The Complexities of Mr Howell

Chapter 1 - Phil's p.o.v.

Dan and I were under so much pressure this time of year. We were expected to play games for spooky week, make baking videos, do live shows ...and neither of us could cope with the stress. We needed some down time to sort ourselves out and Dan had the perfect solution: an unimpromptu mini-break to the Howell household.

The air was frosty and at exactly 10:07, we were journeying down a tarmac path, keeping our thoughts to ourselves. I, as always, was looking down at the ground watching my feet walking beneath me. My elbow was against Dan's bicep; trusting him to guide me (without either of us actually realising). I let my eyelids drop. I advanced in the same awkward position until I felt the warmth of Dan's body pull away from beside me. I stopped, opened my eyes and glaced up at him. He was motionless, his face white and eyes ghost like.

"Dan? Hellooooooooooooo? Anybody home?" I clamoured, flicking his ear. Not even an acknowledgement. Curious. I tilted my head and saw what he was fixated on.

"Hey, that's Charlotte Graff... from the channel 'UkuCharlie'..." I did enjoy Charlie's videos, she wasn't perfect but I did watch her regularly. I could wait to meet her, a genuine YouTuber who didn't care for money of fame, sat in her bedroom and had some fun in from of a camera. (authors note: no euphemism intended)

She continued walking, slowing down as she began to reach us, stood in the middle of the path, watching her. Great first impression...