Thank you for the reviews.

I mentioned a few chapters ago that this story was probably going to be 40 chapters long. That actually went to plan, so there will only be one more chapter after this one.

I hope you enjoy :) x

Chapter 39: Goodbye Max Tyler

A laugh let out from Julie only highlighted what Mollie had actually just said. Finally, they had the concrete evidence against Max that they needed. Maybe not to prove him guilty of actions against Philip, but it would most certainly be enough to get him out of teaching and out of their lives.

"Don't think my lack of common sense and terrible instinct rubbed off on you then?"

Rachel brought herself back to the present as Julie spoke and made her way over to Mollie. It was beautiful to watch on as an embrace happened between the two. As Rachel shared her own moment smiling with Eddie, for the first time in several weeks she allowed herself to wholeheartedly believe that everything would turn out just fine.

"Where do we go from here?" Julie questioned as she broke apart from Mollie, remains of a smile still evident.

"Well, I either contact the LEA and inform them now… or…" she glanced at Eddie, wondering if he had caught on with her train of thought.

He had, and Rachel couldn't help but mirror the satisfied smirk which played across his lips before he concluded her previous sentence.

"The LEA meeting tomorrow."

They turned back to Julie to be met with a rather confused expression, so Rachel took it upon herself to explain.

"We will be three days into the merger tomorrow. The LEA are coming in for a brief meeting with Max, Eddie and I to discuss any teething problems. Of course Mr Tyler called the gathering, and he will no doubt have a list of faults as long as his arm."

Rachel felt Eddie's hand on the small of her back and let herself smile even more. Like Eddie had said with Stuart those few years ago, she did feel like a proverbial weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Except this time, Rachel didn't really have any worries that it would all go terribly wrong. And she usually trusted her gut instinct.

"Well Mr Tyler can stick his arm long list where the sun doesn't shine," Eddie joked. Rachel was glad to see that Julie and Mollie laughed along, it was clearly an enormous relief for them also, "it doesn't matter now. Because Mollie over here is a genius."

The girl laughed again, mirroring everyone else's expression in the room, "just shows how much I don't want him in my life. Really didn't want to end up with him and Melissa."

Mollie's voice turned a little tense at the mention of what could have happened, and Julie must have sensed it too. She wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulders, pulling her in close for a moment.

"You don't need to worry yourself about that now Mol. You aren't going anywhere."

A comfortable silence elapsed for a few moments whilst they all shared equally relieved expressions. Rachel remembered Philip in that moment, and hoped this was a sign that things were looking up for him as well as the rest of them. But she did know that some difficult conversations with Melissa were inevitable.

"Right, well we'd better get going," Eddie spoke, once again his hand made contact with her back.

"Yes and inform Philip of this latest development."

"I'll just wish that I could be a fly on the wall in that meeting tomorrow," Julie joked as they reached the door.

"I'm sure Rach will happily recount it all, as will I."

They all shared a goodbye and a final smile, Mollie agreeing to send the recording, before Rachel followed Eddie out of the house. The pair just looked at each other for a moment as they walked back to the car, grins never dropping.

"I certainly wasn't expecting that," Rachel eventually voiced.

"Well, I think we can take it. Mollie is a clever kid."

Rachel hummed in agreement, "let's just hope this is a sign that things are about to start looking up. Especially for Philip."

"Of course it is," he paused as they reached the car, "personally, I can't wait to see the smug gits face when we play that recording tomorrow."

"Likewise."

"What about Melissa? Reckon she was involved?" Eddie asked as they took a seat.

"Honestly? I wouldn't put it past her. I do think… this is going to lead to some rather difficult conversations between her and Philip."

"And we will deal with it," Eddie smiled, placing a hand over Rachel's, "just like we've dealt with this."

"Of course we will."

….

"You've got this," Eddie leant forwards to whisper in Rachel's ear as they approached the room, "I'll let you take the lead."

"Most definitely," she turned around briefly, giving Eddie a smile.

He could tell that she was still nervous about everything. Of course she was, so was he. But Eddie was more than confident that this would go in their favour. There wasn't much Max could do to stop that happening when they were armed with undeniable evidence. It would just be interesting to see the LEAs reactions to their not so perfect executive head.

Even though Eddie knew that they were about to bring Max's speech down in flames, it still angered him to hear what he was saying as they entered the room. If just under a dozen LEA members hadn't been in the room, he would have certainly taken the opportunity to finally punch Max. Just like he had been wanting to do all week.

"We are only three days in, and this place is obviously an absolute shambles. I have included a report about how incompetent Rachel Mason is as a leader. The main reason I called this meeting."

"Well, before you have a read of that," Rachel interrupted as she took a seat, "maybe you'd like to see what I've got to share with you."

The faces of all in the room were both confused and intrigued. And then Eddie's eyes landed on Max. He was looking rather concerned. And rightly so. This was about to bring his dazzling career down in flames.

A pin could have been heard dropping as Rachel removed her phone from her pocket. All eyes were on her and it was just a sense of anticipation for what was actually going to be revealed. Eddie took great satisfaction in knowing exactly what was going to be said as Rachel clicked play.

"If you don't give me my daughter, I can assure you there will be severe consequences. For you and your new little cronies. Rachel Mason will be out of a job before you can say a word. So where is Mollie?"

They didn't need to head any more. The voice was clearly Max's and there was no way he could deny it. Many of the LEA were now looking extremely horrified, some looking awkward and obviously thinking about how to handle this. Max however, was appearing increasingly uncomfortable.

"So, Max," Rachel said as she placed her phone down, "would you like to tell me… or all of us… at what point you thought threatening the adopted mother of your daughter would be an acceptable thing to do? May I add, the daughter whom you haven't seen since she was three months old."

"Surely you aren't going to believe this," Max turned to the head of the LEA, completely ignoring Rachel, "they've quite clearly set this up."

Eddie couldn't stop the scoff, it was already on the tip of his tongue having seen Max's facial expression.

"I'm afraid the only clear thing is the voice on that tape. Max, you cannot shy away from that," that was James, the head of the LEA speaking, looking at Max in disbelief.

He didn't respond, so Eddie guessed that James took it upon himself to continue.

"We have no other option than to suspend you. Of course, pending investigation. But you have to see what you've set yourself up for here. It is unlikely that you will teach, ever again."

Discreetly, Eddie shared a look with Rachel. He was glad to see that her expression was looking just as relieved as he guessed his own would be. And it was obvious she was trying her utmost to conceal a smile.

Eddie couldn't help but think how extremely fortunate they were to have caught Max out this early. He clearly came into the school, set out to ruin everything they had worked for and take Mollie from Julie in the process. He found it strange though, how much of a backseat Melissa had taken. Considering she had been back for over twenty four hours now. She always liked to have her impact. But he was sure they would find out the story behind that. Because as Rachel said, there were some conversations to be had with Melissa.

Eddie knew that like him, Rachel would have taken great satisfaction from the way James told Max he would have to be off school premises by the end of lunchtime. It was just the icing on the cake. An ending to Max's behaviour that could have spiralled out of control even further.

….

It wasn't until just before the end of lunchtime that Max made an appearance in Rachel's office. She had been expecting him sooner, to collect his belongings. But was overly glad that this was when he had decided to come, because Rachel didn't like how angry he looked, and the only reason she felt calm was due to Eddie by her side.

"I would like to bet that you two have been planning this all week."

"No," she responded, "you can't hold us accountable, Max. You only have yourself to blame for this."

He smirked and Rachel felt on edge when he turned straight to Eddie, coming to stand directly in front of him. It was the glint in his eye that Rachel didn't like the look of. It was the same glint she had seen so many times before. The same glint that was in Stuart's eyes before he made his comments. So maybe that was why she could hazard a guess at what Max was about to say. She just wasn't sure if Eddie would be able to rein in his anger quite as well as he had been doing all week.

"Why do you even work here? Why are you even with her? Can't really see the attraction myself."

Eddie eyed him suspiciously and tilted his head. Rachel wondered if Max had noticed the way Eddie's fists clenched and unclenched as he brought them from his pockets. She guessed not, from the way he followed through with his remark.

"Was just thinking that it might have something to do with her former profession. You know, special discounts for members of staff."

The way Eddie gave her a look mirrored the way he did it that day with Stuart. She knew he was about to do exactly what he'd been wanting to do all week. And frankly, she wasn't about to stop him.

Max stumbled backwards, wiping the blood from his lip as he eventually stood.

"Get out Max," Eddie spoke, "as you've been instructed to do."

Rachel was actually surprised when, with one final smirk, Max did just that. She did worry for a brief moment that he would run straight to the LEA, but he was far from the successful executive head they had previously viewed him as. Rachel didn't think that even he would have the nerve.

"That's the last we will be seeing of him," Eddie said as he turned back to face her.

Rachel didn't stop herself as she stepped closer to Eddie, placing both of her hands on his chest.

"I am so glad to hear you say that."

Eddie's hands landed on her hips as he smiled in response. He closed the gap between them without a second thought. His lips met hers, and Rachel was so glad to say that they had finally seen the back of Max Tyler, and she still had the love of her life, here in her arms. It was only Melissa they had to deal with now. That was if she hadn't ran off again, with Max. But either way, it was something that as always, they would deal with together.

….

Philip didn't know what to say to his mum when she rang him. Part of him didn't even want to pick it up when he saw her name. Another part of him wanted to end the call as she said hello. He had heard the news about Max from Eddie and Rachel as soon as they had all arrived home. Of course, it was such a big relief.

Even the evening before, when he found out about the recording, something in the back of Philip's mind had told him that it wouldn't be the end. But maybe, just maybe, this was the end now. And maybe one day Philip would find some justice for what Max did to him all those years ago. Or find it in him to reveal what he had suffered to the police.

But for now, Philip felt genuinely happy and relaxed for the first time in a long time. That, along with many other reasons, was why he felt reluctant to pick up the call from his mum, or why he had the urge to cut it off. But as Rachel had said to him earlier, they did have some conversations to have. They were inevitable. Maybe it was better to get them over with sooner rather than later.

"Let me come over Philip. I want to talk to you all," was one of the first things Melissa said.

"That's not up to me…"

"Well I'll ask Rach. I'll see you later."

With that, she ended the call herself. Once again, Philip found his mum's behaviour odd. He wondered, if Rachel didn't want Melissa here, if he would ever see or hear from his mum again. Philip wasn't sure if she cared that much to persevere.

But he didn't need to find out. A quarter of an hour later, Rachel was in his room, telling Philip that his mum had text and they'd agreed to her coming over.

He could tell that maybe it was the last thing she and Eddie wanted to do. But Philip knew that she was putting him first, like always. Because she could probably guess that deep down, he did actually want to have those conversations with Melissa. Even just to put his mind at rest. And to put this whole period of his life to bed.

The discussion between Rachel, Eddie and Melissa was minimal when she arrived. In fact, Philip was sure that Eddie hadn't said a word. He didn't blame him and could tell that Rachel was only making an effort because Melissa was her little sister. Just like he would only be making an effort because she's his mum.

Philip was too busy with his thoughts to properly register what was going on. But quite suddenly he was left alone in the room with Melissa. He could guess that Rachel and Eddie were giving them some space to talk. In all honesty, they did need it.

"Are you… you not with him now then?"

"He was playing me for a fool all along Phil. Said he was only with me to get Mollie back. When that's not worked…"

"He's left you. Like you left me. Doesn't feel that great really mum, does it?"

"I'm…"

Philip put a hand up, "don't… don't say sorry. Not if you don't mean it."

"But I do Phil, I do."

"But I wouldn't mean it if… if I said I could forgive you."

Melissa shifted so that she was sitting next to Philip on the couch. He almost got up and walked away, he couldn't bear to be in such close proximity with his mum. Not after everything she had done. But he had to remember what he told himself, he had to have this conversation with her.

She placed a hand on his arm, and Philip couldn't stop the way he flinched. The fact that she didn't even look hurt at the way he pulled away, told Philip that he was right to not forgive her. Because he would always have a doubt in the back of his mind about whether she really did care about him.

"Don't do this Phil. We've always got along great, you and I."

"Yeah… when you're actually around."

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry Phil."

"Like I said… I can't… forgive you. Not that easily," he shook his head as she looked confused, "I'm sorry but that's how it is."

"Come and live with me again, now I'm back."

"Mum! Just stop… I want to stay here, with Rachel, and Eddie."

"Don't do this Phil. I'm in a really dark place right now. With Eddie leaving me… and then Max."

"Like I said… it's not the best feeling is it? Mum… the last few weeks haven't been the first time you've left me. Not as if I can be sure you won't do it again."

"Okay… well, have it your way. But you can't shut me off completely."

Philip so desperately wanted to bite back and say 'can't I?' But he wasn't a spiteful person, and in his mind that was too far. Even after everything his mum had done. Maybe in time, he wouldn't mind spending some more time with her. But there was no way he was living with Melissa on a permanent basis. Not after everything Rachel and Eddie had done for him. It was clear who cared about him more.

"Maybe not. I'm not… sure yet. Just give me time, and maybe."

Melissa nodded, apparently accepting it. For once, she might have actually been putting him first. Putting what Philip wanted before what she wanted. He gave her a half smile and stood. Melissa obviously took that as her cue to leave, because she too stood, making her way towards the door.

It was then that Rachel and Eddie reappeared. Philip wondered if they had heard any of the conversation, but was sure he would tell them all about it if not. Because that was how much he trusted them and knew how much they genuinely cared for him.

He watched as his mum walked up to Rachel, practically blanking Eddie, placing a hand on her arm before saying, "look after him Rach."

"Of course I will, you know that."

They actually shared a smile which was full of mixed emotions. Philip wondered if, like him, Rachel was considering if she would ever feel ready to build up a relationship with Melissa again. Only time would tell.

But for now, Philip was content with the way things were. Because he had never felt more loved and supported than he did when with Rachel and Eddie.

….

"What a crazy couple of weeks," Rachel sighed contentedly as she flopped down next to Eddie in bed, resting her head against his chest.

Eddie hummed in agreement, knowing that he was grinning wildly at the way Rachel was snuggling into him, arm flopped across his torso.

"And I do think it could have been a lot worse."

Eddie wrapped his arm a little bit tighter around Rachel's waist as she spoke. She would always be a natural worrier, which meant that right now she would be thinking over what the worst case scenario could have been.

"I know it could. But that doesn't matter now. We are still here, together, and with Philip. That's all that matters. Thanks to Mollie for thinking on the spot."

Eddie could just tell that Rachel was smiling now too, and it was confirmed when she strained her neck and sat up slightly to look at him.

"They sounded just as relieved as us when I rang Julie."

"I bet. To think the poor woman has put up with threats from Melissa for a year."

Rachel agreed before her expression softened. It wasn't the first time that she had looked at him with so much love that Eddie thought his heart might explode, and he delighted in the fact that it wouldn't be the last.

By now he should have known what the look to his lips and back meant, but Eddie was too wrapped up in thoughts of Rachel. Everything about her and how sure he was that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. They had said it before, but Eddie was already thinking about how he longed to tell her that properly soon. That was most definitely something to think about.

At that thought, he smiled into the kiss she planted on his lips, allowing his hand to get lost in the incredibly scented hair he loved so much.