The Next Step Oneshots

Valentine's Day (part 2)

Yeah, it's here. Sorry it took so long, and it's not even that good, aha :)

IMPORTANT-
set: 2-3 years after the part 1

TW: Eating disorder referenced, mildly mature (ish) r o m a n c e. PSA - I have not experienced an eating disorder myself; however I have done a lot of research to try my very best to tackle the matter sensitively. If this piece is in your opinion in any way problematic or offensive, if it perpetuates anything negative, know that this was entirely unintentional, I apologise, and please let me know asap. Lastly, if you are struggling with a situation like this, or have, understand that everyone has different ways of coping and healing and that yours are as valid as anyone else's and that you are strong. <3

                        《  Would you take me home? 》

She inhales deeply as soon as she's out in the open air. It's just past six in the morning. The sun has risen and she feels good beneath it's burnt orange glow. It was easier than she'd thought, to sneak out. Henry was a snorer and Amy was too. She was nowhere near as loud as him, she simply whistled a little. But enough to stop her from hearing her best friend's footsteps on the carpet as she headed downstairs, stuffed a fresh cinnamon roll in her mouth, put on her cream raincoat and delicately shut the door as she'd left. She knew that Amy would try to stop her, in her mission, but she'd made up her mind. There was no going back. She checks her smart-watch. February fourteenth. She hoped that in the future, she'd be able to look back on the day happily, especially after today.

The energy inside her is hard to contain. She's like a spring that is coiled up, needing release. However, her plan can not be put into action quite yet; she doesn't want to intrude at such an hour. So she meanders, walking across the streets that she has become so familiar with over the past few years. Anna, the owner of her favourite coffee shop, waves as the two meet eyes. She's setting up the outdoor seating in front of the café. She returns the gesture and smiles.

"Piper. Good to see you." There's no trace of surprise in her voice. The woman had got to know her, and it was not out of natural order for her to be up and about at this time.
"You too. You open?" She asks.
"For you, always." Piper smiles wider, and orders a chai latte. It only feels right.
"Not your usual mocha?" Anna inquires.
"Not today. Today is different." There's a lightness to her tone.
"Hmm," She clearly is curious, but Piper simply nods and pays, without saying a word.
"Oh, it's on the house!" She is handed back the cash.
"What? No, it's only fair-" She pushes back into Anna's palm.
"Nonsense! You give me the most business and I will easily make back the money today." She emphasises the last word. Piper can't argue with her logic.
"Thank you." She takes the coffee cup.
"No problem." She replies, smug. She's stubborn, Anna is. Her way or no way. It is a trait that most are irritated by, but Piper finds it refreshing. She knows her choices. And today, she was taking a leaf out of Anna's book.

☆

"How are you, today?" Her therapist questions. Dr Choi sits with her arms uncrossed and her expression friendly. Usually, her client would respond in the exact opposite deamour, and mutter a 'fine.' But today, she seems equally as engaged.
"I'm good." Piper replies, smiling. "I'm actually good. I'm great."
"Any particular reason?"
"No." Piper says honestly, "I have no idea why. I just woke up today and I felt...like me again. I'm back!" She can't refrain from exclaiming.
"Piper, I am so glad to hear that, but remember, this is a journey. So, if tomorrow, you don't feel the same-"
"I will!" She frowns. Why couldn't Dr Choi just be happy for her, for once? She was better, she was sure of it.