Chapter 9 – Met on the Wrong Foot

Spear Mansion, Helena's room

Helena has just been informed by her parents that they will be visiting a certain Fowl Manor the following week to visit their old friends. Oh boy, one reunion coming right up. They also said that these friends of theirs had a son, and that this boy is not like other boys. He is a genius. A genius. Great. Now we have a lot in common, she thought. Maybe that guy looks like a nerd, with large glasses and a freckly face, and babbling about nonsensical things. Eeew! She told herself. Then again, maybe not. Maybe he's this cool and handsome guy. A true gentleman. The man of her dreams. But in reality, her heart was wishing for someone else. Someone far from a gentleman. Someone she met just a few days ago. And she hoped that wish would come true.

Meanwhile, Artemis Fowl was bothered by their upcoming visitors. He heard of the Spears, alright. They are one of the top five richest Irish families. But, he was rather intrigued by their daughter, Helena. She is to be the third girl he will see in the manor aside from his Mother and Juliet. But I don't want to see any other girl, he concluded. Well, maybe the hazel-eyed beauty he met at the café would be an exception. She had a very strong personality. Artemis likes that in girls. And she's beautiful too. When will I see her again? He asked himself, his heart full of longing.

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Fowl Manor, a week later

The Spears drove through the avenue to the Fowl Manor in their elegant black limousine at around 3 in the afternoon. The Fowls led them graciously to their home.

"Agnes! Victor! I'm glad you could come," Angeline greeted.

"We haven't seen each other for quite sometime," Artemis Senior continued.

"It's a pleasure to be here at your house," Victor reciprocated. Then he noticed Artemis Junior. "Is he your boy?" he asked, smiling.

"Our one and only," his mother said.

Artemis greeted the guests. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Spear."

"As is ours," Agnes replied.

"Where is your daughter? We are anxious to meet her." Angeline's eyes were twinkling.

"She's still outside, I suppose, exploring," Agnes began, "that girl's a free spirit. And a strong personality too." She smiled.

"Did you say strong?" Angeline winked at Artemis, who just rolled his eyes. "It is the same with my little Arty."

"Mother, I am hardly a 'little' boy anymore."

"Are you really?" Angeline continued to smile mischievously.

"Helena does not like to be accused of being a little girl too." Agnes said. "What a perfect match." She and Angeline laughed.

Perfect match? Artemis asked himself. He didn't have a clue. Just then, his eyes stopped on the beautiful lady by the door. At the same time, that lady was looking at him too. Then both their eyes widened. At first, anger filled them, only to be replaced immediately by their good nature.

"You?" they said in unison.

"You know each other?" Victor asked.

"Yes, Father," Helena began. "We met at a café in the mall."

"That's very good then," Artemis Senior said. "Arty, why don't you take Helena for a walk at the grounds? We'll call you when dinner's ready."

Artemis heartbeat went faster at the moment. "Yes, Father." He said after a while. He led Helena outside the house and into the vast garden. Before they leave altogether, they heard their parents say, "They really look good together". And that put a smile on their lips.

They haven't said each other for a while. They were just strolling, eyes in the opposite direction. Helena glanced at her outfit. She wore a white skirt that fell to her knees, and an orange blouse. She tied her hair in a customary half ponytail with a bow. Am I cute or what? She smiled to herself.

Meanwhile, Artemis glanced at Helena's outfit. She looks good in her dress, he admitted. Maybe it will be a good idea to know her better. He took the initiative and spoke.

"So, uhh, about that thing at the café," he stuttered. "I'm sorry. I have been, uhh, rude." He mentally admonished himself for saying 'uhh'. For heaven's sake, it wasn't even a word.

"It's ok," Helena said. "Maybe I should also apologize. For my actions."

"You are forgiven. Friends?" he held out his hand.

Helena took it. "Deal. Friends."

They smiled at each other and blushed. Without them knowing it, the seeds of love began to sprout, ready to blossom on both of them.

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a/n: done! Now that Artemis and Helena knew each other? Where would their relationship come to? Please continue to review. Thanks!