Chapter 2

"Pass me my ointment, Earl!"

"Quit yappin', woman!"

"But my wart is actin' up again!"

"Cain't you see I'm try'na enjoy my flight to London?"

Unfortunately, I was stuck in a predicament much like Josh's from Drake and Josh Go Hollywood. The couple suffocating me were both quite large and smelled heavily of grease and smoke. I presently had my eyes closed, attempting to sleep away the problem.

"Hey, you! Violet-haired girl!"

My eyes snapped open, focusing on the grotesque woman beside me. "Y-yes ma'am?"

"D'you think this wart looks infected?" She shoved her bare foot into my face, and I nearly hurled.

I took a deep breath, controlling the churning in my stomach. "Um...yes?"

"See! I told ya, Earl!"

"You didn't tell me nothin', Miriam!"

I once again closed my eyes, praying sleep would find me, and soon.

It was, of course, raining when we arrived at the airport in London, so I hurried in as fast as I could, praying I wouldn't get soaked.

Once inside, I searched for the luggage carousel. there was quite a crowd, so I decided to hang back a little and let the chaos clear out a little. I shivered at the air conditioning blasting throughout the airport, feeling a little sickly as I sniffled. Jet lag plus cold rain equals icky feeling. I gathered my damp hair into a messy bun, finally gaining the courage to step into the crowd. It hadn't died down, so I just submerged myself into the craziness.

I immediately regretted the decision. The close proximity of about fifty other people was suffocating me. I absolutely hated crowds, and this was doing me no favors.

I spotted my bag on the carousel and I attempted to push my way through the people to grab it, but to no avail. It was like being entangled in a sticker bush. It circled around multiple times, and again and again, I tried fighting my way through the brick wall. After about five attempts, a tall young man pushed his way through the crowd effortlessly and shouting, "Clear the way! Clear the way! On important business here, people!" in a British accent. He snatched up my bag and handed it to me. "Your bag, m'lady." He bowed awkwardly, and I hurriedly left the crowd as did he.

"Thanks," I mumbled.

"Carousel crowds can be ruthless. Ya just gotta show 'em who's boss." He winked at me.

I knew that wink. "You're Dan Howell."

He seemed a bit surprised, laughing nervously. "So I am. And you would be?"

"Lucy." I held my hand out for him to shake, and he again looked extremely surprised. "What?"

"Nothing. You're very reserved. I like it. Much more than, 'OMG! Dan Howell! You're freaking gorgeous!" He did a perfect teenage girl impression, sending me into a fit of laughter.

"I can't believe I'm actually meeting you. I absolutely love you and Phil." I smiled widely, then frowned. "Wait...that's not creepy is it?"

He chuckled at this. "No. It's sweet. It's a pleasure meeting you as well."

I shivered, and I guess he took notice, because he then asked me, "Want to go for some coffee? I know it's summer and all, but rain and airport air conditioning can really freeze you out."

I smiled. "Sure."

So, we made our way to a local Starbucks and took our place in line. I took a deep breath in, savoring the fresh brewed scent of flavored coffee. Dan ordered two caramel lattes and we took a seat in a cozy booth in the corner.

"So, Miss Lucy, what brings you to good old rainy London?"

I pulled out my camera and held it up for him to see. "I'm really into photography, and it's always been my dream to travel the world and capture it all. London is just the first stop."

"Really? That's awesome! How long are you due to stay here?"

"I've saved up enough for a full year's rent."

His eyed got wide at this. "Seriously? That much? You must've saved all your life."

"Ever since I was seven. Extra birthday money, job money left over after paying for the necessities, Christmas money, every penny I could save, I did."

"That's insane. If I had that much money, I'd probably buy my weight in Maltesers."

I laughed. "It's taken a lot of discipline, but it was totally worth it. I actually made it here, which is almost unfathomable to me."

"I admire your dedication."

I smiled at his compliment and was about to thank him when I heard the Llama Song echoing through the shop. Dan took out his cell phone and ceased the ringing.

"Shoot! I've got a live show in ten minutes that I promised to do! I'd love to chat longer, but I really hafta go. Where are you staying? I could take you there."

I told him the exact building and number, and he replied excitedly, "I live there too! Like right across the walkway from you! That's perfect. Come on then."

We stepped outside, and he hailed a taxi. The cab pulled over and we hopped in, Dan telling him the destination. The taxi pulled away from the curb and sped down the street.

"Your first English cab. Are you excited?" But I was already taking pictures of the rainy city, and he chuckled at me.

The cab finally pulled up to the apartment building and we hurried inside and up to our floor.

I twisted the knob on the door, but I found that it was locked. Dan noticed this and invited me into his apartment.

"Sorry," I apologized as I stepped in. "My landlord was supposed to have it unlocked. i guess I'll just hafta call him."

"It's totally fine. Just stay here in the meantime. Phil will keep you company." He pointed to the ebony-haired boy playing Mario Kart upside down on the sofa.

"Wha?" the boy asked, tumbling over in the process of trying to see me. He stood up and brushed himself off, his eyes growing wide as he caught mine. I smiled a friendly smile, but he didn't respond.

"Be nice to her, Phil. This is Lucy. She's a new friend. She'll be living in the flat across the walkway, so make nice, okay?" Phil nodded and Dan looked at me apologetically.

"It's cool. Go do your live show."

He smiled at me and left me alone in the room.

With Phil.

Oh dear Lord.

A/N: Whoo! New chapter! What didja think? Let me know! All constructive criticism is welcome. (: