Thank you so much for reading! x

The students were even rowdier than usual as they streamed out of the school, whooping and chattering in the warm afternoon sunshine. The atmosphere was always different on the final day of the year, Rachel reflected, smiling warmly at Danielle and Aleesha as they waved, never slowing in their dash towards the gates. The majority of the children seemed lighter, were more excited and even those for who home wasn't necessarily the better option were affected by the buzz in the air. And the teachers didn't remain above it all, she thought, watching in amusement as Tom and Davina walked out towards their respective cars, heads close together.

Rachel didn't jump when she felt a hand brush her lower back, knowing there was only one person who would dare to do that. Eddie was careful to hide the movement from observers, before he stood close enough behind her that his body brushed her arm with every breath he took. "All okay?"

His murmur was quiet, brushing across the exposed skin of her neck and she had to fight not to shiver, swallowing harshly so that her own response sounded unaffected. "I think they're all too excited to even think about starting fights."

"It's a miracle."

She smiled in amusement, continued to watch the students. "This is officially the end of your first year here," she remarked. "How does it feel?"

His response was thoroughly deadpan. "Like a lot longer."

That gained a soft laugh, the emotion echoed in her eyes when she glanced round at him. "You don't mean that."

"No, I think I do." He looked thoughtful, but his lips twitching ruined the affect. "It's the end of your first year as well, more or less."

"And you never thought I'd make it."

"That's not true!"

She raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm not stupid, Eddie."

He felt his cheeks heat, had to resist the urge to shift from foot to foot. "Only before I really knew you," he amended. "But in my defence, no one thought you were going to last. We all misjudged you."

The flood of pupils had lessened now, only a few stragglers still making their way out of school. Rachel didn't move, carried on watching them with an indecipherable look on her face, one that had Eddie touching her arm gently. "Rach?"

She blinked, snapped back into awareness. "Sorry."

Eddie's arms twitched as he fought to keep his hands shoved in his pockets, instead of reaching out as he longed to do. If they had been anywhere else, he would have shifted, wrapped his arms around her and drawn her back against him but it was such a bad idea. She was right- they were still both so new to the school, the headteacher and the deputy. It was better to keep it quiet, for both of them, but that didn't mean he had to like it. "What were you thinking about?"

"The kids, this place, Stuart." She pressed her lips together, tucked her hair behind her ear. "I don't know, I'm just…"

"Melancholy?"

She blinked, turned to face him. "Melancholy?"

He shrugged.

"You two!" The shout came from not far away and they both turned, Eddie subtly stepping away from Rachel as Steph came towards them. "Would you stop gassing and get a move on? First round's on you!"

Rachel quirked an eyebrow at her. "Since when?"

To Steph's credit, she didn't even hesitate. "School tradition! Now hurry up!"

Eddie chuckled under his breath, not needing to see the expression on Rachel's face. "One more evening," he reminded her, ducking his head close to her ear. "And then you're free."

"Hallelujah."

W.R.

It wasn't as bad as it could have been. That was Rachel's thought as she sipped her wine and mentally calculated when it would be acceptable to take her leave. Unusually, the group hadn't commandeered a group of tables inside but had instead ventured outwards, into the small pub garden that was more concrete than grass, where they could bask in the unusual sunshine and make as much noise as they pleased. But not even basking in the sun was tempting Rachel to linger longer than she had to- it wasn't that she didn't like the pub, or being here with the people who technically worked for her... it was just that she didn't want to be here right now. Not when Steph was intent on getting everyone to drink until they could scarcely stand, and Tom and Davina were shooting not-so-covert looks at each other from across the table and everyone was laughing and joking while Rachel just felt sick. Which she suspected had nothing to do with her physical well-being and everything to do with a certain building contractor.

From a few seats down, Eddie was shooting her concerned glances every so often. The first couple of times, she caught his gaze and waved him off, placating him with a smile and a shake of her head. Now she'd given up, deciding rather philosophically that if he wanted to spend the evening acting like a mother-hen then that was his prerogative. She raised her glass to her lips again, wished for a moment that there was something stronger in it. Longed for that burn in her throat, the heat it would spark. Still, the wine was crisp and probably more suited to the summer's day anyway, and had the added benefit of maintaining her reputation.

She checked the clock again, and had to resist the urge to frown when only a few minutes had passed. A glance around the table revealed more than a few glasses were running low and she stood gracefully, picking up her own empty one. "Would anyone like another?"

She noted the chorus of requests and orders, made her way inside and considered ordering herself a couple of shots while she was waiting for the rest of the drinks. No one would know… probably. She made a face, restrained herself.

She almost wasn't surprised when she felt someone moved into the space next to her. "I can manage this."

Eddie shrugged. "There are a lot of drinks."

"Someone is going to notice."

He shifted, hand covertly brushing over her hip. "I said I was going to the men's room. Completely feasible that I'd help you on the way back."

"Eddie…"

"Rachel, relax," he said firmly. "It's the last day of term. The sun is shining, there were no disasters. Just… relax. Try and enjoy yourself."

He was right, she knew, and sighed. "I don't do relaxing very well."

His expression didn't so much as flicker. "I would never have known."

She elbowed him lightly, but inexplicably felt some of her bad mood melt away. She would still have preferred to be at home, but maybe finishing her wine wouldn't be the end of the world, she decided, taking the tray that was now full and handing it to Eddie. "Here, make yourself useful."

He muttered something, grinning, and she definitely heard the words 'bloody' and 'cheek' in there and found herself smiling too as she waited for the rest of the drinks. And when they came, she was suddenly grateful that Eddie had made his appearance. With a full tray balanced on one arm and three glasses held precariously in her other hand, it would have been an event to get back outside with even more than she was already carrying. As it was, Tom spotted her as she stepped out and darted over to her, relieving her of the glasses.

"What do you think, Rachel?" Steph looked at her as she placed the tray down. "Dating at work- yes or no?"

How had that become the topic of conversation? She looked up in surprise, only the spot Davina's pink cheeks and the way Tom was a little too intent on listening to Grantley. She allowed her lips to quirk in amusement. "Well, there are no rules against it."

"Have you ever dated from work?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Never seriously." She took a gulp of her wine, avoided looking at Eddie.

"But you have?" Jasmine seemed to straighten, then immediately squirmed as all eyes fell upon her. Rachel took pity on her, fighting to keep from laughing.

"A few times. Mostly when I was more newly qualified."

Steph cackled. "Let me guess- you dated a geography teacher? No wait- history."

Rachel sipped her wine. "No to both."

"English?" Jasmine guessed.

"One date, it did not go well."

Now, Matt decided to join in, grinning wildly. "Drama teacher?"

"God no."

"Art?"

She pinned him with a look that rather said it all.

"Languages," Davina guessed but Rachel shook her head.

"PE?"

"No. Though not for lack of trying on his part." She smirked, swirled the glass. There was a pause, all of them apparently racking their brains until finally Matt tilted his head, leaning forward.

"Music?"

"And we have a winner!" She tipped her wine towards him, while Davina choked on hers. Steph's jaw had hit the floor.

"You dated a music teacher?"

"Is it really that much of a surprise?"

None of them spoke, glancing hesitantly at each other and Rachel snorted in laughter. "For how long?" Jasmine ventured, and Rachel tapped her fingers, thought about it.

"We started just after Christmas, so... eight months? Then we broke up, then ended up back together for another year or so." She paused, blinked. "Why are we talking about this?"

"Because Rachel Mason dating a music teacher does not compute." Steph looked fascinated, but Rachel merely rolled her eyes.

"I dated a maths teacher too once, is that as interesting?"

"Nope."

"Rachel." For one, terrible moment, Rachel thought Eddie had taken offence the conversation. He had been chatting to the food tech teacher two tables away, within easy hearing distance and his tone was so serious, with an odd note that she couldn't quite place. But when she looked up, his eyes were fixed on the entrance and she followed his gaze with a frown, only to immediately pale.

The man who had just walked in, Eddie recognised easily. Even if Rachel's kitchen had been dim the other evening, he was just the sort of person that wasn't easily forgotten. But it was the woman beside him who had thrown Eddie off. He had caught only a glimpse of her in the photograph, not enough to have recognised her if she hadn't been hand in hand with her husband. And if Rachel hadn't audibly gasped, shooting to her feet.

For a moment, Eddie was ready to stand up, cross to her and deal with the consequences later. Except Rachel had stepped forward, just a few steps, and seconds later found herself with an armful of the girl she hadn't seen in person in twenty years.

Eddie relaxed. He could see how tightly Rachel was holding on, could see how much she had needed this even if she hadn't known herself before now. And as he watched, Rachel pulled back just enough to see the face of the other woman.

"I can't believe you're here."

She received a bright, teary smile. "That husband of mine let slip where he was and who he was with. I couldn't not come. I had to see you."

"Nessa…"

The brunette smiled, squeezed Rachel's hands. "It's okay. He would never tell me what's going on… Rachel."

"You shouldn't have come- don't you have kids to look after?"

"Kids who only exist because of what you did. And I never even got to thank you properly."

She rolled her eyes. "You thanked me plenty." But she looked at her for a long moment, and smiled as her entire expression softened. "It's so good to see you, Nessa."

Behind her, Rachel was entirely unaware of an entire other conversation taking place. Eddie had been watching her, so wasn't sure how long more than a few people had been looking at him before he noticed. "What?"

"Who's that?" Steph gestured to where Rachel was still standing, and he frowned.

"Why do you assume I know?"

She shot him a withering look. "Come on. Who is that?"

He hesitated, tried to think of an answer that sounded vaguely plausible, failed drastically and opted for obliviousness. "How should I know? Obviously Rachel knows her." Several pairs of eyes rolled and glared, and Eddie became very interested in his pint.

W.R.

"Caitlin's my youngest- we call her Katie." Nessa handed a photo to Rachel, who eagerly drank it in. They were pressed close together in a quiet corner of the little garden, alone enough that they wouldn't be overheard. She recognised the little girl from the photo she'd seen before, younger in this one, but with the same dark curls. "Jamie dotes on her. He hasn't reached the stage yet where it isn't cool to have a little sister, thankfully."

Rachel took the next photo, and found herself smiling. "He has your eyes."

"They all do." Nessa's voice was tinged with amusement. "It's the Irish genes. And here's Anna. Amanda."

"Sorry?"

She smiled gently. "Her name is Amanda," she explained quietly, and Rachel's eyes grew wide. "She couldn't pronounce her Ms when she was little, introduced herself as Anna and it stuck. But her full name is Amanda. Amanda Hope."

Rachel swallowed hard, stared at the picture. "I don't quite know what to say to that."

"We wanted her to know you. And she does, in a way. We told her about the woman who saved all of us, before she was even born."

She shifted uncomfortably. "You make it sound like I did something amazing and heroic. I just gave you some money."

"And delayed yourself leaving by months," Nessa said quietly. Rachel's mouth was suddenly very dry, and she reached for her wine.

"It doesn't matter…"

"Yes, it does. It matters, Manda. I can't imagine what that cost you, and I will be grateful to you till the day I die."

Rachel gulped down another mouthful, pretended her hands weren't shaking. "Don't call me that. Not… not here. Not now."

Nessa smiled, and slipped her hand around Rachel's. "You don't like me being here, do you?"

"That's not true!"

"But it makes you uncomfortable."

Rachel hesitated, unable to deny it when it was the complete truth. "I'm... I'm Rachel here," she settled on eventually and to her relief Nessa's expression held nothing but understanding.

"And Amanda's life has no place."

"The two mixing hasn't worked out so far." Her tone was bone dry as she delivered the understatement of the year. Nessa laughed, and Rachel realised it was the first time she'd ever heard the sound properly.

"Don't worry, Manda. I won't be staying. But I am glad I got to see you."

Now Rachel smiled, allowed herself to relax. "Me too."

"Before I do go, tell me about the guy who hasn't taken his eyes off us since we sat down."

Rachel didn't mean to turn to look at Eddie, she really didn't. But there was no one else Nessa could have meant and sure enough, almost immediately her gaze met his. He didn't look away, or even look embarrassed but instead tilted his head slightly, expression quirking in a way that Rachel could read perfectly. Are you okay? Do you need me?

What had she ever done to deserve him? She smiled slightly at him, shook her head. I'm okay, everything's fine. A conversation without words. Since when was that something she did? She allowed her smile to grow slightly before she turned back to Nessa, who was grinning slyly. "Do tell."

Her cheeks heated. "Ness..."

"I think I've got the general gist just from how he's looking at you." She propped her chin on her hand, eyes sparkling. "But I'd like some details. Who is he?"

Rachel hesitated, but what could it hurt? "He's my deputy," she revealed, her face on fire. "And Nessa... he knows. Everything. He knows everything and he still... he..."

Nessa's voice was soft and knowing. "I'm happy for you." Her gaze flicked over her head, in a different direction to before, and something like amusement flashed over her expression. "Someone is getting impatient," she commented, and Rachel didn't have to ask who.

"You're going home after this?"

"Yes," the other woman confirmed easily. "Both of us."

Relief rushed through Rachel, even as unease curled into her stomach. Why would he leave so suddenly? Because he knew that Stuart was no longer going to be a problem? Or because if he did reappear, the police would be dealing with him? She swallowed thickly, but Nessa didn't appear to have noticed her unease, finishing her drink and as if in silent agreement, they both rose and were suddenly hugging tightly. "Thank you, 'Manda," Nessa whispered. "I'll never be able to say it enough. Thank you."

Rachel squeezed her tighter. "Goodbye Nessa."

And as quickly as she'd appeared, she was gone. Rachel's world felt off-kilter and she dropped back into her chair with an exhaled sigh of relief, automatically reaching for her wine.

"Are you okay?"

Rachel should have expected, really, Eddie to appear likely before Nessa had even left the premises. Standing back a respectful distance, his gaze fixed on her expression as he hovered between approaching and leaving her be. Warmth swirled deep in her chest, and she managed a tired smile. "I was not expecting that."

He huffed out a laugh, taking her response for the invitation that it was and sliding into the recently vacated seat. "No, I don't imagine you were."

Rachel sighed, ran a hand over her face. "She looked happy, don't you think?" Her gaze flicked to him, and he nodded.

"She did."

"I wondered sometimes," she murmured, and he tilted his head at her. "I knew they were safe initially, but after that... I wondered. And hoped."

Eddie remained silent, not sure what she wanted from him. She seemed to realise it, giving him a smile as she finished the last of her wine. "I'm done," she said quietly. "I need to go home. Are you coming over tonight?"

"I'll drive us, I'm not over the limit."

"Eddie..."

He knew what she was thinking. "Do you care if they know?"

She hesitated, painfully aware of the voices and chatter behind her. "Maybe a little?"

He snorted, stood and shrugged his jacket on. "Come on."

She wasn't sure, not even a little bit. This filled her with anxiety and made her heart beat fast and her hands feel weak, but she stood and slid into her own jacket, murmured a thanks when he handed her bag. And when she turned, she felt more than saw Eddie fall into step beside her.

"Rachel!" Steph zeroed in on them as they drew nearer. "You didn't introduce your friend."

Rachel plastered on a smile, took a deep breath and decided to ignore her. "I'm heading out for the night. Good job this term, everyone."

The immediate rise in the noise level almost deafened her. She took a few more steps, Eddie right beside her and they almost made it- almost- but Steph's voice cut across again and made her cringe. "You're leaving together?"

Rachel sighed, but when she turned to face them there was a pleasant look on her face. "Steph..."

The blonde was looking at her expectantly, and she wasn't alone. Rachel allowed her gaze to flick over them all, the sea of faces filled with curiosity and anticipation and amusement, but eventually her eyes came back to rest on their original target, and she smiled blandly. "Have a good summer."

By the time the spluttering had stopped, she and Eddie were already gone.