So Lovely Laura wanted me to extend this into a short story and it will be short maximum 10 chapters, so enjoy, the first chapter was Broken Niece, the second is called Broken Lover xxxx

Broken Lover

Jack stood hidden by the car lot as he watched Joey hover around the front of number 5 trying desperately to decide whether to knock or not. What he last said and really got to Joey. Of course he wanted Lauren, he loved her more than anything and hated being apart from her, but her drinking was too much too handle, he didn't want to see the person he loved most losing her life to a bottle of vodka only because she couldn't face her problems head on.

The problem was, Lauren needed Joey to help her through this time. It was going to be a struggle especially as alcohol was now a daily thing in Laurens life her body would issue out a warrant for alcohol. Joey needed to be strong for her, face the good and bad to get out the other side. Was he prepared to do this?

Jack was lightly cursing his nephew, why hadn't he gone in yet, he was just stood by the door his fist ready to knock but he just wasn't doing it. He knew Joey had fears, but surely Lauren was worth facing those fears for the greater good, them being back together, happier.

As Joeys fist lightly knocked on the door, Jack practically did a dance as he watched Tanya open the door and let him in. Finally something good was coming his nieces way again.

"She's in there" Tanya pointed towards the living room, leaving number 5 so the former couple could have some time alone together.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Joey opened the lounge door, spotting Lauren curled up on the sofa, her slim body wrapped in a blanket, a warm cup of tea clutched in her hands as she stared aimlessly at the TV.

"Lo?" he called, breaking her from the trance she had on the TV, she stared at him a little blankly unsure why he was here, when he had rejected her only a few hours ago.

"I want to help" he stated, sitting down on the couch next to her, picking up her feet and placing them down on his lap, a move Lauren didn't miss.

"Uncle Jack came to see me, he's worried about you, I'm worried about you babe, let me help" he pleaded a little as no emotion flickered through her eyes, they just watched him blankly again.

"How can you help?" she finally spoke, although her tone was bland.

"In any way possible, I'll be that shoulder to cry on, I'll help you when you are tempted by alcohol, I'll do it all if that means we get the Lauren we love back" he sighed, tucking a loose strand behind her ear, Laurens head dipping a little into his touch as he stroked her cheek sweetly.

"I want to get better" she sighed "But I'm scared of failing" she whispered letting her guard down little by little.

"You won't fail" he stated, entwining his fingers with hers, trying to give the broken girl in front of him some support.

"You won't fail because you have me and Uncle Jack and your mum and sister, were all going to help you" he smiled, her eyes finally showing a little emotions as her bottom lip quivered, more pent up tears fearing to escape from her. "Let it go babe" he whispered, pulling her gently closer to him as a heart wrenching sob escaped her lips, her head burying into the crook of his neck as he rubbed his hands up and down her back trying to soothe her the best he could as she continuously cried into him.

"I'm sorry" she choked a little, wiping the tears from her eyes as she rested her head onto his shoulder a little embarrassed by her outburst, although it was long due.

"You have nothing to be sorry for" he whispered, his hands cupping her face as the pads of his thumbs brushed over her damp cheeks.

"You're really going to help?" she whispered scared he would back out.

"I promise you Lauren" he replied, kissing her forehead softly, letting her rest her head back down onto his shoulder.