The Untitled Piper Watson Project

A Year Gone By

Piper's POV~6 months later

Mr. Anderson was finally able to meet with me...after six months. I sat nervously in the waiting room of his office, unable to steady my shaking leg. I was dressed nicely, wearing the floral dress Jen told me to buy that day at Lucy's. I was wearing it not only to be formal with the meeting with my publisher, but because today was the one year anniversary of me and Mack being together. Of course today, on our one year anniversary where I should be happy, I'm terrified. Rebecca came up to me and said: "He's ready for you, Ms. Watson." I thanked her and made my way into the office where I had been several times before. I sat down across from Mr. Anderson, who was at his desk with a stack of papers in his hand. My story. "Good morning, Piper. I'm sincerely sorry for not being able to meet with you for so long." he said. "It's fine, Mr. Anderson." I said with a smile. "I'm just really curious to hear what you think about my story." Mr. Anderson sighed. "Honestly, I'm disappointed." My heart lurched. "May I ask why?"

He leaned across the desk with his hands folded in front of him. "It took many months for you to produce this story. I assumed it was a work of fiction but it is completely true, is it not?" "Yes, sir." "It took me some time to realize that it is essentially a story of your life and your cousin's life, somewhat of an autobiography, if you will. And unfortunately that's not what I'm looking for." I hung my head in shame. "Is there any way I can fix it?" I asked. Mr. Anderson shrugged. "Like I say, it's non-fiction. Make it fiction. A fake story line or something. Your writing tends to reach out to the younger audience, and we know from many surveys that non-fiction isn't a popular genre. Change it, or it will not be published." I looked away, trying not to burst into tears from the discouragement. "Piper," he said more gently. "I've been your publisher for three years. I believe in you. I truly think changing your story will have benefits."

I sat up straighter. "Look, Mr. Anderson. Robert. Rob—may I call you Rob?" "No." "—-Look, Rob, I have put a lot of energy into this book and if I can't change your mind about publishing it or not, can I at least get some time to think about what to do?" Mr. Anderson nodded. "Sure. I'll give you a couple months, is that alright?" I stood up and shook his hand, and I left. I think after this encounter, I had finally given up. How could I have avoided Sam all this time, and endured the aftermath of his death, and not give him a tribute? I knew this was the only way, and it made me sad, because it was almost as if I never really cared about him. I didn't even tell Mack that I was meeting with my publisher today. Especially now that there aren't even good news to share on our anniversary, I'm glad I didn't tell him so now I won't put a damper on things. I did tell Jennifer, and we're meeting for lunch soon. I just need to get my mind off some things. For awhile.

Mack's POV~

"Does Piper even know I'm here?" Jen asked. I shook my head. We were sitting on the couch at our house, and I invited Jen to let her in on my plan for tonight. "I wanted to tell you what I was planning. And I know you're meeting Piper for lunch today, and since you know, don't say anything." Jen scoffed. "Obviously." I stared at her expectantly. "So what do you think?" She stood up. "I think it's very romantic of you and don't fuck it up." I stood as well. "I don't plan on it. The only thing I need you to do is make sure when you go to Grand Asia, Piper doesn't get the pastry." Jen groaned. "Yes, I will make sure she doesn't get the pastry. Bye, Mack." And then she was gone. Tonight was going to take a lot of planning, and I needed everything to be perfect, and all day to make sure it was. I was just crossing my fingers that Piper didn't get home too early.

Piper's POV~

"So how did the meeting go?" Jen asked. I sighed, staring into my meal box. I was starving, but I didn't want to eat. And Jen forbade me to buy my favorite pastry from Grand Asia. When I asked her why, she said it was making me fat. Wow. "It went awful." I confessed. "Mr. Anderson wants me to change my book. I can't do it, Jennifer. I worked so hard." She put down her chopsticks and looked at me with sad eyes. "I'm sorry, babe. But you have time to think about it, don't you?" I nodded, sipping my iced coffee. "I just don't want Mack to know. Not right now. He's probably planning this nice dinner tonight and I don't wanna ruin it by over-thinking this situation." "Right." I picked up my chopsticks and began eating. It was half-past noon, and dinner wasn't until 6. Grand Asia fills you up, but I'll try to have a little self control today at least. I realized it was at this place and at this time that I was having similar issues, and after I met Mack. Time goes by so fast. "So...what are you going to do today?" Jen inquired. "Probably just shop or something. Go to the mall. Stock up on Lush. The usual." Jen grinned. "Sounds good." "What about you?" She tugged a strand of hair behind her ear. "I have plans tonight with Rose."

I stood up and grabbed my drink. I embraced Jen. "Farewell, my sister." I said in the best British accent I could manage. I went to the mall and the various shops. I must have spent have the time I could spare in Lush, and I had the best time. I went home at 6 on the dot. I opened the front door with some difficulty with the bags in my arms. "Mack!" I called. "I'm home!" No answer. I looked on the floor and saw a note. I dumped my bags on the stairs and picked up the note. It read: "Dear Piper, follow the rose petals <3 xx Mack". I looked on the floor and sure enough, there were rose petals making a trail. I slowly followed the rose petals, and they went through the kitchen and out to the balcony. I opened the door to the balcony and there was a table and dinner. Mack was already out there and I beamed. "Happy anniversary." I kissed him and sat down at the table. "Dinner is served." He said with a cheesy grin. It was ravioli like on our first date. "You're so romantic." I said. He chuckled. "That's kinda what I was going for." After we ate, he pulled out a bag and handed it to me.

"We said no gifts, Mackenzie." I said annoyingly. He gestured. "It's not a gift. Open it." I opened the bag and there was the pastry I usually get from Grand Asia. It clicked. "So that's why Jen told me not to get the pastry." He crossed his arms. "Take a bite." I took my knife and moved to cut it. Mack stopped me. "I wanna share it with you." I said. He shook his head. "I had a big lunch. Take a bite." I took a bite and as I ate the pastry Mack was saying: "Being with you over these months have been the best times of my life. I love you." I swallowed. "I love you, too." I moved to take another bite of the pastry, when I bit into something hard. "Ow! What the fuck?" I licked my tooth and looked at the pastry to see what I bit into. I pulled out something metal. It was covered in the chocolate paste from the pastry, so I wiped it with my napkin and saw what it was. A ring. I held it up and Mack took it. He stood up and went beside my chair in front of me, and got down on one knee. "Oh my god." I said when I realized what was happening.

"Piper Watson, will you marry me?"