Balancing Act Chapter One: Morning Sun

Author: Yalover

Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed but if i did it would probably look nothing like this.

Dedication: To Sam without your help this story would never have been written let alone posted.

Every time you read but don't review a fairy dies! Please children save the faries!

The sun hits my face and I wake up straight away. I've been sleeping up here for six months now and I think Mom is finally realizing that this isn't just a phase. I'm sixteen years old and Wyatt is eighteen, and we need our space. We couldn't agree on who should move so in the end we both did. I took my clothes and computer upstairs to the attic and Wyatt orbed his things downstairs to the basement.

He hates it down there but he wouldn't be able to handle sleeping so close to the Book of Shadows. Or that damn sword. Mom and Leo were so concerned about exposure while he was younger, that he's always been a little cautious about his magic. He's a good witch and powerful as anything, but he's never been very keen on the whole supernatural destiny thing.

I stretch out and kick of the blankets. The sun feels incredible on my skin. I sleep in boxers but only since an early morning demon attack brought Aunt Phoebe upstairs to check the book. Naturally I was caught in a rather compromising position. You'd think an empath would know when too knock…

I just want to lie here and doze but I can't right now. The cousins and I have magic school today. Hello and goodbye Saturday it was nice to see you.

I roll out of bed and head to my chest of drawers. The blankets on the window seat are the only signs that someone sleeps up here now. This place has always felt sacred to me somehow. It might be my home but here I feel like a welcome guest here, but not here forever and that I should be on my best behavior.

Outfit for the day: Black and white Daily Planet T-Shirt, Grey jeans, Brown suede shoes, a pinstriped white shirt un-buttoned over the top and my pentagram pendant.

It's a little bit dressy for magic school but I won't stand out among the robes and scales. Plus Auntie Paige and I are going out for coffee after school today. In Florence. She's on a big travel kick at the moment and we're trying to hit a new city every week.

I grab my book bag with my laptop in it and head downstairs. After an unfortunate incident involving me, the microwave and having to Orb to escape the resulting explosion I am no longer allowed to cook anything more than sandwich or cereal. Having met Leprecuhns, lucky charms lose their appeal.

Thankfully Wyatt and Mom ensure I never go hungry. Living with an ex-chef and a future one has definite perks.

I stop for a moment at the kitchen door and just watch. Wyatt and Mom are on oppersite sides of the kitchen island. He's making an omelet and she's mixing pancake batter. They're chattering not really talking about anything important, just friendly background noise really. They're both totally intent on their tasks but at the same time Wyatt will stop what he's doing and reach for the flour a few seconds before Mom asks for it and already be passing it.

I smile for a moment. Wyatt and Mom never realize how similar they are. They both worry about everyone, they're both dying for a normal life and they could both never let innocents suffer to let them lead one.

I move onto the kitchen and snag a muffin giving Mom a peck on the cheek.

"Morning Mom. How were the rats last night Wy?"

"Great fun actually we sat up all night talking about why you'll never have a girlfriend."

His eyes flash at me. It's a challenge and I know it. Time to dodge the issue.

"Talking to animals again Wy? I know you have no friends but please. That has to count as cruelty to animals."

Mom looks up "Ohhhhhhhh that was a low blow. Point goes to Chris!"

I shoot Wyatt look and move out the room calling over my shoulder "And on that note I make my victorious exit!"

Moms voice comes after me "Don't forget to bring more powdered toadstool home with you!"

"I won't!"

I start getting ready to Orb but I feel someone grab my arm and tug me on another direction. The Orb fades and I'm facing Wyatt on top of the golden gate bridge. I clench my fists and the anger rises at once. Mom always said I got Prue's temper as well as her power.

"You have to tell her."

One hand raises and a finger points at Wyatt. I fix him with a stare, I want him to know exactly how angry I am. His cheek twitches and I know he's nervous. I lower my hand and turn away.

"When I tell Mom it will be because there is a reason I need to. That time is for me and me alone to judge. Please do not interfere again."

I Orb out before he has a chance to apologize. He's going to be feeling incredibly guilty right now but he threw down the gauntlet and I responded.

I push him from my mind after deciding to take him out to lunch at that new place he's been raving out, but I'll wait a couple of weeks so he doesn't figure out why.

I arrive at Phoebe's place in the closet that has been declared orb friendly territory. Her job often leads to unexpected visitors so we had to find a place that we could safely orb in and out from if needed. I take a moment to center myself then knock on the door and hear one of the girls call "Come in!"

I open the door and give a silly bow.

"Dear ladies, your chariot awaits!"

A small blond girl five years old turns in Phoebe's arms to look at the sound of my voice. She runs towards me eyes the blue only small children have she, jumps at me and I catch her picking her up and twirl her round before putting her down.

"Chris! You're here! Sarah! Sarah! Chris is here!"

A voice calls from another room,

"I know squirt I'm coming"

An older taller girl comes into the room she's fourteen years old with short brown hair. She's wearing a baggy hoody and army pants with a beanie to top it off. She moves with complete confidence. She never seems to stop moving there's always some motion to her. A quirk to an eyebrow or an impatient drumming her fingers on her belt.

I smile at Sarah, it's a little sad that my cousin is probably my best friend. We spent a lot of time together growing up though. There wasn't really much of a choice. Everyone in the magical community was too in awe of Wyatt and our parents and we can never really relax completely around mortals.

She smiles back and walks up to punch me on the arm.

"Come on cosmic taxi man, we're late as it is!"

I put my arm around her shoulders and reach a hand down.

"Relax Sarah we got time. Hold on tight to my hand Haley I don't want—"

"To drop me halfway"

Sarah and Haley chorus raggedly back at me and roll their eyes.

Phoebe snorts. "One day you girls are gunna do that and he'll drop you out of spite. Thanks for giving them a ride today Chris."

"Escort two lovely ladies to school in the morning? My pleasure."

I Orb us to school and drop Haley at her classroom. Sarah gives me a peck on the cheek and heads towards the great hall.

My first class for the day is Demon Lore. Which unfortunately means spending an hour in a room with Leo. Sadly I can't skip it because this is the only chance I'll have to speak with the one person I know of who could potentially help me.

Which is important because if I don't get help soon. My whole family could pay the price.