Part 37
The passenger who was Eddie's guest was however a welcome one, it was Michael; Rachel couldn't help but think her two most favourite people were here.
Realising that Rachel couldn't wait any longer she made her way to assembly content with the knowledge that they would be joining her soon. Rachel had only just started the assembly about achievement when they walked into the hall, causing the pupils to turn round to see who had dared to walk in late. The pupils looked confused as they tried to work out who the small boy was.
Michael saw Rachel standing on the stage and managed to free his hand from Eddie's. He ran towards the stage, with Eddie unable to restrain him, he ran up onto the stage and gave Rachel another of his warm hugs. The pupils were surprised as they still didn't know who it was and what relation they were to Rachel. The pupils were discussing whether it could be Rachel's son, but were unsure why Eddie would have brought him. Michael released Rachel from the hug and held her hand, standing on the stage, for the first time realising the other pupils and feeling very intimated. Michael started to shake and he looked as though he was about to cry, despite being by Rachel he still felt very exposed and alone. Rachel felt sorry for him and instinctively picked Michael up from off the floor, he wrapped his arms around her neck and she cuddled him making him feel safe and secure; similarly to how Eddie does for her.
The main purpose of the assembly seemed to be lost so Rachel used the time to announce messages to the school. "We are currently looking to fill the position of Head Boy, so if you are interested can you give your names to Mr. Clarkson. We are looking to increase the number of teachers in the language department; in which Miss Haydock has been made Head of Department. It appeared like the whole school cheered at that announcement, which made Steph blush, however Grantly sat there with his arms folded as she was now the enemy. We will have a new P.E teacher starting after Christmas along with the possibility of a member of staff returning to take over the role of Head of Extended Services from Miss Ryan". Rachel knew she shouldn't have said the part about Melissa especially as Melissa didn't know but she felt she had more reason to be honest with the pupils rather than Melissa.
"It's a bit orthodox but have any of you got anything you want to ask me?" Rachel looked round the room at the pupils who obviously wanted to ask her a question. The pupils looked at Karla trying to convince her to ask it, Rachel realised this and said "go on I know you're dying to ask me something what is it?" Karla looked at Miss Mason and saw that she wouldn't get offended "Well we were all wondering who the little boy is?" Rachel smiled at Michael and said "I don't know you're here for two minutes and you're already the star attraction". This caused Michael to laugh and he whispered something in Rachel's ear which caused her to laugh, before she remembered she had a room of people expecting an answer to the question. "This is Michael and he is Mr. Lawson's son. This caused all the pupils to spin round and look at Eddie, who was standing there smiling at Rachel and Michael.
The bell rang for the end of the assembly causing the pupils to exit the hall; Eddie walked towards the stage and looked at Rachel "I'm sorry I couldn't stop him you know what he's like". Both of them looked at Michael who Rachel was still holding, almost as if he was offering comfort to her. "Yes I do remember" replied Rachel thinking back to the summer holidays, which always brought a smile to her face.
"Rachel, I had to bring Michael as his school is closed due to the snow, and Alison had to work, so I was wondering if you could look after him for me". Eddie said hoping that Rachel wouldn't say she was too busy, despite the meeting which she had for the new teachers. However realising the opportunity to be awkward Melissa had appeared and before Rachel was able to respond Melissa said "I will look after Michael" and she removed him from Rachel's arms and gripped his hand tightly.
Michael looked extremely disappointed at Rachel, a feeling shared by both Rachel and Eddie; however nothing could be done about it. Melissa looked at Rachel and said "you haven't got any experience so he would be better with me than you". Michael looked annoyed at Melissa and decided that she would regret saying this as he cared deeply about Rachel and Melissa had just offended her.