Hi everyone, firstly, a massive thank you to all of you for reading and for leaving reviews. To answer Lynny's question, I will be doing more on the Bianka story (what happened after etc) but I think this chapter will answer that for you :)

Anyways, hope you all enjoy, let me know what you think x

'm sorry … no please don't! She's your daughter Gary.'

Eddie's eyes opened like two flashlight beams in response to Rachel's cries. It was her third nightmare since the Bianka Vale incident, so the wailing seeping into Eddie's ears didn't shock him in the slightest.

Acting on instinct, he closed the gaping gap between their bodies in an attempt to comfort her. It seemed that his utterances and physical warmth were the remedy for Rachel's unconscious outbursts. This time, it took marginally longer than usual. But that didn't matter, Eddie persisted with his actions nonetheless, he was a man of his word. Whatever it takes. Frankly, the lack of sleep was utterly irrelevant - all that mattered to him was Rachel's well being, and her road to recovery. He would be there for her every step of the way.

As expected, it wasn't long before the woman wrapped in his embrace fell once more into a deep slumber. Her breathing though, was still erratic.

Despite Eddie's eyelids demanding otherwise; he continued to caress Rachel's hair and cradle her body tightly, until he was satisfied by her peaceful state. Slowly but surely, his head nodded forward to rest on Rachel's shoulder. This slight movement soon triggered his whole body to drift off. Even whilst asleep, the alignment of his build with Rachel's remained - nothing could break them apart.

….

On the surface, it was a pleasant day for early September: crisp blue skies; a gentle breeze; the rustle of the trees. A slight warmth from the sun shone on Rachel's back; it seemed to expand excellently to give her a sense of comfort. Another day was on the horizon for her and Eddie. If the weather was anything to go by, it would be uneventful and calm. Somehow she didn't think so, this was a rare occurrence during daily life at Waterloo Road.

Rachel's content state was soon harshly aborted. It began with several quizzical looks from Eddie. Obviously he was worried about her. That was evident in the wrinkles of his forehead added to the tilt in his neck. These things were noted with simplicity.

Why though?

Ultimately, it was his concern that allowed Rachel to piece together part of the puzzle.

Another nightmare.

Sure enough, remnants of her nights' sleep soon settled uncomfortably in her brain. Waves of familiarity washed over her; nightmares had become a regular occurrence in the recent week. Seven days on from the incident in the caravan, and emotionally, Rachel was a world away from recovery. She wondered if she'd ever fully restore her previous nature - the event had truly shaped her into a different person.

It swiftly appeared that the revelation of her thoughts had changed her demeanour entirely. Eddie of course, was quick to pick up on it.

Once the pair were settled in Rachel's vehicle, he sensed an opportunity to break the silence.

"You can talk about it you know," he spoke softly and stretched out an arm to rest it on her leg.

Rachel's eyes darted to his and back to land on her lap ridiculously quickly. Too quickly. She was avoiding him.

Her guard wouldn't come down. Not today.

Despite her reluctance to open up, Rachel loved how amazing Eddie's instincts were. Not a moment of the day passed where he didn't comprehend her feelings and inner thoughts. He was truly remarkable.

"It's okay, really. Just a nightmare."

Just a nightmare. When would she stop running?

"Rachel… you were shouting out again. I just think, maybe you should see someone about it."

"Oh Eddie, I'm fine really."

No matter how much love Eddie held for Rachel, he couldn't help the slight irritation that now engulfed him. The dismissiveness in her tone suggested the exact opposite of what she was saying. Rachel was not okay. Something needed to change. It was obvious that she wasn't fully coping with last week's events, and it worried him tremendously. For now though, he flashed her a set of inquiring looks to portray his message. Rachel didn't need to ask, his expression told her everything she needed to know. Her facade was unnecessary. Eddie was immune to it.

….

"Bianka Vale is in the cooler again."

Eddie's comment caused a rather large sigh to escape from Rachel's mouth. It appeared she wasn't the only person feeling the weight of last week's events. Totally out of character, Bianka had been spending the majority of her time isolated in the cooler, ever since her father's death. She had told Rachel that she was coping. Of all people though, Rachel knew how easy it can be to hide your true emotions.

"Oh the poor girl… do you know Eddie this is so unlike her. I think I should go and talk to her, see if I can maybe you know, get her to open up."

The deputy head quirked an eyebrow; perhaps this could be a perfect solution for Rachel also.

"Yes," he said, whilst taking a step closer to the desk, "and maybe, if she can be honest about her own feelings, it'll be worthwhile for everyone."

Everyone.

What he meant to say was worthwhile for you.

Eddie's implied meaning was clear, it didn't need explaining. Rachel had to admit that he was on the right lines - maybe, just maybe this was the breakthrough she so very required.

The man in question turned on his heel before making a pathway for the door. Year 10 maths was on the horizon.

"Eddie."

Rachel's voice had him backtracking on his steps immediately. Almost in an instant, his focus was solely based on her. Eddie wasn't sure what he was expecting, but a sincere 'thank you' hadn't been on his mind.

"What for?" he inquired, genuinely puzzled as to what she could mean.

"Well… you know… what I mean is, earlier. You were looking out for me, being extraordinary…" she lost eye contact with him instantly and flushed a deep crimson at the thought of her own foolishness, "and as usual, I pushed you away. I pushed you away along with my true feelings, I'm sorry."

With that Eddie's position totally shifted. His maths class was a distant memory. It didn't take long before the pair were directly opposite one another, his hand caressing her cheek.

"Hey, you've got nothing to apologise for."

She didn't believe him. Rachel would blame herself and no one else.

"I do understand Rachel, how hard it must be to talk about what happened."

For her, hard was an understatement. Every time Rachel attempted to speak, it felt like someone was stamping on her throat to prevent her words from escaping. But even she knew that she had to try. Eddie was there for her, no doubt about that. One thing was clear though, he wasn't a miracle worker, he could only help her if she talked to him. They had to be of use to one another.

"However long it takes Rach, I'll still be here. Don't forget that."

Rachel glanced up at him, and for the first time Eddie became aware of the salty residue resting on her cheeks. This was why, before speaking his next words, he brought a hand up to the skin below her eyes and brushed away any evidence of tears.

"Now, how about you go and find Bianka and have a word with her."

Rachel replied with an enormity of gratitude and thanks. For the first time in a while, she felt like she was getting somewhere. Eddie was right, it would do her the world of good to bring down her walls. It would be hard, but there was certainly no harm in trying. Perhaps Bianka was the key to Rachel's personal recovery as well as her own.

There's only one way to find out.