Hey guys! So I was going to wait until Saturday to post the next chapter, but I really wanted to post today. I'm really happy with the response I'm getting for this story. Thanks to everyone who followed and reviewed!

Here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

Artemis POV

As the days went on, I found myself waiting for the chance to go to 'Haven City'. I was genuinely interested in trying the food there - I had heard good things about it - but I couldn't deny why I really wanted to go.

I wanted to see Holly.

That was a strange notion to me, I had never in my life been excited to see anyone other than my father when he came home from one of his long business trips. So the fact that I was waiting for Thursday with growing impatience was odd.

I couldn't ignore the fact that I liked her. She was different. She was something new. When I was with her, I found myself able to forget about my troubles, and just experience life like a 17 year old should. I had no worries. I could stop focusing on my father and my mother, and just focus on living. It was a nice break, a chance to leave all the pain behind for a while, and I found myself looking forward to every chance I got to meet up with her.

Even if I loved having a moment to breathe, I still couldn't understand why I felt so connected with the girl. After talking to her the first time, actually getting to know her a bit, I found a spark of fondness growing in my chest. I had promised myself I would never put trust in another person again, I would never rely on anyone else. But I was breaking that promise when I was around her.

Whenever I was with her, I felt like I could finally allow myself to let go, and trust someone again. I wasn't afraid of being hurt by her. A weight I didn't even know was there lifted off my chest whenever she was around, and I could actually allow myself to feel. It wasn't hard to smile and laugh - I didn't have to fake happiness at all.

I wanted to get to know her better, I wanted to talk with her more. More and more, I found myself wanting to open up around her, and tell her about what was going on. Not even Butler knew the extent of it.

Ever since my father had disappeared, my mothers mental health began to deteriorate. Every day, her condition worsened, and though she had not yet told me this flat out yet - I knew she blamed me for my fathers disappearance. I knew it wasn't her fault, she wasn't healthy, but it still hurt every time she threw something at me or yelled in my ear.

In the end, it was easier when she wasn't able to recognize me. She wasn't so abusive, just rude. She never threw things at me with the true intention of hurting me, and her words had no true malice to them, unlike when she knew exactly who I was. The look in her eyes when she knew who I was, the disappointed, hateful look was no longer there.

I closed my eyes and sighed. It was Wednesday night, and tomorrow afternoon I would be able to see Holly. I would be able to forget about my problems for a little while. The fact that I still had such a long time to wait was unbearable. I opened my eyes, staring at the bland ceiling above me. Sighing again, I turned over to look at the bare wall. I wanted the next day to come, but I was unable to sleep. Too many thoughts were running through my head.

...*BREAK*...

Somehow, I managed to get to sleep, and woke up the next morning with a start. I shot up in my bed, eyes wide. My breathing was uneven and ragged, and beads of sweat were running down my forehead. After a few moments, I managed to calm my breathing and fell back down against my bed. Staring up at the ceiling, I sighed.

I'd had nightmares before, they were quite a usual occurrence for me. Especially after my father went missing and my mother began to fade. I had gotten used to them, but they still shook me every time I had them. I always woke up from one feeling terrible - weak and nauseous.

Standing up, I walked to the bathroom to take a shower. It was nine am, and I had another eight hours before I had to meet Holly.

I stripped down and stepped into the warm water. Another sigh escaped me as my tense muscled relaxed. Shower's had always been a good way to unwind - especially after a nightmare. After I washed my hair, I stood there for a few minutes longer. I wished I could simply stay under the warmth forever.

When the water began turning cold, I shut it off and grabbed my towel. Drying off, I put on some clothes and walked down to the kitchen to see if Butler had made breakfast yet.

Stepping lightly down the stairs, my stomach growled as smells from the kitchen wafted through the halls. Butler had indeed began making breakfast. Following my nose, I found my way into the kitchen and watched as Butler finished making the pancakes. Turning around when he was finished, he smiled at me. "Good morning Artemis." he said

I smiled back at him. "Good morning Butler. I see you've made pancakes this morning."

He nodded, and pulled out four plates. I grabbed the plate with the pancakes on it and took it to the dining room, before piling a few pancakes on one and taking it to my mother.

Knocking on the door quietly, I hesitantly walked into the room. It took me a moment to see my once strong mother curled up under the blankets in the dim light. I walked closer to her, and felt my heart breaking even more at the quiet sobs that came from her. "Mother." I said softly "I brought you some breakfast. Butler made pancakes."

I watched as her head popped up slowly from the bound of blankets, and watched as she blinked at me. "Artemis?" she whispered

I nodded. "Yes mother. It's me." I said quietly

Slowly, her face twisted into what looked like disappointment and anger. "Why are you here? Didn't I tell you to leave and never come back?"

Her voice was steadily rising, and I set down the plate on the stand beside her bed. I lowered my head and took a step back. I couldn't bring myself to look up, knowing that I would only meet with a hateful glare. "You're not my son. It's your fault he's gone. You could have stopped him. I have no son, not anymore. Get out of my sight!"

A lump formed in my throat, and tears stung at my eyes. I had heard things like this before from her yes, but it still hurt every time.

I took a step back, but my head shot up when I heard my mother shout. My eyes widened at the sight of a vase flying at me, and I fell down as it struck me - as I was unable to move out of the way in time. Looking back up at my mother - who was wide eyed and breathing heavily, I stood up and scrambled out of the room, trying to keep the tears welling up in my eyes from falling.

I ran down the stairs, stopping at the bottom to regain my composure. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and reentered the kitchen. Butler looked up at me, a worried look on his face. "I heard some shouting. Are you okay Artemis?" he asked

I straightened up and turned to face my bodyguard and friend full on. "Yes Butler, I am fine. I have gotten quite used to this. I just hope we will find father soon."

Butler nodded. From the look in his eyes, I could tell he didn't quite believe me, but he decided not to push it. For that I was thankful. I didn't want to talk about it.

I grabbed my food and made my way up to my room. As I shut the door behind me, my shoulders slumped and I sighed. I was exhausted. I hadn't gotten a full nights sleep in weeks - maybe even months - and the entire situation was extremely stressful. I sat my food down on my desk and sat down on my bed. I knew I needed to eat, but I couldn't bring myself to.

I tried not to let what my mother said get to me, but I never could succeed at that. I knew she was right, it was my fault my father was missing. I was worthless and an idiot, and I didn't deserve anything.

I laughed and buried my face in my pillow. The sound was bitter and flat. I was wallowing in self pity, even if that was true. I had to stop thinking about this. My act that everything was fine had to stay up, and they would only believed it if I did the same.

I'm fine.

Yeah. Keep telling yourself that. You know you'll never believe it. You're pathetic.

I sighed again. There was always that little voice in my head that said things like that. It was almost like there was a separate person in my mind.

Drowsiness overwhelmed me, and my eyes fell closed as the darkness of sleep came over me.

A strangled scream tore through my throat, and I shot up in bed, grateful that my walls were soundproof. Turning around, I looked at my clock and swore. It was already 3:40, I had to meet Holly at 'Haven Cafe' in twenty minutes. I jumped up and ran to the bathroom, looking at my reflection. I looked horrible. The skin under my eyes - which had a haunted look to them - had become puffy and bruised. My hair and body was soaked with sweat, and I genuinely looked exhausted.

I turned on the water and hopped into the shower, hoping it might making me look more presentable. Five minutes later, I walked back into my room and got changed. Taking one last look in the mirror, I decided I looked quite a bit better. I no longer looked like I might keel over any second. I just looked tired. Sighing, I straightened my back, squared my shoulders and walked out of my room down the stairs.

"Butler, I'm going out for a while." I called

I heard a muffled grunt - which I assumed meant okay - and opened the door. Squinting at the bright light, I strode to my car and started the engine. As I drove towards the small cafe, I found a smile forming on my face. I couldn't wait to see Holly.

Holly POV

As the day wore on, I found myself growing more and more anxious about Artemis coming to the cafe. I wanted to see him, but I was scared he wouldn't like the food. I was scared he would decide I was boring and leave.

Laughing at myself - I sounded like a teenage girl - I focused on the job at hand. I walked over to a couple sitting by the front window and handed them their bill just as the door opened and Artemis walked in. I smiled. Once again, he was perfectly on time. After taking the payment, I made my way to the kitchen and took off my hat and bag I wore as a waitress, and signed out.

Making my way towards Artemis, a frown formed on my face. Something was off about him. He looked tired and... sad? Yes, he looked sad. Walking up to him, I lead him to a table and looked closer at him. My frown deepened and I leaned over and put my hand on his forehead, trying to see if he might me running a fever. "Are you okay Artemis? You look a little tired." I said

He looked at me confused, and I blushed as I realized my hand was still on his head. Clearing my throat, I pulled away, waiting for his answer. A slight blush came over his own features, and he broke eye contact with me to look at the menu. "I'm perfectly fine Holly. What makes you say that?" he asked

I frowned again. "Artemis, you're definitely not fine. Have you slept at all? You look like you've been up for a week straight!"

He sighed and leaned back in his chair. "I assure you, I'm fine Holly. Just had a little trouble sleeping last night is all." he answered

"Okay..." I said hesitantly

I knew he was lying, but I decided not to push it, which he looked thankful for. Whatever was going on with him, I'm sure he wouldn't tell someone he barely even knew. I was probably lucky I even got anything out of him at all. Flashing a quick smile at him, I looked at my menu. It was pointless, I already knew what I was going to order, but I had nothing else to do but stare at the man in front of me - which would obviously lead to another awkward situation.

Clearing my throat, I looked up at him. "Do you know what you're going to order?" I asked

He nodded, and I called the waitress over. I frowned as I realized I hadn't met her yet. Must be new.

"What can I get for you?" she asked

"I'll have the chicken Alfredo pasta and some tea, Earl Grey please." Artemis said

I smiled at his choice in food, and voiced my order. "I'd like the veggie sandwich, with curly fries on the side." I said

Artemis looked at me, amusement touching his features. "Veggie sandwich? Are you vegetarian?" he asked

I nodded. "Yup. Been that way for almost a year now. I never did like meat all that much." I said

He nodded. "I tried to go vegetarian once. It didn't work out. I love gourmet chicken too much." he said, smiling

I laughed. "Who's idea was that?" I asked

"My mothers." he answered, a sad smile touching his lips

I frowned at his expression and fidgeting hands. Something must have happened to her, to make him so uncomfortable when talking about the subject. I felt the strange urge to grab his hand and comfort him, but I knew that would be stepping out of line for someone who barely even knew him. All I could do was smile comfortingly at him, and try to help him forget whatever memories were plaguing him. At least for a moment.

Aw, poor Artemis. So, they got to know each other a bit. I'm going to start developing the romance between the two, but it's going to be fairly subtle. Nothing big will happen for another few chapters. Just thoughts and... desires... Anyways! How was it? I'd love to know. Feel free to leave a review, concrit is always welcome.