The Grass Is Always Greener

Chapter 4 - Monsters and Promises

Emmas Point of View

I sat down on my bed and let out a sigh, grabbing my school bag as i went. Im sure i left my book in there somewhere.

I pulled out my Homework Diary, My Spanish Jotter, Art Sketchbook, My Homework Diary... Wait... What?

I picked up the two diaries and flicked to the first pages.

Sure enough on one of them, right where it should say

"This Diary Belongs to Emma Loudon"

It read

"This Diary Belongs to Dan Howell"

I sighed, flinging everything back in the bag. Dan would probably need this over the holidays as I'm sure we have a few assignments due next week.

I picked up the diary and left my house walking towards Dan's street. As i walked it occurred to me, I had ever been to Dans house before. Or met his family. Which is weird considering he practically lives in my house, honestly, you'd think he hated his own one or something.

I walked up the street and eventually found his house, using the address he'd scribbled down in his diary.

As i walked up the road i noticed a man, stumble into the house i figured out was Dan's. His dad maybe?

I walked up to the door and was just about to knock when i heard a raised voice inside the house.

"WHERES MY DINNER SCUM?" I heard a male voice yell.

No.. No this couldn't be Dans house, he must of wrote it down wrong.

"IS THIS WHAT YOU CALL FOOD?!" I heard and then winced at the sound of smashing plates.

This can't be Dan's house, can it?

"CLEAN THIS UP! IM GOING TO THE CHIPPY! ILL BE BACK LATER."

"B-but what'll i have to eat" i heard a quiet voice stammer, too quiet, Dan is definitely not the silent type.

"DO I LOOK LIKE I CARE!" Followed by a crash, as though someone had been flung against a wall.

This did not sound good.. This person wasn't getting abused were they? Or maybe They were just watching a TV show, yeah that sounded more likely.

Maybe they'll know where about on this street Dan lived.

I reached up and knocked twice at the door.

I heard a pounding of feet and then a man appeared at the door, his face like thunder. It softened and a fake smile went across his face.

" i don't want to buy a box of cookies sweetheart" he said in a strained voice.

"Eh.. Actually. I was wondering if you could tell me.. If Dan Howell lived on this street." I gulped, this man might be putting on a kind face, but i could see the red rage still in his cheeks.

"Why yes actually he lives just here, hang on i'll go get him, i'm just on my way out anyway so you'll have the house to yourselves" he forced a grin, before walking into the living room.

I took my hoodie off, hooking it over my arm as i stood on the doorstep, waiting.

"Oh Dan! Your little friends here to see you" He yelled and then his voice fell to a quiet whisper.

I strained to hear what he was saying.

"What have i told you about having people round to finish projects!" The man whispered.

"I didnt.. I don't have any projects due" the small voice replied, now that i listened to it, it did sound like dan. Quiet dan, but dan.

"dont lie to me! You obviously did didn't you! Why else would a girl come round to see you, you little faggot" the voice hissed, followed by a sharp crack and a yelp of pain that sounded so familiar.