Dear Lindsay,
I received your letter and of course I would never ignore it, it was lovely to hear from you, I really do hope you're okay. You have nothing to apologise for at all love, I cannot begin to imagine what you went through, and what you're still going through now. Seeing the relief in your eyes when you told me the truth in court and when you stood up and told the whole court was a comfort and must really be a weight off for you now. You have nothing to thank me for either, I was just doing my job. Emily is doing well at school, she talks about you all the time 'what would Lindsay do?' she says. Your mum popped in the other day and I want you all to know that you are always welcome here, any time. Ros and Michaela were in bits after they left the court and they've started a petition, and got the whole school to sign it, to free you, and to end the gang stuff. They're not bad girls at all and they've really bonded over this.
I wasn't entirely honest with you Lindsay, I wasn't just doing my job, I wanted to be there for you, to help you through everything because I care about you and I felt for you, you should never have had to go through any of what you did, and you need to know that none of it was your fault, it was all his. I felt ever so guilty that I hadn't realised sooner that he was hurting you, I wished to God I had worked it out or that you felt you could talk to me sooner, I would never forgive myself if I thought I was unapproachable. But I'm glad you did tell me, and that I was there to support you when you needed me.
There's not much going on here to report, a talentless talent contest, Miss Campbell is pregnant and Mr Tyler has been sacked. Mr Budgen is still gambling and drinking, Ms Haydock is still chasing men in French and everyone else is just being themselves really.
Please keep in touch darling, let me know how you're getting on, if you need anything, then don't hesitate to ask. You may be a bit too old to study at Waterloo Road when you get out but I'll help you through your exams and get in to teaching if you'd like me to? I think you'll make an excellent teacher and I'm so glad you're making plans for the future, never let that man win!
I'd better get back to crowd control in the playground.
Speak soon,
Love Rachel Mason x