Chapter eleven, Homecoming
Disclaimer: I do not own Artemis Fowl. How many times have I said that???
A/N: I'm sorry this has taken so long to put up, but I've had to re draft the entire ending. Hopefully it will be better when you read it! My review replies are at the end of the chapter.
The Kelp Family Apartment, Haven City
After four months in hospital, two skin grafts and plenty of determination on her part, Holly was coming home. Nothing pleased her more. She wasn't keen on hospitals, the doctors were nice enough, if it weren't for them; she wouldn't have survived at all. But there was nothing like being in your own home, with your family around you. That meant all the world to Holly Short.
"Holly, are you sure you're alright?" Amber fussed around her mother.
"Yes Amber, I'm fine." Holly smiled at her daughter, "Why don't you get ready for bed, huh? Your Dad should be back any minute."
Amber nodded and ran into her room. Holly sighed and relaxed back into the sofa cushions.
Amber has so much energy, she probably inherited it from me, she thought, smiling.
The front door clicked shut, and Trouble walked into the room.
"Hey sweetheart, are you feeling ok?" It was Trouble's turn to fuss over her.
Holly rolled her eyes, "Not you as well, I've had Amber round me all day!"
Amber emerged from her room in her pyjamas. "I was trying to be helpful!"
Trouble laughed and ruffled her hair. "You should be in bed young lady!"
Amber looked up at him, "Sorry, Sorry. Goodnight Dad."
She kissed Trouble on the cheek. "Night Holly." She gingerly wrapped her arms around her mother.
Holly laughed, "I'm not about to break you know!" She squeezed her daughter, "Night Amber."
When Trouble had seen his daughter to bed, he sat down on the sofa beside Holly. He put his arm gently around her neck, pulling her close. She looked up at him, smiling, her hazel eyes wide. Trouble smiled back, and kissed her lightly.
Amber couldn't sleep; she wasn't tired in the slightest. She pulled back her covers and jumped out of bed, narrowly avoiding a collision with a pile of laundry she'd left on the floor. She pulled open her bedroom door, and walked into the living room.
Holly and Trouble had their arms round each other and were kissing.
"Eww! That's disgusting!"
Holly broke away from her husband. She looked at her daughter. "You should asleep, Amber." Her voice was stern, but her eyes sparkled.
Amber backed away, "Going, Going," she grinned. At least Holly seemed Ok again.
Replies:
smithy: What do you mean, no?? Amber's cool, her personality develops in later fics.
Niki Pound: I'm glad you didn't notice any mistakes out right! Does that mean I'm getting better? Let me know in your next critique. I don't mind if you email them to me, or write them in reviews, it's up to you. Please keep reviewing though!
Elvenwolf: You'll have to wait for the ending. And you will learn Verbil's motive, just bear with me.
DaydreamQueenMisha: Yes, I totally agree. Chix is evil (well in most of my fics anyway!). Yep, she's awake!
Laughing Dragoness: Yep, I love Holly. But don't worry; she doesn't recover unscathed. I hope all the Chix fans out there will spare me; I think I'll have to take your advice on that one! Glad you like it so far, here's an update.
LornaluvsHP: I'm glad you loved the last chapter. But you'll have to wait for Chix's motive. Here's an update anyways...
Xan the Great: Too late! He just did!! I'm glad you like the story. It does seem to be moving a little too fast doesn't it? That was my concern when I wrote. I will try and slow down the pace. Don't worry about Chix and his motive; no one understands that yet, it will come clear. I hope! Did you and Artemis get the bail money you wanted?? Hmmm, I wonder. You've just sparked off a small idea in my brain!
hi: Okkkkk
A/N: Ok, It's very long, or particularly good, but I needed to upload it anyhow. One or two chapters and an epilogue.
Keep Smiling.