Chapter 13

Philosophee Part 1

RECAP:

I quickly purchased four stylish pairs. As soon as I had paid, Juliet was ushering me to the next store.

Holly's POV:

"You know what Arty says: Time is money." Juliet said when I told her to slow down.

"Because, Arty's always right." I said sarcastically.

"Well, he usually is and you have to admit it."

"Fine, but where to now?"

"There's this new store that I wanna check out. My friend owns it."

"What's it called?" I asked sacanning the names of the signs we were passing.

"Philosophee. spelled P-h-i-l-o-s-o-p-h-e-e."

"But that's not right." I countered.

"It's not supposed to be. It's a statement." Juliet rolled her eyes.

"Ahh, is she a hippie?" I asked intrigued. Hippies are some of the only people who still care about the planet. Of course, no one listens to them because of their stoning tendencies. (No offence to any hippie-like people.)

"The farthest thing from it." Juliet laughed. "She's cool though, you'll like her."

"Hopefully," I murmered. Let's be honest. I am in no way, shape, or form a people person. I like people, but they seem to take my 'can do' attitude as bossy or agressive. And sometimes, even violent. You can stop laughing now, I'm not violent.

"Ahhh, here it is." Juliet said pointing up at a sign. The sign was very tasteful. Philosophee was spelled out in bright white letters, and set against a black background. The bold letters were in a delicate and fancy cursive.

As we walked in there was a girl standing in the door. She waswhat you would describe as "typically Irish". She was pretty and pretty tall. Her wavy red hair reached her shoulders, and her eyes were bright green. her button nose was accentuated by the light dusting of freckles found there. It took me a moment to realize that she wasn't just loitering. That she actually worked there. Her t-shirt and jeans didn't seem like the type of outfit for an employee of a high-end fashion shop.

As we walked in, she handed us a pamphlet. The pamphlet was black with white writing, I was sensing a color scheme here. The pamphlet started out with the cursive design on the sign. It was mostly to explain the store and its aim. It read as follows:

Philosophy- the study of the basic nature and purpose of man, the universe, and life itself; A person's principles and beliefs.

What is Philosophee?

Philosophee- a freedom of expression A statement of your own individuality and personal belief without need or want of another's approval. A.K.A- freedom.

Here at Philosophee, we believe that clothes are the first step to further philisophical enlightenment. To know one's own purpose is to learn other's. We equip you with the tools and confidence to go out and solve the unsolvable universe.

What is a Philosopher?

Once you make it up in your mind to be a solution rather than a problem, you are a philosopher. When you enter our store and try to figure out what you need and want. When you know both philosopy and philosophee. When you decide to undertake the life-changing experience of self-discovery.

Philosopher- person who knows a great deal about philosopy(ee). Generally, try to answer questions about the nature of man and man's search for meaning in life.

Last Question:

Where will you find meaning in your life?

Now, I can't promise that it'll be here. But why not try here? Why not begin at this moment?

Philosophee

10:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. (Mon- Fri)

9:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m. (Sat)

2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. (Sun)

Questions: call 654-0128

The only picture on the pamphlet was an abstract painting on the front. To tell you the truth, the pamphlet seemed very convincing. I was actually looking forward to this one.

"Wow," I murmered.

"I know, wait till you see the inside." Juliet said dragging me towards the counter.

At the counter, stood a tall girl with milk chocolate skin. By tall, I meant amazonian. Her eyes were large and brown,framed by long lashes. I hadn't noticed how sharp her eyes were. They seemed to take in everything. Her hair was long, black, and curly. It was only held back by the headband on her head. The hair cascaded down her back in long waves. Her figure was curvy in a sensuous and sexy way. Many people would describe her as hour glassed or figure eight. In other words, this girl was a walking, talking, teenage fantasy.

I'm sure, she already has an opinion on me. I hope it's a good one, because this is not the woman you want to hate you. And frome what I could tell, she both hates and loves passionately.

"Shry," Juliet squealed. "I haven't seen you in forever." Shry. For some reason, that name bounced around in my head. Shry, why did it seem so familiar? It's like there's some wall in my mind blocking the information from me. It'll come to me, eventually.

"Is last week really forever, Juliet?" she asked flashing a smile and showing a set of dazzlingly white teeth.

"Hmph," Juliet huffed.

"Enough of the attitude." She admonished, looking at me for the first time. I saw her looking me up and down, sizing me up. It wasn't mean or hateful. She was just honestly curious. "I'm sorry for Juliet's lack of manners. You are?"

"Me?" I asked.

"Of course you." she grinned again. "You're the only one standing here."

"I'm Holinda. Holinda Briefs."

"My name's Shry." she said extending her hand. As soon as her hand touched mine, it was like an electric shock. I understood why I couldn't remember who she was . I had locked her name in a drawer. The Artemis drawer. This drawer was full of the recent dreams that had . Shry, the woman whom I had asked did Arty love. Uh-oh.

I glanced back at her still outstretched hand. I hadn't shaken yet. I grabbed it. Her hand was firm, yet surprisingly gentle. I guess it fit her, in a way.

"Nice to meet you." I smiled.

"You too." she replied.

"Hey, don't forget me." Juliet interjected.

"As if anyone could forget you." I giggled.

"Isn't that the truth?" Shry smiled again. "So, how do you know Juliet?"

Luckily Juliet jumped in and answered the question for me. "Oh, she's been my BFF forever."

"She's been your best friend forever, forever." she pondered. "But that's both illogical and impossible. If that were true then you wouldn't be friends now, because forever would have already passed." She said her pretty brow furrowed.

"Ugh, not another genius." I huffed, my head hurting form her logic.

"Haha, you caught me. I am a genius." Shry smiled.

"Well, at least you aren't annoying about it." I said to myself.

"Haha, I try not to be." She said. I could see that her smile was easy, once she was comfortable with you. She was the type of person that you have to like. In fact, I can feel myself starting to like her, already.

"Try and fail." Juliet murmered.

"Hey, how's Artemis doing?" she asked, effectively changing the subject.

"Oh, great. Brilliant as always." Juliet said, rolling her eyes.

"He hasn't called me in forever." She sighed. I knew he couldn't be 'talking' to her. Sure she was pretty, nice, and smart but she still wasn't his type.

"Oh, Artemis Fowl?" I asked. "Are you two close?"

"Yes, and close up to a point." She smiled. "We love to compare our lives and intelligence."

"Oh, so you're not... dating?" I asked nonchalantly.

"Of course, not." She laughed. "We're just friends. Why?" D'arvit. She could probably pick up on my tone. Stupid genii.

"Oh, just curious. You seemed to like him." I lied.

She laughed again. "Yes, I like him, but only as a friend. He's dating some Minerva girl."

"No way." Juliet interrupted. "He's dating this girl named Holly. Holly Short."

"Hmm, he never talks about her." Shry stroked her chin, trying to recall a moment when 'Holly' was brought up. Something in her words got to me. He doesn't talk about me, which I can believe, but does he talk about her?

"Yes, because Arty is totally the type to sit down and tell you all of his feeling."

Shry's laugh was loud and immediate. "Okay, I get your point," she giggled. "But why's Minerva telling the whole genius community that they're together?"

"Sher's delusional and well... crazy." I said. She looked at me a bit skeptically. As if genii can't be as crazy as the rest of us.

"No, she's right, Shry." Juliet nodded. "Minerva likes him, but Arty does not reciprocate."

"Huh, I can't wait to see how this plays out." she smiled in anticipation. "That Holly had better watch her back, there's nothing more dangerous than a genius scorned."

"Are you and Minerva friends?" I asked, hoping that she wasn't.

"No way, we don't run in the same circles. She's too stuck up to hang with me."

"Shry, I have a question. Please don't get upset or anything, but may I ask anyway?" I begged, wanting to know.

"Sure, i must admit, you have me totally curious now. So go ahead, ask me."

"You're a genius, right?" I asked warily.

"I was, last time I checked." she said fighting a smile while Juliet giggled. "It's the way I speak isn't it?" she asked.

"Well, yes. How did you know?"

"I get that a lot. I find that speaking in the vernacular or coloquisims are better, and make other people feel more comfortable with you. That's an important trait in my line of business, and something Artemis hasn't learned yet.

"Speaking of business..." I began.

"You're wondering why I'm working at a clothing store? Why am I not a scientist, doctor, etc?"

"Once again, yes." I admitted more than a littled creeped out.

"Well sure I could do those other things, but I like working here. People should realize that money isn't everything! It can't buy you love, happiness, or acceptance. And between my family and my business I do all right."

"Your family?" I asked.

"My family was.. is very wealthy. I got tired of being 'Mommy's little princess' So, I sta out on my own." She smiled lost in some old memory. "I've always loved fashion, and had a good business heas, so here I am. I still publish scientific papers in books. So, I'm doing great and I have the best of both worlds."

"That's... amazing." I said awestruck. "Umm, can I ask you just one more?" Usually I would never aske someone (especially a genius) this much. But Shry didn't seem adversed to questions like Arty and Minerva. Well, personal questions. Arty could talk your ear off about science or inventions.

"You just did." she laughed. "But yes, you may."

"You're like no other genius I've ever met. You're cheerful and... happy." I said astounded. "You talk so openly."

"Hmm, that's not a question, but I see your point. I guess it's just who I am. But, Holinda, don't be fooled I'm a good actress. I'm just as miserable as everyone else. I still have my share of regrets."

"You don't seem like you do."

"Holinda, Holinda." Sh tsked. "Don't you know that nothing is ever as it seems?"

"Isn't that the truth?" Juliet said eyeing me. To tell you the truth, I had forgotten that she was there. She had been so quiet, so un-Julietish. "You know i feel all out of it, abandoned."

Shry rolled her eyes. "Of course you do. Poor ba-by," she cooed.

"I think i may cry form the terrible treatment I have received." Juliet whimpered.

"Wanna borrow my hanky?" I asked grinning.

"haha, you two are something else" she said. "Now if I may ask a question?"

"Of course, you've answered all of mine." I shrugged. How bad could it be?

"Sure," Juliet inserted. Curious, or rather nosy.

"Well, did you guys come here for a reason or are you just here to talk?" She beamed.

Crap, shopping had gotten pushed way back. From the startled look on Juliet's face, I guess she had gotten too absorbed in the conversation. Oh well, we have plenty of time. "Well actually, Holinda's here to pick up some clothes for her boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?" Shry's ears immediately perked up. "Who?"

"His name is-" Juliet began, but I cut her off.

"His name is..." I said spouting out the first male name that came to my mind. "Trouble. His name is Trouble."

"Trouble, ooh, a bad boy. But what's his real name?" She asked.

"His real name is seriously Trouble. That's what his mother named him,"

"Oh cool." She smiled. "So is this for your anniversary or someting. Do you want, like, dressy clothes?"

"No way Juliet shook her head. "Just the opposite."

"What she means to say is that, Trouble always always wears suits or formal clothes." I lied knowing that I didn't mean Trouble at all "So we're looking for casual. Here's the list of what I need."

Author's Note:

Woo-hoo! Another chapter down. I hope you guys liked Shry, because she's me. Haha, a Mary-sue character. Anyway, I hope to update this soon. Keep reading and I'll keep next chapter will include more fun with Shry. Remember to review.

Remember: Reviews= happy camper. Happy camper= quicker updates. Quicker updates= you reading more. It's a cycle keep it going!

Yours truly, madly, and deeply

Einstinette