Previously

'Why does that black haired dude think we're having an affair?' she shouted. Lauren instantly pulled awya from the kiss and looked at Joey, who looked shocked at what Carli had just said

'Joey?' asked Lauren, when Joey didn't reply. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, as he racked his brain for a way to kill Tyler. He felt Lauren get to her feet.

'Is it true?' she shouted, tears glistening her eyes...

Joey was looking at Carli, not wanting to meet Lauren's eyes. Lauren, however, was stood looking at the two of them, waiting for an answer. Her arms were folded against her chest and her breathing was heavy.

'Joey? Is it true?' she repeated firmly. Joey looked at her then and swallowed.

'I'm not having an affair with her, Lauren. I swear to you. I'm not' said Joey, looking into her eyes. Lauren sensed he was keeping something from her and raised an eyebrow.

'And?' she pressed

'And what? There's no affair. I promise' said Joey, getting to his feet and standing infront of her. Lauren looked at him, wanting to believe him

'There's something you're keeping from me, Joey. I can sense it! What it is!' she exclaimed, pointing a finger at him. Joey sighed and closed his eyes.

'I didn't lead her on, I swear... but Carli kissed me' said Joey

'What did you do?' asked Lauren. Joey looked shocked that she would even ask that question

'What did you think I did? I pushed her away!'

'Did you? Straight away?' asked Lauren. Joey nodded frantically, not wanting to loose Lauren's trust. Her eyes snapped to Carli.

'Why did you kiss him?' she asked. Carli swallowed.

'I had a massive argument with my mum... And I came here to see Joey, to talk to him and he was working, so I ended up getting drunk, way too drunk. He told me I could stay on the sofa at his and Alice's, so he walked me back there and in that moment, I remebered when we went out, he was never that caring or sweet, so I kissed him before I knew what I doing. Joey pushed me away straight away... I'm sorry, Lauren. You have to believe me' said Carli, her eyes watering. Lauren swallowed and Joey could feel the anger radiating off her.

'Get out. I'll deal with you some other time!' she snarled at Carli, before peircing her eyes on Joey, who swallowed.

'Lauren?' he asked

'What Carli said... Is that the true?' she demanded

'Of course it is. Lauren, I love you and only you. I could never love anyone else' said Joey truthfully, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. Lauren looked at him and saw the truth in his eyes and slowly nodded.

'Okay. But allow her to do anything like that again, I won't be so forgiving!' Lauren warned, before walking from the room and headed for the stairs, leaving Joey wondering whether or not to follow her.

'You coming or not?' she asked from the staircase and that was all Joey needed to follow her, pouncing after her, making her giggle...

Later that evening, before tea was ready, Joey and Lauren desended the stairs, both having content smiles on their faces.

'I should let you be charge more often' he said, wrapping his arms round her waist and kissing her neck as they headed for the kitchen. Lauren giggled

'Well, maybe if your in my bad books again and if you needed to be taught a lesson... she may come back out to play' Lauren teased.

'You really want to tease me right now, Lauren?' asked Joey, his voice husky. Lauren bit her lip

'Maybe later' she said cheekily and quickly headed for the kitchen, sticking her head round the door.

'What times tea ready?' she asked her parents

'Half an hour. Why?' asked Max

'Just something I've got to do' said Lauren, smiling at him. Max smiled back and Lauren shut the door, heading for the front one, making Joey frown.

'Lauren? babe, where are you going?' he asked, as she grabbe dher jacket and opened the door

'Something I've got to do' she said. Joey frowned before following her, seeing her head to the Vic. He grabbe dher arm, before she entered

'Drink? Lauren, is that a good idea?' he asked

'I'm not going to drink. I want a word with someone' she said, entering the pub. She saw Tyler at the bar with Whitney and walked over to them, tapping Tyler on the shoulder. He turned round and slightly smiled

'Alright, Lauren?' he asked. Whatever greeting he was expecting from Lauren, it most certainly wasn't a knee to the groin. He shouted out in pain, before falling to the floor in agony. Joey burst out laughing, wrapping his arms round Lauren's shoulders.

'Ever! Ever try and spilt me and Joey up again, and it'll be worse that, got it?' shouted Lauren. Tyler nodded, in too much pain to talk

'Good. My work here is done' she said, turning round and leaving the pub, Joeys arms still wrapped round her shoulders...

The Brannings were sat round the dining room table, eating their food in silence, the atompshere relaxed and comfortable

'Mum? I haven't seen Uncle Jack for a bit. Where is he?' asked Abi. Lauren chose to ignore this question and carried on eating, turning to Oscar, who seemed to be superglued to her side that evening. Max glanced at Lauren, before answering Abi.

'Erm... He had to leave. Something about wanting to spend some time with his kids. After everything at Christmas, he realised that you dont always have as much time as you think with your loved ones' lied Max. Abi nodded, leaving the convosation at that. Max glanced round the table, glad that everyone seemed to buy the lie he had just fabricated.

Three Months Earlier ( Flashback)

Jack saw Max in the car lot. He sighed and headed over. He recieved a phonecall from his youngest brother, saying he wanted to speak to him in private. He opened the door and walked in, seeign Max sat at the desk.

'What do you want to tak to me about?' Jack asked. Max dropped a brown evenlope in front of him. Jack frowned and opened it, seeing cash.

'Whats this for?' he asked. Max stood up and walked round to stand in front of Jack.

'That... is money to get out of Walford. Get out of my life, and never see me again' said Max dangerously. Jack scoffed.

'I don't understand' he said. Max folded his arms

'What you've done to Lauren, what you did to Derek, our own brother. I don't want you anywhere near me or my family again' said Max

'I dstill get why I have money' said Jack. Max rolle dhis eyes.

'Get out of Walford or I'll shop you to the police. You either live a live of freedom or the rest of it behind bars... your choice, Jack. Whats it going to be?' asked Max...

End of Flashback

Sorry this chapter seemed a little short :) R&R X