Chapter Nine
Not long after her breakdown Stacey fled the Slater household without even leaving a note; worried that this would send Jean loopy Chris, Mo and Charlie covered for Stacey saying she had gone to visit Lynne and then Belinda. Chris knew Jean didn't really believe them but she seemed to be staying sane; well as sane as Jean could be. Bored of living in a houseful of old people Chris began spending even more time with his friends. Jay had recently discovered that Billy had not helped Jase on the night he died like he claimed; Billy hid in the shower and had lied to Jay since day one. Chris was angry with Billy for raising Jay's hopes but at the same time had sympathy as it must've been terrifying in that flat. Jase's killer, Terry Bates, was due to stand trial that week and Chris was determined to support Jay throughout it. Unbeknownst to the teenagers Terry's wife Viv had threatened Billy saying that if he showed up in court they would hurt Jay. That Friday Jay was taken hostage.
Realising his friends was in trouble Chris alerted Billy, Dawn, Minty, Garry and Phil Mitchell who helped save Jay. Chris watched as many men were arrested and Billy and Jay head to court.
"Thank you" Jay said to his friend "I'd be dead if it weren't for you"
"Well, I couldn't be bothered with a funeral" said Chris
"Oh very funny" said Jay "You gonna come down to the court"
"No, you go" said Chris "I'll be waiting with a bag of chips for when you come back; I've got to go to Nan she's upset because she had to sell her pig". There was a sentence Chris had never expected to say.
X
A few weeks later Jay and Billy headed off on holiday and Chris began spending more time with Peter, Lauren and Lucy. One Monday night Chris got a text from Lucy asking him to come around to hers. Heading over Chris found Lucy, Peter and three pretty girls from Walford High; Jenny, Lisa and Megan.
"What's this about" said Chris aware that Jenny was staring at him
"It's about time you got back out there" said Lucy "Aint that right Pete"
"Err, Yeah" said Peter "Lucy, are you sure Christian will be alright with this"
"Yes, he'll be fine with it" said Lucy rolling her eyes "Just stay for a bit yeah"
"OK" said Chris
Christian and a man returned home at 11.30pm and Christian as furious with Lucy and Peter. Chris made his way home where he found Jean and Stacey on Arthur's bench. Stacey's appearance had drastically changed; she had cuts all over and bleached blonde hair. Chris was alarmed by his sister's appearance but was happy that she was home. Stacey continued to act strange for a few weeks but things reached their peak in late July when Stacey discovered Max and Tanya Branning had re-united; whilst confronting them Stacey and Tanya had a scrap which resulted in Stacey cutting her head. Chris, very concerned about his sister's mental health, encouraged Stacey to talk to a doctor
"Stacey, it will solve a lot of problems" he said
"I have told you over and over" said Stacey angrily "There is nothing wrong with me"
"Right then, kill yourself because that's the way you're headed" cried Chris tears pouring down his face
How had things got this bad again? 2009 had been rubbish so far
