Thank you so much for your kind reviews! After 13 years of reading fics, this is the first time I have ever published my own. So happy to see so many people out there keeping the WR/Rachel and Eddie spirit alive!

I hope you enjoy this next piece. I am desperately wanting to keep this as close to 'reality' as possible and fill in for the unscripted, so hopefully this does the story justice. Please do share your thoughts.

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2: Paradox

The side table shook. He swore under his breath, half drowsy from the sleep from which he had been disturbed. He clawed the phone back from the side. The screen flashed; his eyes squinted - 4 missed calls. 3 messages. Through the cracks in the blinds the sun burned bright. It wasn't early.

Hi, where are you? Wondered if we could meet today? Just driven by yours but you're not in. Need to do before 4 as meeting a friend. M x

Another swear, though this time, more of a furious quiet rage within him silently built as he thought of Melissa's total disregard for the circumstances. It was like nothing had ever happened. Bloody unbelievable, but not surprising. He sighed. The phone hit the top of the duvet and he gently threw it down beside him. He brought his hands to his face in a painful quiet despair. Next to him lay Rachel, undisturbed, with her face tucked up in her pillow. Even when asleep, she looked drained. He wanted to pause there and then, keeping her silent and in place so nothing would have to change. He knew that as soon as she woke, rational thinking Rachel would be back.

She sighed and turned her head to face away from him. She was awake, but clearly ignoring the situation. Once again, a curse word silently left his lips. The peace wasn't going to last. She was likely already planning her course of action, and without a doubt he'd be out of the house soon.

The air could be cut with a knife. Not because of tension, but because of dread. Neither of them wanted to have the conversation that was inevitably to come next. Rachel remained facing the other way, eyes closed. This was her version of denial. His hand gently drew towards her, smoothing over her shoulder. He was careful not to break her, her soft skin warm from being under the covers. He yearned for her to turn and face him, and wrap her arm over like she normally would. Today was different. This was damage control, and she was fighting against it. They lay there for a long five minutes, with every additional second hurting in its own unique way.

"Rach," he whispered to her shoulder, kissing it gently. He heard her sigh, followed by a sniffle. It broke him, and he shut his eyes in pain. He knew she was hurting, but only now did it stab him clear. As he lay there with his forehead gently on her shoulder, he caught her perfume. It struck another chord.

Without warning, the covers had gradually left her. She sat up, grabbing the remains of her clothing from the night before. This was the moment he was dreading. Lucid Rachel was back, and he prepared himself for whatever was about to come next.

"Phil is going to be back soon," she began, almost abruptly as she pulled her t-shirt over her head. His eyes didn't leave her. Every action gave a sign as to what was on replay within her mind. He took in every last curve, and how the light hit her olive skin. A reminder that this was the last time. He didn't know how to respond. She picked up the cushions and chucked them on the bed, tidying the room as a course of action. Distraction tactics.

The frustration within him was bubbling. A sense of anger began to surface. He sighed in despair as he watched her shut down, not wanting to address anything further. As much as he wanted to sweep her up and reassure her with sweet nothings, he wanted to grab her by the hair, scream in both ears and force her to listen. "So that's it then, hm?" He stung, trying to keep his voice controlled. His eyes followed her. "Sweeping this all under the carpet like it never happened?"

The words struck hard. The inner anger towards him began to get too hot. She stopped. Frozen. Empty wine glass from the night before in hand. He went there. The first words she muttered since waking. A dead reminder of the circumstances: "I'm not sure if you've forgotten, but my sister is pregnant with your child." She hissed back, snatching the bed throw from the floor before dumping the wine glass on the cabinet.

"How was I meant to know that was going to happen!" His voice raised. He sat up in bed in despair. Peace was churning into a perfect storm. She said nothing. She methodically tidied around him like a redundant piece of furniture. "You can't blame me for the sick kick she's getting out of this."

"So who do I blame then, huh?" She shouted. They were past the hushed yet angsty tones. The fire was burning in the pit of her stomach. "Me, for getting tied up with my sister's ex-fiance? Or - or, me again, for pushing you away at the pub last year?"

"Rachel,.." This is not what his shots were aiming for. Eddie tried to cut her off.

"What is the point in denying what's happened? You have a child now. New responsibilities. I can't to be a part of that."

"This is why we need to figure this out. Rationally."

"You need to be speaking with Mel, not me." She lashed back, almost heartless. Another cushion was soon in hand, before discarded on the chair in the corner.

"Please, just stop." He sighed frustratedly, rubbing his forehead. He didn't need to hear more about Melissa. That was a situation that could wait another day. He didn't need a reminder. A child should be a joyous occasion, but this one caused pain. A poor innocent child trapped in the middle of emotional turmoil.

The air blew a silent cold. Everything paused. She had run out of steam, sick of the situation. It hurt to throw this anger towards Eddie, but he was the only place to vent. It pained. Previously wound up in her head were the thoughts that now surrounded them in the open tension. Her eyes conveyed a silent apology, torn alongside anger and upset. He knew.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her eyes drawn to the jumper in her hands. Relief partially washed over him. Rational talk could ensue. Eddie knew what he was going to say. The arrangements. He gave her room to breathe, watching her from under the covers. "But, this needs to stop." These were the words he didn't account for. Frustration and regret washed over him once again.

"For god's sake. Rachel!" There was nowhere else to turn. Nothing could change the events of the day before. Everything about their relationship was destroyed, blown up in 24 hours. The feelings however still lay strong. He couldn't let this happen. Two years to this moment. Everything clicked, they had worked. The love was strong, and they both knew that. He felt powerless. The man who once fell at her feet for anything she wanted was now on the ground begging for forgiveness and a chance.

"I love you." It struck her. Just as strongly as it did the first time. The meaning in his voice made it harder to ignore. There was silence for a peaceful moment. Vulnerability caressed the air. "I don't know how to get over this." The crack in his voice made her breath catch in her throat, and she could crumble there and then. Three words generated dust. She paused, looking at him. The downstairs lock turned. Clunk. The door opened, echoing in the distance. Footsteps of a teenager gradually entered the hallway.

"I love you too." It came in a peaceful hush. The sincerity was there, paining them both. It was momentary, the salvaging the last few moments. But reality struck, and the air reverted to coldness. It was time to shut off the emotion. "But seeing you,.. sleeping together." Pause. "It's not going to help that." She turned, making her way into the en suite. The door clicked shut. His eyes closed, pained from the power of her words. Silence.

This was it.