Lauren stared at her reflection through the mirror, a lone tear rolled down her face as she saw her image. It wasn't the outside which was affected anymore, the bruises and cuts had vanished in the previous weeks but what really hurt was the inside. The memories were still there and she feared the flashbacks of that night would never fade. It was possibly the worst night of her life, in fact Lauren was certain it was the worst night of her life and she wasn't sure how she was supposed to get past it.

"Lauren… sweetheart?" the familiar voice shouted up the stairs.

Her eyes widened for a moment before she quickly wiped at her eyes, rushing to get the makeup to cover the redness she had caused.

"Are you okay babe?" he asked, tapping on her door.

Lauren glanced towards the door, knowing he would come in if he thought something was wrong.

"Yeah dad, I'm just getting ready for work… I'll be out in one minute" she said, pulling a face that hoped her lies had paid off.

She stayed still hearing him eventually descend the stairs. She sighed to herself as she carried on putting her makeup on. She knew her dad was very protective of her, being his only daughter and all. In fact Jack Branning was the most protective of fathers, mainly because he was a police officer too and if the slightest thing was to happen to Lauren, he would be on it like a shot, bringing in all kinds of laws to regain her safety. It was just him and Lauren now, Tanya, Laurens mother had died in childbirth leaving Jack to raise their daughter. At first he had refused any contact with Lauren, too busy mourning the loss of his fiancé. Jack and Tanya were childhood sweethearts, hooking up at fifteen. Tanya was pregnant by seventeen much to her mother's dismay, so it was tragic when she died. When Lauren was three weeks old, Jack figured he needed Lauren, she was their daughter and he needed to raise her. Now, eighteen years later, he and Lauren had the greatest relationship, although he wasn't stupid… Jack had guessed Lauren did keep certain things from him so he didn't kick off, he was very protective of her and he knew that, he couldn't help it though. Jack waited in the car for Lauren, ready to give her a lift to work. His mind drifted back to a particular night, he'd been thinking about this night for a while now and his heart clenched hoping to god that his worries were just… worries.

FLASHBACK

Jack looked up from his paperwork as Lauren slowly strolled into the house, he hadn't even heard the front door go. He was horrified to see the state she was in, she had cuts and bruises everywhere. He watched her more closely as she attempted to sit down on the sofa, wincing as she did, not acknowledging any sight of her father. He was by her side in a second, holding her by the waist.

"Lauren? What happened babe?" he asked, carefully sitting them both down on the sofa.

His eyes closed tight shut as she whimpered slightly before sobbing against his chest. Jack closed his arms around his daughter and she curled up in a ball hugging him back. She clung to him for dear life. Jack didn't question her, he wanted to but he wanted to comfort her and show her he was there more… he could question her later. Lauren's sobs died down as her dad stroked her hair, giving her comforting words.

"Do I have to talk about it tonight daddy?" she asked him.

Those couple of words broke his heart, she only used the word 'daddy' when she was really distraught about something.

"Not if you don't want to sweetheart" he told her.

He smiled at her as she lifted her head in shock more than anything, she smiled at him before resting her head back against him again. Before he knew it, he had a very distraught, fragile girl in his arms and he carried her up to bed. He took her jumper and coat off, followed by her boots and socks. He frowned, his eyes taking in every little bit of her body. The bruises were everywhere. He decided not to overstep the mark and undress her completely to find out there were more bruises, Lauren would tell him when she was ready. He lifted the covers over her, tucking her in before kissing her forehead. "Goodnight sweetheart" he mumbled before he left her room, pale faced.

END OF FLASHBACK

"We going then dad?" Lauren giggled, after trying to get his attention multiple times.

Jack snapped out of his day dream and smiled at her. "Are you sure it was nothing more than you said?" Jack asked her.

Lauren rolled her eyes playfully at him. "Dad…" she sighed. "I just tried to break up a fight that my friend was the victim of, stupid I know but there you go, I told you not to keep worrying" she said.

"I know, I just want you safe Lauren" he told her, looking right into her eyes to find any dishonesty.

"Well if two weeks off work hasn't helped then I don't know what will" she smirked.

"Alright, come on kiddo" he laughed, starting up the engine.

Lauren sighed in relief as her dad stopped questioning her about that night, she knew she came in a mess and practically broke down on him, she also knew it had killed him to see her like that… which is why he could never know the whole truth, that would hurt him too much. Lauren took a deep breath as she walked into the restaurant she worked, she hadn't been in for two weeks after her dad insisted she needed time at home, which her boss happily gave her. Bruno was Lauren's boss, also best friends with her dad so no secrets passed between the two. She trembled as she saw how busy the place was, taking a deep breath, she dashed to the familiar face of her boss who greeted her with the same warm and friendly smile he always did.

So what do you think? Do you think Lauren's telling the truth about breaking up that fight? And you may have noticed I've got Jack as Lauren's dad, I prefer it this way… figured she would have a more stable upbringing. If you've read then please please leave me a review:)