We stepped into the house, cold air hitting our faces. I recognized the tattered furniture, the blood stains on the floor, the broken glass. It was all too familiar.

"I'll only be a minute, if you want to wait down here…" I said, looking back at Dan.

"Actually, I would like to go upstairs, if you don't mind. Last time I was here… wasn't too great of a time for me. I mean, I know it was probably a lot worse for you, considering… You know… But… U-um if you don't mind…" Dan said, stuttering over his words. I don't think I've ever seen him so awkward.

"Uh… Yeah." I said, chuckling.

He followed me up the creaky stair case, and sat on my bed as I grabbed the few items of clothing I owned. They were only a few Muse T-shirts and bright colored T-Shirts and black skinny jeans. I didn't own much.

I threw everything into a duffel bag and slung it across my shoulder, and grabbed my duvet, only to have it taken from me by Dan.

"I'll carry this. You carry the duffel and anything else you need." Dan muttered, looking at the ground.

"Uh… O-okay." I said, walking towards the bathroom to pack my toiletries. I quickly snagged my toothbrush and small toothpaste, and small stick of deodorant, placing them in my duffel, along with my hairbrush and straightener.

"You straighten your hair?" Dan asked from the door, laughing lightly. It was undeniably adorable.

"Uh… Yeah…" I said, laughing with him. He smiled at me, and dimples showed. I wanted to see more of those.

"So… uh… you ready?" Dan asked, suddenly getting awkward. I nodded and we walked downstairs.

I decided to take a shot. "So… Uh… Dan?"

"Yeah?"

"Does this mean we're cool at school?" I asked, immediately regretting it. What if he didn't want to be friends? I couldn't handle that. Not after today.

His face got dark. "Phil, I can't. I can't be seen with you. Not as friends, not as friends with benefits, not as acquaintances, not as anything. I won't hurt you anymore, but we are not friends. And we never will be."

I could tell I was about to cry. "You're just too afraid to hurt your stupid ego! I hate you, Dan Howell, I always have and I always will! I wish I had never MET YOU! I'M TIRED OF BEING TREATED LIKE SHIT!" I could feel the tears falling down my cheeks, and Dan was staring at me with a mix of surprise and sadness. And… regret? "I HATE YOU! ANYTIME ANYONE IS NICE TO ME THEY JUST LEAVE ME!" My voice was shaking, and I knew I must have looked like a mess, but at the moment I didn't give a fuck. "My mom did, my dad did, you are, and even Alice will! I know I'm a piece of shit taking up space, and I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY I'M SO USELESS! YOU DON'T NEED TO REMIND ME EVERYDAY!" And with that, I left.

I didn't know where I was going. I just knew I was running. And crying. I kept running until I realize I wasn't even on a street anymore. God Damn!

"Shit… Where am I? " I muttered, looking around at the unfamiliar terrain. It was just trees. Just stupid ass trees.

"Hello!" I heard an unfamiliar voice say.

I screamed, and fell backward, only to see that it was just a boy. A young boy, at that. Probably around 12 or 13.

"Uh… Hi?" I said cautiously. You never know what a person can do.

"Sorry to scare you! I'm Martin. What's your name?" He said cheerfully.

After deciding that this boy could not hurt me, I replied. "Phil." I said, staring down at him. There was something about him…

"Nice to meet you! Are you lost?" He asked. I nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed that this 12 year old was better at navigation than me.

"Follow me! I can get you back to the street. It's just this way, Phil!" He said excitedly, grabbing my hand.

"Alright then…" I said glumly, still upset about Dan.

"Are you alright? You look like you've been crying." Martin said.

"I uh… I-I'm fine. It's just… people trouble. You'll get it when you're older." I said solemnly. Jesus Christ. I was about to cry in front of this kid.

"Aw… I'm sure you'll be alright! That's what Mum says to me when I'm sad. She also says your best friend is a sibling God forgot to give you!" He said, smiling up at me.

I smiled back, and we walked in comfortable silence. This kid was actually pretty smart. I shouldn't let Dan hurt me like this.

We soon reached the road and Martin looked at me.

"I have to get home now, or Mum will be mad I missed dinner. Will I see you around?" Martin asked me.

I smiled.

"Yeah. Yeah you will."