By J. B. Tilton email: Rating: PG (for mild language)
Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
(Authors note: This story takes place between season 5 episodes "Cat House" and "Nymphs Just Wanna Have Fun".)
A demon approaches Piper in her club and insists that the Charmed Ones aid it.
ONE
Paige came into the manor and dropped dejectedly into one of the chairs in the living room. Piper, Phoebe, and Leo were all ready there and they looked up as she came in.
"What's the matter?" Piper asked. "You look like you just lost your best friend."
"Mr. Sutton passed away this morning," said Paige.
"The man you've been sitting with the past two weeks?" Paige asked. "Didn't you say he was terminally ill? That's why you were sitting with him."
"Yeah," said Paige. "But that doesn't make it any easier. I know he lived longer than the doctors predicted but it's still hard when it actually happens. I guess even when you know it's going to happen you're never really quite prepared for it when it happens."
"I'm sure he appreciated your company these last two weeks," said Leo. "At least he wasn't alone. That alone can be a big help to people, knowing they won't die alone."
"Well, it was one of my more enjoyable temp jobs," said Paige. "Sitting around reading to him, watching television, playing checkers. And he told me several times that he really appreciated my being there. His daughter wasn't able to stay with him like she wanted to that's why she hired me. And look at this."
Paige reached into her purse and pulled out a large egg-shaped object. It was nearly a foot long and was a deep green with bright red striations running through it. She pulled out a small gold stand for it and set it up on the coffee table.
"He gave this to me before he passed," said Paige. "He said it was one of his most treasured possessions and he wanted me to have it for all the help I was to him."
"It's beautiful," said Phoebe. "It kind of looks like those Faberge eggs I've read about. They're worth a fortune."
"His daughter told me these were similar," said Paige. "There are only supposed to be about a dozen of them and they're supposed to be very valuable. I told him I couldn't accept it but he insisted. In the end I couldn't say no to him. I didn't want to hurt his feelings. Besides, I kind of like it. It's going to look very nice on the dresser in my room."
"What did his daughter have to say about him giving it to you?" Piper asked.
"She didn't seem upset," said Paige. "In fact, she told me it was right that I should have it. With everything else in his estate this one little item isn't going to be missed much. And she said it was little enough for my making his last few days so enjoyable."
"You should be proud," said Leo. "He must have thought you were very special to give you such a valuable gift."
"I'd still prefer to be sitting with him instead of remembering him," said Paige.
"Well, let's cheer you up," said Piper. "Let's all go to the club tonight and forget about Mr. Sutton's passing. There's a new group playing tonight and they're supposed to be very good."
"Oh, anyone we've heard of?" Phoebe asked.
"Kind of," said Piper. "They're called the Three P's."
"Three P's?" questioned Leo. "Playing at P3? That alone should draw in a good crowd."
"Yeah," said Piper. "Apparently the three main singers are friends each whose names begins with a P. They're relatively new and they've been getting some rave revues. I've listened to their demo album and they really are very good. I got them real cheap."
"Just as long as they're mortals," said Phoebe. "I still remember when
Dishwalla played at the club. Their manager had made a pact with a soul-
stealing demon. I don't want a repeat of that."
"Not to worry," said Piper. "I checked them out thoroughly. Not even a hint of anything suspicious any place they've played. Just an up and coming band that could make it very big very soon."
"What about Wyatt?" Paige asked.
"He's okay for now," said Piper. "The Leprechauns said something about wanting to bless him or something. I guess it's some kind of tradition with them, blessing special children."
"It doesn't happen often," said Leo. "And he'll be perfectly safe during the ceremony. I've checked with the Elders and they say the blessing won't actually do anything but it's their way of thanking Piper for the help she gave them a while back."
"Well," said Paige, "going out sounds like a really good idea. I can drink a toast to Mr. Sutton's memory. He really was a very sweet man. I'm actually going to miss him."
"That's how it's supposed to be," said Leo. "I'm sure he'll appreciate the gesture."
"It's settled them," said Piper. "I'd better go get ready. I need to get there early and make sure everything is set up for tonight."
"I'll go get ready too," said Paige. "And you can tell me all about this Dishwalla and the soul stealing demon manager."
"The manager wasn't the demon," said Piper as the two headed up the stairs. "He was just as human as anyone else. He'd just made a deal with a demon. Come on. I'll tell you all about it."