Steph took a deep breath, looking to Rachel and smiling what she hoped was a reassuring smile. She didn't want to drop anyone in it, except Stuart of course. So she nodded her head and began to speak. "Mr Hordley used me, he tried to get to Rachel. I'm sure she'll have left that out, trying to protect me." She rolled her eyes softly, taking in for herself just how strange of a situation this was. She was fighting tooth and nail to keep Rachel's job, when she didn't even like her to begin with. Now she'd even go as far as to call then friends, would turn to Rachel if she needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to. As long as she got to keep her job, that is. "But I didn't do what he wanted, I didn't use it against her. Because I know she was better than her past, I knew she was doing great things at the school and Waterloo Road needs her."

"Steph, you don't need to-"

Rachel interrupted, but Steph shushed her with wag of her finger, letting her know that she was going to keep speaking no matter what she thought of it. "I know I don't, but I want to." She confirmed, knowing she'd feel a lot better if she got her say and helped in whatever way she was able to. "This place was going to the dogs, it's got the worst reputation in Rochdale. At least, it had. Before Rachel."

Eddie felt it was right for him to step in to put his point across and pick up from Steph, knowing he had more to say and wanted the chance to do so before the governors had enough of them both speaking for her. "Do you know we now have kids putting us as their first choice from primary school?" He didn't wait for them to answer, was glad they were simply sitting and listening without interrupting them both. He moved closer to Rachel and touched the back of her hand, which was not noticeable to anyone else in the room, but he wanted her to know he was there for her. She looked at him with tears in her eyes, her eyes already red with tears he was sure she shed was Stuart was giving whatever speech he gave. "We've never been a first choice, always a place that the left overs get placed. Now we have parents coming to open days and asking about how to secure places. That didn't happen before, not until she came." He nodded in her direction and then turned to point at the door, where he knew they'd all watched Bolton walk out of earlier. "Bolton Smilie was on track for a life in prison or worse, but now he's going to leave here with his needed qualifications and a good head on his shoulders too. I could go on, she's saved this place and no matter her past, I'm proud to work beside her." He finished, pride in his voice as he finally got his say. He got tell by their faces that they were conflicted, and he was glad that they were considering all the options and not being rash.

Rachel cleared her throat and decided enough was enough, she hated waiting around and really couldn't take anymore big speeches on her behalf. "Look, it's not about Steph. It's not about Bolton. Its not about Stuart or my past, not really. It's about this school. If you think it's best, I'll leave." She addressed the room, receiving calls of shock from both Eddie and Steph, which she expected.

"Rach-"

"No, Eddie." She shook her head at him to silence anymore protests he was about to make. "We knew it was a possibility. If it's best for the school, I'll leave."

"Miss Mason we're not saying that." A member of the LEA answered her, sharing a look with his colleagues as they all deliberated what it was they needed to do.

"Then what are you saying exactly?"

"We know there will be opposition, if this is to get out."

"I can face comments from parents and the odd student. I just need to know I've got your support." Rachel replied bravely. As long as she wasn't out on her ear, she couldn't handle a few comments. They weren't threats, they wouldn't cost her her job.

"You've got mine." Steph added quickly, not wanting to leave a long gap of silence.

"And mine." Eddie spoke from next to her, confirming of course what she already knew.

Next, Colin spoke. He'd watched on in awe as Rachel tackled the room. She didn't defend her past actions, didn't make excuses but was honest about what she did and why. Nobody could argue that she was the best thing to happen to this school, and they'd be stupid to lose her over something that happened when she was still a child herself. "Mine too."

The silence was painful, as everyone else in the room exchanged heavy glances. Eddie shifted, so that he was stood slightly behind Rachel, able to grip her hand with his and hide the movement with her body. Her flingers clutched at him tightly, even as her face remained calm and almost impassive.

"I agree with them," Nigel, the head of the governors said eventually, and shocked eyes fell on him. He shrugged. "My concern remains with this school. As it stands, I don't believe relieving Miss Mason of her position will be of more benefit than leaving her where she is."

Rachel let out a shuddering breath, as murmurs of agreement rose up. Eddie's gaze flicked over everyone, not missing the fact that while not everyone had voiced their support, they weren't disagreeing either. Rachel's nails were digging into his hand, but only he was close enough to hear the way her breathing was shaky and hitching. He was so busy concentrating on her that he didn't notice the conversation in the room, until Colin loudly cleared his throat. "Then it's agreed. A generic statement will be prepared, neither confirming or denying anything but voicing the LEA's and the governors support for Miss Mason. In the likely case that Mr Hordley somehow makes this go public, that statement will be released."

Rachel felt like she couldn't breathe. Beside her, Steph had a death grip on her arm, she could feel the warmth emanating from Eddie he was stood so close and she couldn't quite seem to wrap her head around the fact that she wasn't being booted out of the school as fast as anyone could manage.

Eddie guided her off to the side as people began to trickle out, mostly in twos and threes, some giving her timid smiles before scurrying away, others not meeting her gaze at all. Colin did neither of these, striding up to her with a broad grin and holding out his hand. "I must say, if I'm relieved, I can't begin to fathom how you must be feeling."

She let out an unsteady laugh. "I'll let you know when I work it out."

The look he gave her was full of understanding and sympathy. "I do meant what I said in your office earlier, Rachel. Just as I have no doubt we made the right decision today."

"Thank you, Colin. Truly."

He glanced at Eddie, reached for his hand as well. "I'll leave her in your hands then- I trust you'll look after her?"

He gave her a proud smile. "Oh, I don't think she needs it."

Colin chuckled. "No, I suppose she doesn't. Until next time, then."

Rachel watched him walk away in amusement- the man was ridiculously old fashioned, and if anyone else had had that conversation she'd have gleefully cut him down and refused his sentiments. But that was just Colin's nature, he meant no harm and if she were honest, she found it oddly charming.

Eventually, the room was empty, and Rachel wasted no time in dropping to sit on the nearest table and exhaling shakily. "Oh my God…"

"You did it!" Steph looked gleeful, ignoring Eddie as he hastily shut the door to avoid sound escaping.

"I think you two did actually," Rachel looked up with a grin, launching to her feet and hugging Steph.

The blonde looked startled, and more than a little alarmed. "Steady on!"

Rachel had already released her and spun to face Eddie, who was far more pleased to have her in his arms. He held her tightly, his own grin fixed across his face as Rachel buried herself into his shoulder and he finally allowed himself to believe that this was over, and she was here to stay.

As she fell into his arms, she felt like an entire weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She wasn't aware that she hadn't been breathing for however long it had been since Stuart first entered her life, but it was as if she was learning how to do so all over again. It was refreshing, to be gulping in air without it rushing straight to the pit of her stomach. "It's over." As the words left her mouth, she felt suddenly hit with the weight of the situation and immediately lost feeling in her legs. Luckily she was still safely tucked up in Eddie's arms so he was able to catch her and stop her calling to the ground in a heap, because the energy fell right out of her.

Eddie caught her easily, taking her weight and moving them both to keep them standing, wondering for a second if Rachel was about to pass out. "Easy there." He soothed, wrapping his arms around her tight to give her something to focus on.

Steph watched the exchange, saw that she was interrupting on a private moment and decided it was the right time for her to dip out. "I'll leave you to it." She shared a look with Eddie, a soft smile as she finally realised that everything was going to be okay after all.

Eddie looked up and met Steph's eyes, grateful that she was leaving so Rachel would be able to really tell him how she was feeling. She always tried to put on such a brave face when others were around, but with him she truly let him see her weaknesses. "Thanks Steph, I mean that."

"Yeah whatever, buy me a drink later." She had a feeling she may need it, seeing as she still hadn't had the conversation with Stuart that was needed. That wasn't going to go well, and she only hoped that Eddie was right in that she was going to be okay. She had to look after herself, and more importantly Maxine.

Finally alone, Eddie moved them both and sat Rachel down, grateful that she was able to move her own feet and seemed to be regaining control of her own thoughts once again. "It's really over Eddie." She mumbled again, looking at him with tears shining in her eyes but a large grin plastered across her face.

"You did it." He added, sweeping down and pressing a hard kiss to her lips. The pride her felt for her could never be described, the way she had handled the room and seemingly had such an effect with her story was an emotion he'd never truly be able to describe.

She shook her head softly, keeping her forehead pressed to his as she locked eyes with him, a stray tear making its way down her cheek as she let out the emotion she really was feeling. "We did it." She'd never be able to truly thank him, for sticking by her and supporting her in the way he had. To have someone on her side, defending her and promising to never leave was something she'd never had before. She'd faced everything alone since even before she left home, and it was definitely an adjustment to not feel that way anymore. Knowing that there was someone there to share the burden and provide support? Well, it was a great feeling. "What happens next?" She asked quietly, aware that their entire relationship had started with Stuart Hordley and his blackmailing. They'd had the black cloud of his threats over them the entire time, and not that had completely gone.

Eddie grinned widely. "Anything you want."

That hadn't really been the answer she'd been expecting, but she found a smile spreading across her lips all the same. "Anything?"

"Anything at all."

She leant forward, sliding a hand around the back of his neck as she lowered her voice. "And if I want to spend the entire summer with you, somewhere no one else can find us?"

His eyes darkened, a pleased look flashing across face for a split second. "I think that could be arranged."

Rachel had no idea who had moved first, but the kiss was like berry wine- sweet and deep and slow and altogether perfect. It sent warmth flooding through her, curling in her stomach and out to the very tips of her fingers and toes. If they'd been somewhere else, somewhere more private, she would have taken great pleasure in exploring the feeling further. As it was, she simply enjoyed it, sinking into Eddie just as he did to her.

They finally parted, Eddie's fingers entwining with hers. "You're free, Rach…"

She giggled, joy exploding through her. "I feel like I've just come off a rollercoaster," she admitted. Her thumb stroked over his cheekbone, her expression sobering abruptly. "Eddie, thank you."

"What are you thanking me for? I haven't done much."

She scoffed, almost laughing. "Haven't done much? Eddie, this has all happened because you. I'll never be able to repay you."

"You never need to. You've done the difficult bit," he told her, "I've just played a supporting role."

She didn't reply, leaning forward to capture his lips once again. But just as their mouths connected, each became abruptly aware of giggling from nearby and jerked apart, turning around to see Danielle and Aleesha outside the classroom, hands over their mouths. Eddie felt his lips twitch. "Uh oh.."

Rachel wasn't quite so amused, faintly alarmed as the girls dashed off together. "Oh, that isn't going to stay quiet."

"Do you care?" Eddie asked, tilting his head. Rachel paused.

"It's not very professional."

He made a face. "Stuff professionalism." He swooped in, pressed his lips to hers and grinning when she exploded into laughter, happily kissed him back.