Eddie walked back into the room quietly, having finished his conversation with Jenny. A plan had been formed and Eddie was prepared.
He had texted Kim, asking her to find Max and bring him here. It was risky, but he knew it would be worth it. They were already on their way.
The silence in the room suddenly washed over him. He glanced over at Rachel, who was fast asleep again, the baby lying contentedly on her chest. It was a beautiful scene.
He walked over carefully so not to wake them, gently taking the little girl out of Rachel's arms and into his own. Rachel stirred, moving into a more comfortable position, but she didn't wake up.
He stared down at the tiny bundle of blankets, admiring his daughter's face. She really was perfect.
This was his first time holding her. He couldn't explain how magical the feeling was. He'd wanted Rachel to be the first out of the two of them to hold her, to kiss her, to tell her she loved her. Now she had, it was his turn. It was definitely worth the wait.
He watched as she squinted, looking curiously around the room with a yawn that made Eddie's heart melt. She looked at him. He smiled at her.
"Hello little one" he whispered
She grunted softly
"Aren't you just the most beautiful thing?" He added, kissing her forehead softly
Whilst rocking her gently in his arms, he walked over to the large window that looked over the whole of Rochdale. They stood there for ages, Father and daughter, admiring the view.
Rachel opened her eyes, suddenly realising her daughter wasn't in her arms anymore. Initially, she panicked. And then her eyes fell on Eddie. He had his back to her, but she could tell he was holding their daughter as he looked out of the window. She smiled, watching as he rocked her and talked to her.
Quietly, she got out of the bed, ignoring the pain shooting through her body as she walked over to the window.
She placed her hand on Eddie's shoulder, smiling at him when he looked at her. She placed a gentle kiss on her daughter's head as she slept.
"Is she ok?" She asked, staring at her lovingly
"She's absolutely perfect" Eddie nodded, smiling
"And you?" Rachel asked, looking at Eddie
"I've never been happier" he smiled, kissing her lips softly
She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder.
"How are you feeling?" He asked
"A bit sore, but I'll be fine" she reassured
"You need to rest, Rach. Back to bed" Eddie instructed gently
He helped her back into bed, passing their daughter to her. Rachel still couldn't believe she was really here. She still felt like she was dreaming. Her heart threatened to explode over and over again every time she looked at her. It was a feeling like no other, a love she had never experienced before. She couldn't describe it.
A knock on the door made them jump. They looked at each other, suddenly feeling nervous.
Kim appeared in the doorway, looking awkward and uncomfortable. Rachel smiled at her weakly. Despite everything, Kim was her friend, and no matter what, she cared about her. None of this was her fault. She didn't blame her for Max's actions, and she wanted her to know that.
All thoughts of making amends instantly disappeared from her mind when she saw who was beside her.
Max.
He was stood behind Kim, shoulders slumped and head hanging low. He was sulking. It was obvious to Rachel that Kim had dragged him here. But why? What was she thinking bringing him here?
The sight of him made her feel sick. Instinctively, she held her daughter closer to her, desperately wanting to protect her. Max wasn't going anywhere near her baby.
Eddie's blood boiled at the sight of Max. He was as smug and arrogant as he'd imagined him to be. He felt Rachel tense, immediately pulling their daughter closer to her. Eddie placed a hand on her shoulder, letting her know it was ok. It was all going to plan.
"Hi Rachel, Eddie. Congratulations" Kim said awkwardly
Rachel smiled, avoiding Max's gaze.
Kim looked at the tiny baby girl in Rachel's arms. She was beautiful. It only made Kim feel more guilty for how she'd treated Rachel.
"Rachel, Max has something he wants to say to you and Eddie" she announced
Rachel looked up, staring at Max nervously. He avoided her gaze, biting his tongue in an attempt contain his rage.
When Max didn't say anything, Kim glared at him. He wasn't getting out of this.
"I'm… sorry, Rachel" he grumbled
He couldn't believe he was being made to do this! He hadn't done anything wrong! This was Rachel's fault! She'd interfered with his relationship with Kim, she'd ruined it! Why did he have to apologise?
"You know what, Kim? I'm not sorry at all." He added
Rachel could hear the rage growing in his voice. She wanted to take her daughter and run out of the room, away from him, to keep her safe. He was going to lash out at any second.
She felt his eyes burning into her, but she refused to look at him. It wasn't worth giving him the satisfaction.
"This is her fault! She deserved everything she got! That bitch ruined our relationship! I'm not apologising and I sure as hell am not resigning from Waterloo Road!" He snarled
He lunged towards her. Kim was quick to react, standing in front of him and pushing him back. Eddie stood behind Kim, blocking Rachel and their daughter completely from Max's view.
"You're not going anywhere near her or her baby!" Kim growled
Rachel was trembling. She hated that she felt so weak when Max was around, unable to fight back or stand up for herself. She hated how small he made her feel.
The baby started to cry, having been woken up by the sudden raised voices. Rachel rocked her gently, desperately trying to calm her down.
"I can't believe you, Kim! I've done so much for you and this is how you repay me?!"
"YOU LIED TO ME, MAX!" Kim screamed
Max slapped her hard, smiling triumphantly as Kim whimpered, holding her cheek.
"That's enough!" Eddie growled, standing in front of Kim as Max lunged forward again
Max smirked, looking Eddie up and down.
"You must be the infamous Eddie Lawson" he snarled
Eddie stood up taller, protecting Kim.
Max smirked, looking at Rachel who was still trembling in the hospital bed.
"Hmm… personally I don't see the appeal myself. I don't go for damaged goods"
Eddie glared at him, pushing him away.
"Eddie, leave it!" Rachel cried
Max grinned with satisfaction
"Between you and I, how much does she charge a member of staff?" He growled, nodding at Rachel
"Piss off, Max" Eddie snapped
"I feel sorry for your poor daughter, having that whore for a Mother. She's bound to grow up to be a prostitute. Like Mother, like daughter" Max snarled, looking at Rachel with pure disdain
Eddie's fist flew into Max's face. He stumbled back, holding his nose, glaring at Eddie.
"If you wouldn't mind sodding off, Max. You're starting to irritate me now" Eddie growled
Rachel smiled, sighing in relief. Her heart swelled with pride. Max had, had that coming. Normally she didn't condone violence, but as he'd threatened their little girl, she wasn't about to stop Eddie. She would have done the same.
"You'll regret this" Max threatened
"The only one who will be regretting their actions, is you, Max"
Max spun round to see Jenny, his wife, stood in the doorway. Two police officers were stood behind her, waiting to leap into action. He swivelled back round to look at Kim.
"I'm surprised you had a nerve to call my wife, Kim" he said
"She didn't, I did" Eddie interrupted
He cleared his throat, walking over to Max, anger coursing through his veins.
"You see Max, you might think you can go around, making everyone's lives miserable. But if you mess with Rachel, you mess with me. You're not going to hurt her anymore"
Max glared at him
The police officers stepped forward, grabbing his arms.
"Max Tyler, I'm arresting you for assault. You don't have to say anything, But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something that you later rely on in Court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence."
"Is that right? Good luck finding a replacement Head Teacher" Max growled, looking at Jenny
"Don't worry, we already have" Jenny replied, nodding to Eddie
Eddie smiled triumphantly at him.
They led him away down the corridor, Jenny following with them.
Rachel breathed a sigh of relief, the baby instantly settling down in her arms.
Eddie walked over to her, sitting with her on the bed. She smiled at him.
"Are you ok?" He asked
She nodded, kissing him softly on the lips.
"Are you really coming back to Waterloo Road?" She checked
"Until you're ready to come back, Rach. And then, if you want, I'll settle for being your deputy head again" he nodded
"What about Forest Mount?" She frowned
"I'll hand in my resignation. I want to be at Waterloo Road, Rach, with you, where I belong. I never should have left in the first place" he explained
A huge smile lit up Rachel's face. She loved him so much. He was her everything. In all her life, she'd never had someone who loved and cared for her like this, who wanted to protect her. What had she done to deserve someone as amazing as Eddie?
"I love you" she whispered, placing a hand on his cheek
Eddie grinned, leaning in to kiss her.
"I love you too"