Hello everyone, thank you so much for your continued support with this story and special thanks to those who left a review on my last chapter.
Hope you enjoy this update... not too many left to go for this story now ! x
Only when required did Bianka prize open her mouth to speak; shock was now controlling the girl's earlier composed state. Which was why, after a round of police interviews, Rachel was surprised to hear Bianka instigate conversation and mutter a single question.
"What's going to happen to Michael now?"
A brief glance was exchanged between Eddie and Rachel. For both adults, this was something that had been playing on their minds, they just hadn't quite found the time to discuss it yet. Of course, Steven was now considered unfit to look after the boy, and that was before the possibility of prison. In that moment, Rachel was unsure how to place her answer to Bianka's question. Should she reassure her that they could adopt Michael too, before talking to Eddie about it? It was something that she deemed unthinkable; on top of IVF, and Bianka, it would be a challenging task, equally though Rachel wasn't willing to see Michael thrown into the care system. Deep down, beneath all the minor concerns, she was almost certain Eddie would feel the same way, it was just a matter of talking about the situation first.
Apparently, this was one of many scenarios where their ability to read one another's feelings came in exceptionally handy. A single warm smile from Eddie told Rachel everything she needed to know; whatever page she was on, he was there too.
"Eddie and I aren't going to see Michael forced into care, much like we didn't with you. I'll talk to Emma as soon as possible, see what she can do."
Rachel and Eddie were equally delighted to see an infectious smile spread not just across the girl's lips, but throughout her whole demeanour. It seemed that a large part of her initial worries were centered around Michael and his well being.
"Will I be able to see him soon then?"
"I don't see why not," Eddie commented, "I believe Emma is almost done with her interview, Rachel and I will go have a word."
Bianka nodded instantly in response, wanting to portray just how grateful she was for the couple's actions. No one had cared for her like Rachel, and now Eddie had in recent weeks; it was something Bianka would never forget or take for granted.
….
"Hi… Emma," Rachel spoke as she approached the woman with caution, well aware of the toll recent events must have had on her.
"Oh hi, how are you both holding up?"
"We're fine," Eddie commented for himself and Rachel, "what about you?"
"It's nothing honestly, I'm doing fine. Nothing I haven't endured before," Emma joked halfheartedly, allowing her body to slump back in the chair.
"Listen…" Rachel began, as her and Eddie took seats opposite Emma, "Bianka mentioned earlier, about Michael, and where he's going to go now."
The woman raised her head, listening intently; this was something that had only just crossed her mind now, what with everything else unfolding.
"We were wondering, if it would be possible to adopt Michael too? You know, it never seemed right to split the siblings up in the first place, but now even more so."
Emma nodded profusely, drinking in every ounce of information, "yes, you're right. A colleague of mine is already on his way to pick Michael up from Steven's home address, they shouldn't be long. Once they're back, we can get all the necessary forms in order."
Under the table, Eddie discreetly placed his hand on top of Rachel's knee; this was it, the final hurdle the pair would have to face before true happiness. The IVF process was in place, with the possibility of their own child on the horizon. If it didn't work, that didn't necessarily matter to either of them. Rachel and Eddie had found a family within Bianka and Michael, that was something that would continuously grow, to allow the pair to cherish it forever.
….
Rachel and Eddie gazed on from the sidelines as the two siblings were reunited. The obvious bond between the two warmed Rachel's heart especially, it made her ponder on all the good times she and Melissa had shared. It was strange how in that moment, Rachel longed for that sisterly bond to be reconciled. A vow was made to herself, she would contact Melissa and seal up any previous differences; this would be a fresh start for everyone, not just Rachel and Eddie.
"Come on then, let's get home," Eddie's voice rang in her ears joyfully. The word home in particular.
The house she and Eddie had shared in recent months had become their home, but now even more so with Michael and Bianka. That one word held an abundance of meaning to all four of them.
A short drive home was full of laughter and endless chatter. It truly was beautiful for Eddie and Rachel to witness Michael and Bianka's happiness steadily seep back into the both of them. This might've been one of the reasons why it felt so natural for Bianka to lean forwards, and place her hand on Rachel's shoulder, simply questioning, "can we get a Chinese for tea?"