Family
by Catheryne@leopiper.cjb.net
Phoebe is on the way out.
Dan : Phoebe!
Phoebe : (surprised) Hey, Dan. Wow. What are you doing here? I thought you moved.
Dan : I did. I just came back to finalize the sale of the house. I wanted to make sure everything would go smoothly.
Phoebe : And those flowers are for the buyer, right?
Dan : (laughs softly, embarrassed) Well, actually, no. How is Piper?
Phoebe : Happy in a fulfilling relationship!
Dan : Haha. Phoebe, you don't have to worry about me. I mean, I am crazy about your sister. I'm undeniably in love with her.
Phoebe : And I shouldn't worry that you're back? I don't quite get you.
Dan : Well, if your sister is as happy as you say, then I have no call to do anything rash or stupid. A man in love knows when to lay off.
Phoebe : (smiling) Well, then. You're a good guy, Dan.
Dan : Thank you. Now will you tell me if she's in?
Phoebe : Uhuh. Somewhere inside. Let me open the door for you.
Piper is in the kitchen. She feels the first butterfly flutterings in her belly.
Piper : Leo! Leo! Hurry! Come on. You have to-
Leo : (calls out) Can't. They're calling me. (orbs out)
Piper : Oh. Well… (hears someone at the doorway of the kitchen) Dan! What-
Dan : (hands her the flowers) Hey, Piper. I wanted you to have these.
Piper : Oh, Dan! You remembered.
Dan : I never forget.
Piper : I'm so happy you're here.
Dan : You are?
Piper : I'm sorry for what happened between us, Dan. But we were just never meant to be.
Dan : (smiles) I beg to differ, Piper. We don't know that. At least not until we're dead. We could get together in fifty years or maybe even tomorrow.
Piper : You're so sweet. I'm pregnant, you know.
Dan : (pauses a while) So that's why you've gotten so much more beautiful. I didn't even think it was possible.
Piper : (wipes away a tear) You've always been so sweet.
Dan : (scoots closer and hands her his hanky) I gather this is what they meant when they said that pregnant women are emotional.
Piper : I can't believe you're still here and you think I'm beautiful when I just told you I'm pregnant.
Dan : It doesn't change the fact that you're still the woman I love and always will love. I'm beginning to think we've shared a past life or something.
Piper : What?
Dan : I know it's silly, but don't you ever think that maybe we don't just live once? What if we had lived several times before? What if once in an eternity we were the ones who ended up together? Aww, forget it.
Piper : (kisses his cheek) I'd say that that one lifetime was extraordinary. You are the nicest person I know.
Dan : I'm glad I was here.
Piper : Me too.
Prue comes into the kitchen.
Prue : Dan! I didn't know you were here.
Dan : (stand up) Yeah. Finalizing a sale.
Prue : I'm glad to see you again.
Dan : Thanks.
Prue : Piper, are you okay?
Dan squeezes Piper's shoulder.
Dan : Yeah, I think she is. Pregnant women are often overcome by emotion.
Prue looks at Piper questioningly.
Piper : So, where are you off to?
Prue : I have to break our lunch date. I won't even be home until late afternoon or early evening. My boss asked me to drive out and retake my roll.
Piper : Oh. I see. Okay. Have fun.
Prue : I will. Bye, honey. See ya, Dan.
When Prue was gone.
Dan : You know, Piper, I'd love to have lunch with you.
Piper : Well-I don't think that's such a good idea.
Dan : Just for old times sake, Piper. No big deal. I just want to keep you company.
Piper : You see, I think Leo and I have to be alone. You won't be comfortable, will you?
Dan : I see. Well, okay. Now I have to go. Take care of yourself.
Piper prepared lunch and waits for Leo to come. By two o'clock, the food was getting cold. She hears the bell.
Piper : Dan!
Dan : Hi. I was looking out the window since lunch time. I never saw him arrive. I thought you might be needing company.
Piper : I do. Come in.
They sit at the kitchen.
Dan : You didn't eat?
Piper : My appetite's gone.
Dan : Why don't I heat this and you sit there?
Piper : No, Dan. You don't have to. I'm not hungry anymore.
Dan : Who said it was for you?
Piper : Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want to eat?
Dan : I meant it was for the hungry little baby inside you. You don't want it to starve, do you?
Piper : (laughs softly) You're right. I'll feed it. But you have to eat too.
Dan : Okay.
Piper gets up to gather the plates.
Dan : Oh no. You sit right down. I'll serve the mommy-to-be.
Piper smiles as she lets Dan set everything.
Phoebe calls Prue's cellphone.
Phoe : Were you at the house when Dan arrived?
Prue : Yeah. I couldn't believe my eyes.
Phoe : Leo will be pissed off.
Prue : Yes he will. I wonder what he'll say when he hears that Dan dropped by this morning.
Phoe : Well, why don't you call home? He'd probably be there already. He and Piper are heading to the doctor's after lunch right?
Prue : I can't call home. I have no reason. Why don't you? You can pretend you left something.
Phoe : Right.
Prue : And tell me if the news is juicy ok?
Phoe : Like how the fight between the immortal angel with the superpowers and the ex-neighbor turned out?
Prue : Yeah. Something like that.
Phoe : K. Bye.
Phoebe calls home.
Dan : I'll get it. You stay here and finish your meal. (picks up the phone) Hello.
Phoe : Who is this?
Dan : Hey, Phoebe!
Phoe : Dan? Did I dial the right number?
Dan : Were you looking for Piper?
Phoe : Well yeah. Tell me I dialed next door.
Dan : Sorry. You've connected to the Halliwell residence.
Phoe : What are you doing there? Leo's gonna kill you.
Dan : He can't kill me when he's not here, can he?
Phoe : He's not there?
Dan : Nope. Stood up your sister.
Phoe : Who's going with her to the doctor's then? Listen, I'll talk to my professor and ask him if I-
Dan : Hold on, hold on. What time is Piper supposed to be there?
Phoe : Three. We thought Leo would take her.
Dan : Obviously, daddy forgot. Don't miss your class, Phoebe. I'll take Piper.
Phoe : Are you kidding? It's an ultrasound.
Dan : So? I'd love nothing more.
Phoe : You're a lunatic!
Dan : Fine. Ask your professor.
Phoe : Bye.
Piper : Who was that?
Dan : Your sister.
Piper : Pheebs?
Dan : Yeah. Why don't you change and I'll take you to the hospital.
Piper : I don't think so. Leo was supposed to arrive and-
Dan : Since he didn't come, I'll take you. You have to go, you know. We have to check if everything's all right.
Piper : Can't Phoebe take me?
The phone rings.
Piper : Hello.
Phoe : Pipe, we have an exam. Dr. Lowell won't let me skip.
Piper : I see. Well, it's ok. Dan's already offered.
Phoe : I'm so sorry. Bye.
Phoebe dials Prue's phone.
Prue : Hello.
Phoe : You will never guess what just happened!
Leo orbs into the kitchen and walks towards the living room. The three sisters and Dan are sitting there, laughing and talking.
Dan : And so the nurse smiles at me. The doctor tells the nurse that fathers-to-be are off-limits.
Piper : The nurse frowned and refused to come inside the room again. She had to ask another woman to assist the doctor.
Phoe : Didn't you correct the doctor?
Dan : On what?
Prue : That you were the baby's father.
Dan : I didn't think of it.
Phoe : (catching sight of Leo standing there) Hey, we didn't hear you come in.
Leo : I thought you didn't. I gather you had the check-up.
Piper : (stiffly) Yes.
Leo : How was the baby?
Dan : Fine.
Piper : What do you care? Thanks for being there for me, Dan. I have to go upstairs now. I'm tired.
Dan : Sure, Piper. I'll always be here for you. But now I'm leaving. I'm sure you have a lot to discuss.
Piper : Not really. (runs upstairs and slams the door)
Leo : Could neither of you go to the hospital with her? I had a job to do.
Prue : So did I.
Phoe : I had an exam. If I knew you'd stand her up that way I'd have gotten excuse earlier. You left her in a jam.
Leo : Good thing Dan was here, right?
Prue : Actually, Leo, yes. We find no fault with you when you're around. You're the sweetest, kindest guy. But the problem is, you're never around.
Leo : I have a job to do. I have lives to save. I have things to fix.
Phoe : Oh yeah? Well, you're just letting yours go down the drain.
Leo : It's not my fault that I'm needed elsewhere. You cannot blame me for attending to the needs of others.
Piper had just gone out of the room to apologize when she heard that.
Piper : Isn't that noble of you, Leo? Attend to others and neglect your own life. You've just missed the most important part of expecting a baby, Leo. You've missed so much and the baby's not even born.
Leo orbed into a park and sat down on a bench. Night fell and he must have drifted off to sleep. He woke to find a boy standing before him.
Leo : What is it?
Boy : Hello there. I'm a ghost.
Leo : What?
Boy : I'm the ghost of the future.
Leo : What?
Boy : I've come to show you the future if you continue on like this.
Leo : I don't know if I got caught in a bad Charles Dickens novel or a twisted It's a Wonderful Life.
Boy : (laughs) Neither. I just thought you needed some reality dose. I would tell you the rules, but I have a feeling you already know them.
Leo : That I'd be invisible to the people we see and that I can't change anything happening.
Boy : Right. Are you ready?
Leo : Can I pass?
Boy : No.
Leo : Well, then, I'm ready.
Leo : So did we and Piper get married? Because I'm very troubled right now about what's happening. We might be headed to the rocks. And we have a baby on the way.
Boy : Oh, you're married, alright.
Leo : I'm glad.
Boy : Hush and watch.
Woman : Mrs. Wyatt, here are the kids.
Melinda : Mom!
Piper : Hey, baby! How was school? Thanks Anne!
Melinda : It was okay.
Piper : Come here, Daniel. Hug, mommy. (hugs the boy) Oh, that's my sweet baby. Melinda took care of you?
Daniel : Yes, mommy.
Leo : We named our son Dan? This is bogus. We'd never name a son of ours Dan.
Boy : You'll see.
Piper : Melinda, call next door and ask Dan if he's ready.
Melinda dials the phone.
Melinda : Hey, Uncle Dan! Yeah. Yeah. I know. You'd never believe it if I told you. He did! Yes! I'm so excited.
Thanks for the advice.
Piper : Melinda, ask him.
Melinda : Oh yeah, mom wants to know if you're ready. Oh great. Ok. We'll be right out.
The bell rings and the children jump up and down.
Daniel : Uncle Dan!
Dan : Little Dan! (holds out his arms and the child comes flying)
Piper : Thanks, Dan. I wouldn't have been able to drive and handle the kids by myself.
Dan : Don't worry about it, Pipe.
The kids are all strapped in the car.
Melinda : Why do we have to go anyway? I thought maybe Daniel and I could just stay at home or over at Uncle Dan's.
Piper : You know the rules, Melinda.
Melinda : Okay.
Piper : Anyway, your father may even come home tonight.
Daniel : Daddy says that but he wouldn't. You'll see, mommy.
Leo : What is going on here? Where am I?
Boy : (smiles at him) You've been whitelighting.
Leo : And the kids don't see me?
Boy: Since that day when Dan took Piper to the first ultrasound, you've hardly been around. You've even once taken a four month long whitelighting job. You weren't even there when Daniel was born. But Dan was. He's always been there. Piper named the baby by herself.
Leo : I'd never do that.
Boy : Look, we're at the park.
Daniel : Uncle Dan, we can play ball here.
Dan : Some other time, Daniel. Your father's already here.
LeoFuture : Hey, kids!
Melinda : Hey Dad.
LeoFuture : Don't I even get kisses?
Melinda : (walking stiffly towards him) Sure you do, Dad. (kisses him briefly on the cheek)
LeoFuture : Is something wrong, Melinda?
Melinda : No, Dad.
LeoFuture : And my son?
Piper : His name is Daniel, Leo.
LeoFuture : (tightens his jaw) Come here, son.
Dan : Go on, Daniel. It's your dad.
Melinda : Go on, Daniel. The sooner you hug and kiss him, the sooner he'll leave.
Piper : Melinda, don't-
Daniel won't let go of Dan. Dan carries him over to Leo.
LeoFuture : Come on, son.
Daniel cries and hangs on to Dan tighter.
Piper : This isn't very pleasant, Leo.
LeoFuture : No, it isn't.
Piper : Are you going home tonight?
LeoFuture : Yes.
Melinda : But Uncle Dan is taking us out.
Dan : We can push that for tomorrow.
LeoFuture : I'll be home, Melinda.
Piper : We'll be expecting you, Leo.
LeoFuture : I have to go now, Piper.
Melinda : That's news!
Piper : Melinda-
LeoFuture : Bye, Piper.
Dan takes Daniel and Melinda to the car.
Piper : I hope you don't break that, Leo. The kids are getting wary of you.
LeoFuture : I love you, Piper.
Piper : That never changes, Leo. I know. And I love you.
LeoFuture : I'll make sure I become a part of your and the children's lives.
Piper : I know.
LeoFuture : I know you're tired of hearing that. But this time I promise I'll always be with you.
Piper : Let's take it one step at a time, Leo. Just be home for dinner. Maybe we'll build on that.
LeoFuture : (takes her hand and places it on his chest) You are what makes my heart beat, Piper.
Piper : I'll always love you. Maybe tonight we can fix things. The children will learn to love you too, you know.
You just have to be there for them.
LeoFuture : I'm getting the signal that Melinda wants you to marry Dan.
Piper : But that will never happen.
Leo : I'll fix this, won't I?
Boy : I don't know. I'm just seeing this as you're seeing this. It's like a movie, isn't it?
Leo : It's my life. I hope you're a little more serious.
Prue and Phoebe are at the manor. Dan is playing with the kids.
Phoe : You know, I love Leo. But sometimes I just want to kick his ass.
Prue : The children are hungry, Piper.
Piper : He promised he'll come.
Phoe : How many promises has he kept over the years? When he didn't come for Daniel's birth, I knew your future would more likely be screwed.
Piper : He loves the children, you guys. He's trying to be here.
Prue : You know, Piper, in your married life, Dan has been more a father to Melinda and Daniel than Leo ever was.
Piper : That's why Leo is going to do his best to make up for all the times he wasn't here.
Leo : So where am I? I can't believe I'm doing this.
Boy : There's only one way to find out.
They are suddenly in heaven.
Elders : You have to do one last job before we let you go.
LeoFuture : I have to be home tonight.
Elders : It's a grave matter. Orbing into your house is going to endanger the children. You need to help someone first. And then we'll finally let you go.
LeoFuture : Fine.
Leo : Come on. Go to the house. They need to know.
Piper : Okay, kids. Have dinner.
Melinda : So where's dad?
Piper : Aunt Phoebe, Aunt Prue and hopefully, Uncle Dan, will be with us substituting for Dad.
Dan : Why not?
Phoebe watches Dan tie a cloth loosely on Daniel's neck. She sees him pat Melinda's head. Phoebe follows Dan and Piper with her eyes. Prue sees all these too. Piper explains to Dan that Leo was late and that the kids had to eat without their father. The sisters see Dan comfort Piper with a hug.
Dan : So, who wants to get ice cream after eating dinner?
Melinda and Daniel : We do! Don't you wanna go Aunt Pheebs? Aunt Prue?
Prue : Can't, sweetheart. I have a load of stuff to do.
Melinda : How about you Aunt Pheebs? You like ice cream, don't you?
Phoebe : Definitely. Why don't you bring me some? I have to cram for an exam.
Daniel : What's cram, Uncle Dan?
Dan : It's something you're not supposed to do, little Dan.
Prue and Phoebe looks at each other,
Piper : Thanks, Dan.
Leo : (stands before Piper) Please. I know what's going on in your mind, sweetheart. And that's not true. I'm not neglecting you or the kids. I'm doing my job.
Boy : She can't see you, hear you or talk to you.
Leo : (stops) It's true, isn't it? I am putting my job before them. I could easily have gone to dinner and tucked the kids in before I even did the whitelighting job. What danger could have come to the kids? They were asking me to train a new whitelighter. What is wrong with me? Have I become addicted to my job? I love my kids and I love my wife. What have I done-what am I going to do?
They finish the meal in silence.
Dan : Everybody ready to go?
Piper and Dan buckle the kids up.
Prue : Take care.
Phoebe : Bye.
Piper : Thanks for being here tonight. If Leo comes, tell him we had to take the kids out. They were pretty disappointed.
Prue : They don't even like Leo.
Piper : They do, Prue. They were hoping that maybe this time their dad was telling the truth. I don't know how to explain to them that their father is a busy man.
Phoe : Here's Dan again.
Dan : (brings a coat) Here, there's a chill in the air tonight.
Piper : Thanks.
They drive away.
Prue : Is that a van?
Phoe : Have you never seen it before? Dan traded in his vehicle for a family car.
Prue : Is he getting married?
Phoe : You're crazy, Prue. Dan's been married for twelve years.
Leo : What?
Prue : You're crazy! What are you talking about?
Phoe : He's been married to our sister from the day he returned to finalize the sale of his house. He and Piper's built their family so close and strong, don't you think?
Prue : I know you're pretty mad at Leo. But Piper loves him.
Phoe : Piper may love him, yes. But that doesn't make him a good husband or a good father. Dan's been both since he came back with those flowers.
Leo : Oh, Phoebe…I'm sorry.
Phoe : So, are you going home?
Prue : Nah. I'll stay here at the manor with you and wait for them to come home.
The phone rings. Phoebe rushes to answer it.
Phoebe : Yup.
Voice : Miss Haliwell?
Phoe : This is Phoebe Haliwell.
Voice : I don't know if you're tuned in to the news right now, but your sister's family was in a crash.
Phoebe felt her knees turn to water. She fell into a chair. She grabbed the remote and switched on the news.
Prue : Wha-
Images of the car crash filled the screen.
Voice : They were all killed. Apparently, a drunk driver was speeding. Several cars were involved in the crash.
The police in pursuit of the speeding car checked the victims at once.
Phoe : The children-
Voice : Strapped in at the backseat. But as I said, they're dead too. The impact crushed the vehicle. It tumbled several times. I'm sorry, Miss Haliwell.
Phoe : My other sister and I will come at once. Where?
Voice : St. Claire's. I think it would comfort you a little to know that the father-
Phoe : The father? Oh!
Voice : The kids' father was holding your sister close. Their last moments weren't too gruesome. He must have comforted her when the car was out of control.
Leo : What's wrong? What's happening? Do you know what the call's about?
Boy : I don't think I should have taken you here.
Leo : What?
Boy : Oh well, the rule says finish what you started.
In a flash, they were seeing the future Leo orbing into the living room.
LeoFuture : What's going on? Where are my kids, Phoebe?
Phoe : Hello, Leo.
LeoFuture : That's a decent dress.
Prue entered wearing the same black dress. He felt a chill run down his spine.
LeoFuture : What happened? Where's my family?
Phoe : I never knew you had one.
Prue : Stop playing games with him, Phoebe. Leo-
Another flash of light. They saw the future Leo standing before a large marble stone. He yelled and kicked at it.
The future Leo fell to his knees and cried.
LeoFuture : This is not true! (orbed out)
Leo walked towards the stone and read.
Melinda and Daniel. Piper and Dan. A family together until the end.
The last thing he remembered was Phoebe looking at him with venomous, tear-filled eyes.
Leo woke up to find himself sitting in the same bench he fell asleep in. Immediately, he orbed into his and Piper's room. Piper was looking out the window. She turned around as he appeared.
Piper : Leo!
Leo walked over to her and took her in his arms.
Leo : I'm sorry. I was too preoccupied with my job.
Piper : I'm sorry. I've been too demanding.
Leo : No. You had a right. I am yours. I know my promises are worth nothing now…
Piper : What are you talking about? Your promises are worth everything to me.
Leo : Dan-
Piper : He already left. I called him up and thanked him for everything. I also asked him to leave. I can't ask him to stay and hope forever. Not when I know that although he may always be there, my heart will be with you wherever you go.
Leo : If I am called-
Piper : Then I'd wait.
Leo : If you need me-
Piper : Then I'll call you.
Leo : And if I can't come?
Piper : I'll wait and when you arrived…
Leo : You'll kill me, right?
Piper : Definitely. (she turned around and looked outside)
Leo wrapped his arms around her by her waist. They stayed like that for long moments.
Leo : Oh God.
Suddenly, he let go and sat heavily on the bed. He placed his hands over his face.
Piper : What is it, Leo?
Leo : (taking off his hands and revealing the tears in his eyes) I just felt the baby move. I'm a whitelighter, but that was by far the greatest miracle of life I have ever experienced.
Piper : Oh, sweetheart! (they embrace) There will be more miracles in the next months. And then there'd be the finale in several months. After that would be more miracles waiting to happen every day.
He kisses her belly.
Leo : I'll never miss the coming months for the world. And I'll never lose you.
Piper : Is that a promise?
Leo : It's more than a promise.
Phoebe knocks and opens the door.
Phoe : Hey Prue! C'mere and look at our own mommy and daddy-to-be's.
Prue : (running to look) Awww. It's a family!
Leo : Have we suddenly turned into a sideshow?
Phoe : Ooops sorry.
Prue closes the door.
FIN
http://leopiper.cjb.net
by Catheryne@leopiper.cjb.net
Phoebe is on the way out.
Dan : Phoebe!
Phoebe : (surprised) Hey, Dan. Wow. What are you doing here? I thought you moved.
Dan : I did. I just came back to finalize the sale of the house. I wanted to make sure everything would go smoothly.
Phoebe : And those flowers are for the buyer, right?
Dan : (laughs softly, embarrassed) Well, actually, no. How is Piper?
Phoebe : Happy in a fulfilling relationship!
Dan : Haha. Phoebe, you don't have to worry about me. I mean, I am crazy about your sister. I'm undeniably in love with her.
Phoebe : And I shouldn't worry that you're back? I don't quite get you.
Dan : Well, if your sister is as happy as you say, then I have no call to do anything rash or stupid. A man in love knows when to lay off.
Phoebe : (smiling) Well, then. You're a good guy, Dan.
Dan : Thank you. Now will you tell me if she's in?
Phoebe : Uhuh. Somewhere inside. Let me open the door for you.
Piper is in the kitchen. She feels the first butterfly flutterings in her belly.
Piper : Leo! Leo! Hurry! Come on. You have to-
Leo : (calls out) Can't. They're calling me. (orbs out)
Piper : Oh. Well… (hears someone at the doorway of the kitchen) Dan! What-
Dan : (hands her the flowers) Hey, Piper. I wanted you to have these.
Piper : Oh, Dan! You remembered.
Dan : I never forget.
Piper : I'm so happy you're here.
Dan : You are?
Piper : I'm sorry for what happened between us, Dan. But we were just never meant to be.
Dan : (smiles) I beg to differ, Piper. We don't know that. At least not until we're dead. We could get together in fifty years or maybe even tomorrow.
Piper : You're so sweet. I'm pregnant, you know.
Dan : (pauses a while) So that's why you've gotten so much more beautiful. I didn't even think it was possible.
Piper : (wipes away a tear) You've always been so sweet.
Dan : (scoots closer and hands her his hanky) I gather this is what they meant when they said that pregnant women are emotional.
Piper : I can't believe you're still here and you think I'm beautiful when I just told you I'm pregnant.
Dan : It doesn't change the fact that you're still the woman I love and always will love. I'm beginning to think we've shared a past life or something.
Piper : What?
Dan : I know it's silly, but don't you ever think that maybe we don't just live once? What if we had lived several times before? What if once in an eternity we were the ones who ended up together? Aww, forget it.
Piper : (kisses his cheek) I'd say that that one lifetime was extraordinary. You are the nicest person I know.
Dan : I'm glad I was here.
Piper : Me too.
Prue comes into the kitchen.
Prue : Dan! I didn't know you were here.
Dan : (stand up) Yeah. Finalizing a sale.
Prue : I'm glad to see you again.
Dan : Thanks.
Prue : Piper, are you okay?
Dan squeezes Piper's shoulder.
Dan : Yeah, I think she is. Pregnant women are often overcome by emotion.
Prue looks at Piper questioningly.
Piper : So, where are you off to?
Prue : I have to break our lunch date. I won't even be home until late afternoon or early evening. My boss asked me to drive out and retake my roll.
Piper : Oh. I see. Okay. Have fun.
Prue : I will. Bye, honey. See ya, Dan.
When Prue was gone.
Dan : You know, Piper, I'd love to have lunch with you.
Piper : Well-I don't think that's such a good idea.
Dan : Just for old times sake, Piper. No big deal. I just want to keep you company.
Piper : You see, I think Leo and I have to be alone. You won't be comfortable, will you?
Dan : I see. Well, okay. Now I have to go. Take care of yourself.
Piper prepared lunch and waits for Leo to come. By two o'clock, the food was getting cold. She hears the bell.
Piper : Dan!
Dan : Hi. I was looking out the window since lunch time. I never saw him arrive. I thought you might be needing company.
Piper : I do. Come in.
They sit at the kitchen.
Dan : You didn't eat?
Piper : My appetite's gone.
Dan : Why don't I heat this and you sit there?
Piper : No, Dan. You don't have to. I'm not hungry anymore.
Dan : Who said it was for you?
Piper : Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want to eat?
Dan : I meant it was for the hungry little baby inside you. You don't want it to starve, do you?
Piper : (laughs softly) You're right. I'll feed it. But you have to eat too.
Dan : Okay.
Piper gets up to gather the plates.
Dan : Oh no. You sit right down. I'll serve the mommy-to-be.
Piper smiles as she lets Dan set everything.
Phoebe calls Prue's cellphone.
Phoe : Were you at the house when Dan arrived?
Prue : Yeah. I couldn't believe my eyes.
Phoe : Leo will be pissed off.
Prue : Yes he will. I wonder what he'll say when he hears that Dan dropped by this morning.
Phoe : Well, why don't you call home? He'd probably be there already. He and Piper are heading to the doctor's after lunch right?
Prue : I can't call home. I have no reason. Why don't you? You can pretend you left something.
Phoe : Right.
Prue : And tell me if the news is juicy ok?
Phoe : Like how the fight between the immortal angel with the superpowers and the ex-neighbor turned out?
Prue : Yeah. Something like that.
Phoe : K. Bye.
Phoebe calls home.
Dan : I'll get it. You stay here and finish your meal. (picks up the phone) Hello.
Phoe : Who is this?
Dan : Hey, Phoebe!
Phoe : Dan? Did I dial the right number?
Dan : Were you looking for Piper?
Phoe : Well yeah. Tell me I dialed next door.
Dan : Sorry. You've connected to the Halliwell residence.
Phoe : What are you doing there? Leo's gonna kill you.
Dan : He can't kill me when he's not here, can he?
Phoe : He's not there?
Dan : Nope. Stood up your sister.
Phoe : Who's going with her to the doctor's then? Listen, I'll talk to my professor and ask him if I-
Dan : Hold on, hold on. What time is Piper supposed to be there?
Phoe : Three. We thought Leo would take her.
Dan : Obviously, daddy forgot. Don't miss your class, Phoebe. I'll take Piper.
Phoe : Are you kidding? It's an ultrasound.
Dan : So? I'd love nothing more.
Phoe : You're a lunatic!
Dan : Fine. Ask your professor.
Phoe : Bye.
Piper : Who was that?
Dan : Your sister.
Piper : Pheebs?
Dan : Yeah. Why don't you change and I'll take you to the hospital.
Piper : I don't think so. Leo was supposed to arrive and-
Dan : Since he didn't come, I'll take you. You have to go, you know. We have to check if everything's all right.
Piper : Can't Phoebe take me?
The phone rings.
Piper : Hello.
Phoe : Pipe, we have an exam. Dr. Lowell won't let me skip.
Piper : I see. Well, it's ok. Dan's already offered.
Phoe : I'm so sorry. Bye.
Phoebe dials Prue's phone.
Prue : Hello.
Phoe : You will never guess what just happened!
Leo orbs into the kitchen and walks towards the living room. The three sisters and Dan are sitting there, laughing and talking.
Dan : And so the nurse smiles at me. The doctor tells the nurse that fathers-to-be are off-limits.
Piper : The nurse frowned and refused to come inside the room again. She had to ask another woman to assist the doctor.
Phoe : Didn't you correct the doctor?
Dan : On what?
Prue : That you were the baby's father.
Dan : I didn't think of it.
Phoe : (catching sight of Leo standing there) Hey, we didn't hear you come in.
Leo : I thought you didn't. I gather you had the check-up.
Piper : (stiffly) Yes.
Leo : How was the baby?
Dan : Fine.
Piper : What do you care? Thanks for being there for me, Dan. I have to go upstairs now. I'm tired.
Dan : Sure, Piper. I'll always be here for you. But now I'm leaving. I'm sure you have a lot to discuss.
Piper : Not really. (runs upstairs and slams the door)
Leo : Could neither of you go to the hospital with her? I had a job to do.
Prue : So did I.
Phoe : I had an exam. If I knew you'd stand her up that way I'd have gotten excuse earlier. You left her in a jam.
Leo : Good thing Dan was here, right?
Prue : Actually, Leo, yes. We find no fault with you when you're around. You're the sweetest, kindest guy. But the problem is, you're never around.
Leo : I have a job to do. I have lives to save. I have things to fix.
Phoe : Oh yeah? Well, you're just letting yours go down the drain.
Leo : It's not my fault that I'm needed elsewhere. You cannot blame me for attending to the needs of others.
Piper had just gone out of the room to apologize when she heard that.
Piper : Isn't that noble of you, Leo? Attend to others and neglect your own life. You've just missed the most important part of expecting a baby, Leo. You've missed so much and the baby's not even born.
Leo orbed into a park and sat down on a bench. Night fell and he must have drifted off to sleep. He woke to find a boy standing before him.
Leo : What is it?
Boy : Hello there. I'm a ghost.
Leo : What?
Boy : I'm the ghost of the future.
Leo : What?
Boy : I've come to show you the future if you continue on like this.
Leo : I don't know if I got caught in a bad Charles Dickens novel or a twisted It's a Wonderful Life.
Boy : (laughs) Neither. I just thought you needed some reality dose. I would tell you the rules, but I have a feeling you already know them.
Leo : That I'd be invisible to the people we see and that I can't change anything happening.
Boy : Right. Are you ready?
Leo : Can I pass?
Boy : No.
Leo : Well, then, I'm ready.
Leo : So did we and Piper get married? Because I'm very troubled right now about what's happening. We might be headed to the rocks. And we have a baby on the way.
Boy : Oh, you're married, alright.
Leo : I'm glad.
Boy : Hush and watch.
Woman : Mrs. Wyatt, here are the kids.
Melinda : Mom!
Piper : Hey, baby! How was school? Thanks Anne!
Melinda : It was okay.
Piper : Come here, Daniel. Hug, mommy. (hugs the boy) Oh, that's my sweet baby. Melinda took care of you?
Daniel : Yes, mommy.
Leo : We named our son Dan? This is bogus. We'd never name a son of ours Dan.
Boy : You'll see.
Piper : Melinda, call next door and ask Dan if he's ready.
Melinda dials the phone.
Melinda : Hey, Uncle Dan! Yeah. Yeah. I know. You'd never believe it if I told you. He did! Yes! I'm so excited.
Thanks for the advice.
Piper : Melinda, ask him.
Melinda : Oh yeah, mom wants to know if you're ready. Oh great. Ok. We'll be right out.
The bell rings and the children jump up and down.
Daniel : Uncle Dan!
Dan : Little Dan! (holds out his arms and the child comes flying)
Piper : Thanks, Dan. I wouldn't have been able to drive and handle the kids by myself.
Dan : Don't worry about it, Pipe.
The kids are all strapped in the car.
Melinda : Why do we have to go anyway? I thought maybe Daniel and I could just stay at home or over at Uncle Dan's.
Piper : You know the rules, Melinda.
Melinda : Okay.
Piper : Anyway, your father may even come home tonight.
Daniel : Daddy says that but he wouldn't. You'll see, mommy.
Leo : What is going on here? Where am I?
Boy : (smiles at him) You've been whitelighting.
Leo : And the kids don't see me?
Boy: Since that day when Dan took Piper to the first ultrasound, you've hardly been around. You've even once taken a four month long whitelighting job. You weren't even there when Daniel was born. But Dan was. He's always been there. Piper named the baby by herself.
Leo : I'd never do that.
Boy : Look, we're at the park.
Daniel : Uncle Dan, we can play ball here.
Dan : Some other time, Daniel. Your father's already here.
LeoFuture : Hey, kids!
Melinda : Hey Dad.
LeoFuture : Don't I even get kisses?
Melinda : (walking stiffly towards him) Sure you do, Dad. (kisses him briefly on the cheek)
LeoFuture : Is something wrong, Melinda?
Melinda : No, Dad.
LeoFuture : And my son?
Piper : His name is Daniel, Leo.
LeoFuture : (tightens his jaw) Come here, son.
Dan : Go on, Daniel. It's your dad.
Melinda : Go on, Daniel. The sooner you hug and kiss him, the sooner he'll leave.
Piper : Melinda, don't-
Daniel won't let go of Dan. Dan carries him over to Leo.
LeoFuture : Come on, son.
Daniel cries and hangs on to Dan tighter.
Piper : This isn't very pleasant, Leo.
LeoFuture : No, it isn't.
Piper : Are you going home tonight?
LeoFuture : Yes.
Melinda : But Uncle Dan is taking us out.
Dan : We can push that for tomorrow.
LeoFuture : I'll be home, Melinda.
Piper : We'll be expecting you, Leo.
LeoFuture : I have to go now, Piper.
Melinda : That's news!
Piper : Melinda-
LeoFuture : Bye, Piper.
Dan takes Daniel and Melinda to the car.
Piper : I hope you don't break that, Leo. The kids are getting wary of you.
LeoFuture : I love you, Piper.
Piper : That never changes, Leo. I know. And I love you.
LeoFuture : I'll make sure I become a part of your and the children's lives.
Piper : I know.
LeoFuture : I know you're tired of hearing that. But this time I promise I'll always be with you.
Piper : Let's take it one step at a time, Leo. Just be home for dinner. Maybe we'll build on that.
LeoFuture : (takes her hand and places it on his chest) You are what makes my heart beat, Piper.
Piper : I'll always love you. Maybe tonight we can fix things. The children will learn to love you too, you know.
You just have to be there for them.
LeoFuture : I'm getting the signal that Melinda wants you to marry Dan.
Piper : But that will never happen.
Leo : I'll fix this, won't I?
Boy : I don't know. I'm just seeing this as you're seeing this. It's like a movie, isn't it?
Leo : It's my life. I hope you're a little more serious.
Prue and Phoebe are at the manor. Dan is playing with the kids.
Phoe : You know, I love Leo. But sometimes I just want to kick his ass.
Prue : The children are hungry, Piper.
Piper : He promised he'll come.
Phoe : How many promises has he kept over the years? When he didn't come for Daniel's birth, I knew your future would more likely be screwed.
Piper : He loves the children, you guys. He's trying to be here.
Prue : You know, Piper, in your married life, Dan has been more a father to Melinda and Daniel than Leo ever was.
Piper : That's why Leo is going to do his best to make up for all the times he wasn't here.
Leo : So where am I? I can't believe I'm doing this.
Boy : There's only one way to find out.
They are suddenly in heaven.
Elders : You have to do one last job before we let you go.
LeoFuture : I have to be home tonight.
Elders : It's a grave matter. Orbing into your house is going to endanger the children. You need to help someone first. And then we'll finally let you go.
LeoFuture : Fine.
Leo : Come on. Go to the house. They need to know.
Piper : Okay, kids. Have dinner.
Melinda : So where's dad?
Piper : Aunt Phoebe, Aunt Prue and hopefully, Uncle Dan, will be with us substituting for Dad.
Dan : Why not?
Phoebe watches Dan tie a cloth loosely on Daniel's neck. She sees him pat Melinda's head. Phoebe follows Dan and Piper with her eyes. Prue sees all these too. Piper explains to Dan that Leo was late and that the kids had to eat without their father. The sisters see Dan comfort Piper with a hug.
Dan : So, who wants to get ice cream after eating dinner?
Melinda and Daniel : We do! Don't you wanna go Aunt Pheebs? Aunt Prue?
Prue : Can't, sweetheart. I have a load of stuff to do.
Melinda : How about you Aunt Pheebs? You like ice cream, don't you?
Phoebe : Definitely. Why don't you bring me some? I have to cram for an exam.
Daniel : What's cram, Uncle Dan?
Dan : It's something you're not supposed to do, little Dan.
Prue and Phoebe looks at each other,
Piper : Thanks, Dan.
Leo : (stands before Piper) Please. I know what's going on in your mind, sweetheart. And that's not true. I'm not neglecting you or the kids. I'm doing my job.
Boy : She can't see you, hear you or talk to you.
Leo : (stops) It's true, isn't it? I am putting my job before them. I could easily have gone to dinner and tucked the kids in before I even did the whitelighting job. What danger could have come to the kids? They were asking me to train a new whitelighter. What is wrong with me? Have I become addicted to my job? I love my kids and I love my wife. What have I done-what am I going to do?
They finish the meal in silence.
Dan : Everybody ready to go?
Piper and Dan buckle the kids up.
Prue : Take care.
Phoebe : Bye.
Piper : Thanks for being here tonight. If Leo comes, tell him we had to take the kids out. They were pretty disappointed.
Prue : They don't even like Leo.
Piper : They do, Prue. They were hoping that maybe this time their dad was telling the truth. I don't know how to explain to them that their father is a busy man.
Phoe : Here's Dan again.
Dan : (brings a coat) Here, there's a chill in the air tonight.
Piper : Thanks.
They drive away.
Prue : Is that a van?
Phoe : Have you never seen it before? Dan traded in his vehicle for a family car.
Prue : Is he getting married?
Phoe : You're crazy, Prue. Dan's been married for twelve years.
Leo : What?
Prue : You're crazy! What are you talking about?
Phoe : He's been married to our sister from the day he returned to finalize the sale of his house. He and Piper's built their family so close and strong, don't you think?
Prue : I know you're pretty mad at Leo. But Piper loves him.
Phoe : Piper may love him, yes. But that doesn't make him a good husband or a good father. Dan's been both since he came back with those flowers.
Leo : Oh, Phoebe…I'm sorry.
Phoe : So, are you going home?
Prue : Nah. I'll stay here at the manor with you and wait for them to come home.
The phone rings. Phoebe rushes to answer it.
Phoebe : Yup.
Voice : Miss Haliwell?
Phoe : This is Phoebe Haliwell.
Voice : I don't know if you're tuned in to the news right now, but your sister's family was in a crash.
Phoebe felt her knees turn to water. She fell into a chair. She grabbed the remote and switched on the news.
Prue : Wha-
Images of the car crash filled the screen.
Voice : They were all killed. Apparently, a drunk driver was speeding. Several cars were involved in the crash.
The police in pursuit of the speeding car checked the victims at once.
Phoe : The children-
Voice : Strapped in at the backseat. But as I said, they're dead too. The impact crushed the vehicle. It tumbled several times. I'm sorry, Miss Haliwell.
Phoe : My other sister and I will come at once. Where?
Voice : St. Claire's. I think it would comfort you a little to know that the father-
Phoe : The father? Oh!
Voice : The kids' father was holding your sister close. Their last moments weren't too gruesome. He must have comforted her when the car was out of control.
Leo : What's wrong? What's happening? Do you know what the call's about?
Boy : I don't think I should have taken you here.
Leo : What?
Boy : Oh well, the rule says finish what you started.
In a flash, they were seeing the future Leo orbing into the living room.
LeoFuture : What's going on? Where are my kids, Phoebe?
Phoe : Hello, Leo.
LeoFuture : That's a decent dress.
Prue entered wearing the same black dress. He felt a chill run down his spine.
LeoFuture : What happened? Where's my family?
Phoe : I never knew you had one.
Prue : Stop playing games with him, Phoebe. Leo-
Another flash of light. They saw the future Leo standing before a large marble stone. He yelled and kicked at it.
The future Leo fell to his knees and cried.
LeoFuture : This is not true! (orbed out)
Leo walked towards the stone and read.
Melinda and Daniel. Piper and Dan. A family together until the end.
The last thing he remembered was Phoebe looking at him with venomous, tear-filled eyes.
Leo woke up to find himself sitting in the same bench he fell asleep in. Immediately, he orbed into his and Piper's room. Piper was looking out the window. She turned around as he appeared.
Piper : Leo!
Leo walked over to her and took her in his arms.
Leo : I'm sorry. I was too preoccupied with my job.
Piper : I'm sorry. I've been too demanding.
Leo : No. You had a right. I am yours. I know my promises are worth nothing now…
Piper : What are you talking about? Your promises are worth everything to me.
Leo : Dan-
Piper : He already left. I called him up and thanked him for everything. I also asked him to leave. I can't ask him to stay and hope forever. Not when I know that although he may always be there, my heart will be with you wherever you go.
Leo : If I am called-
Piper : Then I'd wait.
Leo : If you need me-
Piper : Then I'll call you.
Leo : And if I can't come?
Piper : I'll wait and when you arrived…
Leo : You'll kill me, right?
Piper : Definitely. (she turned around and looked outside)
Leo wrapped his arms around her by her waist. They stayed like that for long moments.
Leo : Oh God.
Suddenly, he let go and sat heavily on the bed. He placed his hands over his face.
Piper : What is it, Leo?
Leo : (taking off his hands and revealing the tears in his eyes) I just felt the baby move. I'm a whitelighter, but that was by far the greatest miracle of life I have ever experienced.
Piper : Oh, sweetheart! (they embrace) There will be more miracles in the next months. And then there'd be the finale in several months. After that would be more miracles waiting to happen every day.
He kisses her belly.
Leo : I'll never miss the coming months for the world. And I'll never lose you.
Piper : Is that a promise?
Leo : It's more than a promise.
Phoebe knocks and opens the door.
Phoe : Hey Prue! C'mere and look at our own mommy and daddy-to-be's.
Prue : (running to look) Awww. It's a family!
Leo : Have we suddenly turned into a sideshow?
Phoe : Ooops sorry.
Prue closes the door.
FIN
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