Chris will finally take his final exams. As I said the last time I needed those two chapters to get things worked out. Now, that they are we move on. If you are a bit like me, some of you can easily be confused by stories that have two different timelines involved. So, every piece in any chapter that is written in italics is a memory. To emphasize anything I will bold the words.

There will also be one more chapter for you guys to enjoy before Christmas. then me and piperspeanut take a break for at least the rest of the week. I am not sure yet if I will have an update until the new year.

Anyway, enjoy this.

Thanks to piperspeanut and everyone who reviewed last time.

Chapter 37

Wyatt sighed deeply, he eyed his ripped pants. It had been one of his favourite now they were ruined. He really should change before going to the underworld. He took some other clothes out of his closet and put them on, throwing the other pants into the bin in his room angrily. Freaking demons! At least, they now knew that the potion wasn't strong enough and that Lex and Zyphor had indeed some followers even if they didn't want to.

The young man checked himself out in the mirror. Now this had been the right clothes to vanquish demons, he crossed the hallway and entered his brother's bedroom. He automatically looked over to the desk as it was the place where he could find his brother for the last few days without a doubt but this time it was empty. Wyatt saw the large bulk under the covers of the bed move and a voice came asking him what he wanted.

"What are you doing?" he asked sitting down at the edge of the bed removing the covers.

"I officially gave up," Chris said.

"You can't give up now."

"Yes, I can. Watch me." He pulled the covers back over his head.

"Seriously, if you wanted to give up you should have done so from the beginning. Come on, what's the problem?"

"What's the problem?" Chris sat up leaning against the head of his bed. "I just can't concentrate, I feel like there are so many other, much more important things. It's like…I don't know…my head, there are so many other things in my mind. I just feel I should work them out instead of wasting my time studying when I already know that it won't be good enough to do what I want afterwards."

"Listen, I know it is a lot. I really do. I mean I had to do this, too, not so long ago."

"Yeah, but you are like…really clever. You just get this stuff into your head, I don't."

"I'm sure you can. Maybe you take a bit longer but you can."

"Still, it just isn't important."

"It is, though. It's not so important that your life depends on it but it is important for the rest of your life."

"This is really helping me." Chris said and sighed. "And what if it's not enough? If I do my best and it's not enough. They will never accept me in this school and really there is nothing else I want to do."

"Okay. I know what you need. You need a break."

"And what are we doing?"

"Taking a nap"

"What?"

"Yeah, why not...come on, skid." Chris shook his head but made room for Wyatt. "Alright and now you listen." They lay down facing each other. "Do you think, I wanted to stay here and study business running the restaurant?"

"Uhu"

"No, I didn't." Wyatt replied. "I wanted to go to New York and become a famous actor."

"Don't you go to L.A. to do that?"

"Well, yes. You study in New York and then you go to L.A. if you want to play movies and TV. You stay in New York to hit the boards."

"You really searched for information?"

"I did, that was really what I wanted to do."

"When you were, what fourteen?"

Wyatt laughed. "No, I'm serious. So, what you want to tell me becoming an actor is stupid when you want to attend art school? Don't you think that hypocritical?"

Chris shrugged. "I guess. So, you wanted to leave me here alone with dad?"

"Actually, I wanted to leave you here alone with dad and mom, but things didn't work out that way and I…"

"Had to stay?"

"Couldn't leave, circumstances changed and made it…"

"Impossible?"

"Illogical to leave"

"You just stayed here doing what you never wanted to do because of…what...Me?"

"No, I did what was the right thing to do and it doesn't matter for who I did it. I just couldn't let anyone else care for something, mom built up. That didn't seem right. For what...to run after a dream that would probably always remain a dream? I mean, let's face it, I maybe would have done the school and a commercial for tooth paste but that's it. Sometimes you just need to wake up from the dream and face reality."

"So, you think I have no chance?"

"No, I absolutely support you. So, at least one of us can fulfil his dream. I don't mind if it's you instead of me. All I am saying is that sudden changes or unexpected events sometimes make it necessary to do something you never expected to do. But it doesn't have to be bad or worse than what you had in mind, it's just different. Maybe it's even better. It can be better."

"Okay, what do you want me to do then?"

"I want you to study, do your tests the best you can and I promise everything will be fine. Although, even if it isn't what you expected or hoped for."

"You are so a whitelighter," Chris laughed.

"I am pretty sure that you are really stressed about the upcoming tests but I want you to pay attention one more day. Maybe it will help you."

Mr Allen, the math teacher, started to scribble something on the blackboard.

Chris sighed and looked out of the window.

Chris entered the Manor. It had been almost a month since he last stepped into his parents' house and then it was filled with demons. This time it was empty. He switched on the light and jumped when he saw his brother standing in the hall.

"Oh God" Chris jumped up out of his chair, making it fall backwards. He blinked a few times and looked around himself. Every pupil was staring at him and Mr Allen seemed angry.

"Mr Halliwell, are those little tasks already too much" the teacher asked.

Chris coughed. "I'm sorry. I just…remembered something."

"Really...well, I hope you remember the tips I give you today."

Chris sat back down again. Matt shook his head at him.

It had been a while since Chris was hiding out in the boy's room during a break. Although, it wasn't because he didn't know who to spend time with and didn't want to stay by himself, but to avoid any more outbursts, but as always memories wouldn't come to him when he waited for it. He decided to leave the restroom and meet his friends, though. He went to the sinks and washed his hands.

"Nice to see you again, Chris," Wyatt said. "I actually have been waiting for you."

"Why?" The brunette hid his hand with the vial behind his back. It was a potion to block his brother's powers. It was the last try to stop Wyatt without hurting him. Hopefully it would work and make it possible to talk to the blonde normally again. It probably wouldn't work as they didn't have the Power of Three anymore when they mixed it.

"Why...because, you are my brother and I missed you." The now twenty year old approached the slightly trembling teenager. "How is school?"

"I dropped out."

Wyatt raised his eyebrows. "You shouldn't, education is important. I can get you into any school you want but…"

"But what" Chris had to throw the potion now. His brother was almost standing in front of him; he tried to move quickly but obviously not quick enough. Wyatt had already conjured a fireball hitting Chris' thigh.

"But...only if you don't cross me," Wyatt said.

"Chris, are you okay?"

The teenager jerked around at the voice behind him. He didn't really see the other boy but stared at a spot behind his head.

"Oh no," the brunette breathed staring at the evil version of his brother that stood here in the wash room.

"What is wrong?" Ralph Mendez asked frowning. He turned around but saw nothing and his frown deepened. "What are you looking at?"

Chris shook his head and looked up again glad that he didn't see anything anymore as well. He focused on Ralph. "Nothing, everything's better than your face." Chris said.

"Wait, I was hoping to meet you alone somewhere. There is something I need to tell you. I know that we are not the best of friends and that's why I think I should tell you myself."

"Seriously, you are already getting on my nerves. What do you need to tell me? Are you in deep passionate love with me and want to finally admit it."

"No, I…" Ralph trailed off and suddenly turned pale. "Oh my God, you are bleeding. Are you hurt?"

Chris frowned and wondered a moment what this jerk was talking about. But when he touched his left thigh, and looked at his hand he saw the blood as well. It was already tripping down his leg and onto the floor. "Obviously, no it doesn't hurt…really, just maybe a bit."

"Come on, I help you go to the nurse."

"No." Chris jerked his arm out of his school mate's grip. "I'm good. Everything's fine." He felt sweat on his forehead and kind of dizzy. "Maybe not so"

"Well, let's go, come on." Ralph put an arm around Chris to support him.

"Seriously, I don't need help." Chris took a step away from Ralph. He would never accept any help from some jerk who had nothing better to do than to find new ways to bother him.

Prue ran over the school's playground when she saw her cousin walking or rather limping towards the parking lot.

"What happened to you?" She asked slightly out of breath.

"Wyatt."

"Wyatt did that to you?"

"Of course not, I mean, yes it was Wyatt but not our Wyatt. Don't worry."

"You are so stubborn; you know there is nothing wrong with accepting help."

"I know that, Prue. It's not that bad, the nurse stitched me up. The only bad part is that I kind of projected evil Wyatt into the restroom when stupid Ralph Mendez was there, too." The young girl bit her lip but Chris didn't see it. "It's kind of an issue if I start to project something I remember, anyway, have you found anything on that athame yet?"

"Actually, I haven't had any time, but I'm working on it."

"Well could you hurry, or give it to me."

"No. No, no, I'll do it. It's just…listen about Ralph, I really need to talk to you about him."

"Really, Prue, I don't want to talk to him or about him. I have lots of stuff to do, you know tomorrow…"

"I know the tests. Still, it is important, I think you should know that Ralph and I have been out a few times and we are kind of a couple."

Chris glared at her a moment. "That's not funny."

"I'm not joking. Okay, I know you guys don't like each other but I do like him and he likes me too, so…"

"So...so what, he's a freaking jerk. I hate him; ever since I broke up with Sonya he has a new clever remark for me every day."

"I thought she broke up with you." Chris turned around walking towards his father's car which he was allowed to borrow this morning. Prue followed him. "Listen, as I said I don't know why you guys are like this but I think you should trust me a bit. He is really nice."

"I don't have to trust anyone, and what about this slight age difference, bet Aunt Phoebe is not so happy about that."

"Actually, mom and dad already met Ralph. He had dinner at our house the other night and they liked them. An empath and a cupid liked him, don't you think that means something?"

"It means that even they can be blind. There is nothing you can say to make me be happy about your little…whatever it is that you have. I don't care, all I'm saying is that I've known him since elementary school and he was a jerk and always will be one. So, if he ever hurts you, don't come to me."

"Don't worry; I won't in case you haven't noticed this is not about you. I don't want your approval or anything. I just thought I would let you know if you should ever see us in the hallway." Prue swirled around angrily.

Chris shook his head. "Hey, is that why you didn't have time to work on something you promised me you would; on something that I may need to survive?"

Prue let her shoulders drop and shrugged. She faced her cousin again. "Yeah, a bit I know it is important, but…"

"No, it's fine. Take your time."

"I didn't forget my duties as a witch if that is what you are referring to."

"You are no witch with duties, Prue, you wanted to do me a favour. I just happen to have this stupid wish not to die. If demons start to attack you in your home, then we'll talk again about witch duties. At the moment you are only a lovesick teenager."

The dark haired girl glared at him before running back to the field.

Chris sighed. He really was a jerk himself sometimes.

Wyatt just hung up the phone when his brother came to the restaurant through the front door for a change. The blonde put his cell phone back in the pocket of his pants.

"Hey, genius, so how was it?"

Chris fell on one of the bar stools and sighed. It had been an exhausting day after a night of not much sleep. He had been really punctually at the class room where they were supposed to take the final exams and Matt had driven everyone crazy by asking stuff. When the teacher finally told them to stop writing, everyone was more than relieved no matter how they did. The four friends went to the diner near the school building for a drink and planned what to do with their free time from now on. They wanted to go out later tonight but Sue already had plans and so they decided for the weekend to go out.

"I'm not so sure. I answered every question."

"That's good."

"If it's right"

"I'm sure it is. That's good. See, you were nervous about nothing."

"I wouldn't call it nothing. Now, where is dad?" Chris asked looking around. His father had the fantastic idea to eat dinner at the restaurant to celebrate. Usually, you celebrated passed tests not ones you just took and don't know the results of, but it probably had only been his way to tell them, he didn't want to cook.

"He called just right before you came in and he can't…"

"…make it," they said simultaneously. "No," Wyatt confirmed, "but look who I found to take his place at our table." He motioned for the door.

"It's a coincidence that grandpa is coming right this moment, right?"

"No!" the older brother exclaimed. "Yes. I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry for? It's not your fault and it's not like I expect anything from dad. I know better, makes it much more fun when he really sticks to something he says. It's okay. You really don't need to protect me from the big bad world."

Wyatt couldn't reply as their grandfather had already spotted them and approached them a small dark haired woman following him.

"Now, there are my grandsons. Maria, I don't think you know Chris." Victor Bennett was smiling widely when he ordered drinks from his oldest grandchild.

"No. Not in person, but we went to the exhibition and I already feel like we know each other," Maria said in a strong Spanish accent. "Como estas"

Chris shook her hand and was surprised at the firm grip. "Soy muy malo"

She frowned at him. "Now, why is that?"

"Chris took his final exams today," Wyatt said. He liked the small, energetic woman his grandfather had met at the dance class and came with to the restaurant every now and then.

"Did you good?" she asked.

"I don't know. I hope."

"But you did your best?"

"Yeah"

"Then you did well, and now you get a good dinner and you will be even better, okay?"

Chris couldn't help but grin at this grandfather. "Okay."

The two older people walked over to an empty table for four people. Chris watched them and sighed. "I can't believe it. Dad has Amber, Prue has jerky Ralph and even grandpa has a girlfriend. I don't get it."

"Who are you going out with?" Ray asked suddenly appearing next to his best friend and boss behind the bar. He was dressed similar to Wyatt in black suit trousers, a white shirt and a black tie, only he had his sleeves rolled up.

"No one, just like you," Chris replied. "And you? You're going out tonight, right?"

Wyatt placed four glasses on a tray. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. I'm going out with your friend. Sue, she asked me. Not me, so…"

"And you go out with Sue. It's unbelievable, everyone is going crazy."

"Yeah, right...tell me about your demonic fiancé."

Chris slid down from the bar stool. "Whatever."

Wyatt smirked to himself and grabbed the tray.

Chris barely looked up from the Book of Shadows, that lay on it's podium in the attic, at the faint sound that announced one of his half-cupid cousin's appearance. He already knew who it would be as Prue had been trying to get a hold of him for two days now which he was able to ignore. She was a lot like her mother meaning persistent to a grade when you wished them to just back off.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Let's see since my tests are over but Wyatt needs to finish his course work it's up to me again to find out who those demons are that are going to kill us," Chris replied turning another page of the large book. "Same old"

"I see. Well, I think you maybe want to take a break and listen to me one second."

"What about"

Prue walked over to him standing at the opposite side of the podium. "Please." The almost fifteen year old closed the book. "I have news."

Chris crossed his arms over his chest. "Alright...spill it."

"What do you want to hear first? Good news or bad news."

"I'll go for the good ones."

"Very well" she took a small bottle out of her purse. "I found an antidote."

"Great...how was Ralph feeling when you left him alone for a day? Was his little heart broken?"

"Don't be such a jerk. I found a way to rescue you and you make fun of me. Do you think that's the right way to thank me?"

"What's the bad news?" the brunette asked unaffected.

"Yes, the bad news, let's see." She waved her hand and a little pink heart formed into Phoebe. "I needed help."

"Christopher Perry Halliwell, have you lost your mind?" the former middle Charmed sister asked. "Giving Prue such a big responsibility"

"Actually, she asked for it," Chris said defending himself. "I told her I was doing it on my own."

"Why didn't you ask me? Both of you keeping it a secret, what if something had happened to you? Prue hasn't been trained a lot in witchcraft."

"I would have found something, mom, I know it," Prue said.

"I think I'll ask you to leave now, young lady." Phoebe's voice didn't leave any room for disagreeing and Prue hearted out sighing deeply. "Chris, why haven't you asked me or Paige to help you?"

"Why haven't you ever searched for something?"

"Because we didn't know that history might repeat itself."

Chris ran a hand through his hair. "You're right; I just panicked...something like that. It just came to me that I could die remembering something. That was a hell of spell I used on me here, and Prue asked if she could help and for what I know from the other timeline she could have been able to do it."

"But that was another timeline. One when Prue had to learn everything she did, when she had to act the way she did just like you had to. But this now, is totally different. It was way too dangerous to leave her alone with this, she is just a teenager."

"Yeah, well, me too, but no one cares about that."

"That's not true, we do. Now, tell me, how can I help?"

"Not at all really, it's just research and Wyatt will be back soon to help."

Phoebe nodded. "Okay, well maybe I could listen to you."

"I have nothing to say." Chris opened the book once again.

"You know, this has been your security blanket once before. I really enjoy remembering you."

"Thanks. Me too and I like remembering you. All of you when you were so young, you know."

"I know." Phoebe clapped her hands together. "I'd need an orb and maybe you need some dinner. So, how about we put those two things together?"

Chris considered her suggest. Actually, there was nothing left for him to do here. "Yes, that'll be good."

"Good." Phoebe linked arms with him. "Off we go."

"You know Aunt Phoebe about Prue's new boyfriend. He really is not so like you think he is. Really, I know him, trust me."

"I do but I also have to trust Prue."

Chris shrugged. "Okay."

"But I do appreciate that you care for her so much."

Much longer chapter than the last time but you know the saying quantity and quality are two different things. Please let me know what you thought about this.