm guessing you will find out soon enough" Eddie said refusing on being drawn on something that wasn't his news to tell.

"Ok then, anyway I want a word with you Eddie". Steph said in a tone which sounded like she was going to discipline him. Eddie couldn't help himself but think if she spoke to her class like that she may actually get there attention " What is going on between you and Melissa?" Eddie looked at Steph confused "there is nothing going on". "Don't give me that, I know it and so does Rachel, I thought you were meant to care for her". Steph looked at Eddie as if she were disgusted with him. "I do care for Rachel, hang on since when were you looking out for Rachel". Eddie asked extremely suspicious about Steph's intentions. "Well I'd be the first to admit I didn't like her before" Eddie snorted, but Steph carried on regardless "but I actually admire her for the way she has dealt with everything and I don't particularly like Melissa". Eddie laughed as she was always complaining but he did respect her for admitting she was wrong. "Thank you Steph" Eddie honestly said. Steph got up and was beginning to leave the room when she turned to Eddie and said "If you hurt Rachel, you will have me to answer too".

Tom and Davina rushed inside the staff-room "look everyone Tom's just asked me to marry him and for some bizarre reason I have just agreed". Davina said holding up her hand to show off the engagement ring. There was a chorus of congratulations and various people approaching Davina to look at the ring, all commenting how beautiful it looked.

"So then Jamie are you going to explain why you dragged me to the park's car park during my lunch hour". Rachel joked.

"Well, I got something to tell you", Jamie said not looking at Rachel, "You see I'm already married and my wife has been in Africa for the last year during charity work, however she is going home next week". Jamie said quickly without turning his head to look at Rachel. "So it's been fun but let's just finish it now" Jamie said now looking at Rachel with no disappointment in his eyes.

Rachel didn't say anything she just opened the car door and watched Jamie drive away. She sat on the park bench feeling humiliated and betrayed as Jamie had made her lose the man she loved, no, loves.