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Chapter 5: Forever the Dynamic Duo

A short while later, Rachel and Eddie's newfound bliss was interrupted by the lunchtime bell. It was a reminder of their location, and their undeniable roles of head and deputy. But their happiness surrounding the admittance of their feelings wouldn't falter. Knowing that their conversation wasn't over, Eddie pulled back slightly, hoping to tell Rachel everything he'd been wanting to tell her since the day they met.

Not wanting to lose any moment of contact, Eddie reached out for Rachel's hands, intertwining his fingers with hers. He was delighted with the way she was brushing a thumb over the backs of his fingers tenderly. It seemed to highlight and emphasise their prior conversation, and the steps they had taken to reach this point. Running these thoughts over in his brain countless times, Eddie grasped the courage to proceed.

"The first day of term, at the pub. When you showed me your scar Rachel," Eddie watched as she flinched slightly, and he immediately felt guilty for bringing up one of her biggest insecurities. But it also reminded him that his upcoming words had been designed in his brain to alleviate any negative thoughts Rachel had towards her scar. He wanted her to know that to him, she was the most remarkable human in the world, and that no scar could possibly change that, "when you showed me it, I looked away. And I know you thought that it was a gesture of disgust… or hatred for the scar. But Rachel," he hooked a finger softly underneath her chin now, realigning her eyes with his. Eddie wanted Rachel to believe him when he said this, he longed for her to see the truth behind his expressions, "I need you to know that it was a look of anger at what Hordley had caused for you, and sorrow, for the inner turmoil that you must've been feeling. And my head began to swim with guilt, because… I should've been there for you, and I shouldn't have pushed you into admitting your feelings like that so soon."

For a moment, Rachel tilted her face into Eddie's hand which was now caressing her cheek. The feel of his skin against hers, paired with his current choice of words was something she would never tire of enduring.

"I understand now Eddie, why you looked away. Please don't feel guilty though. You wouldn't know this, but when you told me that I was special, and that nothing could change that… I… I truly allowed myself to think that you believed that. That it was how you saw me. And whenever I was perhaps having an off day in following weeks, I would think back to that conversation, and how much those words meant to me. So no Eddie, don't apologise. It's me who should be sorry, turning you away that night, is one of my biggest regrets."

"It's true you know. You are special, and nothing could ever change that. That is what I believe, how I see you. And Rach, I long to make you think that about yourself one day. I'll try everyday for the rest of our lives if you'll let me."

It was impossible to hold back the tear which rolled down Rachel's cheek. Eddie's words were overwhelming. The suggestion that they would be spending the rest of their lives together had Rachel in awe of this amazing man. She adored him, and would quite happily spend the rest of their days together.

"That has to be one of your better ideas," Rachel smiled now, and even more joy seemed to cascade through her body, when Eddie's light fingertips brushed away the tears lingering on her cheeks.

She allowed her eyes to shut briefly as Eddie's hands continued to trace a recurring pattern on her cheeks. It sent a thought provoking shiver down Rachel's spine, and she was re-acquainted with the fact that this wasn't just one of her dreams, this was reality. Eddie was truly directly opposite her, touching her skin with his own hands. It was a phenomenon that Rachel felt almost overwhelmed by, but most certainly welcomed it.

"You're beautiful Rachel."

And there they were, the words which told Rachel that actuality is always far more breathtaking than a fantasy.

Rachel savoured the contact and his utterances. She was hard pressed to release a gasp as Eddie pushed back a strand of hair which had been drooping down the side of her face. The gesture was strikingly similar to that one he made the first day of term. Except this time, Rachel had been willing to be truthful about her feelings, she had been ready. She guessed that the gesture and Eddie's comments had been the best thing that anyone had ever said or done for her. He made her feel things which Rachel had never dreamt she would feel.

"Thank you for coming back to me Eddie, and for not giving up," she spoke sincerely, opening her eyes now.

"As if I ever could."

Eddie gently took his hand away now, allowing it to graze the length of her arm as he did so.

"Will you let me take you out tonight?" He asked, and despite his external confidence, a nervous edge to his demeanour was evident. Acknowledging this, Rachel felt a surge of adoration - admittedly, not the first one since this conversation had commenced. It was clear how much every second of this meant to Eddie, and Rachel was glad to acknowledge that it was just as significant for her. This man made her feel well and truly alive.

"Honestly Eddie, I'd love to. But I just feel...that Philip needs me this evening, and I'd want to be there for him if he wants to talk."

Rachel was pleased to see there were no hallmarks of disappointment in Eddie's features, only understanding and determination.

"Well how about you let me cook for you? I'll come round to yours. Table service, of course," Eddie joked, grinning with a glint of light in his eye.

"You can cook?" Rachel questioned, his infectious smile now spreading to her own lips.

All the while, she was attempting to push down the feelings that occurred when conjuring up an image of Eddie pottering around in her kitchen. She failed to suppress them, of course. Rachel would admit that a slight trepidation had entered her stomach when thinking about Philip's possible reactions to having the man who was very nearly his stepfather round for tea. But then, she remembered her nephew's presence during her earlier conversation with Melissa. Philip had been witness to everything that his mum had revealed, and Rachel had experienced his views upon that first hand. So having seen the reassurance and support that the boy gave her earlier, Rachel didn't see a problem with Eddie's thoughtful plans for this evening going ahead.

"How about I let you be the judge of that?" He responded in jest, delighting in the way Rachel tipped her head back and emanated a slight giggle. It had to be the best thing he had heard all day, aside from her saying 'I love you too.'

"Shall we go and get a sandwich from the canteen?" She questioned upon bringing her head back level with his, "I reckon the worst of the crowds will be gone by now."

Eddie smiled at this, completely relating to how hectic the canteen could be at the height of lunch hour. But the feelings behind his smile were for another reason entirely. Before getting together with Melissa, Eddie and Rachel had spent virtually every lunchtime together. Those were the best of times, and he hated how many days they had missed out on during his relationship with Melissa. So now, the idea of returning to their normal ways, was something which brought him a great deal of happiness.

"Sounds like a plan."

As they both made their way down to the lunch hall, Rachel caught a glance of them in a nearby window. She was glad that they were back together as a team now. But she guessed that the dynamic duo that they would forever be, never really disappeared at all.

Reaching the corridor leading up to the canteen, Rachel caught a glance of Philip, who looked as if he was having a rather agitated conversation with Bolton Smilie. Eddie caught on to her way of thinking, speeding up his pace simultaneously to when she did.

By the time they reached the teenagers, it was too late. Rachel had no idea what had been said to Philip, but before she knew it, her nephew swung for the taller boy, fist colliding with his cheekbone. Bolton made a grab for his shirt, yet Rachel and Eddie were running now, and Eddie pulled Bolton away before he was given the chance to retaliate.

"What the hell do you think you're playing at?!" Eddie bellowed, whilst Rachel tried to get a frustrated Philip under control.

She was considering how completely out of character this was for him, and was struggling to get her head around it. But Rachel had to rise above the consequences or reasons behind her nephew's unusual behaviour, and focus on getting this situation resolved. For now, it was her duty to play headmistress rather than auntie.

"Get to my office now, the both of you!"

The two boys obeyed, following in front of head and deputy. Rachel stole a glance at Eddie, their expressions equally exasperated.

"Looks like we won't be having a quiet lunch and a sandwich after all," Rachel commented, leaving Eddie smiling slightly despite the circumstances. It was just a slight reminder for him that the past few hours or so had been real, and that this was truly happening. Rachel loved him, and she was aware of his love for her. Whatever the problem with Philip and Bolton, they would tackle it together. The dynamic duo.