Too Far

Chapter Three

After having to pull over a few times, due to the blinding pain she was experiencing, Rachel finally pulled up on the drive. She almost cried in relief when she saw Eddie's car parked next to hers. He was home, she was safe.

She got out of the car awkwardly, biting her lip to stop herself from crying out in pain. Her whole body ached from the fall, especially her head, which was pounding against her skull.

She unlocked the front door, stepping into the hallway. Eddie was in the kitchen, she could hear the kettle boiling. She slumped against the door for a moment, allowing herself to catch her breath.

Eddie popped his head round the door of the kitchen. He smiled at the sight of her, oblivious to the cut on her forehead that she'd covered with her hair.

"Hey, you're home early!" Eddie smiled

Rachel couldn't keep it together any longer. She sunk down to the floor, holding her stomach as she sobbed loudly, her body trembling.

Eddie dashed over to her instantly, pulling her into his arms. He stroked her hair softly as she fought for breath.

"Rachel, what's happened?" He asked gently

She shook her head, unable to speak, her breathing growing heavier by the second.

Eddie shuffled in front of her, tilting her chin up to look at him before placing his hands on her shoulders.

"Breathe, Rach, breathe" he instructed

He started taking deep breaths himself, in the hopes that she would copy him. She did, her teary brown eyes burying themselves deep into his as her breathing gradually began to calm. It was then Eddie noticed the gash and dried blood on her forehead.

"What's happened?" Eddie asked again, tracing his thumb over the blood

Rachel flinched, moving away from him a little. Just him brushing his thumb over it was painful.

"M-Max" she stammered

Eddie stared at her, taken aback

"He did this to you?" Eddie checked

Rachel nodded, bursting into another fit of sobs

"Come here" Eddie soothed, pulling her into his arms, rocking her gently from side to side

"Rach, I need you to tell me what happened" Eddie requested

"I told Kim about Max still being married. He got so angry, and he... pushed me. I fell and hit my head on the desk" she explained shakily

Eddie sighed painfully, his anger toward Max quickly increasing. But he wasn't the priority right now, Rachel was.

"Are you in pain anywhere else?" He asked

Rachel nodded, holding her stomach with a trembling hand.

"I think I'm having contractions" she mumbled, looking up at him, her eyes wide with fear

Eddie's heart began to beat rapidly against his chest. It was too early for this to be happening. Rachel was a month away from her due date. And yet, here she was, in agony with contractions, in early labour. All because of Max Tyler.

"We need to get you to the hospital, Rach. Now" he decided

Rachel nodded

Eddie helped her to stand. As she got to her feet, a gush of clear liquid trickled down her legs , followed by a pain that threatened to knock her back down to the floor. Eddie held her up as her knees buckled and she let out a blood curdling scream that almost broke his heart. 

He scooped her up into his arms, carrying her out to his car. As he helped her into the passenger seat, she gripped his arm tightly, crying out in pain. He stayed by her side until it passed, holding her hand, doing everything he could to comfort her.

As he was about to climb into the driver's seat, another car pulled up on the drive. Eddie groaned, recognising Kim's car instantly.

"What's she doing here?" Eddie questioned aloud

Rachel hadn't noticed Kim's car pull up on the drive until Eddie said that. She followed his gaze, groaning too when she saw Kim.

"I'll sort it" Eddie reassured, jumping out of the car and striding over to Kim

"Where's your boyfriend?" He snarled angrily

"Max isn't my boyfriend! Eddie I know you're angry,"

"Angry? Kim, I'm furious! He assaulted Rachel! Why didn't you bloody stop him?!"

"How was I supposed to know he was going to do that Eddie?" She shot back angrily

"It doesn't matter if you knew or not! Rachel's gone into labour because of what he did!"

Kim sighed, automatically feeling guilty

"Eddie I'm sorry. Let me help, what can I do?"

"You can stay away from me and Rachel! If you'll excuse me, I have to take Rachel to the hospital. I hope you and Max are pleased with yourselves" he snapped, walking away from her and getting into the car

He slammed the door angrily behind him, making Rachel flinch. Feeling guilty, he took her hand into his own, rubbing soothing circles on her skin.

"Are you ok?" He asked

Rachel nodded

"Just drive, please" she whispered, holding her stomach with her free hand

Eddie started the car, pulling out of the driveway and heading in the direction of the hospital.