Artemis glared at his cup. This coffee was utterly disgusting. What he wouldn't give for a cup of earl gray. He detested the Americas. Especially the United States. But, much as he loved Ireland, the U.S did have a better selection of colleges. And Angeline Fowl had guilted him into it. His scowl grew more pronounced remembering their earlier conversation.
"Arty, you can't stay locked up in that laboratory forever." Angeline sighed.
"I know, Moth-Mum. But I have recently made a large breakthrough on-"
"I just wish you would get out of the Manor sometimes, get some fresh air." said Angeline, interrupting him before he went on one of his long, scientific rants that only Myles could understand. He was eight now, and a miniature Artemis. "Why not go to the U.S? They have some excellent colleges there."
"Mother, that is not fair! You know I have important work to do."
"Artemis Fowl using the word fair? Call the presses." Angeline commented drily.
"Déjà vu." muttered Artemis. "Very well. I shall go to the Americas."
So here he was, sitting in a poor excuse of a cafe, where they didn't even serve Earl Grey.
"Well, you're in a foul mood, aren't you?" Someone asked. Artemis almost smirked at that. Almost. But instead, he looked up to see a beautiful girl, nearing his own age as far as he could tell, sitting down across from him. She had curly, chocolate brown hair, and vibrant green eyes. Her complexion was nearly as pale as his own. Not surprising, as it was winter in Maine. "You know, it's better with sugar and cream. Hardly anyone drinks it black like this," she said. Without waiting for his consent, she dumped in three packets of sugar, and a couple tubs of cream, then handed it back to him.
"And who might you be?" He asked her. She smiled.
"Lana. Lana Pelletier. Pleasure to meet you." She stuck out her hand. After a brief moment, he reached out and shook it.
"Artemis Fowl." Artemis gave her his best vampire smile. Lana didn't even seem fazed
She just nodded.
"Pleasure to meet you." He said nothing, only sipped his coffee. To his immense surprise, he found that it actually wasn't that bad with the added cream and sugar. She laughed at his surprised expression. "This is your first time in America, isn't it?"
"How could you tell?"
"Well, for one, most American teenagers don't wear suits."
"True."
"And for another thing, most American teenagers cannot go a day without their coffee. While you have clearly never even tried the stuff before."
"Also true. I come from Ireland." He explained. She laughed.
"The land of the leprechaun. Have you ever found the pot of gold?" She teased him. He smirked. If only she knew . . .
"No, never. Nor was I the least inclined to try." Lana stood up.
"Well, I should be going. I have to meet my friends. Call me." She then disappeared out the cafe door. Call her? How was he supposed to do that, if he didn't even have her number? Just then, something underneath his cup caught his attention. No. Surely not. He thought. But, sure enough, it was a small piece of paper with a telephone number and the
name Lana written on it.
Oh, she is good.
Ok, so I realize this chapter isn't very long. But I wanted to introduce you to the characters, and the story. Anyway, everybody who read my previous story, The Mind Wipe Fiasco, thank you, but I will not be continuing it. I appreciate all your support, though. Thank you!