A/N: Many thanks to everyone still reading and a massive thank you to hannah5240, Mrs Carmichael, Lynny, RachelMasonFan39, LittleH12 and the lovely guest!

I'm bloody mean I know.

Please enjoy.

Burning under your control

Chapter four.

Controlling someone is having the ability to influence and dominate a vulnerable human being.

Terrified.

The hurling rain lashed as she ran, battering her cold and tiring body. Her sudden gasps alarming her that she couldn't carry on. One more step. It had only taken one more step before she completely collapsed, her body screaming to be freed. Darkness overcame her, and she slowly lost consciousness.

Jolting from her nightmare, she awoke to the hammering beat of her heart. Sweat accumulating on her forehead as her panting was desperate to stabilise. Stuart. He'd gotten to her, under her skin, he was in her blood.

After five minutes, she felt like she could breathe again. She found the strength to bring herself out of bed and into her bathroom. On looking at her reflection in the mirror, she'd found the hard realisation that she wasn't who she once was. The glow that had radiated throughout her had become dull, her determination was rapidly falling and her smile had become lost amongst the worry. Splashing at her cheeks a few times and applying minimal make-up, she decided that it would have to do. She dragged herself to her kitchen to fetch a coffee before leaving for the day, and she sighed heavily before looking to the clock.

Panic. It had happened again. She found her breathing tighten and her whole body found an uncomfortable level of adrenaline. She remembered to keep her body grounded, and to concentrate on her breathing. Luckily, this time she could save herself. Yet she didn't have time to be afraid, she had to protect her children.

Ten o'clock exactly. In moments to come, Nigel would walk through the main doors to greet her, to praise her, to guide her and to convince her.

Thirty seconds. She'd ran through every scenario in her head. Every inch of torment left inside her rattled against her thoughts. Her confidence had hit an all-time low, and she needed Eddie. He, however, had to sit with Bolton in the cooler whilst he continued to joke of his actions. Eddie had a responsibility, and deep down, she wished it would be her.

Three seconds, two seconds .. and finally he was here. Putting on her biggest smile and her bravest face, she was ready. Upon entering the main doors, she shook his hand and embraced her professionalism.

'Hi Nigel', she greeted respectively. She observed him as he returned her smile and watched as the children made their way to their next lessons. The energy was overwhelming, but he was used to that.

'Rachel, hello', Nigel acknowledged. Not one to waste time, she quickly announced that they were to make the journey to her office.

After countless minutes of streaming through her notes, she had half hoped that he would have forgotten about their conversation over the phone. Rapidly wanting to tie the meeting up, she began to tidy away her notes. On watching her, Nigel could sense that she was eager to finish. Afraid of missing the opportunity for the school, he quickly intervened.

'Rachel, I believe this conversation I had with Mr Hordley, he seems very interested to give these kids a chance', he spoke, and she suddenly stopped packing away her materials. Dread flashed upon her, and she wished he hadn't had brought it up.

'Don't you think we should keep it separate Nigel. I mean we appreciate the work he's doing but I don't think he's- ... I mean Bolton, his behaviour, it's been different since he started there-', she didn't get the opportunity to finish her argument as he interrupted.

'I believe the boy's mother, Candice is it? She has done a little phoning around as she claims he hasn't been paid yet. Mr Hordley informs us it's just a mix up, and so it will be sorted. But we will do a little research before we give the kids this opportunity, don't worry'. His reassurance wouldn't be enough to make it better. This was getting out of hand and Stuart would be reeling. This was not okay.

'Research?', she choked, resting her hands on her desk for further support. She was almost sure she was close to fainting.

'Now that it affects the pupils, I have an obligation to make sure everything is legitimate. Don't worry, I'm sure it will be fine. Now I've got to go, but I'll be in touch. Goodbye Rachel.'

A chilling sensation scattered along her spine and despite her best efforts, she couldn't think of anything but Nigel's words. She sat in her chair, head in her hands and desperately searched for a resolution. On looking up, she found him watching her. This couldn't have been timed more poorly.

'Hi', Rachel spoke gently, as she watched him take a seat across from her. She couldn't read him and it infuriated her. She was unsure of his feelings, thoughts and whether he wanted to continue their conversation that had been hanging for days. He watched as she delicately placed her pen on the desk and took a moment to study him. He knew exactly what she was doing, and honestly he didn't mind. He was happy to have her attention.

'So, how did it go with Nigel?', Eddie questioned as he leaned forward in the chair. He wanted to mimic her level of commitment to this conversation. She was making him her priority, and so she deserved it in return.

'Good', she responded. He didn't know whether she was tired or if she just didn't want to talk. This wasn't like her, and although they'd had a few interesting days, he still knew her.

'Rachel?'

'Yes Eddie?', she firmly answered, and from her reply, he changed tactics. This wouldn't be the way to understand her sadness, but he wanted her to know of his sincerity.

'I'm sorry. Im sorry for the way I .. you know ..', he stopped. He could have sworn that her eyes pleaded for more, and so, he gave her that.

'Acted about the situation. It was .. well it was a lot to take in', he declared, once again looking for confirmation that she was still willing to have this conversation. It was never his intention to hurt her or upset her. His feelings for her hadn't changed since that day, but he wanted to respect their friendship before anything else.

'I know', she whispered, her eyes darting to meet the floor.

'I'd like to talk later, the pub or maybe my house, not anything like that Rach I swear, I just want to understand. Please just let me help you', he begged. Slowly she met his eyes, and she could have cried at his determination to save her from anymore sadness. In that moment, she clasped her hand around his and nodded lightly confirming that she would meet him. She wanted him to understand.

Lights off. Laptop away. Office locked. She was more than happy to be leaving. On walking the empty corridors she began to wonder how they'd start their road to recovery. Would she be okay? Would he be okay? Would they be okay?

The cold air hit as she swung open the door allowing her to find that sense of freedom. She was going to him, and quickly. No words could justify how she was feeling. She had much to tell him but she couldn't bear the thought of him getting angry.

On approaching her car, she swiftly opened the boot to place her bag inside. Oddly, just as she was closing up, she felt an unusual presence behind her. In all of three seconds, she was dragged to an unknown car. Her screams muffled, and her belongings detached; she felt weak and dominated. With almighty force, she struggled to break free, and instantly she knew she was trapped. He'd got her this time.