Tonight, I'm Loving You

Gazing out of her window of her apartment in Paris which over looked the Eiffel Tower, Lauren Branning 22, couldn't quite believe how lucky she was. Perfect job in one of the most artistic cities in the world, own apartment and wonderful friends. Sighing she looked down at the couples stood underneath the iconic tower, passionately embracing, obviously all on romantic getaways. The one thing she was missing from her new life was that one person, 'The' person, Joey Branning.

After what Lauren would call the worst period of her life, when she spiralled out of control, alcohol becoming the forefront of her life, drinking excessively to the point when she ended up in hospital with her stomach being pumped the possibility of liver damage, you could say she hit rock bottom. Joey her boyfriend at the time, made the hardest decision of his life, breaking off their relationship so Lauren could focus fully on her recovery, although Lauren didn't make it easy she protested and argued until it became to exhausting to fight anymore, letting Joey leave her once more.

Making the decision to change her life for good, she pulled herself from the gutter seeking professional help with her alcohol abuse. Finding out the reasons behind her excessive drinking through therapy, mostly to do with her turbulent childhood, parents breaking up then making up, heartache and mostly heartbreak, the loss of her elder brother being a major factor. After finding out the real reasons she began putting her life back together, alcohol no longer existed in her life, she found methods to get through troubled patches, although the only method she wanted was Joey.

6 months after her downward spiral, Lauren found herself in a better place, she no longer need the boundaries of rehab and was allowed home, only to face the further struggle of seeing Joey every day and not being able to be with him. She found this to be the hardest thing, seeing the person she loved most in the world within reaching distance but not being able to be with him. Joey kept his distance even after she returned from rehab, blaming himself for her losing control. He was meant to be there, protecting her from this all but failed miserably in his eyes, little did he know, Lauren was heading this way years before he even came to the square. Deciding it was best he kept his distance, he never rekindled the relationship with Lauren, even though it killed him.

Lauren found herself cooped up inside not wanting to risk bumping into Joey, knowing the heartbreak of seeing him would destroy the work that they had made on her. Believing he didn't love her, Lauren made the most important decision of her life, she was going to move to Paris, after applying for a job within a gallery in the capital which she got, she was given the chance at a new life. Without any hesitation Lauren accepted and within weeks had packed her belongings preparing to leave her family behind.

"Were so proud of you honey" Tanya hugged her eldest close, knowing from this point she would only see her daughter on the occasion.

The Brannings had gathered outside number 5 to bid farewell to Lauren, well expect one Branning who couldn't face saying goodbye to her.

"We will miss you" Alice chimmed, planting a tight hug onto her cousin, followed by a few other family members.

"I love you Lo" Abi choked, knowing the absence of her sister would be a huge impact.

"I love you more" Lauren replied, hugging her sister tightly, bringing her brother into the hug too, she would miss seeing them grow up.

"Well see you all" Lauren got into the car next to Max, who had insisted on driving her to the airport. Waving goodbye to her family, unsure when she would see them again, she buckled up, took one last glance around the square before Max began to drive off. Lauren suddenly felt choked up as never had the opportunity to say goodbye to Joey, knowing it would be too hard to face him.

Arriving at the airport, Max unloaded Laurens's suitcases, helping her through the terminal with her bags to check in.

Max wrapped his arm around his eldest shoulder, knowing this would be a hard goodbye, walking her as far as he could in departures, they were faced with their goodbyes.

"Well this is it babe" he sighed.

"Look after everyone dad, don't get into any trouble and I love you" she whispered close to tears, holding her beloved father close to her.

"I promise babe, you look after yourself, call me when you can and I love you babe, I'm so proud of you turning your life around" a smile sweeping his face, pride declared in his eyes.

"Can you do me a favour dad?" Lauren suddenly felt nervous.

"Sure babe what is it?"

"Can you tell Joey I'm not angry with him and that I love him please" hoping her dad would follow through on her wishes.

"Of course" he replied, happy that his daughter had matured.

"Well bye then" she hugged him once more, before walking through the security to departures, little did Max know that she wouldn't come back to England, any visits between them would be done overseas.

Lauren wiped the stray tear that fell from her face as she reminisced about her final day. Two years had passed and she never returned to the square, her closest family had been out to see her, but she never went back. Closing the window on her apartment she sat down on the couch, now with the thoughts of Joey clouding her mind. Had he moved on? Was he with someone else? Was he in love?. She sighed running her fingers through her hair. Sure she had almost thought of him every day she was away but the pain got easier to handle.

Wanting to hear her mother's voice, Lauren dialled the number, needing some home comfort.

"Lauren baby, how are you?" Tanya's voice already brightening her daughters sprit.

"I'm okay mum, just wanted to hear your voice" she sighed, already feeling better.

"Missing me darling?" Tanya chuckled, "I miss you too honey" Lauren was about to reply when she heard some commotion in the background, she heard a familiar voice echo through the phone, it was his voice. The voice that could ignite the dull flame within her body, sending a shiver through her spine, the voice she missed every day. Gulping loudly, she quickly hung up, unsure whether she could face hearing anymore.

"Lauren?" Tanya glanced down at her phone, seeing that the call had ended. Looking confused at her phone, she glanced up at Joey who had paled considerably.

"Oh she must of heard your voice Joey, I'm sorry" Tanya feeling slightly awkward.

"How is she?" he questioned, curiosity over the girl he loved taking over.

"She's doing well, but well, I shouldn't say this Joey, I think she misses you" Tanya sighed, seeing Joeys eyes light up.

"You think?" his heart now beating rapidly.

"Honestly yes, she won't go out and meet anyone, she doesn't want anyone else" Tanya spoke truthfully, telling him everything she could remember from their conversations. Sure Lauren had been asked out on dates, she was gorgeous but each one she rejected, not wanting to be near anyone else that way.

Joey returned home later that evening after his in depth conversation with Tanya. Sitting on the couch in number 23, he wasn't sure what to do with the information. Should he go to Paris see if there is any chance of being with Lauren, or was he opening himself up to heartache?

"Joey what's wrong?" Alice perched next to Joey, watching her brother with his head in his hands.

"I'm in love with Lauren that's the problem" he sighed, leaning back into the couch his eyes diverting to the ceiling.

"You have been for 3 years Joey" Alice muttered, she knew Joey never stopped loving Lauren, even when she left, he still loved her.

"So what are you going to do about it?" Alice mused, hoping her brother would finally go after Lauren, something he should have done when she first left.

"I don't know Al, I want to go see her, but I can't leave you here" worry for his sister been prominent.

"You are kidding me, I'm 24 Joey I don't you to look after me, go and see her" she laughed, hoping her brother would finally see sense.

"Okay, looks like I'm going France" Joey stood up abruptly, rushing upstairs to pack his bag, he was finally going to see Lauren after 2 agonising years apart, and she had no idea about it.

Throwing some items into a bag, Joey changed into his jeans and black top, chuckling on his jacket he was ready to head to the airport, France being is destination.

"Good luck" Alice squealing hugging Joey tightly as he climbed into the cab.

"Airport please mate" tapping on the cabbies window as they pulled away from the square.