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Chapter 19: Happy Birthday Phil

"Bolton, just a quick word."

Rachel had already given Philip her instructions about no smoking indoors, and certainly no one upstairs. She also said no alcohol, but realistically knew that this rule would be broken.

Bolton and Paul had arrived at the house early, well before 7, which was the designated time. Rachel and Eddie didn't mind, they were just overly glad that Philip, Bolton and Paul were getting on so well now. Certainly in comparison to their relationship just over a week ago. In fact, Eddie decided to take it as an opportunity to follow through with their plans about getting Bolton and co on side.

"Sir," Bolton nodded in greeting as he followed Eddie out into the hallway.

"Miss Mason and I are relying on you to keep everything in order tonight."

The boy's expression changed slightly from an excitable one to a more serious one. This kind of confirmed to Eddie that he could be trusted and he did actually care.

"Yes Sir, course."

"He means it," Rachel said with just the hint of a smile as she emerged from the kitchen. Philip halted in the doorway, and Eddie noted that he was looking rather relieved. Presumably due to Bolton's newfound assistance. Seemingly the pupils of Waterloo Road were more likely to listen to Bolton than Philip.

"Alright, it'll all go cool," Bolton paused for a moment, glancing between his two teachers, "but what's in it for me?"

Eddie couldn't help but laugh as he thought back to the boy's comment about 'no more maths homework for the rest of the year' when he had persuaded Rachel not to resign. Perhaps it was just in his nature to get the best outcome from situations.

Rachel too thought back to a conversation, but one had with Eddie earlier that week. A particular comment stuck out in her brain and she intended to put it to good use now.

"Maybe you might just avoid spending the rest of your school life in the cooler?"

A sideways glance from Eddie told Rachel that he also remembered his joke made when reassuring Rachel about the party.

It was Bolton's turn to chuckle now, glancing at both Philip and Paul before returning his attention to his headteacher.

"One hundred percent worth it."

….

"Do you really think this is a good idea Eddie?"

After a slight deliberation, Eddie had managed to practically push Rachel out of the door. He could entirely understand why she was apprehensive, and he hoped to take her mind off those worries.

"You heard Bolton 'one hundred percent worth it'... he'll make sure everything is under control."

Rachel had to laugh at Eddie's impersonation of Bolton. There he was again, her calming influence. Eddie never failed to put a smile on her face.

"And do you think Philip is truly okay? What with Melissa not even sending a card… or a text. I just worry about him, Eddie."

"I know you do. And we will have a proper chat with him about it in the morning. I reckon he's too focused on tonight to think about it too much."

Rachel nodded, and found herself instantly agreeing with Eddie. Underneath all his positive emotions about his birthday, Philip probably was feeling hurt about his mum's lack of consideration. But they would cross that bridge in the morning, Rachel wanted her nephew to enjoy his evening without being ambushed with questions.

They stopped as they reached the side of Rachel's car. She also realised that Eddie hadn't yet told her where they were going. It was somewhat a recurring theme.

"So where is it that we are going Mr Lawson?"

He hesitated and smiled, for a moment Rachel wondered if he was going to taunt her with a surprise once more. Yet, just as he reached the passenger side of the car, Eddie looked back up at Rachel, flashing her a grin before continuing.

"We are going bowling."

Rachel's expression lit up instantly, and Eddie felt his own smile grow. He had been uncertain about his choice of activity for the evening, she had never mentioned liking bowling before, but Eddie thought he would give it a shot. After all, he was more than aware of her competitive streak, and was sure that she would relish the chance to go head to head with him.

Rachel paused, leaning on the car slightly, "and how good are you... on a scale of one to ten?"

"That's for me to know, and for you to find out," Eddie chuckled as he ducked to take a seat in the vehicle, with Rachel following suit.

She glanced across at him once they were seated, leaning across to place a hand on his thigh, "I'll let you in on a little secret," she paused, gazing over Eddie's expression for a moment, "I happen to be a bit of an expert at bowling. So it's likely that I'm going to be whipping your butt."

Rachel cherished the roar of laughter that emanated from Eddie as she turned to put on her seatbelt and put the key in the ignition.

"Well we'll see about that Mason."

As Rachel began to drive, Eddie took the opportunity to glance across at her properly. She looked amazingly carefree, and it caused his heart to soar. Because part of that was down to him, and he felt exactly the same. Rachel brought out the absolute best in him and he was glad he could bring that out in her too.

….

Philip was surprised that he actually heard his phone beep over the sound of the music. For once he had been feeling relaxed within himself. He guessed it was a mixture of the alcohol and being around Bolton's confident aura.

This was the main reason why he almost didn't check his mobile, but curiosity got the better of him. Making his excuses, Philip left the little group which he had adjoined to, and entered the nearby bathroom.

He had to blink several times upon seeing his mum's name on the screen. Philip didn't know what to think, he meant what he said when she first contacted him. He didn't want anything to do with Melissa. But she was his mum, and he almost craved that connection. Philip couldn't deny that he had been upset when she hadn't sent him a birthday greeting.

So entering his passcode, Philip began to read the text.

Happy Birthday Phil! Sorry I can't be there. And sorry about your card too, it's in the post. I do miss you xx

"Sorry I can't be there," Philip muttered under his breath. To her, it was as if everything was a normality. As if nothing had happened. Was she actually for real?

Philip let out a deep sigh as he left the bathroom. If he was going to enjoy the rest of his night, he would need another drink. He wasn't going to let his mum cause any more detriment to his life than she already had.