So I have a plot now...should help...

Pj's P.O.V

"What about this one Phil? There's little panda's all over them."

"No...I think I'll just keep looking."

"Oh, okay."

Chris turned to me, exasperated, and I shrugged.

"Just get them anyway. We need something to distract him. I hate seeing him like this."

"I know, so do I. I just feel so useless."

"We can't do anything."

"What about the TV?"

Just as I was about to answer, to tell Chris to leave it until later, Phil walked over."

"I'm going to go look at movies."

"Okay, we'll come with you. Maybe we can have a movie marathon tonight?" I suggested, nudging Chris with my elbow."

"Sure. If you want." Phil said despondently.

Chris and I followed Phil through the store, casting cautious glances while we tried not to be too noticeable.

I noticed Chris staring at Phil, and when I turned to look at him I saw how upset he was. I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently.

"We'll be okay. Phil will be okay." I whispered.

Chris nodded, squeezing my hand back.

"I hope you're right."

So do I. So do I.

3rd Person P.O.V

"Your father has requested your presence for dinner. He has good news for you."

The tall, well-built man stood at the doorway. He'd been working for the same family for two decades...but there were times he question their motives. He didn't know why the young boy was needed, and he certainly didn't want to know. Being out of the loop is sometimes better than being in it; and the 'good news' was never good for anyone else.

"Tell him I'll be there. You may leave."

He nodded and left, glad to be away, at least for a short time, from such a troubling person.

The young man rose from his bed with a sly grace. He walked to his closet, his stride slow and lazy, as if he had all the time in the world to do what he wanted. Which of course, he did.

"Why must he choose today to tell me this news? Nobody works today. Ugh, I have to do everything myself."

He continued muttering to himself, pulling clothes out and throwing them on the floor. He decided on an outfit; a deep emerald silk top and designer jeans. Barefooted, he padded to his 'beauty counter'. He slid gracefully onto the cushioned seat, tucking his feet underneath. His soft, pale fingers trailed over coarse skin, feeling the ridges and scars, the healed over burns; reliving the painful memories. It was all a subconscious act, his face was a well-read map, one he had poured over and traced every day since that fateful night.

Slowly, he opened a small compact, revealing paper-white powder. He began to dab it on his cheeks, his forehead, his chin; covering the ugly skin behind a made-up mask.

"Maybe today is the day. Maybe my afflictions will end."

Pj's P.O.V

There was no movie marathon that night. After spending the day traipsing around the city centre, we all returned to a solemn, lonely house. Phil went straight to his room; thanking us for the trip and denying any hunger when we encouraged him to eat something.

Chris and I tried to settle down and watch the TV, retiring to bed once we realised neither of us were really paying attention; too preoccupied with our thoughts and worries.

"Pj...We really need to talk about that screen." Chris said to me once we were nestled in bed.

"I know." We had decided to wait until Phil was asleep; his muffled cries and ended around half-an-hour ago.

"Do you think...could that have happened to Dan?"

"I don't know. It's a possibility...I don't think he ran away. He would have said something, just to let us know he was okay. And if it was a simple kidnapping there'd be a ransom not, or something."

"Then there's something more sinister going on here, isn't there?" Chris' eyes were wide, scared and worried, and I yearned to hug his fears away.

"The police are doing all they can, there's nothing much we can do. The best we can is keep Phil distracted; if he sees the news and jumps to the same conclusions we do...it would break him."

Chris nodded. His body started to shake, and I knew it wasn't from the cold.

"We can't give up hope Chris." I said, pulling him closer and hugging him as tight as I could. I kissed him, his lips, his cheeks, his forehead. I tasted salt from newly shed tears, I could feel my heart starting to break; shattering into small pieces because the man i loved was hurting; and because the one friend that was missing was the cause of the others pain.

"What do we do if the police don't find him?"

"I don't know Chris. I really, don't know."

I understand if you hate me but please don't. It's not like i enjoy hurting the characters, or you guys. It is vital to the story though...and i can't say it will get better...because it won't. Not yet. Eventually

But what do you think about the new characters? Do you guys have any theories on what's going to happen? Why do they need Dan?

Let me know...special golden star for those who get close :D