Tilte: Breaking Through the Haze
Summary: One sister who is so hurt by love that she is turned into a Banshee. Another sister who is trying to track down her lost sister is turned into a dog. One sister who's trying to keep her sisters sane and losing the battle. Another sister who is trying desperatly to fit into her family but is losing the battle. Will the Halliwell sisters be able to surive this heartbreaking drama in their lives? Or will it finally succeeded in destroying the Halliwell family line?
Epsiode Based On: Look Who's Barking
Author's: Paigethesuperwhitelighter & CharmedFan90
Character Breakdown: Paigethesuperwhitelighter: Piper, Paige, Leo, Victor -- CharmedFan90: Prue, Phoebe, Jason
Category: Family / Hurt/Comfort/ Friendship/ Tragedy/ Angst/ Spiritual/ Mystery
Rating: T - Due to strong language. But nothing that the writers of "Charmed" haven't given us.
Victor's POV
I sighed as I opened the door to my new office. I had finally decided to accept the job offer that would ground me permanently in San Fransisco. I would now be working in an office five days a week. It is better this way I know. One Paige now feels secure in the knowledge that we aren't going to be moving any longer. Two my girls now feel secure in the knowledge that I mean what I say about my wanting to be part of their lives. I know that they had been afraid for almost three years since I have been back that I would decided to leave once more. I couldn't help it, I still didn't want to be tied down to the same job day in and day out. I still had the wanders heart in me, but when this job offer came I knew that it was time that I set my butt down behind a desk.
I walked to the walnut desk that was painted a deep burgundy. I have to say that my new boss Mr. Dean had good taste. I walked to where my black chair was and pulled it out, I had just sat down when there was a knock on my door. "Come in." I called out in my business voice.
The door opened and Jason Dean walked through it. I smiled as I stood to my feet. I reached over my desk and shook my new boss's hand firmly. I still couldn't believe that I was working for some one who was in his early thirties. He was Prue's age ... hmmm Jason Dean wasn't bad looking. Perhaps he would be interested in Prue or Phoebe. I knew that Phoebe was still in love with Cole Turner, but damn it Cole was a demon after all and is in the underworld allowing the darkness back into his soul. Not a fit match for my baby girl. Now Jason Dean on the other hand ...
Phoebe's POV
I sighed as I got off the city bus and walked towards Daddy's new office. I don't know why...but I just had to see him. I had to make sure he doesn't leave...like Cole did. I know I shouldn't be comparing Cole to Daddy...but I couldn't help it. I didn't even think of knocking and I saw that Daddy was in a meeting with who I assumed was his boss. "Oh my god..." I said taking a step back. "I am so sorry-,"
Daddy looked a little nervous, but his boss' smile disarmed any worries. "Its ok...come on in..." he said. "So Victor who is this?" he said in a friendly voice. Daddy stood up and took me gently by the arm.
"This is my daughter Phoebe," he said, and I gave him a polite smile. "Phoebe this is my boss, Jason Dean," he said.
"Hi," I whispered. Jason gave me a grin, and he reached his hand out towards me, and I shook it gently.
"Nice to meet you," Jason said. He seemed very nice.
"Well...it looks like you were in the middle of something important..." I started.
Jason's POV
"No...I was just welcoming your father," I assured her, and finally I noticed that I was holding her hand. I let go of it, and felt Victor's stare on me. "So what do you do?" I asked her, and she turned her head down. Nice one Dean. Luckily Victor came and redeemed me.
"Phoebe just graduated college...with a degree in psychology," he said, and I could tell that he was really proud of her for it. I could see why too.
"Congratulations," I told her, and she smiled.
"Thanks," Phoebe said to me, and I gave her a grin.
"Phoebe do you think you can wait outside for a minute?" I asked her. She nodded her head, and left the room. "She seems like a very nice girl," I commented.
"Thanks," Victor said to me.
"Well I think we covered everything earlier," I said to him. "If you need anything," I said to him, "just buzz me or anyone else in the building," Victor nodded his head, and once again I said, "Welcome to the company," I said, and Victor smiled lightly.
I walked out of the room, and gave Phoebe a smile. "You are more than welcome to come in there..."
Phoebe's POV
"Thank you Mr. Dean," I said in a low voice.
"Call me Jason...I don't do too well with last name formal stuff," he said with a smile. I just nodded my head, but felt a little flutter when I saw him smile again. "So I was thinking..." he said to me, "maybe we can go out for some coffee..." I smiled at him; it sounded really fun.
Just as I opened my mouth to say yes, I instead said, "My heart is with someone else at the moment..." I said and I saw Jason's expression deflated. "But...we can go as friends...if you want," I said to him.
"Sure," he said and I turned to Daddy's office. "Hey Daddy..."
Victor's POV
"Hello Lady Bug," I said with a smile as I watched Jason walk away from my door just as the door was closing. I saw the blush and confusion in Phoebe's eyes. I wanted to ask her what Jason and her were talking about, but I didn't. I just decided to keep an eye on this interesting develop and decided if I should encourage it or perhaps play match maker. Jason still has to meet Prue. Once that happens than I'll decide which of my two daughters I feel Jason Dean would be best for.
Phoebe eyes took in my office quickly and I felt her worry. "I'm going to be putting my personal touch here in the next few days." I said. I opened my brief case and pulled out the picture frames that I had put in there this morning. I had a picture frame for each of my four daughters, and I have a group shot of them and I in front of the Manor. I arranged the pictures on my desk. "Now that's better." I said looking up and I saw that Phoebe was breathing easier as she walked over and stood next to me.
"I see you put the pictures by ages." Phoebe said with a small laugh.
"Of course." I said. I looked shyly over at her. "Why you want to be ahead in the order?"
Phoebe shook her head. "No, I like how you have the pictures." She picked up the group shot. "This is my favorite picture, why even Prue is smiling in it. Her eyes are lit up also." She sighed as she placed the picture back on the desk. She walked away from me and walked to stand looking out of the windows towards down town.
I looked at the picture for a moment and saw myself in the middle with Phoebe on my right side, Paige on my left, Prue was standing on Paige's other side while Piper stood on Phoebe's side. The picture had been taken two years previous after a nice lunch that we had. Prue and I had actually gotten alone and Piper had been in a calm mood around Paige. There hadn't been any fights among us or distance. I had felt that we made progress that day, but sadly the harsh feelings and rotten moods returned two days after.
"Why can't everything be like that day was, daddy?" Phoebe whispered. I sighed as I walked over and wrapped my arms around my daughter's waist and pulled her so her back was resting against me. I bent my head to be resting on top of hers. "They will be." I softly said. "Prue and I are getting along better now." I said with a soft smile as I realized that Prue has finally broken down and allowed me in her heart since she saved me from the pit of hell.
"But Prue and Paige are still at each other's throats." Phoebe sadly said. "Actually Prue hates Paige. She hasn't forgiven Paige ..." I felt tears hit my hand. I quickly unwrapped my arms around Phoebe and turned her around so I could look her in the eyes. "Prue just needs some time is all, once she realizes that Paige only did what she did to help her deal with her anger issues than Prue will forgive Paige."
"But when daddy?" Phoebe asked looking up into my eyes. "It took Prue twenty one years to finally forgive you for leaving, and allowing you back in her heart." She shook her head. "Paige doesn't even come to the manor any more."
I sighed deeply. "Yes she does."
"Yeah when she makes sure Prue isn't around. Once Prue arrives home Paige rushes out with a scared look on her face." Phoebe sighed. "I can't keep living like this daddy. I can't continue to having my sisters always at each other's throats. Enough is enough." She cried in rash anger.
Phoebe's POV
Daddy tightened his arms around me, and I buried my head into his neck. "It'll be ok Phoebe..." he assured me, "you just need to be strong and patient for a little while longer," I didn't want to be patient any longer. "Plus we are all here for you..."
"I know..." I whispered, and I rubbed my eyes with my hands. "I love you Daddy...you always make me feel better.." I said, and he handed me a tissue. "Thanks..."
"I love you too Lady Bug..." he said to me.
"Well...I think I will go home, and let you go at your work..." I murmured.
"Ok...I love you...Phoebe...I'll call you at lunch break ok?" he said to me. I nodded, and gave him a watery smile, and headed towards the bus stop.
"Phoebe," I turned around, and saw Jason.
"Hey," I said to him.
"Need a ride home?" he questioned, and I contemplated whether or not to take up on his offer. "It really isn't a problem..."
"Thanks Jason..." I whispered, and he gave me a smile. I told him my major cross streets, and we headed towards his car. "You know, you don't really have to do this..." I whispered.
"I really don't mind Phoebe..." he assured to me with a smile.
"Thanks...for letting ... giving Daddy a job..." I whispered.
He grinned, "Your father will be a valuable asset to the company," he said to me.
"Thanks again for the ride...see you around..." I said to him, and he gave me a grin.
"Hope so," Jason said flashing me with a grin. I walked towards the front door and gave a wave. Jason waved back, and drove off. I opened up the door, with a heavy sigh.
"Prue...Piper I'm home!"
Piper's POV
"We are in the family room," I said with laughter in my voice. I still couldn't get myself under control from the funny story that Paige just told me. I couldn't believe that I had wasted so much time by not getting to know Paige. She's one funny girl. I shake my head as I thought of all the time that I wasted by being angry.
Phoebe walked into the room with a pleased expression on her face as she saw Paige and I sitting together on the couch. "I just came from Daddy's new office. I met his new boss. He seems nice. Younger than daddy but very nice."
Paige nodded her head. "Yes Daddy said Jason Dean is thirty five and a self made billionaire, matter of fact Jason made most of his money when he was eighteen." I looked with raised eye brows. She turned and looked at me with a slight shrug. "I asked Daddy about Jason when he was looking up back ground information on him before his interview."
"Oh." I said with a nod. I leaned over and gently tapped Paige on her hand that was resting relaxed on the cushion between us. "Good job, Paige."
Paige smiled and blushed. I could tell how pleased she was with my comment and my touch. I felt warmth flow through my system as I saw how pleased she was that I was finally treating her kindly. She ducked her head and her hair covered her face. I moved over so I was sitting right close to her, I leaned forward and reached up and gently brushed her hair out of her face. "There I can see your eyes again," I softly said in a voice that I would use with Phoebe.
Paige's POV
I turned my eyes and looked into Piper's soft and tender eyes. I looked quickly away once more still very unsure if Piper's anger against me was truly gone. I didn't want to do or say anything to bring it back so at times like this I am even more unsure of myself around her. I lifted my head quickly and opened my mouth and I began to tell another funny story.
I saw that Piper started to laugh right away and Phoebe joined in from where she was standing behind my place on the couch. Whenever I felt truly uncomfortable I relayed on my sense of humor. Most people didn't understand it, especially when I would start cracking lame jokes in middle of tense situations, but people who are closest to me knew that I was hiding.
Piper hadn't moved back to her previous seat she remained sitting next to me and resting her hand at the back of my neck. I felt her lightly running her hand across, it felt nice, it felt sisterly. It felt like when Phoebe did it. I relaxed back to how I was feeling when I first arrived at the manor for a visit with Piper.
"So what else did you learn about Mr. Jason Dean?" Piper asked returning to the subject of Daddy's new boss.
"That he's extremely sexy." I said with a smile. "I saw his pictures over daddy's shoulders. He's not my type, but if he was than I would be all over the man."
"Perhaps he would be good for Prue." Phoebe said quickly in a tight weird voice. I looked up and just managed to see how awful the idea truly was with her before she managed to fix her face in a impassive face.
I raised my right eye brow and nodded. "Perhaps." I said softly.
Phoebe's POV
I sighed as I saw Paige raise her right eyebrow at me; she looked like Grams, Piper, or Prue when they knew I was hiding something. I really hated that they were able to see right through me, and I am going to have to find an opportunity to get out of talking about Cole. I know everyone was worried about me, and I guess they had every right to be. "What is it Phoebs?" Piper asked me, "spill,"
"Its nothing," I grumbled, not in any mood to talk about this particular subject. I was about to snap at Piper, but then memory came hitting me at full speed; if Piper got stressed she might blow something up...like Grams oriental rug...
"Phoebe..." Paige said, also joining in on Piper's concern. What is this gang up on Phoebe day? Suddenly I heard the door open up, and I turned my head slightly and saw that Prue was coming in...and I could feel pretty much all life draining from the room as Prue saw that Paige was here. I have seen those eyes on me before...shining blue with disappointment and aggravation. Finally Prue tore her gaze away from Paige, and she turned to me light concern playing out in her eyes as well. Even though I told her I forgave her for what happened between her and Paige, she had been avoiding me and Piper.
"I'll be in the darkroom if you need me...remember to knock first..." Prue said softly, and turned the opposite direction.
"Prue..." I started, but Prue shook her head sadly.
"No...I need to concentrate on this Phoebe," she whispered, but that was common for her when she was in her darkroom. I nodded my head, and a small smile appeared on her face as she turned to walk away once again.
"So are you going to tell us what is bothering you?" Piper asked, still not moving away from Paige.
"I don't want to talk about it," I said again.
"Its about Cole isn't it?" Piper asked in a soft voice. I felt all the color drain from my face, and nodded my head weakly.
Piper's POV
I had felt Paige tense up and knew that she was ready to get to her feet and leave. She had done that ever sine Prue had come back to the manor, she had been doing that daddy's condo also, ever since when Prue beat the shit out of her a few weeks ago things have been tense between Paige and Prue. I still blamed Prue for trying to kill Paige, only because I myself was guilty of that same act. It had been Prue who kept telling me that I couldn't kill a sister, even an adopted one, than to have her turn around and do the same thing was too much hypercritical for me.
As soon as I felt Paige tense I just tightened my hold on her and began to soothing rub my thumb up and down her arm; she she knew she was quite safe and welcomed. I still didn't know what really happened at daddy's condo, Phoebe didn't either, but it seemed too me that Phoebe let Prue off the hook way too easily. All I knew for sure was that I had to protect Paige. That was why I was relieved that Prue has decided to keep clear of me. I still felt Paige's tension so I just moved even closer and wrapped my arms around her body and just ran soothing hands over her as I kept on talking with Phoebe.
"It's about Cole isn't it?" I heard myself ask in a soft voice and I watched all the color drain from my baby sister's face as she nodded. I took one of my arms away from Paige and held it out for Phoebe to come and sit on my other side.
Paige's POV
When Prue came in the house I wanted to get to my feet and orb out. I felt Prue's deep and raw anger against me the moment the front door opened and she walked in the door. Even through the family room had a wall that kept the front door invisible. But I couldn't find a tactful way of removing Piper's hand and interrupt Phoebe as she was beginning to open up to what was bothering her. So I remained where I was sitting. But when I felt Prue's eyes on me and I slowly turned my head to look into my oldest sister's eyes I could still feel the anger and ... mistrust in them that I would have orbed even with Piper along for the ride, but I wasn't ready for Phoebe and Piper to know whom I truly am. So I stayed. I watched as Phoebe talked to Prue and Prue looked sideways at me a few times before moving away and going to her darkroom. Prue escaped into the dark room every time I was at the manor.
I was going to get up and leave so Piper and Phoebe could spend time with Prue without having any guilt where I was concerned but Piper tightened her hold on my arm. I began to resist her obviously egging me on to remain when I felt her sisterly soothing on my arm. I knew that she cared about me and wanted me to realize that I wasn't willing being kicked out because of a sisterly fight. So I once more remained where I was sitting. But than Prue's eyes came back to me and I knew that Prue missed spending time with Phoebe and Piper and I felt deep guilt over my taking that away from her so I tensed up ready to get up and leave the manor, when Piper suddenly moved closer to me and wrapped her arms tightly around me. I felt trapped and I was about to jerk out of her arms when I once more felt the very sisterly soothing motions on my body and felt safe and loved in Piper's arms.
All this took place in a matter of a minute and Piper and Phoebe still had time to talk. "So are you going to tell us what is bothering you?" Piper asked.
"I don't want to talk about it," Phoebe said quickly.
"It's about Cole isn't it?" Piper asked in a soft voice. She quickly unwrapped one of her arms from around me and held it out for Phoebe to slip in right next to her, when Phoebe's face drained all of it's color and she nodded weakly.
Phoebe's POV
Instead of going closer to Piper I shied more away from her. "Look...I know Cole is a sour subject to bring up-,"
"Phoebe...honey," Piper murmured, "its ok to talk about it..."
"Last time we talked about Cole you blew up dinner," I murmured guiltily.
"As I said Phoebe, it is fine," Piper said to me, motioning for me to come closer. I shook my head, I am not going to talk to Piper about this. "Come on Phoebs..." she mumbled. I sat next to her, and she wrapped her arm around me. "Phoebe...relax, I am not going to get mad..." Paige stayed silent, but I knew that she was there for me too.
"I really don't want to talk about it...I don't want to worry you..." I said, getting out of Piper's embrace.
"Phoebe..." Piper protested.
"Look...Piper..." I started again.
"You missy have a conflict problem when it is focused on you," Piper said to me, and I groaned.
"I do not," I denied, and headed towards my room.
Paige's POV
"Go after her. She needs you." I said softly in Piper's ear as I felt her feeling torn. Being here with me and wanting to be there for Phoebe.
"I'm not leaving you." Piper softly said not letting go of me.
"Phoebe needs you. Only you will do. I'll be fine." I said in a slightly urgent voice as I watched Phoebe walk up the stairs going towards the second floor. From the side of her face I can see how upset Phoebe truly was. And I knew deep down that Phoebe would confide in Piper alone. Truly only Piper would do what she had to do to show Phoebe that she would always be on her side, no matter what. Prue and I were on one mind where Cole Turner was concerned once a demon, always a demon. But Piper was the peace maker among her sisters, she all ready lost Phoebe once due to the "Roger situation" and she would be dammed to lose Phoebe over the "Cole situation" so she would never voice any negativity ever again. I could tell because I was at that dinner table. Once Phoebe had gotten up and rushed from the room I saw Piper's face and I knew than that Piper would swallow her worry and concern about Cole when it came to Phoebe's feelings.
"Come with me." Piper firmly said looking over at me quickly.
I shook my head. "I'm not needed." I looked up and saw that Phoebe had disappeared, "Go to her, now." I said in firm voice.
"Promise that you will be here when I come back down." Piper finally said giving in.
I swallowed. "I promise." I softly said. Piper leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek and squeezed my arm and than got up and followed Phoebe up to the bedroom. I leaned back against in the sofa back and closed my eyes.
A noise alerted me that I wasn't alone in the room, "That was fast Piper," I said slowly opening my eyes. I blinked and my throat closed up when I saw that Prue had come into the living room. I could tell that she was uncomfortable seeing me also. "Hello Prue, " I said softly as I sat up straight and tall. My fingers began to tap uneasy on my stone washed blue jeans.
Prue's POV
"Paige," I said in a stiff voice, and continued to walk away from her. I was in no mood to deal with her bullshit.
Are we going to ever talk about what happened?" Paige questioned softly.
"I thought I made that perfectly clear last time Paige," I said shortly. "I do not want to talk to you ever again," I snapped at her, heading towards my room. "I don't care how long it takes me Paige..." I said, "I will make sure that if you ever pull anything on my sisters like that...I will kill you next time," I threatened, and with that I headed upstairs. I brushed past Piper, and went into my room.
Paige's POV
With tears in my eyes I got to my feet and I rushed from the living room. I didn't know where I was headed but I knew that I had to get out of the room – the room that my oldest sister had just threatened my life in. I suddenly felt myself falling and I reached out to protect my body from the thud. I lay panting on the floor that was leading to the front door, I hurt so much and I wanted so much to weep my heart break, but I didn't want my sisters to know otherwise Phoebe wouldn't get the attention she needed from Piper. So I orbed out of the manor and appeared on my bed in daddy's condo. I was relieved that he was still at the office so I had the entire condo to weep in and not have to worry about convincing daddy that everything would be fine in the end.
Phoebe's POV
I locked the door behind me and sat down on my bed. I turned to my bedside, and pulled out a picture of me and Cole. I sighed, and put it away; I need to keep my mind off of Cole. I turned around and clutched my old teddy bear that Mommy gave to me. I heard someone knock on my door, and I closed my eyes trying to ignore it. "Phoebe...honey..." Piper's voice came through the door. She knocked on the door a little more. "Well...even if you don't want to talk I want you to listen ok?" she said. "I know we were never supportive of you and Cole..." she started, and I sniffled, sobs starting stir out of me. "But you have to know that whatever happens, you have to know that we are all here for you...even Prue..."
I went towards the door and opened up, "Piper," I whimpered, and she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.
Piper's POV
"We are here for you baby, all of us." I said huskily as I simply held my baby sister to me. "You know that right?" I felt her head nod on the base of my neck. I simply held Phoebe to me quietly soothing her as I had when we were little children and she had felt hurt by Prue or some bully at school. I knew that she wasn't truly ready to open up and talk about her feelings yet; so I did what I did best I held her close and allowed her to soak up my essence.
Phoebe pulled away and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, I smiled as I walked over to the table that was between her and Prue's bedroom and grabbed a few Kleenex. I walked back over and silently handed her the Kleenex, "You always forget to wipe your eyes and face with the proper towel or Kleenex." I said with a small laugh.
"I like the back of my hand," Phoebe said in an innocent voice. "I can tell." I said as I linked arms with my baby sister as we headed back down stairs. "Paige, are you ready to help with dinner?" I said with a smile as we walked down the stairs. "Paige?" I lifted my head as I looked towards the living room fully expecting to find my adopted sister in there waiting for us, but all I got was an empty living room. I turned around still with Phoebe's arm linked in mine. "Paige?"
"Perhaps she had to go to the bathroom? Or perhaps she had to leave." Phoebe said.
I shook my head "She wouldn't leave. She promised me." I said moving away from Phoebe and walking to the downstairs bathroom. I knocked on the door. "Paige are you in there?" When no one answered I tried the handle and it turned so I knew that she was at least decent. I opened the door and found – a empty bathroom. I turned around and rushed down the hallway passed Phoebe and into the dinning room and into the kitchen. "Paige!" I called out in fear. Nothing. I had a bad feeling.
I stormed out of the kitchen and up the stairs with Phoebe rushing up behind me. I stormed and stopped at Prue's closed door. I banged on the door and shouted at the same time, "Prue Halliwell if you don't freaking open this door this minute than so help me God I'll blow it up."
Prue's POV
I threw open the door, and glared at my ungrateful younger sister, "Decide to finally talk to me I see," I snapped at her.
"What the hell did you do to Paige?" Piper shouted, and I rolled my eyes.
"I did nothing to her," I snapped at Piper
"She was here just minutes ago!" Piper rebutted, ringing her hands.
"I don't have time to deal with your bullshit," I snapped at her. "Wherever the little bitch is, I'm sure she is fine and dandy," Phoebe stopped Piper from getting closer to me.
"Piper...lets just leave Prue alone...ok?" Phoebe tried to suggest.
"No...lets not Phoebe," Piper snapped.
"Piper...fighting isn't going to help...and trying to blow up Prue isn't either," Phoebe said. Feeling a wave of gratefulness towards my youngest sister, I closed the door. "Ok..." I heard Phoebe say, "Why don't you go look for Paige, and I will stay here and start on dinner...cooler heads and all..."
END CHAPTER ONE