"Oh -- oh what do I do?" Phyllis says to herself, pacing in the kitchen. Pamela enters the room.
"Phyllis, are you going to clean up in here, or, as usual, is someone ELSE going to have to do it for you?" Pamela asks.
"Oh - oh Pamela, I'm so glad you're here. I have an awful, awful dilemma." Phyllis says. "Pamela -- what would you do if you knew something that you really wish you didn't know, and there's someone that really SHOULD know but doesn't, and if you tell them it'll just destroy someone that you really, really care about, and it'll really upset someone ELSE that you really, really care about, but if you DON'T tell, then the person you should have told but didn't will find out soon enough and they'll be destroyed anyway, AND they'll be mad at you once they find out you knew and didn't tell."
"What?" Pamela says, clearly puzzled. "Phyllis, what's the big drama in your life now? You know what -- nevermind, I really don't want to know." Phoebe enters the room.
"Hey -- Pamela, how are you feeling?" Phoebe asks.
"I'm fine. Gordon finally let me out of the house today -- he is just so over-protective." Pamela says.
"Well, I think it's wonderful that he loves you so much. Everyone should be lucky enough to find a love like that." Phoebe says.
"Phoebe -- can I talk to you? Upstairs -- in my room?" Phyllis asks. "It's -- kinda personal."
"Phyllis, I really have to get going, I need to get to Turner Manor." Phoebe replies.
"Oh -- it won't take long, I promise." Phyllis says.
"Alright -- if it won't take long." Phoebe says, and she and Phyllis head upstairs. They enter Phyllis' room, and Phyllis makes sure the door is tightly shut. "Phyllis -- what is this about?"
"It's about -- you and Cole. I know you like him, and --" Phyllis begins.
"Phyllis -- I already told you, there IS no 'me and Cole'." Phoebe says.
"Oh yes there is. I saw you -- I saw you hugging him in his office yesterday, when Carl and I were there. And you looked like alot more than just friends." Phyllis says.
"Phyllis, it -- it wasn't like that. What were you doing spying on me?" Phoebe asks.
"I wasn't spying, I was -- just walking by, and the door was open, so I looked." Phyllis says innocently. "Phoebe -- please don't hurt Pearl. She's been real nice to you, and she loves Cole so. She's never taken a fancy to anyone like she has to Cole. Why, I thought she was gonna be single forever the way she acted when boys would try to court her."
"Phyllis -- you don't understand." Phoebe says.
"No, I do understand, and I won't let you --"
"Phyllis, Cole is not mine anymore!" Phoebe shouts, interrupting.
"He's not -- anymore? What do you mean anymore?" Phyllis asks.
"It breaks my heart -- you're right, I do love Cole. And I did come here planning to get him back. But I see now that I can't. He's with Pearl -- and he's happy. And I will respect that."
"But you said anymore. You didn't know Cole before you came here." Phyllis says.
"Yes I did." Phoebe replies.
"But Cole didn't know YOU. That doesn't make any sense." Phyllis says.
"I knew Cole -- where I came from. He was -- my husband." Phoebe says. "I didn't want to tell you this Phyllis, but it's obvious that you're not going to give up until you know the truth. Cole and I were married in my time and -- he died. I came back -- to try and get him back again."
"But how could Cole be in your time? Does Cole travel to the future somehow? Do they actually invent one of those time-travel machine things?" Phyllis asks.
"No -- in order to time travel you have to -- have powers." Phoebe says.
"But Cole doesn't have powers." Phyllis says.
"Cole -- didn't time travel. At least -- not to me." Phoebe says.
"But that's not possible. Nobody can live that long. Only demons can, and --" Phyllis stops herself.
"That's right." Phoebe says.
"No -- no, you're lying. Cole is a good man -- he's not a demon." Phyllis says.
"That's because I -- took care of that. When I knew Cole -- he was a very powerful demon named Belthazor. He was posing as an attorney, and his mission was to destroy me and my sisters. He didn't expect to fall in love -- with me. He gave up his powers for me -- he was willing to live as a mortal. But then he -- he became possessed by the source of all evil. I -- I had no choice but to -- vanquish him. I was devastated, Phyllis -- I loved him so much. I thought maybe if I -- if I went back in time, I could fix things. So I found a spell, and I traveled to just after he was born. I gave him a potion that bound his powers, and -- I vanquished his mother. His real mother -- she was a demon. So he was raised by Benjamin Turner -- in my reality, Cole's mother killed Benjamin in 1888 and took Cole to be raised in the underworld. But that never happened -- Benjamin lived, and remarried, and had -- more children." Phoebe says. "And Cole is -- he's good. I knew there was so much good in him -- I'm sure he knows nothing of his demon heritage. And I want it to stay that way. Cole's happiness is all that matters to me -- even if it's at the expense of MY happiness. Maybe I just wasn't meant to be happy -- in any time."
"Oh, Phoebe -- this is all true, isn't it?" Phyllis says.
"I came here to find Cole -- I thought he'd meet me and -- it would be magic all over again. Just like the first time. But he'd already found magic -- with Pearl." Phoebe says.
"Why are you staying then?" Phyllis asks.
"Because I -- my actions -- changed some things, and -- I need to make sure that everything is right before I leave. Not to mention keep you from turning evil." Phoebe says.
"Phoebe, I told you, I would never do that." Phyllis says.
"I know -- but I need to make sure. And there are some -- other things that I have to take care of. For Cole. He needs my help with something and -- right now I'm the only one who can do it. I figure it's the least I owe him -- the last thing I can do for him, so that he's truly happy in this life that I've made for him. It's not something that will hurt Pearl, I promise you that, but -- I really can't tell you anything more, so please don't ask me to. Just trust me. You know me, Phyllis -- you know my SOUL, because it's your soul, too. You know I'm telling you the truth." Phoebe says.
"I know you are." Phyllis says, now crying. "Oh Phoebe, I am so, so sorry for you. You are such a good person."
"No -- I'm not. Because part of me wants to just tell Cole the truth, steal him away from Pearl, and run like hell. But you're right -- she is a good, kind, caring woman and she's done NOTHING to deserve that. And I won't do that to her." Phoebe says. "Phyllis -- you can never, EVER tell anyone else what I've just told you. You promise me, right?"
"I promise. It's our secret." Phyllis says, giving Phoebe a hug. "Phoebe, I know how many rules you're probably breaking, but -- I wish you would never, ever leave. Pearl and Pamela have never understood me, and I've never really had many friends. But you -- you understand me and you don't judge me because you KNOW me. And I know I'll never have another friend like you Phoebe, never in my life."
"Me either. I wish we could be friends -- forever. But I will have to go back eventually. So -- until then -- we'll be friends for as long as we can. Okay?" Phoebe says. "By the way -- Carl didn't see me and Cole the other night, did he?"
"Well -- he kind of -- oh, I'm so sorry Phoebe, but I didn't know, and I needed to talk to someone. But Carl won't say anything -- he's not like that." Phyllis says.
"Oh, Phyllis -- you still have SO much to learn about men. Please -- next time you need to talk to someone, you come to ME, okay?" Phoebe says.
"Okay -- I promise." Phyllis replies.
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"Darling, it's just for two weeks -- I know it's bad timing, but -- how can I turn it down?" Pearl says to Cole.
"Easy -- you pick up a telephone, you call them, and you politely tell them 'no'." Cole insists.
"Cole -- one of the top agents in Los Angeles saw MY photos, and they want me to come down there and do some exclusive portrait sittings of some of the top names in show business. Fairbanks, Pickford, Chaplin, Griffith -- word is they're forming a film company together -- they want to use MY photos to promote their work. They'll be on posters all over the world -- Cole, please."
"Pearl -- my campaign is taking up every moment of my time that have to spare. I need you here. What will it look like if my fiancee goes running off to Hollywood when I'm right in the last stretch of this campaign?" Cole says.
"I thought you believed in women having the same rights as men do. The same rights to advance in their careers when the opportunity presents itself." Pearl says angrily.
"You know I do, but -- it's just bad timing, Pearl." Cole says.
"Well maybe --- Phoebe can help you. You like her, you've -- become good friends with her, right? Surely she can answer a few phone calls from the press and type a couple of letters." Pearl says.
"What about public appearances? Should Phoebe attend those with me, too?" Cole snaps.
"Is that all I am to you? Some pretty little ornament for you to have on your arm while you chat with your politician buddies?" Pearl asks angrily.
"Pearl, you know it's not like that." Cole says, and he sighs. "Look -- ever since the arrest, all we seem to do is argue. You know what, on second thought -- maybe this photo shoot is a -- good thing. Maybe we need some time apart."
"Well -- maybe we do. My train leaves tomorrow at six a.m. I'll see you in two weeks." Pearl says.
"I'll -- pick you up around five, give you a ride to the station." Cole suggests.
"Don't bother. I'll ask Gordon to do it." Pearl says, and she leaves, slamming the door as she goes. Cole looks both angry and hurt at the same time, as Phoebe enters the room.
"Hey -- what's wrong?" Phoebe asks.
"Oh -- nothing. Nothing at all." Cole replies. "How is Virginia?"
"She's doing well. She's almost done with her blanket -- she's been talking about wanting to start sewing again. She said she'd -- like to make me a dress. What do you think -- I don't want to push her too hard, but -- she's progressing so well, and if SHE wants to then --" Phoebe begins.
"I it sounds like a perfect idea. I'll give you the money for the materials you need tomorrow. Phoebe -- Pearl is going to be out of town for the next two weeks on business, and -- well I may need some -- clerical help. Making phone calls, typing some letters -- Pearl usually helps me, and -- she suggested I ask you to fill in for her while she's gone." Cole says.
"She did? Oh -- well -- I can do that, I suppose." Cole says.
"Don't worry, I will pay you -- and I do appreciate everything you've done for me, Phoebe. I can't tell you how lucky I am to have you in my life." Cole says, giving her a hug. Carl stands at the top of the stairs, unseen, watching them, with a camera in his hand, and he quietly snaps a photo of them.
"Gotcha!" he says to himself.
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Nearly a week later, there is a knock at the door at Turner Manor. "Mrs. Jensen, can you get that!" Cole calls out from his office, working busily on a speech behind his desk. Mrs. Jensen doesn't answer. "She must be outside." he mutters to himself, and gets up and goes to the door. "Can I help you?" Cole asks, opening the door. Two very large, rough-looking men are standing there.
"You Carl Turner?" one of the men asks.
"Who wants to know?" Cole asks.
"I got a message for you from my boss." the man says, and he punches Cole in the stomach, while the other man slugs him in the jaw, knocking him to the ground. Taken by surprise, Cole is unable to fight back as the two men continue to beat him roughly. "Next time -- we'll finish the job." one of the men says to Cole, who is barely conscious at this point. The men leave, and barely a minute later Phoebe comes down the stairs.
"Cole, Virginia said she wants to -- Cole! Oh my god." Phoebe says, rushing to Cole's side. "Cole? Cole, can you hear me?"
"Phoebe." Cole mutters, his jaw badly swollen.
"Oh god. Oh Cole, who did this to you? Mrs. Jensen! Mrs. Jensen!" Phoebe screams.
"Miss Halliwell, in this house we do not scream out one's name in order to -- Master Cole!" Mrs. Jensen says, going to his side next to Phoebe. "How did this happen?"
"I don't know -- I just came downstairs and found him like this." Phoebe says. "Who would do this to him? Who would want to hurt Cole?"
"It was probably someone who was looking for Master Carl -- they must have mistaken Master Cole for him." Mrs. Jensen says. "Master Cole -- it's Nanny Alice. Are you alright, dear?" she asks, gently touching his cheek.
"Nanny Alice -- it hurts." Cole says, looking up at her.
"You're going to be fine, dear. Miss Halliwell and I will take you up to your room. Do you think you can make it up the stairs?" Mrs. Jensen asks. Cole weakly nods his head, as Phoebe and Mrs. Jensen help him sit up, and they carefully help him up to his room.
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"Here you go -- a hundred bucks each, just like we agreed." Carl says, handing cash to the men who roughed up Cole.
"So, what'd this guy do to you?" one of the men asks.
"None of your business." Carl replies. "You did exactly as I asked, right? Just roughed him up enough to be laid up for a few days?"
"Don't worry -- he'll live. He'll just need some looking after for awhile." one of the men says, and they leave.
"That's exactly what I'm counting on." Carl replies, grinning to himself..
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"How is he?" Phoebe asks, entering Cole's room. Mrs. Jensen is sitting at his side, carefully tending to Cole's wounds.
"He's been sleeping for awhile now. Poor dear, he must be in so much pain." Mrs. Jensen says. "I just know it's all because of that loathsome brother of his. If I had my way, that young man would have been long gone from this house years ago."
"I found his pain medication in the medicine cabinet -- I'll leave it in here in case he needs it." Phoebe says. "Virginia is asking for you -- she wants her bath. I can stay with Cole."
"Alright, then -- have you tried to locate Miss Pearl, to tell her what happened?" Mrs. Jensen asks.
"Yeah -- no luck finding her, but I did leave a message at the hotel she's at to call here." Phoebe says.
"Very well then -- I'll go tend to Miss Virgina. Make sure his wounds stay clean so they don't get infected, and I've been trying to keep ice on his bruises as much as possible. Everything you need is on the nightstand. Tell Master Cole I'll be back soon if he awakens." Mrs. Jensen says, and she leaves. Phoebe sits down on the edge of the bed next to Cole.
"I think we've been here before, haven't we? When I found out about Belthazor. No whitelighters around this time to help you heal though -- but don't you worry. You're going to be fine." Phoebe says, taking some ice and applying it to Cole's swollen jaw. Cole starts to wake up after a few minutes. "Hi -- how are you feeling?"
"I'm okay." Cole says, wincing in pain as he tries to sit up.
"Hey -- just lie back and rest, there's no need to push yourself. If Mrs. Jensen comes in here and sees you overdoing it she's gonna rip me a new one." Phoebe says.
"She'll what?" Cole asks, a puzzled look on his face.
"I mean, she'll -- well, she won't exactly be thrilled with me." Phoebe says.
"I have a speech to finish -- for tomorrow." Cole says.
"You're not going to be speaking to anyone tomorrow -- unless me and Mrs. Jensen count." Phoebe says. "How is the pain?"
"I've been through worse." Cole tells her, insisting on sitting up. He barely makes it halfway, moaning in pain the entire time.
"Shhhh. Here -- take one of these, it'll make you feel better." Phoebe says, getting one of his pills and a glass of water.
"I don't need that stuff, I'm okay." Cole insists.
"It's just one pill, Cole -- it'll help you rest, now quit acting all macho and just take the damn pill." Phoebe says.
"All what? Where are you coming up with these new phrases, Phoebe?" Cole asks.
"Just -- making them up I guess." Phoebe says, trying to cover herself. "Honey, please just take the medicine." Cole takes the pill from her as Phoebe puts the glass of water up to his lips and he takes a drink.
"Did you just call me -- honey?" Cole asks.
"I -- I just -- it was a slip of the tongue, I don't know why I said that." Phoebe says awkwardly. Cole stares at her intently for a moment. "Are you warm enough? Let's get you covered up some more, I don't want you to catch a cold." Phoebe tucks him in more under his blankets.
"You have beautiful eyes. Has anyone ever told you that before?" Cole asks.
"Yes." Phoebe says, clearly starting to feel uncomfortable. "I -- I'm going to go see if Mrs. Jensen needs any help with Virginia, you should just rest." Phoebe starts to get up.
"Don't." Cole says, grabbing her hand. "Stay. Please." Cole says. Phoebe reluctantly sits back down.
"Oh -- one of your cuts is starting to bleed again. Let me change that bandage." Phoebe says, tending to his wound. Just as she is finishing, Cole grabs her wrist and starts to pull her close. He lifts his head up, moving his lips toward hers, and kisses her softly. Phoebe pulls away, shocked.
"I -- just wanted to know if it would feel right." Cole says, a bit surprised at himself. Phoebe is silent for a moment.
"Did it?" she finally asks. Cole lifts his arms up, grabbing her upper body and pulling her close, then kissing her again, harder, with more passion. Outside the door, Carl watches, un-noticed, his camera in hand as he snaps several photos of them kissing.
"Now this -- is exactly what I was hoping would happen." Carl says to himself.
