Guess who? haha, i'm aware it has been a veeeeerrrrrryyyyy long time since ive posted in this story or in any story. Its fair to say ive been a bit shit hahaha! Although recently this story has been bugging me because it felt somewhat unfinished, so tonight i sat down and as hard as it was to begin with i forced myself to write a final chapter. Its not the greatest but i haven't written for nearly two years now so I'm sorry if its not up to scratch!

I don't even know if you guys will still be with me on this story but i just want to thank everyone for reading, favouriting, reviewing and just taking the time to pay attention to this story. This one was my first ever fic and it was a bit of an experiment to begin with because i didn't think i'd carry on with it, but here we are 24 chapters later! haha.

So if you're still with me, lets give Lauren and Joey one last chapter. this chapter is all Lauren and her issues. If you notice there are ways i can do a sequel for this, or even a prequel but honestly i don't know if anyone would want me too, I'm not very reliable ahha! Any ideas are welcome and i'm now off from uni for 3 months so i have time so I'm considering new stories.

Hope you enjoy!

"Lauren, can you do some packing please?" Abi snapped at me, breaking me out of my trance as I stood by the doors to our balcony, back in our room. "I've basically done everything!"

I rolled my eyes and shot her a look as I walked back over and patted her on the head sarcastically.

"Abs chill out yeah? We've got time, and you know I'm grateful yeah?" I smiled at her and her stare softened.

"What has he done to you?" Abi shook her head and chuckled, her mood lightening.

"What do you mean?" I laughed back at her, blushing as I remembered mine and Joe's earlier actions.

"You're just…" She paused at me for a second and studied my expression, "I dunno, different."

"Good different?" I asked her, raising an eyebrow as I chucked more of my clothes in my suitcase.

"Mhm, you're happy aren't you Lo?" she asked me cautiously, pausing her packing and sitting on the edge of her bed.

I threw another top in my case and walked around my bed and perched next to her on the bed.

"When was the last time you saw me with alcohol in my hand?" I nudged her shoulders with my own and smiled at her as she thought about my question.

"I can't remember Lo," She smiled back and nudged me back, understanding what I was insinuating.

"That's Joe Abs." I shrugged and blushed slightly, looking down at my hands in my lap and awkwardly playing with my fingers. I suddenly realized this was the first time I'd properly opened up to her in a long time. Abi and I used to be close before the drinking began; we'd go out together, shopping or just for a walk; she was my little sister and I protected her, until she had to protect me. "I don't want to drink anymore. I don't even think about it, not really. And I know it sounds silly, and its happened so quickly, but he's it Abs." I took in a deep breath as she squeezed my hand in my lap.

"I'm glad you're back Lo," She whispered, leaning her head on my shoulder. "I've missed my big sister,"

I closed my eyes and sighed, knowing how much I'd hurt her through the drinking and the 'wild phase'. "I'm sorry Abs,"

"I know," she smiled at me understanding what I meant, "And it's okay Lauren, I know how much he hurt you. It wasn't your fault."

I closed my eyes again, remembering everything before I started drinking in a moment. I never thought about him anymore, or what happened in that year. I pushed it all to the back of my mind and drank to forget, until now. In a way, I was almost grateful for everything that happened because it led to meeting Joey. I shook my head, not wanting to dwell on the past, because honestly the future was looking a lot brighter. "Thanks Abigail," I smiled at her, giggling slightly at the use of her full name, which I knew she hated.

"Oi," she poked me in my side which caused me to laugh a lot more, causing me to almost fall off the bed, meaning she began hysterically laughing.

"Babe, what are you doing on the floor?" A voice from the doorway chuckled. I looked over and he raised his eyebrows at me and shook his head with a smile plastered on his face. He lent against the door with his one arm, highlighting, only what could be described as his beautiful arms. I gulped as I realized I'd been staring for longer than was socially acceptable.

"Abigail here was being the annoying little sister she is," I stated sarcastically as I stood up and straightened my hair, looking over to Abi and sticking my tongue out at her. "What brings you here?" I turned back to him as he walked over to me.

"The view" He whispered as he reached me, kissing me on the forehead causing me to blush, knowing Abi was probably watching. I rolled my eyes and slapped him playfully on the chest.

"Get a room" Abi called over jokingly, chuckling slightly.

Joey pulled me into him proudly and winked at Abi, causing her to roll her eyes lightheartedly. "And the fact I thought you guys could do with a hand, since you left poor Abi over here to do all your packing earlier on," He nudged me gently.

"Excuse me, is this gang up on Lauren day?" I laughed slapping Joe again.

"Yes" They both answered as one causing us all to laugh.

I rolled my eyes and began throwing the rest of my clothes and belongings into my suitcase, Joey passing me things from my wardrobe and Abi finishing off her stuff.

There were a lot of unanswered questions; loose strings and difficulties we both knew were on the way when we got back to Walford. But right now? I had my sister back, and the most incredible boyfriend and things were (touch wood) looking up.

"Lo?" Joe called over as Abi went onto the balcony to call Jay, making me pause and turn to look at him. He smiled and his eyes softened as he caught my gaze, "Love ya"

I shook my head and giggled slightly, looking down before I walked over to him and pulled him into a tight hug, squeezing him like a child would before loosening slightly and looking up at him. "Love you too softy." He kissed me on the forehead and my heart warmed to the safe feeling he gave me. He wrapped his arms round me and right there, in that moment he was my haven.

Thanks for everything guys, all the readers and reviewers made this story. Love you all xx