Sorry, this is a super short chapter, but it's just the way it has to be. If i have time I'll post another before the night's out, but we'll see...
The Holly Short in question was pacing her apartment in the Lower Elements only hours before, desperately trying to come up with an easy answer to her dilemma. She had known the time would come when she would have to pick between her life in Haven and Artemis Fowl. She just didn't expect it to be so soon.
There has to be a better answer! she yelled at herself. There just has to be!
She didn't want to leave the LEP, but she missed Artemis like heck. It was the worst idea she'd ever had, falling in love with a Mud Man. But she just couldn't imagine spending the rest of her life with anyone but Artemis.
Trouble was always trying to get her to spend time with him, but she thought of the commander as a big brother, nothing more. It always felt wrong when she was with him now. He was always trying to become more than friends and it just wasn't right with Holly. She wanted Artemis.
She stopped her pacing and stood in the middle of the apartment, having the sudden urge to hit something. Maybe she would go find Mulch or Foaly.
Why don't you go talk to Foaly? questioned her subconscious. Ask him about growth hormones and implants. Ask him how to become human.
Holly yelled and slammed her fists against the closest wall. She had less than three days to decide. Why had she even given herself such a deadline?
Because Artemis needs an answer, she answered herself. I can't do this to him anymore. Finn either. He's going to grow up without a mother and it will be all my fault.
Holly stared at the wall in front of her, tears dripping down her cheeks. Where is my mother when I need her?
And now Finn had magic too. Curse Foaly's machines. Holly was going to give him a piece of her mind next time she saw him. However, there were bigger issues at hand.
I wonder if Artemis is having a hard time with Finn. I seem to recall that most fairy children are more than a bit stubborn. She couldn't leave Artemis with a magical child and expect him to be able to deal with it.
He knows about magic though, she countered herself. He had it once himself. He should know about it, be able to help Finn.
But there was so much Artemis couldn't teach him. He wasn't a fairy and he didn't have any of that magic left.
Holly couldn't decide if she was winning or losing her own argument. She knew for a fact that Artemis needed help, that much was undeniable. But could Holly really leave her life in the LEP and become human? Give up her long, elfin life for a short, human one? Would she even still have magic?
Holly flopped back on her bed and stared at the ceiling. What to do? She stood up again. She hadn't made a decision yet, but she needed some advice. She would go talk to Foaly.