Stone Heart
Chapter Three
Disclaimer: Look, you know the drill. I don't own Artemis and his fellow characters, so on and so forth. Okay?
A/N: For anyone out there who cares (i.e. not a lot!) I have reached the grand age of 14. At last. I had a great birthday. So as a special treat for everyone, I thought I'd give you an update.
Thank you for everyone's opinions on this fic. I still need more advice though, so keep reviewing with comments, suggestions and constructive criticism.
Downtown Haven City, The Lower Elements
Holly leant against a wall, resisting the urge to cry. Barely. She felt so alone. Technically she had Amber for company, but the small girl was asleep in Holly's arms, and was too young to understand what was going on anyway.
Holly sighed, looking at her daughter sadly. It didn't seem fair that she didn't have a decent father. But it didn't seem fair that she didn't have a decent husband. That was life, she supposed.
A passing sprite leered at her. "You all right Miss?" he asked her, "Do you want somewhere to stay?"
Holly looked at him, "No," she said abruptly. Then remembering her manners; "Thank you anyway. But I'm going to stay with my friend."
The sprite walked off, his nose out of joint.
It was then that it dawned on her; she could go and stay with her friend. After all, it was either that or sleep on the street, and that was not something Holly would let her daughter endure.
The Kelp family apartment, Haven City
Trouble was going out of his mind with worry. There was nothing he could do to change her mind. He had had to watch her leave, taking their daughter, and his heart, with her.
Of course, he could've followed her, but that would've made her even angrier.
But now, over two hours had passed, and the two people he loved most under the world were missing. And was to blame.
Downtown Haven City
Lissy Westrem was lying flat out on her sofa, nose buried in a book. She had just finished the third chapter when the doorbell rang. She dragged herself to her feet, and padded across the room to the door.
She was surprised to see Holly, cradling Amber, standing on her doorstep. Especially since it was gone eleven at night and Holly usually phoned before coming to see her.
"Holly?" her voice was tinged with concern, her best friend looked awful. "What's wrong? Look, come in." She stepped back, allowing her to pass.
"Oh Lis!" she cried, when her friend had shut the door. "Everything's ruined. My life especially."
"Sit down Holly." She pushed her friend gently onto the sofa, sitting down next to her. "Now tell me what's happened. It can't be that bad, have you talked to Trouble?"
Holly twisted round to face her friend, crossing her legs, and letting Amber snooze in her lap. She took a breath. "I can't talk to Trouble. It's all his fault."
Lissy frowned, Trouble seemed nice enough to her. But then again, you never know what happened behind closed doors. "Frond, he hasn't hit you has he?"
Holly shook her head. "I was working two hours over time, for being late."
Lissy nodded.
"When I got back, Trouble was home, I knew he would be. And he was." A lump welled in her throat. "He was, kissing Jennifer." She managed to choke out the words, just before more tears started falling.
Lissy swore something unrepeatable under breath. She jumped up and went to comfort her friend. "That's it Holls, let it all out." She put an arm around her shoulders. "You and Amber can stay here as long as you want. You can have my spare room."
Holly smiled at her friend appreciatively. "Thanks Lis. I don't know what I'd do without you!"
Lissy grinned. "Why don't you have an early night, hmm? You'll feel better in the morning. Now have you got any spare clothes?"
Holly shook her head. "No I haven't got anything. I just wanted to get out of there."
Lissy nodded. "I understand. You can borrow a pair of my pyjamas for tonight. I can go round to your apartment tomorrow when you're at work to pick up some of your things. Amber will have to manage for tonight though."
At the mention of her name, Amber snuffled in her sleep. The pair smiled at her.
"Now, come on Holls, I'll show you your room."
When Lissy had got Holly settled, she picked up her phone and punched in Holly's home number.
It was answered on the second ring.
"Hello?" Trouble's voice sounded urgent.
"Trouble, its Lissy…"
Lissy. Holly's pixie friend. He sounded disappointed when he spoke again. "Oh. Hey Lissy. I'm afraid Holly's not here right now…"
"I know that. She's with me." Lissy cut across Trouble.
Trouble breathed a sigh of relief. At least she was safe. "How is she? Can I speak to her?"
"She's fine, considering what you've put her through. And no, you can't talk to her. She and Amber are sleeping. I only called to let you know they were safe." And with that, Lissy slammed down the phone.
Trouble was about to speak when the phone went dead. Lissy had hung up on him. But Holly and Amber were safe. That was all that mattered. Wasn't it?
A/N: Ok, please review. It's not that hard, really it isn't. I want your opinions. Come on, it won't take a second.
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