Holly nervously crouched on a tree
branch, small and invisible. Where was that stupid Mud Man? He was
always late. She couldn't stay like this forever. The leaves
tickled her nose, and the tree was swaying dangerously.
They did this every month, once a month. It was cruel to both;
Artemis was married to Minerva, and had sadly assured Holly that he
loved the Mud Girl. Holly felt their relationship was nothing more
than an affair, yet would take whatever she could get. The two were
in a fix. They loved each other with a deep passion, yet Artemis
couldn't leave Minerva. He adored both girls. After many arguments
and bitter tears, the two had decided to meet once every month at
Tara, as if they were dating.
Don't
dream too far
Don't lose sight of who
you are
Don't remember that rush of
joy
He could be that boy
I'm
not that girl
Holly ground her
teeth, blinking rapidly. This couldn't go on forever. She could
tell Artemis loved her, but Minerva was a genius, and a human. She
was also beautiful. Holly was an elfin tomboy, with short, spiky
hair. The two couldn't be more different.
Holly wanted- no, needed- Artemis more than she had ever needed
anything. He was, to say the least, perfect. She had no idea why. But
does love need a reason to spring in your heart?
Ev'ry
so often we long to steal
To the land of
what-might-have-been
But that doesn't
soften the ache we feel
When reality sets
back in
Holly squinted
in the distance. There was a dark shape coming closer, pale skin
glowing in the moonlight. It was Artemis. About time. Try wearing a
watch, Artemis.
Holly leapt from the branch, landing in a catlike stance. Artemis
knelt beside her, smiling sadly.
"Hello, Holly," he said quietly. Holly wasn't sure what to say.
With all her heart, the elf wanted to scream, why don't you
love me as much as I love you? Why did this happen to us? This half
hearted romance is so fake! Go back to Minerva, or stay with me
forever. But she didn't, for fear of losing the little romance
she and Artemis had.
Blithe
smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome, she
wins him
Gold hair with a gentle
curl
That's the girl he chose
And
Heaven knows
I'm not that girl:
The two talked for a while. The conversation was stiff and controlled; both partners ached to make use of what little time they had, but, as always, they were too proud to give into such temptations. Finally, Artemis leaned over and kissed Holly, and, as always, Holly forgot for a moment all her troubles. Who cared? Artemis was kissing her, and that's what mattered. But then he pulled away, and all her problems came rushing back like a thousand bats. Holly glanced into Artemis's eyes. Sure, the mismatched irises showed unmistakable pain; yet it was nothing to what she felt, not even close. For if he lost Holly, he would still have his beloved wife; if Holly lost Artemis, her life would hold little meaning, and she would join him soon enough.
Don't
wish, don't start
Wishing only wounds
the heart
I wasn't born for the rose and
the pearl
There's a girl I know
He
loves her so
I'm not that girl:
Hours later, Artemis rose, murmured a goodbye, and trekked back over the hill, back to Fowl Manor. Holly watched him go. What would happen when he entered the doors of Fowl Manor? Would Minerva be there, suspecting her husband of having an affair? Most likely not. The two trusted each other. The two were in love.
Seventy years later
Holly, dressed
in all black, knelt by a tombstone. She had made it herself. It was
solid gold. Engraved on the stone was the words, here lies the
smartest man ever to walk the earth. Beloved husband, cherished
father, adored friend.
Holly glanced at the tombstone next to Artemis's grave. It was
Minerva Fowls'. Hers was solid ivory. The two rested in peace for
eternity, side by side. Holly had a sudden urge to kick down the
ivory grave. Minerva had taken everything from her, simply by being
perfect. But she wouldn't. The two looked so beautiful together,
even Holly couldn't ruin this picture perfect set.
The elf kissed the top of the gold grave, shimmered out of sight, and
was gone.
