Chapter 4

The blurry shapes before me became sharp objects as the remnants of my dream floated blissfully away in to the land of sleep, I opened my eyes to the glare of morning sun, and I realized I'd slept the best I had in probably the entire year I'd been away from the square. My mind seemed strangely clear this morning but I needed to run. I needed to ensure I stuck to my routine. I slipped into my running gear and left a post-it-note in the kitchen for Jack and Ronnie.

The cool morning air hit my face as I stepped outside; it was mid-June now so it was warm enough and safe enough to go running at this time in a morning, not that I cared either way. Back at the clinic I ran through all sorts of weather, resulting in several occasions of flu throughout the winter months. I hated running to start with, like completely loathed it but now, I wouldn't be without it. Running is a slow addiction that gradually becomes your drug over time. It burns the most calories in the least amount of time you know? So you keep doing it even though it's hard, you work and work to hit targets; for me it was to get fit to have something to occupy my ever wondering mind and yes I did hate it. But then you grow to love it and you get so much satisfaction from running longer and faster and pushing yourself that little bit more each time- and the best of it is- it's for no one's benefit other than yours.

I secured my ear phones in letting the beat of the music set my running pace as my feet started to move against the pavement. It was good to run some place new, it had a new feel to it. As the song changed the beat quickened, I pounded my feet across the road, as my lungs strained. But I had to run faster, I had to get past that door. A cold shudder crept up my spine; I'm too paranoid for my own good. I'm sure he wouldn't be there, he wouldn't be watching me, of course he wouldn't; he didn't even know I was back. I was just being stupid, but I couldn't help but run faster to get away from that part of the square and past the door of number 23.

My heart pounded to the beat of my feet racing over the hard ground as the Sweat beaded my forehead. My throat ached for air, more air as I pushed myself further and harder than before My muscles stretched, with each step I took as I evened out my pace bringing me to a brief stop. I'd run the distance of the entire square and had somehow ended up by the tube station, I guess you could say Joey had been my motivation to run this morning, well the motivation was to get past his front bloody door. I took a long swig of water from my water bottle and looked at the time, I was pretty surprised it was only 8am; I'd been out for a good half hour. Tightening my bobble around my hair, I quickly stretched and started a slow jog, moving to a more gentle rhythm.

The square was becoming more alive now. People were starting to emerge from their houses, cars pulling up, the market traders all setting up ready for business. My eyes quickly darted to where a door closed and they landed on number 23, Alice pushing a buggy out smiling and laughing. I stayed static for a second not wanting to be seen, which really, wasn't a wise move. It would have been more beneficial for me to move and hide, but I could I was grounded to the spot. Eventually my feet decided to work again. I adjusted my ear phones and pivoted on the spot.

"OW" that hurt that really hurt I have no clue what I'd collided with but it freaking hurt.

"I'm so sorry are you ok?" This soft male voice filled my ears as I picked my water bottle up from the floor. At this point my back was turned to him as he stood behind me, gently gripping my arms. He was continuing to apologize when I finally got my bearings and saw him.

My heart stopped. Literally stopped. I had no idea how I planned on seeing him again but it certainly wasn't like this. I could feel all the moisture in my mouth quickly absorb, my words become dry and non-existent. I dared a look at him and could see he was suffering from the same form of shock I was. My eyes grazed over his body, annoyingly sticking to his solid, muscular chest that was only clad with a white vest. There was a slight glisten across his well-built arms where the little beads of sweat glistened in the light I was being completely irrational here - god I had to get out of here fast, or that irrationality would be kissing him here and now despite everything that was going through my head. My mouth hung open a little, but no words were willing to come out.

"Lauren, your back?" he said pointing out the obvious.

I raised my eyebrow and looked to the floor nodding nervously at his question, even though I was sure he wasn't expecting an answer. We both stood, in complete silence not a single word, I wasn't sure if either of us were breathing. I know I certainly had to remind myself how to do so.

"I… I need to go" I stuttered out like a complete idiot. I looked around him trying to plan my route out and with an escape planned; I started to move around him. I sped off in a jog going back to uncle Jacks, this all seemed too weird. Joey wasn't following me. I dared a look over my shoulder and noticed he was still stood like a goldfish in the exact same spot. I guess he was surprised.

At least one thing I knew now… I was still in Love with Joey Branning.

So there's todays chapter Joeys made an appearance... unfortunately I wont be able to update until sunday so if I cant get another up tonight bye till then ! xxx