Piper awoke in her same usual alarm routine time of 6:30; ready for yet another long quiet day at work – she had zero motivation to get out of bed. Hitting snooze she rolled back over and curled up in to a small ball. She was scared, she had never been by herself before. For her whole life she had just been herself and got everything she needed, or wanted. This week had been the most stressful and hardest weeks of her life; she had just inherited her parents business and funds after their tragic accident.
Her mother had been driving, her mother never drove as in New York City taxis were the main transport links used. But no she had drove to go and visit her brother, Cal, and be introduced to yet another one of his eccentric girlfriends. It was the first time either of Pipers parents had been to visit Cal in the 'wilderness' as she liked to call it. Pulling off the highway the car had swerved out of control instantly killing her mother, her father had been left with severe brain damage and in a coma.
The family had started their own business when Mr and Mrs Chapman got married, they were Estate Agents, but they were not the typical estate agents; they dealt with fifth avenue, The Hamptons and Upper New York City. Piper had had a very fortunate upbringing, however after being spoilt her whole life, she wasn't too good with the nitty gritty parts of life. It was when she was 28 waking up today that she learnt that you don't get everything in life – well at least not easily...
After the nine minutes had passed, her alarm starting annoyingly beeping again; using her manicured hands she switched it off and dragged herself from her comfort. Half asleep she tiptoed through her apartment till she found her slippers next to the coffee machine. God, she needed a buzz. Still dazed she set up for her favourite coffee in her 'Home Sweet Home' mug. Giving a sip as soon as it had finished she scalded the top of her mouth. That certainly woke her up!
'Shit!' She said while smacking her thin pink lips together reaching for water. Coffee in hand she admired her apartment; the skyline was angelic and radiant sending orange and red sunlight into her pristine white apartment. After feeling the air entering lungs reassuringly she puffed out.
'Better get ready for a day at the office.' She sighed at her little pug, Jason. The small little dog just gazed admiring up at her licking her slipper; however due to Pipers reaction he soon backed off and re entered his deluxe bed. 'Gross.' She mumbled.
Walking in to her wardrobe, Piper flicked the spotlights on. She always had a sleek trendy style, she liked to think of herself as classy, elegant, something that ladies should be according to her mother, however looking in to the mirror she had already begun to loose control without her mothers guidance. And after many days of sleepless nights the toll was beginning to take on her now panda baggy eyes.
Sliding in to a short nude channel dress and a plain black blazer she concealed her black eyes, reapplied her smoky eyes and other trademark make-up, before latching on her bling. Piper was not vain, yet she had no problem wearing a $2000 pair of earrings or bracelets. After all what else did she have to spend her money on? It wasn't like she had anyone important to splash the cash out on; we'll except Jason of course...!
Before placing the half eaten granola bar her bag, Piper grabbed her cell and diary, flew in to her Jimmy Choos and fled her apartment.
The streets of New York were already overflowing with people, the noise was just background though, subconsciously Piper automatically blocked it all out as she was taught to by her mother. "The city is the most busiest places in the world, Piper." Her mother had told her. "Yet it can be so isolating and lonely, especially if you haven't found the one." As a little girl Piper had never really understood what her mother had meant – how could somewhere so busy be lonely? Yet its only when you loose the closest thing around you that you accept the reality. Piper felt overwhelmed.
"Hugo." She said nodding her head at the grinning door man of the skyscraper which homed hers and many other entrepreneurs offices'. The young brazilian nodded back – slightly touched that she had remembered his name, his gazed followed her as she passed him and twirled round the revolving doors. Hugo took a deep breath before re-stabilising himself into a professional manner – Piper had that affect on people.
Going up the glass elevator to the 45th story Piper smoothed over her hair and checked her iPhone messages.
'Hey Chapman! Do me a favour and baby sit Harry would ya? Thanks chick! N x'
Nicky, Nicky, Nicky... When Lorna and Nicky had asked her to be Godmother to their little adopted baby boy, she never thought the role would be so hands on! She was Godmother to a few of her friends babies – all she ever had to do for them was simply turn up for birthdays with a present and send a little something for Christmas. However, she knew had much Nicky and Lorna had yearned for a child, she did what they asked hoping karma would come round in the future and get the pair of women to help her out every so often!
'Piper!' Her personal assistant, Stella, called from behind her in her soon-to-become-annoying Australian accent.
Piper twirled around only to be given a stack of papers, nearly tipping her over. "Whats on the agenda for today then Stell?"
"Erm, well there's a chick coming for that interview in a half hour, Vause I think they said her was!? And then you've got the conference with George and then just have to make a few phone calls to the Landlords.
"Okay," She replied, taking the interviewing questions from Stellas hand. "Can you grab me a coffee please?" Stella nodded before going off on her errand.
Piper walked to her office, hanging her blazer up she stood looking through her glass wall over the New York skyline. The sun looked orange in the sky, it reminded Piper of a canvas hung in her home. Stella walked in and placed the coffee on the desk before going out and returning to her work. Piper removed herself from the window and slumped down in to her chair.
Flicking through the impressive resume she started to question if she should asked Stella to do it instead; right now she really couldn't care any less...