 WHERE'S THE JUSTICE?by Heather Robson Laxo and Theo, Grange Hill's resident fast-talkers, challenge each other to a day of staying silent - the first one to speak loses. Theo finds it hard to express himself without words in class, his sign language attempts prompt a fit of yawning among his classmates! It's Chloe's birthday and she's got a real cob on. First she chides Alex and Sammy as they listen intently to Ed's radio show, then when Andrea appears to have forgotten her present she storms off. Her next target is Serena, whose blog she picks to pieces for its spelling mistakes - it only makes things worse when Megan points out her friend's disability. Alex wants Chloe taken to task but Serena begs him to let it go, worried she'll have a reputation before she even comes to Grange Hill. But Alex announces plans to take Chloe to Grange Hill's inaugural "bully court" and issues her with a "summons" despite Sammy's misgivings. Chloe is full of bravado but Andrea tries to warn Chloe there'd be no-one to willingly speak in her defence. Chloe then accosts the chief prosecution witness, Megan, warning what might happen if she proceeds with the case. Meanwhile, Ed and Tigger lure Andrea in the studio supposedly to test her spelling prowess but it's really so they can get hold of her mobile and send Chloe a text inviting her to the science lab. Chloe thinks a surprise party awaits her but is shocked when she finds it's the bully court, where Alex and his friends confront her. Chloe thinks it's all over when chief witness Megan texts to say she's not coming and leaves angrily. The others go after her, Alex is prepared to drop the hearing if Chloe apologises but Chloe decides to see it through to defend herself. Serena is still worried about repercussions when Alex imagines himself as the host of a Jeremy Kyle-style talk show in which Chloe is forced to confront her apparently miserable home life where her mum blames her for everything. Back in reality, Andrea forces Alex to admit he's seeking to have Chloe expelled. Andrea tries to impress the gravity of the situation on Chloe and urges her to apologise, fearing separation will mean the end of their friendship. Andrea even tries apologising for Chloe, and hints that Alex is pursuing a personal vendetta, but the bully remains defiant. In the playground, Theo and Laxo's vow of silence has them staring up at the school sign, prompting others to do the same until Kathy comes out and sends everyone on their way. Even XS, touting his latest scam of making false personal injury claims against the school, fails to break their silence but his words strike a chord with the passing Megan. Back in the science lab, Sammy leads the others in confronting Chloe over the names she calls people and the things she steals off them. Then, Andrea stuns everyone with the revelation Chloe's mum is wheelchair-bound and that Chloe has to help while her dad works. Chloe manages to discredit this but Alex decides to issue a plea bargain - apologise and she's "acquitted". Chloe approaches Serena and appears to be playing ball - but really she issues another threat and storms out. Alex is determined to have Chloe thrown out of Grange Hill but Serena is left feeling disillusioned with him; Sammy even accuses him of making this personal because of his history with Chloe. Miss Greene confronts Alex about his kangaroo court, though she's secretly impressed by his intentions. Miss Greene tries to goad Chloe into having a shot at her and her missing arm; as expected Chloe won't bite because she is a teacher. Alex then tries to patch things up with Serena when Chloe insists on a private word with her - very reluctantly, Chloe apologises to her. It transpires Megan spoke up for Serena after all, having let Serena down as a witness. Andrea is frustrated by Chloe's lack of gratitude but Serena makes things up with Alex. Sammy apologises to Alex for her earlier words, but when she tries to ask Alex out she just can't get the words out. Chloe is back at home and her mum is indeed in a wheelchair, when Andrea calls with Chloe's birthday present. Chloe is still furious with her for giving away state secrets but is secretly glad Andrea cares. |