I can already feel the bad karma rising within me. I've been writing here and there, I feel horrible. But if I didn't write I'd feel worse so ON WITH IT.
Regards, Noodle
Nothing happened for a few days at Fowl Manor. Shawn was still sick from all of that candy Stephanie had given him, Stephanie couldn't think of any fake pirate adventures to act out and Artemis' computer had crashed so he had to fix it. Artemis was very, very cranky during that time. Stephanie dared not enter his room, for she feared that her fingers might be bitten off.
Because this period of time was so boring, I will tell you a tale that isn't boring. Once upon a time, Stephanie was exploring when she found some floor wax. She concocted a plan of fun-time and possible injury. She waxed all of the floors in her corridor and put on some of her pajamas. After getting a good start and running across the floor at a high velocity, Stephanie fell and slid all the way to the end of the hallway. While doing so, Butler happened to be walking by. Stephanie ran into his feet and Butler was taken down. Stuck in a big flesh pile, both of the bounced off of the wall and started going to in the opposite direction. They screamed all the way down the corridor, horrified and excited at the same time. It was like a roller coaster! Finally they slammed into the wall and came to a complete stop. Butler got up and staggered away, confused and dazed, while Stephanie lay on the floor laughing uncontrollably.
That was the before Artemis finally got his computer fixed and everything was fine and dandy with him. He decided to spend the day with Stephanie doing whatever they could think of. Stephanie even suggested that they do what she did the day before. Artemis was forced to accept. He ended up with a bruise and Stephanie ended up being tickled as punishment.
Later that night the sat outside to watch the stars hang over their heads. They talked about random topics and at one point Artemis explained how black holes function. Stephanie tried to understand a word he said and failed miserably.
After a short silence, Artemis asked, "Would you sing for me?"
"Hm?" Stephanie sat up.
"I said, would you sing for me?"
Stephanie gave him a 'What-the-heck?" look. "…Why?"
"I like your voice," Artemis said simply.
"Err, okay," Stephanie obliged. "What do you want me to sing?"
"You choose, I don't care."
Stephanie chose the song "Held" by Natalie Grant, another song she had heard on the radio a few days back and started to sing. Artemis felt the same way he had the night he first heard the girl sing, except the feeling was deeper this time. Maybe it was the choice of song, Artemis didn't know (for once). He just wanted to be closer to Stephanie. This was all so mysterious to him.
Stephanie finished, her voice fading into the night.
"Wow." Artemis said, at a complete loss for words, except for that one simple phrase.
Stephanie blushed, thankful for the encasement of the darkness.
Suddenly, music drifted from the highest room of the tallest, erm, floor? Oh, manor story. Whatever.
The song was Don't Let Go; it went something like this:
I can't believe this moment's come
It's so incredible that we're alone
(AN: Hey, Shawn's not here!)
There's so much to be said and done
It's impossible not to be overcome
(AN: Now that we think about it, it's true)
Will you forgive me if I feel this way
Cuz we've just met - tell me that's okay
(AN:Oh my gosh. Hey, it's true.)
So take this feeling'n make it grow
Never let it - never let it go
(AN: They probably will.)
(Don't let go of the things you believe in)
You give me something that I can believe in
(AN: Artemis gave Stephanie hope to live on land, so, it's true.)
(Don't' let go of this moment in time)
Go of this moment in time
(AN: Hey, they're getting closer to each other.(
(Don't let go of things that you're feeling)
I can't explain the things that I'm feeling
(Don't' let go)
No, I won't let go
Now would you mind if I bared my soul
If I came right out and said you're beautiful
Cuz there's something here I can't explain
I feel I'm diving into driving rain
You get my senses running wild
I can't resist your sweet, sweet smile
So take this feeling'n make it grow
(AN: Like a weed!)
Never let it - never let it go
Chorus:
I've been waiting all my life
To make this moment feel so right
The feel of you just fills the night
So c'mon - just hold on tight
(AN: Okay. ;D)
As they were listening to the song (even though they had no idea why it was on) they had gotten nearer to each other. And just as Artemis and Stephanie were leaning closer and closer to a kiss, Shawn pops out from behind a tree. (AN: We spoke t soon.)
"Ah ha ha! I caught you trying to steal my woman! I'm telling your mother!" Shawn continued in this manner until Stephanie threatened to toss a tremendous rock at his head. He ran back into the manor after promising to keep his trap shut.
"Well then," Artemis said, straightening up. "That was quite embarrassing."
"Really now?"
"Don't you use sarcasm with me."
"Wanna see me try?"
"Yah!" Artemis started tickling Stephanie's sides.
"Stop, this is not amusing!" Stephanie giggled.
"Really? You seem to be laughing."
"I thought you knew how that whole thing worked, Mr. Genius."
This went on for a while until Butler told them what time it was.
Ten o' clock.
Thus, they had to go to bed, however that night they could hardly get to sleep. They thought of each other too much.
When Stephanie did get to sleep, though, she soon wished, desperately, that she hadn't.
Stephanie stood in a white room in her pajamas, her eyes closed. She could feel nothing around her and no presence of any human life. It gave her chills; she had no idea where she was.
Suddenly a wave of cold hit her. In surprise she gave a sharp gasp and opened her eyes. Ben stood in front of her looking just like Artemis, only blonde flecks still littered his hair. He looked deadly serious.
"I know you are trying to get away, Stephanie," he said calmly. "I know you've been getting attached to that boy, Artemis. I also know he likes you, too."
"He-he does?" Stephanie gulped.
"Ha! Of course. After tonight how could it not be obvious? It won't be obvious for long, though." Ben stepped forward.
As if the were beginning a dance, Stephanie stepped back. "And why not?"
"Because he won't love you any longer, once I'm done here." He stepped forward once more.
"What do you want?" Stephanie asked in a tone that showed her fear. She couldn't move or think. She wanted to, she needed to, but she wasn't able. She was too scared of what might happen or what Ben might say.
Ben chuckled under his breath. Then he whispered:
"I want you."
In one sudden movement Ben had grabbed Stephanie's wrist and pulled her close, as if to kiss her. Before he got the chance to…
Stephanie sat up rigid, sweating and panting. It had all felt so real to her: Fear, fury, confusion, all of it. The room, the situation, Ben's touch.
She looked at the wrist Ben grabbed. A pewter charm bracelet hung around it, gleaming in the moonlight that shone through the window. Charms shaped like hearts and flowers hung from the chain.
It was all real.
Hurriedly, Stephanie jumped out of bed, pulled off the bracelet and threw it in the top drawer of her dresser. She slammed it shut. Hard.
Artemis noticed that Stephanie looked tired the next morning. He asked if she felt alright.
"I think I might have caught a chill," she lied, "from how cold it was last night. I couldn't sleep."
Artemis looked concerned. "Do you need any medicine?"
"No. I'm alright." She shook her head. "It will probably go away by this afternoon."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure, Artemis. Thank you, though."
For the rest of the day Artemis noticed that Stephanie was rather shy and jumpy. This wasn't like her at all. Usually she was bubbly and open with anyone, but now….
It concerned Artemis thoroughly. He had suspicion that she was lying about her "chill". Maybe she had an odd dream that scared her, thought Artemis. Then again, she would've told me about it if it was a dream.
What if it's something happening in reality?
4/17/06
This is getting really frustrating, this Ben thing. He's trying to keep Artemis away, make him stop feeling the way he does. I don't know how he's going to do it, but he said he would. He also said he wanted me. I don't even know him, or do I? What if he's someone from home?
Nah, it couldn't be. I don't know any boys that are blonde or that fond of me. In that combination, I mean. Then again, he could be in disguise over a disguise.
Oh, it's all so maddening! I'm going to go insane! My only hopes now are that Ben leaves me alone and Artemis doesn't find this entry…
Well, this is shameful. We haven't been writing as much as we used to. Are we running out of ideas? No, we can't be! Can we…?
Uh-oh.
Regards, a Fearful Noodle