Changes - Chapter Two
Disclaimer. This is for entertainment purposes only.
Rachel headed for her office, stopping to say hello to various members of staff and pupils alike as she went.
She sighed in relief when she finally reached her office, closing the door behind her. She hung her bag and coat on the rack in the corner of the room, before settling into her desk chair, smiling to herself as she did so. It was good to be back.
Meanwhile, Adam, Tom and Chris chatted away en route to the staffroom.
As they made their way up the steps, Lorna passed them on the stairs. She glared at Tom before descending down the rest of the stairs. Adam frowned.
"Why does Lorna have a face like thunder?" He asked, looking to Tom
"It was her birthday last week. " Tom replied, sheepishly.
"Don't tell me… you forgot?" Chris guessed smirking at his friend
It was obvious to Adam as he looked at Tom. His cheeks had turned crimson with embarrassment!
"He definitely forgot! " Adam laughed
"You never? " Chris laughed along with him
"It slipped my mind. " Tom shrugged, trying to defend himself
"'Slipped your mind?' You forgot your wife's birthday?! Mate if I did that to Rachel she'd string me up!" Adam chuckled
"How bad are things at home? Are you being punished?" Chris smirked
"I'm sleeping on the sofa, make of that what you will. " Tom huffed
"Oh, mate! How long? " Adam sniggered
"Been a week now. " Tom replied with a heavy sigh
Both Chris and Adam burst out laughing.
"It's not funny!" Tom glared
"Not for you… us on the other hand" Chris teased
Tom rolled his eyes
…
Meanwhile, Rachel was sorting out her office. She carefully grabbed the photo frame from her bag, placing it on her desk. It was a photo of her and Adam on their honeymoon. They were on a boat trip when it was taken. It was one of Rachel's favourite photos.
She had to admit, it had been weird walking down the corridors and not seeing Bolton Smilie and Paul Langley for once. The year 13s had long gone, replaced by a whole new year group. She'd miss the old gang of kids that had left at the end of last term. It was going to be weird not seeing them in the corridors. She had known that year group the longest and had grown quite fond of them
"Would you like a coffee, Miss Mason?" Joyce asked, poking her head around the office door
"Yes please, Joyce!" Rachel nodded, smiling
She continued to sort out her desk, tidying and moving things around. She grabbed the other photo frame out of her bag, the one the photographer had taken on their wedding day. She smiled as she looked at the photo. They had just come out of the church when it was taken. Rachel was looking into Adam's eyes, with a huge smile on her face, confetti was flying around them. It was her favourite photo from the wedding. She placed it on the other side of her desk, opposite the other photo frame.
Joyce came in a few minutes later. She handed her a mug of coffee. Rachel took it from her gratefully.
"Is this your wedding photo?" Joyce asked, peering at the photo frame on Rachel's desk
Rachel nodded, beaming
Joyce smiled
"You look stunning, I bet it was a lovely day" she commented
"Thanks Joyce! It was a beautiful day" Rachel nodded, blushing a little
"I'll let you get on, just shout if you need anything!" Joyce told her, leaving the office
Rachel nodded her head in acknowledgment, logging into her computer.
…
Back in the staff room, Chris and Adam had just witnessed for themselves the tension between Tom and Lorna. Saying it was intense was an understatement!
The second Lorna had walked in to get herself a coffee, the room went silent. Tom caught her gaze and was met with a frosty glare. She didn't even stay to make her coffee, she immediately stormed back out.
"Oh, frosty. I see what you mean. " Chris chuckled
"Antarctic. " Adam smirked, pretending to shiver
"Yeah, yeah, alright" Tom huffed, rolling his eyes at his friend's immature behaviour
Adam and Chris fell about laughing
"Do you want a blanket? You know, to keep the chill out? " Chris teased
Tom rolled his eyes as Adam and Chris continued to laugh hysterically.
"Oh haha, yeah good one. Very funny. " Tom replied, rolling his eyes
Adam immediately composed himself as Rachel walked in. She smiled at him, shooting him a questioning look as to why Chris was laughing so hard. Adam shook his head at her, she didn't want to know.
Rachel sighed, smiling softly at all of the staff. It was good to see everyone.
"Hello everyone, welcome back! Hope you all had a lovely break."
Some more than others" Adam muttered
Chris sniggered
Tom scowled at them as Rachel shot the three men a glare. She would investigate later.
She cleared her throat before continuing to address the staff.
"Let's make this another great year for Waterloo Road, yeah?"
The staff all nodded in agreement
"Great! Have a good first day!" Rachel smiled
Rachel wandered over to Adam, Tom and Chris. Adam immediately wrapped an arm around her waist. She looked at him inquisitively as he and Chris continued to snigger.
"What's so funny?" She frowned
"Nothing darling. Inside joke between the boys" Adam replied with a smirk
Rachel wasn't convinced
"Ok..."
The bell rang for morning assembly, causing all of the staff to groan.
"Come on everyone, the sooner we start, the sooner we can go home!" Rachel told them
A/N This is a collaboration with the Amazing RachelMasonForever. We hope you've enjoyed chapter two. Reviews are appropriate.:)