Paige sat on her bed looking around her room in the manor. She closed her eyes and remembered her relief when her sisters decided not to give up their powers. Then she remembered how she had pleaded with them, how she had told them her greatest fear, how they didn't respond. The tears burned as they rolled down her checks. Phoebe had gone to Cole in the demonic wasteland to get closure, but Paige felt no closure to the events that happened to her in the months Cole had become the Source.
She hadn't gloated to Phoebe. Maybe she should have. She had told Phoebe she loved her and forgave her. Phoebe told her she couldn't understand what they had been through since they had become witches. Magic made her the Queen of the Underworld and almost killed her because of her demon spawn. Tears of rage came now. Yes, magic did that. Whatever.
Paige thought back over the last year. How she had told Leo that her sisters only wanted her to move in because of her powers. How Phoebe had moved out to live with Cole. How Paige had been the one to convince Piper not to give up on Phoebe. How the two of them were willing to give up her powers, her heritage, the only link she had to her real family, even though they knew it wasn't what she wanted.
Paige whispered in the silence of her room: I don't belong here.
Patty's appearance almost made Paige scream. It probably would have if she hadn't felt like someone was in the room with her all along.
Patty: Yes, you do. This is your home.
Paige looked up at her mother in spirit form: No it isn't. I thought it could be, but it isn't. I don't have a home. I haven't had a home since my parents died. I don't know if I will ever have a home again.
Patty: My sweet daughter. Have you told them how you felt?
Paige: If you haven't noticed they are pretty much wrapped up in their own lives right now. Phoebe is trying to figure this Cole thing out. And Piper, well I can't blame her with a baby being on the way and all. They don't have time to deal with me.
Patty: Paige, you are family.
Paige: I may be blood, and one of the Charmed Ones, but I'm a long way away from really being their sister.
Patty starts to say something, but Paige doesn't stop: Maybe I just don't know what it is supposed to be like. I never had sisters or brothers you know. Maybe I just created this idea of what things would be like in my head. Maybe if I had grown up with them….. But I didn't. I just don't feel like I belong here. I'm sorry mom.
As Paige walks out of the bedroom, Patty just watches her go. "No sweetie," she whispers, "I'm the one who's sorry."
__________
Paige was in the bathroom washing the tears away when she heard the downstairs door open and shut. As she walked toward the staircase, Phoebe was already running down the stairs drilling Piper with a dozen questions. The sisters sat down in the kitchen with Leo to discuss Piper's doctor visit.
Phoebe: Well, is it official?
Piper was beaming, and glowing. She had to be pregnant. She and Leo said "yes" at the same time.
Paige: I'm so happy for you Piper.
Phoebe: I am so excited. This is wonderful.
Piper: I know. I can't believe this is really happening. We're going to have so much to do. I need to figure some things out with the club, and we are going to need to figure out where the baby is going to sleep.
Phoebe: In a crib silly.
Piper rolls her eyes at her sister's attempt at humor.
Paige took a deep breathe and said: Well, maybe I can help with that.
Piper: What do you mean?
Paige: The last couple of weeks, well, I've been thinking about moving out. The baby can have my room.
The mood of the room changed in an instant. Piper was the first to speak: Why do you want to move out?
Paige: Well, it just seems like the right time. You and Leo are starting a family and well, I have the money for an apartment. I can orb anywhere. All you have to do is call, and I'll be here in a matter of seconds.
Phoebe: But what about the power of three. I don't know if I like this.
Paige: Look Phoebe, the Source is dead. This house is great, but it is hardly big enough for three families. I know you and I aren't starting families right now, but maybe someday. I mean, if we don't do this now, when are we going to do it?
Phoebe: When we are stronger, when we are ready.
Paige: Well, I'm ready now.
Phoebe: And we don't get a say in this?
Paige stood up and walked around the kitchen. She was clearly exasperated. Piper and Leo, who had been silent during this exchange, could tell it was time to let things drop.
Piper: Why don't we talk about this later?
Leo: Good idea. We can talk about it later tonight. Piper was planning on making a special dinner to celebrate.
It was too late.
Paige: No Phoebe, you don't get a say in this. Just like we didn't get a say when you moved out with Cole. Just like we didn't get a say when you became Queen of the Underworld. Just like I didn't get a say when the two of you were going to give up your powers and mine with them. This is my decision, not yours.
Phoebe: That is what this is all about? Paige, the things I did – that wasn't me. And we didn't give up our powers. We still need you.
Paige: God, Phoebe. It wasn't you? Whatever. You still need me? Great. Well, what I need is to be someplace where I am wanted, not just needed. I'm going to work. I will see you all later. Call me if you need me, she added in disgust.
Paige stormed out. Phoebe looked at Piper and said: I'm sorry Piper. I can't believe she turned your good news into a dramafest.
Now it was Piper's turn to be exasperated. Piper looked at Phoebe and started to laugh: You really don't get it do you?
Phoebe was taken back: Get what?
Piper: Phoebe, you caused most of that. Couldn't you just let it go? So, she told us she wanted to move out and the baby could have her room? We could have talked about it later.
Phoebe: Piper, I can't believe you would approve….
Piper: Phoebe, she doesn't need my approval. Just like you never did. But she has a point. We can't all live here forever. Maybe this is the best time for her to move out. I just wish she had different reasons.
Phoebe: What do you mean I never needed your approval? How did this become all about me?
Piper rolls her eyes. Leo tries to mediate: Maybe we really should talk about this later. Piper just found out some great news. Can't we just enjoy that for a moment?
As usual, no one is listening. Piper is now the one standing walking around the kitchen in disgust. She turns to Phoebe and says: Look, you did a lot of things that hurt both Paige and me. But I don't think anything hurt her as much as when we were going to give up our powers and hers too. She wasn't raised a Halliwell. Being a witch is her tie to this family, and we didn't even think about how much it would hurt her to have that tie broken. We were thinking about ourselves. Something you are good at, but I use to think about my family first.
Phoebe: What does that mean?
Piper: It means I need to go talk to Paige.
Piper picked up the keys to the car, told Leo she would see him later, and left.
Leo tried real hard not to get involved in the sisterly matters, unless he was needed. He felt her was needed now, not just as a brother-in-law, but as a whitelighter.
Leo: Phoebe, in know this isn't what you want to hear right now, but you need to take some responsibility…..
Phoebe looked at Leo as if to say, et tu, Brute? Instead she asked the worst question she could: Responsibility for what?
Leo: Phoebe, enough is enough. You betrayed your sisters and you don't seem to feel bad about it at all. Yes, you said you were sorry. But Phoebe, what you did – it's the sort of thing that should paralyze you with guilt. You seem to be acting like it wasn't even you, like nothing happened at all.
Phoebe: It wasn't me. I had this baby in me and…..
Leo: Phoebe, no. If you had enough control to come back, then you had control went you crossed over. You wanted Cole and your sisters. You didn't want to choose. And you didn't care who you hurt.
Phoebe started to interrupt, but Leo was on a roll. Leo: And you hurt them both you know. I know you loved Cole, but Piper and Paige are your family. I know some bonds are more important than blood, but what bonds you to Piper and Paige is more than that. You are bonded by magic and by destiny, but you are still sisters. Paige's biggest fear is that you only want her because she is a Charmed One, and not because she is your sister. You've done nothing to calm that fear. She wants to move out because she feels like she doesn't belong here, and decorating her room her way is not enough to make this place feel like home to her.
Phoebe looked at Leo and said: I don't know what to do.
Leo: Ever since she came into your lives you were occupied with the Source. Maybe now, while things are still a little calm, would be a good time to get to know Paige.
Phoebe: Get to know Paige?
Leo: You know, what is her favorite movie, book, color?
Phoebe: Oh. I understand. How can I be an advice columnist when my own sister is hurting so much, and I'm a total bitch to her.
Leo: Well you know what they say? Doctors make the worst patients.
Phoebe: Huh?
Leo: Sometimes it's harder to take your own advice.
Phoebe: Ah well yeah. Look, I have a deadline to meet. I'll talk to you later.
Phoebe got up and hugged Leo. "I'm really happy for you and Piper," she said.
_____________
The demon laughed at the news of the fallen Source and the council. It had been ages since rule of the underworld had changed hands, but the news of the betrayer's ultimate demise seem to fill the air with glee. The former Source now wondered now who would take their place. Who among those who remained could rise up and restore order? The barrier that trapped the demon in exile remained an ever present reminder of the lost battle. Escape had never seemed a possibility because those in power were too great. Looking down at the still faithful servant that delivered the news, the demon realized everything had changed.
The former Source said is a smooth, hypnotic voice: The demon sorceress who trapped me in this exile, does she live?
The servant looked up at the piercing eyes of his master, the almost angelic face: Your daughter? Yes, my lord she lives.
The former Source: Bring her to me. I want to make her an offer. And keep up on the news of the underworld. When someone makes a bid for the thrown, I want to know who it is.
____________
Piper couldn't catch Paige before she got in the car, so she opted to stop and pick up some lunch for Paige on her way to the social worker's office. Paige had gone in late today because she wanted to be home to get Piper's news. Piper was pretty sure Paige hadn't stopped for fast food in her hurry to get away from the manor.
Piper sat down at Paige's desk while Paige had her back turned. When she swiveled around in her chair, she smiled.
Piper handed Paige the bag: Lunch, special delivery.
Paige smiled even bigger as she opened the bag. Paige: Peanut butter and jelly?
Piper: Well, it was my favorite as a kid, and I didn't know what you liked, so I was hoping we had this in common.
Paige: We do.
Piper: I should know what you like by now.
Paige: Well, we have been preoccupied.
Piper: I know. Piper looked down, and then up at Paige again. I had this whole big speech planned, she said. But it really all comes down to this: I don't want you to move out Paige. I want to know what your favorite sandwich is and what your favorite dessert is and all the stuff I don't know about you.
Paige: We can learn those things about each other without me living in the manor.
Piper: I know, but I really want you to stay.
Paige: I'll think about it. Okay?
Piper: Okay. Will you be home for dinner?
Paige: Yes. I think we owe you a celebration dinner, considering.
Piper: Good. What is your favorite dessert?
Paige smiled: French silk pie.
Piper: Chocolaty.
Paige: Very.
Piper: I'll see you at home.
____________
The heads of the Brotherhood sat around a wooden table in an office meeting room in one of their many office buildings. The man who had taken over since Raynor's unfortunate death was called Zaphor. He was Raynor's real brother and he seemed a natural successor. Now apparently, Zaphor had larger ambitions.
A beautiful demon with glowing red eyes was the first to speak after his proposal was concluded: So who will become the new Source if we are successful, you?
Zaphor: No, there will be no new Source. We will rule the underworld like we rule the Brotherhood. I might be the figurehead, but you all will have equal votes in all decisions.
A male demon on the other side of the table asked: What makes you think we can pull this off?
Zaphor: We are the most organized. The underworld is shattering. They are fighting against each other. We are known for our ability to work together. Who better to restore order than us? Of course the decision must be made by all of us. Shall we put it to a vote?
An older member of the Brotherhood seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The Brotherhood, a society of elite demons, would become the new rulers of the underworld.
______________
Phoebe hands shook as she read the letter. I betrayed my sisters it read. I married a man that was cruel to them despite his suave appearance. I believed every word he told me. I accused them of unspeakable things all because he told me they were true. I eventually left him, and they forgave me, but I can't get over this feeling of guilt. What should I do? How can I let them know just how sorry I really am? Signed, saying I'm sorry just isn't enough.
Phoebe sat in her office and cried.
______________
Piper was putting the final touches on dinner when Paige walked in. Phoebe caught her at the door as she came in. Piper started to join them, but Leo stopped her. They walked back into the kitchen hoping good things would come of this.
Phoebe and Paige walked into the living room and sat down. Phoebe was uncomfortable, but she started with a simple "I'm so very sorry." Normally Paige would have stopped her, but this time she needed to hear what Phoebe had to say.
Phoebe: I hurt you. It really did feel like it wasn't me, but I think that is more because I don't know who I am anymore. I need to figure a lot of things out, but I have one thing already figured out. You are my sister and you belong here, probably more than I do. Whatever you decide is up to you, but please don't leave because you don't feel like this is your home. It is. I want you here, not because I need you, well, it is because I need you. It's just that I need you as a sister. If I'm going to figure out who I am again – it will help to see examples of who I want to be. That's you and Piper.
Paige was crying again, but not tears of anger, not anymore. She noticed Phoebe was crying too. In fact, so was Piper who was listening in. Phoebe said "Come on in Piper," without turning around.
Piper said through her sniffing: Dinner's ready.
Phoebe: Hold on a sec. She pulled her big sister over to her and Paige. She asked while already knowing the answer: You heard everything I said to Paige?
Piper: Well, most of it.
Phoebe: Can I give you a gushing apology too or are you going to shut me up?
Piper: Go ahead. Piper sat down beside Phoebe on the couch.
Phoebe: Piper, I'm sorry. I've hurt you so many times. So many times that you gave up on me. Piper started to correct her, but Phoebe continued. She said: I don't blame you. I deserved it. I just hope that someday, you will trust me again and maybe even be proud of the person I become. I got so lost. Thank you for letting me come back home.
Phoebe put her arms around both her sisters. The three of them sat there for a minute in silence.
Paige was the first to speak as she stopped crying: But the baby will still need a room.
Phoebe: I have an idea about that.
Piper: Oh?
Phoebe turned to Paige: Remember when you first moved in? You asked if you would have to live in the basement?
Paige: Yes.
Phoebe: Well, I think I will.
Piper: What?
Phoebe: We have several months still, and a handyman. We can remodel it and I will move downstairs. The baby can have my room. That's if you want to stay, Paige.
Paige: I could stand to live with my sisters a little bit longer.
Piper: Good. Let's go eat. We'll talk about the room situation later, we still have several months to figure that out, you know.
_______________
A scribe sat reading by candlelight in a dark, damp cavern of the underworld. A demon was pacing the room as the scribe translated the ancient script. Well, he said, what does it say? Is it my time?
The scribe looked up from the parchment. It identifies you by name, my lord. It says that you may take the thrown in a time when there is no leadership.
The demon turned to the scribe and smiled: Well that certainly sounds like now. What does it say about opposition? Who can stop me? The Charmed Ones?
The scribe reread his notes. No, my lord, it says only four warriors of light can stop you.
The demon smiles and says: Four? So the Charmed Ones hold no power over me?
The scribe says: Not according to the text my lord.
_______________
Leo, Paige and Phoebe were praising Piper's fine cooking as she brought out dessert, French silk pie. Paige smiled. They sat around talking about the future, about their jobs, about the baby bonding as sisters…….completely unaware of the dangers that awaited them as the battle for the thrown of hell began.