As soon as I'm alone, I go into autopilot. I leave work, ride the subway home, barely noticing the world moving around me. If anyone asked me which train I took to get home, I'd have trouble telling them. I cook myself dinner, usually something out of a can or the freezer, and then I end up staring blankly at the TV our out on the balcony drinking a beer.

She is all that fills my mind, she is the reason I don't live an active life. I don't want to, if I can't have her in it. Once the clock strikes midnight, I crawl under the covers of the cold bed, and sleep restlessly, always dreaming of her.

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March 30, 2001. 6:17pm.

I felt like the ring was burning a hole in my pocket. I couldn't wait to see the look on her face when I proposed. The timing felt perfect. We had been together for a year now, really together. It was our anniversary, and tonight, I was taking Piper out to dinner to celebrate, and then I was going to surprise her with a proposal.

Last night, I went to see Lillian, the woman I had once been married to. She still held most of my belongings from that lifetime, including my mother's engagement ring. She had left it to me when she had died, barely six months before my time had come. I had made Lillian think it was a dream, for her own peace of mind. I knew that at her age, she wouldn't have been able to handle the truth.

I orbed into Piper's bedroom, obviously far too early, for she stood in front of her closet in her underwear. I grinned foolishly, sneaking my arms around her waist, and pressing a kiss against her neck.

You look beautiful, I whispered.

Haha. I can't decide what to wear, she replied, grinning.

Hey, I have an idea. How about we stay here all night, and that way you won't have to choose an outfit.

Oh no. We are going out to dinner. I already made the reservations. So you just go over there and get the little whitelighter under control, while I find a dress. She unwrapped my arms from her waist and pushed me in the direction of her bed. I was almost as content to just sit back and watch anyway.

We went through the motions of Piper picking a dress, asking my opinion and then starting the search over, until she pulled out a glittery maroon dress, with spaghetti straps and 2 thigh high side splits. I nodded my head enthusiastically and she smiled in satisfaction. I helped her to zip it up, and after a quick makeup and hair check, she was ready.

We arrived at the restaurant right on time, and as the maitre'd led us to our table, I took her hand in mine, a simple gesture of my affection. I held her chair out for her, and once she was settled, I gently brushed my hands down her arms. I couldn't get enough of the feel of her skin under my touch.

We started off the meal by toasting with champagne. We were enjoying each others company, as well as the fact that we'd had a so far peaceful evening. There had been no evil interruptions for the past few days, and if we didn't know better, our lives seemed almost normal. The whole night was running smoothly, and just as dessert was arriving, I stealthily pulled the ring from my pocket, ready to ask Piper the big question. She commented on how delicious the chocolate dessert looked, and just as I opened my mouth to speak, I heard Them call.

Damn.

Their timing could not have been worse, but their call was extremely urgent, and no matter how much I wanted to ignore Them, I knew I couldn't. I broke the news to Piper, and watched her face fall. I knew she had been hoping to get all the way through this date, to the point where we both leave together, like any normal couple. But it wasn't to be.

I'm so sorry Piper. They said it's extremely critical. I really don't want to go, but I can't ignore Them.

I know, she sighed, looking down at her hands. I stood up and moved beside her, pulling her up to face me.

Happy Anniversary Piper. I whispered before leaning in to kiss her gently. You should probably go home, I don't know how long this will take. She nodded, and I knew she was upset. I said, lifting her chin with my finger, I love you.

I know, I love you too. With that, I walked out the door and around to the alley behind the restaurant, so I could orb out safely.

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