The next morning, Elena woke to find the sun shining straight into her eyes. She blinked a couple of times trying to adjust her eyes to the bright light. She stretched and slowly lowered her feet to the floor. Elena scanned the room. Her eyes stopped on the dresser. There was a note stuck to the mirror.

Elena glided over to the mirror very gracefully, her long strawberry blonde hair flowing behind her. She picked up the note.

Elena,

Meet me in the front room and 11 o’clock. Today I will explain what you job as the new maid will be. Don’t be late.

Mrs. Fowl

Elena glanced at the clock. It read 10:58. Crap, she thought as she rushed into the bathroom. She pulled her fingers through her hair, trying to make it look presentable.

Elena floated down the stairs, her feet barely touching the oak. Mrs. Fowl was standing at the bottom.

“Lena,” she said, beaming. “Did you get a good nights sleep?” Elena nodded.

“Good. Now I have a surprise for you,” Mrs. Fowl said, her face glowing with excitement.

“Oh no, Mrs. Fowl. You have already given me too much. I couldn’t possible accept anything else.” Elena said, shaking her head.

“Please, do this for me,” Mrs. Fowl pleaded. “I’ve always wanted a daughter, so please just humor me this once.” Elena sighed and nodded.

“Perfect,” Mrs. Fowl clapped her hands together. She grabbed Elena’s wrist and dragged her towards the front door.

“May I ask where we are going?” Elena said.

“We are going shopping!” Mrs. Fowl exclaimed. “You can’t just where that.” She gestured to Elena’s clothing. Elena looked down at herself. Her jean shorts were torn and muddy and her shirt was ripped and had a huge bloodstain down the left side.

Mrs. Fowl opened the door and pushed Elena into the limo waiting just outside. Mrs. Fowl got in the passenger’s seat. Artemis II was in there already. He shifted uncomfortably.

“Did your mother drag you along too?” Elena asked, as she sat on the opposite side of the teenage boy. Artemis nodded. Elena smiled slightly. At least I won’t have to go through this alone, she thought.



Artemis sat by the window, looking anywhere but the teenage girl sitting on the opposite side of the limo. She was staring out the window with her head resting lightly on her hand. He tried very hard not to stare at her. Stupid puberty, he though, looking out the window. The world rushed by in a blur.

Artemis let himself become lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly, he heard someone calling his name. He snapped back to reality.

“Artemis,” his mother said, sticking her head through the limo’s door. “We’re here. It’s time to get out.” Artemis sighed. He walked with his mother towards the giant clothing store.



Elena gasped as she walked through the front doors of the store. The place was huge.

“Well, come on,” Mrs. Fowl said walking towards the teenage girl section.

“Um, Mrs. Fowl?” Elena said as she caught up to her employer. “How am I going to pay for this? I haven’t even started working yet.” Mrs. Fowl laughed.

“I’m going to pay for it,” she said, waving her hand to show that it was no big deal.

“Oh no, I couldn’t possibly take your money,” Elena said.

“Lena,” Mrs. Fowl said, turning to face her. “As I said before, I have always wanted a daughter now please just go along with it. For me.” Elena nodded slowly.

Elena and Mrs. Fowl browsed through the clothes while Artemis sat on a bench by the dressing rooms with Butler at his side. Soon, Mrs. Fowl came back with an armful of clothes. She pushed Elena into a dressing room and handed her and outfit.