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

Love is a Journey

Annabelle

Valentine's Day. Not really much of a holiday but I'll celebrate it nonetheless. We are blessed with our week off during on this day so Artemi and I were just going to chill around. I roll over in bed and and look for him but he was nowhere to be found. I frown and search his side of the bed but he really wasn't there. I let out a loud groan and sit up to find a notecard with a red rose on his pillow. My name was written in cursive on the front in his admittedly beautiful handwriting. I open it and smile to myself.

"Dearest Belle,
I know there's a lot going on, it always seems like we're constantly out or doing something for the Hawks, but today, it's not about that. Today is about me showing my love for you. I don't love you now more than any other day but the difference is I can finally show it. So here's a little scavenger hunt about our journey of love, I hope you enjoy it. You're a smart girl so I expect to see you real soon. Your next clue is at my favorite spot in the house.
Much Love, Artemi"

I hop out of bed and change into a cute red dress and black jacket and shoes before stuffing my phone in my pocket and heading to my office. There was another rose and note in the bay window.

"Dearest Belle,
You want to know one of my favorite things about you? You're need to help everyone. When we first met I was the recipient of one of your acts of kindness. Head to the spot where you love to give and ask for a cheese grater.
Much love, Artemi."

I quickly drive out to the Walgreens where we first met and see Holly smiling brightly. I walk up to her and her smile never fades. "Hi Holly, I'm guessing you're the one I'm supposed to go to about the cheese grater" I laugh. "That's me, here you go" she says handing me another red rose and a note. She continues to beam as I read the next clue.

"Dearest Belle,
I know you're not good with receiving as much as you are giving, but I'm very much enjoying this. There's one thing I almost enjoy as much as spoiling you, go to the place where I'm always happy to be.
Much love, Artemi."

I give Holly my thanks and still leave a $100 dollar bill before hoping in my car and driving to the UC. After looking around I pull up to the player entrance and see Jonny standing there waving me over. He had a nice suit on with a rose and note in hand. I walk up to him and he smiles down on me as I approach him. "You look cute" he comments handing me flower and card. "You're looking pretty sharp yourself. Got plans with Lindsey" I ask. "Yeah, it's not quite as extensive as this but she doesn't need to know that" he winks. "As long as you make her happy I'll keep my lips zipped" I tease and he shakes his head. I open the note and he watches me closely.

"Dearest Belle,
You've made it to the last clue! I never doubted you, that's a bet I'll loose every time. As sad as I am that this little adventure is coming to a end, I cannot wait to look into your eyes and see how beautiful you look right now. I can't wait to tell you that I love you and that all the bad in my life is worth it when I hold you in my arms. Come to the place where you can see the world so I can finally have mine next to me again.
Much love, Artemi."

I thank Jonathan and tell him to give my best to Lindsey before hoping in my car yet again. I head to the sears tower and walk into the lobby looking for some sort of sign. I walk around until I hear someone call my name and see my parents with Puck next to them trying to get over to me. I walk over and pet him as he tries desperately to jump into my arms. "Hi baby! What did daddy do to you" I laugh looking at the Cupid outfit he was in. It was adorable honestly. "You got yourself quite the boyfriend" my dad smiles. My dad was in love with Artemi. If we were to ever to break up I think he would chose him over me. "This is probably the coolest thing ever" I admit picking Puck up. My mom hands me a phone with the biggest smiles on her face. She presses play and Tyler comes onto the screen. "Hey little sis, hope all is well. I'll have you know it took Art a week to plan this and had about twenty people help him out, make sure you let him know he did a great job. I just wanted to say happy Valentine's Day and I miss you and the fam and Puck. Keep making me proud and send my love to everyone. I can't wait to see you again, love you Annie. Bye" he smiles before the video ends. I missed him so much, I still worry about him. I always worry about him, but I just wanted him to healthy and happy. That video meant so much and my emotions were everywhere now. My parents hand me one last rose and note and I open it quickly, I couldn't wait to see him.

"Dearest Belle,
Thanks for playing along, we've always worked pretty good together haven't we? Well this is it, go up to the top floor and Puck will lead you to where you need to be. Can't wait to see you.
Much Love, Artemi."

My parents push me and Puck into a elevator and send me on my way. Once we get up, after probably the longest elevator ride ever, the doors open and Puck takes off. It's not long before we find a open room with a dance floor and someone playing on the piano. There was a little table with two glasses of wine and a lunch already prepared. Artemi stood on the dance floor in a beautiful suit by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. You really could see the world from here. The room was dim with candles and Christmas lights being the only source of light on this here snowy Chicago day. They say it's the journey, not the destination that is most important. But being here with him after all he did to help me get here, the destination is pretty nice too.