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Chapter 19: Same Situation, Different Person

Rachel had hoped she was imagining the fact that Adam knew exactly what he was talking about, and he would be exactly what the school needed in terms of a chef. But as she turned to Mrs Longforth, Rachel knew she wasn't the only one with that opinion. It was obvious from the small smile on the woman's face.

So things weren't exactly going in her favour. Unless she took on the, 'it could be worse' approach.

Perhaps making Rachel feel more uncomfortable, was the way Adam's eyes seemed to remain on her for almost the entirety of the interview. They only moved as Mrs Longforth asked her questions. And suddenly Rachel felt like she could breathe again.

She was too wrapped up in where her and Eddie would go from here, and what they were going to do about it all, to notice that the interview had come to a close. The knowing look that Adam gave her as he stood and said his goodbyes, didn't exactly help in any way shape or form. He could probably see her brain working and putting two and two together.

It was as Mrs Longforth began to talk through her thoughts about the candidates that Rachel seemed to realise that she was going to have to work in the same building as Adam, day in, day out. Unsure of his intentions and personal thoughts. Rachel couldn't exactly object the woman's opinion, about Adam being the best person for the job. Because it was the truth, and Mrs Longforth got the final say anyway.

That had been expected, throughout the entire interview process, Rachel had seen that coming. And all she wanted to do as she collected her bags from her office, was go home to Eddie and curl up on the sofa. Preferably with a takeaway and a bottle of wine. Cooking wasn't at the top of her agenda. Nor would it be Eddie's, Rachel presumed. Certainly not after she explained the final decision.

What Rachel didn't anticipate however, was seeing Adam stood outside of the school. Obviously waiting for someone. And the thin tendril of worry that ran down Rachel's spine, was enough to say that that someone was her.

The way he smiled at her, took Rachel back to when she first met him. Before everything with Christopher. But she could see right past that. And she knew that Adam wasn't the person he once was.

Rachel couldn't think of the words to say so left it up to Adam as he walked closer to her, too close.

"I did mean it Rachel. It's… good to see you."

"Yes I… I do really need to get going now so…"

Rachel went to turn but was stopped by Adam's hand on her arm. His grip was just a bit tighter than she would have liked, and she found herself scanning the car park for company.

"Why did you change your name?" he spoke innocently, and Rachel had to resist the urge to scoff. Christopher would have definitely filled him in about her past after she returned as Rachel. Even if she hadn't felt able or willing to do so, "I think I prefer Amanda. It suited you."

Rachel gulped, wishing for a countless time since he left, that Eddie was still her deputy. Maybe then he would currently be by her side. And she wouldn't be in this precarious situation.

"I'm sure if you ask my brother… he will be more than happy to let you know."

"How about we do that over a drink?" he suggested, once again - butter wouldn't melt. Once Christopher had manipulated him, Adam had become rather good at pretending to be the lovely person he once was on the surface. Something which Rachel knew she couldn't let herself fall for.

"Like I said I've… really got to go."

"Husband waiting at home for you?" Adam glanced down at her left hand, frowning, "just… I don't see a ring."

Rachel found herself chuckling, willing the tension in her body to ease away, "no I… no husband."

"Really? You've always been attractive, Rachel."

Rachel was surprised but glad when Adam dropped her arm. It gave her the opportunity to step back and put a little bit of distance between them. She didn't like where this conversation was going or what Adam's game plan appeared to be.

Rachel had always considered whether or not he'd had some kind of feelings for her, back when they'd first met. But she'd just brushed it under the carpet, seeing it as a school boy crush that would be over in a week. Although from the way he was looking at her now, Rachel worried if it ran deeper than that. Maybe Adam had a motive to get back at her and Eddie just like Christopher did. Maybe this was the same situation as it was with Melissa, pining over Eddie. Just with a different person.

Adam took another step closer as Rachel took another step back. She tried not to make it obvious that she was avoiding any physical contact with him, but Rachel did guess that her uncomfortableness was probably written all over her face.

"Another time then?"

"Yeah… maybe," Rachel responded, knowing that Adam would keep pushing the subject if she didn't give him some form of hope.

"And you'll let me know about the job tomorrow?" he called out as she reached her car, chucking her bag in the boot quicker than she'd ever done before.

"Mrs Longforth will be in touch. She's making the final decision."

Rachel half expected Adam to continue talking or make a move towards her again as she stepped into the car. But he didn't, simply nodded and smiled. Clearly he was wanting to keep a lot of his 'nice guy' persona up for now. What worried Rachel, was that it wouldn't last forever, and Adam would soon put himself across as the man that Christopher had taught him to be.

Rachel didn't realise how fast her heart was beating until she began to drive. It was practically pounding in her chest. All she knew was that she needed to get home to Eddie and fast. Because he was the only person able to calm her when she was in this particular state of mind.

….

Eddie knew that Rachel's day was bound to be tough no matter what the LEA decided. Seeing Adam again, and worrying about his links to Christopher, would be difficult in itself. He dreaded to think how much it would affect her if Adam did go on to get the job. Eddie found himself in another situation where he was wishing and longing to be back at Waterloo Road. Just to be there for Rachel at all times, and by her side. Because no matter how much he supported her when at home, there was no denying that during work hours - if Adam got the job - Rachel would have to deal with whatever he and Christopher were planning, effectively alone. Something which Eddie hated the thought of.

The conclusion he had come to, was that he would just have to double his reassurance and support when he and Rachel were physically together. Just to show her that, even when they were both at work, he was very much by her side in mind.

With the knowledge that, whatever the decision, Rachel would just want to relax when getting in from work, Eddie had set off early to get home before her, planning to make them dinner. Just one of the ways that he wanted to make her feel special, and try to keep her smiling even when things seemed to be going back to square one.

But he still couldn't help wracking his brains for something to help this situation they found themselves in, even as he concentrated on dinner.

Half an hour or so later, Eddie heard the unmistakable sound of Rachel's key in the lock. It was weird how he could tell from just Rachel's tone of voice as she called out, that she wasn't okay. Maybe the day had gone worse than either of them had predicted.

"Eddie?"

He listened as Rachel placed her bags down in the hallway, before he placed a lid on the multiple pans, letting them simmer whilst he lit a few candles and made his way out into the hallway to greet Rachel.

"Hey," Eddie spoke softly as he approached her, not missing the way her eyes had a glazed look to them, or the way she seemed rather shaken up.

It only took one slight touch of the arm for Rachel to melt into his embrace, and Eddie found himself feeling surprised at how easily she slid into his arms.

Rachel held onto his shirt tightly as Eddie anchored an arm around her waist, smoothing his other hand up and down her back. Just with hopes of calming her now shaky breath.

He left them in silence for a few moments, just allowing Rachel to process whatever had gone on. Once Eddie recognised the tension in her body to be pretty much gone, he pulled back so that they could make eye contact, albeit keeping his arms around her waist.

"What happened?" he tucked a strand of hair behind Rachel's ear as he spoke, patiently waiting as she stared at him with wide eyes, obviously preparing herself for what she wanted to say.

"Adam, he's… going to be offered it. He's going to be offered the job by the LEA."

Eddie sighed, going to speak before Rachel stopped him. There was evidently more to this.

"But that's not all," she confirmed, taking a deep breath, "Eddie I… I'm almost certain now. That Christopher is involved."

Eddie's curiosity heightened instantly, worrying about what could possibly make this situation more difficult for the both of them, but knowing that he would be part of a team with Rachel every step of the way. She wasn't alone on this one, and Eddie wanted her to know that. He would always be fighting her corner.

"Why don't we go through here and sit down?"

Eddie smiled faintly as Rachel nodded, taking her hand as he led her through to the kitchen.

He heard her saying his name in appreciation at the sight of the breakfast bar set up with two plates and cutlery, along with a vase of flowers and several candles. He was yet to plate up the food, and went to turn the heat down before looking back at Rachel, knowing that them talking should be a priority.

Eddie was glad though, to see the genuine happiness in Rachel's features at his efforts. It had been Eddie's intention, to make her smile and make a probably rubbish day slightly better.

"I… didn't think you'd fancy cooking tonight, so…"

Up until that point Rachel had been looking on at Eddie, somewhat in awe. Unexpectedly though, she walked towards him as he finished speaking, placing a hand either side of his neck and pressing her lips to his.

Eddie was relatively surprised at first, but soon found himself responding, kissing Rachel back and threading his hands through her hair.

It was as Rachel's hands moved to his shirt, intending to undo the buttons that Eddie paused, placing his hand gently over the top of hers.

She looked up at him in confusion, clearly wondering why he'd brought their movements to a halt.

Eddie smiled down at her softly, readying himself for what he wanted to say. He worried that if they didn't talk about Rachel's day now, she would avoid opening up to him and he wouldn't be able to be there for her as he longed to be.

"Talk to me," he whispered.

Rachel glanced down and Eddie wondered if, despite her admission that she wanted to confide in him, she was planning on putting the topic off.

"Eddie…"

"Let's eat, and we can talk too. With the knowledge that…" he spoke as he leant forwards again, kissing Rachel softly before pulling away, "later, we can pick up with where we just left off."

Eddie was glad that his comment had the desired effect, and Rachel smiled, running her fingers across his jaw before pulling away, taking a seat at the table.

Once he'd plated their food up, Eddie took his seat opposite Rachel, sharing a smile with her as she thanked him for the pasta dish.

"Now… are you going to tell me what else happened? Other than him getting the job. Because I can read you, Rachel."

She just smiled at him for a few moments, as if saying 'don't you think I know that by now.'

"He waited for me, Eddie. Adam waited for me outside of the school."

Eddie frowned, not liking where this was going, "and what did he have to say for himself?"

Rachel sighed, "at the start of the interview, he called me Amanda. Despite… having seen and spoken to me after my name change. Which obviously… points straight away to the involvement of Christopher. Outside the school, he then proceeded to... ask me for a drink, whilst… grabbing my arm."

Eddie felt his features contort into disgust as Rachel's eyes levelled with his. So Rachel hadn't been exaggerating when she'd said that Adam had become practically a clone of Christopher. Because his reference to Rachel as Amanda was certainly similar to Christopher's comments at Darcy's party. Not to mention the fact that Adam had asked Rachel for a drink, and grabbed her arm. Eddie wasn't sure if he was hiding his frustration too well.

"He what?"

No, not too well at all.

Rachel raised her eyebrows, reaching for Eddie's hand across the table, "he'd asked me why I changed my name. Which is ironic in itself, there is absolutely no way that my brother hasn't… you know, explained the ins and outs of my past."

"Seems unlikely," he paused, "at what point did he grab your arm?"

"After I… told him that I needed to go, and to ask Christopher why."

"And what part of 'I need to go' did he not understand?"

"Apparently none."

Eddie couldn't stop himself frowning again, "has Adam been like that with you before? In the past?"

"That's the thing," Rachel let out a breath as she looked down, letting go of Eddie's hand to rest her head on her own, "I discarded it in the past. I'd always seen it as a… meaningless school boy crush. But Melissa she… ironically, she always said that Adam had some sort of obsession with me."

"Obsession?"

"Adam went through a period where… he was constantly asking me on dates. He even tried to kiss me several times."

It dawned on Eddie then that Adam probably had a motive just as prominent as Christopher's in all this.

"So if that's the case then…"

Rachel obviously got his way of thinking because she nodded, raising her eyebrows, "then making our lives a misery means just as much to Adam as it does to Christopher."