Disclaimer: I am sorry to say that Artemis as managed to convince me,
(Artemis points odd-looking device at glares and me) through reasonable
talks (said hurrredly, Artemis lowers gun) that I can not and should not
own him. (Mumbles something that won't be repeated, Artemis leaves, I look
around before saying) He threatened me! He said that if I didn't leave
him alone he'd send me into another dimension where I could try my luck at
owning him there! It's not my fault; I don't REALLY want to give him up.
(Walks away mumbling) reasonable talks my ass!
A/N: I would like to apologize to all my surprisingly faithful reviewers. I mean, I still can't get over the fact that you think my story is good enough to watch! (Yes I'm digging for complements) Lately my heart hasn't been in this story, and I refuse to start a new one before I finish the old! So I am going to hurry it along, I'm sorry. I know how I want the ending to go, so I'm hoping that these next three or four chapters will be extra ordinary! Again I apologize. ************************************************************************
The next three weeks went by like a blur. It's not that they were exciting, it's that they were monotonous. We had fallen into a routine, I would struggle through the day, the pain of loosing my family had become a dull ace that wouldn't, and I doubted it would ever, leave. It had become a bleary and boring way of life, and I wasn't sure how much longer I was going to deal without exploding.
Meanwhile, Artemis seemed to blossom in this new place. Jane and him had quickly become close friends, and I'm sure that if we stayed any longer it would develop into something more. Without even realizing it, Artemis had grown, he had learned through Jane that what makes a person truly worth knowing is who they are, not what they know. To my continual shock Artemis seemed to have found contentment. I'm sure that a large part of it was that he had gone to a place where he didn't need to make up for his mistakes. He had become a charming ladies man, much to my surprise, and his. I found myself continually beating off girls, and I also found myself continually kicking myself on my stupidity about making him a brother. Yet through all of this he never really lost his annoying Artemisness.
We usually found ourselves in an argument about how he was flirting with every girl he saw. One such conversation took place not long before this chapter begins:
"Artemis will you stop flirting!?" I asked in exasperation as he held the door open for some girls.
"I am not flirting, I am being polite," he started, exasperated with our long old argument, "A gentle," he began before I swiftly cut him off.
"A gentleman always opens doors for ladies, I know! But around here it seems to be translated as flirting. I mean, look at the trail off girls you have following you!" Even as I spoke tons of girls were walking by and greeting Artemis flirtatiously.
He sighed and gave me a look, "Would you prefer that I coldly snubbed them and made them hate me?" he asked condescendingly.
"Would you!?" I asked breathless and hopefully. He gave me a shocked and disappointed look. "I know, I know. No I don't want you to act like that, but could you find the median? I mean, I am SO sick off getting notes from girls, and mobbed by girls who want me to introduce them to you! I'm even beginning to get some girls to hate cause they are sure that we have a secret romance going! AHHHHH!" I let out as I threw back my head.
Artemis looked at me with condescending amusement, (he seemed to do that a lot) and didn't respond. "Hello Jane," he gave as a greeting as we headed over to 'her' library table.
As Artemis had gotten to know Janie he had somehow got it into his head that we were kindred spirits, he was right. Janie and I had soon become fast friends, what only separated us was one secret. As I got to know her I soon learned that she could be a hellcat when she wanted. Not much got her mad, in fact, you could throw insults at her and she wouldn't even have to PRETEND not to care. Her patients were sometimes, aggravating, and I found myself often playing the role of the hyper, and sometime childish, friend. I had come to realize that she was quick to laughter, slow to anger, yet when she was angry you found yourself terrified, and I often wondered what mistake had been made in heaven to send her down here.
"Hey Jany," I said by way of greeting, "What are you doing?" I asked as I peered over her shoulder.
"I'm looking for a good poem for me to do for a poem interpretation contest," she told me with a grin.
"Why don't you look up The Dance of Death by Sir. William Scott?" he asked with a smile.
"I'll make sure to look it up," she said, closing her book. "What are you two planning on doing this weekend?" she asked with a grin.
"Lounge around and do nothing," I replied confidently.
Artemis gave me a look before answering, "I'm planning on researching over the weekend," he replied with a sigh.
"Oh, that really sucks, hard, on," she began before I joined in, "Wrinkly old men," we finished with a grin.
Artemis gave us a disgusted look before commenting, "we should probably start on our joint project."
"OH, yes, I have my bit right here," Janie said with a weary smile, "We BETTER get an A on this!"
"You guys attempt to have fun," I put in with a grimace, "I have to go do research."
When I left Janie and Artemis continued their conversation, I didn't learn what had been said until much later.
"Do you know what's wrong with Thia?" Janie asked Artemis softly.
"Why should anything be wrong?" Artemis replied; scanning a diagram Janie had drawn.
"Well, when she thinks no one is looking she tends to sit out by the forest and stare out over the lake. I've seen her silently crying a few times," she replied with a sigh. Her expression was one of the troubled, her mouth turned down in worrisome thought, and her face still. "Is there something wrong with her family?" she asked sadly.
"What makes you say that," Artemis asked, his expression was one of self- disgust.
'Well, I've seen sketches of her family, except that they looked different, almost, happier is the word I'd choose. Also, she draws many pictures of her father, and he looks more content and joyous then I'd ever seen him in photos." She finished with a sigh. "She doesn't know I've seen them, I think she wants to hide whatever is troubling her.
Artemis looked at Janie for a second, his face expressionless, "Did she draw anything else?" he asked softly.
"Yes, she drew some pictures off Cat and Shirly, and a few places that I don't recognize. All of them look similar yet they are all different from the way I've seen them."
"Hmm," Artemis murmured, "I think I know what's wrong, and I've been a fool not to notice it," he said with venom. The conversation ended there and they continued to work on their project I silence.
Meanwhile I had left them and sat by the woods behind the school, if I sat there I could almost convince myself that it had all been a dream. I sat and thought for a long time, my worries and memories circulating through my mind. I had long since stopped thinking that Artemis had the way to bring us back, though a part of me still hoped.
I knew that Artemis would have to go back 'home' soon. What was he going to do when he had to find a place to live in a world where he was a story? I felt like the world rested on my shoulders, yet when I began to balance it out and rise from the dust, something new was added. I knew that if I could only rise I would remember what made everything so beautiful to me, and why life was a miracle. If I could just stand a little above the dust cloud I would be able to see the sunrise, or the sun set as I was beginning to believe.
I had never contemplated suicide, and I still hadn't. Somewhere deep inside me, I still remember how beautiful life was. I would remember 'my' lake as I looked across one in the forest. My hopes and dreams would all come back, and I would begin to see the pink clouds. But reality always arrived, I knew I would need help soon, but who could give it? As my thoughts continued to drift, I began to ignore what was going on around me. I only vaguely felt the crisp autumn air, and the damp grass was far from my mind.
I was suddenly jolted from my reverie as my wrist watch alarm went off. I got up and dusted off my jeans before heading in to tell Artemis it was about time to go.
"I'll talk to her." I heard Artemis say softly as I arrived.
"Talk to who?" I asked curiously, managing to put my thoughts behind me.
"The teacher, Mrs. Alan," Janie replied, a little too quickly.
"Oh, well, I wish you luck with that Hag," I replied with a grin.
Janie gave me a disapproving look, "You don't even know her," she began.
"I know, I really shouldn't talk about people behind their backs," I finished, honestly contrite.
"Your mom is waiting outside," Artemis informed me smoothly.
"All right, see you Monday Janie," I said by way of good bye.
Artemis and I walked in silence to the car, and so went the ride home, I don't normally talk in the car. When we got home Artemis went straight to his room, while I started the kettle. In about fifteen minutes I had both of our tea ready and headed up to Artemis' room.
I gave a soft knock on his door before he answered with a, "Come in."
"Thought you might like some tea," I told him as I handed it over. Artemis was sitting on his bed with his notebook on his lap.
"Cerinthia," he began.
"Yeah," I replied after a sip of my Cinnamon Apple tea.
"How are you dealing with the loss of your family?" he asked me, not even attempting to hide his motives.
I stiffened for a second, "Could you send me home," I asked softly.
"That all depends on your answer," he replied with a sigh.
"If you can get me back," I began hesitantly, "Then I miss my family. If you can't, I have reconciled to the facts."
Artemis looked at me for a long time, "You miss them, don't you?" he asked gently.
I looked at him for a moment, trying to stem my tears; I mostly succeeded with the exemption of one silent tear that coursed down my face. I looked down, using my hair to shield my face.
Artemis silently searched my face, then he looked me straight in the eye, and "Why didn't you tell me" he asked softly.
"I didn't think there was a way for me to get back home." I replied with a watery smile.
Artemis looked at me for a long time before telling me; "I know how to get you back." ************************************************************************
A/N: Heheheh! That is the first cliffhanger in this entire story, and you can't blame me for it! It was just too good. But I PROMISE that tomarro will find a new chapter. On a different note, I am getting more and more shocked. People are giving ME reviews that contain the words humbled, liked, enjoyed, wonderful, and all in relation to me and my story! This isn't supposed to happen! I'm the one that gives the humbled reviews! When did this happen? (I like it, but I'm kinda shocked!) Anyway, I just thought I had to say that!
Sparrow(): I'm glad you like my story, I'm sure why, but you can praise it anyway! :D I hate Algebra too, it's my new sware word, doesn't, "Awe ALGEBRA," feel good? Alright, are you Sparrow cause of Pirates of the Carabean? That's alright, brain dead is a normal thing for me too. Keep reviewing.
Angelgirl10: The town history book is because Artemis always researches anywhere he goes, that's all. Nothing special, sorry. I agree that my story is getting weaker, hopefully this chapter is stronger, it is the first time in a long time that I can't wait till tomarro to right the next chapter! I would only get mad at your review if you said that I was a selfish bitch that didn't deserve to live, and meant it. I love that quote, I actually have one for you:
"It's not what the world holds for you, but what you bring to it."
"The dreams dearest to my heart are right here."
Both are from Anne of Avonlie. Hope you like them, I know I do.
Selena(): I'm sorry you won't see more of Janie and Artemis' friendship, it just wasn't flowing. I was worried about the brain dead thing, I wasn't sure if it wasn't Artemisy enough. Keep reviewing!
Anthony1234: I know what you mean about school being your life. Sometimes I think that our culture revolves too much around school and not enough around life's lessons. It's alright for you to be an inconsistant reviewer, I mean, look at me as an updater!
Eliza Star: Ah, my favorite reviewer! I'm glad you consider my compliment high praise, for it is. But don't feel humbled, fell uplifted! :D I am NOT going to make Janie evil or the LEP come in you GOOBER! (By the way Goober is the equivilent of silly goose, it's a good thing. Only people I respect are called goobers.) I'm sorry, but my story doesn't work that way! I'm glad you like my quote, I thought it was good too! Oh yeah, I rock :D! I hope you like the cliffhanger!
CleopatraK: I always like your reviews, and you really do need to UPDATE! (cough) I'm glad the Janie thingis satisfactory, I hope this chapter is too. And I know how you feel, I mean, I writer you really like ends up loving your story, go figure. (You're the writer I like!)
A/N: I would like to apologize to all my surprisingly faithful reviewers. I mean, I still can't get over the fact that you think my story is good enough to watch! (Yes I'm digging for complements) Lately my heart hasn't been in this story, and I refuse to start a new one before I finish the old! So I am going to hurry it along, I'm sorry. I know how I want the ending to go, so I'm hoping that these next three or four chapters will be extra ordinary! Again I apologize. ************************************************************************
The next three weeks went by like a blur. It's not that they were exciting, it's that they were monotonous. We had fallen into a routine, I would struggle through the day, the pain of loosing my family had become a dull ace that wouldn't, and I doubted it would ever, leave. It had become a bleary and boring way of life, and I wasn't sure how much longer I was going to deal without exploding.
Meanwhile, Artemis seemed to blossom in this new place. Jane and him had quickly become close friends, and I'm sure that if we stayed any longer it would develop into something more. Without even realizing it, Artemis had grown, he had learned through Jane that what makes a person truly worth knowing is who they are, not what they know. To my continual shock Artemis seemed to have found contentment. I'm sure that a large part of it was that he had gone to a place where he didn't need to make up for his mistakes. He had become a charming ladies man, much to my surprise, and his. I found myself continually beating off girls, and I also found myself continually kicking myself on my stupidity about making him a brother. Yet through all of this he never really lost his annoying Artemisness.
We usually found ourselves in an argument about how he was flirting with every girl he saw. One such conversation took place not long before this chapter begins:
"Artemis will you stop flirting!?" I asked in exasperation as he held the door open for some girls.
"I am not flirting, I am being polite," he started, exasperated with our long old argument, "A gentle," he began before I swiftly cut him off.
"A gentleman always opens doors for ladies, I know! But around here it seems to be translated as flirting. I mean, look at the trail off girls you have following you!" Even as I spoke tons of girls were walking by and greeting Artemis flirtatiously.
He sighed and gave me a look, "Would you prefer that I coldly snubbed them and made them hate me?" he asked condescendingly.
"Would you!?" I asked breathless and hopefully. He gave me a shocked and disappointed look. "I know, I know. No I don't want you to act like that, but could you find the median? I mean, I am SO sick off getting notes from girls, and mobbed by girls who want me to introduce them to you! I'm even beginning to get some girls to hate cause they are sure that we have a secret romance going! AHHHHH!" I let out as I threw back my head.
Artemis looked at me with condescending amusement, (he seemed to do that a lot) and didn't respond. "Hello Jane," he gave as a greeting as we headed over to 'her' library table.
As Artemis had gotten to know Janie he had somehow got it into his head that we were kindred spirits, he was right. Janie and I had soon become fast friends, what only separated us was one secret. As I got to know her I soon learned that she could be a hellcat when she wanted. Not much got her mad, in fact, you could throw insults at her and she wouldn't even have to PRETEND not to care. Her patients were sometimes, aggravating, and I found myself often playing the role of the hyper, and sometime childish, friend. I had come to realize that she was quick to laughter, slow to anger, yet when she was angry you found yourself terrified, and I often wondered what mistake had been made in heaven to send her down here.
"Hey Jany," I said by way of greeting, "What are you doing?" I asked as I peered over her shoulder.
"I'm looking for a good poem for me to do for a poem interpretation contest," she told me with a grin.
"Why don't you look up The Dance of Death by Sir. William Scott?" he asked with a smile.
"I'll make sure to look it up," she said, closing her book. "What are you two planning on doing this weekend?" she asked with a grin.
"Lounge around and do nothing," I replied confidently.
Artemis gave me a look before answering, "I'm planning on researching over the weekend," he replied with a sigh.
"Oh, that really sucks, hard, on," she began before I joined in, "Wrinkly old men," we finished with a grin.
Artemis gave us a disgusted look before commenting, "we should probably start on our joint project."
"OH, yes, I have my bit right here," Janie said with a weary smile, "We BETTER get an A on this!"
"You guys attempt to have fun," I put in with a grimace, "I have to go do research."
When I left Janie and Artemis continued their conversation, I didn't learn what had been said until much later.
"Do you know what's wrong with Thia?" Janie asked Artemis softly.
"Why should anything be wrong?" Artemis replied; scanning a diagram Janie had drawn.
"Well, when she thinks no one is looking she tends to sit out by the forest and stare out over the lake. I've seen her silently crying a few times," she replied with a sigh. Her expression was one of the troubled, her mouth turned down in worrisome thought, and her face still. "Is there something wrong with her family?" she asked sadly.
"What makes you say that," Artemis asked, his expression was one of self- disgust.
'Well, I've seen sketches of her family, except that they looked different, almost, happier is the word I'd choose. Also, she draws many pictures of her father, and he looks more content and joyous then I'd ever seen him in photos." She finished with a sigh. "She doesn't know I've seen them, I think she wants to hide whatever is troubling her.
Artemis looked at Janie for a second, his face expressionless, "Did she draw anything else?" he asked softly.
"Yes, she drew some pictures off Cat and Shirly, and a few places that I don't recognize. All of them look similar yet they are all different from the way I've seen them."
"Hmm," Artemis murmured, "I think I know what's wrong, and I've been a fool not to notice it," he said with venom. The conversation ended there and they continued to work on their project I silence.
Meanwhile I had left them and sat by the woods behind the school, if I sat there I could almost convince myself that it had all been a dream. I sat and thought for a long time, my worries and memories circulating through my mind. I had long since stopped thinking that Artemis had the way to bring us back, though a part of me still hoped.
I knew that Artemis would have to go back 'home' soon. What was he going to do when he had to find a place to live in a world where he was a story? I felt like the world rested on my shoulders, yet when I began to balance it out and rise from the dust, something new was added. I knew that if I could only rise I would remember what made everything so beautiful to me, and why life was a miracle. If I could just stand a little above the dust cloud I would be able to see the sunrise, or the sun set as I was beginning to believe.
I had never contemplated suicide, and I still hadn't. Somewhere deep inside me, I still remember how beautiful life was. I would remember 'my' lake as I looked across one in the forest. My hopes and dreams would all come back, and I would begin to see the pink clouds. But reality always arrived, I knew I would need help soon, but who could give it? As my thoughts continued to drift, I began to ignore what was going on around me. I only vaguely felt the crisp autumn air, and the damp grass was far from my mind.
I was suddenly jolted from my reverie as my wrist watch alarm went off. I got up and dusted off my jeans before heading in to tell Artemis it was about time to go.
"I'll talk to her." I heard Artemis say softly as I arrived.
"Talk to who?" I asked curiously, managing to put my thoughts behind me.
"The teacher, Mrs. Alan," Janie replied, a little too quickly.
"Oh, well, I wish you luck with that Hag," I replied with a grin.
Janie gave me a disapproving look, "You don't even know her," she began.
"I know, I really shouldn't talk about people behind their backs," I finished, honestly contrite.
"Your mom is waiting outside," Artemis informed me smoothly.
"All right, see you Monday Janie," I said by way of good bye.
Artemis and I walked in silence to the car, and so went the ride home, I don't normally talk in the car. When we got home Artemis went straight to his room, while I started the kettle. In about fifteen minutes I had both of our tea ready and headed up to Artemis' room.
I gave a soft knock on his door before he answered with a, "Come in."
"Thought you might like some tea," I told him as I handed it over. Artemis was sitting on his bed with his notebook on his lap.
"Cerinthia," he began.
"Yeah," I replied after a sip of my Cinnamon Apple tea.
"How are you dealing with the loss of your family?" he asked me, not even attempting to hide his motives.
I stiffened for a second, "Could you send me home," I asked softly.
"That all depends on your answer," he replied with a sigh.
"If you can get me back," I began hesitantly, "Then I miss my family. If you can't, I have reconciled to the facts."
Artemis looked at me for a long time, "You miss them, don't you?" he asked gently.
I looked at him for a moment, trying to stem my tears; I mostly succeeded with the exemption of one silent tear that coursed down my face. I looked down, using my hair to shield my face.
Artemis silently searched my face, then he looked me straight in the eye, and "Why didn't you tell me" he asked softly.
"I didn't think there was a way for me to get back home." I replied with a watery smile.
Artemis looked at me for a long time before telling me; "I know how to get you back." ************************************************************************
A/N: Heheheh! That is the first cliffhanger in this entire story, and you can't blame me for it! It was just too good. But I PROMISE that tomarro will find a new chapter. On a different note, I am getting more and more shocked. People are giving ME reviews that contain the words humbled, liked, enjoyed, wonderful, and all in relation to me and my story! This isn't supposed to happen! I'm the one that gives the humbled reviews! When did this happen? (I like it, but I'm kinda shocked!) Anyway, I just thought I had to say that!
Sparrow(): I'm glad you like my story, I'm sure why, but you can praise it anyway! :D I hate Algebra too, it's my new sware word, doesn't, "Awe ALGEBRA," feel good? Alright, are you Sparrow cause of Pirates of the Carabean? That's alright, brain dead is a normal thing for me too. Keep reviewing.
Angelgirl10: The town history book is because Artemis always researches anywhere he goes, that's all. Nothing special, sorry. I agree that my story is getting weaker, hopefully this chapter is stronger, it is the first time in a long time that I can't wait till tomarro to right the next chapter! I would only get mad at your review if you said that I was a selfish bitch that didn't deserve to live, and meant it. I love that quote, I actually have one for you:
"It's not what the world holds for you, but what you bring to it."
"The dreams dearest to my heart are right here."
Both are from Anne of Avonlie. Hope you like them, I know I do.
Selena(): I'm sorry you won't see more of Janie and Artemis' friendship, it just wasn't flowing. I was worried about the brain dead thing, I wasn't sure if it wasn't Artemisy enough. Keep reviewing!
Anthony1234: I know what you mean about school being your life. Sometimes I think that our culture revolves too much around school and not enough around life's lessons. It's alright for you to be an inconsistant reviewer, I mean, look at me as an updater!
Eliza Star: Ah, my favorite reviewer! I'm glad you consider my compliment high praise, for it is. But don't feel humbled, fell uplifted! :D I am NOT going to make Janie evil or the LEP come in you GOOBER! (By the way Goober is the equivilent of silly goose, it's a good thing. Only people I respect are called goobers.) I'm sorry, but my story doesn't work that way! I'm glad you like my quote, I thought it was good too! Oh yeah, I rock :D! I hope you like the cliffhanger!
CleopatraK: I always like your reviews, and you really do need to UPDATE! (cough) I'm glad the Janie thingis satisfactory, I hope this chapter is too. And I know how you feel, I mean, I writer you really like ends up loving your story, go figure. (You're the writer I like!)