Hi everyone, thank you for the lovely reviews.
Sorry about not updating either of my stories yesterday - it was a pretty busy day.
In this chapter i have decided to include the Bianka Vale incident... i know that happened about a year before the time period i am writing in, but i thought it would be quite interesting to include it with Eddie being there too. I am also going to try and do a little bit more of Michael's (Bianka's brother) perspective because i feel like we didn't get much of that in the show.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy it and please let me know what you guys think :)x
'Come on then Mr Lawson, are you ready to return to battle?' Rachel queried jokingly, as her and Eddie made their way out of the house that had become their home in recent weeks.
The summer holidays had well and truly flown by. It felt like thirty seconds since the last day of term for Eddie and Rachel. Despite original plans for Rachel to stay for just a couple of weeks, the pair had decided to move in with each other for good. It took less than an instant for things to go back to exactly how they were before - neither of them would change things for the world.
'Ready as I'll ever be…' Eddie smiled pastily in response, unable to hide the hint of nervousness in his voice.
'Is that Eddie Lawson getting nervous?' Rachel suppressed a giggle as they sat down in the car, seriously placing her hand on his thigh for support.
'Maybe…' he glanced at her, grinning at the way they knew each other inside out, 'ah Rach it's just that it's been so long… and it's a different mix of both kids and staff now. What if I just don't work with it all?'
'Eddie,' she stated, pausing so that her sincerity was emphasised, 'you are without a doubt, the best deputy i have worked with. A slight change in students and staff is certainly not going to change that,' Rachel stopped for a second, recognising that the words were most likely sinking in by the look of gratitude on Eddie's face. Glad she had gotten through to him, Rachel elongated this message by stretching her arm out, so that her hand made contact with his cheek. Even though they had officially been back together for a number of weeks now, the skin on skin contact made both adults weak at the knees. Intense eye contact was shared for several minutes until Rachel found the right words to break the comfortable silence, 'Eddie darling, you're absolutely fantastic. Don't ever doubt that. I love you.'
'I love you Rachel. What would I do without you eh?' Although the question was completely meaningful, Eddie allowed a slight chuckle to brush across his lips as he ignited the car engine. Early this morning, he had felt sick to the stomach at the thought of returning to his role as Deputy Head. Now though, with Rachel's support and her by his side - Eddie felt utterly invincible with his head held high.
…
Bianka Vale would normally be the happiest girl in the world on her birthday. Today though, it was different. She wasn't allowed to see her Dad - what sort of a birthday celebration is that? Instead, she was going out for a meal with her Mum, brother and the man she's supposed to call her step dad. Bianka would rather stick pins in her eyes than make conversation with her Mum's stupid boyfriend all night. Sighing, Bianka dragged her younger brother Michael out of the car and reluctantly made her way into Waterloo road.
'You know Michael, i don't wanna go to this meal tonight with Mum's boyfriend. I hate him.'
'What about Dad? Can we not see him?'
'Nope,' Bianka scoffed whilst scuffing her heel against the concrete.
Just then, her phone beeped to signal a text message. On the surface, Bianka knew it would probably be her Mum, saying to have a good day or whatever… secretly though, she hoped it would be her Dad. To Bianka's delight, and equally shock - it was a text from her father.
Hiya princess, having a good day? What do you say to coming to see your dad for a bit.. what lesson you and Mike in now? x
Bianka couldn't believe her luck - and her eyes for that matter. All of a sudden, her birthday seemed to be getting ten times better.
'Michael! Check this out!' She squealed, just catching Michael before her ran off with his friends.
'What is it Bianka? I'm gonna be late…'
'Dad's text! Look,' she pointed at her mobile whilst grabbing Michael's arm in pure delight.
'That's great! Tell him I'm in French with Haydock,' Michael tried his best to conceal his slight worry, but he couldn't help but think there was something strange going on here. Seeing his sister so happy though, he didn't want to ruin that on her birthday; so he decided to do nothing but smile.
Hi Dad! I'm in English with Budgen and Mike's in French with Haydock… see u soon x
Sending the text, Bianka knew that her day could only get better from here.
…
First lesson was going far slower than Bianka would've liked. Budgen groaning on certainly didn't help either. This was why, when the girl noticed her Dad's head appearing she couldn't help but jump straight up like a jack in the box… only to be interrupted by her grumpy English teacher.
'And what do you think you're doing young lady? Sit back down.'
'My dad's here sir.'
'What?' Grantley Budgen questioned in sheer disbelief.
There was no need for Bianka to answer - subsequent to Mr Budgen's question, her dad entered, not bothering to even knock. This put a smile on Bianka's face, she loved how unbothered her father was by it all.
'I'm here to collect my daughter. Bianka Vale. Got a dentist appointment.'
'Fine,' Grantley muttered, he was glad to be rid of at least one student.
'You alright princess,' Gary Vale greeted, as soon as him and Bianka were out of the school.
'Yeh I'm good… where's Mike though?'
'Teacher wouldn't let him out, some test or something. We can still have a good time though eh?'
'Yeh. Thanks Dad.'
'No problem sweetheart,' he noted whilst ruffling up his daughters hair. Silently he grinned to himself; his wife Joely really didn't know what was coming for her. She would do well to learn not to mess with him in the future.
