Hi, everyone. Been watching new Kirsty/Lauren scenes recently and the one from January over and over, so I decided to write something about their relationship. Something new and an angle I would love the story to be taken with Tanya leaving and Kirsty isn't pregnant. So please bare with me, leave reviews if you like, and enjoy the story. Thanks x

Lauren's POV

I could hear Mum crying behind the locked front door and Nan trying to comfort her. She said Dad and Kirsty could sort me out if they wanted to, but I didn't see the point. All I needed was a drink. But there was no point banging on the locked door. There was just no point. There was also no point on going to see Dad and Kirsty – Dad was away on business with work – a car deal somewhere in Norfolk (I think he was hoping to buy Kirsty a car for her birthday next week) and Kirsty wouldn't want me staying at Dad's flat with her on her own – I'd be too much trouble for her to deal with.

Kirsty's POV

Leaving the Vic after my shift, I spotted Lauren banging on the door to mine and Max's flat. As I got closer however, I could see that she was in a mess. A big mess. In two long strides, I was at her side as she leant, eyes half closed and her body slumped down, her hair was matted and unkempt, hanging loosely around her face. With Max away in Norfolk until Sunday there was no point ringing him – I'd try and see how I could help. As Lauren pressed the buzzer for the upstairs flat again, I leant in and supportively wound my right arm round her waist and smoothed her hair.

'Lauren, it's Kirsty. Come on, you can't stay here like this, love. Let's get you inside and you can tell me what's happened.'

My heart broke as she gave the tiniest of nods and with my left hand I found my keys and unlocked the door, easing my stepdaughter inside and closing the door. After helping her up the stairs and into the flat, I immediately took charge. I knew full well I wasn't Tanya but I knew what to do when someone needed serious help.

'Right, take a shower whilst I make you a cup of tea and something to eat. I'll sort you out some pyjamas too.' Noticing her expression, I smiled softly.

'It's all right, Lauren. You don't have to pretend around me – I know how it feels. Go on – get in the shower.'

As she trudged towards the bathroom, as I hung round in the kitchen making sure the bacon was grilling, I heard the shower go on for several long minutes and then come off. As I heard her in the bedroom getting changed into a spare set of pyjamas of mine, I put some bread in the toaster and put the kettle on for a cup of tea; as Lauren entered the kitchen – I smiled as we looked at each other.

'Right, you get this down you, go to bed for a bit and then we'll have a chat.' I hardened my eyes into a serious expression.

'And, I know I'm not your mum, Lauren but… I'm only helping you out for a bit.' My eyes fell upon her empty mug and plate.

'Come on then babe. You need some sleep.' Deciding she suddenly wanted to walk to the bedroom unaided, Lauren tried but quickly I had to catch her.

'Come on, Lauren.' I half whispered as I half-walked, half-carried her into the bedroom and settled her under the covers of the big double bed. Tucking her up in bed was the easy part, but as I went to leave she woke up and grabbed hold of my hand.

'Please don't go, Kirsty. I need you.' I sighed and sat down beside her, making a mental note to ring Max tomorrow morning. Switching off the lamps and drawing the curtains, I replaced my position sitting on the side of the bed; leaning over so's I know she could hear me.

'Don't worry babe, I'm not going anywhere.'

Please let me know If I should continue

Ellie x