Chapter Thirty-Six
Although he was great full for their generosity Chris was quite eager to leave the Mitchell home after a few days, it was just too crowded, although it did remind him of the old days at the Slater house when he, Charlie, Mo, Stacey, Kat, Little Mo and Zoe would battle over who was sitting where at breakfast and the Mitchells set up was much the same
It was the day of Tommy's funeral and Chris, Amber and Caitlin were all dreading it. Chris got a shock when he walked into the Vic to find Jean their
"Mum, they let you out" said Chris in a confused tone "That was quick"
"I'm out for today" said Jean as she released Amber from their hug "To support Kat and Alfie. I demanded it, insisted, I said if they didn't let me go I'd leave anyway"
"Are you sure you can cope with this" said Chris having visions of Jean throwing herself in poor Tommy's grave "I mean, it has only been two weeks"
"D'ya have in issue with me being here" snapped Jean angrily dropping the sandwiches she was carrying on the table
"No. Of course not" said Chris "It's just with Stacey and Sean gone I have to be responsible for you. I just want to make sure you're not over doing it"
"Oh my sweet little boy" said Jean pinching Chris's cheeks "You don't need to look after me. I'll be fine and back here irritating the hell out of you and besides you need to be strong for everyone"
"I don't think I can" said Chris
"Oh you can" said Jean "I love Stacey and Sean; but you're my best. I mean you're the only one still here. You're a strong person Chris. You hang on in their"
Touched by Jean's kind words Chris, Amber and Caitlin piled into one of the funeral cars and set off towards the church. Amber rested her head on Chris's shoulder and he put his arm around her. "Get a room" Caitlin muttered to herself.
The funeral car pulled up at the church; it was the same church Bradley's funeral had been held at less than a year ago. Chris gulped as he spotted Tommy's burial spot it was awful; there were so many tiny graves for other babies, Amber dragged him away unable to look at the sight any longer herself
"That's so awful" said Amber putting her hand to her mouth. They heard Kat gasp behind her; a small white coffin was being lifted from the back of the car. Chris, unable to look, turned and ran to the back of the church where he was sick. "No coffin should be that small" he said to Amber
Relieved to get back to the Vic after his emotional day Chris found Jay and Ben had dropped off their stuff; spurred on by Jean's words Chris was more determined than ever to support Kat and Alfie. As the wake was in progress Ronnie Branning came in looking hysterical; she was holding her baby
"The insensitive cow" Amber said quite loudly. Ronnie made some kind of speech that ended in her handing baby James over to Kat. Everyone gasped at the pure audacity of Ronnie's actions; Chris had always held Ronnie in quite high regard but she had just lost his respect
"What the hell are you doing you mad bitch" Chris shouted angrily at her as Jack came in. They had a row and Jack left; Dot took Ronnie off
The Slater's re-grouped in the Kitchen all shocked by what Ronnie had just done. "That was bang out of order" said Alfie leaning over the kitchen sink looking out of the window at Ronnie and Jack walking back home
"Why would Ronnie Mitchell give you her baby" said Jean for the fifth time "That is not normal at all"
"Because she is post natal and mental Jean" said Mo. Chris and Alfie looked at eachother as Jean began saying a load of nonsense to Kat who just sat their
"Mam, come on. I'm calling you're helper" said Chris leading Jean away
"Me and Caitlin are gonna go to the Chippy if you fancy it" said Amber as Chris passed her in the corridor
"Mum's leaving so I'll come down when I've said bye to her" said Chris kissing Amber. Amber and Caitlin bid farewell to Jean and left. Chris followed after Jean had left; she was telling her carer what had gone on. Chris headed down to the chippy where Amber and Caitlin had saved some for him
After about half an hour Chris spotted Charlie walking towards the tube with his bags in his hands. Chris went over to his uncle
"Good idea" said Chris "Getting away for a bit. We all should"
"I'm leaving for good son" said Charlie. The news hit Chris hard
"Why? You can't leave not when everything's so bad" said Chris following his uncle. Amber and Caitlin followed them. Chris eventually let Charlie go.
Chris lay in bed that night glad the terrible day was finally over
I KNOW THESE CHAPTERS HAVEN'T BEEN VERY FUN BUT CHRIS IS GOING TO HAVE A LAUGH IN SOME UPCOMING CHAPTERS
THANK YOU FOR REVIWEING AS WELL
MEANS ALOT