Stone Heart

Chapter Four, An Insight into Trouble's Emotions

Disclaimer: Look, if I owned Artemis Fowl and Eoin Colfer's other characters, do you really think I would be writing fan fiction? Wouldn't it be classed as original fiction?

I do own Lissy though. She's mine. All mine.


Kelp Family Apartment

Trouble stared at the phone in his hand. It seemed as if his life wasn't worth living anymore. It was all down to Jennifer. She had taken Holly and Amber, the two people he loved most in the world, away from him.

He replaced the phone into its cradle, and toyed with the idea of going to sleep. However he knew that sleeping alone wouldn't help his mood in the slightest, do he made a strong mug of coffee and sat down on the sofa.

He must've dozed off, because he was awoken to the sound of the doorbell ringing. His first thought was, it's Holly.

It wasn't Holly. It was Lissy.

The dark haired pixie stood solemnly on the doorstep, a blank expression displayed on her face.

Trouble's heart sank. All his hope melting, like ice cubes on a hot summer's day.

"Oh. Lissy, er, come in."

Lissy almost felt sorry for him, as she walked into the hallway. Almost. "I've come to collect Holly's things." She explained, her voice drained of any emotion.

Trouble nodded, shutting the door. "Do you want me to sort them out for you?"

Lissy shrugged, "If you want to. I'll do Amber's then."

The pair headed into separate rooms. Lissy went about things in an orderly way. Going through drawers and selecting articles of clothing and various other things that belonged to the small girl.

Trouble on the other hand, knew exactly what Holly would want, and where everything was kept. He piled Holly's LEPrecon uniforms on the bed, beside various items of clothing and belongings. He folded them neatly into a bag and then, seeing Lissy was still occupied, went to tidy himself up. After washing and shaving, he pulled on a clean, casual, cream shirt and denims. He rolled up his shirt sleeves undid the top three buttons. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror. He'd pass.

Something on the living room table caught his eye. A small, slightly crumpled drawing. The drawing that Amber had done the previous day. He picked it up, looking at it, fondly. The words "My Family" were printed across the top in Amber's barely legible handwriting.

Trouble swallowed. He doubted they'd ever be a family again. A tear slid, silently down his cheek, dripping onto the paper. Blurring the green crayon Amber had used on her outfit.

"Are you Okay?" Lissy asked, having walked up behind him without him noticing.

He turned to face her. "If you want the truth, then no, I'm not. He thrust the drawing back onto the table, and then sank into the cushions of the sofa, his head resting in his hands.

Lissy did feel sorry for him then. She put down Amber's bag and sat next to him.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" She asked, in her natural easy-going way.

Trouble turned his head to look at her. "Back when I was younger, I never though I'd ever love anyone. I can remember seeing people crying over relationship break up's and thinking, why are they so upset, it's not the end of the world.

But my plans went wrong. I met Holly and I fell in love with her. She was, and still is the most amazing person I've ever met. That's why I married her. That's why I fathered her child. She was the only thing I ever cared about, and now she's gone. I've ruined everything we had together."

He went on to explain what really happened the night before.

"She didn't give me a chance to explain. But that's not her fault. I wouldn't have given me a chance to explain either. But I didn't mean to hurt her. I miss her so much it's unbelievable. I just want her back. To hold her, and tell everything's okay."

Lissy had listened carefully to Trouble. When he'd finished she smiled at him. "She loves you too, you know. That's why she's upset. She doesn't want to see you right now. She doesn't want to see anyone. I left her at home with Amber. Amber's fine, she doesn't seem to understand what's going on. She thinks you're just out at work."

Trouble sighed. "I take it Holly couldn't face her shift today?" He asked, genuinely concerned over his wife's well being.

Lissy shook her head. "No, she got me to ring in for her. To say she was sick." She checked her moonometer, "Look, I'd better go. Is there a message you want me to give her?"

Trouble picked up the picture. "Give her this. Tell her I love her, and I'm sorry. There's no point in trying to tell her what happened, she won't listen."

He watched her leave, taking all traces of hope with her.


A/N: Awwwwwwww, poor Trouble. Now I know everyone's going to be mad with me for not updating in ages, and then updating a chapter that is devoid of any useful information. I'm sorry, but I thought it was important to express Trouble's feelings. Anyway let me know what you think. REVIEW!

Keep smiling.