The Boy, The Girl, and The Game (Artemi Panarin)

Sweet Home Chicago

-Artemis POV-

Chicago. My home for the past year, and hopefully many many more. I walk the oh-so familiar path up to my place before digging out my keys and unlocking door. I get all my stuff back into my old apartment, dropping it all on the floor and go to look out the window. The buildings still stood strong and the city was buzzing with life, just like I remembered. I now walk among millions of people throughout this city as one of them, just trying to make it in this country.

As I unpack my bags I reflect on what's happened since I was here last. Off season training, traveling, some spiritual reflection, and most recently the World Cup of Hockey. We didn't win, but we still did our nation proud. If you want to get kicked out of a hockey tournament you want to be kicked out by Canada, right?

I get all my things packed away and walk to the fridge to see it was completely empty. Then I remember I just moved back so it would be weird if there were food in there. After much contemplation I grab my keys and shoes decide to head to a grocery store.

After walking around Walgreens for a while I realize two things. One, coming here for groceries wasn't the best idea and two, even if I got food I wouldn't know how to fix it.

I stand with a pack of sliced cheese in one hand and shredded in the other. I look between the two, not really sure what the difference was. I mean one has a few ounces more but that's all I got. I could more than afford the both of them, but that's not the point.

As I stand there clueless someone parks their cart next to me and begin to browse. They grab some cheese, seeming so confident in their choice while I approach 10 minutes without a decision.

"Can I ask you a question about cheese" I laugh, not even surprised I'm about to have this conversation.

"Well you're asking the right girl" the woman laughs with me.

"Great, so I don't really cook, which one..." I trail off finally meeting her face to face. She had the brightest blue eyes I have ever seen and light freckles across her nose. I don't think she was wearing a speck of make up mostly because she doesn't need it. Her long blonde hair fell to her hips framing her petite body. She looked like she worked out at least twice a day, yet so gentle at the same time. Her lips remained in a smile as she waited for me to continue but I honestly forgot what I was saying. "I totally forgot what I was going to ask" I say honestly, starting to form a blush.

"I believe we were on the topic of cheese" she says pointing at the contents in my hands.

"Right, I wasn't sure which cheese to get. Or if it made a difference" I say trying to focus but find myself still lost in her eyes.

"Well, I suggest getting a block of cheese. If you have a grater at home you can shred it or make your own slices. It's a little more multi-functional" she says pointing to yet another type of cheese.

I shake my head and pick it up. I don't know why but I trusted her. "You know a lot about cheese" I comment studying the new cheese in my hand.

"I know a lot about a lot of things" she comments picking up a few other things.

"Is that so" I challenge not wanting her to leave just yet.

"Yeah. I know who you are and what you've done for this city" she smirks grabbing her cart and heading down the isle. I toss the cheese in my basket and follow her.

"Wait, what's your name" I yell trying to catch up with her. She looks at the types of noodles and studies them carefully.

"Annabelle. You can call me Anna or Belle or whatever you please" she says smiling up at me. She was so perky, kinda weird considering we were still in the heart of Chicago.

"Tell me about yourself Annabelle" I pry, following her around the store. She goes to the chips isle and looks around.

"Lets see... I'm 23, I enjoy the small things life has to offer, my favorite thing to do is give, and I'm currently writing a book" she finishes.

A book? What is she writing about at the age of 23? "What your book about" I ask still trailing her like a dog. She helps a little old lady bag her things and returns to her cart.

"It's about sports, about life, lessons that each one teaches" she shrugs loading her things on the conveyor belt.

"That's actually really cool. When can I read it" I ask knowing this conversation is coming to an end.

"Soon. No set date, but soon" she states.

She pays for her things and whispers in the cashiers ear before pointing at me and smiling. The cashier nods taking something from her before she struts away.

"Wait! When... when can I see you again" I ask.

"Life works in mysterious ways Mr. Panarin. I'll see you around" she concludes walking out.

I place my things in the conveyor belt, trying to figure out what just happened to me. The lady packs my bag and sends a smile. "Thank you sir have a nice day" she says handing me my stuff.

"But I haven't paid for anything" I reply raising my eyebrow.

"That young lady comes here a lot, she always gives a $100 and I punch it in for as far as it goes. You're more than paid for" she replies with a smile. I nod and head out trying to figure out if this girl was real or not.

Halfway home I realize I didn't actually get any groceries so I ordered pizza and prepared for first practice tomorrow.