"Happy Valentine's Day, Artemis."
"You remembered!"
"Come on. What kind of jerk would I be if I forgot Valentine's Day…for the fifth year in a row."
"Well…" She said as she let go of me and walked to the fridge. "I remembered too. I got you your favorite food." She grabbed hold of the fridge door and pulled. "…Everything."
"Babe. You rock." I said as I got out of the chair and hugged her. She started to change the subject to Roy, something I wish she hadn't brought back up. "You're still worried about Roy?"
"He's lost Babe. Alone. The guy just won't let anyone in."
"Give him some time. He'll come through. Trust me." She let me go and sat on the couch. "He's had five years to come through for us."
"He just found out he was a clone five years ago, but he's been a clone of Roy for eight. Please Wally, just leave him alone. He'll listen to someone eventually." She leaned over and pet Spitfire, our Boxer. "The only person he's listened to for the past five years is Jade…and you know where that got him."
"With a daughter. I know, but Jade didn't force it. Did she? Besides, you agree that she's cute."
"She looks just like Roy. Red hair, blue eyes. She is cute, but it just reminds me of everything that's happened."
"But you gotta believe me that it will get better." Artemis grabbed Spitfire and cuddled with him, her arms around his neck and her chin on his head. I sat next to her and said, "I know, but I can't help but worry. He's unpredictable and I just—"
She put her lips to mine quickly. I knew it was only to make me stop talking. I cupped her face in my hands and she put her arms around my neck. Artemis tilted her head slightly to the right and I moved to the left. When she let me go, it was slow.
She put her arms around me and said in her clever voice, "Better?" I only laughed. I turned on the TV and Spitfire went to the other side of the couch. Artemis put her head on my shoulder and we watched the news until she fell asleep an hour later. "Artemis?" I whispered. "Hm?"
"I'm going to sleep. Get up." She took her head off my shoulder. I stood up and looked at her. "You coming too?"
"I guess." Instead of getting up though she held out both her arms to me. I sighed and picked her up bridal style. I carried Artemis down the hallway and to our bed. She managed to pull the covers over her while I changed into sweatpants and a t-shirt. When I got in bed I said "Good night." No response. "I love you Artemis."
I love you too."
