Part 6
Chapter 19: Sad Farewell

    Becky woke the next morning before Chrissy did, and she lay there watching her sleep. It wasn't long before Becky felt the need to feel Chrissy's warm lips against her own, so she leaned in and started kissing her.

    Chrissy woke to find Becky kissing her, and she smiled as she realised that it wasn't a dream. "You're really here with me again." Chrissy said, as she wrapped her arms around Becky and pulled her closer.

    "Yes I'm really here with you baby. Please don't ever run away again." Becky pleaded with Chrissy. "I want you to promise you'll never leave me again." Becky said with a pout.

    "I promise to never run away again Becky." Chrissy said, just before kissing Becky again.

    "Good, I know how much your word means to you baby, so I know you won't break it." Becky said with a smile.

    "I hope you're not planning anything else behind my back Becky." Chrissy said looking worried.

    "Nope, I don't have anything else planned. If I did, I would tell you Chrissy." Becky said, as she hugged Chrissy even tighter. "I should have listened to mum, and never brought that stupid pregnancy test." Becky added.

    "What do you mean by that Becky?" Chrissy asked.

    "Mum told me not to do anything that could give you any idea of what we were planning, but I didn't listen and I brought one anyway." Becky said looking sad. "All this could have been avoided if I'd listened to mum." Becky added.

    "Please don't keep worrying about it babe. We're back together, and I made a knew friend out of it." Chrissy smiled, as she looked on the up side to all the trouble.

    "Trust you to only look at the bright side of all this." Becky giggled.

    "Do you feel like taking a shower with me?" Chrissy asked with a grin.

    "Now that sounds like a good idea." Becky said, as she got out of bed and pulled Chrissy along with her.

    Chrissy and Becky were soon washing each other in the shower, but things soon got a little heavier and they were both soon relaxed and happy kissing each other.

    "Now I know that I have my Chrissy back." Becky said with a sigh, as she helped Her out the shower, and started drying her off. Chrissy did the same for Becky, and they set about getting dressed, so they could go down and get some breakfast in the hotel restaurant.

    Chrissy and Becky got down to the restaurant and found most the others already down there waiting for them. Only Amy and Amber were still missing, but they arrived just as Chrissy and Becky were sitting down.

    "Morning big sister Chrissy!" Amy shouted, as she ran over and wrapped her arms around Chrissy in a tight hug. "I've really missed being able to say that to you." Amy added with a pout.

    "Morning Amy. I think you should save that sort of greeting until we get home." Chrissy said, as she looked around the restaurant at all the other guest's looking at them.

    "I don't care Chrissy. I missed you to much to worry about what other people think." Amy said with a grin, as she hugged Chrissy again.

    "I missed all of you too." Chrissy said with a grin, as she hugged Amy back.

    "Hay! Save some for me." Amber said with a pout.

    Chrissy giggled, as she broke the hug with Amy and then pulled Amber into one with her instead. "Good morning Amber. I hope Amy hasn't been to much trouble for you all these weeks?" Chrissy asked.

    "Amy was worried like the rest of us Chrissy, but we're all glad to have you back with us again." Amber said, as she hugged Chrissy back.

    The moment was broken when Chrissy's belly let everyone know just how hungry she was. This made everyone giggle, so Becky led her over to the table and helped her to sit down. Amber helped Amy take a seat at the table. Carl had already ordered a couple of pots of tea, so they all had a cup before they went to the self-service buffet, and got some breakfast.

    Once breakfast was out the way, Chrissy pulled Carl away from the others, so she could have a chat with him about Jayden and them all having lunch or an early dinner before heading back home again later in the day.

    "What can I do for you Chrissy?" Carl asked, when they were sat away from the other's.

    "I was wondering if we could have some lunch, or an early dinner before we leave, so I can say a proper goodbye to Jayden." Chrissy asked.

    "I'm sure we can sort that out Chrissy." Carl smiled. "What do you know about Jayden?" Carl asked.

    "She was doing a college course on hotel management, but after she started working at the club, she dropped out, and now splits her time between the hotel and the club." Chrissy said.

    "She's definitely a busy girl." Carl sighed.

    "Jayden has to work the two jobs, or she'll lose the flat she lives in. I'm worried that she'll not be able to keep the place now I'm going home." Chrissy said looking gloomy.

    "Don't worry Chrissy, I'll make sure she's well looked after. Can't have you worrying about stuff like that, can we?" Carl chuckled.

    "Thanks Carl. I'm sorry for all the trouble I must have caused you." Chrissy said with a sigh.

    "Don't be sorry for anything Chrissy. I can understand how you must have felt when you saw that Becky was pregnant." Carl put his arm around Chrissy, as he said it. "We were beginning to think we'd never see you again, and Becky was beginning to give up on life all together." Carl added looking worried for a second.

    "I can't believe I did that to her." Chrissy said close to tears again.

    "Becky knows she's just as much, if not more to blame for all of this than you are Chrissy. Let it go and look to the future, and the baby you'll both be having together in around seven months."

    "I'm a little scared of it all Carl. I hope I can be a good parent." Chrissy said sounding worried.

    "You won't be a good parent Chrissy. You'll be an amazing parent." Carl chuckled.

    "I hope you're right Carl." Chrissy giggled.

    "I know I'm right Chrissy, I've seen you with all the kid's parties you've done." Carl chuckled again. "I'm going to stop here and have a chat with Jayden, while you go with Becky and Brad to get the rest of your stuff. I'll see what I can sort out for her." Carl added with a smile.

    Chrissy went back to the others, and then they went up to their room so they could get their stuff packed away. Then Becky and Brad went with Chrissy to get the rest of her stuff from Jayden's flat.

---

    Jayden was just finishing up with booking in a couple of guests when she saw Carl walking over to her.

    "Hello Carl, I trust the rooms were all okay for you?" Jayden asked.

    "Yes, everything was fine Jayden." Carl said. "Can you get someone to cover for you, so we can have a chat?" Carl asked.

    "Sure, just give me ten minutes to sort it out, and I'll be right with you." Jayden said, as she picked up the phone and made a call to someone.

    Carl stood off to one side waiting for Jayden to be relieved by another member of staff. Once that person turned up, Jayden walked over to Carl, so they could go and talk. Carl found a quiet place in the hotel bar.

    "Have I done something wrong Carl?" Jayden asked with worry in her voice, as they sat down.

    "No Jayden, you've done nothing wrong at all. Chrissy asked me to have a word with you, and to see what I can do to help you." Carl smiled, as he waved over a waiter, so he could order a couple of coffees.

    "That's sweet of Chrissy, but you really don't have to do anything Carl."

    "You still have a lot to learn about Chrissy, if you think she'll let you off so lightly." Carl chuckled.

    "What are you thinking of doing for me anyway Carl?" Jayden asked.

    "Do you have any ties that are keeping you here in this place?" Carl asked.

    "No, not really. I gave up on all my dreams some time ago now. The pay from the hotel and the club keep a roof over my head, and food in my belly. Apart from that though, I have nothing keeping me here." Jayden said, as she thought about it.

    "I'd like you to move to London, and go back to collage." Carl said.

    "What would I learn at collage?" Jayden asked with a shocked look on her face.

    "I'd like you to carry on with your hotel management course and also do a business management course as well."

    "That sounds really nice Carl, but I don't have the money to just up and move." Jayden sighed. "I've heard that living in London is very expensive as well." Jayden added.

    "I'll cover all the costs for you Jayden, and I'll sort out a place for you to live when you get down there." Carl smiled. "So, what do you say?"

    Jayden sat quietly thinking it all over, not that there was much to think about. "Okay Carl, I'll do it. When do I move?" Jayden asked.

    "We'll be leaving at four this evening, can you be ready to leave by then?" Carl asked with a chuckle.

    "What! I can't be ready that fast Carl." Jayden said with wide eyes.

    "What if we stayed an extra night, could you be ready to leave tomorrow then?" Carl asked. "All you need to bring is your clothes and personal stuff. I'll find you a place that is fully furnished." Carl added.

    "Okay Carl, I will be ready to leave by tomorrow." Jayden said in a firm voice, as she convinced herself she was doing the right thing.

    "You can go home now and make a start, I'll tell the manager here that you're moving to a new job in London." Carl said, as he got up and then helped Jayden to stand up.

    Jayden ran off to get her things out her locker, so she could go home and start packing her stuff up ready for when she left with Chrissy and the others tomorrow.

    Carl went back to find Mandy and the others, so they could go out and see some of the seaside place while they were here.

---

    Chrissy let Brad and Becky in the house, and then the flat, so she could get her stuff packed away. Chrissy didn't have much stuff; all Chrissy had been doing is working and sitting around the flat most the time. They soon had everything packed away in a couple of bags, so Brad took them all down to the minibus while Chrissy took one last look around.

    "You're not sorry to be leaving this place are you baby?" Becky asked, as she stood next to Chrissy, while she took one last look around.

    "I'll miss Jayden, but this was never a home to me Becky." Chrissy said, as she took Becky by the hand, and then led her out the flat and down to meet Brad at the minibus. They were soon on their way back to the hotel.

    Ann had left Brad a note in their room telling him to give her a call when they got back to the hotel, so she could let him know where they were. He gave Ann a call and then went down to Becky and Chrissy's room to let them know.

    "Hello again Brad. Long time no see." Becky said with a grin, as they had only just left him five minute before.

    "Hi Boss. Ann left me a note asking me to give her a call, as she's out siteseeing with Carl and the others. They want us to join them." Brad said with a chuckle.

    "Oh, okay then. I thought Carl would be eager to set off again, but I can cope with 'playing the tourist' while we're here." Becky said with a grin. "We'll meet you in the lobby, we should only be about five minutes." Becky added, as she ran to the bathroom door to tell Chrissy what was happening.

    "Don't get ready to leave just yet baby. Brad just knocked on the door and told me that Carl and the others have gone sight seeing, and he wants us to join them."

    "That's great, let's get going then." Chrissy said, happy that Carl had decided to have the meal with Jayden before they left.

    They walked into the lobby area and saw Brad right away, which wasn't hard, when he was taller and wider that everyone else in the lobby. Chrissy and Becky both waved to him as they walked over to where he was standing off to one side.

    "Well, here we are Brad, so lead the way kind sir." Becky said in a fake posh voice.

    Chrissy giggled, and Brad just smiled. As he led them out the hotel and up the road towards the sea front. They soon found Carl and the others standing there watching the sea, so they crossed the road and went over to them.

    "Hi Carl, is everything alright? I thought we'd be getting ready to leave?" Becky asked, as they got up to them.

    "Everything is fine, but we're going to be staying an extra day." Carl smiled, as he looked down at Mandy for a second. "You're also going to be having a house guest for a couple of days until I can find her a place to live of her own." Carl added with an even bigger smile.

    "Who's moving in with us?" Chrissy asked with a puzzled look, as she looked at Mandy, then Carl.

    "Carl's talked Jayden into coming home with us, so she can go back to collage and get her degree in hotel management, and also look at some coursers on other things." Mandy smiled.

    "Really! You're going to do all that for her Carl?" Chrissy asked looking very excited. "Why can't she just live with us for the time being sis? She needs someone to look after her." Chrissy added looking worried.

    "I don't mind her staying for as long as she wants Chrissy, but I needed to have a word with you and Becky first. I've already got Ann, Amy and Amber's approval " Mandy said, as she looked at first Chrissy and then Becky.

    "I've got no problem with it." Becky said with a grin, as she watched Chrissy getting all excited now she knew that Jayden was coming home with them.

    "How do you feel about Jayden coming to stay with us then Chrissy?" Mandy asked.

    "I haven't got much of a say in it really, It's not my house anymore remember? I handed the keys back, and I've not been living there for the past eight weeks, so it's really up to you and the others." Chrissy said, as she remembered what she did.

    "Stop being so silly sis. Do you really think that because you felt the need to take a eight week holiday, that you didn't have a home anymore?" Mandy asked as she pulled Chrissy into a hug.

    "Well I thought… I don't know what to think any more." Chrissy finally said.

    "Well don't think about it any more then sis. You're still part of this family, and it looks like we're adding a new member to it." Mandy smiled.

    "Thank you Mandy, Carl. I'm glad that you're helping Jayden, she really did help me cope these past eight weeks." Chrissy said, as she hugged Mandy a little tighter.

    "I'm glad you found Jayden, she's a wonderful person, and I'm looking forward to adding her to my team back in London." Carl said, as he also gave Chrissy a hug.

    "I'm glad you think so Carl, but what made you see so much promise in Jayden?" Chrissy asked.

    "Jayden came to check on you when you hadn't left your room at the hotel for three days. That should have been the job of the hotel manager, not a girl working on the desk." Carl said looking a little angry about it. "Jayden is just the type of person I want looking after the hotel and clubs with me." Carl added, smiling now.

    "When will we be meeting up with Jayden then Carl?" Chrissy asked.

    "I'm not to sure, when I left her, she was going home to start packing her stuff." Carl said with a shrug.

    "Why don't you give her a call and see if she needs any help?" Mandy said.

    "That's a great idea sis." Chrissy got her mobile out and then scrolled down the short list of numbers in it until she found Jayden's. She hit the call button and waited for Jayden to answer.

    "Hi Chrissy. You'll never guess what happened this morning." Jayden said when she saw it was Chrissy calling her.

    "I already know Jayden, I'm with Carl right now." Chrissy said, sounding really happy. "I'm calling to see if you need any help getting packed and ready to leave tomorrow?" Chrissy asked.

    "I'd like to say I'd be fine, but I could really use some help getting my clothes packed." Jayden said with a worried tone to her voice.

    "I have a small army standing here with me, we can come over and give you a hand, if you want?" Chrissy said with a grin, as she looked at Becky and the others.

    "Are you sure they won't mind?" Jayden asked.

    "Jayden wants to know if you'd all help her get everything packed away?" Chrissy asked, as she looked around the group. Chrissy got nods and grins from them all. "They're all nodding at me Jayden, so we'll be there shortly to help you get packed up." Chrissy added before ending the call.

    Chrissy was soon heading back to the minibus, so they could all go and help Jayden pack her stuff up ready for moving to London and in with Chrissy and the others.

    It only took them all a couple of hours to get everything packed away, but by the time they had it all packed away they realised that there was more stuff than they could take in the minibus.

    "I need to make a couple of calls, and hire a van to get everything back to London." Carl said, as he got his mobile out and scrolled down his list before hitting the dial button. He wondered out side as he started speaking on the phone.

    "You'll love the house Jayden." Chrissy said, when she saw the worried look on her face.

    "I'm sure I will Chrissy, but it's still a big move for me." Jayden smiled.

    Carl soon returned to the flat. "I've got a van and driver booked for tomorrow morning, so we can all head back to the hotel and relax for the rest of the day." Carl said with a grin, as he walked over and wrapped an arm around Mandy's waist.

    "Thank you for all the help Carl, I won't let you down." Jayden said. "What time will you want me ready for in the morning?" Jayden asked.

    "We'll all be coming back here in the morning to help load up the van Jayden. You'll be staying at the hotel tonight with the rest of us." Carl was grinning as he said it. "You're part of the family now Jayden, so grab what ever you need for a night at the hotel, and something nice to wear for a night out at the club as well." Carl added.

    "Don't worry about it Jayden, you'll soon get use to Carl, and how he does things." Amber said with a grin, as she stood to the side of Chrissy and Becky with Amy.

    "I'm not sure I'll ever get use to it Amber, but I'm happy to try." Jayden giggled.

    They all left the flat and then waited while Jayden locked the door, before going down to the minibus and back to the hotel. The manager looked a little unhappy when he saw Jayden with Carl and the others, but he couldn't do anything about it, other than what Carl told him.

    "Jayden will be returning to head office for higher management training tomorrow with me." Carl said with a smug look. "The next time you see her, she'll be your boss." Carl added looking even more smug now, as he saw the worried look on the man's face.

    Jayden could see the true power Carl had over everything he owned, and how he only had people around him that treated everyone under them fairly. Jayden realised that she didn't have to help Chrissy that day, but she did because it was the right thing to do. She wasn't looking for a reward for helping Chrissy, but because she did she was now moving on to better things with a group of friends. No not friends, they were her Family now. Jayden thought to herself as she looked around at Chrissy and the others.

    "The look on his face when you threatened him Carl, was so funny." Jayden said, as she followed the others up to the floor their rooms were on.

    "I'm glad you liked it Jayden, but that wasn't a threat. You really will be his boss the next time you meet." Carl said with a grin.

    Jayden stopped walking, and just looked at Carl with her mouth open. She didn't realise what job Carl had planned for her until just now. "I'm not sure that I'm the person you're looking for then Carl. I've got no idea how to organise the running of one hotel, never mind all of them."

    "Don't look so worried Jayden, I'm not going to just chuck you in at the deep end." Carl chuckled, when he saw the worried look on her face. "That's why I'm sending you back to collage. And you'll be working closely with me as well, so you will know the job inside out before to long." Carl added as he put a hand on her shoulder to help calm some of her worries.

    "I'm sorry, but this is all a big change in my life Carl. I'm having some trouble wrapping my head around it all." Jayden said with a nervous giggle.

    "If I didn't think you could do it Jayden, I wouldn't be pushing you to come with us tomorrow, but I know you can." Carl said in a firm voice.

    "I think you'll do just fine in your new job Jayden." Chrissy said with a grin, as she started pulling her along to the room Carl had just sorted for her.

    Jayden came to a stop outside the room that matched the number on the card key she was holding in her hand.

    "We'll let you get some rest, and try to deal with all the changes in your life Jayden." Chrissy smiled. "I'll come and help you do your makeup before we go to the club later as well." Chrissy added, as she gave her a hug.

    "Okay Chrissy. Thank you for everything." Jayden said, as she hugged her back.

    Jayden entered her room, as the others walked down to their rooms. Once in their rooms they all decided to rest up for a couple of hours before getting ready for the club. Becky pulled Chrissy over to the bed, and made her lye down next to her on the bed, so they could get some sleep.

---

    Chrissy woke some time later feeling refreshed and cuddled up to Becky still. Chrissy had missed waking up to Becky's arms being wrapped around her and her warm breath blowing on her face as she watched her sleep. Chrissy had never been so happy to be more wrong about anything, as she was about Becky being with someone else other than her.

    Becky woke as she felt Chrissy trying to pull herself away to get off the bed and use the bathroom. Becky had to smile as she watched Chrissy run away. "I wonder how long she's been holding that in?" Becky asked herself, as she stretched out on the bed.

    Chrissy walked back into the bedroom and saw Becky sat up on the bed, so she went over and gave her a hug, and then kissed her. "Hello baby. I've missed looking at your beautiful face." Chrissy said, as she ran her hand down the side of Becky's face.

    "I missed you even more Chrissy." Becky said, as she leaned her head into Chrissy hand to feel her touch even more.

    "I think we both missed each other about the same." Chrissy giggled. "We better see about getting ready, or we'll never get to the club tonight." Chrissy added, when she saw the time.

    None of the girls had fancy dresses with them, but it wasn't like the club back home, so they would all get away with a more basic look for tonight. They were all ready soon enough, and Chrissy had gone to Jayden's room and helped her finish her make-up.

    "I wish I could do my own make-up like you can do it Chrissy." Jayden said, as she looked in the mirror at the job Chrissy had just done on her.

    "I'm glad you liked it Jayden, but I had such a good subject to work with that I didn't need to do much." Chrissy smiled.

    "I thought you'd be use to Chrissy not taking complements by now Jayden." Becky said, as she walked over to stand next to Chrissy.

    "I never got to see the real Chrissy until you and the others turned up." Jayden said, as she smiled at Chrissy being hugged by Becky, like she was letting Jayden know that Chrissy was all hers.

    "We better see about meeting the others down in the restaurant for some dinner, before we head to the club." Becky said, as she led Chrissy out the room.

    Carl and the others were waiting for them when they got down there. They all sat down at a large table and then ordered what they wanted for dinner. Jayden got to see first hand just how much Chrissy and Becky were in love, when they sat feeding each other.

    "Don't they look so cute when they do that?" Mandy leaned over and whispered in Jayden's ear.

    "I never got to see this Chrissy. All I saw was some sad little shell of a person fighting to get though each day by working, or keeping busy in some way." Jayden said with a smile, as she looked at Mandy.

    "I'm still angry that she ran away, but I'm happy that she found you to help keep her safe Jayden. Thank you for doing that." Mandy smiled with a tear in her eye, as she was happy to have her baby sister back again.

    Once they'd eaten, they all got up and made their way out to the minibus, so Brad could drive them all to the club.

    The waitresses were all shocked to see Chrissy and Jayden there without their uniforms. They were even more shocked to hear that they would be leaving the next day. There were some tears from the girls at the club, and even Chrissy and Jayden shed a couple before they all recovered enough to start enjoying the night out.

    Jayden was watching Chrissy, Amy and Amber dancing on the dance floor with a couple of the girls on break from the club. Becky was sitting next to her watching Chrissy having fun with Amy.

    "Do you have a problem with me coming back with you Becky?" Jayden asked.

    "No, why should I?" Becky asked with a frown, just before letting her face soften again. "I'm sorry Jayden, I have no right to be like this with you." Becky added, as she looked down at the table they were sat at.

    "Nothing happened between us Becky, not that it ever would." Jayden giggled. "Other girls don't do it for me, I only like men myself." Jayden added.

    "I'm just jealous of you for being with Chrissy for the last eight weeks." Becky sighed.

    "I wasn't with your Chrissy for the last eight weeks." Jayden said, as she pointed at Chrissy dancing around with Amy and laughing as she did so. "The Chrissy I was with, was just an empty shell surviving each day, she wasn't even living really… She worked almost seven days a week, and the couple of times I managed to drag her out, all she did was sit at the table and watch us all having a good time. Chrissy never showed any interest in anything at all." Jayden added with a sad look.

    "Was she really that depressed Jayden?" Becky asked with a tear in her eye.

    "I'm not going to lie to you Becky. It was like she'd given up, and even after I got her the job at the club, she still wasn't anything like she is now." Jayden giggled, as she pointed at Chrissy doing some silly dance with Amy and Amber.

    "Thanks for doing what you could to keep her safe for me Jayden. And I'm sorry for being a bitch to you the past day or so." Becky said, as she also looked at Chrissy playing around on the dance floor.

    "Forget about it Becky, I'm just glad to see her having a good time." Jayden giggled again.

    "So do you feel like joining in the fun then Jayden?" Becky asked, as she stood up and held out her hand to help Jayden stand up.

    "Sounds like a great idea to me." Jayden said, as she let Becky help her up, and then lead her onto the dance floor to join Chrissy and the others.

---

    A little later that night, Chrissy was just coming out of the toilets at the club when she felt someone put a hand on her shoulder. Chrissy turned around to see who it was, and let out a sigh of relief when she saw it was Frank standing there smiling at her.

    "Hi Frank, is everything okay?" Chrissy asked with a smile, now she knew it was Frank.

    "Not really Chrissy, can I have a quiet word with you away from everyone else?" Frank asked looking worried now.

    "Sure Frank." Chrissy said, looking worried again all of a sudden. She thought that everyone was being a little to easy going on her for running away like she did.

    Chrissy followed Frank to a quiet part of the club, where they could talk over the music a little easier. Chrissy was glad she wasn't wearing the schoolgirl uniform, or she really would look like she was being taken to see the headmaster.

    "Please don't look so worried Chrissy, I'm not going to tell you off or anything like that." Frank said with a smile. "I was wondering if you could have a word with Prue. She feels responsible for everything that's happened to you these last eight weeks." Frank sighed. "I'm really worried about her Chrissy." Frank added, letting the worry show on his face.

    Now Chrissy thought about it, Prue had been quiet since they all turned up. Chrissy had just been too excited about being a parent soon that she'd not put all the peace's together until Frank just told her. "I'm sorry Frank, I should have realised it sooner." Chrissy said, as she put her hand to her mouth. "I'll go and sort it out right away. I don't blame Prue, or anyone other than myself for not facing Becky with what I'd found before running away." Chrissy added with a sigh.

    "It was silly to runaway like you did Chrissy, but I can also see how it must have made you feel." Frank said, as he thought about it. "I'm sure that Prue will be happy to see you talking to her still." Frank added, as he waved for Chrissy to lead the way back to the tables where the others were all having drinks.

    Prue saw Frank walking back to the table, it wasn't hard to spot him, even in a busy club like this, as he was taller than everyone else around him. She was so busy watching Frank, that she never noticed Chrissy walking just in front of him.

    Chrissy was soon sitting next to Prue and cuddling up to her. "Hi mum, is everything alright?" Chrissy asked with a smile, as she looked up at her.

    "Hello dear, everything is fine. Why do you ask?" Prue said, trying to hide the way she was really feeling about all the trouble that led to Chrissy running away.

    "I little birdie told me that you were feeling a little guilty about everything." Chrissy said.

    "I have a feeling that that birdie wasn't so small." Prue said, as she scowled at Frank, as he sat down on the other side of her from where Chrissy was sitting. Frank just smiled, and tried to look all innocent.

    "The size of the bird isn't important mum, but what it said to me is, so was it right then?" Chrissy asked; as she sat up to look Prue in the eyes.

    "I am to blame Chrissy, I never should have done anything without you being part of it from the start." Prue said looking sad. "You never would have ran away then, and Becky wouldn't have been miserable for the past eight weeks." Prue added.

    "Does Becky really look that bothered by it all now?" Chrissy asked, as she pointed over to where Becky was giggling with Jayden and a couple of girls who worked at the club.

    "No she doesn't Chrissy, but what about everything you went through these past eight weeks, or even longer if you count all the weeks beforehand while Becky and I tried to make her pregnant." Prue added, as she looked for reasons, so Chrissy would hate her.

    "Do I look upset with you mum?" Chrissy asked with a smile. "I'm going to be a parent, and the child will be part of me… How could I be upset with you for doing that?" Chrissy asked, as she hugged Prue tightly.

    "Thank you Chrissy. I'd do anything to show you just how sorry I am for keeping secrets from you." Prue said, as she hugged Chrissy back.

    Chrissy broke the hug with Prue and had a big grin on her face. "Do you mean anything?" Chrissy asked, still grinning.

    "Yes, anything, if I can." Prue said, not noticing the way Chrissy was grinning at her until it was to late. "What do you have in mind anyway Chrissy?" Prue asked.

    "I think it's time you came on the dance floor with Amy and I." Chrissy said, as she jumped up, and dragged Prue to her feet as well.

    "Oh no, I don't do any of this dancing that I've seen you and Amy do." Prue said, as she tried to sit back down again, but Chrissy wouldn't let her.

    Frank sat chuckling at the look on Prue's face, as Chrissy pulled her to her feet. "I don't know what you're looking so happy for dear, you're coming with me." Prue said, as she grabbed Frank's ear and started pulling it, as Chrissy led her away to the dance floor.

    Becky and the others all giggled as they watched Chrissy leading Prue to the dance floor as she dragged Frank along behind her. Becky and the other girls jumped up and joined them on the dance floor for a dance as well. Frank looked relieved when he saw that Ann had dragged Brad onto the dance floor as well, and Mandy had dragged Carl down there as well.

    Chrissy soon had Prue dancing around with her, and they all had a laugh at each other. Frank winked at Chrissy, and mouthed her a, "Thank you." As they danced around.

    They were all worn out by the end of the night, and Becky thought it was fun to be leaving a club, and not have to worry about locking it up at the end of the night. Chrissy and Jayden said goodbye to all the girls that worked their before getting on the minibus, so Brad could drive them back to the hotel for some sleep.

    "Everyone get some sleep. The van will be at Jayden's flat at ten in the morning, so we can get some breakfast in the morning, and then head over there and help the guy get the van loaded up ready for heading home again." Carl said, as they parted at Jayden's hotel room door, her room was the first one on that row of rooms he'd booked for them.

    Everyone hugged and said goodnight to each other, before going to their rooms.

 

Chapter 20: Homeward bound

    Chrissy and Becky were doing their makeup when there was a knock on the door. Chrissy was already standing up, so she went to see whom it was. Amy was standing there smiling at her.

    "Morning big sister Chrissy!" Amy shouted, as she threw her arms around Chrissy and hugged her.

    "Morning baby sister." Chrissy giggled, as she hugged Amy back. "Did you have fun last night at the club?" Chrissy asked, as they broke the hug, and Chrissy led her back into the room and closed the door behind her.

    "I had a fantastic time last night Chrissy. I've missed having you to dance with." Amy said with a pout.

    "I'm sorry baby sister." Chrissy said looking a little sad. "Becky's made me promise to never runaway again, so don't worry about me ever doing that again." Chrissy added, as she pulled Amy into another hug.

    "I'm thinking of having Carl fit you with a tracking device, so we can find you where ever you go." Amy said, as she hugged Chrissy back.

    "Does that mean you don't trust my word Amy?" Chrissy asked.

    "It's not that Chrissy. I just don't want to lose you again." Amy said, as she hugged Chrissy even tighter.

    "You won't lose me again Amy, I have a pregnant wife to look after." Chrissy smiled, as she looked at Becky over Amy's shoulder. "I hope you'll baby-sit for us now and then? So Becky and I can still have the odd night out together." Chrissy asked as she broke the hug.

    "You already know the answer to that Chrissy." Amy giggled. "The trouble could come when you want it back at the end of the night." Amy giggled some more.

    "I'm sure we can trust you baby sister." Chrissy smiled. "You ready to get some breakfast, and then help Jayden get loaded up ready to return home with us?" Chrissy asked.

    "I'll do anything that will get you home again Chrissy." Amy said, as she started pulling her towards the door.

    Chrissy quickly grabbed Becky's hand on the way past, and they all headed out the room to go and get some breakfast. Amber was just about to knock on the door when Amy opened it, so Amber almost ended up knocking on Amy's forehead instead of the door. She managed to stop herself just in time though.

    "I nearly knocked on your head then baby." Amber giggled, as she put her hand back down again. "I wonder if I'd find anybody home, if I did knock?" Amber asked with a thoughtful look on her face.

    "Hey! What are you trying to say?" Amy asked, as she put her hands on her hips, trying to look upset with Amber. She soon relaxed when Amber wrapped her arms around her, and pulled her in for a kiss.

    "I don't care what you have up there, just as long as you love me baby." Amber purred, as they broke the kiss.

    "I have a head full of love for you." Amy said, just before kissing Amber again.

    "You're welcome to use the bed. We're done with it now." Becky said with a grin, as she stood with Chrissy at her side also grinning. "Chrissy and I would like to get by, so we can go eat some breakfast." Becky added, as she tried to squeeze past Amy and Amber, as they stood in the doorway.

    "As tempting as that may be Becky, I think Breakfast sounds good right now." Amber said, as she put her hands on her belly to stop it making an empty sound.

    "That doesn't sound good at all baby." Amy said, as she put a hand on Amber's belly with a worried look on her face.

    "Well! Let's go and eat then!" Amber said with a pained look on her face, as she held her belly.

    Amy and the other two both giggled, as they let Amy lead Amber down the hallway to the restaurant for something to eat. The others were already down there, so they sat down and had a cup of tea before helping themselves to the buffet breakfast.

    "Did you have a good time last night Jayden?" Amy asked, once she'd got some breakfast.

    "Yes, thank you Amy. I never realised how much fun a night out with Chrissy could be until last night." Jayden giggled.

    Chrissy just smiled, as she sat feeding Becky a piece of sausage, then Jayden watched as Becky fed Chrissy a piece in return. Jayden thought it looked cute, as they fed each other breakfast.

    "They do that all the time Jayden, you'll soon get use to it." Ann said, from the side of her. Jayden smiled, and then carried on eating her own breakfast, just like the others were.

    Once breakfast was out the way, they all returned to their rooms to finish packing. Brad and Frank helped the bellboy load the bags into the back of the minibus, then they helped the girls to get in so they could go and meet the guy that would be driving the van with Jayden's stuff in it back to London.

    There was a white van with the name of the company that Carl had called the day before, parked right outside the flat, so Jayden got out the minibus first, so she could go and open up. Carl walked over and spoke to the van driver, and slipped him a hand full of notes, then the man counted the money, and looked shocked, just before a big smile came across his face. Jayden had no idea what Carl just asked him, but the man was more than happy to do what ever it was.

    Jayden opened the flat door, and then stepped aside as Frank and Brad started carrying all her stuff out to the van for her. She kept trying to help, but in the end gave up and just carried a large pink teddy bear out. Frank and Brad never even tried to stop her taking that out herself. Jayden got the idea that neither of them wanted to be seen out on the street carrying it.

    Once the flat was empty of everything that belonged to Jayden, she took one last look around. The flat was fully furnished when she moved in, so all that stuff was still in there. Jayden turned to look at the flat door when she heard Chrissy speaking to her.

    "Do you think you have everything?"

    "Yes, I've just walked around checking to make sure." Jayden said with a sigh. "I'm really scared Chrissy. What if I'm making a big mistake? Just packing up and moving to London with you and the others." Jayden asked.

    "Do you really think I'd let you do something if I wasn't sure it was the right thing to do?" Chrissy asked, as she pulled Jayden towards the front door of the flat.

    "Not for one second Chrissy." Jayden said, as she pulled Chrissy into a hug. "I'm just being silly." Jayden added with a giggle.

    Jayden took one last look around before leaving the flat and closing the door behind her. It also felt like she was closing a door on one part of her life, but another one was just opening. She followed Chrissy down the hallway to the door that led out into the street and then they both got in the minibus.

    Brad was behind the wheel of the minibus with Ann sitting next to him. The van had already left with All Jayden's stuff in it. Jayden just hoped that it all got to Chrissy's home okay. Brad started the minibus and then they were making their way out of the seaside town and heading towards London.

    Chrissy sat looking out the window, she watched the signs counting down the miles towards home. The lower the numbers got, the more nervous Chrissy got.

    "You doing okay baby?" Becky asked, as she saw the nervous look on Chrissy's face.

    "Yes, I'm fine." Chrissy said trying to hide her worries with a fake grin.

    This didn't fool Becky for a minute though, and she was soon giving Chrissy a stern look. "Pull the other one babe… Now tell we what's bothering you?"

    Chrissy knew that Becky wasn't going to give up asking until she answered her, so Chrissy let out a sigh, as she told Becky why she was so worried.

    "I'm worried about getting back home, and facing everyone again."

    "Why, you scared of being hugged to death?" Becky asked with a giggle, as she pulled Chrissy closer to her.

    "That I can cope with, but it's all the shouting and worry that I've caused, that's got me worried." Chrissy said, as she rested her head on Becky's shoulder.

    "I know that Mable will have a go at you, and your mum will as well, but they will both be glad that you're home again." Becky said, as she stroked Chrissy's hair.

    "Oh god Becky, I forgot all about talking to mum again." Chrissy said, as she sat up looking even more worried. "Do you know how dads doing?" Chrissy asked.

    "He's doing as well as can be expected. Your mum tried to keep the news of you going missing from him, but he soon worked out something was wrong… The news of him being a granddad softened the blow of you going missing, but he's been really worried about you too."

    "I should have called them before now. I should have called all of you before now." Chrissy said with a sigh, as she looked down at her lap. "I just didn't want to hear anyone tell me what I thought you'd done." Chrissy added, as she cuddled up to Becky, happy to have her back, and to have been completely wrong about most of it.

    "Don't beat yourself up Chrissy. I think I'd have done the same thing if I'd got home to find that Amber had used a pregnancy test." Amy said, as she turned around from the seat just in front of her and Becky.

    "Don't worry Amy dear, I'll make sure you and Amber go through it together." Prue said from across the isle where she was sat next to Frank. "I'm not going though all this again." Prue added with a worried look.

    "What do you mean mum? Amber and I will go through it together?" Amy asked with a shocked look on her face. "Do you mean that Amber and I will be able to have children as well?" Amy added, looking even more shocked at what Prue had just said.

    "Yes, I had some of your samples frozen, as well as Cathy's." Prue smiled.

    Amy and Amber just looked at each other for a couple of seconds before it sank in what Prue had just said, but they were soon hugging and screaming together. Amber stopped though when she saw that Amy had stopped hugging her.

    "What's wrong Amy?" Amber asked looking worried.

    "I'm sorry Amber, I was getting all excited, but I never thought to ask if you ever wanted to have any children with me." Amy said looking worried.

    "I never thought it would be possible, so I never gave it any though until now. But having your baby growing inside of me is going to be amazing." Amber said, as she pulled Amy back into a hug with her.

    "I love you Amber. I love you so much." Amy said, as she hugged Amber back.

    "I love you too baby." Amber said hugging her a little tighter.

    Chrissy found it a nice distraction for the rest of the trip home, as Amy and Amber spent the rest of the trip trying to pick out names for all the kids they were going to have. Becky joined in, and soon had Chrissy telling everyone what her favourite names were.

---

    They were nearly home before Chrissy realised that the scenery was looking familiar to her. Chrissy took hold of Becky's hand and squeezed it tightly. Becky knew what Chrissy was worried about now, so she just put her other hand on top of hers and when Chrissy looked at her, Becky just smiled at her.

    Brad was soon pulling into the driveway at Mandy's. Jayden was looking out the window and looking up at the large house Chrissy called home before she ran away. Chrissy was looking up at the house for another reason, she was feeling a little strange being back after all this time away.

    "Come on sis, let's get your stuff back in YOUR home." Mandy smiled, as she got out the minibus.

    Chrissy just gave Mandy a weak smile, as she let Becky help her up out the seat they'd been sitting on. Chrissy got out and then waited for Jayden to join her, before letting Becky drag her in through the front door that Mandy had just opened.

    "I hope you're not disappointed with the place Jayden." Chrissy said, as they entered the house.

    "Disappointed?" "This place is amazing." Jayden said, as she looked around the large hallway.

    They all heard a van pull up outside, so Frank and Brad went to help the driver unload everything, while Mandy and the others took Jayden up to the room they were going to let Jayden use.

    "I hope the room will be alright for you Jayden?" Mandy asked, as she opened the door and let her enter the bedroom.

    Jayden walked into the bedroom, and was shocked to see that it was almost the same size as the whole of her flat was. There was a large four poster bed in the room, and she could see two doors on the far wall, so she walked over and opened the first door she got to. Jayden found herself looking into a large bathroom with a large bath, and a separate shower stall.

    "You call this a guest bedroom Mandy? It's beautiful, thank you for letting me stay here." Jayden said, with a smile, as she looked around the room again, as she walked back into the bedroom from the bathroom.

    Jayden opened the other door and saw that is was a large walk in closet, so she knew that she'd have no trouble storing all her stuff that was in the van down stairs.

    Mandy and the others were soon stepping aside, so Frank and Brad could enter the room with some of Jayden's things, then the girls all went down to help bring everything in, but Brad sent them all to the kitchen instead.

    "Frank and I can sort this out, why don't you give Jayden the tour." Brad smiled.

    "A nice cup of tea wouldn't go a miss either." Frank added with a grin.

    The girls all giggled, as they started the tour in the kitchen, Amy could put the kettle on, so she could make them all a drink once the tour was over.

      Amy stopped in the kitchen sorting out the drinks with help from Amber. Mandy, Chrissy, and Becky showed Jayden around the house. Chrissy found it weird being back here after eight weeks away, it was like being shown around again herself.

    "This place is amazing Mandy. I can't believe you ever ran away Chrissy." Jayden said, as they finished looking around the house. Mandy never showed her the other bedrooms, as they were kind of a privet area for each of the girl's.

    "I had other things on my mind at the time." Chrissy said with a sad look.

    "Sorry Chrissy, I guess you did." Jayden frowned.

    Mandy was soon leading the way back into the kitchen where Frank and Brad were now at the table with a cup of tea each. Ann was sitting on Brad's knee, and Prue was on Frank's, they were trying to make enough room for the others to all get around the table.

    Amber had Amy sit on her knee, so Becky took a seat, and then pulled Chrissy down onto hers. Mandy got pulled down onto Carl's knee, so Jayden took the empty seat next to Chrissy and Becky.

    "So then Jayden, do you think you'll be okay staying here?" Carl asked.

    "I feel like I'm dreaming Carl, this place is just so beautiful. Are you really sure you want me here with you all?" Jayden asked, as she looked around the table.

    "Don't worry dear, we don't all live here." Prue said, as she looked at Frank. "You only have to fight with Mandy, Chrissy, Becky, Amy, Amber, and Ann most the time." Prue added with a giggle, as Frank did something to her, to make her giggle.

    "You don't have to worry about me most the time Jayden. I spend more time at Brad's these days." Ann smiled, just before stealing a kiss from Brad. "There's still one guest bedroom I can use when Amy and Amber want some time alone." Ann added with a grin, as she looked over at Amy sitting on Amber's knee cuddling each other.

    "So this house only has the five bedrooms?" Jayden asked, as she thought it would have more given the size of the place.

    "Yes it only has the five bedrooms, but there are a couple of rooms up in the loft space, but they never got finished." Mandy sighed. "Looks like I might have to get someone in to sort them out though, if the family's going to keep getting bigger." Mandy added with a grin, as she looked at Chrissy and Becky.

    "It will be some time before the kids will need their own room sis." Chrissy said, as she rubbed Becky's belly.

    "True, but it would be nice to have everything ready before hand." Mandy said.

    "I can start making some calls for you princess, and get some designers in to work up some plans for you to look at." Carl said sounding all excited.

    "Lets get Chrissy and Jayden settled back in first, then we'll start looking at it." Mandy said trying to calm Carl down a little. She knew that he was always looking for the next project to start working on. "Spend some time moulding Jayden in to this big wig business person you want her to be, and leave my little old house alone." Mandy said with a fake pout, just before she started kissing him.

    "That won't be any fun princess. You know how I like a challenge." Carl moaned. "Jayden already knows everything, she just doesn't know it yet." Carl added with a smile, as he looked at the worried look on Jayden's face.

    "I'm getting really worried that you've got a little to much faith in me Carl." Jayden said in a nervous voice.

    "I'm very rarely wrong when it comes to picking the right person for the job I want them to do for me Jayden." Carl said, as he took a break between kisses.

    Jayden could see that it was too late to try and talk Carl out of completing his plan, so she just took a deep breath and hoped he was right this time as well.

    Chrissy was enjoying being home again, even if it did feel weird being back after so long away from the place. She felt just like Jayden must feel at the minute. Chrissy was broken out of her daydreaming when she heard Mandy speak to her.

    "I think you better go and call your mum, and let her know you're still alive and home again."

    "I'll call her later, once I'm fully settled back in again." Chrissy looked nervous as she said it.

    "No, you'll go and do it now." Mandy said in a firm voice.

    "Do you want me to call her for you, and then explain everything before handing you the phone baby?" Becky asked, as she wrapped her arms around Chrissy a little tighter.

    "Could you? I'm scared of what she'll say to me when she hears my voice." Chrissy whispered.

    "Sure, come on, we'll go in the living room and do it." Becky smiled, as she let Chrissy get off her knee, and then helped her to stand up as well.

    Chrissy let Becky hold her hand, and then led her to the living room, so they could sit on one of the sofas while Becky scrolled down the list of numbers on the phone until she found the one she wanted. Chrissy watched as Becky put the phone to her ear, and then waited for someone to answer on the other end. She didn't have to wait to long before Becky spoke.

    "Hi Holly, its Becky. Sorry mum." Becky said with a giggle. "I have someone here that wants to speak with you." Becky added with a smile, as she looked at Chrissy, just before handing her the phone.

    "Hello mum, its Chrissy." Chrissy said, as she gripped the phone a little tighter in her shaky hand.

    "Chrissy!" Holly shouted in the phone when she heard her daughter's voice come through the phone at her. "Where the hell have you been for the past couple of months?" Holly snapped at her down the phone. "Do you have any idea how worried we've all been about you?" She added.

    Chrissy held the phone away from her ear as her mum shouted it at her. Chrissy knew she was in trouble because her mum never raised her voice unless she was really mad about something.

    "I'm sorry for worrying you mum. I was scared and angry when I ran away." Chrissy said in a shaky voice, as she put the phone back to her ear after her mums shouting fit at her.

    Chrissy went on to explain what she'd been doing, and her mum finally calmed down, and was happy to hear her voice again, and know she was home safe and sound with Becky and the others again. Chrissy got to speak with her father as well, and promised to try and get up to see them soon before she ended the call.

    Becky pulled Chrissy into a hug when she saw that Chrissy was starting to cry. "Hey, come on baby, stop crying." Becky said, as she hugged her.

    "I'm sorry Becky, I know I don't have any right to be acting like this after everything I did to you all." Chrissy sobbed, as she let Becky hug her.

    "You have every right Chrissy. I never should have gone behind your back with this, and then do that stupid pregnancy test instead of just going to see Prue." Becky hugged Chrissy even tighter.

    Once Chrissy had pulled herself back together again, they both went back to the kitchen to join the others.

    "How did it go sis?" Mandy asked, when she saw them enter the kitchen.

    "I got a telling off, but they're both happy that I'm home again." Chrissy sat at the table, and pulled Becky down onto her knee as she said it.

    "Well that's one down two to go then." Mandy said with a sigh.

    "Two more? Who else do I need to talk to Mandy?" Chrissy asked with a whine.

    "You need to go and see Mable, and you also need to go and see Cathy." Mandy said.

    "Go and see them, can't I just call them as well." Chrissy asked with a nervous giggle. "I'm sure they'd just be happy to hear from me."

    "Nope, you have to face Mable's wrath, and you also need to get things sorted out with Cathy and Sara over their wedding. It's all been up in the air since you went on holiday." Mandy said in a firm older sister voice that Chrissy knew she would be wasting her time trying to argue with.

    "I thought Cathy would have just picked someone else to be her maid of honour by now." Chrissy said, as she thought about the trouble she'd left Cathy and Sara in with their wedding.

    "Cathy and Sara said they wouldn't be getting married until you were tracked down, and brought back to share the big day with them." Amy said from across the other side of the table.

    "Great, just when I didn't think I could feel any worse than I already do." Chrissy sighed. "When do you want me to go and see them?" She asked, as she looked at Mandy for an answer.

    "We can go later to see them. Cathy will be working until seven, and Jenna won't be home from work until just after five. We'll go and see Mable and the others first, then we can go and see Sara and Cathy after that." Mandy said.

    Chrissy looked at the clock, and even though it was only going to be a couple of hours, she knew it was going to be a long couple of hours all the same.

    Carl, Frank, Brad, and Prue all left to go home and get sorted out, while Amy, Amber, and Ann all went up to help Jayden get settled in, while Mandy and Becky went to help Chrissy sort out.

    Chrissy could see that Becky and Mandy had both missed her a lot, so she was happy to have them following her around, as she got her things unpacked. Chrissy pulled out the large envelope with all the money she'd made while working at the club, she knew she needed to get to the bank and put it in her account.

    "Wow baby! Where the hell did you get all that from?" Becky asked, as she saw Chrissy looking in the envelope.

    "It's the money I made working at the club. I got paid cash, and then there was my cut of all the tips we made as well." Chrissy said, as she put the envelope in her bedside table draw.

    "So that's why you stopped drawing money out of your account then? You were getting paid in cash from the club?" Becky asked.

    "Yes, but how did you know anything about my bank account?" Chrissy asked looking puzzled.

    Mandy and Becky both looked at each other before they gave Chrissy an answer. "Carl hired a privet investigator to try and track you down, but after you stopped using your bank account the trail went cold until Hope saw your details show up in the payroll for the club." Becky said looking a little sheepish.

    "You must have known we'd try everything to track you down sis, or you never would have gone to all them different places to draw your money out." Mandy added to help back up what Becky had just said.

    "I'm not sure why I did any of it now." Chrissy said with a sigh, as she sat on the side of the bed. "I just feel so stupid for not being brave enough to just face Becky and find out the truth." She added, as she started to try again.

    "Hey baby, if I've learned anything these past couple of months, it's that I love you more than life itself, and I don't ever want to be apart from you again. So lets just put it all behind us, and make the most of being together again." Becky said, as she pulled Chrissy into a hug with her.

    "I'll second that Becky. I just want to see my baby sister running around making us all laugh again." Mandy added, as she sat the other side, and joined the hug.

    Amy, Amber, and Ann were having a good laugh with Jayden, as they helped her unpack. They really liked her, and were grateful for what she'd done for Chrissy.

    Soon it was time for them to go and see Mable. Jayden was going to finish unpacking her stuff while they went, but Mandy said it would be a good time for her to meet Mable and some of the others. Soon she was being dragged out to one of the BMWs parked on the large gravel drive way in front of the house.

    Chrissy and Becky followed Mandy to her car, so Jayden also went with them, while Amy and Amber went and got in Ann's with her. Ann waited for Mandy to pull out the driveway, then she followed her as she drove to Mable's.

 

21: Showdown with Mable and Cathy

    Chrissy was hoping that Mable might have moved home, so it would take much longer to get there than it did. Chrissy had to be almost dragged from the car by Becky when they parked outside Mable's house.

    "Come on Chrissy, you'll have to face Mable sooner or later." Mandy said, as she helped Becky pull her from the car."

    "Later sounds good to me." Chrissy said with a hopeful smile, but soon lost it when she realised that Mandy wasn't really offering her a choice.

    "Is this Mable really so bad to come and see?" Jayden asked looking worried for Chrissy.

    "You'd think so looking at how Chrissy is acting, but really she will just be glad to see Chrissy back safe and sound again." Ann said with a smile. "You'll really love Mable though Jayden, trust me." Ann added, as she took her hand and led her to the front door just behind Becky and Mandy, whom were holding Chrissy like she was ready to run away again.

    Amy was walking just in front of Becky, Chrissy and Mandy, so she pushed the doorbell and then quickly ran to stand with Amber off to one side and out the line of fire when Mable answered the door. Chrissy just gave Amy a pained look as she watched her run out the way.

    Chrissy could hear the clicking of shoes on a hard floor, just before the front door started to open. Chrissy thought it was like a scene from an old horror film with how slowly it opened, but Chrissy would have been happy to see Count Dracula standing behind the door, rather than her finding Mable standing there looking at her, like she did.

    "I think you better all come in." Mable said, as she looked at Chrissy.

    Becky and Mandy both let go of Chrissy and let her enter the house before they followed her in. Chrissy almost ran past Mable, like she was going to get a clip round the back of the head for being naught or something like that, but Mable just looked at Chrissy as she walked past and made her way to the dinning room. Things didn't get better for her when she got there, as Kim, David, Jenna, Cathleen, Kat, Hope, and Faith were all sitting around the dinner table looking at her.

    "Hi everyone." Chrissy squeaked out with a weak smile, as they all looked at her with the same stern looks on their faces.

    The only break from their stern faces came in the form of little Kat and Cathleen, as they both jumped up and ran over to give Chrissy a hug.

    "Chrissy, Chrissy! You're back." Cathleen said, as she hugged her.

    "Chrissy! Where you go? I miss you while mummy work." Kat said with a pout, as she waited for a hug after Cathleen got hers.

    "Hello Cathleen, Kat, I'm sorry for being away for so long, but I'm back now, and here to stay." Chrissy said, as she hugged them both. She stopped hugging them both and stood up again when she heard Mable speaking to the two girls.

    "Cathleen, can you please take Kat and got and play up the other end of the room for a little bit, while I have a quick word with Chrissy?" Mable asked.

    "Okay Mable." Cathleen said with a sad look at Chrissy, like she knew that Chrissy was in trouble for something. "Come on Kat, we have to go and play while the grown ups talk." Cathleen said, as she took Kat's little hand in hers, and led her up the other end of the room out the way.

    "I'll come and play with you, as I'm not really a grown up either." Amy said with a grin, as she joined Cathleen and Kat.

    "Hey, I want to come and play as well." Amber said, as she also ran off to join Amy with the two little girls.

    Chrissy was wishing that she could go and play with Cathleen and Kat, but she knew that she'd be lucky to still be able to enter Mable's home after this, never mind being able to spend time playing with the girls.

    "Please take a seat Chrissy, so we can talk about where you've been these past eight weeks." Mable said, as she pointed to one of the empty chairs at the table where the others were sitting.

    Chrissy didn't really feel like sitting down, but the way Mable said it didn't really sound like a request, and more an order, so she took the seat and looked down at her lap until Mable spoke to her again.

    "Well then young lady, it's nice to see you back safe and sound, but I am disappointed that someone had to come and get you. Do you have any idea just how worried everyone has been about you all this time?" Mable asked.

    "I'm sorry Mable. I was angry and scared when I thought that Becky had been with a man. I just ran away to escape from the pain I was feeling." Chrissy said without daring to look up at any of them.

    "Did you not feel you could trust any of us to help you deal with it? Did you think we all knew about it, and felt that it would have been okay for Becky to do any of that behind your back, and we'd just go along with it?" Mable asked in a much harsher tone.

    "I'm sorry Mable. I panicked and ran without really thinking about what I was doing. I don't know what more I can say or do." Chrissy said, as she wiped away some tears. She looked over at Becky hoping to get some support, but Becky was just standing next to Mandy watching Mable have a go at her.

    "I don't think sorry is good enough this time Chrissy. You caused a lot of worry, and a lot of people spent time trying to track down where you'd gone. We were all beginning to think you might be dead Chrissy." Mable snapped. "Do you have any idea how that made us all feel?" Mable snapped again, making Chrissy jump this time with how harsh she made it sound.

    Chrissy went to say sorry again, but thought better of it when she remembered what Mable had just said about it not being good enough, so she just closed her mouth again and waited for Mable to speak again, but it looked like she'd finished for the time being.

    "I know you don't want to hear this Mable, but I really am sorry for all the worry I caused you all, and I wish I could go back and undo it." Chrissy said, as she stood up again. "Unless you have something else to say, I'll be leaving again now then." She added, just before turning to leave Mable's home.

    Chrissy went to leave the dinning room, but Becky blocked her path, and pulled her into a hug. Chrissy just broke down in sobs of tears on Becky's shoulder.

    "Please can I go home now Becky? I can't cope with being in a room full of people that all hate me." Chrissy sobbed.

    "They don't hate you Chrissy." Becky said, as she rubbed her back. "They're just angry you didn't feel you could go to any of them instead of running away." Becky added.

    Chrissy felt someone else rubbing her back and looked around expecting to see Mandy standing their, but it was Mable standing there looking at her with a sad smile on her face.

    "Please don't hate me Mable. I was just being really stupid when I ran away." Chrissy said, as she through her arms around Mable and started hugging her, while she sobbed on her shoulder.

    "I don't hate you Chrissy, but you do make me really angry sometimes when you run off without thinking things through." Mable said, as she led her back to the table. "No one else hates you either for the record." Mable added.

    Chrissy sat next to Mable with her head on her shoulder for a couple more minutes, then she sat up and wiped her eyes with a tissue Kim passed her.

    "Are you feeling any better now Chrissy?" Kim asked looking worried.

    "Not yet, but I'm getting there Kim." Chrissy said with a sigh, as she looked at Becky, just before she patted her knee for Becky to come and sit on it.

    Becky smiled, as she walked over and sat on Chrissy's knee, so Chrissy could wrap her arms around her waist. Chrissy felt better having Becky close by to keep her safe.

    "Does this mean Chrissy is forgiven now then Mable?" Becky asked with a smile, as she took the tissue of Chrissy and wiped away some stray tears.

    "Yes she's forgiven." Mable smiled, as she gave Chrissy's hand a squeeze. "I promised your mother I'd give you a telling of for her as well."

    "I really am sorry everyone. I know I should have stayed and sorted it all out with Becky in the first place." Chrissy said. As she looked around the table at all the faces. "I did make a knew friend though while I was away." Chrissy said, as she looked at Jayden, whom was standing with Ann over near the door. "I'd like you all to meet Jayden. She helped me keep going these past couple of months." Chrissy added with a smile.

    "Hello everyone, it's nice to meet you." Jayden said with a little wave and a smile.

    "Hello dear." Mable said, as she waved Jayden over to her as she patted the seat next to her for Jayden to sit down on. "So you're the one we need to thank for keeping our little runaway safe for all this time then?" Mable asked with a little giggle.

    "I didn't know what she was running away from Ma'am, but I was glad I was able to help her out." Jayden said, as she sat down.

    "Please call me Mable." She smiled. "Well what ever you did Jayden, I'm happy that she was returned to us safe and sound." Mable smiled. "I also hear that you'll be starting a new job with Carl as well." Mable added.

    "Yes, I'm still not sure I'm suited for what Carl has planned for me, but I'll give it my best shot." Jayden said sounding a little worried about it all still.

    "I'm sure you'll do just fine, and you have a great group of friends to help you adjust to life around here." Mable said with a grin, as she looked around the room. "You are always welcome here if you need to chat about anything as well." Mable added.

    "Thank you Mable. I hope I never need to come to you for help, but it's nice to know I can if I need to." Jayden smiled.

    "If I'm not in trouble anymore, can I go and play with Cathleen and Kat now?" Chrissy asked, sounding like a small child asking her mum if she could go and play with the other children.

    "Yes, you can go and play with the others now." Mable giggled, as she waved Chrissy away.

    "You coming to play Becky?" Chrissy asked.

    "I'll be right there baby, I just need to have a quick word with Hope first." Becky said, as she kissed Chrissy on the lips, just before getting up off Chrissy's knee.

    "Okay lover, you know where to find us." Chrissy said with a grin, before going to the other end of the room.

    Hope sat looking at Becky as she walked around the table where she was sat next to Faith. Then she watched as Becky wrapped her arms around her and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you for finding my wife again for me Hope." Becky said, as she hugged her a little tighter.

    "You're welcome Becky. I'm glad I was able to help you get her back." Hope said, as she patted Becky's hands.

    "Do you want to come and meet Cathleen and Kat?" Becky asked Jayden when she broke the hug with Hope.

    "I'd love to meet them, if that's okay with everyone?" Jayden asked.

    "Please feel free, but be ready to be worn out by them both. They can be quite a hand full when they get together." Mable giggled, as she watched Jayden walk up the other end of the room to join Chrissy, Amy and Amber.

    Mandy and Ann took a seat each at the table, and chatted with the others while they listened to the others playing with the two girls.

    "Did you really think you needed to do that to Chrissy?" Mandy asked Mable.

    "Yes I did Mandy… Chrissy will be a mother soon, and she can't keep running away when ever it looks like there may be a problem looming."

    "I know you're right Mable, but I just feel that it wasn't all her fault. I'm not sure that I'd have acted any differently if I was in her shoes." Mandy looked to be thinking about it as she said it.

    "I'd already had a go at Becky for starting all the trouble in the first place, and if Chrissy had not ran away, then she would have been here to see that I wasn't just blaming her for it all. Would she?"

    "I can't argue with that Mable, I was here when you told Becky off." Mandy looked a little worried, as she thought about the day that Mable sat Becky down in the same seat Chrissy was just sat it, as she laid down the law.

    "Things seem to be getting back to normal again now, and Chrissy did add another member to your little family." Mable was watching Jayden feed one of Cathleen's baby dolls, as she spoke. "I really like her Mandy. I trust I don't need to tell you to look after her, do I?" Mable asked with a smile.

    "After everything she's done for Chrissy the last couple of months, I'll do anything for her myself Mable." Mandy smiled, as she rested her head on Mable's shoulder to get a hug.

    Kim and Jenna had gone to make a pot of tea, and sort out some juice for the girl's. They all sat drinking and chatting. Mandy and Ann filled them all in on what they knew of Chrissy's time working at the club. Hope had already shown them all the photos of Chrissy in her schoolgirl uniform a couple of days ago, so they all knew what she looked like.

    They stopped until just after seven, then they said goodbye to everyone, so they could leave and head over to Cathy and Sara's place.

---

    Chrissy was quiet on the drive over to Cathy and Sara's until Becky spoke to her. "You feeling okay baby?"

    "I think so, but I can't stop thinking about what Mable said. Did you really think I might have been dead?" Chrissy asked in a shaky voice.

    "No, not for one second." Becky said, as she shuck her head from side to side. "Mable never should have said that to you baby." Becky added, as she pulled Chrissy into a hug on the back seat of Mandy's car.

    Chrissy looked really nervous as Mandy pulled into Sara and Cathy's drive, but she didn't have to be pulled from the car this time. She wasn't expecting as much trouble from Cathy and Sara, as she had with Mable.

    "We'll let you ring the doorbell this time Chrissy." Mandy said, as she stood with Becky behind her.

    Chrissy took a couple of deep breaths and then rang the doorbell. It didn't take long for them to hear the door being unlocked and opened. Chrissy found her self looking at Cathy, with Sara poking her head over Cathy's shoulder to look at her as well.

    "Thank god you're alright." Cathy said, as she ran out the house and wrapped her arms around Chrissy in a tight hug. Sara soon joined them, as well. "Do you have any idea how worried we've all been about you?" Cathy asked, as she gripped Chrissy even tighter.

    "Yes, Mable just informed me of just how much you all worried about me…I'm sorry Cathy, Sara. I know I should never have run away like I did. Can you ever forgive me?" Chrissy squeaked out.

    "We're just glad to see you back safe and sound Chrissy, but please don't ever do anything like this again." Sara said, as she broke the hug with Chrissy, just before Cathy did the same. "I don't think any of our hearts could take it again." Sara added with a little giggle.

    "Come on, let's take this little show inside the house, shall we?" Cathy said, as she led them all into the house, with Sara and Chrissy bringing up the rear.

    Cathy led them all to the living room, so they could sit and chat about what Chrissy had been up to the past couple of months. Chrissy was waiting for Cathy, or Sara to have a go at her, but they just sat looking at Chrissy with silly grins on their faces.

    "I'm ready for what ever you have to say to me." Chrissy said looking worried. "I know I've made a mess of your wedding."

    "We're not going to tell you off for running away Chrissy. I doubt we could do a better job of it than Mable already has, and it wouldn't make you feel any worse than I guess you already do." Cathy said, as she sat cuddling with Sara on one of the sofas in their living room.

    "Thanks for understanding how I feel." Chrissy smiled. "I'd like you both to meet Jayden. She's the one that kept me sane these past eight weeks." Chrissy giggled. "Jayden, I'd like you to meet Cathy and Sara." Chrissy pointed at each of them as she said their names.

    "Hello Cathy, Sara, it's nice to meet you both." Jayden was looking at them both, as she tried to work out if one of them use to be a man, or if they were just a lesbian couple.

    "Hi Jayden. Thank you for looking after Chrissy for us all." Sara smiled.

    "Hello Jayden. Yes thank you for doing that, She can be quite a hand full, can't she?" Cathy said with a grin, as she looked at Chrissy sitting with Becky on another sofa.

    "All I did was help her get back on her feet. Once she moved in with me, it felt more like she was taking care of me after that." Jayden giggled, as she looked at Chrissy.

    "I know just what you mean Jayden." Cathy said with a knowing look, as she thought back to how Chrissy had been when she'd stayed with her for a week. That was when Chrissy thought Becky was having an affair with Vic, but really they had just been planning a large engagement surprise for her instead.

    Jayden raised an eyebrow, as she sensed a story their. "Why do I get the feeling that this isn't the first time Chrissy's ran away from something."

    Cathy and the others all sat and told Jayden the story of how Chrissy thought Becky was having an affair, while Chrissy went with Sara to sort out some drinks for them all.

    "Is everything really okay between us Sara?" Chrissy asked, once they got to the kitchen. "I wouldn't blame you and Cathy, if you both hated me."

    "Stop being silly Chrissy. Cathy and I don't hate you." Sara said, as she pulled her into a hug, as they waited for the kettle to boil. "We're both just glad you're back safe and sound."

    "Amy told me that you both put the wedding on hold until I was found. Is that true?"

    "Yes. Cathy and I are only together now because of you, so we didn't think it right for us to get married without you there to share in the big day." Sara smiled.

    "I'm sorry for all the trouble Sara. I know I was being selfish when I ran away, but I just wanted to run away from what I thought was the truth at the time." Chrissy said, as she hugged Sara again, and rested her head on Sara's shoulder.

    "You don't need to explain it to me Chrissy. Cathy told me how she'd feel if she found out I was pregnant. So I do understand." Sara smiled, as she stroked the back of Chrissy's hair while they hugged.

    "I wouldn't worry about that Sara. Prue said she'd be making sure that Cathy and Amy will be involved in the whole process." Chrissy giggled, as they made the drinks.

    "What do you mean Cathy and Amy will be involved in the whole process?" Sara asked with a puzzled look on her face.

    "I'm not to sure what happens, maybe Becky could fill you in better. Prue just said that it would be a lot easier for you and Amber to get pregnant, as Amy and Cathy had a much high sperm count that I had." Chrissy said with a shrug.

    "So are you trying to tell me that I can still have Cathy's baby?" Sara asked, as she turned around to face Chrissy, so she could look her in the eyes as she asked.

    "Yes, I thought you would have worked that one out, after Becky got pregnant with mine." Chrissy said in a matter of fact way.

    Sara put her hands on her belly, as she thought about having a little life growing inside her at some point in the future. "I can't wait to tell Cathy all of this, she will be so happy." Sara said with a grin.

    They soon had a tray of drinks ready, so they went back to the living room. Cathy was just finishing up the story, and had got to the bit where Vicky had Chrissy over her shoulder and walked her back through the club with her knickers on show to everyone.

    Chrissy just let out a groan, as she sorted out drinks for everyone, and then sat down and cuddled up to Becky, while Cathy told the rest of the story. Jayden and the others all giggled at it, but Chrissy was just happy to be with Becky again. She'd also decided to never run away from a problem again, Chrissy knew that being a mother meant she'd have to be strong and meet all problems head on from now on.

    Cathy finished the story, and they all had a laugh about it, even Chrissy. Jayden got the answer to her question from the story, as she found out that Cathy wasn't born a female, just like Chrissy. Jayden had already been told about Amy's story. She also knew about Carl being a cross dresser, but she hadn't met Vic yet.

    "So then Chrissy, how does it feel now you know you're going to be a parent?" Cathy asked, as they sat having a drink.

    "Amazing, Scary, wonderful. You name it, and I feel it at the minute Cathy." Chrissy said with a smile, as she put her hand on Becky's belly, just before she leaned over to kiss her.

    "You'll both make the worlds best parents. Congratulations." Cathy smiled, as she saw how happy the two of them were over it all.

    "Chrissy was just telling me something in the kitchen while we sorted out the drinks honey." Sara said, as she leaned over to kiss Cathy on the cheek, just before she turned enough for Sara to kiss her on the lips.

    "She was, and what would that be my love?" Cathy asked between kisses.

    "Apparently Prue said that you and Amy won't be kept in the dark when Amber and I get pregnant." Sara said, as a grin spread across her face.

    It took a couple of seconds for Cathy to understand what Sara was saying to her, but when t did sink in, the look on her face said it all. "You mean that you'll be able to have my baby?" Cathy asked looking shocked, but really happy at the same time.

    There was a lot of screaming and hugging for the next ten minutes, as Cathy and Sara came to grips with the fact they would be able to have children of their own one day. Amy and Amber joined in as well, and they had another round of name the children.

    Time got away from them, and it was close to midnight by the time they were leaving Sara and Cathy's, but they were all happy to have the Chrissy back. Sara and Cathy both fell in love with Jayden right away, and Jayden felt like she'd know them both all her life by the time they left to head back to Mandy's

    Once they got back home, Chrissy helped Amy make some drinking chocolate for them all. Then they sat around the kitchen table chatting to Jayden about all the people she'd met today, and what she thought of them all.

    "So what do you think to the family then Jayden?" Amber asked.

    "I think they're all really amazing. Mable scared me, but at the same time, I felt I could trust her with anything." Jayden said with a puzzled look.

    "That's just how Mable is, but you can always go to her and feel like your safe talking to her about any problem you might have." Becky said with a grin.

    "I was really worried for Chrissy when we first got to Mable's, but she seemed to calm down and forgive her." Jayden smiled, as she looked at Chrissy cuddled up to Becky's side.

    "Chrissy had it easy, you should have seen how mad Mable got when she was having a go at Becky over the whole thing." Mandy said with a shudder. "I thought she was going to take Becky across her knee at one point." Mandy added.

    "Is that why you wouldn't jump to my defence while Mable was telling me off tonight?" Chrissy asked, as she looked at Becky.

    "Yes, I wanted to baby, but Mable said that she would take me across her knee if I even said a world while she was telling you off." Becky said looking a little sad about it all now.

    "Don't worry about it, I should never have ran in the first place. I also should have called one of you a long time ago to say I was safe. That way I would have been told what really happened." Chrissy said with a sigh. "I don't know about any of you, but I'm really tired, and just want to crash out in bed, so I'm going to call it a night." Chrissy said, as she stood up.

    "Oh! One more thing before you disappear Chrissy." Mandy said, as she got up and went over to a draw over near the side. "I think you'll be needing these back now." Mandy held out her hand, and dropped two sets of keys in them when she held out her hand.

    Chrissy looked down and saw her house keys and shop keys lying there in her hand. "Does this mean I still have a job?" Chrissy asked.

    "No, it means you still own half a business with me, and I need you back to help me run it." Mandy said, as she pulled Chrissy into a hug with her. "Amy and I are in need of your organising skills in a big way sis." Mandy added with a giggle.

    "Does this mean that I'm back at work tomorrow then sis?" Chrissy asked with a grin.

    "I'm afraid so baby sister." Mandy said with a sigh.

    "It will be nice to get back to some sort of normality again." Chrissy smiled, as she put the keys in her purse and then followed the others up stairs to bed.

    They all hugged and Mandy's bedroom door and then Jayden walked down the hallway with Amy, Amber and Ann. Where she then hugged them before going into her room and getting ready for bed.

    Mandy was just getting into bed when she heard a knock on her bedroom door, o she got back out and went to see who it was. She found Chrissy and Becky standing there grinning at her.

    "Hi sis, will it be okay for Becky and I to sleep in here with you tonight?" Chrissy asked.

    Mandy never said a word, she just grabbed Chrissy's hand and pulled her into the room and over to the bed. Chrissy gave Mandy a quick hug, and then jumped in to the bed, and became the main filling in and Becky, Mandy sandwich. Chrissy fell asleep with a grin on her face, now she knew she was home again.

 

To Be Continued Next week

 

Edited by ChrisW