~Evgeni~
While I was home I was determined to spend every day with Annlie. I wanted to prove to her that I could be there for her whenever she needed me and that I truly did love her. I wanted to make up for the past ten months that I lacked to be there in her life. But first there was something that I needed to do.

I put on my sneakers and grabbed my jacket as I left the house, shutting the door softly as to not wake her. The cemetery was only a few blocks down the street and I needed to go for my morning run anyways. As I began the three mile run to the cemetery, I put my iPod on shuffle and let the music flood through my ears.

As I ran I thought about all that I had missed. I thought about Annlie and her mother and how hard things had been for them. I thought about Vlad, the love of my life's brother, my brother. His life brought to a screeching halt, a sharp knife to a short life. I thought about the pact that we made the night before I left for the States. I had asked him to take care of my family while I was away and to keep an eye on my mother. He made me promise that I would do the same if he was to ever go away or was incapable of doing so and made me shake on it. Never in a million years did I think that it would come into play so fast. The more I thought the faster I ran and the harder it was to breathe. By the time I reached the cemetery I was gasping for air and had to lean against a tree for support.

Once I caught my breath I made my way to Vlad's grave site. When I found it I got down on one knee and put my head down as I talked to him.

"Vlad, I know I couldn't be here for your funeral and I'm sorry for that. You were a great guy and an amazing friend. I'm sorry that something like this had to happen to you, you didn't deserve it, but I know that you are in a better place now. I promise you that I will take care of your sister and keep an eye on her and your mother, as I promised you I always would. Just keep an eye on my girl while I am not here. I love you man, and I will see you again on the other side. Rest easy my dear friend."

Kissing my hand and touching his head stone I stood and looked up at the sky. I could feel the warmth of the sun touch my face and the warmth ran through my body. At that moment there was a slight breeze that blew from the East, it was his sign to me that he had heard me. With that I put my headphones back in my ears and made my way back home to make breakfast for my beautiful Annlie.

~Annlie~
I awoke to find my house empty. I assumed that Evgeni had gone out for his morning jog so I prepared breakfast and got ready. We were going to the Picture Gallery at
Ul. Gasety Prawdy 12/1. Just as I was putting my deodorant on I heard my door shut.

"Good morning baby," I said coming out of the bathroom.

"Good morning my love," he said taking his sneakers off and turning his iPod down.

"How was your run?"

"It was good. I ran to the cemetery to pay my respects to your brother. It was something that I needed to do."

"I'm sure that he really appreciated that, as do I," I said sauntering over to him and planting a kiss on his lips. Damn it felt good to do that.

"I know he did," he said smiling. "I'm going to go take a quick shower then we can go to the gallery."

"Okay."

~Evgeni~

I knew that Annlie really enjoyed photography so I had decided to take her to the photo gallery in downtown Magnitogorsk for our first official date.

I studied her emotions as she looked at one photograph an then another, taking in every detail. I never understood why she didn't get into photography. It was clearly her passion. She studied everything so intricately, running her fingers across the photograph and shutting her eyes, as if placing herself in the picture itself. The more and more I looked at her, the more and more beautiful she became.

As we left the gallery she spoke,"Thank you for bringing me Evgeni. It really means a lot to me."

"You don't have to thank me. I wanted to do something nice for you on our first date. I knew that you loved photography so it was the perfect idea."

"It was the most perfect first date ever. Thank you."

"You're welcome, but it is not over yet. We are going to go to Baden-Baden for supper."

"Baden-Baden! That's my favorite restaurant!"

"I know it is, that's why we are going."

"Evgeni you are the most amazing man in the world, how did I get so lucky?"

"That is where you are wrong my love, I am the lucky one."

~Annlie~
As we sat across the table from each other, gazing in to each other's eyes my heart skipped a beat. This had been the most amazing date of my life. The gallery was phenomenal and the food here was to die for. I loved it because I could choose between a Russian dish or a European dish, or I could combine the two if I wanted. It meant the world to me knowing he had put so much thought into planning this date for us.

He grabbed my hand and gave it a little squeeze across the table.

"Did you have fun today?"

"Yes I did. Thank you so much for the most amazing first date a woman could ever ask for."

"You are welcome. But really I should be thanking you."

"Why is that?" I asked sipping my water.

"You are the most amazing woman a guy could ever ask for."

Blushing I leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I love you Evgeni."

"I love you too."