Pepper writes stories that span the gamut from humorous to heartfelt, however the common theme is crossing boundaries. Pepper's unique stories often tackle taboo topics such as mental illness and homelessness. Readers will find themselves questioning their own sense of right and wrong, attraction and desire.
In addition to writing, the author is also an artist, an introverted recluse, a self proclaimed empath and a foodie. Pepper Pace can be contacted at: 
pepperpace.author@yahoo.com

Hayden Michaels had given six years of her life to MyKell before he informed her that things hadn’t been right for a while. He had met someone else. And that’s when she opened her eyes and saw the mess that she was; financially, emotionally and physically. Never able to maintain the discipline to carry through with any weight loss goal, Hayden makes a bold decision. She will throwaway an entire year of her life; moving towards her goals with no thought of pleasure or pain. 

As she recreates herself Hayden meets situations and people that help her to realize her worth, namely a man who has been written off by society. But the question becomes whether Hayden can accept the faults of someone else without allowing herself to go backwards?

The Throwaway Year

The Jazz Festival came and went.  Briefly, Hayden thought about the fact that MyKell was there with someone else, listening to Frankie Beverly singing about "Joy and Pain," and holding someone else in his arms as they swayed to the music.  Then the moment ended, and she moved on.  A few days later, Brian got up and stood by her desk.  When she looked up at him he spoke. 


"I am more than my past, my mistakes, my faults, my circumstances, my struggles, or my diseases.  I am a magnificent totality of imperfect parts only beautified by my choices, bravery and impact."


Marcus, who was do-wopping to some invisible song in his head, stopped cold in the middle of a do and a wop.  He looked at Brian and then Hayden and then seemed to recoil slightly before continuing on to his marijuana break.


Hayden ignored Marcus and just nodded enthusiastically at Brian.  "That is a good one!  I need that one too."


Brian agreed that it was one of the better affirmations that he had learned.


Chapter 22: Sharing is Caring