Me: Erm. Hi. Not much to say today so…here it goes. I'm still too tired to write review comments but I will next chapter PROMISE. Heh. Oh, and Gretchen's name has been changed, due to disgruntled reviews about it. So if I hear any "I thought her name was Gretchen" Then I'll know you didn't read my Author Notes.

Chapter Three

Aisling

In four hours school would let out. During that time, Artemis wrote down different scenarios and responses for when he returned the book to Aisling. He memorized each one carefully, working on tones and hand gestures, not to sound to 'sophisticated' or 'all powerful.' Butler had suggested that Artemis refrained from being so businesslike, and act more of his age. Though the Fowl heir cringed at the thought, he knew Butler was right. Perhaps further down the road he could find a girl that liked him for who he was. Maybe.

The moment Aisling collapsed on her bed, from yet another grueling day at school, the phone rang. Aisling seriously considered not answering it, she had been in a testy mood all day, but knowing Fiona would kill her if she didn't, she grudgingly picked up the phone. Bad move.

"Is that Aisling?"

Nooooooo. Why was he calling?

"No. This is death, and you're our hundredth caller! Congratulations, I'll be at your house momentarily."

"Humorous," the voice said dryly.

"What do you want, Artemis," Aisling asked grumpily.

"I accidentally picked up your Literature book when I (he made it a point to say it was his fault and not hers) bumped into you, and was wondering when would be a good time to return it."

"Uhmmm, school maybe," Aisling said sarcastically.

"I believe you have a test on chapter 8 tomorrow," he answered "and it my help to have your book in order to study." Damn, Aisling thought, I forgot.

"Alright fine. Anytime is good. Just…leave it at the front door, or something." And before Artemis could say anything, Aisling hung up the phone and retreated back into her self-pitying.

It wasn't necessarily true that Aisling hated Artemis. On top of having a really, really, really, bad day, Aisling had to act like the Fowl boy was the 'enemy.' It was Fiona's idea after she was completely turned down by him. It was immaturity on a whole new level. Fiona didn't even like with Artemis; she had been dared by some upperclassmen to ask him out. Confident that she'd 'win his heart' (and ten bucks), Fiona went into the library. She came out crying. There was really no point in the crying, considering all the facts, but little miss drama queen had to make a scene and now all the girls hate Artemis. Not that they really didn't before, but now they had a 'good reason.' Aisling didn't follow in pursuit, knowing the true story, but she still felt a little annoyed with Artemis for turning down her friend so meanly. She'd been in the library during the time Fiona asked Artemis. If he hadn't, she wouldn't have had to listen to Fiona's sobs till three in the morning, and only get forty-five minutes of sleep. That's why she was in such an irritable mood that afternoon, and why she told off Artemis.

Strange, yes?

Artemis rolled up to Aisling's house, not in a Bentley, but in a light blue Acura. He also was in the front seat, in blue jeans, a school sweatshirt, and tennis shoes. I wonder if my life is really worth this, he thought getting out. He approached the small bungalow, and rapped on the door. There was the sound of feet coming down the stairs, a bang, and then the door swung open.

"Hey," Aisling said putting on a grungy act.

"I believe this belongs to you," Artemis said, refusing to stoop to 'teenager language' again.

"Thanks," she replied, snatching the book from his hands.

"You're welcome," he said.

Aisling couldn't help it. "You're much more of a gentlemen when a girl isn't asking you out."

"Excuse me?" Artemis hadn't foreseen this.

"You know, the way you set Fiona into to tears? I'm her friend, and I don't appreciate it why dry little twigs like you set an innocent girl to tears. What's your problem, do you have Gynophobia or something?"

Artemis's temple pulsed.

"Calm Artemis," Butler said through the earpiece. He was observing the situation through a tiny camera on Artemis's jacket. The young heir took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry for the way I acted towards your friend," he said quickly.

"Tell that to her," Aisling snapped, and then slammed the door in his face.

Artemis stared at the door, then walked back to the car, and got in.

"Drive," he mumbled, "just…drive."

Ok, sorry for the wait. Unfortunately, there'll be a longer one for the next chapter. Sorry guys. School just sucks. Anyway, you can make me happy by reading a reviewing! Have a great day!

Wandering Mind