Unforeseen Tragedy
Helping others, that was her role in life. She was always the anchor, the backbone, the martyr. Helping her mother rid of the empty bottles, helping her father by letting him beat her black and blue; he was usually much calmer once she had allowed it. Helping her sister by keeping her in her room, feeding her, taking her outside and playing games till Melissa forgot there was anything to cry about.
Helping others to feel better about themselves, degrading herself in the process. Stopping children from following the same route she had all those years ago. Helping Eddie by telling him that it was okay, his children came first. By letting Melissa have her way. By letting Phillip stay with her, as if she were his mother.
Telling Adam that she would leave Waterloo Road. She could do that for him- they were husband and wife now, right?
And despite all of that, she was still at home, sitting among piles of paperwork. Half of the items in her house were packed; Adam was coming to get them on Friday, now he had moved out. No missed calls from friends or family. Only Phillip.
She supposed she deserved it. Rachel was a fool for believing in happy endings.