It was the early hours of the morning and once again Lauren found herself to be wide awake staring out of her window once more. It was now becoming a nightly occurrence, these random spurts of insomnia. Her gaze was fixed once again on the abandoned square, the only sound being the rain drizzling on the window blocking her view slightly.

Her head throbbed as her bruised skull repaired itself slowly. She hadn't done herself any favours with the knock to her head a few hours previously but her body was already hurting as was her mind so the pain was something she had become accustomed to the last few days. With a low groan she threw the covers off of her and quietly padded out of her room and down the stairs and flopped down on the couch. Everywhere she went she couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness. The feeling that she was being watched. Watched by them. Checking her phone the harsh light stung her eyes but once they had adjusted she noticed that the time was 2:30am. Lauren sat there twirling the phone around as the loneliness washed over again. She wanted someone to talk to. Someone to put her at ease but she didn't want her parents. They had done enough and put up with enough from her this week and even though they were trying to help she felt suffocated by the caring eye overlooking her.

She hadn't realised she was typing away a text on her phone until it beeped and signalled that it had sent. Lauren didn't know why she did it, or why she text them. They'd be asleep now. No one else would be awake at this hour of the morning. But she felt a compelling need to be near them. Near him. He would soothe her nerves without words. Would comfort her with a shaky and unsure arm. Would sit and listen and not fuss over her every move. It was awkward but it was comfortable at the same time and every time they came in contact the tension and awkwardness was melting away as if it never existed.

The darkness around her didn't frighten her this time though. She felt a little calmer and was reassured by the familiar shadows of her living room which were worlds apart to the shadows of the stormy field. With small relaxing breaths she leaned back into the settee seeing if she could get comfortable but almost as soon as she did her phone beeped quietly. I'm outside. With another pained groan she got to her feet and went to the front door opening it as silently as possible. When she did there in front of her was a wet Anthony phone in hand. She stepped aside and motioned for him to come in which he did and she shut the door as quietly as she opened it. The two strolled into the living room and Anthony peeled off his wet jacket hanging it on the back of the wooden chair. Lauren went straight to sit on the settee and she patted the seat next to her for him to join and he did.

"Did I wake you?" Lauren spoke her voice low as to not wake anyone in the house. Anthony shook his head back and forth a gentle smile on his handsome face.

"No, I couldn't sleep. But even if I was I'd still have come over here when you texted me" Anthony replied softly placing a cautious hand on hers. He didn't want to frighten her with sudden movements but surprisingly she turned her hand and entwined it with his and relief washed over him.

"Thank you… I know it's late it's just… I love my mum and dad. More than anything, it's just they don't see passed it all you know?! They see their daughter is hurt and want to protect her no matter what. Wrap me up in cotton wool and it's just getting too much. That's why I text you?" Lauren explained gently hoping that she hadn't put him out.

"I think I know where you're coming from. And I'm glad you did text me. You gave me a fright earlier you know that" Anthony said stroking her hand in a reassuring manner. She nodded her head in reply gaze dropping down to the ground.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know what came over me, I just needed to escape. Everything got too much and I ran… and I kept running and running. Running away from the situation!" Lauren answered truthfully sending small glances up at the handsome boy whom she called one of her closest friends.

"You don't have to apologize Lauren… you had to get it out of your system some way or another!" He cooed reassuringly still stroking her knuckled with his thumb. Her hand felt so small and thin and cold to how he remembered it. "Do you mind me asking… What triggered it earlier babe?" He asked hesitantly and he felt Lauren stiffen at his words. A silence fell amongst them as Lauren tried to work out her answer in her head. She wanted to tell him about what her dad had said but she didn't at the same time. But then she met his gaze and her answer was made immediately.

"Uncle Jack had been talking to the police… And they found the place where it happened. The house. But it was empty. The person who lived there had moved a long time ago, so they've got no names and no leads to who… to who did this to me!" She said her voice barely a whisper and mini flashbacks zoomed past her eyelids. She sucked in a composing breath and shut her eyes slightly gathering her thoughts together.

"Oh babe!" He trailed off squeezing her hand a little tighter. "They'll get there eventually, it's gonna take a long time… And I can't even begin to imagine how scared you must be but you know we're all going to be there for you. Throughout it all yeah?!" Anthony said sincerity lacing his voice. She had never seen him speak words as wise and loving as he did now. She knew he was always a big softy living in the shadow of his bolshy brother, but a whole new mature side was just oozing out of him freely.

"I know… I know you will be! Thank you. Thank you for everything you've done, for coming over and just… just listening to me" Lauren said honestly and Anthony sent a warm smile and opened his arms inviting her in for hug. Slowly she leaned forward into his embrace and wrapped her thin arms around his waist resting her head on his toned chest. He leaned back into the settee allowing her to stretch out across it and then put his strong arms around her frame holding her in a gentle but tight embrace. He let one hand rest on her back whilst the other stroked her hair nervously. He hadn't expected her to hug him like this. To cuddle into his frame. It wasn't something he was used to. So he just relaxed himself and tried hard to be as much comfort as he possibly could.

Silence covered them again as she nestled her head into his chest absorbing the warmth of his body. His musky smell calmed her slightly. He didn't smell like those boys. They smelt of sweat, beer and dirt. He was fresh and comforting and welcoming and it lulled the pain in her mind a little. She could feel his hand stroke across the top of her head ever so gently as he took care not to hurt her and the rhythmic movement began to ever so slowly ease her into a light sleep.

Anthony just kept doing what he was doing. He wanted to break the silence but as soon as he was about to speak he could hear Lauren's breath evening out and he knew that she had fallen asleep on him. And to be honest he didn't have the heart to wake her. She needed every minute of rest she could get and so very slowly he grabbed the throw which was hung over the back of the settee and then draped it over her lean frame to give her some extra warmth. Grabbing another pillow he placed it behind his head. May as well get himself comfortable.

0o0o0o0o0o

Light streamed through the half open curtain and Tanya could have cursed it. The light had efficiently woken her up and she knew there was no hope of her going to sleep again. She tiptoed out of the room careful not to wake a snoring Max and decided to go and grab a coffee and some breakfast and maybe even a moment of peace. She gave a glance towards Lauren's room as she walked passed it wanting nothing more than to run in there and hug her senseless but she knew she couldn't and so instead continued on her journey down the stairs.

When she got to the bottom she could see and unfamiliar coat hanging on the chair near the doorway and very quietly she creeped into the living room and nearly jumped in fright as there on her settee sat a tired looking Anthony and her daughter cuddled under a blanket into him. "What the?" Tanya said startled and a dishevelled Anthony turned to look at her surprised at her presence. He had been hoping to slip out unnoticed but he couldn't tear himself away from the brunette beauty snuggled into him.

"Morning Mrs Branning!" Anthony said hesitantly ceasing his stroking motions of her hair. Tanya looked between the two still in shock at what she was seeing.

"Anthony?!. What are you doing here?" She asked shock still evident in her voice.

"Lauren text me in the night. She couldn't sleep and wanted company, so I came over and she just fell asleep on me. And I didn't have the heart to wake her. She was exhausted!" Anthony spoke honestly not wanting to hide things form Lauren's mother. He was just glad it was Tanya who was first down and not Max.

Tanya's face softened a little at his words. She knew he had a soft spot for her daughter, and that she had one for him also. But his words stung a little. The fact that she didn't wake her up and instead called a friend for help. Shaking that thought away for now she perched herself on the edge of the sofa and stroked her daughter's head lovingly.

"Usually I'd be chasing you out of the house by now. I did it with Ryan" Tanya chuckled lightly and Anthony smiled at his words. He had never met the man but he knew that he was Whitney's older brother and that him and Lauren had a thing. "But I can see that she needs you right now… she needs everyone she can get!" Tanya cooed softly and used her free hand to ruffle the hair on Anthony's head. "You're a good boy Anthony Moon. You were the one who found her last night and not many people would have come over with a click of a fingers when it's late… So I suppose I owe you a thank you" Tanya smiled and Anthony just bowed his head at her a little.

"I'd do it again Mrs Branning. She's my friend!" He spoke tenderness filling his voice. Slowly before the two could begin conversing again Lauren stirred against Anthony's body and very slowly and eye cracked open and she looked around at her surroundings. "Morning sleepy!" Anthony smiled looking down at the girl who was practically lying on his chest. She sent him a small groggy smile and pushed herself into an upright position as she noticed her mother sat right next to him.

"Nice sleep darling?" Tanya asked and she nodded tiredly. "Yeah… I haven't slept that well in a while!" She slurred carefully stretching her arms above her head to get rid of the slight kink in her neck.

"Right well I better get going. It's my turn to open the emporium today!" He said awkwardly. He was still slightly embarrassed at being caught in that position with Lauren by her mum, even if it was completely innocent. Lauren nodded and gingerly got up off the settee leading him out towards the front door. "Have a good day Mrs Branning!" He said kindly looking over his shoulder at the blonde who sent him a small wave.

They reached the door and Lauren opened it allowing him to exit. Before he got out she grasped a hold of his forearm and he turned to look at her nervously not knowing what to say next. Thankfully he didn't have to speak yet because she decided to break the silence. "Anthony" She said realising her actions and dropping his arm. "Thank you. I just didn't know what to do with myself last night. So yeah, thanks!" She said quietly looking right at him.

He smiled gently at her and leaned forward giving her a chaste kiss on her cheek and allowed himself to draw her into a gentle hug. "Anytime babe, I'm only a text away ain't I. You look after yourself today yeah!" He said and she nodded at him and with a light wave he turned and headed down the steps. She watched him go and shut the door and then shuffled back into the living room her mother still sat in the chair watching her.

"You sure you're alright darling? You must have been feeling bad last night to ask him over?! You could have woke me though?" Tanya said softly as her daughter perched herself on the edge of the settee rubbing the sleep from her tired eyes.

"I didn't want to. I've had you up nearly every night this week. Thought you needed a break, I wanted to try and deal with it on my own but I couldn't so I text Anthony" Lauren answered softly not wanting to hurt her mother's feelings. She knew all she wanted to do was to protect her.

Tanya nodded accepting Lauren's words. "I know that. But it's what I'm here for. You don't have to deal with it on your own just yet. It's still raw and these things… well they take time don't they!" Tanya replied taking a hold of one of Lauren's hands.

"Don't I know it!" The brunette scoffed clasping her mother's hands in reply. "It was just, I don't know a help to have someone else there you know… Someone impartial" She spoke and Tanya nodded agreeing with her daughter's words. She understood now that Lauren felt overwhelmed by her parents and so she was happy to see that she had her head sorted enough to take action.

"I'm proud of you! You know that don't you!" Tanya said quietly cupping her daughters pale face. Lauren nodded, her mother's warm touch a home comfort that no other could bring. "How about I get us some breakfast going yeah!? Nice proper food in you!" Tanya smiled standing up and just as she was about to leave for the kitchen her youngest had poked his head around the corner and waddled into the room. She expected him to go straight to her but instead he trotted over to Lauren and wrapped his arms around her thin legs.

Lauren looked down at her little brother and ruffled his blonde hair with affection. "You're up early little man!" She said to him and with a little strain she lifted him up into her lap and instantly he cuddled into her body, little arms wrapping around her neck. Tanya wanted to cry at the scene. It was as if he knew what was happening. Lauren smiled into his hair the warmth and innocence radiating off him soothing her to the very core. "You still tired!?" She asked and he nodded lightly his thumb in his mouth as his sleepy eyes drooped a little. "Come on then!" She spoke gently and laid herself down on the settee Oscar making himself very comfortable in her easy embrace.

Tanya walked over and handed the remote's to her eldest and placed a small kiss on the crown of both her children's heads. "I'll go get the food cooking" She said and walked towards the kitchen but Lauren's voice halted her movements.

"Mum… Can we not tell dad about Anthony being here. It's just… well you know what he would get like… And it's not fair on Anthony if dad starts anything!" She said quietly and Tanya just tapped her nose.

"It'll be our secret darling, Don't worry about it!" She smiled knowing what her husband would get like no matter if it was out of comfort. Instantly he would think the boy was taking advantage which clearly wasn't the case. With that she proceeded to head to the kitchen leaving Lauren cuddling the tired little boy her face one of content. Something she hadn't had for a long time.

0o0o0o0o0o

Anthony entered the house and dropped his keys down. He still had a good half hour before he had to open the emporium and so he decided to go for a shower and get himself freshened up but his plans were instantly thwarted as he walked by the living room his brother's voice echoed in his ears. "Where the hell have you been?" He asked as he lounged on the settee Whitney by his side sipping at her cup of tea.

"Uhh…" He began not sure if he should say anything or not but then he looked at Whit and remembered that she was Lauren's best friend and so she should know. "I stayed at the Branning's with Lauren!" He spoke and Whitney literally choked on her drink at his words.

"What!?" She said her voice filled with confusion, accusation and shock at his words.

"Not like that!" Anthony instantly defended putting his hands into the air. "She text me about 2 o clock this morning, she was upset and wanted some company. So I went over there to see her… We were sat on the settee talking and then she fell asleep on me. I've been sat there with her and Tanya for a bit this morning!" He said making everything clear to them.

"She text you!?" Whitney asked slightly hurt at the fact she called him and not her. "Why!?".

"I already said. She couldn't sleep and wanted company, but she didn't want to wake her parents. So she called me! I couldn't exactly not go over could I. She needed me!" Anthony said not sure why he had to defend himself to the girl. Lauren was his friend as well.

A silence fell over them as the other two processed his words. "If it's any consolation she seems a bit better now… Look Whit I know she's your best friend. And I don't know why she text me okay. The only thing I can think of is because it was me who found her yesterday… Why don't you go over and see her later or something!?" He said trying to ease the blow to her ego.

"Yeah I will… Sorry about that it's just I've been trying to get through to her for ages you know… but if you're helping with that then I'm happy!" Whitney smiled gratefully at Anthony who returned the smile.

"Right well I'm gonna jump in the shower and get myself sorted for the day!" Anthony said excusing himself and heading up the stairs quickly. Tyler and Whitney watched him go and then turned to look at each other mimicking each other's expressions.

"Well I didn't see that one coming!" Tyler said to Whitney who nodded at him. "Neither did I. It's strange, I wouldn't have thought Lauren would have been comfortable around him… well a boy you know!" She said awkwardly and Tyler nodded at her words.

"I think we're the exception. She knows that we're there to protect her, not to hurt her. And she probably just wanted to feel… I don't know, safe!" Tyler said and Whitney had never heard such wise and mature words pass his lips before.

"You're right there. Yeah if she's feeling a bit better than I'll go and see her later" Whitney said taking Anthony's words. She had planned on going over anyway but now she had more incentive to go.

0o0o0o0o0o

Lauren was sat on the floor in front of the Tv an arm full of lego blocks as Oscar decided not to build them on the carpet but on her instead. She watched him intently as he scrunched his little face up trying to work out how they all came together and couldn't stop a chuckle escaping when he began to get frustrated that it wasn't going the way he wanted. With ease she put the lego blocks down and grabbing a hold of his little hands she guided him to each piece and began to build it with him. Everytime he got a piece right his face would burst into a smile and he would automatically look to her for praise which she gave through gentle ruffles of his short hair and supportive smiles.

Tanya was watching her two children from the doorway a small smile on her face as she sipped at her coffee. She hadn't seen Lauren so calm and content for a long time now. Even before the attack she had been acting out of character. Filled with anger, bitterness and using the sharp sarcastic tongue she had definitely inherited off of her father much more than she usually did. Heading down the self destructive route which always ended in tragedy, as it had now. A sharp knock at the door though snapped her out of her musings and she headed towards it opening it slowly.

When she did there in front of her stood DI McGrath hands shoved deep into her pockets, PC Waters just behind her. She gave Tanya a warm smile her reassuring nature coming out to the fore front. "Mrs Branning. I've come to speak to you and your family. Specifically Lauren?" She said softly and Tanya nodded at her and opened the door wider allowing her to enter. "How has she been?" McGrath asked quietly as She hovered in the hallway with the young PC.

Tanya just grimaced at her knowing that the police officer should know everything. "She had a bit of an episode the other day, she's not sleeping at all but she seems to be getting better… What do you want can I ask?" Tanya said hesitantly asking the last part. Did they have any news? Had they arrested them?.

"Let's sit down shall we!" DI McGrath said and Tanya led them through to the living room where Lauren was still playing with her little brother.

"Uhh Lauren!" Tanya said getting her daughters attention and she noticed the colour drain from her face as she spotted the familiar policewoman stood behind her. "DI McGrath is here to see you!" She said and Lauren gulped and nodded at her. She got up off the floor and made her way to the settee her brother completely oblivious to the new arrivals.

"Hi Lauren… How are you doing?" She asked sincerely looking at the pretty young woman in front of her. She noticed that she had a fresh gash and bruise on her forehead but other than that her injuries seemed to have healed considerably.

Lauren nodded at the woman her hands twirling nervously in her lap. She had been so happy and at ease all day from her interactions with Anthony and Oscar but now all that positive energy she had garnered had gone in an instant. "Umm, yeah I'm okay I suppose!" She said her voice low and filled with worry. Tanya sat herself down next to her daughter and Lauren gratefully accepted the support and comfort.

"Okay. Now I'm here because we need a bit more information. I wanted to know has anything else from that night come back to you. Faces, names?" She asked softly whilst PC Waters jotted down notes.

Lauren tensed up completely. She remembered the face, more than anything but the name was something that just wouldn't come to her. "The face I know… I remember that a lot, but names…" She said shaking her head avoiding eye contact with the woman in front of her. She could feel the sweat already lacing the palms of her hands as they continued to twirl in an agitated fashion in her lap.

"I know this is going to be hard. But if we want to catch them, we really do need some names. Even a first name, that'll help so much Lauren. I really need you to think hard about this okay" She pressed. She didn't want to make the girl more distressed than she already was but if they wanted a break in the case then that would be it.

Lauren shuddered once again and Tanya automatically put her hand on her shoulder squeezing gently. "I… I can't!" Lauren shook her head again eyes looking everywhere bar the people sat in her living room. "I've tried… But the names… I just can't!" She said her fear building.

"Please… Please just try again" McGrath said gently looking at the girls trembling form. "I wouldn't ask if this wasn't necessary Lauren".

Lauren dropped her head into her hands rubbing her head wearily. With shaky breaths she closed her eyes trying to find the names that had slipped her memory.

Lauren opened her eyes weakly. Pain. Horrendous pain was the first thing that she registered. With a pained groan she rolled onto her bruised stomach. Her face was stiff with dried blood and pain as she dragged herself towards the door the broken glass scraping her already cut torso. She didn't care right now though. She needed to get out of there. She needed to get home. Looking up she could see two of the boys crashed out on the settee's completely oblivious to her on-going escape. Lauren bit down hard on her lip holding in the cry of pain was trying to force itself out of her raw throat.

Need to get out, Need to get out she kept repeating over and over like a mantra in her head. She dragged herself around the corner and right in front of her the door was there. With shaky blood covered hands she clung to the sideboard and heaved herself to her feet a whimper of pain falling past her lips uncontrollably. Her legs were in agony and she was sure that they were going to buckle under the strain but the adrenaline kicked up into another gear as her eyes landed on the front door once again. Almost there, Almost there. Using the wall as a support system she practically slid along it as stars began to dance in front of her eyes. Everything seemed to blur into one as the pain in her head and body increased at her movements.

Finally the door was in reach and she unlatched it and practically fell out of it, hitting the wet stone floor with a thud. A tear slipped down her cheek as the pain continued to ravage at every inch of her body. She could feel herself slipping back into unconsciousness but the survival instinct in her spurred her on and once more she stumbled almost blindly to her feet, staggering dizzily out through the gate and into the dark, deserted street. There was no one in sight, a handful of houses which were derelict and abandoned. Without a clue she kept pushing forward down the street hands clinging to anything they could. The pain was almost unbearable now but she needed to get away as far as possible, that was clear.

As she stumbled through the darkness a heavy limp in her stride all that was whirring around her bruised and bloody head was the face and then name. Dan.

"His name was D-Dan" She choked out ripping herself from the memory. Her eyes were still glued to the floor and her body trembled. She could feel her mother wrapping her up tightly in her arms trying to console her but she couldn't respond. Dan, Dan, Dan, Dan, Dan.

"Dan, Lauren that's brilliant. I know it was hard but this will help us to find them so much more! You're a brave girl Miss Branning!" DI McGrath spoke putting her hand on the girls knee in a comforting manner. Lauren didn't even acknowledge the woman still lost in her fright as she relived that night over and over continuously. DI McGrath got to her feet, PC Waters following suit. "Thank you again Lauren, we'll be in touch as soon as we have any more leads" She spoke kindly before exiting the house, her accompanying officer right behind her.

"Oh my baby girl!" Tanya cooed keeping herself together for Lauren's sake as she took in the girls stricken look. She still clutched her tightly trying to quell the light tremors that rippled through her daughters body. "This will help to catch them. Think of this positively sweetheart, please!" Tanya half pleaded as she loosened her grasp slightly to allow Lauren to finally look up from the floor and straight at her. Straight away she noticed the hollowness and fear behind her eyes. The pieces that she had pushed to the darkest recesses of her mind had splintered to the surface shattering the process she had made and Tanya just wanted to scream at the pain those animals were still putting her daughter through.

"I-I know…" Lauren forced out slowly calming her body down. "It's just whenever, whenever I think of it, o-or something flashes through my head I feel it mum… I feel all the kicks, the p-punches, being dragged over b-broken glass, his hands around my throat… And it hurts… It really, really h-hurts!" She spoke emotion sliding through the blankness slowly. The dead look in her eyes was fading and was being replaced with a watery glaze. As Tanya stared straight into her daughter's brown orbs it was literally as if she could see the walls crumbling away, inwardly fighting the demons that were trying to drag her back into the clammed shell that had been locking away these memories. And as her heart broke for her child, she had never been so proud of her as she had at that moment. She wasn't giving up the fight. In true Branning style she was fighting back, tooth and claw to get herself out of that place in her mind which was constantly tormenting her. "I just want it, I just want it to stop… I want it all to stop Mum. I don't know how much l-longer I can keep doing this… I'm tired!" She added on a lone tear trailing down her pale cheek as her entire body slumped with lack of energy.

Tanya cupped her daughters face with both her hands her own eyes boring straight into Lauren's. "You can do it… I know you and you've got so much strength. Much more than you give yourself credit for darling. You're a beautiful, fierce, stubborn, strong willed young woman who can do anything she likes if she puts her mind to it. And I'm gonna be right here with you, so long as you need me I will be here, pulling you back if you lose it. Because I'm your mum, and you're my daughter and I will always be here, you hear me?!" Tanya said strongly her voice burning with passion as she tried to pass her own strength onto her daughter.

Lauren nodded as more salty tears slipped down her cheeks. Her mother was right. She could get past this. She could come through the otherside, she just had to believe in herself. "I know I don't say it often… But I do love you Mum… I really do!" Her voice cracked as she spoke words that she hadn't for a long time.

These words made Tanya's barriers collapse entirely and her own tears broke through the dam and trickled down her face. "I know baby!" She said as the two embraced tighter than they ever had. Tears mingled together and soaked through both their tops but neither cared and neither moved. Tanya rested her head on top of Lauren's and pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of it. "I know!".

0o0o0o0o0o

So I am so sorry for the delay on this. It wasn't fair to any of you but things have been a little hectic recently plus I've been away and just haven't found the time but I wanted to make sure this was to it's best standard. It's such a sensitive subject that I want to do it justice, for your reading and for those who have actually suffered at the hands of this kind of tragedy. It's not something that's rushed through, and even though to some it may seem slow moving I'm trying to get it as realistic as possible. People don't get over this kind of stuff with a click of their fingers, but as you can see there has been an advance in the plot. So I do hope it was worth the wait my friends, and I cannot wait for your feedback. Big loving all.

Gwen.