A/N sorry in advance but I promise this is as sad as it gets and it's not sad sad it's cute sad????
That night Lauren cried herself to sleep with how much she missed Joey. Even the fading scent of his pillow and wrapping herself up in his jumpers wasn't enough to comfort her.
Eventually her sobs became too much for her to cope with by herself. She FaceTimed him at 2am, and he picked up on the second ring.
"Lo? What's wrong, honey?" he said, realising she was crying.
"I miss you," was all she was able to choke out.
The tears started rolling down Joey's face too. He couldn't stand to see Lauren cry, and knowing that it was his fault felt like a stab straight to the heart.
"I miss you too. But we just gotta hold tight for three more days and then we'll be back together and I swear I won't leave your side. We can cuddle for days if you want. Okay?"
She nodded tearfully.
"I love you Lo."
"Love you too Jojo."
"I'm gonna stay here until you fall asleep, okay?"
"Okay."
Lauren propped the phone up on the bedside table, the soft glow lighting up her face so Joey could see the tear tracks slowly dry, with no new tears falling. She looked into his eyes, which kept looking steadily back at her, until she could almost pretend that the real Joey was right there in front of her.
And Joey kept his promise, not hanging up until he saw that she was fast asleep.
Lauren burst into fresh tears when she opened the letter the next morning.
Dear Lo,
Eleven. The number of times I've stayed up all night with you while you cried. It hurt so much seeing you last night and not getting to hold you until you fell asleep like I usually do. But you're so strong, and I know you'll be okay. I wish I could make it better for you, but know that even if I can't make the bad things go away, I will be by your side to help you get through it. It doesn't matter if it's a nightmare, or stress, or because things are too much and you can't cope. Or even because you're missing me, although hopefully that one won't have to happen too often.
I will always, always be here for you. No matter what. I hope there aren't too many more of these nights, but if there are then just remember that you will never, ever have to face them alone.
Love Jojo xxx
'I'm sorry' she texted him.
'For what?' came his response.
'For being a mess. Please don't feel bad about me crying. It's not your fault'
'I know, I just wish I didn't have to leave you. I miss you so much. I'll be back before you know it though'
'I can't wait'
She took a deep breath. Just three more days.
