Disclaimer: Don't own Charmed.
Chapter Nine
Leo's Birthday
"I'm leaving," Piper called to anybody who was listening. She knew that Phoebe was on another date with Cole. Paige was home though. So were her parents. They were chatting in the other room with Grams. She had started to visit a little bit more since Prue's graduation, which was two weeks ago.
"Have fun," her mother called back.
Piper went out to the car and said hi to Leo. "I can't believe that I'm actually going over to your house for once," Piper told him. Ever since they started dating, they sometimes spent the evening at Piper's house, watching a movie or eating dinner with her family.
Piper had met Leo's parents, Christopher and Mary, just last week at Leo's graduation. They fell in love with her at once and vice versa. They were very nice and were willing to accept Piper.
Piper and Leo couldn't believe that the last semester had passed so quickly. Since they were going to be separated, they were planning to spend as much as time as they could before the fall came.
Piper was nervous. This would be the first time she would be visiting his parents for the first time since they started going out. "I hope they like me," Piper said worriedly.
Leo looked at her for a quick second before going back to driving. "They love you. You know that," he said.
"I know. We only talked for a few hours though and met only once. I'm also meeting your best friend Natalie, who I never met before. How I never met her?" Piper asked.
"She went to a university right away," Leo replied.
"She must be smart then," Piper said.
Leo couldn't help but smile. "She was a member of the National Honors Society. I have to warn you that she's a lot like Grams. She didn't approve of me dating right after I met you."
"I'm not scared of her," Piper replied.
"Good," Leo said as he was pulling up in the driveway. "You have been warned."
Piper just shook her head and followed him to the porch. Piper then felt uncomfortable as his parents greeted her at the door. "Welcome, come on in," Mrs. Wyatt told her and they did. "Can I get you any refreshments?"
"Actually, I want to give Piper a tour of the house first," Leo replied. He then turned to Piper. "Is that ok with you?"
Piper nodded and Leo led her off. After the tour, Piper and Leo went back to the living room, where his parents and a woman, who was looking at Piper like she was a spider. Piper ignored the look as Leo introduced them.
"So you are Piper. You are the only thing he will talk about," Natalie said.
Piper wasn't sure if that was a comment or an insult. She just ignored it and instead smiled, praying that she would get through the evening for Leo. Leo's parents left the three alone to talk.
Leo and Natalie played catch up while Piper just listened. She felt like the third wheel and glad when supper came. She and Leo sat on one side of the table and Natalie sat on the other. They glared at each other.
Natalie then drilled her with questions, just like Grams did with Leo. Only Leo defended Piper when Natalie went too far. "How many relationships have you had?" Natalie suddenly asked.
"That's too personal," Leo hissed.
"Are you going to answer every question for her, Leo?" Natalie snapped.
"Ok, I think it's time for ice cream and cake," Mrs. Wyatt said loudly. The two stopped immediately. "Piper, why don't you help me in the kitchen?" she asked.
Piper got the message and followed her into the kitchen. As Piper helped her gather bowls and spoons, Mrs. Wyatt smiled at her. "Leo must really like you. I haven't seen him happy like that in a long time."
"My parents have said the same thing about me. I broke up with my ex-boyfriend right after our graduation. All summer long, I moped. Once I met Leo, I was happy again," Piper replied.
Mrs. Wyatt smiled. "Well, I apologize for Natalie. She's very different from Leo's other friends. She likes to be in control."
"Don't worry about it. My "Grams" did the same to Leo back when he came to my house in October," Piper replied.
After cake and ice cream were presents. By now, Piper knew what he liked and wanted. Back at Christmastime, she had to ask around to see what Leo had wanted. This time, she couldn't wait to see his reaction.
Piper wanted to go last because she didn't think it would be right. Once it was her turn, she gave it to him. He opened it and gasped in surprise. "It's a book about WWII! Thank you."
Natalie looked closely at the book. "That looks like it was very expensive," Natalie noted.
"It was a little, but it's worth it," Piper replied.
"Thank you," he said and turned to the rest of the small group. "Thank you all."
Piper didn't really want to stay any longer and Leo knew that. So he offered to take her home. She quickly said good-bye and hurried out the door. As they were on the road, Piper finally spoke up. "So Natalie is very interesting."
"She's nice once you get to know her," Leo replied.
Piper didn't reply. She instead remained quiet the rest of the ride. When they got to her house, Piper was about to get out when Leo pulled her into a kiss. "You know you can't do that every time I meet your friends," Piper said, trying to be angry.
Leo smiled. "That was actually my birthday wish from earlier."
Piper couldn't help but smile. "Happy birthday," she replied.
She then went out of the car, waved good-bye and went inside. As she got ready for bed, she started to think about a lot of things. She knew that she loved Leo. She also then realized that there would be people trying to stop them from getting together. Bring it on she thought. Nothing would keep her and Leo apart, nothing.
