It was the day both Lauren and Joey was dreading. Lauren lay in Joey's embrace, she glanced at him he was still fast asleep. He looked so peaceful, she didn't plan on disturbing him. She just stared at the ceiling, thinking things through. What her life would be if things didn't change...

She pictured it all. Her and Joey, would have a nice place by the beach like they always wanted. They'd both be up bright and early now, planning big celebrations for their little girl's birthday. Lauren thought of how much she'd spoil her daughter and the cake she would of had her made. Her heart sank, she only had half her perfect story. Joey.

It all hit home with Lauren and tears began to fall from her eyes. She let out a small whimper and couldn't control herself. Joey was disturbed by his sleep as he was awoken by Lauren's soft cries.

"Hey, shhh it will be ok yeah? We have to stay strong Lo for her" Joey craddled Lauren, he felt her nod against his chest.

"Anyway, I thought me and you could go out today with Oscar treat him, get some nice lunch and get some paint if me and you are staying here for a while"

"Hmm okay" Lauren agreed.

"We just need to take this day one step at a time babe"

"How do you stay so strong Joey?" Lauren whispered.

"Because, I have to, for you. I need to stay strong and I'm not going to lie when I say today is hard for me too Lo"

"Joey, I know you probably don't want to but its just we haven't been there yet. I wanted to get flowers and decorations and go see her grave. I really want to Joe, I want to see what it looks like" Lauren admitted.

"Hmm, if its what you want babe?" Joey asked.

"Yes Joe, its what I want" Lauren assured him.

...

Lauren rested her head on Joey's shoulder as Oscar skipped happily along the street holding his bag full of lego. He had no idea what today was, Joey and Lauren weren't planning on telling him either. They just planned to drop him round Sally's house, Lauren's neighbour and go to see their daughter's grave.

"Do you think we spoilt him a bit too much today babe?" Joey smirked.

"Yeah, both him and our princess spoilt" Lauren laughed.

"That's what I love, we still get to spoil her" Joey said.

"Yeah, that's good isn't it?" Lauren smiled.

"Its perfect baby"

Lauren locked lips with Joey, Oscar disapproving of their public romance. Lauren pulled away and blushed, they both were welcomed at Sally's door.

"Thanks Sally, for watching Oscar" Joey thanked her.

"It's no problem. I know what a pain children are when you have dentist appointments" Sally laughed.

"Dentist appointment? Um...yeah, a right trouble this one can be. Bye Sal" Lauren waved.

"Bye"

Lauren and Joey walked off. Lauren's face flushed red. Dentist appointment, if only it were that simple. Instead, they were going to their dead daughter's grave.

As Lauren and Joey arrived, they took their time trying to find their daughter's grave but Joey pointed it out. Lauren took one look and gasped.

'Ellie May Branning

25th July 2014-3rd January 2015

Rest In Peace Princess, Mummy and Daddy love you forever and always!'

Lauren read the words and tears pricked her eyes. She traced the words with her fingers, Joey started to add the flowers into the pots. Beautiful pink and white flowers. Lauren placed a few ornaments around before she broke into tears.

"Why not try speaking to her Lo?" Joey suggested, swallowing a lump in his throat.

"Hmm I'd feel stupid" Lauren sighed.

"Come on babe"

Lauren nodded before taking a few deep breaths. She wasn't exactly sure on what she was going to say but she wanted to say something.

"Hello my Princess, it's Mummy. I know you probably won't hear me but I miss you so, so much. Happy Birthday I'm so sorry that you can't be with us today Ells, we love you. You know, the day you were born I realised that you and your Daddy were the most amazing and perfect people in my life. I knew I had to protect you, but I failed at that didn't I? The truth was I didn't think I'd ever be here to watch you slip away, to lose you. I keep thinking what if I made different plans that day? What if I waited one second after? Its not going to bring you back though, I love you" Lauren sobbed after she'd finished.

"You done so well baby" Joey rubbed Lauren's back.

"Maybe she wants her Daddy to speak to?" Lauren said.

"Hmm I'm not good with words Ellie. But if you know your Mum, like I do then you know I'd get a killing for not saying anything. I miss you. I never thought I could love someone as much as I love Lauren, your Mum but when you were born I found out that I could because you came along. You were always smiling and happy, and I'm sorry that I wasn't the best Dad, I really am. Every day, we think about you and I think about what we'd be doing if you were here. Because things will always be different without you in our lives Ells and we miss you and love you so much"

Lauren and Joey both started to cry. Joey pulled Lauren into his arms as they sat and cried together. It just didn't feel the same. Six months ago, they had a happy, healthy daughter who they wouldn't change for the world, but she was snatched away from them and now instead of looking at her sweet, innocent and beautiful face they were looking at a stone grave.