Some people called it the forgotten part of London, some called it a waste of space, but to them it was home, not so much a happy home but it was home none the less. It was the place she felt comfortable and where, she at one time, felt safe. Joey held tight to her hand as they neared their destination, the unfamiliar surroundings suddenly merging into the ones she knew. It brought with it a strange feeling. The last time she was in Walford was under completely different circumstances and she knew she had a world of hatred awaiting her, but somehow this seemed like the only valid option.

Noah slept soundly to the side of his Mother in the car seat, completely unaware to the fear she was feeling. Joey on the other hand knew her all too well, her face telling him everything she was feeling. Their eyes caught for a second before she quietly closed hers keeping them shut in an attempt to block out the outside world. Easing his arm around her, Joey pulled her sideways into his body feeling her relax a little. His arm curled around her shoulders as she leaned heavily into him, her head resting in the crook of his neck. The hum of the radio provided a slight distraction as they remained stationary at the last set of traffic lights before Walford.

Lauren breathed heavily as the car set in motion once more; her skin shivered when Joey's lips lay gently against her forehead, his breath tickling a fraction as they remained rested against her skin. "Nearly there baby" she shifted slightly in his arms scrunching her face slightly as her stomach tugged. Joey saw her move and could tell she was in considerably more pain than what she was letting on. It had only been 3 weeks since she'd had major surgery and nearly died. The scars were heavily present on the bruising still noticeable from certain angles, meaning a lot of discomfort for Lauren. "It's alright babe, nearly home" he assured her trying his hardest not to let his emotion show, she was in so much pain and there was nothing much he could do. He ran his fingers through her hair softly detangling the ends. "How can I help?" he looked down at Lauren noticing her holing her side.

"I just need my tablets… they're in the boot" she answered his silent question "until then can just hold me?" she whispered

"Always babe, always". About 10minuets later, Max pulled up in the square outside of number 5. It had taken a lot of convincing but seemed the only sane option. Joey knew Lauren needed time to recover, and living in a flat with a one year old to look after wouldn't give her that. After a long and painful conversation with his wife, Max had convinced her to let Lauren and Joey stay with them until Lauren was better. Obviously it hadn't been only Tanya that needed convincing, Lauren had been determined she would be fine with Joey in the flat. It had only taken her a day to realise she did need help because she was finding it hard to even sit up for too long at the moment, never mind lift up Noah.

"Is she alright?" Max questioned his nephew seeing how fragile their girl was.

Joey shook his head "She's in pain and she's scared, though she's too stubborn to admit either."

Max rolled his eyes; his daughter's stubbornness always had been a major problem for all of them. He saw Abi standing with Jack on the doorstep. "I'll get the bags out and sort Noah out if you want to take her in" Joey nodded and smiled, seeing Jack holding the car door open for him.

*JL*JL*JL*

Joey had with ease carried Lauren into the house, taking her straight up to her old room, where they had been set up for now. He stared down at her sleeping on the bed. She looked so tired and fragile, her body weak and thinner. Due to the position of the wound she'd found it hard to do any big movements as they caused the stitches to tear and the wound to pull. She'd also found it difficult to eat anything big, causing her stomach to expand and therefore stretch the scare again. Joey cautiously sat on the edge of the bed moving her hair from her face.

He'd no idea how long he'd been there but a movement in the doorway caught his attention. He turned to see Abi standing with a grizzly Noah. "I think someone wants their Mum and Dad" Noah cried and stretched out a little more reaching for his Dad. "He's eaten and I've bathed him" Abi saw the confused look on Joeys face "You've been up here for a good 3 hours Joey, its nearly 8 o'clock"

Easing off the bed Joey took Noah from Abi, running circles across his back to sooth him. "I'm sorry mate, I didn't realise I'd been so long"

"Mummy" Noah mumbled into Joey's shirt, Joey turned Noah so he could see Lauren, even her presence calmed him. Abi smiled and left Joey cradling Noah on the bed next to Lauren.

"Thanks Ab's… Let's see Mate, where's Granddad put your blanket ay" Joey walked around the room still bouncing Noah as he looked through the bags in an attempt to find his sons blanket. "Ha got ya...there we go" Noah quickly pulled the blanket into his hands snuggling into it as he rested his head on Joeys shoulder. Joey kissed his sons head and returned to his position on the bed next to Lauren. Subconsciously in her sleep she moved to lay across Joey, Noah's hand stretched for Laurens wanting the contact with her. Most nights at the flat Lauren would do bedtime duty, something she loved to do, bath , bed and story time, the three of them taking time out together.

*JL*JL*JL*

Lauren stirred lazily on the bed seeing Noah and Joey curled next to her "Hello baby boy" she whispered to Noah who was snuggled between her and joey, his hand curled around their entwined fingers. "How long you been awake ay?" she watched as he smiled lightly. Lauren pulled a shocked face as there was a slight knock at the door. "Come in… who's that Noah? Is it Granddad ?"

"How's my favourite Little monster?" he swept Noah into his arms.

"He's fine, could do with feeing though if you don't mind?" Max shook his head as Lauren moved carefully closer to Joey. "He'll eat mushed up banana or yoghurt and then a bottle"

"How's his Mummy and Daddy this morning? You were both spark out when I check on you last night, Noah was awake but wouldn't come to me he was more than happy with you guys." Lauren was smiling as her father as he spoke about Noah.

"Ye I feel ok took some more pain meds in the night… I'm just knackered and could really use some time with Joe" Joey stirred next to her shifting closer to her, his hand spreading across her waist pulling her nearer even in his sleep.

"Take as long as you want sweetheart, Me and Ab's will take Noah out give you and Joe some time, get some rest and we can sort everything later ok?" Lauren Nodded

"Thanks Dad." She looked down at her hands that were fiddling with the buttons on Joey shirt, Max was about to leave when her voice stopped him "Dad…" he raised an inquisitive eyebrow at him. "Has Mum said anything?"

"No Darling sorry… I'm sure she'll come round, get some sleep ye… say bye to Mummy"

"Bye" Noah whispered as Max bounced him and left his daughter.

So Will Tanya be trouble ? im thinking she may not be the only one now their back in Walford see you soon xx