Chapter Twenty.

Lauren felt better the next day after she'd spoken to Joey. He seemed to know the right things to say to her and she was glad she'd plucked up the courage to call him. Her family saw the difference in her the next morning over breakfast, but Tanya frowned when she saw Max and Lauren share a secret smile, a part of her was jealous of the close relationship the two of them had. Especially since Abi, who used to be a mother's girl now "hated her with passion" because her mother would never let her do anything. Tanya couldn't remember Lauren even being such a horrible child throughout her teenage years, well, nowhere near as bad as Abi was being.

Lauren spent the day clearing out the spare room for Abi, so that her younger sister could move into the room whenever she wanted. Lauren had even offered to redecorate the room whilst Abi was at college, but Abi wanted to do it herself, but thanked Lauren for her offer and promised if she needed help she would ask. Truth be told Abi was a bit miffed that she had to give up her room just because Lauren had to move back in. She didn't see why she should be moved into the smaller room if Lauren moving back home was "just until she gets back on her feet". She had a feeling the arrangement was going to be a little more permanent than she'd been led to believe. Life was so unfair right now!

*XX*XX*XX*XX*

Later that evening, Lauren headed over to the Vic for her shift only to be told by Alfie that she wasn't needed that night as they were really quiet, feeling a little bit disheartened she headed home, but instead of going inside she sat down on the doorstep and felt sorry for herself. She didn't want to have to face her parents. Not that they would be angry with her, it wasn't her fault she wasn't needed at the pub anymore. After an hour, she went inside and headed quietly up the stairs to her room without her parents hearing her. She pulled out some paper and she started to write a letter to Joey…after ten minutes she gave up after all she'd managed to write were the words "Dear Joey". She sighed and lay back on the bed staring at the ceiling.

*XX*XX*XX*XX*

The next day, Lauren decided to take matters in her own hands in regards to finding a job. She typed up a CV and headed out of town to hand them in to some businesses. She got home at lunchtime, made herself a sandwich and sat at the table with the job pages spread out in front of her. She'd circled a few jobs and after she'd eaten her sandwich she picked up the phone and started to call round, but didn't even get asked in for an interview.

Already feeling dejected and useless, and just when she thought her day couldn't get any worse it did. She checked her bank account, finding she had only £10 in there. She withdrew the last of her money from the bank and checked her purse. She had just enough money to get what she wanted.

Five minutes later, a bottle of vodka in hand, she headed home.

*XX*XX*XX*XX*

Joey was surprised and relieved to find a letter in his post box. He'd almost given up hope that Lauren was going to write to him again. He'd tried calling her but her phone had been disconnected. He was worried about her, she'd suddenly disappeared off the face of the earth. He thought about sending some money to her, just enough to tide her over but he didn't think she would be happy about that. He had no other way of contacting her except by her mobile or by letter. He didn't even have Lucy's number so he couldn't call her and ask her if Lauren was okay. He'd written a couple of letters and got no reply, which then made him decide that he was going to see her. So he'd written again and told her when he was coming. He couldn't wait to read her letter to him. He hurried back to the hut and lay down on the bed and opened it.

"Dear Joey

I'm sorry I haven't written in so long or spoken to you really. Things went from bad to worse…I'll explain in a bit…but I've just got another letter from you and I can't believe you're finally coming to visit! I'm so excited! We're going to have a great time I promise!

The last time we spoke I thought things were as worse as they could be. But then Alfie said he didn't need me to work so many shifts in the pub anymore so I took matters into my own hands and I posted my CV's around and I got the job pages and I started to call round to see if I could get a job that way. Before you get all excited both my attempts to find work were a total bust and then Alfie let me go too. A huge pity parade followed and I refused help and money from everyone. I had no money on my phone to call or text anyone and I withdrew the last £10 I had in the bank and combined with the £8.50 I had left in purse, I splurged and brought a bottle of vodka which I drank…neat… by myself. Suffice to say I was violently sick and had the hangover from Hell the next day.

Before you start to lecture me, yes. I know getting drunk wasn't the answer to my problems but at the time it seemed like a good idea.

But all that happened a couple of months ago and since then I seem to have had a little bit of luck. I've got a job at the club working behind the bar and I'm loving it, not to mention raking in the money (all thanks to you for teaching me how to make cocktails!) And yes, I realise that you told me numerous times to try to get a job at the club and I know the words "I told you so" are on the tip of your tongue, and you're right you are! You really are the best.

But that's not even the best news I've got to tell you! I've met someone… He's so amazing and I know you're going to love him. His name is Marcus and he's a bouncer/barman at the club. No…before you ask he's not 6ft 10 and 25 stone! He is 26 and he's 6ft 1 and he has muscles… We've been seeing each other for 6 weeks now and he's so romantic and sweet and so hot! I can't wait for you to meet him!

Oh! I have to go I've got a shift at the club!

I really can't wait to see you. I'll meet you at the airport!

Miss you.

Love Lauren xx"

Joey folded the letter up and stuffed it back into the envelope. To say he was devastated she was seeing someone was an understatement, but then again they didn't make any promises to each other. They never said they'd have a long distance relationship. He wondered if this bloke Marcus would be good enough for her. He guessed he'd find out soon enough, in three days to be precise. He carried the letter to his drawer, pulled it open and placed it inside a shoebox, where he'd kept all his other letters from Lauren. It was too late to change his mind about going now, he'd brought the tickets and arranged for someone to cover the bar for him and he'd told her he was coming. He had a feeling this trip wasn't going to be as good as he imagined it to be.

AN: It's good that Joey managed to cheer lauren up with the conversations they had. Tanya's feeling a bit left out and jealous of Lauren and Max's relationship. YAY! Lauren has a job! And Joey's coming to visit! But wait…she has a new boyfriend! We already know Joey's a bit devastated, but like he said they didn't really ever say they were having a long distance relationship…I wonder how the new boyfriend will affect their relationship? Back tomorrow. Don't forget to leave me a review.