Chapter Nine
Disclaimer: I don't own Artemis Fowl.
A/N: This is the last chapter, the end of an era.
Holly's brain was buzzing with different thoughts. The pros and cons of her and Troubles relationship.
Then the nurse was back, calling them into her office.
"The biological mother is Holly Kelp," she glanced at Holly, "And, we have genetic proof that the father is Trouble Kelp."
Trouble smiled, but Holly's expression didn't change. She walked calmly out of the room without saying a word. Foaly was deep in conversation with Amber, but stopped instantly when he saw Holly. "Is it ok?" He asked, trotting up to her, and putting an arm around her neck. She nodded. "I want some air, I'll be outside."
Trouble saw her go and followed. "Holly, wait!"
Holly turned around, "Yes?"
"Look, why don't you come home for dinner tonight? To let me explain. Leave Amber with Lissy." Trouble gazed at her, willing her to answer.
Holly swallowed, should she or shouldn't she?
What harm would it do, just giving him a chance to explain? "Ok, I'll be there."
Trouble nodded, resisting the urge to smile, "Thanks Holly, you don't know how much this means to me. Come round at about eight thirty, is that Ok?"
Holly nodded, "I'll be there."
Holly and Trouble's Apartment, Haven City
Trouble glanced at the clock, 7.45. He'd just put the vegetable risotto in the oven, so he had plenty of time to get ready before Holly got here, if she actually came at all. He cleaned the kitchen table, placing two white candles on its surface. Then he showered, and changed into an open collar cream shirt and chestnut brown trousers. He checked his appearance in the mirror, Holly had always accused him of being vain, but this time, he just wanted to look good for his wife.
Holly walked up the last flight of stairs to their apartment. She wasn't sure she'd done the right thing, although Lissy assured her she had. So here she was, outside her own front door. She rang the bell.
Trouble went to the door, pulling it open. Holly stood on the doorstep looking self-conscious.
Holly stared at him; he was gorgeous. Get a grip on yourself girl, she told herself.
Trouble stood back, letting Holly pass. She was beautiful. She was wearing black jeans and a three-quarter length green shirt.
Trouble shut the door "Do you want a drink Holly?"
Her hazel eyes glanced at him, "Nothing alcoholic please Trouble, I have bad enough pressure headaches as it is."
Trouble nodded, "It's probably stress."
Holly raised an eyebrow, "since when have you been an agony aunt!" She laughed. "What's that smell?"
"D'Arvit!" Trouble swore "The risotto." He dashed to the kitchen, smoke was leaking out from the oven. He grabbed heatproof gloves and wrenched open the door, pulling the risotto dish out. "It was only supposed to be in there for twenty minutes." He looked at the black mess in the bowl.
Holly leant on the work top, weak with laughter, "And I thought you were a talented cook!" She grinned, "How long has it been cooking anyway?"
Trouble blushed, emptying the contents of the bowl into the recycler, "About 45."
Holly laughed again, she picked up the phone, "If in doubt, ring for a take out."
Twenty minutes later the pair were eating cheese and tomato pizza.
Trouble had lit the candles and the scene was almost romantic.
Holly swallowed her mouthful, "Hey Trouble, can I just ask, what did happen between you and Jennifer?"
"Nothing. She forced herself on me, I swear." He paused, watching Holly eat. "Look, Holls, I'm really sorry about the Amber thing. Deep down I knew she was mine, but you know how the newspapers alter your judgement."
Holly nodded, "Uh huh."
"If only we had proof that she was the one who thought up that lie, then we could take her to court."
"It's lucky we don't," Holly said, "Otherwise she'd just stir up more trouble."
Trouble nodded, Holly was right. He reached into the pocket of his trousers, pulling out a small box. He passed it to Holly.
Her gave him a quizzical look, before opening the box. It was her wedding ring; she'd recognise it anywhere.
"Please Holly, give me one more chance." Trouble stared at her pleadingly.
Holly plucked the ring from the box, twisting it in her palm. "It won't be the same."
Trouble's eyes saddened, his heart sank.
Holly watched him; she felt a wave of sympathy for him, then a rush of love. "But I guess it could be better. We'll have to wait and see."
A/N: People, this is the end, but, there is a very short epilogue that I will only post if I get 70 reviews altogether for this fic, so get reviewing!
