Hi everyone, here is chapter 5. It is fairly short but I thought it would be good to have a whole paragraph based solely on Rachel confronting Ruby.
Thank you for reading and special thanks to those who have reviewed.
Hope you enjoy; please leave a review and let me know what you think!
That weekend had revealed a lot for Rachel. Finally she had concrete evidence that Adam was in fact having an affair with Ruby. She had heard him arguing on the phone to her; so she thought meticulously and decided to record the conversation. God knows how Adam didn't notice that Rachel was just around the corner. It seemed to feel a lot worse now that it had all sunk in - she had nothing to work for, no goal, just the realisation that her husband to be was having an affair. They were meant to be getting married in three days… Suddenly Rachel shook herself out of it, she didn't need Adam, she had managed absolutely fine on her own countless times before. For now though, it was time for the final showdown.
….
Ruby was furious. She was almost shaking with anger - her and Adam had argued for half an hour on the phone last night, it mainly consisted of Ruby screaming at him, telling him to grow a pair and just end it with Rachel for good. However, she realised that she had to compose herself when she heard a knock on her classroom door. As Ruby looked up, she felt sick to the stomach - it was Rachel. Did she know? Had he ended it? Before Ruby had a chance to gather her thoughts and compose herself, Rachel spoke.
'A word in my office please Ruby,' Rachel attempted to remain calm, but she couldn't help the slight tone of bitterness which seeped through her voice.
'Sorry Rachel, i am a bit caught up with this mark-'
'Now please Ruby.'
In that moment, Ruby knew that it was over for her - she would lose her job and any respect Rachel once had for her. Why did she ever get involved with her bosses fiance for god's sake? By the time the pair reached Rachel's office, Ruby well and truly felt like a student awaiting a telling off - but she guessed that that was ultimately Rachel's aim.
Rachel had to refrain herself from slamming the door shut with all her might, as Ruby Fry took a seat.
'Why did you do it Ruby? Why?' Rachel questioned, careful to show anger rather than the genuine upset she was feeling.
'Why aren't you asking your precious fiance that question? If he's so perfect.' This remark from Ruby shocked her more than it did Rachel, she was well and truly taken aback by her own words.
'How dare you? How dare you sit there and not take any of the blame for this? It's not just about the affair Ruby; you have let your personal life interfere with your professional one. Not turning up to your classes on time? Hiding away in your car? That accounts to professional misconduct Ruby. I need members of staff that i can trust - not ones that deliberately deceive others, so much so that it affects the pupils of this school.'
'Oh I don't know how you can talk about allowing your personal life cross over with your professional. What was your career path before teaching? You were a hooker weren't you… must have quite the experience.'
All the emotions that had been bubbling up within Rachel over the past few days finally reached boiling point. Her fingers itched with fury as she raised a hand to Ruby's cheek, slapping a hand right across her face. Out of character was an understatement, but Ruby well and truly deserved it.
'Get out Ruby. And if you don't, i will make you leave, i will make your time at this school a living hell.'
'You aren't like that. You wouldn't do that.'
'Watch me.'
For Ruby, that single comment was the final nail in the coffin. She had been defeated. What did she expect exactly. Ruby realised she needed to warn Adam and fast; she still cared for him, and wanted to give him a shot of telling the truth before Rachel exposed him too. It would be better that way. Better for all of them.
….
'Anyone know what's up with Ruby today? She's in a right mood.' Tom quipped at his first senior management meeting as acting deputy head.
Knowing the situation between Rachel and Ruby, Kim shot Tom a look which screamed stop and swiftly changed the course of the conversation to new deputy head interviews. Rachel on the other hand, felt as if she were slowly drowning, all she could hear in her ears was a constant ringing - none of the information put forward by Kim was sinking in.
'Rachel?' Kim repeated for the third time.
'Yes. Sorry Kim.'
'I was just saying that i have sent out the post for Deputy Head on our school website, and Joyce has sorted a letter to be sent out to parents - explaining the situation.'
'That's great Kim. Thank you. And we should have a full list of applicants by Thursday, is that correct?'
'Yes, i'll get them sent to you as soon as possible.'
Rachel flashed Kim a grateful smile, fighting back the inevitable fresh wave of tears that were about to come, 'That'll be it then you too. And thank you Tom, you know, for stepping in as Deputy, it has been a big help.'
'Anytime Rachel.'
Rachel completely shocked herself at how she managed to stay composed until the pair left. She had in fact lost count of the amount of times she'd cried in the past week. Something which was usually a foreign emotion for her - oh how she wished she had never allowed Adam to break down her walls. Once again, she found her thoughts drifting back to Eddie, and she wished with all her heart that things had worked out with him. He was a great man - one of the best. For now though, she had to face the music with Adam. She wanted to know why she wasn't good enough for him.
