Had this idea in my head for a while finally got it down, will only be a few parter 2-3, I hope you like it!

Someone Like You

But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.

I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded

That for me it isn't over

I Lauren Branning, now 23 moved away from Walford at 19 after what I would call a traumatic few months. I had all these supressed feelings that had led to that day when I found myself in hospital, stomach pumped and the possibility of liver damage. To say my life had reached rock bottom would be an understatement. The weeks leading up to that fateful day I had found out that my dad's new wife was pregnant with his child, the hopes that my parents would get back together completely trashed, but that was also the week the love of my life Joey, my cousin, broke my heart. It wasn't the first time, no it was the second but this time it was different, it was final. He said he couldn't watch me destroy my life, my alcohol abuse was too much for him to handle so he broke up with me there and then. We didn't reconcile like people expected, not that I hadn't wanted to but it just never happened life continually got in the way, until it became too hard to see him each and every day, not being able to be with him. I made the decision to move away, a fresh start was exactly what I needed. The constant reminders of my past lingered in Walford and I no longer wanted those reminders.

I didn't see Joey when I left, it would be too hard to say goodbye to the person you love, not knowing if you would ever see them again. I wasn't sure if I even wanted to, this was a fresh start and a new beginning so I left him no means of contacting me the only people to have my number was my sister Abi and my mum. I was too hurt by my father to leave him my number, messages were passed to him through my mum but that was it.

Leaving Walford behind on the 20th May, I headed to America, still grateful to be in contact with some old friends over there who offered me a place to stay until I got myself sorted. It was rather out of the blue my decision to leave but it was what I needed. Anyways 5 years on, I have found myself in the happiest place. I now own my own art and design company in New York City. I had landed well on my feet, a large apartment in the city, great friends who constantly brightened my life each and everyday. There was still this gap in my life. A Joey shaped gap to say the least.

Who knew one person could leave such a print in my life. There didn't go a day where I didn't think about him a least once. I couldn't shake him from my mind let alone my memories. The problem I faced was that I didn't know that person anymore, that the 19 year old girl fell in love with, that was a completely different life ago. I didn't ask Abi how he was doing when I spoke to her, I didn't want to know whether he had a girlfriend or even a wife, the thought made me sick if I was honest. I was selfish I wanted him desperately to be happy but I couldn't stand the thought of him being with someone else, because for me it wasn't over, it would never be over.

There had been so many times, where I looked from my apartment window, my phone clutched in my hand his number on my screen ready to press dial. I didn't know if this was even his number anymore but knowing boys they kept the same mobile number for the whole of their lives. My fingers so often hovered over the call button but I could never face it. There was too much history between us, if I opened up that door again I'd be dragged right back to where I left.

I didn't ever expect to go back to Walford, my family often visited at least twice a year, grateful I earned a decent wage to help pay for the flights. Then I got the call from my sister, our grandma Dot had passed away. I felt my stomach churn inwardly. Another member of our family taken from our lives. Abi begged and pleaded with me to come home, be there for the family, at first I turned it down, there was too much to go back to in Walford, but I knew deep down I had to go home and say goodbye to a wonderful women. As I packed silently my thoughts drifted to Joey, no doubt he would be there, Alice had grown close to Dot before I left, her warm spirit connected with Dot immediately. I wasn't sure how I would feel seeing his face again, that smile, his smile the one he used to shoot at me, the one that couldn't lighten my day instantly. The feelings were still there; they were raw and caused me more pain than I liked to admit. But did he even feel the same, I hadn't spoken or seen him in 5 years, I knew as soon as my eyes met his I would melt, how someone could take over your heart within seconds always left me speechless.

The journey home was long and tiring, I hadn't experienced the flight as I never went home again. The whole time my stomach was full of butterflies, nervous to see everyone again, nervous to be home in the surroundings that once made me lose control of my life. Stepping off the train at Walford East station, I tugged gently on my blue pencil dress as it clung tightly to my body. I was proud of how I looked now, after stern words from the doctor that night he urged me to take care of my body, exercise and dieting now becoming a huge factor to my life. My figure slim and toned, skin healthy and glowing, it had taken a while to feel good but I had finally reached that point.

Running my manicured nails through my jet black hair, I pulled lightly on my suitcase as I exited the station. The familiar surroundings already making me have flashbacks. I passed R&R remembering the nights I had spent their lonely and confused, drowning my sorrows night after night. I sighed heavily, passing the places that held so many memories was tough. As I turned the corner onto the market I spotted a familiar face, Fatboy. My dear friend I kept in contact with, a true friend to say the least. On cue he turned in my direction, catching my gaze at him as a grin swept his face. His body moving quickly towards me.

"Baby girl" he smiled brightly, scooping me into a typical Fatboy hug, his body squeezing mine tightly. Dropping me back to the floor he stood back taking In my appearance which was completely different to the 19 year olds he had last seen. "You look fantastic" he smiled, causing me to blush, my embarrassment for compliments still strong.

"God I've missed you" squeezing his hands tightly, seeing sadness dawn on his face as he realised why I was here. He was the closest to Grandma Dot, her death hitting him the hardest. "Stay strong" I whispered to him, a weak smile being returned.

"Have a drink with me Lo" he smiled, tucking his arm under mine as he led me to the Vic. "Only soft drinks for me now" I smirked, taking my health seriously I had made it this far I wasn't about to crumble as I reached my arch nemesis; the pub.

I let Fatboy enter before me, giving me a chance to take a deep breath, a little scared by what old faces I would meet in here. Walking in I spotted the friendly face of Alfie behind the bar, Roxie stood next to him as they served the lunch time rush, some things never change. Glancing around I spotted a few more of the locals in their usual positions, 5 years on and they still had the same seating arrangement.

"Over here" called Fatboy, waving me over to the other side of the bar, nervously I walked around the sound of my heels echoing a little as I gained a few glances for my appearance that I wasn't used to, in New York it was normal to dress this way everyday, I kind of forgot that when I reached London.

"OH MY GOD" screeched the familiar voice of Whitney, as she leapt up from her seat, engulfing me in a tight hug like I had received from Fatboy minutes ago. I noticed a small bump on her frame, she smirked as the realisation that she was pregnant set in. "Wow" I whispered placing my hands onto her bump. I was soon greeted by Tyler and Lucy each giving me a hug followed by commenting on my change in appearance.

I felt Whitney tug on my arm as I looked at her funny before she pointed over to the other side of the pub, furrowing my brow I glanced over my shoulder, a set of brown orbs connecting with mine instantly, his smouldering look of admiration sent a shiver through my spine instantly as my mouth dropped open a little, his doing the exact same before regaining his expression. "Shit" I muttered I had hoped to not see him until the funeral let alone in the pub where all our friends and locals were now watching to see what happened next.