Syed had moved back into Walford a few weeks back. He had found himself a job in a local restaurant and rented a bedsit nearby. It was pretty grotty where he was staying, he was sure the neighbours were on drugs and they played music all hours of the night and often argued. He didn't get much sleep but then he couldn't remember the last time he had had a good night's sleep. Certainly not during the three months he had spent away from this area. He had felt more at home since coming back and more at peace in himself.
It was a busy evening and Syed was rushed off his feet serving all the tables and helping in the kitchen. Another couple had just arrived and he rushed over to serve them "Syed?" he heard a questioning voice. He looked up from his notepad and saw Jane and Ian looking at him in surprise "we didn't know you were back in the area or working here" said Jane.
"No I've just been here a few weeks" he replied.
"We've all been worried about you, Christian was ringing around and searching for you for ages" Jane said.
"I'm sorry, I just had to get away after" his words faltered "after everything came out. How are mum and dad?"
Jane looked concerned "I'm afraid they've gone, they packed up and left a few days after you disappeared. Tamwar went with them".
Syed felt sad at this news but not surprised. He had half expected this but at the end of the day they weren't the reason he had come back to Walford. He had come back for Christian, but wasn't sure if there would be anything to come back to. He had just upped packed his bags and left when all the news about them came out and left Christian to fight all the battles. He imagined he wasn't Christian's favourite person right now, but then Jane had said he had looked for him so that gave him some hope.
"How is Christian?" he asked.
"He's okay I guess. He obviously lost his job at the Unit initially but once your mum and dad left, they sold it off to us and we gave him a job there. Talking of which, you could have your old job back if you like"
"Not sure if Christian would want to work with me really all things considered" replied Syed.
"Look it's not up to him we're the bosses" said Ian breaking into the conversation for the first time "why don't you start tomorrow morning and we'll take it from there. Same pay as before"
"Okay" smiled Syed "it beats working here that's for sure".
He went off having taken their order and finished his night's work before handing in his notice. He couldn't wait until the morning and seeing Christian.