FIRST TIME SHE SPEAKS TO HIS MUM:
The mood in the house on Boxing Day was sombre, everyone remembering what had happened the night before. I'd tried to talk to Joey but he wouldn't let me in, he wouldn't talk and he'd gone off somewhere, somewhere I didn't know where and I was worried, worried that he could be in trouble, could get himself into trouble or hurt himself. He wasn't in the right head space, that much was obvious…
"Al?" I questioned, tapping on the living room door where she'd been for the past few hours
"Yeah?" she asked, her voice more than a whisper
"Do you think I could have your Mum's number please?" I inquired
"Why?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow at me
"Just to fill her in on what's happened and that Joey's disappeared" I informed her "he might go there"
"I doubt it but yeah" she replied "my phone's on there"
"Thanks" I stated, smiling at her warmly as I grabbed her phone. Unlocking the keypad, I quickly saved her Mum's number into my phone and left the room again, making my way upstairs for some peace and quiet
"Hello?" a voice asked
"Is this Mrs. Branning?" I questioned, chewing on my thumbnail nervously
"Yes, who's this?" she inquired
"Hi, I'm Lauren, Derek's niece. I know you don't know me but there's something I need to tell you" I admitted
"If 'it's about Derek, I'm not interested" she informed me
"Well it is, but there's more to it than that" I admitted
"Go on…" she replied
"Derek died last night, he had a heart attack, and Joey's gone missing" I informed her
"Wow" she whispered "what do you mean Joey's gone missing?"
"I tried talking to him…" I admitted
"He doesn't like to talk, but I guess you know that now?" she questioned
"Yeah, I do" I replied, sighing heavily "have you any idea where he could've gone?"
"He could be anywhere, love" she admitted "knowing him he's probably gone to some girl he's used before. He'll be back when he's ready, just give him time"
"Okay" I stated, trying not to let my voice crack "if he turns up at yours though, would you please tell him that I'm asking after him and that I'm worried please?"
"Course I will" she replied
"Thank you, goodbye" I sighed, both of us hanging up the phone