Christmas Day 2009...
For the last twenty years, Rachel had spent every Christmas alone, with only the TV and a glass of wine or other strong alcohol for company.
Over the years, she'd watched as the neighbours had put up their Christmas decorations and vibrant lights, whilst her house remained empty and colourless. She'd listened to her students telling her how excited they were for Christmas whilst she smiled along, wondering what it felt like to be that excited about such a holiday.
She'd watched soppy Christmas films on the TV, where couples fell in love quickly and unexpectedly, finding herself longing for the same happy ending and feeling jealous of the fictional characters on the TV.
What was supposed to be the most magical time of the year for everyone else, had always been the day from hell for Rachel. Christmas was a time where everyone got together with their families. Rachel had spent every Christmas of her late teens and adult life alone, sleeping the day away, doing paperwork, marking or staring blankly at the ceiling.
This year was different. So wonderfully different. For the first time in her life, she understood the excitement about Christmas, and she felt it too.
This year, she had decorated her home with a colourful Christmas Tree and other ornaments. She'd watched soppy Christmas films, the jealously she'd had towards the characters on the TV now non-existent, as she was wrapped in the arms of the man she loved.
She'd spent Christmas Eve walking hand in hand with her soul-mate around Manchester Christmas Market, sipping on hot chocolate as they'd wandered round the unique stalls.
Her home, which had been empty and silent every Christmas for the last few years, was now filled with love, laughter and chatter. Not only did she have Eddie, she had Philip, her Nephew, and a baby growing inside her. Did it get anymore perfect than that?
Christmas Day was usually the day from hell for Rachel. This year, it was bliss. She hadn't spent the day in bed, sleeping, and she hadn't spent it lying on the sofa staring blankly at the ceiling. Instead, she'd woken up to a good morning kiss from Eddie at 7:30AM, followed by another thirty minutes snuggled up together in each other's arms.
At 8AM, they had gotten up, showered and dressed before heading downstairs. Eddie made toast for the two of them whilst Rachel sat in the living room, sipping on a cup of tea he had made her. A Christmas film played quietly in the background.
By the time Philip was up, it was nearly 11AM. Rachel put the turkey in the oven and made a start on chopping the vegetables (with Eddie's help). Rachel had never made Christmas dinner before and was a little anxious. There was so much to get right, and you had to time everything so perfectly to ensure it all cooked at the same time. Thankfully, Eddie knew what he was doing and was there to help her out, not that she actually asked him for help, being adamant that she could do it by herself!
Three hours later, they sat down to eat, each taking it in turns to pull a Christmas cracker. The jokes inside were as cheesy as Rachel remembered them being when she was a four year old (the last time she remembered being happy at Christmas), and the paper hats were just as flimsy and brightly coloured too. She hadn't really wanted to get Christmas crackers; they did seem a little pointless (in her opinion). But Eddie saw them as a big part of the Christmas Day ritual, so they had bought a box. She still thought they were a little pointless, but the jokes had caused laughter to erupt around the table. It was worth it for that.
The Christmas dinner was a success. The turkey was cooked perfectly, and she'd managed not to burn or under-cook anything! She couldn't lie; she was a little impressed, as was Eddie. He'd had no doubt in his mind about Rachel's ability to make the dinner, but he had wondered how long it would take for her to go into panic mode and he'd have to intervene. But, to his surprise, he hadn't had to.
By the time they'd all finished eating, they were stuffed. They left the pots to soak whilst they went into the living room to open presents. Philip got the black and white Nike trainers he'd asked for. it wasn't really a surprise to him. Rachel had asked him in November what he wanted for Christmas. He had initially told her he didn't want anything, as he already had everything he wanted. A stable home, with a stable family.
But Rachel had insisted on getting him something. So, after having a little think, he had asked for some trainers. His current pair was looking worn and dingy after five years of owning and wearing them. She had given him the money one weekend to go into town to buy the ones he wanted. Just before all the chaos of the last few weeks had begun, with the morning sickness and Maxine's death, she had wrapped them up and put them away.
Rachel had bought Eddie a mixture of practical gifts.
The day she had arrived home from hospital last week, she had quietly asked Philip to go into town for her to get the things she wanted to get for him. Philip had pulled through successfully and had bought four items with the money she had given him. A new mug to replace the one she'd broken a couple of months ago, a pair of gloves, as he didn't own a pair and often grumbled about the fact that his hands were cold when they went on walks. She'd bought him a pen with a ruler printed onto it, and some new socks, as most of his were falling to bits.
To her relief, Eddie loved all of them, even if he had told her off for getting him presents when they'd said they weren't going to. He was just as guilty though.
As well as the bauble and necklace Eddie had given her yesterday, he had got her a couple of other things too. A cherry-scented pamper gift set, which included: body lotion, hand cream, lip balm, a bath bomb, shower gel and shampoo. All items were hypo-allergenic and suitable for her ridiculously sensitive skin. They were also pregnancy friendly (he had done extensive research on this to reassure her and himself). He'd also bought her, her favourite chocolates. Lindt Strawberry and Cream truffles.
They spent the first half of the afternoon playing games. Charades, UNO (the cruellest card game Rachel and Eddie had ever played!) and Monopoly. The second half was spent relaxing on the sofa, watching the TV.
It was now 7pm. Rachel had laid out some snacks on the kitchen table about an hour ago. As she had suspected, no one had eaten much at all. In a way, it was a good thing. They wouldn't have to go food shopping for the next couple of days and had leftovers for tomorrow!
Rachel was sat on the sofa, waiting for Eddie to finish washing and drying the last of the dishes. Philip was helping him. Eddie had, once again, insisted that she go and sit down, as she had been on her feet cooking for most of the day. She hadn't put up too much of a fight. Even though it had been a lovely day, she was exhausted. She was currently fighting the urge to close her eyes and drift off to sleep.
In the kitchen, Eddie and Philip chatted away as they cleaned up. They'd both had a fantastic day. The best they'd had in years.
After his Mum, the last of his family had passed away six years ago, Eddie had spent the last few Christmases on his own. The magic he usually associated with the holiday wasn't there; it had been replaced by a deep, dark pit of loneliness. He'd spent the last few Christmases alone in his flat, waiting for it to be over, wondering if he'd ever feel the joy of the holidays ever again.
Philip was facing his first Christmas without his Mother in the picture. For the last fifteen and a half years of his life, they had celebrated every Christmas together. It was the one time of the year where she actually paid attention to him, where she actually gave him a hug and told him she loved him.
This Christmas would be bittersweet, he knew that. His Mum was gone, and he wasn't sure if she was coming back or when he'd see her again. Whilst he was so much happier living with Rachel and Eddie, he did, in a way, still care about his Mum.
To both Eddie's and Philip's relief, this Christmas had been blissfully perfect.
Rachel had bought the Christmas magic back into Eddie's life. For the first time in a long time, he was truly happy. He had everything he'd ever wanted. It was the first of many Christmases with her, and he couldn't wait for the next one, with their little one running around.
For Philip, he finally had a stable home and family. He had people he knew would never let him down or hurt him. He felt so lucky. The happiness and peace he felt was something he'd never felt before. This was the first Christmas he'd really, truly enjoyed.
The excitement of the day wasn't over just yet though. Eddie still had to announce his surprise to Rachel. Philip couldn't wait! It was all sorted now; all Eddie had to do was tell her. He was excited for the two of them, especially knowing what was going to happen. Philip knew that Rachel would be over the moon when she returned home next week.
"So, when are you going to tell Rachel about... you know?" he asked
Eddie smiled sheepishly.
"Once we've finished cleaning up in here" he told him
Philip grinned.
They finished putting away the last of the dishes. Eddie's nerves were growing by the minute about the news he was going to break to Rachel. He knew she would be happy when he told her, but he was still nervous in case he'd got it wrong. If he'd got this part of the plan wrong, the rest of the plan would fall apart.
"I'll say goodnight, then" Philip announced
"Night, mate" Eddie replied
He watched as Philip left the room, hearing him say goodnight to Rachel before heading up the stairs. There was no turning back now.
He tapped the pocket of his jeans. The envelope was still in there, waiting to be given some attention. His stomach was doing somersaults. He took a deep breath, wiping his sweaty palms on his trousers. This wasn't even the most nerve-wracking part of the plan! What was he going to be like when he proposed? He didn't want to know.
He grabbed what he'd secretly bought at the Christmas Market yesterday from the cupboard. A shaky exhale escaped his lips before he switched the kitchen light off.
It was now or never.
His nerves dissipated somewhat when he saw Rachel's beaming smile. God, he loved her so much! She was the reason he was doing this. It was all going to be worth it. Hopefully.
Rachel couldn't help but giggle at the goofy grin on his face. He looked incredibly uncomfortable as he shuffled awkwardly on his feet, eyes darting around the room. One arm was behind his back, evidently hiding something. He was blushing furiously.
"What are you doing?" she asked
"What do you mean?" he questioned innocently
"You have something behind your back!" she pointed out
"You don't miss a thing, do you, Mason?" he huffed, shaking his head in disbelief
"Not when you make it that obvious!" she argued, a cheeky smile growing on her face
Eddie chuckled, pulling the mistletoe out from behind his back. Rachel raised an eyebrow at him, desperately trying to control her urge to burst out laughing. He'd been watching far too many romantic Christmas movies!
"Mistletoe? Really, Eddie?" she laughed, rolling her eyes playfully
"I thought I'd surprise you with it. It is Christmas after all" he shrugged
"I guess you'd better come here then" Rachel smirked, gazing at him lovingly
Eddie wasted no time. He sat down in front of her on the edge of the sofa, holding the mistletoe above them as Rachel pulled him in for a passionate kiss. She smiled, humming contentedly as her heart fluttered. She would never get tired of the feeling she got when she kissed him.
"How do you feel about Mistletoe now?" he asked when they pulled apart
Rachel smiled thoughtfully, running her hands over his chest.
"Hmm... better"
Eddie decided to bite the bullet. He pulled the envelope out of his pocket, handing it to her hesitantly. He watched as she frowned at him, eyes swirling with curiosity.
"Is this your letter of resignation?" she teased
Eddie scoffed.
"No, I'd never dream of leaving Waterloo Road!"
"I wouldn't let you anyway" she told him
"Seriously, what is it?" she added, looking down at the blank, white envelope
"I know we said we weren't going to do Christmas presents, but it's technically not a Christmas present" he explained
She eyed him suspiciously, her fingers grazing over the thick envelope.
"Will you just open it?" he chuckled, the anticipation getting the better of him
"Ok, ok!" she laughed
He watched on anxiously as she opened the envelope, flipping through the papers curiously. Her eyes lit up with excitement when she finally looked up at him, a smile spreading across her face. He knew in that moment he'd got it right.
"We're going to Whitby?" she checked
Eddie nodded.
"Yep, tomorrow, for a week. Philip is going to stay with Bolton and Candeece" he explained
Her smile only grew wider at his words. She had been contemplating looking at last minute breaks. She didn't usually go away during any of the school holidays, but she did feel like some time away from Rochdale would do her, Eddie and Philip the world of good. She hadn't had time to discuss it with Eddie, so hadn't looked into or booked anything. And she'd been worried about becoming ill again. Her anti-sickness tablets were working well, but, as it was still early days, she was apprehensive about venturing too far out of Rochdale.
She was so grateful to him for doing this. It would be their first holiday together. She couldn't wait! Once again, she found herself wondering what she'd done in her life to deserve a man like Eddie Lawson.
"Well, I'd best get packing" she laughed
She stood up, wrapping her arms around his neck as she pressed a kiss to his lips.
"Thank you" she whispered
Eddie smiled, gazing at her fondly as his hand moved to rest on her cheek. She sighed contentedly, melting into his touch.
"I love you" she blurted
"I love you too" Eddie replied, kissing her forehead softly
Now she knew what was happening, she suddenly realised all the things she had to do to get ready for tomorrow. Her day was far from over.
As she stood with Eddie's arms around her, she was making a to-do list in her head. There was a lot to be done.
"Right, Lawson. We need to pack, I want to have a bath, and then it's bedtime" she told him firmly, pulling his hands into hers
Eddie frowned, looking at his watch.
"It's only 7:15, Rach"
"And by the time we've got everything done, it'll be 10pm and time for bed!" she pointed out
"We don't have to leave until lunchtime tomorrow!" he argued
Rachel scoffed, raising an eyebrow.
"I take it you're a last minute packer?"
"Yes" he nodded, smirking
Rachel shook her head in disbelief. Of course he was! He left the majority of things until the last minute! He was so unorganised that it actually scared her! Leaving his packing until the last minute was something he would definitely do!
"Fine, if you're not going to pack, you can sit with me and watch me pack. And then you can listen to me panicking about the fact that you're not packing and leaving it all to the last minute!" she rambled
"Sounds great!" he grinned cheekily
Rachel giggled, guiding him up the stairs. Eddie let out a silent sigh of relief as he followed her. His plan was working out well so far. As far as Rachel was concerned, they were going on a holiday and that was it. The first part of a very big plan was underway.