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

Special Visit

-Annabelle's POV-

I sit by myself in the waiting room of the hospital and try to find ways to pass time. Tyler was in surgery and Artemi was at practice so it was just me, myself, and I for a while, but I'm used to it. Actually preferred it that way. I've always been the independent type, never needed much to make me happy. I find a coloring book I assume is for children but don't hide my drawing. I used to be so artistic but I let that part of me go, I miss it. It's about noon now, I've been here since 5 am and he's been in surgery since 7 so I've had a lot of time to think. As I concentrate on making this drawing a lot harder than it needs to be I didn't notice a little girl come and sit next to me.

"You're really good at drawing" a little voice says and look up to see the prettiest pair or brown eyes and a nice smile.

"Why thank you, and what might your name be" I ask steering away from the drawing.

"My name is Peyton and I'm this many" she replies holding up 5 fingers.

"Wow, so you must be really smart" I reply as she crawls in my lap. I look around for her parents and can't seem to find them anywhere so I let her chill.

"I'm already in preschool" she states proudly and I let out a laugh as her curly brown hair bounces around. "What's your name" she asks studying my picture.

"Annabelle" I say and her eyes light up.

"Are you a Disney princess" she asks and I almost let out a awe.

"No, more of a creative type" I say and she nods. I'm not sure if she actually understands but I let it go. "So why are you here" I ask curious to why no one was responsible for her.

"My mommy is in the hospital and daddy is waiting for her to come out" she says so innocently.

"Can I tell you something" I ask looking into her innocent brown eyes and she nods. "I'm scared. My brother is in surgery and I don't know what's going to happen" I say holding her tight.

"I think that he'll be okay" she says softly beginning to play with my hair. Sometimes I wish I was able to have such trust in people like this girl does.

"Why is that" I ask.

"Because every princess has a happily ever after" she says looking up at me.

"But I'm not a princess" I argue with a small laugh.

"You are to me" a deep voice echoes throughout the empty room and I see Artemi walking towards me.

"Is he your Prince Charming" she asks pointing to Artemi.

"He's even better than that" I smile as he sits next to me.

"Who do we have here" he ask poking her sides causing her to giggle.

"They is Peyton and she is 5" I say as Artemi picks up my coloring page.

"You do this" he asks looking at me.

"I had a lot of free time okay" I laugh as he sets it down. A man walks down the hallway screaming for Peyton and I pick her up and bring her to him with Artemi behind me.

"I think I have someone for you" I say with a smile and he lets out a breath.

LI am so sorry, I hope she's been good" he says.

"She's been wonderful. Actually helpful" I say and he smiles. Artemi steps from behind me and the man nearly drops the girl.

"Prince Charming" she cheers and Artemi sends her a wink.

"You're Artemi Panarin" the man whispers and Art sticks out his hand.

"I am, and you are" he trails off before the man takes his hand.

"Kyle. Kyle Adams" he says.

"Nice to meet you Kyle. Well you know who I am, and this is my wonderful girlfriend Annabelle" he says before we shake hands. We talk for a little before Peyton rubs here eyes and starts to drift off.

"It was a pleasure meeting you but I think squirt here needs a nap. My wife will freak when she finds out I met you though" he says.

We say our goodbyes before heading back to the waiting room. It was almost four now and I had already taken a nap and drew some more.

"You know, I really do think you're a princess" Artemi says across from the table as we both sit on the floor coloring.

"How so" I challenge because I don't see it.

"Well for starters you're super intelligent, you have different ways of helping people and that makes you special. You can give without even lifting a finger and people respect you. Worship you even. You look kind enough to approach as a total stranger without a problem yet you won't take shit from anyone. I don't know, you just seem like someone created you out of a Disney movie and now you're here" he shrugs.

"Wow... I didn't know you felt this way" I say looking in his eyes.

"Well yeah. I think the world of you" he says before sticking out his tongue to focus on the drawing. I giggle at his focused face and he shakes his head.

"Annabelle Davis" a nurse says and I shoot up. She comes over and Artemi joins my side. "Your brothers surgery went well. It took so long just because of where the tumor was but it was a lot less serious than initially thought. He'll be awake in a hour or two and I'll come get you when he's up" she informs us and I let out a breath. We sit on the couch and his fingers lace through mine as I rest my head.

"Wanna know the craziest thing" I ask as we sit together.

"Sure" he laughs.

"Payton says that my brother is going to be okay, and I actually believe her" I admit.