Hi again, loving the reviews – thank you so much for your nice comments, here's chapter 4
For once tonight I was actually speechless and didn't know what to say, I was scared to look at Peter; have I ruined his life? Does he hate me for showing up uninvited bringing his past back to the surface?
People around here obviously didn't mention me or Toby, judging by Joey's facial expression he didnt know about my new life or my old that involved his sisters partner.
I made my way to the door, manoeuvring around the Branning table that was the centrepiece for this scene, keeping my head down, getting shivers as I walked past Peter and Alice; I hadn't seen him in so long.
"L-Lauren, what are you doing here?" he asked coldly
There was silence between us for a brief moment..
"I- um, well its Toby actually; he wanted to meet his dad" I said almost inaudible, being careful when using the word 'dad'
"How bloody dare you, Lauren, just turn up without warning? And claim it was your son's idea, why did you even tell him about me? I'm happy now and I made my decision at the time, but I apologise if you regret yours, you had no right coming here" He stated much to my shock.
But before I could defend myself and my son, a Mr Joseph Branning was doing so for me.
"Oi, who do you think you are talking to women like you do, Walford is Lauren's home she grew up here, now I don't care about you're issues. But after this I need to re think if you are good enough for my sister, because I'll tell you now I don't do scumbags like you, got it?" at this point Joey had hold of Peter's collar, uncle Jack once again intervened, there was no such thing as happy families.
I didn't understand I thought Joey wasn't interested, why was he defending me now? I couldn't be doing with this drama at the moment; I had some thinking of my own to do- what have I let myself in for?
I just rolled my eyes and pushed past the heated boys, it was coming up to midnight and Toby won't sleep unless I tuck him in, remembering where my duties lie I returned to the house.
Cora had things under control, much to my surprise; I guess she wasn't all useless.
/
The next morning I was awoken by my little bundle of joy who had found entertainment in jumping on the 'make do bed' I had settled down in for the night.
"Morning beautiful and how are you today?" I croaked while I stroked his dark blonde hair.
"Hello mummy, can I meet daddy today? And can we pwease have eggs for breakfast?" he asked sweetly.
At the mention of 'daddy' I automatically remembered the events of last night, oh my god what am I going to say to Toby? 'Sorry son but you're dad doesn't want to be your dad' I guess I should have thought about this before.
I put Toby on my hip and carried him downstairs to where my mum was making coffee
"Good morning!, sleep well?"
"Good enough to temporarily forget everything that happened last night" I replied
"Anyway Toby wants eggs for breakfast? I don't suppose you have any now that you are on that new diet?" I asked knowing the answer
"No, sorry Tobes , how about some yummy bran flakes?" she suggested
"Uh he's okay, we will just go to the cafe for breakfast, Toby go upstairs and pick out your clothes, good boy" I interrupted
My mum waited until Toby was out of sight before she said anything..
"Do you think that that is such a good idea going for breakfast at his dads family's business?, after everything?" She quizzed
"No, not really mum but I'm not hiding him away, he's no mistake. In fact I think I might take him to that children's group at the community centre, I can take Oscar too, and they'll love it, keep them busy" I pushed
"Oh alright then, I've got some stuff to do at Booty's anyway, don't cause a scene wherever you go, not in front of Toby" She told me
"Yes mother" I couldn't help but feel like a little girl being told what to do.
/
Within 20 minutes we were out of the house, I had told Toby and Oscar what the plans for today were , Toby was too busy playing superheroes to ask about meeting Peter, which I was thankful for.
I had my arms around the boys who were walking in front as we made our way into 'Cindy's' scared of the possibility that Peter could be working.
Toby chose our booth and the waitress turned around to take our order, although she wasn't Marie, it was Lucy.
Noticing the little boy who sat next to me Lucy's face grew into a sickly smile.
"Aww so, this is Toby ay? My nephew, the spitting image of Pete if you ask me" She said genuinely (if that was possible for her)
"Yeah, well luckily no-one did, now can we get some service?" I said bluntly
As if ignoring what I said she continued to coo over Toby, which dare I say it Toby enjoyed.
"What would you like to eat Toby?" She asked sweetly
"Eggs pwease, how do you know my name are you one of Father Christmas' helpers?" He wondered
"Sorry, little man- I'm Aunty Lucy; daddy's sister she tried explain before I kicked her foot under the table.
"Lucy, stop you're not doing anyone any favours" I whispered
"Now can I get the same for Oscar and a large coffee for me, think I'm going to need it" I added
"Of course" She said walking away.
Just as I thought I avoided one problem, Joey had walked in while I was talking to Lucy and had been watching over me, only breaking his stare once Lucy had returned to the till to take his order.
"Mummy is Lucy really my Aunty?" Toby questioned
"Y-yeah" I said holding my head in my hands, realising what she had done, starting Toby off again.
To make things worse Joey was headed in this direction.
"Listen, Lo sorry about last night and well, everything really, I never wanted us to lose touch, do you think we could meet up at lunch? Make up for lost time?" He said leaning over my shoulder.
I was too flustered by Joey's presence to realise he was expecting an answer.
"Babe?" He pressed
Before I could respond, Toby began..
"My name is Toby Bran" Toby struggled to pronounce his last name.
"Branning?" Joey offered, knowing it was what he was trying to say.
"Yeah, how did you guess?.. Daddy?" Toby's voice screamed excitement
"N-No, sorry buddy, I'm Joey; I'm your mummy's friend" He explained obviously feeling quilting for getting his hopes up.
I mouthed a thank you to Joey for not saying that he was my cousin as it would just confuse Toby even more, he just gave a small smile and brushed his thumb against my cheek, the same feeling taking over my body as it used to, before Lucy interrupted something she was good at doing.
"Here you are" she chirped handing out the food.
"So, Toby what are you doing today?" She asked as if I wasn't sitting right next to her.
"I am going to play at children's group with Oscar" Toby said enthusiastically
"The one at the community centre?"
I nodded in response to her question.
"My little brother Bobby is going too!, maybe I could take you as well, give us some time to get to know each other" She asked openly but it was obviously aimed at me.
"Uh no, it's fine you seem busy, besides I don't really think that's a good idea , do you?" it wasn't a question.
"Maybe another time then"- you could feel the tension as she said it.
"mhm" I breathed not making any promises.
I rushed Toby so that we could leave quickly, and I went towards the community centre, maybe I would meet Joey at lunch?, what was stopping me?
Little did I know, back in the Cafe Aunty Lucy was plotting again.
CLIFF HANGER! Haha, Toby has met Joey and Lucy but still wants his dad! What is Lucy planning? Find out in chapter 5, It should be written and uploaded later!
~Jess