Hi! A year since my last update... oh dear. But the announcement of Series 11 and the return of Kim gave this a new lease of life as you'll see, later down the line!
For those of you still reading - thank you. I hope you love this as much as I've enjoyed writing it.
Please review, I appreciate it so much!
x
5: Mother; My saviour
September 2010
Two short months Rachel had been married. Life had changed considerably in such a short space of time. So much joy and happiness, but still plagued by the smoking ash of her sister's actions. Only a year prior Rachel had fought that fire, sacrificing her relationship to douse the flames. It was clear that Melissa was in no fit state for the role of mother yet a second time round. She was fracturing under pressure, calling Rachel to frequently pick up the pieces. The three of them - Rachel, Eddie, Melissa - were caught up in the after-burn, with poor Sophie a product of the middle. Adam could only - and supportively - watch from the side-lines. He knew everything and with every call from Melissa, he didn't dare pose a question.
It was the following evening, and so far, all seemed calm. The rich bottle of Merlot on the kitchen top was attractive, but off limits. Rachel had been left to her own devices that evening, still consumed by her own small troubles. The prospect of a child was meant to be exciting; something that lit a bright spark of hope. Yet she saw that little Sophie was fuel for a fire. Her mind was split, somewhat protective of this small life but on the other side, terrified. Rachel found comfort in keeping this secret to herself, protecting her from the conversations yet to be had with her husband.
A phone ring cut through the evening glow of light across the kitchen. Kim. It was 7pm, and an unusual time for her to call. As soon as Rachel picked up the phone, a panicked Kim sobbed.
"He's coming. He knows about Dexter."
"What?" Rachel hushed a quiet response, one of shared worry. She knew.
"Max. He found out about Dexter." Kim sobbed uncontrollably. Noise in the background muffled the line, presumably of Kim gathering together what she could. She had done this before. It echoed Grace. "I'm scared he's on his way here."
Rachel snapped out of her disbelief, beginning to pace her kitchen. "Right, get your things and come here. You can stay here." Her hand on her forehead, eyes closed praying for wisdom. "I'll call Danielle, see if she can help. Some sort of injunction, or something." Truthfully, Rachel didn't know what Danielle could do. But conveniently, a lawyer was on hand - one of her closest, lifelong friends. "Just grab what you can and we can sort the rest."
"Okay…" Kim whispered, in despair and small defeat. She was crushed. The phone cut off.
Rachel chucked her phone on the countertop, a little too forcefully. Her elbows fell to the surface, head caught by her hands. Here was Dexter, sparking as an ember; a bright joy for his mother. Here to come was a furious Max - the ignition. Rachel was playing saviour once again. Twice in twenty-four hours. Painful.
Moments later, the cork popped, and a glass clanged on the side. Met with a sigh, the Merlot had won. It's aroma brought comfort, but the first sip wasn't soothing. She paused, holding it there as its bitterness burnt. A split moment of contemplation, realisation, struck her. In quiet defeat, she spat it in the sink.
/
A short while later, Kim appeared at the door. Grief stricken and a face stained with tears. Darkness had fallen outside. A tiny Dexter lay peacefully sleeping in his car seat as he was handed over the threshold, followed by a couple of cluttered bags that had been put together in a frenzied rush. Kim was pulled into a reassuring embrace, scattering her friend with thank yous and a sigh of relief - Rachel never failed.
After a quick chat to Rachel, Danielle was handed over to Kim who now paced the kitchen as she listened intently. Kim gripped the phone like it was her only lifeline. The 30 minutes from the moment she arrived at the door were a blur - muted chaos to prevent waking the baby who was sleeping peacefully in his car seat, unaware of the drama. Rachel sat at the kitchen island as she studied her friend, trying to gauge her facial expressions - any sense for a clue. As the minutes went by, Kim's demeanour gradually relaxed and her grip on the phone didn't seem as tight, filling Rachel with a sense of quiet relief.
As Kim continued the call, Rachel turned her attention to the tiny baby perched by her feet. His little fingers gripping his blanket, his angelic features deep in sleep. He took gentle breaths, taunting Rachel with every single one. She felt a wash of guilt that soon ruptured into a flurry of emotions. It hit her in the pit of her stomach, the guilt of this secrecy. Adam still didn't know. What a shit wife.
"Danielle's getting an emergency injunction." Kim said, cutting through Rachel's thoughts.
"Oh, thank god."
"She's going to call me tomorrow to discuss what happens next."
At that moment, her lips pursed and Kim crumbled. Her cry was mixed with relief, gratitude and fear as Rachel got up and pulled her in for another hug. Rachel's soft cream jumper was comfort under Kim's hands. A few moments passed. As Rachel pulled back, she gently wiped the tears from her friend's cheek, offering a gentle and reassuring small smile before she spoke her final support.
"It will be okay."
