Eddie gladly Eddie Lawson was sat in his classroom, at his desk during the first period of the day. He was teaching sixth formers, well, instructing them to get on with work quietly. The quietness was shattered by a knock at the door, "Mr Lawson there's an important package here for you."

Eddie nodded his thank you, placing it down on his desk, his breath catching in his throat. It was her handwriting; the handwriting he hadn't seen in over sixteen years.

Eddie was transfixed, not that the class had noticed. Slowly he opened the brown package. A photo album? Eddie was intrigued opening the cover. There he was met with two white envelopes; one with the number one on it and one with the number two on it. Slowly and cautiously he picked up the first one. Running his thumb over the smooth paper of the envelope, he opened it before unfolding the piece of paper.

Dear Eddie,

It's been a long sixteen years, hasn't it? I'm sorry I haven't been in contact. It still hurts. There is a reason for this letter and I am so sorry I never told you before now. I'm sorry also for not contacting you after we found out that Melissa had lied to us. I just couldn't. I never found out about what I'm about to tell you until after you left. Please forgive me.

You have a daughter, Eddie. We have a daughter; Chelsea May Lawson. She's beautiful, Eddie. My auburn hair but she's all yours otherwise. Same soft brown eyes and that cheeky smile that you always had plastered on your face. Chelsea's also inherited you laid-back attitude (which I'm NOT to pleased about!).

Our daughter's sixteen next week, Eddie. Next Friday to be precise; July 21st. The last day of term. You've missed out on so much of her life, Eddie. I'm the only one to be blamed for that and for that I am truly sorry.

She wants to me her daddy, Eddie. I know it's asking a lot, but it's what she wants and I'll do anything she'll ask me to do. Chels is our precious girl and I want you to meet her. It would make her birthday special and I'd do anything to make it just that. I won't give up without a fight.

The photo album is of our girl growing up, Eddie. As each year has gone by. She doesn't know about it. It has only one space left, Eddie and that's for the day you meet her. I made if for you, Eddie.

Our girl is growing up so fast, it scares me. When the time comes, I want her father to walk her down the aisle, to help me babysit her children and be there to kick anyone's sorry arse that even dares to make her upset.

I won't take it personally if you don't turn up and neither will Chels as she doesn't know that I've even done this. So, if you decide to come, meet me outside at Waterloo Road at 4pm. I'll send Chelsea home with her friends. I want it to be a surprise.

I can only apologise for not telling you, but you'll be the best present she's ever received.

All my love,

Rachel.

xxx

Eddie sat in shock. He had a daughter and with Rachel ! He wasn't angry or upset just in shock and elated. Checking the class was still working he picked up the second envelope and began to read it.

Dear daddy,

I'm your daughter. It's a shock I know and when you finally receive this letter, I must have worked up enough courage to send it or, mum has found it and sent it without me knowing.

Mum's explained to me about everything that has happened and I don't blame either of you! Not for a thing. Mum's also explained why she hasn't told you. I respect the decision's she's made, knowing it would have been best at the time. Please don't hate her.

It's been hard on mum, as I'm sure it has with you. She's cried herself to sleep for most of the fifteen years. She misses you and loves you a lot, dad.

I know all about you. Me and mum have spent many a night, on her bed whilst she's told me stories about you. I know everything! Like the fact tat you both hated each other at the start. I hope you find out about me one day.

Also, aunt Steph has given me many a story about your drunken state ( hilarious by the way!). And uncle Tom told me about your competitive streak when you both went to watch the football. I think you'll be happy to hear we both support the same team. I think mum made sure of it.

I hope one day we meet. Get the chance to bond, go and watch a football match or you could show me your horrendous bowling skills (I heard ALL about that one ! ;D ).

When and if we meet I want to get to know you. I want you to be there when I go to uni, get my heart broken, you kick their arses (as mum would say), get married and have children. I 'll need your support comfort and love.

I hope we do meet,

I love you (and mum does),

Chelsea May Lawson.

(Your little girl).

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Eddie folded both the letter up, placing them both in the chest pocket of his shirt. The teens were still working quietly. Eddie looked back down and his attention turned to the photo album, tears beginning to pool in his eyes.

The first page contained the scan photos and many more of the little things Rachel had bought, each with a description in her neat scrawl. As pages went on, all in chronological order. Eddie ran his fingers over each one, the tears flowing freely as he forgot where he was. They first fell like rain but as the album went on he began to sob uncontrollably. Now being the time the teenagers looked up from their work, seeing their maths teacher and deputy head break down.

"Sir, you alright?" One of the boys asked. Eddie didn't answer he just carried on crying in a world of his own.

He had a daughter. He always wanted a daughter. He didn't cry because of what he had missed out on with Rachel and his daughter. He skipped back a few pages to find the picture he wanted. It was one of Rachel and Chelsea who was four and in her school uniform just before Christmas. Rachel and Chelsea both wore santa hats and Rachel held up a piece of paper saying, "Hey Daddy! I love you!" There was one for each year. Them both in the same position, both smiling and Rachel with the piece of paper in her hands, but this one was his favourite.

The head teacher soon entered after one of the pupils had rushed to get her. As she made her way over to the crying deputy feeling sympathy towards him when she noticed the photo album. Crouching down to his level she asked, "Eddie, what's wrong?" The class watched on expectantly as Eddie raised his head, his eyes red and puffy from crying.

"Remember when I told you about Rachel?" He asked as the class wondered who she was. His voice was hoarse from crying.

"Yes, I remember. What about her?" Karen Fisher asked.

"I have a sixteen year old daughter with her! I only found out today! Look!" He exclaimed changing from the sobbing buffoon to an excited five year old. Karen smiled at him, as they both looked through the photo album. Aware now that the class had now surrounded them wanting to look at the photos; which Eddie gladly showed.