Hi. My story is about Artemis moving in with an American family of five. I guess you'd call them 'average'. There isn't really any big plot. I just think it would be interesting to see how Artemis would act in everyday teenager situations.
I know what the title says, but he doesn't actually go to school in the first chapter. That comes later.
This is my first fanfic ever, so give me a break. I'd appreciate constructive criticism. Just telling me it's not very good won't make me a better writer. Give me advice. Help me out. Thx.
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Artemis was currently on a one way plane to America, alone. The boy genius had a seat next to the aisle. Everyone thought window seats were the best, an idea Artemis found ridiculous. All you could see through a window was sky and clouds. Fascinating.
Aisle seats are the best. They are most convenient if you need to get up or attract the attention of a stewardess.
Currently, a young, friendly looking stewardess was passing out fun sized packets of animal crackers to the children on the flight. She stopped by Artemis' seat and asked him politely, "Would you like some animal crackers, young man?"
Little did she know who she was talking to.
"Excuse me?" Artemis asked skeptically. "Do I look like a child?"
The stewardess' smile didn't waver, but Artemis could tell by the way she swayed back and forth that she was uncomfortable.
"No," she said. "Not a child, but usually teenagers enjoy a nice snack every now and then just as much."
Artemis raised an eyebrow. "Nice? You think it's nice to give young children food in the shape of endangered species. It's nice to teach such a tender age that it is acceptable to bite the heads off animals and eat them?"
"Um…" she looked hurt now, but at the moment, Artemis didn't care.
"Just go," he dismissed her. "Continue passing out your animal replicas for four-year-olds to de-limb and devour."
The poor stewardess made her way farther down the plane. It took real talent to make a person feel guilty about giving away free treats to grateful kids, but Artemis took it all in his stride. Besides, he had to take out his anger on someone.
Artemis closed his eyes, remembering how he'd gotten where he was.
After Angeline Fowl had learned all about her son's contact with the fairy world and all that he'd been through in the past few years, she took aside her husband, and they had a serious talk. In the end they decided that Artemis needed a break from his old life and start out fresh. Apparently, America is 'the' place to start out fresh.
Angeline decided he would go to a new school far away where he had a clean slate, able to be whoever he wanted, away from the pressures of worrying about his family, keeping the fairies a secret, saving the world, and whatnot. To top things off, Mrs. Fowl decided that for her little Arty to truly experience being a kid, he would be attending public school.
Public school! Outrageous. Artemis made many well researched, professionally executed arguments as to why staying at home would be a much better course of action, but Angeline simply did not see the logic behind his reason. She was determined that her oldest son get to experience being 'normal', case closed.
She wouldn't even let him take Butler with him. For some reason, she thought he'd be safe in America. Little did she know he had as many enemies in the states as in Ireland. Still, that shouldn't be a problem if he laid low.
As a reader, you might be wondering why Artemis is not in his private jet. Yet another one of Angeline's ideas for the whole 'normal' experience. Normal people traveled in public planes. She even bought him a second class ticket! Mothers. They can be so unreasonable.
Artemis spent the rest of his flight contemplating the next year of his life. It would be different, that's for sure.
When the airplane finally landed, it took forever for every passenger to get off of the aircraft. Artemis couldn't help but think if he'd been in charge he would've had everyone clear off the plane in two minutes flat, luggage and all.
When it was Artemis' turn to disembark, he made his way into the airport. It didn't take long for him to spot a woman with a sign that read Artemis Fowl. The woman was short, in her mid forties, and sported curly, naturally red hair.
Artemis approached her. "I believe you are holding a sign for my father."
"Pardon?" she said taken aback.
"Artemis Fowl is my father. I am Artemis Fowl II."
"Oh," her face broke into a smile. "A joke. Funny."
"It was not-"
"You're Artemis, then? Nice to meet you. Welcome to Michigan. I'm Mrs. Frome."
While in America, Artemis was going to live with a middle class family who graciously offered him a place to stay. Artemis Fowl Senior pointed out before he left that it was a good way to learn about American culture first hand. Artemis Junior didn't bother to point out that he already knew American culture.
"So, Artemis," Mrs. Frome said as the walked through the airport. "Have you ever been to the United States before?"
"I have, for a …family business trip. Not a fond memory," he responded.
Mrs. Frome nodded sympathetically, like she understood how not-fun business trips could be. "Well, I'm sure you'll be able to make some fond memories with us…"
Ha!
"…I'm looking forward to hearing all about your life back home. I've never been to Ireland, myself."
The two of them retrieved Artemis' luggage and carried it out to the car, putting it in the trunk. Before getting in the driver's seat, Mrs. Frome told Artemis, "I made the kids sit in the back so you could have shotgun."
Sure enough, when Artemis got in the passenger seat, there were a girl and a boy in the back seat. They had sandy brown hair that didn't look like either of them had spend much time on. They look around Artemis' age, which was fourteen. They were talking animatedly, but stopped when Artemis got in the car. Mrs. Frome started the car, pulled out of the parking spot, and drove out of the parking lot. While doing this she made introductions.
"Artemis, these are my lovely kids, Robin and Bradon. Mr. Frome and my other son, Chase, are waiting at home. Kids, I'd like you to meet your new house mate, Artemis."
"Hi," Robin waved shyly.
"You have a cool name!" Bradon blurted out, not so shyly.
"Really?" No one had ever told Artemis that before.
Bradon nodded. "I've never met an Artemis before. I like unique names. Isn't Artemis some god of war or something?"
"Goddess of the hunt, actually," Artemis corrected. This boy obviously was not very bright.
Bradon sat deep in thought, then said slowly, "A girl…"
Here it comes, thought Artemis. The same unoriginal response he always got when telling someone his name for the first time.
"I like it better as a boy's name," Bradon decided.
Artemis started. That was unexpected. Maybe he had misjudged this boy's brightness. He had a lot more sense than some people.
"You're the first person who's ever told me that," he said.
"It's the truth," Bradon shrugged. "And your accent's cool, too. I want to talk like that. Where'd you learn it?"
Ah, well. Brightness dims at times.
The rest of the car ride consisted of Bradon asking random, pointless questions, such as Do you own a four leaf clover? Have you ever seen a leprechaun? Is you favorite color green? Have you ever been bitten by a shark?
"Enough, Bradon!" Mrs. Frome scolded after a while. "Just because the boy's from Ireland doesn't mean he lives up to all those Irish stereotypes."
"The shark question was not an Irish question," Bradon defended.
"Don't talk back."
"I wasn't talking back!"
Robin remained quiet throughout the car ride, but she looked like she would burst out laughing at any second.
I've entered the land of immaturity, Artemis concluded. There was a reason why he never socialized with those his own age. Himself excluded, teenagers have the intelligence of a goldfish.
Twenty minutes later, the car pulled into the driveway of the Frome house. It looked average enough. There was a huge tree in the front yard that shaded the whole area. Still the house gave out a friendly vibe. Mrs. Frome turned to Artemis. "Welcome home."
Artemis groaned internally. It was not Fowl Manor, but he would have to deal with it.
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So, should I continue?