This story won't make sense unless you have read the prequel - Christmas Murder. I recommend you read that one first, before this. It's set two months after the events of the last chapter in Christmas Murder... Enjoy :) X

Joey's eyes snapped open as he shot into a sitting position on the sofa, sweat drenching him. He sighed and pressed a hand to his forehead, resting his head back down on the pillow. He sighed and looked at his phone, the brightness light causing him to squint. 3:56am. He groaned and sat up, knowing he wouldn't go back to sleep. He pulled the duvet off him and headed to the kitchen to make himself a drink. A few minutes later, he was sat on the sofa, the tv playing quietly as he watched a tv programme. He wasn't really paying attention to it, when footsteps asended the stairs. Joey frowned, wondering who else would be up at this time. His eyebrows rose in surprise as Oscar appeared in the doorway, a teddy and a blanket clutched in one hand and the other hand rubbing his eye.

'Oscar? What's wrong?' asked Joey, setting his drink on the coffee table and pulling back the duvet so Oscar could sit on the sofa. He climbed up and surprised Joey by hugging him. Joey was slightly stunned at first, but then wrapped an arm round his little cousin and hugged him.

'I miss Lauren' Oscar said, a few seconds later. Joey froze at the mere mention of her name. Lauren. That was all it would take for the memories and anger to come flooding back. He closed his eyes for a minute and made himself relax before he spoke.

'We all do, Oscar. We all do' he answered, truthfully. Oscar sat up and looked at him, tears in his eyes

'Will she ever come back?' he asked, the emotion in his voice making Joey feel a lot of sympathy for him.

'One day. I know your sister, Oscar. And she's a fighter. Sometimes in life, you need a break away from life, which is what Lauren needed'

'And that's why she left?' asked Oscar'

'Yeah, that's why she left. But I have faith in your sister, Oscar. She'll get in touch when she's ready. With Lauren, she needs her space and space is what she's getting. When she's ready to come home, she'll ring us and ask us to pick her up' said Joey, convincing himself more than Oscar.

'Can we go see her?' asked Oscar. Joey smiled regrettably

'If we knew where she was, then we could' said Joey. Oscar nodded in understanding. He was about to jump down off the sofa, when Joey stopped him.

'Fancy a being a rebel and staying down here? We'll watch cartoon and raid the sweet cupboard' said Joey, a glint of mischief in his eyes. Oscar's eye lit up in excitement.

'but we have to be quiet' whispered Joey hurriedly, as Oscar was about scream. Oscar closed his mouth and 'zipped it up'. Joey nodded and they headed to the kitchen to raid the sweet cupboard...

The next day, Max headed downstairs, after getting washed and dressed, and headed for the kitchen. However, he froze when a sight caught his eye. He poked his head through to the living room, to find Joey fast asleep and Oscar curled up asleep at the other end of the sofa. Max smiled and headed for the kitchen. He was joined a few minutes later by Tanya, who looked like she hadn't slept.

'Tired, Tan?' he asked, as she sat down with her head in her hands.

'Just a bit' she answered, smiling her thanks at Max as he handed her a cup of coffee and two slices of toast. Max sat down opposite her, both of them falling into silence. Tanya's eyes caught the 'Missing' poster and she sighed. She remembered that day clearly...

Flashback

It had been a day after Lauren's disappearance and the Brannings were now calling in the police. As Lauren was an adult, they agreed to wait a day in case she had gone to stay at a friends house. As they had now rung round every one of Lauren's friends, who said they hadn't seen her, Tanya decided to was time for drastic action. Joey was awake to the sound of banging on the front door. He groaned as he realized he had only had two and half hours worth of sleep. He ran his hand through his hair and sat up as he heard voices in the kitchen. He frowned and listened through the door. His eyes widened as he realized they had brought the police in. He swung the door open, an angry look on his face.

'Joey..' began Tanya

'You've called in the police?' Joey asked, through clenched teeth. Tanya swallowed as she remembered how angry Joey was when she had Lauren admitted to hospital.

'Yes, she's out there, Joey. She's just got discharged and she's disappeared. God knows where she could be right now!'

'Tan! This is Lauren we're talking about! Yes, she just come out of hospital, but she didn't need the massive party last night! You could see it the second th lights switches on and everyone was crowding round her!'

'DON'T YOU DARE MAKE ME OUT TO BE THE BAD GUY, JOEY!' Tanya screamed. Max put a hand on her shoudler to cam her down, while Joey's eyes turned slightly black with anger.

'You don't know Lauren like I do. She may be your daughter, but she's my girlfriend. She's told me stuff she's never told you two. If Lauren wants to be found, she'll get in touch. Until then, leave it. I have faith in her!' said Joey, before storming from the house, slamming the door shut..

End of flashback

'You okay, Tan?' asked Max, as he noticed her staring into space, in her own world. Tanya didn't answer, making Max sigh and take a bite out of his toast...

Later than day, Joey and Max were in the Vic, enjoying a spot of lunch when Lucy walked in with Whitney and Tyler. Joey audibly groaned as Lucy started walking over to where him and Max were sat.

'Hi Joey! Haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?' she asked, trying to sound flirtatious. Max and Joey sniggered, ducking there heads. Joey composed himself and looked up at her.

'I'm fine, thanks. But your 'flirting' aint going to work... So don't try it, alright. Lauren's the only one for me...' said Joey, turning his attention back to his food, signalling to Lucy that the conversation was over. Lucy stomped back to Whitney and Tyler, obviously in a bad mood.

'How did you put up with her?' asked Max. Joey laughed

'No idea. Don't know why I even dated her to be honest' admitted Joey, biting into his sandwich.

'Because you knew Lauren was out of bounds and you were fighting feelings for her...' suggested Max. Joey looked at him and smirked

'Well... yeah' admitted Joey, smiling...

Just a little opening chapter. Lauren will be introduced in the next chapter and how she's been doing will be brought to the surface. Hope you enjoy this chapter. More to come :) Xx