One hour later...
It was 4:50pm when Eddie and Candeece had finished making all of their phone calls. They were both exhausted. But it had (hopefully) been worth it. They had managed to get all of the Governors and some members of the LEA on side. Mr Evans would be arriving in the next twenty minutes to hear Rachel's decision. Eddie hoped that when she had seen all the support she had she would have no choice but to stay. Eddie now felt like he could walk away from today knowing he'd done everything he could, regardless of the outcome. There was nothing else he could do. It was just a waiting game.
"Mr Lawson? Mr Evans is waiting downstairs" Bridget called from the antechamber
Eddie stood up, taking a deep breath. He made his way out of the office, telling Bridget to pack and go home.
Mr Evans was waiting by the main doors. He smiled politely at Eddie as he approached.
"Mr Lawson, nice to see you again" he greeted, offering his hand for Eddie to shake
Eddie smiled nervously, shaking his hand.
"I've come to see Rachel, is she here?" Mr Evans inquired
"She's currently off premises dealing with an emergency. She should be back soon though" Eddie explained
Mr Evans nodded.
"Hopefully she has changed her mind. It would be unfortunate if she left"
"For the LEA, or for her?" Eddie challenged
"Both, of course"
Eddie nodded.
"The news seems to have spread around the Board and the LEA. I've been inundated with phone calls this afternoon. I assume that's your doing?" Mr Evans continued
"I'm just trying to stop her from making a mistake. I can't just let her walk away" Eddie shrugged
"Well, hopefully all your effort has paid off"
Eddie hoped he was right.
"Why don't we go and wait in my classroom?" he suggested
Mr Evans nodded, following Eddie down the corridor.
...
Ten minutes later...
Rachel sighed as she walked into her office, almost collapsing into her chair. She rubbed a hand across her pounding and slightly clammy forehead. She couldn't deny it, she really wasn't feeling well. She had been having these 'spells' on and off all day. For a certain amount of time she was ok, and then, all of a sudden and without warning, she was feeling extremely unwell again. She hated it.
This current 'spell' of feeling unwell had started just as she was leaving Miss Browitt's office with Paul and Bolton. The drive back to the school had only made it worse. The nausea was churning in her stomach, and the room was starting to spin a little. She couldn't wait to get the Doctor's appointment out the way so she could go home and relax.
Despite how unwell she was feeling, a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Not just for her, but for Bolton and Paul too.
In the last hour, the two boys had written their statements and signed them off before giving them to Miss Browitt. The next steps were for Bolton and Paul to appear in court for Earl's trial, where they would testify against him. Earl's trial date was due to take place later in the New Year, so it was now a waiting game. Denzil would hopefully be released from prison in due course, just in time to spend Christmas with his family.
Rachel was proud of both Bolton and Paul. She knew it hadn't been easy to speak out against a bully, and she knew it would be even harder to do it in a Court of Law in the near future. But they'd both faced their demons head on by speaking up, and she was proud of them for that.
As she had sat in Miss Browitt's office, watching Bolton and Paul write their statements, she had done some serious thinking of her own. She had promised Bolton she would have a think about whether to stay or to resign. In the forty five minutes she had sat in Miss Browitt's office for, she had come to a decision...
She was going to stay.
If she'd learnt anything from today, it was that the kids of Waterloo Road needed her right now. She had originally thought that now was the best time to go, and that her leaving was what was best for everyone. But it wasn't. The kids needed her now more than ever, Bolton had taught her that. If she went now, she'd be letting everyone down, including herself. She had made a mistake with Earl, and that mistake would haunt her for the rest of her life. But running away wouldn't fix it. Staying and putting the school back together and trying to make amends with Steph would help, even just a little. Eddie was right, teaching was her life, and she couldn't give it up. She just had to try harder.
During her forty five minutes of reflection, she had also thought about Eddie. Her heart was heavy with guilt for the way she had treated him over the last week. She had been cold, distant and nasty towards him. He didn't deserve that. He had done nothing wrong. She owed him a huge apology. Whether he would accept it or not was a different matter. Now that she wasn't leaving Waterloo Road, she planned to sit him down tonight and to just talk to him. It was what she should have done from the start. Her fears about the pregnancy were bottled up inside of her and they needed to come out. She had to do better, for her sake, Eddie's and the baby's. If she was honest right now, she wanted nothing more than to hug him tightly and never let go. She wanted to feel his lips on hers, to feel his arms wrapped around her waist. She wanted to feel safe.
Her head shot up at the sound of someone knocking on the door. She smiled when she saw Tom.
"I see you haven't packed yet, is that a good sign?" he asked hopefully
Rachel nodded.
"Yes, Tom, I'm staying"
Tom smiled.
"Good. I won't ask you what made you change your mind, but I will say I'm glad. The school needs you, Rachel. You're a fantastic Head Teacher"
"Thanks, Tom"
"There's a few of us going to the pub over the road if you and Eddie fancy it?" he announced
Rachel shook her head. Even if she didn't have a Doctor's appointment in just over an hour's time, she still wouldn't have gone. She just wanted to resolve things with Eddie and then go to bed. She really had overdone it today.
"Thank you, but I think we'll give it a miss tonight. It's been a long day, hasn't it?" she sighed tiredly
Tom nodded.
"Well, the offer's there... and there's this as well"
She frowned as he handed her an envelope.
"I'm resigning as Head of Pastoral Care" he explained
"Tom, you really don't need to" she insisted
"All I'm doing is jumping before I'm pushed. I know you want to try and talk me out of it, but we both know it's for the best" he argued
Rachel nodded. She didn't think it was for the best at all. Tom was great with the kids and the Pastoral side of things. But he seemed to be set on it and her trying to persuade him to stay in the role wouldn't make a difference.
"If you and Eddie change your mind about coming for a drink, you know where we are" he added, leaving the office
Rachel sighed, putting Tom's resignation letter on the top of her pile of paperwork. She would sort it tomorrow.
"Hey"
Rachel looked up, unable to stop the smile from forming on her face when she saw Eddie stood in the doorway. Her heart flooded with relief. She'd missed him.
"Hi"
"Where are Bolton and Paul?" he asked
"I sent them off to join Chlo and Donte's celebrations in the hall" she explained
Eddie nodded.
"So, how did it go?" he questioned
"Good. They both made their statements and signed them. They'll have to speak at Earl's trial next year... but Denzil should be out of prison before Christmas"
Eddie raised an eyebrow. Bolton had been adamant that he wasn't going to sign the affidavit. He wondered what had happened to make him change his mind, or rather, what Rachel had done or said to make him change his mind.
Before he could ask, Rachel interrupted him.
"Eddie, there's something I should tell you,"
It was Eddie's turn to interrupt her. He didn't think she'd want to discuss their personal life once she knew Mr Evans was present.
"And there's something I need to tell you too"
Rachel frowned at him.
"Better still, I'll let him do it" he added, moving away from the door
Rachel was surprised when Mr Evans entered the room, followed by Candeece. She had of course been expecting Leon to come back to hear her decision, but hadn't expected him to wait around this late for her. As for Candeece, Rachel hadn't a clue why the woman was in her office, other than to find out what had happened with Bolton.
"Hello, Leon" she greeted, smiling politely
"Rachel" he nodded curtly
"Mrs Smilie and Eddie were most effective, if the messages on my phone are anything to go by" Mr Evans announced
Rachel frowned, her eyes flicking back and forth between Eddie and Candeece.
"Eddie and I have spoken to every Governor, and they all want you to stay" Candeece explained
Rachel turned to Eddie, searching for confirmation. She didn't miss the subtle smirk on his face as he nodded at her to confirm it was true.
"Well, I," Rachel started
"Rachel, I said earlier that this school needs leadership. The only doubt was whether you still felt able to offer that. You have demonstrated that you can, and we want you to stay" Mr Evans cut in
Rachel looked to Candeece, who was nodding in agreement.
"So, what's it to be?" he added
Rachel paused for a moment before finding the words she wanted to say.
"I'm really sorry... you've gone to so much trouble, but I've already made my mind up,"
She heard Eddie's sigh of disappointment.
"In fact, Bolton made it up for me... I'm not going. I want to stay" she continued
Rachel's heart fluttered as her eyes met with Eddie's. A huge smile formed on his face. She knew immediately that she had made the right decision.
"Well, then, I believe there's nothing more to discuss. I'll see you for our next meeting in a month's time, Rachel" Mr Evans decided, standing up
"Thank you, Leon. Have a good evening" she replied, standing up to shake his hand
Mr Evans shook Eddie's hand before leaving, closing the door behind him.
"I'm glad you're staying, at least you can keep our Bolton out of trouble, eh?" Candeece chuckled
Rachel smiled.
"I'll see you both tomorrow. Thank you so much, Miss Mason!" Candeece added, leaving the office
Rachel turned to Eddie, unable to wipe the smile off her face.
"You know, I don't think I've ever been more grateful for Bolton Smilie" Eddie chuckled
Rachel giggled.
"What did he say to persuade you?" he asked
Rachel sighed.
"He... bribed me" she explained
Eddie raised an eyebrow as he smirked.
"You were bribed by a pupil?"
" 'If I speak, then you stay'. Tom had told him I was leaving. He said if I agreed to stay, he would write his statement and sign the affidavit. We compromised and I told him I would stay another week until I'd made my decision... but I've already made up my mind"
"So you're staying?" he checked
"Yes, Mr Lawson. I'm afraid you're stuck with me" she nodded, playing with the collar of his shirt as she smiled
"I wouldn't have it any other way, darling" he whispered, kissing her forehead gently
Rachel hummed contentedly.
"Did you really call every Governor?" she questioned
"I had to do something to stop you getting your own way... I guess Bolton beat me to it" he huffed jokingly
"Well, it's back to work bright and early tomorrow morning" she told him confidently
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Eddie chuckled, rolling his eyes playfully
"If anyone thought keeping me here was the easy option, they thought wrong. This school needs to change and I'll see that it happens"
Eddie nodded.
"You won't find me arguing, Miss Mason"
Rachel smiled.
"I really am glad you're staying, Rach" he added
Rachel wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. She really did love him so much. He would do anything for her and she would do anything for him. He was her everything and she was his.
Eddie found himself sighing in relief as he pulled her closer to him, kissing her forehead softly. They were ok. Everything was going to be ok.
"I'm really sorry, Eddie" she whispered as she pulled apart from him
"What for?" he frowned
"For everything. I've been so cold and distant towards you when you've done nothing wrong. I've shut you out and I've treated your terribly, I'm so sorry"
Eddie cupped her cheek gently with his hand, stroking her velvety soft skin with his thumb. She smiled, melting into his touch as she gazed at him inquisitively.
"It's ok, Rach" he reassured
"No, it's not. I've been horrible to you and you've still fought for me to stay in my job today. You haven't left my side or given up on me"
"That's because I love you, Rach. I'd fight for you no matter what, and I'm here for you no matter what too"
"And I love you. You're my everything, Eddie" she whispered, pecking him on the lips
Eddie smiled when she pulled apart from him.
"I'm sorry for what I said to you earlier too, about you not caring about the baby. I was just..."
"You were worried about me, I know. It's ok. And I am happy about this baby, I really am. It's just that I'm... scared" she admitted
Eddie sat her down on the sofa, sitting opposite her on the coffee table. He pulled her hand into his, using his free hand to tuck her hair back behind her ear.
"Why, love? What are you scared of?" he questioned gently
"Everything I guess. After the... miscarriage last time, I'm just terrified it's... going to happen again. I'm scared about all the hospital appointments. I'm scared of giving birth. The whole idea of becoming a Mum scares me, even if it is what I want. What if Steph's right? What if I'm not good enough? I'm so scared, Eddie" she blurted, a sob escaping her lips
Eddie moved to sit beside her, pulling her into him. He knew there was a lot to unpack from everything she had just said, but the fact that they were communicating was a good start. He knew she had put all her emotions and worries into a box to try and contain it, but the box was now overflowing and needed to be emptied. They could do that by talking.
"Rach, listen to me, it's ok to be scared. I am too. I know you're worried about miscarrying again, and I know how scary and traumatic that was for you. But I'm here, ok? I'm here for you, whatever happens. I'm going to be with you every step of the way, no matter what. I'll come to every Doctor's, hospital, scan and midwifery appointment. You are going to be the best Mum a child could ever want or ask for, I know it. You're not on your own with this, I promise"
Rachel sat up, smiling weakly at him.
"I've been thinking, Eddie. I-uhm, I want to try the counselling" she admitted
"You do?" Eddie responded, a little taken aback
Rachel nodded.
"Bolton and Paul faced their emotional trauma head on today. If they can do it, I can face my own demons too. I need to do this, I need to heal. Not just for my own sake, but for our baby's. I'll call the counsellor back tomorrow and schedule my first appointment"
Eddie smiled, his heart swelling with pride. Rachel was truly the strongest and bravest person he had ever met.
"I'm proud of you, Rach. And I'm with you every step of the way. I'll come to the first appointment with you"
Rachel buried her head further into his chest as he placed a kiss in her hair. She knew Eddie meant every single word he had said. They would do all of this together. The baby stuff and the counselling. She didn't know what she had done in her life to deserve a man like Eddie Lawson. She loved him so much. He was going to be best Father to their baby.
"I love you" she whispered
"I love you too" he replied, leaning in to kiss her
It was as he pulled away from her that he noticed how pale she was. She looked completely and utterly exhausted, and he wasn't surprised. He was glad he had booked that Doctor's appointment for tonight; hopefully they would get some help, answers and reassurance.
"Are you ok, Rach? You look a bit peaky"
Rachel sighed as she shook her head. She really wasn't feeling ok. The nausea had momentarily disappeared until just now. Her stomach was churning again, and it felt like a hammer was banging relentlessly against the inside of her skull. She was exhausted too. The day's events seemed to have caught up with her.
Eddie looked up at the clock, realising it was 5:30pm. They needed to be at the Doctor's in just under an hour.
"Come on, we need to get you to the Doctor's" he told her, helping her to stand up as he grabbed her bag and keys off the desk
Rachel found herself having to sit back down again as the room began to spin. She placed a hand to her mouth as she felt the bile rising in her throat. Eddie quickly grabbed the bin, passing it to her as she heaved and retched. He sat down beside her, holding her hair away from her face as he rubbed her back.
She sighed as she wiped her mouth with a tissue.
"Do we have time to go home so I can get changed into more comfortable clothes?" she asked
Eddie nodded.
"Of course. We'll go in my car though. You're not driving"
"What about my car? I can't leave it here" she sighed
"You can pick it up tomorrow" he told her
Rachel nodded tentatively.
"Come on, let's get going" Eddie decided, helping her to stand up again