Fowl Manor
"So, I'll see you later, I suppose." Minerva Paradizo was standing in the front doorway of Fowl Manor. Mr. and Mrs. Fowl, along with Butler, Artemis, and Holly, were going on a cruise to a beautiful little island in the Irish Sea. Holly was disguised as a human girl of 16. She had been introduced to Mr. Fowl and the twins (much to her and Artemis' displeasure) as Artemis' girlfriend. Now, Myles and Beckett were running around the house chanting in singsong voices, "Artemis has a girlfriend, Artemis has a girlfriend!"
Anyway, Minerva was asked to take care of the twins while Mr. and Mrs. Fowl were away. She gladly obliged, evidently not realizing how difficult Myles and Beckett could be. (Actually, "difficult" is a bit of an underestimate-"impossible is more like it.)
"Minerva, dear, I'm sure you'll have an excellent time with the twins," Angeline Fowl shot Myles and Beckett, who had just come running to say good bye, a stern glance, "And Artemis has agreed to let you use his computer and software."
Artemis scowled. "Of course," he said, "Just stay out of my study, please."
"Fine. Thanks," Minerva replied. Then she stepped towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Artemis closed his eyes and rested his chin on the top of her head for a moment. Minerva looked up at him. "Be careful-I don't want to lose you" she said softly.
"Don't worry, I will," he promised. Then he turned to his parents and said, "Let's go. Minerva should be fine."