CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
FAMILY MATTER
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Chris had become an expert at running from his problems. Getting as far as he could from his problems and settling down a bit. To just calm himself down before needing to run again when the problems caught back up. It was a blessing, but a curse at the time because he would never be able to just face the demons that came to him face to face.

For the past couple of days, it had been like that since Chris had been drowning his body with alcohol and drugs. Anything to take the feeling of pain off and to make him forget that he and Veronica were over. No calls or texts had come from anyone except Jughead who had stopped by to visit his brother.

And when he did, he was completely shocked and pained seeing his older brother's drowsy and broken state. Beer bottles and beer cans all scrounged around the living room. Half smoked blunts all over the living room table with a white powder faintly on the table as well. He had to go through the process of helping his drugged-up and drunk brother up off his floor and in his bed.

Even with all the drugs and beer in his system, Chris knew he was the cause of all this. He understood that he was the cause for the breakup and that he had deserved everything coming his way. All of it was his fault and he knew it and he wouldn't be able to make up for the mistake he made.

Just the fact that he had told Veronica he loved her and were done in seconds right after. It all hurt way too much for him. So many nights, he stared at the pistol on the living room table. Questioning if his life has been worth living with all the pain that he's felt and given. Maybe it was, but he wasn't sure at this point in time.

Especially when the sound his phone ringing woke him up. Groaning as he sat up, instantly regretting it when the pounding of a headache beat at his head like a drum. Clamping his eyes shut as he held his head as he reaches for his phone. Not caring to see who it was he pressed answer and put the phone to his ear.

"Yea?" Chris said dryly as rubbed his tired eyes. "Chris?" Betty's soft voice registered and made Chris sigh as he leaned back on his couch. "Hey, B. What's up?" He asked as he stood up and made his way to the bathroom. "Don't panic, but I need you to come to the police station."

Chris chuckled as he entered the bathroom, taking in his reflection and cringing at the sight. His usually styled hair was astray and messy. His beard was longer then it needed to be and his eyes, god were his eyes able to tell his secrets. They were droopy, purple circles under them showing his lack of sleep was taking its toll on him and how he was doing after the breakup.

It wasn't even this bad when Olivia and Chris broke up. Sure, he drank but never dabbled in the drugs at the same time. He hadn't left his place and usually got skip the dishes to deliver his food. Which only allowed to smoke more then he usually would.

Honestly, at this point, he was needing a girl to occupy his mind and he had a few in mind. Already having girl's phone numbers in his phone ready to come over at any time.

Pulling his phone from his ear, he pressed the speaker button and placed it on the edge of the sink. "Why?" He asked turning the tap on. Warm water coming through as he splashed some waters on his dirty face.

It was probably the best feeling apart from being crossed with weed and alcohol. "Jughead is here."

That was all it took for him to stare at his phone. Jaw clenching tightly as he shut his eyes, releasing a huff through his nose. "I'll be there." He told her before hanging up.

Looking back up at the mirror and shaking his head. "Fuckin' christ."

Pulling at the front of the police station, Chris shut his car off and got out. Walking towards the familiar building he had left not to long ago. Kinda funny for Chris since he was leaving the place and now he's coming right back to it. For the right reasons of course.

Entering the building, Chris caught sight of Archie standing with Sheriff Keller and Fred. Only entering to hear some of the conversation.

"Jughead's not helping himself in there. I ask him for an alibi, and he just gave me lip." Sheriff Keller explained as Fred pursed his lips with a nod. "He was working with me." Fred lied, Archie, taking a step forward, gave an awkward nod.

"Yeah, the week of July 11th, was it?" Fred asked Archie, but Chris walked over. "Yeah. We were supposed to go on a little trip out of town but told me he was busy working." Chris explained and Fred gave the boy a thankful smile before looking at Sheriff Keller. "Yeah, I had him tearing some drywall for me."

The lie was blatant to the three, and Sheriff Keller didn't seem to notice, but still suspicious. "You can provide me with some documentation to support that?" He asked and Fred shrugged. "I'd have to check my time cards," Fred told the cop who nodded before walking off.

Chris sighed as he ran a hand through his sorry excuse of combed hair and fished into his pockets. "I'll be outside." He told the pair while walking out.

Stepping into the light cold breeze, Chris placed the cigarette between his lips as he flicked his Zippo lighter on. Cupping the flame as he took a puff off the cigarette to light it. Flicking the lighter cap on and exhaling through his nose.

The smoke burning his nostrils at first, but soon relaxed. Leaning on the railing as he took another puff from the cigarette before holding it between his index and middle finger.

Exhaling right as the doors opened with the others escorting Jughead out, minus Veronica which was something Chris was thankful for. He didn't know if the others knew about what happened between them, but if they did he was thankful they didn't bring her along.

Jughead saw Chris and didn't waste a second to hug his older brother. The last time he saw Chris, he was drunk and barely able to form a coherent sentence. So, seeing him out and mainly here to support him was enough for him.

At first, Chris was taken back but hugged his brother. "Hey, man." He greeted softly. Jughead pulled away, sniffling slightly before giving a nod to him before walking down the steps. Chris following closely behind the four.

"Jughead!" A voice called out and the whole group looked to see it was FP. "Sorry. I came as soon as I got your messages." FP explained while Chris groaned as he sat down on the steps. "My phone, the freaking battery. I forgot to plug it in last night." He said with a slight chuckle, clearly trying to brush off that he wasn't here with Jughead needed him and was probably drinking like always.

As silence filtered over the group, FP decided to actually talk about why he was here. "What the hell happened?" He asked, motioning with his hand. "Nothing. It's fine now. Mr. Andrews took care of it." Jughead said with an annoyance in his tone.

"What jacked up crap did they accuse you of in there, huh?" FP questioned, pointing at Jughead. "Those bastards trying to throw you in jail like they did your old man? Well, screw that!" Chris had seen this type of anger on his father's face, and it usually was directed towards him.

"I'll rip Keller a new one for trying to pull that on you-" When FP tried to make his way to the entrance, Fred was quick to try and hold him back.

"FP, settle down." Fred tried to calm the angry Southsider but was resulted in being shoved. "Hey! He's my son. He's my son, Fred! You'd do the same for your boy!" FP yelled as he shoved the man back before trying to make his way into the building.

Chris stood up, cigarette in between his lips as he stood there with a stature that showed he wasn't going to let his dad past. So, as FP marched his way towards him, Chris took a step off the stairs and clenched his fists ready.

FP found this quite funny since he chuckled. "Oh, now you got the balls to stand up to me. After all these years, you now have the balls to do it." He laughed as Chris clenched his jaw, seeing the confused looks on the faces of the others, besides Jugheads. "Well, come on then. Let's see if you've got what it takes after I put a world of hurt on you!" FP yelled and Chris pulled the cigarette from between his lips. Exhaling the smoke and tossing the cigarette onto the ground and crushing it. "Get the fuck out of here." Chris hissed.

When FP tried to take a step towards his oldest son, Jughead grabbed their father's denim jacket roughly. "Dad. Don't make things worse. Please." The heartbroken look on FP's face was enough to tell Chris that his dad felt the pleading from Jughead.

So, giving a nod, Jughead let go of his dad. "Yeah. Yeah, all right, then." FP muttered as he patted Jughead's arm. "You uh...? You coming home with me?" FP asked, and Chris couldn't help but feel kinda sad hearing the wavering tone of his father's voice.

"He- He can stay with us, Mr. Jones We already offered," Archie suggested as FP turned to him. "Is that what you want?" FP asked Jughead who didn't say a word. Taking that as an answer, FP nodded with pursed lips. "Maybe that's the best if- If you don't mind, Fred."

"Whatever you want, FP. It's between the two of you." Fred said and Jughead sniffled lightly. "I'll- I'll go with you, dad." Chris was ready to protest against Jughead but knew that it was probably better living with their dad. Both FP and Chris were fucking up lately and it seemed to Chris that it might be better to live in a place that isn't a complete shit show of a home.

So, Chris watched as FP shared some hushed words with Jughead before they left. Chris soon going home as well and doing what he's been doing for the past days. Drink, smoke, snort, and have sex.