Chapter 1
In a lovely decorated flat near the golden gate park sits a beautiful woman in her late thirties on her comfortable blue sofa. The sun is shining through the windows therefore the room is bathed in light and appears to be warm and cozy. She is rummaging through some photos that are spread out on the table in front of the sofa. The woman takes each photo and looks at it closely for minutes before she puts it down on the table and takes a sip from her coffee. As a professional photographer she could do that for hours or even days. Suddenly the phone rings and she picks it up "Halliwell". "Hi Prue, do you have time for a family dinner today?" Piper asks while already cooking for the big family dinner. "I don't know Piper. I have to finish the wedding assignment and I still can't decide which photos are the best." Prue wants the photos to be perfect as always. „Please Prue, Phoebe and Paige will also be here and even dad wants to come so it's a real family dinner" the chef begs her big sister. "Okay I will try but I can't promise anything" she finally gives in and is already looking forward to see her whole family. "Okay 7 o'clock, see you later" Piper puts down the receiver before Prue can answer. The oldest Halliwell witch smiles and continues to look through the photos.
Five minutes early the doorbell rings in the Halliwell manor. Piper quickly opens the door "Why do you ring the bell?". "That's the normal way to announce your attendance Piper" Prue is still a smart-ass. "Still don't like to orb I see" her sister chuckles. "I just like to drive sometimes okay" the oldest Halliwell sister gives Piper a hug and then a little present with her favourite chocolate. "You don't have to bring a present. For me you're the present" she smiles still incredibly happy to have her big sister back. "Thanks I think. Where is everyone?" Prue enters her childhood home and feels immediately comfortable though it slightly changed due to the kids. „You are early as usual and our sisters will be late as usual" the chef returns to her kitchen while the kids play in the renovated living room. With the new sofa and also the new furniture the room looks finally modern especially with all the toys spread out on the ground. "Hey my cute little nephews" she greets Pipers sons Wyatt and Chris who are on the ground playing with some Lego. "Hi aunt Prue" both boys answer but continue to play. "Hey little one" the proud aunt walks over to the newest 6 month old family member Melinda who is sleeping peacefully.
"Where is Leo?" she immediately notices the absence of her brother in law when she enters the kitchen. "I don't know but I am sure he is working as usual" the wife remarks bitterly. "I am sure he would be here if he could Piper" Prue tries to vote for Leo although she isn't convinced of his love for Piper anymore. "I don't know. I feel like I am a single parent and I really hoped he would be here more often after Melinda's birth" she tries to hide her tears but of course her sister notices. Prue embraces her in a bear hug and tries to dry her unshed tears but the sisterly moment is interrupted abruptly by the doorbell. "I go and you cook" Prue smiles and walks over to the door. "Hi Dad" she lets Victor into the house after a warm welcome hug. "Hi Prue, how are you?" Victor doesn't see her as often as he wants to. "Busy dad as usual" she smiles at him and they go into the living room where Victor hugs the boys and then Piper who enters the living room as well.
Suddenly there are red lights which form into Phoebe, her husband Coop and her daughter Penny. "Hey Prue" Phoebe quickly hugs her often absent sister. Of course the rest of the family members also exchange hugs and kisses till everyone is greeted properly. In the end Paiges orbs into the living room with a stressed out look on her face. "Sorry I had to help one of my charges" she quickly explains and greets everyone with a hug. "Please all sit down, dinner will be ready in 5 minutes" the chef announces proudly and returns to her kitchen. All 3 children run to their special table while the adults sit down on the dining table. "So what did you do the last weeks Prue?" Phoebe is curious and wants to break the awkward silence. "Nothing special, just work and more work" Prue still loves her work dearly. "So no nice man at your doorstep?" her younger sister teases. "No Phoebe there wasn't any man at my doorstep except the postman" she is clearly annoyed. "Is he single?" she can't stop to taunt Prue. "I don't know but I am sure he will retire soon" the oldest sister is quick at repartee. The whole family laughs but deep inside Prue feels lonely. She would never admit it in front of anyone but she would love to finally meet someone who sweeps her off her feet. That's why she is glad when Piper enters the dining room with her hands full of food and immediately the last topic is forgotten. Victor puts the bowls on the table and Piper walks back into the kitchen to fetch the other bowls. After everything is on the table she takes the seat next to her dad and smiles proudly at all the delicious looking food. "Well I am glad that everyone is here and enjoy your meal" she gives the start signal. The plates are filled quickly and everyone enjoys the family dinner which lasts almost till midnight. Little did they know that outside at the window was the one person who would change their lives soon.