Chapter four

The diary of Kristina Peters

The first sunny day in months. Leo and Paige were following their charge and her friends around the mall, making sure to keep a good distance and occasionally check out a window display so it wouldn't look like they were following a sixteen-year-old girl. Kristina and her friends were currently seated at a table in the mall's cafeteria. Leo and Paige were seated next to them, both of them eating while having a casual conversation while secretly eavesdropping on Kristina's conversation with her friends.

"Henry and I have agreed it'll just be a small party at home," Paige shared.

"Wow, I can't believe the twins are already turning one," Leo said.

"I know. It seems like yesterday they were just newborns. I have to admit that I do not miss that stage."

"Melinda was awful as a newborn, always crying," Leo recalled.

The two got distracted when Kristina and her friends stood up, they watched them walk towards the bathrooms. "I suddenly have an urge to pee," Paige stated as she got up from her chair. Leo stuck a french fry into his mouth as Paige walked towards the bathroom. She walked into a stall in the ladies' room and seated herself on the toilet, though she didn't really have to go. She heard three other stall doors open and one young girl's voice said, "I'm going to go get that movie mom wants. I'll meet up with you later, Kris." Friend two added, "and I have to get going. I promised my dad I'd be home by four." Kristina's voice was now heard. "Okay, bye Em. Cas, I'll meet up with you once I get out of the baby store." The next sound was the door opening and the shuffle of feet. A sink was now running meaning someone was still in the washroom aside from Paige. Paige found it odd Kristina was planning on going to the baby store. She had been under the impression that Kristina wasn't keeping the baby. Paige got up and flushed the toilet before unlocking the door. Kristina eyed her in the mirror and rolled her eyes. "Are you following me, Mrs. Matthews?" Paige approached the sink next to the one Kristina was using and turned on the cold water. "Nope. My daughters' birthday is in a few days, needed some supplied. I just happened to need a bathroom break at the same time you did."

Kristina turned off the water and retrieved her purse from the counter. In a swirl of black light, Rennek, the dark-lighter that was after Kristina, appeared. Rennek lifted up his crossbow and pointed it at the girl. Kristina's heart began raising and her face went pale white. It became hard for her to breathe as she stared at the arrow pointed in her direction. "Kristina duck!" The teenager immediately ducked down just as the darklighter shot the arrow and as it approached Paige she held up her hand and said "Arrow" the arrow turned around and the dark lighter shimmered out before it hit him. Piper helped the girl onto her feet.

"Why does that creepy guy keep following me? How did he just appear like that! He...he was going to shoot me!"

"Kristina, you are in danger. You have to tell me what you plan on doing with this child."

"I'm giving him to his father."

"Then why were you planning on going to the baby store?"

"To buy the baby a blanket, so he has something from me."

"Kristina. Who is the baby's father."

"Honestly I don't know. He never told me his name, only his street name."

"Tell me it."

"I can't. I have to go."

Kristina ran out of the bathroom and past Leo who had decided to fake needing to use the washroom too but really planned on waiting outside the washrooms for Paige. Paige walked over to Leo and they began walking away to avoid looking like they were stalking the young girl. "The darklighter came, she saw it happen. She didn't see me use any magic though." Leo nodded in response, he didn't know what to say.

"The Elders were right. She intends to hand the baby over to the father," Paige confirmed.

"We really have to figure out who he is."

"Kristina doesn't even know. She told me he never told her his real name, only his street name. Which she wouldn't tell me."

"We're running out of time. She's due to give birth in a month."

Henry was at home making the invitations to the twins' birthday party. This should have been done days ago but both he and Paige had been pretty busy. His attention was caught by a swirl of blue light as Leo and Paige orbed in. "Henry, we need your help," Paige immediately got to the point. Henry could see the urgency on their faces and stood up. "Okay, what do you need?" He asked them. Tamora and Kat were both taking afternoon naps in the nursery. "We need to find someone, but we don't know his name or what he looks like," Leo informed. "Well, do you know anything about him?" Leo and Paige shared a look of uncertainty. "Not really. We know he's the father of Kristina's baby and is mortal. He goes by a street name but we don't know what it is," Paige reported. "I can't do anything with that. I need details, like where he likes to hang out, any friends or family. His age. His name would be helpful. Do you think you could get Kristina to look at pictures of guys on file?" Paige shook her head. She knew Kristina knew his street name and wasn't willing to give it, so there was very little chance she'd be willing to id him through pictures.

Phoebe had gone back to work in April but had been working from home. However, today, she was officially going back to work at her office. She walked into her office and was greeted by Elise. "Oh. Sorry, I'm hours late. I just couldn't bring myself to leave her, then Coop got home and promised he'd stay with her." Phoebe apologized. (Phoebe and Coop's first and only child -Prue-Johnna- was now just two weeks away from being six months old.) "Don't worry about it. I just want to make sure you're really ready to be back. I know I'm just your boss and don't have any experience with kids but-" Phoebe waved her hand to stop her. "You're more than just my boss, Elise. You know my family secret, and more importantly, you're my friend." Elise smiled and walked towards her. "If you need more time, take it." Phoebe shook her head. "I'll never be ready but I can't just work from home until P.J. turns eighteen. I know you know I'm being so overprotective because there are magical mishaps that can happen but I can't stop living. She's with her father, he can beam her out the first sight of danger. Plus, she can beam herself out if need be." Elise nodded, patted her shoulder, and left the office closing the door behind her. Phoebe sat down in her chair and put down her bag. She retrieved her cell and called her husband.

"She's still alive," Coop said when he answered.

"You sure she's fine. Has everything she needs."

"Yes. We did not run out of diapers in the fifteen minutes you've been gone."

"Well, we are running low."

"Then I'll go buy some more, P.J. does much better in public now."

Leo and Paige arrived at the house belonging to the Peters. Together, they walked up the front steps and Leo pushed the doorbell. It was Kristina who answered. "Kristina, this is my brother-in-law Leo Wyatt. We need to talk to you about your child." "Mrs. Matthews, I've already told you the baby is going to be raised by his father." Paige nodded but wasn't letting this go. "Can we come in?" Kristina sighed and stepped aside to let Paige and Leo into her house. The three of them walked into the living room. Leo and Paige seated themselves on the couch while Kristina sat across from them on an armchair.

"Are your parents home?" Paige asked.

"No, they're both at work."

"Kristina, I know you don't plan on raising this child yourself. I recommend you put the baby up for adoption," Paige advised.

"I don't want that. The father wants the baby," Kristina replied.

"Don't or can't. You can tell me if you feel threatened by this man or by anyone else."

"I think we both know that answer."

"We can protect you. Convince him to let you have the baby in a hospital. I can arrange for police officers to guard your room, and I will collect the baby and find him a loving family," Paige told her.

"I am going to have the baby in the hospital. He wants to ensure there are no complications. We're going to be a family."

"What do you mean a family? I was under the impression the plan was for him to raise the child without you."

The room became silent. Kristina looked towards the window nervously as though someone was watching her. Paige and Leo both turned their attentions to the window as well. No one was there. Only the front lawn, the street, and the house across the street were there. They looked back over at the teenager. She looked at them and elaborated. "Only until I turn eighteen. On my eighteenth birthday, he's coming back for me, and then we will raise the kid together." She looked towards the window again. "Come back? You mean he's leaving town?" Kristina nodded. "Is he in town currently?" Kristina shrugged. "I haven't heard from him. His main guy contacts me, only to keep tabs on me." Paige sat up straighter. "What's his name?" Kristina darted her eyes towards the window again and then back to Paige. "You know I can't tell you that, Mrs. Matthews." Paige nodded in response. It had become quite clear Kristina was scared of the baby's father or had been threatened to keep her mouth shut. "Do they know where you live?" Leo asked noticing how the girl kept darting her eyes over to the window. Kristina nodded in reply. Kristina darted her eyes to the phone that rested on a stand next to where Paige was sitting. Paige pointed to the phone and Kristina nodded. The phone was tapped. "You should go. Use the bathroom first though, long drive right? It's upstairs, first door on the right. The soap is under the sink."

Leo had found it odd that Kristina had suggested they use the bathroom before leaving. It wasn't a long drive at all. Paige, on the other hand, had caught on. Kristina had hidden something of importance in the cabinet under the sink in her bathroom. "Yes, I could use a bathroom trip. I'll meet you in the car, Leo." Paige headed for the stairs while Leo headed for the front door. Once in the bathroom," Paige closed the door and locked it. She opened the cabinet doors and pulled out some cleaning products. In the back of the cabinet under a bin of soaps and sponges, she found a pink dairy with white daisies on it. She retrieved it and sat on the bathroom floor. She opened it up and read the first entry.

July 17th 2007

I was walking home today past the old alley near the nightclub P3. Some guys were there talking and I only glanced at them. They looked at me and at first, I thought they were going to hurt me. Instead, they called me over. I was scared but thought it was better to go than to try to run away. They asked for my name and I thought of giving them a false name but was too scared they'd find out, so I told them my real name. They introduced themselves as Big W and big R. Both of them looked like adults. They just started talking to me like I was an old friend. They invited me to hang with them even though I told them I just turned sixteen a week before. Big R is really cute and I think he likes me. I wouldn't mind dating an older guy.

August 14th 2007

Big R and I have really hit it off. We haven't gone on a date yet but we've made out of a bunch of times. I think we're close to taking it to next level. I've never done that before but I want to and I think I'm ready. I really like him. He wants me to spend the night with him today but my parents would never let me. I would never be able to sneak out without getting caught. He understood and he said he was willing to wait.

September 1st 2007

Yesterday I told my parents I was sleeping over at my friend Grace's house for the weekend. Grace will cover for me if my mom calls her, I just hope her mom doesn't answer the phone. I was actually at Big R's house. It's nearby the alley in a shady apartment full of creepy people but he ensured me I'd be safe with him looking out for me. I spent the night and we did it. My mom called me the next morning and Grace's mom had told her I wasn't at her house. I am now grounded and she keeps trying to get me to tell her where I was. Big R was a bit upset I had to leave but he said he understood and that things would be easier when I'm eighteen.

September 18th 2007

I was wrong about Big R and Big W. They beat up some guy and almost killed him. I pleaded with them to stop but big R told me to shut up and stop being a brat. Big W told him to keep me under control. I said I wanted to go home and stop hanging with them but they said I didn't want to do that. They said I can't because I know too much and they need to make sure I don't squeal. I'm not feeling well. It's been a few days now of stomach cramps and headaches. I think it's the stress of being around these guys.

October 6th 2007

I'm still not feeling well. Big R seemed concerned as he got someone he knows to take me to the clinic. I doubt he cares about me at all, but if he didn't why bother making sure I see a doctor. I found out the worst news possible. I'm pregnant. He is the only possible father. I told my parents and they are very upset. Big R didn't like it that I told my parents and threatened to kill them If I gave his name. He said we're going to keep the baby and when I'm eighteen we'll leave town together.

October 20th 2007

Big R told me to stay away from him to avoid people from finding out he's the father. I haven't heard from him at all in two weeks. Big W told me not to worry about it. He said there was a change of plans and Big R will be taking the baby out of town but leaving me behind. He'll come back for me when I'm eighteen and then we'll be a family. I don't want anything else to do with him. I don't want him to have the baby. Why does he even want him?

April fifth 2008

Today I went to the ally where I met big W. He had a message from big R. I am to run away from home when my due date is approaching. I am to stay with Big W until it's time. Big W will then take me to the hospital to have the baby. He will then take care of getting the baby out of the hospital and to Big R. Big R still plans on coming back for me when I turn eighteen. I need to go when he does come back for me. I can protect my son that way. I think they're scared because social services have been poking around.

Paige put everything back the way she had found it and unlocked the bathroom door. She casually walked down the stairs and met Kristina in the living room. "I understand the father will be taking the baby, but if there is a change of plans don't hesitate to call. He's my number." She handed Kristina her card and then walked towards the front door. She opened the door and left, she met Leo in the car. "I have names. I'll explain on the way. We need to get to Henry." Leo nodded and put the car into drive.

Henry pulled Kat up onto his lap and tickled her tummy. The baby squirmed around giggling. Her sister came along and climbed up onto her dad's other knee. He gave her a tickle too causing her to giggle. Their attention was then caught by Paige and Leo as they entered the apartment through the front door. Henry removed the babies from his lap and got up off the floor. The babies, who had just started walking, waddled over to their mother who scooped them up into her arms. She gave them a hug and then handed them to Leo. "Can you keep them occupied in their room?" Leo nodded and walked off down the hall towards the nursery. "I've got two names," Paige informed her husband. "The father goes by Big R. His current whereabouts aren't known but he does hang out in the alley near Piper's club. His number one guy is known as big W." Henry nodded and Paige told him everything else she had found out.

"I haven't personally heard of these guys. When I get to the office tomorrow I'll run their names through our database, see if we can find a match," Henry told her.

"I'm worried about her and I'm worried about this baby."

"I'll do everything I can, honey. It can take a while to find a match and I doubt he'll be easy to track down."

"True. He's on high alert because I've been poking around."

"Well, I may be useless in a magical battle but it is convenient to have a parole officer as a husband isn't it?"

"That is correct."

"I'll reach out to Darryl too. It'll go faster if the police are also involved."

It was May sixth. Tamora and Kat were waddling around the living room in fancy green dresses, frilly white socks, and little black dress shoes. Their parents had decided against a birthday party for the girls because Neena was still a threat. Instead, it was a simple supper for the whole family. Victor was there as were Paige's sisters their husbands and their children. Billie was also there, and so was Paige's father Sam. This surprised everyone since he hadn't bothered to meet the twins when they were born and now here he was celebrating their first birthday.

"Ok so we have, just cheese for Chris, Piper, Paige, and Phoebe, we have pepperoni and cheese for, Wyatt, Henry, and myself, we have an all dressed for Coop, and we have plain pizza for the babies," Leo said as he served everyone.

Melinda tried to shove the whole thing in her mouth, so Piper took it from her and broke it into pieces, and did the same for the twins and Prue. Wyatt ate his slice messily and had sauce all over his face, Chris made a big mess too of course. After Piper and Leo washed the boy's faces, Leo videotaped Paige and Henry as they came into the kitchen holding a cake with a lighted candle in the shape of a one, and sang the birthday song.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday Kat and Tamora, happy birthday to you."

Paige and Henry placed the cake on the table in front of the twins and helped them blow out the candles. Leo videotaped everyone enjoying their cake and after videotaped the present opening. Although they loved all their presents, Kat especially loved her doll, and Tamora especially loved her stuffed toy horse. When it was time to put the twins to bed, Paige and Henry knew that the twins didn't need a big party to have fun, they were perfectly happy with a party filled with family and fun.

Just before six in the morning of May seventh. Baby Prue's cries woke both of her parents who slept in the room next to hers. Phoebe rolled out of bed. (Since she was back at work now, Phoebe took every opportunity to spend time with her daughter and normally this meant in the mornings before heading to work and then in the evenings and nights after work.) She left her room and stumbled down the hall half-asleep. She opened the door leading to the nursery and let herself in. P.J. was seated in her crib with little tears gliding down her cheeks. It just broke Phoebe's heart when her daughter cried.

She approached the crib and a big smile naturally formed on her face. "Good morning, angel." She lifted her daughter up into her arms and gave her a kiss. Holding her closer to her chest now, Phoebe walked over to the changing matt located on the dresser and placed the baby on it. The baby, now calm, wiggled her arms around as her mom removed the white onesie she was wearing. Phoebe removed the baby's diapers and collected a few wipes from the box that rested next to the changing mat.

Henry and Paige were up finishing their breakfast, both of them dressed and groomed. To have enough time to get themselves ready, they got up at five in the morning. If they didn't it would be a rush to get ready for work while also getting the twins ready for daycare. Paige got up and collected their empty plates. She headed into the kitchen to place them in the sink while Henry got up from his chair. Through the baby monitor on the kitchen counter, the sound of babies crying was heard. Paige left the kitchen while Henry left the small dining room, both of them went through the hallway and into the nursery. Tamora and Kat were standing up in the cribs crying. Henry lifted Tamora into his arms as Paige removed Kat from her crib. They carried the babies back to the dining room and placed them in their high chairs. (There was no point in changing them until they had eaten.

Wyatt had gotten up before the rest of his family. He had gotten himself dressed in a white polo shirt and a pair of blue jeans. He had brushed his blonde hair on his own and had gotten his lunch from the fridge and put it in his school bag. He dragged a footstool into the pantry and retrieved the jar of peanut butter. He climbed off the stool and dragged it out of the pantry and over to the counter with the jar of peanut butter in his hand. He opened the bag of bread and was about to put two slices of white bread into the toast before he remembered he wasn't allowed to use the toaster because he was only five. So, he orbed the slices into the toaster and use his power of telekinesis to push down the lever. He hopped off the bench and seated himself at the table where he placed down the jar of peanut butter. Realizing he had forgotten a knife, he orbed himself one. One meant to be used by kids.

Chris was woken up by the sound of his brother's alarm clock. He waved his hand effortlessly towards the closed window which sent his brother's alarm clock flying towards it. It smacked through causing the glass to shatter everywhere. The sound noise had woken his parents. Piper jumped out of bed and ran out of the room while Leo figured out why his alarm clock hadn't gone off even though it was still plugged in. The clock had the wrong time, according to his watch. He started making his way out of the room when the sound of his wife's voice shouted out the full name of their second son. He joined them in the room the boys shared and quickly spotted the broken window.

"What happened?" Leo asked his son.

"I forgot I'm telekinetic," Chris replied

"How do you forget that?" Piper asked angrily.

"I'm only three," the child replied.

Piper rolled her eyes and left the room to check if her daughter was up yet. "Who is going to pay to get that window fixed?" Leo asked his son. Chris shrugged. Leo took his sons' hand and carefully led him around the glass and out of the bedroom. He sent him downstairs and then returned to the room to pick up the glass with a broom and dustpan from the hall closet. Chris walked down the staircase and through the narrow hall that was in front of the living room and next to the kitchen. He walked into the kitchen and joined his brother at the table. Wyatt was spreading the peanut butter onto his toast. "I want that," Chris said. He orbed the toast and the plate to himself. "Hey! Get your own toast!" Wyatt orbed it back. Chris started a tantrum as his mother came in with Melinda in her arms. "What's going on?" Piper asked as she placed Melinda in her high chair. "I didn't let him have my toast," Wyatt informed his mother. "Chris, your brother made the toast and he gets to eat it. You can have toast too but not Wyatt's." Chris crossed his arms at his chest. "Would you like some toast?" Piper asked him. "Yes." "Yes, what?" "Yes please."

Piper walked over to the counter to make the toast but got distracted by a phone call. She plopped a slice of toast into the toaster knowing her son would only eat one slice, and then left the kitchen to answer the phone. It was located on a small table next to the front door. "Hello?" She answered. "It's Paige. I need a favor." Wyatt's voice sounded from the kitchen as he yelled at his brother to leave his toast alone. "What do you need?" She asked her sister. "On your way to work check the nearest alley, you're looking for two guys or just one. Big W and Big R. Freeze them and call me right away." Wyatt yelled at his brother to not cover their sister in peanut butter and then Melinda started crying and Chris started laughing. "Okay, I'll check it out. I have to go. I have a feeling my daughter is covered in peanut butter." She hung up the phone and made her way back into the kitchen.

"CHRISTOPHER PERRY HALLIWELL!"

Melinda splashed around in the bathtub as her mother struggled to was the peanut butter out of her hair and off her body. Cursing her son under her breath. She called for her husband. "This is going to take forever. Can you drive Wyatt to school in about ten minutes if I'm not done?" Leo nodded and left the bathroom. He headed down to the kitchen to finish preparing Chris's breakfast.

Phoebe had her daughter back on the changing table and was now dressing her. She had picked out a purple t-shirt and a white skirt with white nylons. P.J. didn't give her any trouble. She enjoyed looking around her nursery anytime she was being changed or dressed. It wasn't the same story when it came to Henry and Paige's daughters. Tamora and Kat hated being confined on their changing tables and threw complete fits whenever they had to be changed or dressed. Distracting them with toys didn't help, singing to them didn't help, changing them on the floor instead didn't help.

Leo parked the car in the school parking lot and rounded the car. He opened the back door and unbuckled his son. He grabbed Wyatt's school bag and stepped aside to let Wyatt out. The child jumped out of the car excited to be at school. He loved kindergarten. He loved playing with his friends and enjoyed learning new things. (Leo and Piper were happy Wyatt liked school and didn't give them any trouble about going. However, they had a feeling it would be a different story the upcoming September when Chris would be starting school. Chris didn't really like being a daycare.) Leo took his sons' hand and Wyatt practically dragged him over to the fenced-in area where the kindergarteners were kept when outside. He pulled his son closer to him for a quick hug and scruffed his hair to say goodbye. He was less affectionate with his kids than Piper was but loved them just as much. Mrs. Wellington came over. "Good morning, Wyatt. Austin and Darryl are already here. Come play with them." She opened the gate and Wyatt ran through. Leo chuckled and handed his son's bag over to his teacher.

Paige arrived at magic school with Tamora and Kat in her arms. She entered the daycare and placed them down. The girls ran over to some nearby toys. Mrs. Middleton came up to her. "I've been meaning to talk to you," she said. "If this is about the fire, I already told you I binded the girls' powers," Paige reminded her. Mrs. Middleton nodded. "I know they are still witches without their powers but I don't think this daycare is the best fit for them anymore." "Look around. The other kids, they're all using the powers. I don't want the twins to feel left out or different." Paige looked around at the other children. "My daughters are only one. They don't know they're different from the other magical kids." Mrs. Middleton scratched her head. "I think they'd be happier in a mortal daycare." Paige was now offended and retrieved her children. She stormed out and bumped into Phoebe and P.J. out in the hall.

"Why are you leaving with them?" Phoebe asked.

"They are no longer welcomed here," Paige answered.

"What? Why?"

"I have no idea. She said they'd be happier at a mortal daycare. They're one, they don't know they're different because they don't have access to their powers right now."

"Wow. So what are you going to do?"

"For today I guess I'll see if Victor can babysit."

"He's got that meeting today," Phoebe reminded her.

"Oh, right, and it's a weekday so Billie isn't available. Maybe I could summon mom?"

"I don't have much to do today work-wise. I can work from home and look after the twins and P.J. can stay home."

"If it isn't an inconvenience."

"It's not."

After Leo got home and took care of getting Chris and Melinda to magic school, Piper left for work. (Leo always brought them because he taught at magic school so it only made sense for him to bring the kids since he had to go there anyway.) Recalling the favor her sister had asked of her, Piper parked her car on the side of the street near the nearest alley to her club. She got out and looked around. A few civilians walking into our out of nearby stores but aside from this, the street was empty. A few cars passing by behind her. Fearless, she walked into the alley. It was deserted and quiet. On the left-hand side, there was an older apartment building. The other side was where her club was located. She stopped in front of an open window of one of the apartments and pulled out her phone. "Paige? Yeah, this place is empty. Are you sure Kristina didn't lie?" While her sister answered, Piper was unaware that a man stood at the window she was standing in front of. Her back turned to it.