Lauren's POV.

The next morning when I come downstairs, Mum is already in the kitchen with a mug of coffee.

"Fancy a brew?" She asks, trying to (unsuccessfully) hide the anxiety from her tone.

"Er, yeah. It's ok, I'll make it." I tell her as she's about to stand up.

"So. Can I ask?" She raises an eyebrow at me.

"Oh please, Mum." I groan.

"Did something upset you?"

"No."

"A few days ago you were dead set on going back to Walford. And then, you wanted to leave. Why?"

"I really can't talk about this without a drink down my neck, so."

"I've spoken to Abi and your Dad. Neither of them knew what happened."

"Can you just shut up going on about it? Please."

"You were doing brilliantly at the clinic, darling. And then you step foot on that square and it all goes to crap."

"I've not drank!"

"I know, sweetheart. And that's great, it really is. But the last time I saw you, you were happy. And 24 hours later, you look bloody miserable."

"Do you really wanna know?"

"Yes. I really want to know."

"It's Joey, alright."

"Oh, I should have guessed he'd have something to do with it. So, what's he done this time? Shacked up with Lucy again?"
"This is why I didn't wanna tell ya! He hasn't done nothing."

"He must've if you wanted to leave cos of him."

"Abi told him I was back and he wanted to meet up for a coffee so I'm on my way there and I see him with some blonde piece on his arm. So I just ran back home and called you."

"Oh, darling. That boy!"
"I just knew I had to get out of there cos I wasn't gonna go to meet him only for him to introduce me to his new girlfriend. And I wanted a drink. I didn't know what to do, Mum."
"You did the right thing, love. Being back in the square so soon wasn't such a good idea but no harm done, eh."

"I thought I wouldn't care. Being in that clinic, it was like I was in a bubble. I thought I wouldn't give a shit. But it still hurts."

"Course it does. But it won't forever, I promise. Forget about Joey. You need to call that number Jen gave you and make an appointment with a counsellor. And then, I'm taking you for a coffee and a bit of retail therapy. You're too young to be this sad, darling." Mum gives me a hug and ruffles my hair. Hmm.

"How did you get over Dad?" I ask Mum, once we're back at home after buying loads of shit we didn't need.

"I'm not over your Dad." Mum laughs, dryly.

"So you still love him?" I ask, impatiently.

"Unfortunately."

"So, what are yous playing at then?"

"What do you mean?"

"You love him and he sure as shit still loves you. He looked awful yesterday. Just get back together."

"We've done enough damage, being together all this time."

"Mum, stop using me as an excuse! If you wanna be with me Dad, then bloody be with him! You splitting up upsets me more than your fighting ever did. And besides, the damage is already done. It couldn't get much worse than this, could it? Just call him." I sigh, exasperated.

"It's too late. Not everything can be fixed, you know."

"You and him apart, just don't make sense. It's stupid, you, me and Oscar being here and them two there. We should be together. We're a family."

"Are you sure you've not been drinking?"

"Haha. God, yous two are such a pair of kids sometimes." I roll my eyes.

"Fine!" Mum grins, snatching up her phone from the table and leaving the room. I giggle to myself, as I flick on the telly. Halfway through the second episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, a loud knocking on the door makes me jump. Groaning, I go to answer it and gasp when I see who is on the other side of the door:

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

A/N- Thanks for reading and letting me know what you think. Sorry for not answering your question on the last chapter and leaving you with another cliffhanger instead! Any guesses who Joey was speaking to and who's at the door? As always, hope you enjoyed it and please review and let me know if you liked it :)