Chapter Twenty-One
Chris literally had no one to talk to; Stacey missing, Bradley dead and Amber on holiday Chris was left with Jean, Charlie and Mo who despite their best intentions just couldn't get through to Chris the way Stacey, Bradley or Amber could. Lucy and Peter had problems of their own; Jay was away visiting relatives and Lauren had moved away from the square leaving Chris friendless as well. He just felt alone; he'd never felt so alone in his life
Becca was still hanging around now Chris hated her more than ever, just one day after Bradley's death Becca had told Stacey that she should move on. Chris had hopes as high as Jean's that Stacey would turn up at Bradley's funeral but she didn't. Chris couldn't face the sermon and almost fainted going in to the church; people were even saying Bradley was Archie's killer which was absolutely ridiculous Bradley was no murderer. And to top it all off the face of Archie Mitchell was still present over the square; his big advertisement banner opposite the Vic was due to be taken down but the council had not 'found the time' to do it yet
It was Tuesday morning and Chris had the momentary belief that everything was OK; that second when you wake up and every things seems fine but it soon followed by the heartbreaking realisation that all is not well. Chris eagerly looked at his phone; Amber had still not texted him she was being really distant. Chris was terrified that she would never return to Walford and just move back in with Richard and Caitlin. It was not even like she needed her stuff; Richard could easily afford more
Going downstairs Chris found Charlie, Becca and Mo scoffing bacon sandwiches around the kitchen table; the mere sight of food made Chris feel physically sick but ever since his hunger strike last year Jean had been worried he was anorexic and force fed him.
"You'll be late for school" said Mo after checking her watch
"I'm goin back to bed" Chris shouted back despite being in his uniform. He didn't even remember putting it on.
"Oh no you aint" said Charlie grabbing his arm "I thought you were more mature than this Chris"
"Well, you were wrong weren't you" said Chris suddenly all the anger suddenly exploding in him Chris pushed Charlie back so hard his uncle fell over. Mo and Jean rushed towards Charlie and Becca grabbed Chris by the ear
"Get out and don't come back until you've calmed down" said Becca throwing Chris out of the Slater's front door. Chris looked around the square and headed over to the Minute Mart. Entering the shop he found Ben and Jay. Chris put a cheap bottle of cider called "Buzz Cider" in his bag. Ben saw him
"Tell one soul Mitchell and I'll kick your head in" said Chris to the younger and weaker Mitchell boy. Jay grabbed Chris's shoulder
"Don't talk to him like that" Jay sounded angry
"Oh and you and little Benny finally together" said Chris "Thought it'd be only a matter of time until he turned you; weak little puff". Ben looked very hurt at the words and Jay punches Chris in the mouth. Soon a massive fight broke out between the two boys in the street which was separated by Phil Mitchell and Ryan Malloy
"He hit me first" said Chris trying to escape Ryan's grasp. Phil was holding Jay back; Lucy and Whitney were looking on scared
"He's gone mad just like his sister" said Jay explaining himself to Phil "He just started on Ben for no reason"
"What did he say" said Phil glancing towards Chris
"Called him a weak little puff" said Jay; Ben nodded clearly still terrified
Chris ran off to the park where he started drinking the cheep booze. A tall pretty blued haired girl came and sat next to him on the bench
"Zsa Zsa Carter" said the girl holding out her hand. Chris shook it "Mind if I have a nip; boyfriend trouble". Zsa Zsa took some of the cider.
"You not going to school either then" said Chris
"Na, don't feel like it today" said Zsa Zsa "What was you're fighting about"
"You know when someone knows just how to push you're buttons" said Chris; in his head it seemed simple. Jay, his best mate, had chosen a little dweeb like Ben Mitchell over Chris but to everyone else Chris ad just started on the boys for no reason. After talking for a while Chris decided he quite liked Zsa Zsa and tried to kiss her. She pushed him off digusted
"You sick little pervert" she said slapping him "Get a life weirdo"
Chris finished the booze and decided to return to the Minute Mart and get more. Dot found him and took him to the launderette
"Now, why don't you tell me what's troubling you" said Dot passing him a cup of tea
"Just stuff" said Chris "Bradley and what they're saying about him"
"I know how you feel" said Dot "I don't belive a word of it myself course everyone else is saying different but if we learn one thing in our lives Chris it's this. Never bow to peer pressure; you keep you're good memories of Bradley alive"
Dot made Chris feel slightly better but it wasn't enough so when Dot left to get some biscuits from the back room Chris darted out of the minute mart
He looked up at the bridge above the market; he didn't know why but he wanted to climb it. It was being repaired so there was some scaffolding which made it easier for Chris to climb. Chris stood at the very edge of the bridge. There was a gasp amongst the on-lookers who included Jean, Charlie, Mo, Becca, Jay, Ben, Lucy, Dot, Zsa Zsa and Peter. Becca ran to Max's house she bashed on the door
"You need to come now" she said to a bewildered Max, Billie and Carol who followed her. Max climbed to the top of the scaffolding to try and talk the troubled Slater boy down. He was the last person that Chris wanted to see
"Chris, I know you think this is my entire fault" said Max putting out his hand "But everything thing is going to be OK I promise". Chris suddenly realised what he was doing and where he was. He was terrified of heights. Chris froze.
Max didn't like this situation less than a month had passed since his own son had fallen from a roof. Chris slowly made his way back to the scaffolding but lost his balance. He fell from the bridge onto Ian Beale's Landover. Chris lay there unconcious and bleeding.