Chapter 37
**This chapter is dedicated to Mea (aka title suggestions dwmc). She came up with our title (sort of), and she deserves our gratitude.**
As Butler pulled the Bentley into the Manor's curved driveway, Artemis leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. The first day of school was always a nuisance, and a pounding headache from all the shouting in the halls only made it worse. This new school was co-ed, and after hearing a few high-pitched female shrieks of excitement echoing down the halls, Artemis almost wished he was back at St. Bartleby's with the nosy counselors. Almost.
Butler had kept silent the entire trip, the stormclouds on Artemis's face telling him that conversation would not be appreciated. He dropped the teen off at the side kitchen door, and drove to the garage.
Artemis opened the door and walked into the kitchen, loosening the tie of his uniform. Hopefully he could get upstairs before his parents spotted him and made him talk about his day.
"Arty!"
Too late.
"Mother, I'm really tired." he said as his mother came out of the sitting room, closely followed by his father. "I will talk about school at dinner. Is that all right?"
His mother stopped in front of him. "Of course, Arty. I just wanted to know how you liked your new school." Her expression became a little more disapproving. "Since we've already been through almost every other private school within driving distance."
Artemis sighed, feeling his headache increase a notch. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Yes, Mother."
Angeline sighed heavily and then hugged him. "I hate it when you say that." she whispered affectionately. "Go on upstairs. Your father will be home soon. Be prepared to tell us everything about your day by then."
He nodded once and headed up the steps. Upon reaching the top, he began toward his room, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. It was Butler.
"Artemis," he began hesitantly, "We need to speak."
"What is it?" Artemis asked tonelessly, though he was cringing inside. He had been waiting for this conversation.
"I've been thinking over your reasons to leave me here while you helped the fairies underground, and I still believe there was another reason about why you went alone." The bodyguard had been practicing this speech for a while. "I want to know why."
"Butler, this was not your fight." Artemis said. "You had no obligation to help."
"But I have to be able to watch you!" Butler insisted. "Besides, it was the fairies' problem, not ours. None of us had to help."
"I know, but I felt…responsible for Simone's kidnapping." Artemis admitted, looking at the carpet. "I know it doesn't make much sense, but I do feel like we could have prevented it."
"Artemis," Butler said a little sternly, "If anyone should feel responsible for what happened to Simone, it should be Juliet and me. We are in charge of the safety of all who stay at Fowl Manor. Whether we were fond of her or not, it was our duty to keep her protected." He almost continued talking, but he decided to let Artemis reply.
After a moment of silence, Artemis looked up at the first person he would ever consider a friend. "Butler…I know you are my bodyguard, sworn to protect me until your death, but after the incident with Spiro, you changed. Your body cannot keep up with the demand my activities place upon it. This adventure with the fairies was fairly simple. I-" he stopped, a shadow falling across his face, but quickly disappearing, "I trust Holly, and she kept an eye out for me. However, if you had gone, it's quite possible something would have happened to you."
"But something could have happened to you!" Butler protested.
"I know. But the fairies looked after me. Butler, you are not accustomed to being protected. I am. You would refused their help, and you could have been killed." Haunted eyes bored into Butler's. "I have already been responsible for your death once, my friend. I didn't want it to happen again."
"It's my job to die for you." Butler insisted.
"I know. But it's my job to make sure you don't lose your life over something meaningless." Artemis replied.
The bodyguard opened his mouth to continue his argument, but stopped. Finally he forced a smile, and removed his hand from Artemis's shoulder.
"I believe we must agree to disagree on this matter, Artemis." he said. "Thank you for being honest."
"It's the least I can do, old friend." Artemis replied. Butler nodded. After a moment, the teen turned away and headed toward his room. And Butler left to do whatever it was Butlers did when they weren't guarding the Fowls, mauling trolls, or practicing several silent and deadly arts.
AN: Another short chapter, which we apologize for.
ASN: Still, it's a day early, so I suppose that makes up for it.
AN: Ahh, but I have an ulterior motive. I'm coming to your house, dear sister, and won't be home until late Friday night. So, I figured they would rather have this chapter a day early than a day late.
ASN: Hmmm. I see.
AN: However, after this, there's only one…more…chapter…to…go! *Breaks down in tears*
ASN: There, there. It's all right. *Pats Lessa on back* I'm certain the readers will bomb us with death threats until we make a sequel.
AN: *Brightens* Death threats? Yeah!!
ASN: *Rolls eyes*
"What are you doing here?" Artemis asked, letting his bag slid to the floor with a thump.
The grin disappeared, to be replaced by a look of quiet desperation. "Um…this is really awkward." Holly muttered.
Artemis raised an eyebrow. "That sounds ominous."
"Well, I had to tell the commander about how we met and you regained your memories." Artemis studied her.
"I take it that it didn't go well."
Holly laughed shortly. "Nope. In fact, he fired me."
AN: *Giggles* Ominous is a good word.
ASN: *Sighs* Until next time, everyone. Bye!!