And finally part three of Clairesie's christmas present to the internet... my world... anyway, excuse my weirdness and read the story! Oh, and I think this one is short and would probably have done as half a chapter, but right now it's 3:30 am on boxing day so I'm sick of writing christmas updates. I'll write more soon... but again, don't hold your breath, I waive all responsibility for asphyxiation due to long gaps between updates...
Chapter 3
Juliet and Butler waited in the hallway in silence. Every minute or so, one would open their mouth to say something, then rethink and close it awkwardly. They looked at their watches every few seconds, and after ten minutes had elapsed, both began to speak simultaneously.
"Should we perhaps…"
"I suppose it's time…"
Juliet smiled slightly, then simply gave her older brother an enquiring look. He nodded and both lunged for the door handle. Juliet reached it first but hesitated for a moment.
"What do we say?" she asked.
Butler stopped and thought for a few seconds.
"Normal things. We're very sorry he's hurt, hope he and his wife get well soon. You know the drill."
"What if he asks how it happened? Artemis, he seemed…"
Butler took a breath, then exhaled audibly.
"We'll tell him we don't yet know for sure. Artemis will tell him some time, if he hasn't already."
Juliet nodded silently, then turned the handle and walked in.
"Good afternoon, Mr Fowl. I hope you are as well as could be expected in such circumstances."
"Hi Juliet, afternoon Butler. Juliet, your formality is disturbing me. As did Artemis', but then his was only to be expected. Yours, however…"
Juliet did her best to look awkward and apologetic, but couldn't conceal a small smile. Butler, who was still standing in the doorway, moved forward to stand next to his sister and closed the door behind him. Artemis, who had been sitting on his father's bed, silently stood up and moved back a little to stand near his friends. No-one could think of anything to say for what seemed an age, and the four remained listening to the blips of the machines surrounding the boy's unconscious mother. Butler finally spoke.
"Is there anything we can do for you, sir? I trust the staff here are attentive?"
"Oh yes, everything's fine, thankyou Butler. I suppose you could try and find me a book sometime, if you had the opportunity. Of course, the laptop would be preferable, but I believe it interferes with the medical equipment, and that would be… unwise."
Everyone glanced over to the other bed, where Angeline Fowl lay. She was motionless except for a barely perceptible rise and fall of her chest to indicate she was still breathing.
"When do the doctors expect Mother to regain consciousness?" Artemis asked his father quietly.
"They aren't sure. Doctor Severn said they would have to do a few scans, and probably operate after that because they suspect some internal injuries, but they wanted to leave her for a couple of hours first just to stabilise a bit." Artemis II nodded.
"Father, would you mind if I left you for a little while? I would like to go for a short walk, if it wouldn't bother you."
"No, no, not at all, son. Would you like to take Butler with you? Perhaps it would be wise – whoever was trying to blow us up might wish to harm you still…"
"I… don't think that will be a problem, father," Artemis said slowly.
Artemis I tried to read his son's face, but as always it was impassive and blank.
"Do you know what happened, Artemis?" he asked.
"I… I have an idea, father. But I'm not quite sure how to explain it. I will work out how to explain while I walk."
"Alright. You go off and walk around, and think, and Butler and Juliet and I can have a chat. And don't worry, Artemis, I know it wasn't your fault."
Artemis II tried desperately not to let his face betray him at this point. He had no idea of what he was going to say to his father when he returned, and in fact hardly trusted himself to speak then, so just nodded.
Butler's deep voice came from next to him, almost making him jump.
"Maybe you could go and find your father a book, Master Artemis. There is a limited selection in the gift shop, or else I believe there is a bookshop a little way down the street."
The boy nodded again, then swallowed and spoke softly.
"Do you have any preference as to which book, father?"
"Anything, really. Well, I suppose I'd prefer if the plot did not involve large-scale explosions…"
Artemis nodded, said a quick goodbye, and left.
There we go. Chapter 3b will be up soon... I'll see if I can update everything by new year, how bout that? anyway, I am now very tired. also I was singing at midnight mass on christmas eve so yes i am sick of being awake. please review if you can be stuffed and it doesnt crash your computer like it always crashes mine when i try to review. and no comments that i have a crap computer thankyou very much. Anyway, that's all from me, have a happy, well, a happy boxing day and I'll update asap. Bye!!!!!