Chapter 3
Drinks were soon flowing between them all, the new residents making themselves known. The Moons, the new neighbours, had moved to Albert Square from Spain. Eddie and Maria had two sons, Tyler and Anthony, Anthony was 20, 2 years older than Joey and Tyler. They had an elder son and Daughter too, but didn't seem to mention them much, maybe they had secrets too ?
"The food is delicious, Sara" Maria admitted
"Thank you, I do like to cook when I have the chance …home cooking, you can't beat it" Sara informed her.
Derek coughed, silencing the conversation, all guests turning to him at the head of the table. "so, Eddie, what was business like in Spain?"
"Booming" he replied "they love their wine out there. Drink it like water. The bar made great money"
"Why leave then?" Max inquired speaking up for the first time since arriving, Derek turned and glared, clearly disapproving of his input.
"Missed home" he explained "we grew up around here and the boys missed England. Our daughter Frankie , doesn't live too far from here either. She just had a baby so we wanted to be there for her"
The rest of the room smiled as Eddie spoke about his family, Max and Tanya stealing a quick glance at each other. Conversation didn't flow easily amongst the Branning family. No one enjoyed bringing up conversation unless Derek started and that was clear to see.
" Good family man, much like myself" Derek informed him "Max is my brother, aren't you, Max?"
"Stepbrothers" he replied quickly, Eddie and Maria exchanging a tense look.
"Never mind the technicalities. We love our families. I have my lovely children, Joseph and Alice. Joseph will be going off to university in September, won't you, son?" Derek asked, Joey nodding in agreement to save the eruption of world war three "and Alice, well she's the beauty and the brains. She'll run the country one day I tell you now, and she'll do a better job than the idiots are doing now"
"Derek" Sara proclaimed her eyes widening
"What?! I don't like the government and neither do you" he replied
"Yeah, and we all know why that is" Joey mumbled, Derek glaring in his direction. There had been many a debate in the Branning household over the government and their unfair ways of dealing with criminal activity.
"What about you, Max, Tanya? Do you have other children?" Maria questioned, obviously noticing the tension.
"Yes we do" she replied "you've met Abi, our middle child. We have a younger son, Oscar, and our eldest daughter is Lauren. She's the same age as Joey and your Tyler"
"Oh that's nice" Maria proclaimed "hear that, Ty? A girl your age. You might be in with a chance there"
"He won't" Joey shot, completely deadpanned
"Oh sorry , are you and Lauren together ?" she questioned
"No they're bloody not, and they never will be" Derek proclaimed "you'll do well to stay away from her Tyler… big trouble"
As far as Derek was concerned, Lauren wasn't good enough for his son. Never had been and never would be. Lauren was quite a cryptic character around the square, she had her quite side that most of the square saw but had a side that you didn't want to mess with - A very fiery side her uncle had seen on many occasion.
A sound of clattering cutlery startled the room as Max slammed his knife and fork down, "What's that meant to mean?"
"All I'm saying is that she doesn't really have a glowing reputation, does she?" Derek asked, holding his hands up in defence
The room fell silent. Joey biting his tongue to stop himself from saying something he'd later regret.
"How about a toast?" Alice suggested, picking up her wine glass and smiling at their guests
"What a lovely idea, Alice, darling" Derek proclaimed "to friends and family. And to the Moons...welcome to The Square"
Something's not right between Joey and Lauren right ? And Derek's not a fan... wonder why ? Thanks for your reviews so far so glad people seem intrigued, Back tomorrow xx