Save Her (Daniel Howell)

Chapter 5; Nightmares Run Wild

The poem in this chapter is something I did actually write sometime in 2016. Bailey is based off me, and my struggle with depression and anxiety, and self discovery, so I thought it was extremely important that she have that for Dan and Phil to find.

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(P.O.V. Bailey)

Two days after my breakfast with Dan and Phil, Dan texted me (we had exchanged numbers during breakfast) asking if I wanted to go to the carnival that day. I was super excited, because I really enjoyed hanging out with them. It was around 10am when I found myself well rested, and running down the stairs.

Mom was in the kitchen, cleaning last nights dinner dishes. She smiled when she saw me, and I could tell she was happy to see me so excited. And she was also happy that I haven't had a panic attack since Dan and Phil had been over for dinner.

"You are in a bubbly mood this morning. Did you sleep well last night again?" mom asked, and I nodded, smiling like a fool. I haven't had a nightmare since my breakfast with Dan and Phil either.

When it was 11am, I kissed my mom goodbye, and went to Dan and Phil's apartment. I took a deep breathe, and knocked on the door. A few beats later, the front swung open in front of me, revealing Dan.

"Hey Bailey. Excited about the carnival?" He asked, gesturing for me to come inside.

"Yea. I haven't been to one since I was a little girl." I said. I found it easier talking to Dan, though it was different feel to talking to Phil. Phil was like talking to my sibling, carefree, and light hearted. I was comfortable around Dan, too, but it was like I was talking to my schoolgirl crush.

I sat in the lounge again, as I waited for Phil to get ready. Only this time, Dan sat with me. He flipped on the TV, and smiled at me. I was a dream come true to be sitting in there apartment, causally watching TV with Dan.

Dan turned on some baking show, and I just stared at my feet, wiggling my toes to the beat of the theme song. I felt an eerie feeling, like someone watching me, and when I looked up, I saw it was Dan. He quickly looked away, back at the TV, but it didn't look like he was actually focusing on it.

"Are you okay, Dan?" I asked, my voice light as usual.

He was silent for a moment. "Yea. Just lost in thought, I guess."

"Existential crisis?" I asked, smirking a little.

Dan smiled, and chuckled under his breathe. "Not exactly. Just trying to figure something out, that's all."

"Can I help?" I asked.

"You may be the only person who can." he said. I wasn't quite sure what to make of his statement, but I decided to just brush it off.

"Well...what are you trying to figure out?" I asked.

Dan opened his mouth to rely, but Phil came bouncing into the room shouting. "I'm so excited for the carnival!" he yelled.

Dan shook his head, and chuckled. "We're gonna get evicted if you don't shut your trap, Phil!"

Dan and I stood, ready to walk out the door, when I realized that I had forgotten my phone. I felt a rush of panic go through me, and I looked over at Dan. He glanced at me, and his smile faltered.

"You okay, Bailey? You look terrified." he said.

"I, uh, just realized I forgot my phone. I can't go anywhere without it, mom will freak out. And so will I, actually." I said, mentally facepalming when I realized that I said to much, but Dan just chuckled.