Artemis Fowl: A Call for Help

Chapter 8

Fowl Manor

Artemis sat on his bed. His clock read 5:30 a.m. For once, the boy genius was tired. He had gone to bed at his usual time, but he had been unable to sleep. He had been thinking about Holly, trying to sort out his feelings.
Their relationship was anything but normal.
Holly was his best friend. They had been through so much together and had become remarkably close, even after a rocky start. But recently they had progressed in their relationship. Holly was the person who knew the most about Artemis. This was an on going discussion in Artemis's mind. How can I make this work? There had to be a way. After all, he was a genius and was qualified to find a solution.
Artemis yawned. I can not believe I am so tired. Maybe after breakfast I will feel sharper. So with that Artemis went downstairs, where his breakfast was being prepared.
An hour later, Artemis was sitting in the library reading. He had chosen a book on quantum mechanics. Deeply engrossed in the contents of the book, Artemis hardly noticed Butler show Holly into the room.
"Holly, what a surprise." Artemis said, standing to greet her.
"Hey, Artemis. I had some spare time so I thought I'd come for a quick visit." Holly said.
"It is nice to see you."
"Nice to see you too." Holly replied. She gave Artemis a hug in greeting.
"I've come to a conclusion." Artemis announced.
"Bout' what?" Holly asked.
"Why don't you sit down so we can talk?" Artemis suggested, gesturing towards two chairs.
"Okay." They each took a chair.
"I've came to a conclusion about something too." Holly said. "And I think it might be about the same thing."
"Yes, you're probably right." Artemis replied.
"As always." Holly said smirking, in a very good imitation of Artemis.
Artemis laughed. "You are getting really good at that."
"Considering I get that look about five million times when I see you, it shouldn't be much of a wonder." Holly said, grinning.
"Alright, fair enough. I want to have a serious conversation with you though." Artemis said, suddenly serious.
"Fine." Holly said, sounding exasperated. "You go first."
"Holly, I don't know how to explain this. I think I'm in love with you. But... I don't know. I don't really know how I feel. Whenever you're gone, I miss you. I've never felt this way before, so it's so hard to tell. But I think we should try."
"Yes, I was right!" Holly exclaimed, then her seriousness returned. "You know what, Arty. I say let's try it. If a relationship doesn't work out, then we can just be friends. It's worth a shot."
"You're right, Holly. Is there any way I could come visit you below ground?"
Holly shook her head. "Not unless there's an emergency. I mean, think about it. The only times you've been in Haven have been to save the world."
"True. That won't work, then. Just try to come above ground as much as possible."
"Will do. I have to leave now."
"Already?" Artemis asked.
"Yeah, unfortunately I don't have much time. Besides, I've been here for thirty minutes." Holly said, rising from the chair.
Artemis got up as well. "I am sorry you have to leave, I enjoy seeing seeing you."
"I'll come back soon." Holly promised.
Artemis wrapped Holly in a hug.
"Until next time." Holly said, smiling. "See ya."
"Goodbye, Holly. Stay safe." Artemis watched Holly exit the room.
Artemis left the library, moving to his study. He had some thinking to do. There were so many things that needed to be addressed.