A/N: Just a small one...

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Burning under your control

Chapter twenty

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

Stable.

'Rach .. I', Melissa stammered as she looked on anxiously at Rachel. Her hand hovered over her belongings and she became too afraid to continue with her packing.

'Leaving so soon, huh?', Rachel questioned. Her anger visible, but vigorously containing it the best she could.

'I was just-', Melissa halted. Rachel had stepped away from the frame of the door and pointed out to the hall.

'Wh- what are you doing?', Melissa asked, confused. She looked to Phil, who looked just as puzzled.

'If you want to go, then I won't stop you.'

Every inch of confidence in her sister's loyalties had transpired. She kicked herself for allowing this to happen again. The only positive note was that this time she had left Philip. It had been unfortunate on his behalf, but undoubtedly it had been the best decision. Rachel provided him with security and stability - two things he had yearned for. She eagerly awaited Eddie's arrival and caught herself thinking of the last hour again.

'Mum .. mum, come on alright, we've got nowhere to go!', Phil exclaimed whilst looking to Rachel for help.

'Phil love, I er .. I want you to stay with Rach .. just for a while and I'll be back', Melissa said whilst continuing to pack her things. Keeping her eyes drawn away from Rachel. The disappointment from her sister would second guess her decisions and she needed time, alone.

'I promise', Melissa lied. Philip looked in desperation at her, hoping that she'd change her mind and take him along too. He looked back to Rachel and there he found her, head down, eyes to the floor and her arms crossed defensively. Then he knew. It was real this time. His mother would abandon him.

Rachel heard the engine of a car pulling up outside, and she raced to the front door. Pulling it wide, she found him clambering out of his 4x4 and her frustration grew at his lack of urgency.

'What's going on? I just got your message', Eddie blurted as he then rushed to her.

'Come in', she ushered as he looked at her confused.

'What is it?', he questioned whilst following her orders and making his way to the kitchen.

'Melissa, she's gone', Rachel hissed whilst closing the kitchen door behind them. His expression changed, and he wanted to ask a thousand questions, but he wasn't sure where to start. Figuring that his silence probably wasn't helping, he questioned further.

'Gone?'

'She's left, and she's gone and left Phil here with me', her tone saddened at the thought of Melissa leaving her own child, and although he'd be left in capable hands, the obvious neglect had been alarming.

'Rach, you can't-', before he could even finish, Rachel reacted defensively.

'He's my nephew, Eddie', she intervened. Her stern manner reminded Eddie just how much she cared for the welfare of others, and just how much she would sacrifice.

'I didn't mean that. I just worry. I don't want you to feel .. well, you've got a lot going on. I worry about you, that's all'. His tone was desperate.

'I'll be okay, and I'll be even better when we've sorted out the plan for the next senior staff meeting-', Rachel began before Eddie interrupted.

'Do we have to Rach?! Come on, I can think of better things to do ..', Eddie whined.

'Mr Lawson, I can assure you there will be absolutely no funny business until you've done a little hard work', she demanded whilst propping the paperwork in front of him.

'Rach!', Eddie exclaimed, leaning back in the chair with his hands behind his head, sighing in frustration. He really was the image of a stroppy teenager.

'Depending how hard you work will ..', she began. His raised brow and smirk confirmed that he was aware of what she was suggesting.

'You know I'm all for rewarding good teachers .. and it just so happens you might get a little more than anyone else..', she said whilst giving him a wink. He chuckled and let his imagination run away with him for a while. They'd found a comfortable silence for a few minutes, and he observed how she lost herself in work. His heart ached at the thought of pain secretly rippling inside her over the thought of Stuart.

'So, have you had second thoughts about Stuart's grave?', Eddie asked. The realisation that she probably wouldn't want to talk had crossed his mind, but still, he wondered.

'No, I've just been a little caught up today. I think tomorrow lunch time-', Rachel halted. She kicked herself for allowing Stuart to take over her life again. Neither she nor Eddie had noticed Phil standing there or how he'd quietly pushed the door open. The realisation hit her hard and she clammed up.

'Phil, sorry love, I didn't see you there. Is everything okay?', Rachel questioned.

All three of them stood in silence. The apprehension from Philip caused an uneasy atmosphere. He gave a long pause before finally answering his aunt.

'I'd like to go', Philip spoke nervously. Rachel collapsed into a world of her own and within seconds she felt nauseous. A million questions swarmed her.

'Go where?', Eddie asked on behalf of himself and Rachel. Her silence alerted him she could not question him further, and her panic caused him to worry.

'To Stuart's grave ..'