A/N I received a review on another one of my fanfic saying that I should use the word "and" rather than the ampersand (and) because it's more professional. I agree totally. The reason I was using the ampersand is it sounded more "Phoebe" to me. Then it hit me—Phoebe's a professional writer herself, her advice column. Of course, she'd use the word "and", so I'm going to change it from here on. Thanks again for the advice!

CHAPTER TEN

I don't know how long we've been working on the door, but the door just opened and Paige is walking through, Sam in her arms.

"Piper's awake," she immediately says.

"Yeah, we know," I tell her. "We were trying to give Leo and the boys some time with her."

I don't think she heard me—she's squealing her own delight at seeing the Morrisses, as does little Sam, too.

"I really gotta get going soon," Darryl admits apologetically.

Paige nods. "Well, you gotta go see Piper, so she'll know you've been here."

We all agree, so we all walk back into the room. As we walk in, I watch my little sister, and I see the shock that comes to her eyes as she also realizes that our big sister has lost her smile. Leo, back in his place next to Piper's head, his hand resting on her head, while each of his sons hold one of Piper's hand, looks up and nods, before turning to Piper. "Piper," he says, "You have more visitors." and a questioning look comes into Piper's eyes as they move back and forth, looking for the newcomers.

Leo steps aside, motioning Darryl to take his place, and Chris indicates to Sheila to stand next to him, so she can also be right next to Piper's head. Piper's eyes glow as she spots each of them, and they both tell her how much they love her and how much they're going to miss her. The look she gives them clearly says that she agrees, and as has happened so much during this day already, I find myself blinking back my tears.

Darryl apologetically tells her that he's gotta get going, but that he'll be back soon and will bring Dare with him, so she better stick around, she hear? Piper's eyes laugh before they blink in a nod, and Darryl goes around, hugging everyone, before he leaves and Leo takes back his rightful spot.

After he leaves, we continue to celebrate Piper's life, remembering all of the wonderful events that we have shared with her, now with Sheila reminding us of stuff that we shared with the Morrises. Leo's the one sharing all of this with Piper, whose eyes continue to laugh at all the funny stuff and tear a little at the sadder ones, which Leo tenderly wipes away. Just like before, it seems like just when things get to be a bit too bummerish, either Trish or Sam tosses in something funny, which makes all of us laugh, even Piper's eyes. These are often stuff Charmed, and I can tell that Sheila is still a bit unsure how to react--it's weird how after all this time, she and Darryl still pretend that magical stuff just doesn't exist, unless something demonic happens and they need our help. Dare, on the other hand, thinks it's cool, making him a perfect friend for Wyatt and Chris.

Speaking of Chris, he just made a very strange sound.

"Chris?" asks Leo, and at the tone in his voice, Piper's eyes grow concerned, too.

"Janna," he replies. "She's in trouble."

"Well, then go," Leo orders without a second thought.

Chris shakes his head. "I can't, Dad. I was going to, but her call just slowly faded. That's gotta mean only one thing…"

We all look at one another, while Sheila pretends that she doesn't hear any of this. Janna is on of Chris' charges. She's relatively new to the Craft, but has some pretty special powers, which Chris is helping her develop. The only problem is that creatures of evil want those powers, too. If Janna's call to her whitelighter had just blinked out, it would mean it's too late--Janna' dead and her killer--who would have to be a warlock--now has her powers. But since her call just faded, that means she's been captured by a demon and taken to the Underworld, where her call can't be heard, but where the demon will try to make her turn evil, and her powers with her.

"Chris!" Leo commands. "Go! Now!"

We all know that only Janna's whitelighter--Chris--would be able to track her once he goes to the Underworld. It may take him some time to track her and save her by orbing out, but only he can do it, especially with him being part-Elder.

Chris firmly shakes his head, the first time I've ever seen him refuse to follow Leo's command. "Dad, no! I can't!" and his eyes go to Piper. I reach over to squeeze his hand, understanding so very well. Just like when I was racing towards the hospital, he's afraid that his mother will be gone when he gets back.