I apologize for the long wait. The demon known as full-time job has sunk its permanent and free-time zapping claws in me at last, and I haven't quite worked out my daily routine yet. Hopefully it won't take this long next time.

CHAPTER 37

Cold As Ice

After all these years, Prue finally was able to see her little sister's dream as reality. Standing outside the restaurant, Charmed, the oldest of the Halliwell women could only stare at the sign hanging above the brick building and smile. Piper had done it. She'd actually achieved the thing she wanted most for her career– she owned her own restaurant. Prue couldn't have been more proud of her.

"Hey."

Prue turned at the sound of the voice, forcing a smile to her lips as she spotted her newly acquired sibling approaching. The younger woman was wearing a sleek black business suit with a yellow blouse underneath and bright red high heels. It wasn't the type of outfit Prue would have worn.

Another difference between the two of them. Prue had been keeping tabs on all of them since she'd met her half-sister. Brown eyes instead of Blue. Orbing objects with her mind instead of pure telekinesis. A wild spontaneous nature vs Prue's calculated and reserved one. Paige and Prue were very different people, and for some reason, the more differences they had, the lower the level of Prue's jealousy became.

After all, if they were different, Paige couldn't replace her.

"Sorry I'm late," Paige was saying. "You would literally not believe the day I've had. Henry Jr. thought it would be fun to conjure Darth Vader from the movie this morning. My poor husband almost got decapitated by a lightsaber before I could come up with a spell to undo it. Then, Perse got in a fight with one of the boys at school because he called her a girl, and I had to go pick her up from school and have this long talk with the principle, who was such a pig. He kept staring at my breasts and calling me Sweetheart. I swear, guys like him make me want to orb their testicles off."

Prue raised her brows. "Really?"

Paige flushed in embarrassment as she realized what had just come out of her mouth. "Did I just say that out loud?"

"Yeah. You did."

"Did I mention how sometimes words just come out of my mouth before my brain can censure them?"

"Yeah, you did mention something to that affect. It's okay, really. I'm just not used to people speaking so. . .openly. Especially about," she lowered her voice, "magic."

Paige glanced around, a little confused. "No one's anywhere near us."

"Still, I've had one too many experiences with getting outed to not be paranoid about it. After all, it's because of that I. . ." she trailed off, her eyes lowering.

"Died?" Paige supplied.

Prue couldn't help but smile at the other woman's tone. "Yeah. Innyway, we should probably get inside. We have reservations for one o'clock, and knowing Piper, the place is probably freakishly on schedule."

"Yup that's Piper– freakishly on schedule," Paige agreed.

The younger of the two headed to the door first, holding it open for the other. She then followed the whitelighter inside, immediately heading over to the manager, who was standing with the hostess. "Rex, is our table ready?"

Rex, a thirty-something blonde man with squinty blue eyes, turned toward the Charmed One, wrapping her up in a quick embrace, kissing both her cheeks before letting go of her. "Well, if it isn't Piper's sister, Paige. It's so good to see you, Darling. It's been ages. You look fabulous."

"Thanks. Our table?"

Rex gestured over to the back corner, furthest from the kitchen. It was probably the most private seat in the entire place and had become a sort of family favorite for that very reason. "Come, come. Sit. I'll have Sam get you your menus."

As the man scurried away, Prue barely registered his departure or the fact she was now sitting. Her mind was racing over the scene she'd just witnessed. The manager knew Paige personally, which under normal circumstances wouldn't have bothered the photographer in the least. However, it was the manner of address that had stung. Piper's sister. Paige was Piper's sister, but Prue didn't even get acknowledged. She was a non-person in her own sister's restaurant.

It made her think back to all the times at P3 when a different Rex had managed the club, and had known Prue by name, had called Prue Piper's sister. After all, P3 had been named for them– Prue, Piper, Phoebe. She wondered if after her death Piper had changed the third P to a Paige. It certainly felt that way.

"Prue?"

The older woman looked up to find Paige clearly concerned. Again, she forced a smile. "Sorry. This is just kind of surreal. Piper's only wanted her own restaurant forever, and now, it's here. I'm sitting in her dream come true."

"Yeah, it's pretty awesome," the witchlighter agreed. "But, that's Piper for ya. The woman always gets what she wants."

Prue wanted to fiercely reply how she knew Piper; she didn't need anyone telling her how Piper was. It was her sister too after all. She'd known Piper even longer than Paige. Granted her knowledge wasn't as recent, but it was still her sister. No one knew Piper like Prue. They'd been the closest of the three siblings, so there was no way Paige knew more about Piper. Just no way.

Instead of voicing the acerbic thoughts aloud, the older woman focused on the newly arrived waitress– a tiny pixie of a brunette. The waitress had greeted them, and mentioned her name was. . .well, Prue couldn't really remember. Something with an 'S'. Susie, Sharon, Sarah. . .

"Hey, Sam," Paige greeted.

Sam. Right. Close enough.

Sam smiled widely. "Hey, Paige. It's so nice seeing you again. Did you know Casey is back in town? I actually got to work with both her and Chris not too long ago. It was like old times. The three Muskateers of the restaurant back together again."

"Yeah, I knew."

"Awful what happened to poor Molly, though. Chris hasn't really said anything to me about it, which is weird. I hope he's talking to Casey. He's okay, isn't he?"

It was Paige's turn to force a fake smile. "Sure. He's– ah– peachy. Well, not peachy exactly. After all, his girlfriend is dead." To herself, "sort of..." She noticed Sam frowning unsurely and finished by saying, "He's dealing."

"Good. I saw he's not on again till this weekend, so if you see him before I do, could you tell him if he needs anything to give me a call?"

"Of course. I know what good friends you guys are."

Prue cut in, "Do you have earl gray tea?"

Sam blinked, taken back by the sharp change in subject. She couldn't help but slide a look to Paige, whose eyebrows were up in similar surprise. The waitress returned her focus to the black haired woman. "I believe so. . ."

"Great. I'll have that to drink. Thanks."

Sam nodded before turning to Paige."Okay, you going to have your usual drink?"

"Yup."

"Okay, then I'll just go get those and give you two some time to look over the menus."

Paige had a usual at the restaurant. Knew every single staff member here. Prue knew no one. She hadn't been able to come here before, fearful of running into her sisters. Now, because of their long separation, she wasn't really part of their world anymore. Paige was.

"You know, the tortellini is super good here," Paige recommended, trying to break the awkward tension suddenly prevalent at the table.

Prue kept her gaze in her menu. "I think I'll have the chicken parmigiana."

"That's good too," the younger sister murmured.

The witchlighter wasn't blind. She could tell Prue was upset about something. From the moment Paige had met with her outside, it was like her older sister would rather be anywhere else. It didn't make sense. Last time they were together they'd gotten along just fine. What had changed?

"Did I do something wrong?"

Prue was given a break from answering as Sam reappeared with a raspberry lemonade for Paige and a small pot of tea for Prue. The waitress smiled politely at the unfamiliar woman. "Are you guys ready to order?"

"She'll have the tortellini and I'll have the chicken parmigiana."

"Okay, anything else at all for you?"

"No, we're good," Prue answered, handing the girl the menus. "Thanks."

Sam shot another look to Paige before walking back into the kitchen.

"Why are you being so rude?" the younger woman asked, folding her arms over her chest. "She's a good kid. You shouldn't talk to her like that."

"I didn't mean to be rude. I just. . ." Prue let out a breath, looking down at the shiny black table top. "I took out my frustration out on her. And you're right. It wasn't fair. I'll apologize when she comes back."

Paige leaned back in her chair raising a brow in question. "Okay, then, care to share? You have been a total ice queen since I met you outside. What are you frustrated about? Coming back home? The situation with the kids?" She paused, digging up the courage to actually say what she wanted to say. "Or is it just me?"

Prue's ice blue eyes snapped up to meet the honey brown of her baby sister. It was just as she'd feared. Paige was hurt. Despite her best efforts to keep her problems to herself and just enjoy her new sister's company, she'd managed to make the poor woman feel it was a personal affront to her.

"Prue, if you didn't want to meet with me, why'd you ask?"

The older woman pursed her lips, trying to figure out the best way to try to explain what she was going through. "Paige, this isn't about you. At least not directly."

"Gee, that's reassuring."

Prue's face softened, her lips turning up just slightly. "You're my sister, Paige. I may not have gotten to know you like the others have, but it doesn't change the fact you're family. Family means the world to me. It's just hard for me to come back here and find everything so. . .different. No one knows who I am, or even can, for that matter. You and Pheobe and Piper all have your own lives, which for the last twenty years haven't included me in them. It's frustrating."

"Yeah, okay, but how come this is all coming out now? Are you mad because I took your spot as a Charmed One?"

"No, don't be silly, of course not."

Paige had a sinking feeling the statement wasn't entirely true, but didn't know the other woman well enough to say so. Instead, she continued her questioning. "It has to tick you off, though, right? My coming into the picture and getting all the things you had."

"It's more like losing them all in the first place."

"And hanging out with me reminds you of losing all of it?"

Prue nodded, brushing her bangs back behind her ears. "It's complicated. I want to get to know you, Paige. I do, but at the same time, it does remind me of all I lost. But, I swear I am not mad at you. The situation just kind of sucks."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Yeah, I think there is. Why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself? I feel like I don't really know anything about you."

"Okay. Well, Mom and my Dad– her whitelighter, Sam– left me at this church since witches and whitelighters still weren't allowed to be together back then. I was eventually adopted by two of the most amazing and loving people any kid could ask for. They were the best. I just wish I would have appreciated them sooner, you know?"

Prue noticed her half-sister's face fall, her eyes getting moist. Her big sister instincts took over and she took the younger woman's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Paige's heart was warmed by the gesture, allowing her to continue her tale. "They died in a car crash when I was a teenager. I only survived because I instinctively orbed to safety. After that, I just wanted to make them proud. I changed my rebellious, hellion ways and went to college and became a social worker."

"I know they'd be really proud of you for everything you've accomplished. Any parent would be."

The younger sister felt tears prick her eyes at the compliment. "Thanks. I still miss them everyday though."

"I know what that's like," Prue softly confessed. "I was older than Piper and Phoebe when Mom died. Sometimes, I still have nightmares about Dad telling us she wasn't ever coming back home, or I'll see her drowning, and I try to save her but can't."

"Is that why you were afraid of the water?"

Prue frowned. "How did you know that?"

"Our lovely sisters informed me about it," Paige answered with a smile. "See, told ya I know all about you."

"I guess so." Prue hesitated a moment before venturing, "In the interest of my catching up, and if you don't mind my asking, how did you meet Piper and Pheobe innyway?"

"This is going to sound kind of strange, but I was always drawn to P3, and had always felt this sort of connection to the place and to all of you. I even sketched the triquetra without knowing what it was. So, when I saw your funeral announcement, I felt this need to be there. So, I went, and I was giving my condolences to Piper and Pheobe when our friendly neighborhood psychic got a premonition of me getting attacked by Shax. Things just kind of went from there."

Prue stared at her white tea cup. "Shax. I can't believe he attacked you too."

"He was the first demon I ever helped to vanquish."

"Good."

"Prue," Paige suddenly said, "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

Paige shrugged a little. "Part of me used to hate you. All these years, I've been so jealous of you. Piper and Phoebe always talked about you like you were a saint and the best witch and sister to have ever lived, and part of me resented it. A lot. Like no matter what I did, I would never be able to compare. You got to be raised with them, and forge this bond I didn't have with them until I was an adult. Part of me wondered if I would ever have a place in their hearts like you do. I was so excited to finally meet you, but then I started wondering if now you were back. . .maybe, I wouldn't have a place anymore."

The older sister's mouth fell open as her own fears were spoken by the younger woman.

"You'd all start talking about your old stories, and I'd just sit there," Paige continued. "Which, is cool. You guys need to spend time together and reconnect– yada yada yada. Whatever, it's fine. I'm just scared of not belonging anymore. Not to mention how nervous I was just meeting you today. You're practically a living legend, and I'm just little ol' me."

Prue took her sister's hand again, this time with both of her own. "Paige, look at me. You have nothing to be jealous, all right? I'm not any more special than you are. In fact, these days, you're probably ten times the witch I ever was. And you've always been one hell of a witch from what I heard. You guys taking out the Source proves that."

"Yeah. All four times," Paige joked.

"Piper and Phoebe love you," the whitelighter continued. "You are part of this family, and I swear you will always have a place in it." She ducked her head bashfully, "Actually, I was sort of thinking I would be the misfit. . ."

Paige's honey eyes turned circular. "You? Really?"

"Yeah. I'm not Charmed, and I've missed so much. . .I wondered exactly what it was I could possibly bring to the table these days."

The younger sister smirked. "Rumor has it you're a pretty awesome big sister. I could use another big sister to protect me from the wrath of Piper when it turns its fury in my direction, which it seems to like to do." She interrupted herself, "Through faults totally not my own, I might add. . .okay, well, mostly not my own. . .anyway, I figure if anyone can take her, it'd be you. Besides, a girl never can have too many sisters, right?"

Prue smiled gently, the rigid cold of her ice blue eyes melting. "I couldn't agree more."

000

Therefore it is clear through the arguments presented within this paper that the political tensions of the early millennium were in fact escalated by the Iraq war which led, subsequently, to the complete dismissal of the two party system as well as the electoral college and these changes created the system currently in place.

Wyatt reread his closing paragraph a few times. It sounded pompous. He noticed he had a tendency to sound arrogant when he wrote research papers. Then again, if he used hedge words, the professors all yelled at him about believing in his argument. So, apparently, cocky was in.

He frowned, feeling certain the grammar was horrendously wrong. Grammar had never been his thing. He was more of a history and political science type of a guy. Even psychology was interesting to him. Grammar? Writing? Literature? Not so much. He'd leave those to his girlfriend.

Maybe, he should have her correct his paper when she got home.

A soft knock came through his closed door. He took off his earphones (which he'd put on even though he couldn't write with music on; they just helped him concentrate) and got up from his desk chair, moving to answer the door.

It was Molly. She was wearing jeans and a dark mauve sweater, her black hair straightened and falling past her shoulders. Although her style of dress was her recently acquired perky fashion, her face was a land of pain and confusion. Something in her eyes made Wyatt suck in his lips as his heart ached for her.

"Hi," she softy greeted.

The Twice Blessed forced his usual sunny smile for her. He hoped she didn't notice it for the difficult effort it seemed to be. "Hey, You. You know Chris is still in school, right?"

"I came to talk to you."

His smile turned genuine. "Really? How come?"

"We're friends, right? Even if you aren't my whitelighter anymore?"

"Of course. I always thought we were pretty good friends."

"I was dating your brother then."

Wyatt frowned, slowly folding one arm over the other. "You're not now?"

She blushed, ducking her head causing her hair to fall into her face. She put the fallen hair back behind her ears. "Yeah, sort of. It's just. . ."

"Complicated?" he supplied.

She looked up with a soft smile playing on her mouth. "Yes. Complicated is a good word for it. Anyway, with Chris and I having so many problems right now, I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't feel stuck in the middle if I came to you for advice."

"Advice?" Wyatt casually slipped his hands to the safety of his pockets. "I don't know if anyone has warned you, but I don't give very good advice. That's more Aunt Pheobe's shtick. I'm an excellent listener though. Got a gold star for it when I was in elementary school. I think that really says something."

The young woman laughed softly, her first laugh since her world had completely turned on its head. "Okay then, if you don't mind. . .could we talk?"

The witchlighter stepped aside, allowing his guest passage into his room. He closed the door after her then moved back over to his desk, saving his file and closing out the program before turning back to look at Molly who was sitting on the edge of his bed. He took a seat in his desk chair, spinning it back so he was facing her again. "All right. Shoot."

"I love Chris."

"Good. He loves you too."

"But. . ."

"Oh drat, a but."

Molly shook her head at his attempt to keep things light, appreciating Wyatt's sense of humor more than ever. "But," she continued, "I don't know how to get past this."

"The him and Case having a baby thing."

"How can you say it so nonchalantly? I knew you loved her before, and now, you guys are actually a couple. Doesn't it eat you up? Make your stomach feel like it's full of acid and knots while your heart is getting treated with a potato peeler?"

"Wow. Vivid," Wyatt remarked. "Accurate description of the symptoms though."

Molly leaned forward, searching the young man's eyes for a sign of his pain. It took her a moment, but she saw it: right underneath the surface of his stunning cerulean blue eyes lay a murky quality only those who knew him well could see. She leaned back, folding her arms over her chest. "How do you do it?"

"Hmm?"

"Push it down like that? I assume it's how you've managed to stay with her through this whole big mess, right?"

The Twice Blessed let out a breath, leaning back in his chair. "It's not easy. Not gonna tell you it is. You have to really want your relationship pretty much more than anything else. I've been in love with her for years, just waiting for her to see what was really between us. She has, and some people may doubt the validity of it, but I don't. I know her better than anyone. I can tell it's for real. So, as much as it hurts– and it hurts like hell– I will push past this. Because love like ours could be doesn't come around but once every lifetime. I don't plan on throwing mine away because she made a mistake, especially one she didn't even make while we were together."

"Wow. You must be some kind of a Saint, Wyatt. I can't even look at Chris, and you're talking about her like she's the love of your life with no doubt in your mind."

"I'm not a Saint, Molly. Our situation is different than yours with Chris. A. We weren't together. She was a free agent. B. I've loved her too long not to know her faults backward and forward. I fell in love with her anyway."

"I love Chris enough to know his faults too. I never would have thought him a cheater though."

Wyatt pulled a face. "I do hate to bring this up, but. . .you are kind of dead. Not in a traditional sense of the word, but definitely in a I-was-at-your-funeral type of way. I'm not saying it excuses my idiot brother but– still have to say it."

"I know," Molly half-moaned, putting her head in her hands. "It's awful. Unimaginable really. Who knows what I would have done if the roles were reversed? It's just. . .I can't stop thinking about it. About them. That's the big issue really. My heart feels like it was cheated on, and now, I can't stop picturing them. And then there's the baby. I'm going to have to see evidence of their actions forever if I want to stay with Chris."

"Again, it's different for me," the young man started, "it's going to be my nephew. I'm going to love this child like crazy. So, in some ways, it helps me deal knowing that. Other times, it really makes me want to go on a vanquishing spree. After all, my girlfriend– a woman I've loved for years– is pregnant with my kid brother's child. And this is going to sound really sexist and caveman, but. . .it's like he permanently marked his territory."

Molly wrinkled her nose. "I think a better way to put it might be– they have a connection you guys don't."

"No. That's not quite right. Let me put it this way. You ever notice, for example, a married guy and his pregnant wife? He starts getting super protective of her?"

"Yeah. . .so?"

"It's part of that. Some sort of innate biological imperative where guys don't like sharing the mother of their children."

"Don't you think that idea is a little. . .old fashioned to say the least?"

Wyatt shrugged. "I don't know. Does human nature– from a biological standpoint– ever change? You know what? Let's just change the topic. We're here to discuss you and Chris. Not me. I'm dealing. You're not."

"I can listen too, if you want me to."

"I know. I'm okay, though. Well, as okay as I'm going to be in this circumstance."

"How? I still can't understand why you can push past it, and I don't seem able to. I love Chris. I know his faults and love him anyway. So, why can't I look at him without this anger and hurt starting to bubble up?"

The Twice Blessed leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest. "What do you think of when you look at Chris?"

"Him and her."

"That's why."

"Huh?"

The young man let out a breath, leaning forward so his elbows were resting on his knees. "You can't think about it. You just can't. If you let yourself dwell on what happened, you literally will be trapped in this horrible, angry, hurt state forever. I'm not suggesting you just forget it happened because that's impossible. I'm saying when you look at Chris, start listing off everything that made you fall in love with him in the first place. As soon as you feel the anger or hurt rising start thinking about the wonderful things he's done with or for you, or how you love his dreamy eyes or his hot tush."

Molly laughed out loud. "Did you really just go there? Dreamy eyes and hot tush? You know he's your brother, right?"

"Hey, I know what the girls say. I'm the tall muscular one with the sensitive, soulful eyes. Chris is the lean dark one with captivating jade. Plus, we both have awesome gluts."

"Gee, Wyatt, sounds like your self-esteem is a bit low," she teased, still laughing softly.

"What? I have a very nice butt. I like my butt. I haven't looked at Chris' obviously, but it gets good reviews. I think I heard you mention something about it once or twice."

Molly kept laughing, her eyes almost watering from it. "I can't believe I'm talking about this with you. But, you're right. You both have very very nice rear ends."

Wyatt raised a brow. "You looked at mine?"

"Before I dated Chris," she defended. "I sort of might have had a little teeny tiny crush on you..."

"Seriously?"

"You didn't know?"

"No, I didn't. You didn't ever speak to me before the Friday before Senior Prom."

"Shy."

"Ah. Well, I'm honored to have been crushed on by you. Says a lot about me if a girl as great as you thinks I'm worth it. Ooh, can I tell Chris?"

"No."

"Come on, it'll be fun. Little bit of payback for us."

Molly quirked a brow. "You think he'd care?"

Wyatt grinned mischievously. "It'd drive him nuts– especially if he didn't know the details."

"You know what? Go ahead and tell him. Rub it in to your hearts content."

"Awesome. Now, where were we?"

"I'm thinking about Chris' eyes and butt."

"And?"

Molly grinned. "I'm definitely not angry. . ."

Wyatt pulled a face. "Yuck. Okay, my mind took that to a bad place. So, changing the subject– did this help you at all?"

The whitelighter smiled, nodding her head. "Yeah. I think I'm actually ready. Next time I see Chris, I'm going to make sure things go a lot better. We're worth it."

000

An entire school day had gone by torturously slowly. Even more painfully than usual as a matter of fact. At least for Chris. Every class he was in there were notes passed and whispers and eyes in his direction. In some cases, other guys would just shake their heads sympathetically at him before looking back down at their desk. Needless to say, Chris didn't learn much about equations, the mole road, or the past subjunctive of spanish verbs.

To make the day even worse, at lunch, Chris had gone to find Kip, hoping his telepath friend might be able to help he and Casey out with their situation, but low and behold, after asking a few people where the young man was Chris had discovered Kip was home sick. Meaning hung-over and faking.

He'd noticed Jessica hadn't been at her locker either. Then, he remembered she was at some theatre thing in L.A. until next week.

Casey had been M.I.A. as well. He'd checked her locker. No sign of her. He went through the cafeteria. Nothing. The library. Not there either. Finally, he started asking around. Those who didn't start grinning, giggling or tilting their heads to the side while conveying their deepest sympathies, actually managed to answer him that no, they hadn't seen her since either class or sometime during the morning.

Starting to panic about the demon getting his friend, Chris reached out with his senses and discovered she was in the ladies' room. He was tempted to head upstairs and call through the door to make sure she was ok, but it was about that time Valerie Stateton had walked by talking to one of her lemmings.

"Oh, please, you can't feel sorry for someone like that. They bring it on themselves," she was saying. "I'm close personal friends with Sam, and he always said she had a huge appetite if you know what I mean."

The brainless follower gave the laugh she was expected to.

"Honestly, a girl like that. . .it was only a matter of time. Though, between you and me, I bet there was foul play in it."

"Foul play?"

"Sam always did say she was in love with Chris Halliwell. Now, he's trapped."

Chris didn't even realize as his hands turned to fists, his jaw tightening.

"You think she. . .? Really?"

"Don't be so naive, Shelly. The girl just happens to get knocked up during a one night stand with the guy she's been ga-ga for since forever ago? Puh-lease. She set the poor guy up like dominoes."

Unable to stand hearing another word, Chris marched straight over to Valerie, towering over the blonde one with his arms firmly over his chest. "You and I need to talk. Now."

"Shelly, go get me my Evian."

The underclassman scurried away.

"Chris, darling, so sorry to hear about your circumstances. Terrible. Just terrible."

"A. Never call me darling. In fact, don't call me anything. Don't talk about me or to me because you and I? So not friends. Not even civil acquaintances at this point. In fact, right about now, I pretty much hate your guts. B. You need to stop what you're doing. Mine and Casey's business is just that. You keep your fake nose to yourself."

She gasped, immediately reaching up for her nose. "It's not..."

He quirked a brow at her. "Right. Whatever. Just keep your mouth shut. You've done enough damage. You wanted to hurt Case, guess what? You succeeded. The stunt you pulled this morning with her locker was plain cruel, so it did the job superbly. Congratulations, you're a bitch. Do anything like it again, and I swear I will make you suffer personally."

"I see your point."

"Good."

Valerie smiled thinly, walking off. Not two seconds later, back at the side of her fan club of one's side, she turned to look directly at Chris, stating loudly, "She sure has him duped."

Chris was a good guy. He was an even better witch. But, right then neither of those traits could override the burning hatred forming in the pit of his stomach. If the human way wasn't going to work, Chris thought maybe the magical way might.

He looked up to the ceiling and murmured quietly,"Okay, no personal gain consequences on this for the following reasons: I'm not going to do anything negative to her unless she brings it on herself. It's a lesson not a punishment. Plus, I can deal with this situation, but Casey can't in her condition, and since this kid is going to be important to all of you in the future, I'm thinking what's good for mommy is good for baby. So, not for me."

When no impending thunder sounded, Chris took the lack of a sign as a sign. He stared at the back of Valerie's retreating head. Whispering under his breath, "This mortal needs a lesson taught. Give her one that can't be bought. Attach to her the wiccan reed, return the energy she does feed. Every time that she acts cruel, make her look three times the fool."

"Heelloooo," Valerie called to the poor young man reading at her table. "Do you know who I am? Move. This table is for people with social lives. Meaning no reject book brains like you."

Chris had watched as out of no where one of Wyatt's ex-jock pals, Jake, who was walking by Valerie to get to the athlete's table, tripped, his bowl of soup, milk containers, apple sauce and french fries flying into the air landing all over the snob. As she screamed in surprise, Chris smirked, observing the damage.

French fries hung from her precious red hair, soup splashed all over the front of her cashmere sweater and the witch's personal favorite, the pile of applesauce resting on her designer boots. Though, his second favorite part was the howls of laughter from the entire cafeteria. Everybody loves a good humiliation.

Chris never had gotten the chance to go up and find Casey. The bell had rung, and by the time he got up to the door of the ladies' room, his lab partner, Sydney Blare, told him she saw the other young woman leave for her next class in a hurry.

So, here he was, the school day finally over, and all he could do was worry about Casey. He'd tried sensing for her and knew she was in the building, but he had such a migraine going he could'nt focus enough to pinpoint exactly where, which meant he had to search the old fashioned way.

Which is when his phone decided to ring.

He pulled it from his pocket and saw on the i.d. the call was being placed from his home. Not knowing whether it was about a demon or something else, he immediately answered. "Talk to me."

"Chris?"

The young man stopped dead in his tracks as Molly's voice came through the other end. "Molly? Hey. I thought it was Wyatt. He's usually the only one home at this time."

"Yeah, I know. I stopped by to see him."

"Oh?"

"We talked about some things. Friend stuff. Anyway, I was hoping you and I could get together tonight if you don't have too much work to do."

Chris felt his mouth slip into a smile. "I'll make time. When do you want to get together?"

"How about when you get back? We can watch a movie or something."

A movie. Simple but to the young man it was perfect. She was trying. Really trying. "Definitely. Sounds great. I'll see you in a little bit okay?"

"Okay. . .Chris?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

Chris closed his eyes as the words washed over him like a soothing rain. He couldn't keep the emotion from his voice as he answered, "I love you too."

There was a small pause, and Chris could almost picture the look on her face– the content smile on the corner of her lips as her eyelashes fluttered a few times in sync with her quicker beating heart. "Bye, Chris."

"Bye."

Suddenly, his day just got a hundred times better.

The young man closed the phone, slipping it back into his pocket as he continued his sojourn through the halls. While he was still worried about his pregnant friend, his spirit didn't feel quite as wild as it had moments earlier. Molly always had been able to calm him down.

"Chris, you still looking for your friend?" Sydney asked as he passed by her locker.

"Yeah. I'm worried about her. Do you know where she is?"

The glass wearing woman let her blue eyes sink to the floor. She pushed her wheat colored hair behind her ears. "So, it's true, huh?"

"The rumor?"

She nodded.

"Yeah. It's true."

Sydney raised her older-than-her-years eyes to gaze into his green. "We all deal with our grief differently. Before I tell you where she is, I want you to know if you need anything– tutoring over the summer or next year, a babysitter sometime– I'd be glad to help. Not all of us are as vindictive or unsympathetic as the in-crowd sheep."

"Thanks, Syd. I appreciate it."

"You're not going to like this. . .Casey got pulled into the counselor's office right after last period. As far as I know, she's still there."

"Okay, thanks."

000

"Are you sure everything is all right?" the young woman counselor repeated for the fifth time according to Casey's rising count.

The young woman smiled politely while a tiny version of herself inside her mind's eye shot herself in the head. "I'm positive."

"You do look a little pale, and you seemed pretty upset when I called you into my office."

"I was nervous. It's not every day I get summoned in to see the school therapist. Which, by the way, you still haven't said why."

The tall black haired woman smiled professionally. "Well, I was informed from a few students that you were crying quite frequently today. Among other things."

"I didn't cry today."

"All right, but I was also told you slapped Tate Daniels, which, if he were to come forward, would land you in detention for a week. A place you've never once visited or even come close to visiting before today."

Casey rested her forehead in one hand. "He offended me. I lost my temper."

"Any reason why?"

"Why what?"

"You lost your temper this time but no other time."

"What he said was far more unforgivable than any other insult ever given to me."

The counselor nodded, pushing up her glasses as she marked something down.

The young woman raised her eyes, long tired of this conversation. "Can I go? I mean, is there some rule saying I have to be here?"

"I'm worried about you."

"Aren't counselors supposed to help when they've actually, I don't know...been asked to?"

The woman narrowed her brown eyes. "We're supposed to look out for signs of trouble. You're exhibiting a number of them. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't make sure you were really fine."

"And my word isn't enough for you?"

"Quite honestly? No. I feel you're either too ashamed or fearful to speak the truth about what's going on."

Casey leaned back in her chair folding her arms over her chest. "Or maybe I don't like other people digging into my business. My dad's culture isn't very big on the caring and sharing. Our problems are ours and ours alone. I kind of like it that way. Besides, you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped."

"What did Nate say to you that was so bad?"

"If I tell you will you let me leave?"

"Perhaps."

The witch rolled her eyes. "Fine. He asked me for a quicky in the hall closet."

"And?"

Casey did a double-take. "What?"

"And then what happened?"

The young woman rose from her chair, grabbing her book bag. "Then I slapped him and left– kind of like I'm going to do right now."

With the counselor repeating her name over and over, ordering her back into her office, Casey left, slamming the door shut behind her. As soon as she was back out in the hall, she pulled out her phone, dialing Wyatt.

"Hey, Sweetie. What's up?"

"I just really needed to hear your voice."

"Cause it's just so darn sexy?"

Casey chuckled softly. "Yes, but more for what you just did."

"Which was. . .?"

"Made me laugh. Made this horrible tense, angry, frustrated feeling go away. I don't know how you do it, Wyatt, but you always make me feel calm again."

"I'm glad to have helped, but what happened that you needed me to?"

"Long story. I'll tell you later." She paused, grinning as she got an idea. "I want to make us dinner tonight. Just you and me. It could be like our first official date."

"Sounds perfect."

"Okay, good. I'll have Chris stop by the grocery store and then we'll be straight home. I literally cannot wait to see you. I swear, all I want right now is to be cuddled up with you on the couch."

"Well, I definitely wouldn't complain about that. Piece of heaven is having you in my arms."

Casey blushed, rolling her eyes. "That was so cheesy, Halliwell."

"Did it work?"

"Maybe."

"I'll take it."

"I'll see you in a bit."

"Till then, Angel."

"Angel?"

"I might be the whitelighter, but you look more the part of an angel."

"Where do you come up with this stuff?"

"Don't know. I'm thinking it's hereditary."

"Goodbye, Wyatt."

"Bye, Angel."

Casey shook her head, the smile on her face immovable as she closed her phone and stuck it back in her pocket. Once she had her phone back in place, she readjusted her backpack, which was when she spotted Chris hurrying down the hall in her direction. Even at a distance she could see the worry marring his features.

"Where the hell have you been all day?" he immediately asked.

"It's been a long day," she answered, falling into step with him as they headed for the parking lot. "I never thought it would be this bad. I don't know why everyone is making such a big deal out of this. I can name five other girls in our class alone that our in my condition."

"We're highschool celebs," Chris answered. "I'm the Wyatt Halliwell's kid brother, making me popular by proxy. You dated the star basketball player for a year. The more well known we are, the more the idiots talk. Longer too."

"Great."

"So, you going to tell me what happened?"

Casey let out a breath. "When I got back to my locker right before lunch there was another surprise in there. This time a condom with a note saying, 'bet you wish you'd used me.' I just couldn't deal with anymore just then. So, I went and hid in the girl's bathroom. I'm sorry I ditched you for lunch."

"It's ok. I was just worried about you. So, why did the counselor pull you in?"

"Some of our classmates couldn't keep their mouths shut. Not to mention I slapped Nate Daniels. Not that he'd turn me in for it."

"Nate...the stoner kid? What'd he do?"

"He said he'd always wanted to try it without a raincoat, and since I was preggers would I want to ride the Nate love train in the nearest supply closet before I lose my goddess like hotness to mommy-hood. Or something to that affect."

Chris stopped mid-step. "He what?"

"Forget it," she waved him off. "I slapped him. He went back to huffing and puffing and all was well again."

"I'm sorry you had to put up with that."

"I didn't."

"You know what I mean."

"Yeah, but in his defense, he doesn't have enough brain cells left to know what he did was even wrong. I really don't think he realized how awful it was. In fact, I'm pretty sure he saw it as a good thing..."

Chris shook his head. "Still. It isn't right. You have enough to deal with without those idiots, which is partly why I might have cast a tiny little spell on Valerie. . ."

"You didn't."

"A twist on the rule of three. When she's mean, she's made to suffer humiliation. I figure it's pretty harmless so long as she behaves herself like a decent person."

"So for her, it'll be ugly."

"Probably."

"Personal gain."

"No way. I cleared it first."

Casey looked doubtful, but let the matter go. "Let's just get out of here. I've had too much of this place today. What do you say?"

"Agreed."

With his arm around her shoulders, the young man walked her the rest of the way to his truck. While he didn't say any more about the subject aloud, he couldn't help but wonder just how much more they would have to take. More specifically, how much more could Casey deal with now that she wasn't just responsible for herself?

tbc. . .