Hey guys,
So I promised another chapter soon and here it is. It's a lot shorter than usual but if I had continued it would have been well over 5000 words by the time I was done so I figured I would cut this one a little short and then hit you with the rest later in the week. The good news is that the next chpater is already half written so it won't be long I promise.
Thanks
Chapter 54
Piper and Phoebe had walked in just as Andy was telling Prue about reading her diaries. They were about to announce themselves when Prue rounded on Andy and launched into a long diatribe about how useless she was and the words they heard struck them hard in their hearts.
Realistically they had known that Prue felt that way because they too had been privy to the information in the diaries but to hear the anguish with which Prue spoke was what truly hurt. That was the final confirmation of all that had happened and all either sister wished for was a way to turn back time so that they could realise what their grandmother was doing to their sister and put a stop to it. And that was at the root of much of the guilt they were feeling. The fact that they had not seen what was going on because they both felt that if they had, they could have done something to stop it from getting this far.
They listened as Andy spoke sweet words to their sister and watched carefully as he made her look at him, made her listen to his words. They could see how hard he was trying and how desperately he wanted her to believe what he was saying. The depth of emotion in his voice brought a fresh wave of tears as they truly saw how much he clearly loved their sister. And even with everything else going on, that knowledge allowed both to feel a glimmer of hope for the future because they truly believed Andy's promise that he would be there for Prue every step of the way and beyond.
When both Prue and Andy turned to look at them stood stock still in the doorway they froze for a moment, feeling slightly guilty for having listened in to their conversation. Piper looked at Andy and could see he was trying to tell her something. She looked back at Prue and suddenly realised that she had tensed up again and Andy's silent communication became clear. Prue was waiting for them to agree with Andy's words or tell her what she had always heard from other people.
Not hesitating Piper looked quickly at Phoebe and then moved to Prue's side in an instant putting her arms around her sister and leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead. "Prue, you need to listen to what Andy is telling you because he's telling the truth. We both, all, love you so very much we can never express just how much. And we are so sorry that this has happened to you. You have always been the most amazing, supportive, caring mother, sister and friend to us and we have let you down by not seeing the pain you were in. But this is where it ends. We know everything and it only makes us love you more. You're our sister and you are the most precious thing in the world to us and we are going to make sure to remind you of that everyday. We love you sweetie."
That was all it took for the flood gates to open and within seconds all three sisters were in tears. Phoebe joined in with the sister hug and both pressed kisses to their elder sisters face while repeating 'I love you' like their lives depended on it. Andy was trying to extricate himself from the moment, content to let her sisters comfort Prue and offer words of reassurance and love. But before he could fully remove himself from the bed he felt Prue's hand latch on to his and pull him back to where he had been. He looked up and locked eyes with Prue over her sister's heads and was overjoyed to find a slight smile tugging at her lips. It was only slight, but it was progress and Andy was content with that for the moment.
Two hours later and emotions were still running high in the small hospital room but the tears has ceased for the time being. In the time that had passed Andy, Piper and Phoebe had gently filled Prue in all that they had discovered and why they had felt the need to read something as personal as the diaries and Prue had finally accepted that it had been necessary under the circumstances. Prue had also apologised to her sisters for keeping them in the dark about all that had happened but they both explained that they now fully understood. They explained that so many things now made much more sense since the discovery of their grandmothers treatment of their older sister and whilst they didn't like the fact that Prue had chosen to endure all that she had by herself, they at least understood why.
As they talked about the contents of the books, they were all acutely aware of the rather large elephant in the room – the baby. The topic had so far been avoided by all parties but Prue and Andy especially realised that they would need to have a conversation on that topic very soon. However, Prue knew it was going to be a heart breaking, gut wrenching conversation so she wanted to delay it for as long as possible. There was another topic which needed to be addressed too and although it was incredibly painful, Prue felt she needed to ask the questions sooner rather than later.
When there was a small lull in the otherwise flowing conversation, Prue summoned her strength and asked the all important question: "What has happened to Roger?"
