Thank you for the reviews :) x

This chapter is the first of a few that will be based around series 5 episode 11... but with my kind of twist on things to fit in with this story. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it...

Chapter 24: They'll Always Come First

Perhaps it wasn't realised until the back end of the Christmas break, but the time off work had done Rachel the world of good. Just being able to spend time with Eddie, Darcy and Philip all under one roof, had given her the opportunity to temporarily forget about Adam's actions and Melissa's comments.

But not so much the possibility of Christopher lurking. Because thoughts about the situation were still inevitable, and by the time New Year's Eve had passed - Philip had returned to university, and Darcy was back at Melissa's. It was when Rachel felt herself being able to open up about how she was feeling more to Eddie.

In a case of perfect timing, he walked into the living room with two mugs of hot chocolate. Rachel smiled faintly as she thought absentmindedly about how many hot drinks she'd had over the past week or so.

She knew that Eddie could tell she was thoughtful straightaway. They were only half watching the tv - it was more background noise than anything. Both Rachel and Eddie kept taking glances at one another, both pretending not to notice; right up until their eyes met at the same time. It was the final thing that prompted Rachel to talk.

"What you said… after… everything that happened. About me not having to pretend with you."

Rachel paused for a moment as Eddie placed his cup down, keeping his eyes fixed on hers the whole time. He shifted closer to her and Rachel followed suit by placing her cup down.

It was just the way that Eddie wrapped his arms around her, that made everything seem okay. His comfort emphasised that she was ready to talk about what happened, and worries she still had about what was to come next - properly.

Supportively, his hand brushed up and down where it rested on Rachel's side before he spoke, "that still stands. It always will."

Rachel grabbed Eddie's hand then, feeling unable to express how much she needed to hear him say that with words. How grateful she was for him saying that.

"I know I told you that… I was just trying not to think about it. And strangely enough, it worked. Over the Christmas period anyway," she glanced down at their hands, shrugging as she brushed a thumb over Eddie's knuckles, "but I think that was more to do with us being constantly busy more than anything."

Rachel sensed Eddie nod above her, "so now that it's nearly time to go back to work…"

"I'm starting to think about it far more," she confirmed, "I'm just not ready for the prying from the staff or… Kim's questions. Because… the police did ask her, about what was said in the pub."

"I know. And I know that you're worried, I get why. But the staff do respect you Rachel," he paused, perhaps as a way of gauging Rachel's reaction, "look, if they have got whiff of what happened, then they aren't going to say anything. Not unless it's asking if you're okay. Because behind it all, they do care, Rachel. Kim even more so."

"Maybe you're right. I just… how am I going to cope without you by my side constantly. You're all I've been leaning on in recent weeks."

It took a lot for Rachel to admit that, to admit that she leant on Eddie for support more than she would have ever expected to do with another person. She had spent far too much time relying on herself and herself only. So now that she had Eddie, she worried what would happen if that support was ever taken away. How she would cope without it.

"And I'm always going to be here for you to lean on. Remember? Whether that's literal or not."

Rachel tilted her head, smiling up at him faintly. Even as feelings exploded in her chest at Eddie's words, the uncertainty about whether this was the end or not was playing on her mind. Along with Melissa's words.

"It's not just that though."

"I know."

"What Melissa said… about not putting Christopher in harm's way. It's affecting me more than I would have liked. Or expected. You know… I'm more than certain that she… that she wouldn't think twice about throwing me under the bus."

"That's why she doesn't deserve you. She doesn't deserve a sister as loving and considerate as you. And you deserve better than Melissa, Rachel."

"I just… part of me expected her to care, Eddie. And as much as I try and… convince myself that she does… deep down, her reaction to what happened, tells me otherwise."

"I can see why it's hard to believe, but she does love you Rachel. How could she not?"

Rachel couldn't stop herself from smiling as she shifted herself even closer to Eddie, ensuring that there was barely any space between them.

"She has got a funny way of showing it though. But that's just the way she is, has always been."

"Putting herself before others."

Rachel hummed in agreement, "yes. Everyone apart from Christopher."

She could tell that Eddie wanted to ask the question. Ask if her brother was playing on her mind. Because yet again, he'd gone too quietly. It all just felt a little bit like déjà vu.

"And what about him?" Eddie eventually spoke, "are you worried?"

"A little," she lifted a shoulder, "he could be planning something else for all we know."

Instantly Eddie tensed up beside Rachel, and wrapped his arms around her so tightly, that she didn't think he would ever let go.

"Don't think like that. We can't."

Rachel sensed the worry in Eddie's voice, and instantly regretted her comment. It was clear that the thought of Christopher's wrath was playing on his mind just as much as hers.

Rachel stretched up, tilting her head so that she could place a kiss on Eddie's temple. He turned his head a fraction, just so their foreheads could be pressed together.

"It'll be okay Eddie."

Even as she spoke the words, Rachel wasn't sure that she believed them herself. And a stabbing pain in her chest told her that Eddie would see right through it.

"Just as long as you're by my side."

….

By the time the start of term rolled around a few days later, they had been informed that Adam had been given bail until his court hearing, with the condition that he wouldn't go anywhere near Rachel - or Eddie.

Even though she had a pretty strong inkling that even Adam wouldn't risk it, Rachel still found herself looking over her shoulder as she pulled up outside of school. Something that she wouldn't be doing if Eddie was by her side, she realised, and a shot of pain lanced through her.

That was quickly quashed however, as several pupils greeted her good morning when walking through the doors. It made Rachel think that, despite everything and all of her concerns, she was glad to be back. And when it came to the students, they were at the top of her agenda.

It was as she was walking along the corridor to her office, that Tom caught her attention and pulled her to the side.

They exchanged pleasantries, 'happy new years' playing a part. And then his expression changed and Rachel remembered that he had pulled her to one side, so obviously wanted to talk about something.

"Listen I heard what happened."

"Tom it's… you really don't need to worry," she assured, raising a hand.

"I don't want you thinking I'm prying or whatever. But just know I'm here if you ever want a chat. I know it must be difficult without Eddie here."

Instantly, Rachel realised, Eddie had been right again. The staff - or certainly Tom - obviously did care about her and how she was doing. So she found herself smiling extremely grateful and tilting her head.

"Thank you Tom. I really do appreciate that."

"No problem."

Rachel smiled again as she turned, saying her goodbyes as she made her way to her office. She had somewhat of a spring in her step. Which wouldn't have been there if she'd had known what that day had in store.

….

It was the second time that Kim had entered her office that morning, the first being to question how she was doing after the last day of term. But now, this was different, Rachel thought. Kim looked incredibly concerned, and furrowed her brow as she walked in, coming to stand in front of Rachel's desk.

"Bianka Vale… was it expected for her to be absent today?"

"Absent…" Rachel frowned, instantly drawn to her laptop to check the system for any notices about the young girl.

Kim waited patiently until Rachel began to speak once more, "not according to this, or to my knowledge."

Rachel quickly realised that Kim only looked more worried at the revelation, and she stood now, making her way around the desk.

"Kim, what is it?"

"She hasn't showed up to her first lesson. With no explanation."

Rachel's mind began to race instantly at the possibilities - she didn't know Bianka overly well, but knew her well enough to know that she wasn't one to bunk off school. She was rather academic, excelling in the majority of her subjects and building up a good relationship with most staff and students.

It was as Rachel was about to suggest a phone call home that a panicked knock was heard on her door.

She announced the customary 'come in' before glancing anxiously at Kim when seeing Michael Vale - Bianka's brother - on the other side of the door.

Rachel crossed the room to the boy instantly, placing a hand on his arm with Kim right behind her.

"Michael… is everything alright?"

"No miss. Bianka's gone and it's my fault. I should have… could have stopped her."

Another look exchanged with Kim, Rachel turned her attention back to Michael with hopes of getting him to calm down first and foremost.

"Slow down Michael," she heard Kim say, and was glad to see that the boy obeyed, taking a deep breath as he did so.

"What happened Michael, hm?" Rachel questioned lightly, ensuring to keep her tone soft as she tilted her head.

"Mum dropped us off, this morning," he began, sounding a lot more level now, "and we were already going to be late. So I told Bianka to hurry up. But she… she said that our dad was coming to pick her up, wanted me to come too."

"And why would… why would he be doing that, Michael? When she's supposed to be at school," Kim commented, looking across at Rachel as she did sp.

"Oh, don't get Bianka into trouble, miss, please."

"No no," Rachel cut across gently, "that's not going to happen," she paused for a moment, "but I would like you to answer Miss Campbell's question Micahel. If… if you can."

Michael nodded, "it's Bianka's birthday today. But mum won't let us see dad. Well, the courts decided that."

"Hang on a second," Kim spoke, "so, legally, your father isn't allowed contact with you or Bianka?"

Rachel's heart rate began to increase at the possibility, wondering what on earth was going on here, and constantly thinking of ways to solve the situation.

And as Micahel shook his head, her stomach dropped. Rachel could only think of Bianka, and how to help her.

"And she's gone with him now. He pulled up outside the school with another man too, in his van. Bianka tried to drag me along… but I ran off, miss. I didn't want to get into trouble."

Rachel looked across at Kim, knowing that they were both feeling wary about a particular comment in that sentence.

"Sorry, Michael, when you say another man?" Rachel queried, leaning down to his height.

"I… I don't know. I didn't recognise him. But my dad, he… he called him Christopher. And he had… brownish hair, brown eyes. If that helps?"