Author's note - This is a random idea. Not sure if it'll work yet. Follows what's going on in EE at the moment, after yesterday's pub situation and where Lauren leaves for rehab, Joey doesn't know straight away. He leaves her voicemails, her believing he's with Lucy doesn't answer, he leaves her more, something he says makes her want to reply so she waits until she knows he's unavailable and leaves him a voicemail.
And then so it starts. Them staying in touch, via voicemails for the duration of her time away.
Bold - him leaving her voicemails. Italic - her leaving him voicemails. Normal - normal? Life whether it be with her in treatment or him in Walford.
Let me know your thoughts? xx
"Lauren, it's me. Just checking you'll alright after earlier. Text me yeah."
"Hey. It's me again. Just want to see how you are. If you don't call back, maybe Max and Tan have got your phone or summat, I'll send Al over. They'll let her see ya. Just call me yeah?"
"What's going on ay? Luce said you were looking for me, then when you find me you don't want anything to do with me. Look Lauren, I'm worried alright? Just call me."
"Lauren. I've just heard you've gone, like left. Didn't want to say goodbye I guess, doubt Tan would have let you even if you'd wanted too. Call me back and let me know you're alright yeah?"
"Stupid bitch. Not you, God Lauren. Lucy. Me and her... We ain't together, won't ever be together. I don't get why she'd tell you otherwise, but it ain't true. I swear. Just call me so we can talk yeah?"
"Babe. Why aren't you taking my calls ay? I just want to know you're alright. Just call me when you get this yeah?"
Lauren ended her voicemail again when a sigh, before placing it down in front of her. A picture of her, Joey and Oscar filled the background.
"Another one?" came the calm soft voice from behind her, her reply a simple nod.
"Well he's definitely persistent, I'll give him that one." Leaning over the sofa Lauren was sat on, she grabbed Lauren's phone from the side.
"This him?" Another nod.
"Cute too." A smile this time.
Holding the phone out to her, she spoke "Can you do something for me?" A shrug.
No-one ever said getting through to Lauren Branning was easy.
"Turn this off." Eyes widened. "Just for 48 hours Lauren." She still looked unconvinced.
Taking away her only tie to her home life wasn't something Lauren was wanting to give up.
Even if every phone call or text whether from her Dad; wishing her well but wanting her home, her Mum; sending love and reminding her this was for the best, her sister; sending typical Abi things or him; acting like he cares, she's not sure why – broke her just a bit more.
She messed up her own life, and in just a day outside of the Walford bubble she realised how many people she'd hurt along the way. Unintentionally obviously.
"48 hours Lauren." She spoke again.
"Clear your head, think about what you gain and lose from having individuals in your life." A comforting hand rested on her shoulder.
"Then you can start making decisions, starting again." Lauren was tense but nodded.
"48 hours, that's it." Lauren mumbled her response.
"That's it. Just one of the first of many steps to get you back to where you want to be Lauren."