Leo knocks on their bedroom door and enters. He saw her standing by the window. Without saying a word, he opens his arms and she walks forward. They wrap their arms around each other.
Piper : After all this I'm still madly in love with you.
Leo : Same here.
Piper : We're crazy, aren't we?
Leo : Yes, Piper, we are.
Piper : Then I hope we never become sane again. I love you, Leo.
Leo : And I love you, Piper.
Piper : We're supposed to get married tomorrow, aren't we?
Leo : Yes.
Piper : Are you excited?
Leo : I've waited lifetimes for this.
Piper : And I know that's not a figure of speech.
Leo : If there ever was a best incarnation, I'd say this was it. (bends to kiss her)
Piper : I wonder how Phoebe did in the preparation. She and Prue insisted on keeping their arrangements secret.
They hear the phone ring. After a few minutes, Phoebe knocks on the door.
Phoe : Hey guys, whatever the night's led you up to doing, you'd better stop it right now 'coz I need to speak with you!
Leo chuckles, and slackens the embrace.
Piper : Door's open, Phoebe. We're general patronage in here. As always.
Phoe : Right. (grins and enters the room) That's why my niece or nephew's already on the way.
Piper : So what did you need to tell us, Pheebs?
Phoe : Oh yeah! You two can't get married tomorrow.
Leo : Excuse me?
Phoe : Someone bungled up. We've moved the wedding to the day after.
Piper : Well, I'm sure that's fine, isn't it, Leo?
Leo : I've already waited decades, haven't I? What's a day more?
Piper : There. So, you can go away now, Pheebs. Leo and I need to be alone.
Phoe : Umm… actually Piper, I'm also here to remind you two that Leo has to go up by morning. You two can't see each other for a day before the wedding. So enjoy the night. Bubye!
After Phoebe has closed the door…
Leo : Aunt Phoebe's pretty strict.
Piper : You know, I think she's almost as excited about this as we are.
Leo : I hope so. That way we can be sure she's not planning on doing away with me or something.
Piper : What're you talking about? Pheebs loves you!
Leo : But do you remember when I ate her granolas? She would've hunted me down except for the trouble with the doctor.
Piper smiles a bittersweet smile.
Leo : You do realize that it was his own choice, don't you? Whatever happened to him began because of his obsession.
Piper : I know that. I just can't get over the fact that I could have done something to prevent it. (looks at him) Thank you for being there afterwards. I needed someone to hold me.
Leo : Come on. Let me hold you again. For me. (They sit on the bed. Then they lie down side by side) You're my whole life, Piper.
Piper : You're mine too. Can you believe it's just been two years? It feels like eternity that we've known each other.
Leo : But it has been an eternity. You just don't remember most of it.
Piper : I do remember when I first saw you though.
Leo : I was attracted to you from the very first moment. And then I remembered that I wasn't supposed to. But it was already too late. I've already fallen in love with you. Maybe it's been too late the moment you were born. After all, I've already loved you in one or another lifetime, right?
Piper : I wish I could remember everything.
Leo : It's better you didn't. It's not all pretty.
Piper : But you remember them. Were they painful?
Leo : Some of them were.
Piper : Share them with me. Maybe it will ease.
Leo : No.
Piper : I was there too.
Leo : There's a reason why you don't remember. And I'd rather the past be forgotten.
Piper : You'll tell me when you're ready?
Leo : I promise. I need to gather up strength enough to do it. Just like you had to gather enough courage to ask me out to the movies the first time.
Piper : (smiles) I thought you were going to turn me down.
Leo : By that time I was head over heels I didn't dare.
Piper : I'm so glad you didn't end up with Phoebe.
Leo : Me too. No offense to your sister, but I think the stars would have gone crazy over that!
Piper : Leo, do you remember what it was like the first time?
Leo : You think I'd ever forget?
Piper : I have a confession.
Leo : What is it?
Piper : I froze you.
Leo : You've frozen me a lot of times, Pipe. Tell me you don't mean… 'then'.
Piper : I meant 'then.'
Leo is speechless, then chuckles.
Leo : Sometimes you just take me by surprise. (presses a kiss in her hair) And whenever you do that, it occurs to me again why I love you so much.
Piper is silent. Leo doesn't speak because he knew she was going to say something. He waited.
Piper : I wish we never had to part like that. We wasted so much time.
Leo : Everything happens for a reason. When Phoebe found out about me, she told me that our relationship needed a miracle to survive.
Piper : I'm sorry it took me so long to realize what miracle that was.
Leo : It's always been in your heart. That's what matters.
Piper : But you could have died.
Leo : I didn't. You discovered for yourself just in time.
Piper : That was the most difficult moment I had to face.
Leo : Harder than when Mark said goodbye?
Piper : (leaned on one elbow to look down on him) How did you learn about Mark?
Leo : I'm your whitelighter remember?
Piper : I—
Leo : I know. He touched a very special place in your heart. But what you felt for him would never parallel what you feel for me. I know that. I know what soul mates are, Pipe. That's why although it hurt me when you were with Dan, I knew with all my heart you'd never feel about him the way you do about me. I was just scared you'd make the same mistake you committed in the past.
Piper : But that's over and done with. I'm with you now. No power on earth can tear us apart. I chose you because you're ingrained in my soul. Come on, let's get some sleep. You're leaving early tomorrow, or Aunt Phoebe will have to drag you out by the hair on your nape.
They close their eyes as they lay there, cuddling on Piper's bed.
Piper : What will I do without you?
Leo : I can't live without you, Piper. I'm glad we're finally moving to this.
Piper : Promise me you'll always put the safety of innocents and your job above everything. It's what lies in your nature, Leo. Don't go against it. No matter what.
Leo : I promise that whatever I do, I'll be true to myself.
Piper : Love you.
Leo : I love you.


Morning

Piper and Leo enter the kitchen to find both Prue and Phoebe already there having breakfast. Phoebe had a huge grin on her face.
Phoe : Nice night?
Piper : It was our most intense evening yet.
Prue : You two were pretty quiet. What did you do, play checkers?
Leo : No , Prue. (smiles) We talked.
Phoebe's face fell.
Phoe : The night before you're supposed to stay apart and you talked? Piper, Piper… When will you ever learn. This does not smack good on my reputation. My sister is… TIMID.
Piper : I am far from timid.
Leo : We just happen to believe that talking is the best way to spend last night. Hey, sweetheart, I gotta go. Have to talk to them. (kisses her full on the lips) I promise to be back in time for the wedding though.
Piper : Just you try to stand me up.
Phoe : Oh no, you don't! After everything Prue and I have gone through, even if Piper forgave you for the best reason in the world—
Prue : We'll kill you.
Leo : I"ll remember that.
Leo orbs up.
Leo : You called, wise ones? (grinning)
Them : In a bright mood, aren't we?
Leo : I'd invite you to my wedding, but I'm sure you have no wish to take part in a ceremony that shatters all your rules.
Them : That's what we wanted to talk to you about.
Leo : The rules again?
Them : We cannot permit you to marry her.
Leo : I thought you understood.
Them : But there is still something left for you to prove.
Leo : I've proven time and again how dedicated I am to our cause. I've proven how much I love her.
Them : That's where this all started. When you fell in love with her, you threw all you've learned from us away.
Leo : We're having a baby.
Them : What is written is written, Leo. Everything happens for a reason.
Leo : What does that mean? That our child will serve a purpose in your schemes?
Them : Everyone does. Even you. Especially you.
Leo : Then tell me. What more proof do you need?
Them : That's what we have decide. In the meantime, we have decided to take away your powers. You can look at it as some more of that time with her you so desperately seek. No jobs for you for the next week or so. The moment you orb into the Manor, we take away your powers.

Manor

Prue : Hey, honey, what is it?
Piper : My back is killing me. It's been like this since last night.
Phoe : You should've told Leo. He'd have taken care of it. What's a whitelighter boyfriend for anyway?
Piper : I couldn't have done that. And I don't want him to worry. Maybe I should stop by my doctor later this afternoon and have a check-up.
Leo : Hey. (orbs in behind Prue)
Prue chokes on her coffee.
Prue : Don't do that!
Leo : Sorry.
Piper : Hey, honey. What are you doing back so soon?
Phoe : Have a seat.
Leo sits down with the sisters.
Leo : I have news. They've forbidden me from marrying Piper until they give me leave to do so. They've taken my powers until that time.
Piper : What?! How long would that be?
Leo : I have no idea. (seeing the look on her face) Look at me, Piper. A wedding is a piece of paper. But a marriage is another thing. We've always been married. From the very first. Do you understand that? (She nods) We'll get through this the way we've gotten over everything else. Remember when you sacrificed your freedom for mine? Didn't we resolve that and came out of that whole chapter in our lives better and stronger? This is just like that.
Piper : (whispers) Or like the time when not even Phoebe or Prue could tell who between the two Pipers I really was. But we had a connection, and you could easily tell which one I was.
Phoebe bit her lip. She had cancellations to do. Tons of them. But Prue could help her with that. Right now, although Leo was trying to look strong, she knew he was as upset as Piper was.
Phoe : When we thought you were gone, it was the most moving thing I ever saw. Leo promised that he would wait for you to live again. Then you would try to make it work. I never though a man was capable of feeling that height of emotion.
Leo : No matter what, Piper. As long as we're together, we'll be happy.
Piper smiles at Leo and then shakes her head.
Piper : Hey, you two have somewhere to go to, right?
Prue : Phoebe has a class in two hours and I have a shoot.
Phoe : But we need to make some cancellations first.
Leo : Hey, what's wrong? You look a little pale.
Piper : Just come of the uncomfortable stuff you experience when you're in your first trimester, I guess.
Leo : We'd better have that checked.
Piper : I will. But Ben called. There's some trouble with the sound system. I have to go to P3 to check it out. I hope it's not too big a problem. I have no money to get a whole new set installed.
Leo : I'll go. You rest here. I'll be back as soon as I can and we can go to the doctor's together.
Piper : What if I go with you to P3 and we go directly to the doctor's afterward?
Leo : I really hope you'll rest here.
Piper : Oh ok.
Phoe : Hey, I'm all set to go.
Prue : Already?
Phoe : Yup. I only had to use some charm. And I've got a lot of those, don't I?
Prue : Sure do, Pheebs.
Phoe : Okay so… bye.
Piper : Take care, okay?
Prue : Don't worry about us. Worry about you. Call me if you need anything, ok?
Leo : I'll leave with them. Wait for me here. Get some more sleep.
Piper : I will. Bubye.
Piper closes the door and walks to the couch. She falls asleep there. An hour later she gets up. The cramping was getting worse. She makes a hot water bottle and covers it with a towel. She presses it against her belly and her back to ease the pain. Soon, she's already biting her lip and gasping. She walks towards the living room. She stops and groans. She looks down and is surprised to see blood pooling at her feet. She grabs onto a chair and calls 911.


Library

Linda: You have to help me, Phoebe. I wasn't able to do it last night. Spencer was.. you know.
Phoe : Ohhh.. Linda, you are sooo the luckiest girl in this school. Spencer Malloy!
Linda : Yeah, am I not?
Phoe : Ok, Ok. Stop it. You have to do your paper.
Linda : Lemme see yours.
Phoe : Sure. (grabs her bag and shuffles in it) I cannot believe I left it! How could I have done such a stupid thing? (checks her watch) Okay, an hour before deadline. I can rush home and grab my paper and arrive here on time.
Linda : Good luck, Phoebe.
Phoe : Thanks, Lin. And I hope you can finish your essay on time too.

On the way home, Phoebe has a nagging feeling that it was a good thing she left her paper at home. Her cab stops in front of the manor and she is shocked to find paramedics arriving at the same time she was.
Phoe : Hey, sir, what is it? What are you doing here?
Paramedic : We received a call from Miss Halliwell about an emergency.
Another Pmedic: Miss Halliwell! Miss Halliwell! She's not answering, Ray.
Paramedic : Try again. (to Phoebe) Do you know of any way we can get in?
Phoe : Sure. I'm—Uhh—It's my house. I'm Phoebe Halliwell. Here are my keys.
Paramedic : Good. Hey, Lyle. (throws the keys to him) Open it.
Phoe : What was it? Did she say what was wrong?
The door opened and they all rushed in, leaving Phoebe to follow.
Paramedic : (called out) A possible miscarriage.
Phoebe stands shocked at the threshold.
Phoe : Oh my—Piper!
Piper is lying unconscious on the living room floor.
A Paramedic : We have to ask you to move, Miss Halliwell.
Lyle : What's her name?
Ray : Piper Halliwell.
Lyle : Piper? Piper, can you hear me? (Focuses the flashlight on her eyes) Piper? Ok, we're bringing her in now.
The paramedics lay her on a gurney and Phoebe watches, crying.
Phoe : I'm going with you.
Ray : Come on, Miss Halliwell.

P3

Leo is on the stage checking the different wires on the stereos and amps.
Ben : Hey, Leo!
Leo : Yeah?
Ben : Telephone for you.
Leo : Is it Piper?
Ben : Think it's Phoebe. She sounds frantic, man. Hurry it up.
Leo runs over to the phone.
Leo : Phoebe. Yeah. It's fine. What? Where? I'll be right there. (puts the phone down) I have to go, man.
Ben : What happened?
Leo : Piper's in the hospital. I have to leave. Now.

Hospital

Piper opens her eyes and looks around. Leo was sitting beside her, sleeping with his head beside her hand. She touches his cheek.
Leo : (voice hoarse)Hey, you're awake.
Piper : So are you.
Leo : How are you feeling?
Piper : (smiles a little) Like I just got run over by an eighteen-wheeler.
Leo : I can't believe they took my powers and this happened. I can't even take the pain away.
Piper : It's alright. Did you talk to the doctor?
Leo : Yes.
Piper : How's the baby? Will it be ok?
Leo : Piper, look at me.
Piper meets his eyes and stares at it for a long time. Then her own eyes begin to water and she looks away.
Leo : Sweetheart, the baby's gone. (She doesn't answer him.) We'll get through this. There'll be others. We always get through the bad stuff when we're together, don't we? Why don't you look at me, Pipe? Answer me.
Phoebe enters the room.
Phoe : Hey, you're awake. (sits on her bed)
Piper continues to stare out the window.
Phoe : You okay, Pipe?
Piper : (whispers) Just swell, Phoebe.
Phoebe looks askance at Leo. He shakes his head. She immediately stands up.
Phoe : Well, you know what? We're gonna be able to go home later this afternoon after the doctor checks on you again.
Leo : That's great, Phoebe. I'm sure Piper will rest easier at the manor. Have you talked to Prue yet?
Phoe : Yeah. She's been here for a couple of hours. She's just talking to the doctor right now. She'll be along—
Prue enters the room.
Prue : Piper, honey. (Piper doesn't turn to look at her. She looks questioningly at Leo.) Honey, I know what happened must be terrible. I understand you. I know you have to hide inside yourself. But you have to speak to us sometimes so we know you're still with us.
Leo : Maybe we should leave her alone for a while.
Phoe : No, Leo. You stay with her.
Piper takes the remote from the table beside her bed and turns on the television.
Phoe : Or maybe we could all stay here. Prue and I can stay on the couch. Why don't you lie down on the other bed, Leo?
Leo : I'll just sit beside Piper.
Piper chuckles softly at the antics on tv.


A few days later

Piper : Hey come on you guys! Breakfast's getting cold.
Phoe : Wow!
Prue : So Pheebs, what did you get on your paper?
Piper : Did she still accept it?
Phoe : I got a B+. Not bad, I thought.
Prue : Go, Pheebs. Looks like you're gonna finish this time.
Phoe : Hey, Leo! Check it out. Piper made us a huge breakfast.
Leo : This is nice.
Piper : Have a seat, sweetie. I'll get you all some orange juice. Milk for you, Leo?
Leo : I'll have whatever everyone's having.
Piper could feel Leo watching her every move.
Piper : Taste good?
Phoe : Definitely.
Prue : So, I'm gonna have to leave you guys again. Two days, maybe three.
Piper : Wow, Prue. You're really taking your new job seriously.
Phoe : Oh, Pipe. It's totally not a job.
Prue : It is so a job. I'm taking pictures for the Baywatch Hawaii feature.
Piper : Oh, Prudence, that is so not a job!
Phoe : I told you.
Piper : Hey hurry it up, why don't you? Phoebe, you'll be late.
Phoe : Yeah, yeah. (makes a hurried sandwich) I'll take this with me, ok? I can't get enough of this. Bye guys.
Piper : And you, Prue?
Prue : Yup. Gotta leave. See you, you two.
Piper begins clearing the table.
Leo : Have you had your breakfast already?
Piper : Nah. I'm not hungry.
Leo : You're killing yourself, you know.
Piper : What? I happen to have eaten a large dinner last night.
Leo : When you partied til morning at P3.
Piper : Right.
Leo : I meant you're killing yourself by pretending to be something you're not. You haven't even cried for the baby, Piper.
Piper : You told me so yourself, don't you? Everything happens for a reason. I've accepted that.
Leo : Have you?
Piper : Look. What do you want me to do? I'll do it. Do you want me to yell? To cry?
Leo : I don't want you to do anything that's against your nature, Piper. Remember yourself telling me that?
But Piper has only begun. She'd stored everything in her heart for days.
Piper : Do you want me to cry foul for this happening? I don't even believe right now that there isn't a baby in here! (she points to her belly) Sometimes I can even feel butterfly flutterings when I know it isn't possible because the baby's dead! I wanted that baby, Leo! More than you'll ever know. And crying's not enough to comfort me. (But she's already crying)
Leo : I wanted the baby too. (embraces her) And you know I'm here so we can comfort each other. I just didn't want you crying inside and keeping your pain to yourself. Do you think we can get over this?
Piper : (nods) As long as we're together, didn't you say? As long as we have each other, we can get through anything.
Leo kisses the top of her head.
Leo : I'll never let us be apart again. Speaking of which… I have a surprise for you.
Piper : (wipes her tears away) Really? What is it?
Leo : Come on, you'll find out soon enough. (leads her to the stairs)
Piper : Leo, honey, I don't like surprises very much.
Leo : I'm crossing my fingers right now. I hope you'll like it.
They climb up the stairs and stop over at Piper's room. Leo sits her down on a chair and brushes her hair. He opens her dresser drawer and clips her hair at the nape. Then he brushes his and puts on another shirt.
Piper : Leo, what's going on?
Leo kisses her on the lips without answering her.
Leo : Come on.
Piper, curious, follows him. They get to the door of the attic.
Leo : Now close your eyes.
Piper looks at him questioningly but does as he asked. He opens the door and walks her in. The fragrance hit her almost at once. She could feel the softness of a carpet on the floor.
Leo : Open them.
Piper gasps at how the attic looked like. There were soft lights on the corners or the room. The walls were covered with pastel cloth. What she thought was a carpet was actually a thick layer of petals on the floor. On one side of the room, there was a flower-covered arch. A table sat a little further and there was a cross and a Bible.
Piper : Leo.
Leo : (pulls her to the stand beneath the arch) Piper, I know you want us to be married, but because of elements we can't control, they won't let us. But a marriage comes in many forms. Now I want to ask you before Him, if you will promise to always be my wife in every way, for all eternity. I want you to tell me if you are willing to swear our lives to each other with only the two of us, and Him as our witness.
Piper : (smiles radiantly at him) I never thought I had a dream wedding until now. This is it, Leo.
Leo : Does that mean you will?
Piper : (nods) You've made me the happiest woman in the world. It doesn't really matter now if we're registered. It'd even be harder because technically, you don't exist. (grins)
Leo : So come on and let's get married, no scripts, no nothing. We'll speak from here. (pointing to her heart)
Piper : Sounds good to me.

Hospital

Leo : Wait here, ok? I'll go check if we can move our appointment earlier.
Piper : Sure. Sometimes it's hard when traffic's a breeze, don't you think? Look at all the time in our hands.
Leo : Don't move. Be right back.
Piper : I won't.
When Leo left, Piper saw a room with a clear glass window. It was the nursery. She walked towards it. There were four babies inside. She bit her lip and tapped on the window. One of the babies was awake. She watched the movements of the tiny hands and feet. She could feel herself wanting to cry, but she wouldn't let herself. Then she felt arms encircle her from behind.
Leo : Pipe.
Piper : Hey.
Leo : You can cry, you know.
Piper : The point being?
Leo : Crying's good sometimes.
Piper : Maybe at home I will. Not now. So what did they say?
Leo : We have to wait a few more minutes. Someone else miscalculated time and just arrived. They were supposed to be here in an hour.
Piper : Okay.
Leo : Want to sit in the waiting room?
They sit side by side while waiting for their turn.
Nurse : Miss Halliwell? There's something left blank in your form. Could you come here for a while please?
Leo : Stay here. I'll take care of it.
Piper : Thanks.
Someone sat beside Piper.
Lady : Hello.
Piper : Hello.
Lady : Having your baby checked?
Piper : No, no. I'm not pregnant. Not anymore.
Lady : Oh, I thought you were. I saw you looking at the nursery earlier.
Piper : I was just… looking. I lost mine.
Lady : You know… I can help you.
Piper : How?
Lady : I can give you your baby back.
Piper : That's impossible.
Lady : After everything you've seen and known the last two years you still believe that?
Piper : What do I have to do?
Lady : Take this when you get home. (hands her a black pill)
Piper : This is supposed to bring back my baby?
Lady : Not instantly. But it will help you gather enough strength for the child. Once you've stored enough energy away for it, it'll come back.
Piper : (gives it back) I don't think so. There are some things we just have to accept. Even the impossible.
Lady : Oh, ok. I just thought you might want to see your daughter grow up. (stands up)
Piper : Wait! It was a girl?
Lady : A very sweet girl.
Piper looks towards Leo and sees him coming towards them.
Lady : (sees Leo too) She would have had both your features.
Piper : Okay, give it to me.


Kitchen

Phoe : So anyway, I figured there's nothing wrong with saying yes. After all, I'm not seeing anybody.
Piper stands with her back to them. She takes the pill. Almost instantly, her eyes flash with fire. Then they returned to normal.
Piper : He's Linda's ex, Phoebe.
Leo : That is… a bit foul.
Phoe : I told you, they've broken up.
Leo : Last night.
They all sit down to eat.
Phoe : Ok, big brother. What would you have done if you were me?
Leo : I'd say no.
Phoe : Even if he's been your crush for so long?
Leo : Yup.
Piper : Isn't he nice?
Phoebe shakes her head.
Phoe : Piper, would you mind passing the potatoes.
Piper : Here.
The moment their skins touched, Phoebe could feel Piper draining her. Surprised she looked at Piper. Phoebe saw her eyes glowing with fire. She immediately pulls her hand away. Piper's eyes return to normal.
Piper : What is it, Pheebs?
Phoebe : I just remembered I'm on a diet. I'm finished. Would you two mind if I go on upstairs now? There's something I have to look into.
Piper : Of course not. You go on up.
Phoebe gets to the attic and hurriedly opens the BOS. She rifles through and scans the pages that seemed to interest her. And then she stops at a page.
Phoe : Bingo! (she reads the page carefully and whispers) Oh no. (reads on) No, it can't be. No…

Morning

Leo : Phoebe! Phoebe! Have you seen your sister?
Phoe : Wasn't she in your room?
Leo : She was gone when I woke up.
Phoe : What? We have to find her. (runs to her room and back out carrying her coat) Hurry up.
Leo : Phoebe, don't you think this is a bit… well… overboard? I'm sure there's a pretty good explanation.
Phoe : You don't understand—
Piper comes into the house.
Phoe : Pipe! Where've you been?
Piper : I've been out walking. I was at the park and then I just walked around. Is something wrong, Pheebs? You look flushed.
Leo : Phoebe was just worried about you. She was on her way out to look for you.
Piper : I see. (touches her and Phoe jerks away) What is it, honey? You've a slight fever. Sit down on the couch and I'll get you some hot milk.
Phoebe sits on the couch and turns on the tv.
News : Very late breaking event. Twelve kids were rushed this morning at San Francisco Memorial after a seeming epidemic of flu. All twelve kids were playing at the Northeast portion of the park today and by late morning, all complained of headache and tiredness. Two of the kids are in critical condition after dehydrating.
Phoebe looks at Leo.
Phoe : Pipe! Piper, what part of the park were you in this morning?
Piper : (from the kitchen) Ummm.. I dunno. Somewhere east I think.
Piper takes the milk to Phoebe.
Leo : How did your walk go?
Piper : Well—It's silly but… I couldn't remember half of it. There must be something wrong. Leo, we should go to the hospital sometime.
Leo : I'll take you.
Phoebe : Leo, there's something I want to show you upstairs. Maybe you can be a handyman again and fix it for us?
Leo : Sure Pheebs. Why don't you stay here, Piper?
Piper : Sure. Go on up.
Phoebe and Leo are at the attic.
Leo : I know there's nothing wrong here, Phoebe. What did you find out when you checked the BoS then?
Phoe : Leo, it's bad. Piper's going to keep hurting innocents unless we stop her.
Leo : And we need Prue here to be able to do it?
Phoe : Prue can't do anything about it.
Leo : What are you talking about?
Phoe : Piper has turned into some sort of vampire.
Leo : You're kidding.
Phoe : When she touched me yesterday I could feel her skin absorbing my energy. And I had a fever.
Leo : Coincidence.
Phoe : You suppose her eyes glowing with fire is part of that too? What happened to me happened to those twelve children in the park today, Leo.
Leo : It's impossible. I can't even begin to picture it.
Phoe : Have you ever heard of Rogue? Don't laugh. It's something like that. Piper can't control it. When her eyes change, she is being overcome by a force stronger than she is.
Leo : How did this happen?
Phoe : She must have.. I don't know…
Leo : If you can't even fix your story then this isn't—this isn't true, Phoebe.
Piper : Actually, it is. (standing at the door)
Phoe : Piper!
Piper : What should be done, Phoebe?
Phoe : I still have to research, look for ways. I'm sure the way in the Book of Shadows is not the only way.
Piper : Phoebe, there isn't time. I'm hurting innocents. What does the Book of Shadows suggest?
Phoe : Execution.
Leo : Phoebe, I'm telling you—
Piper : So be it.
Phoe : What? Piper, I don't understand. You have to help us find a way to get rid of this without having to sacrifice you.
Piper : This was my fault, Phoebe.
Phoe : The BoS says that the people affected usually trade in for something else. What did you want, Piper?
Piper smiles at Leo and walks towards him.
Piper : I wanted the baby back. I didn't know of the consequences. I didn't think. All I knew was that the baby will be returned to me when I have gathered enough energy for it. I never thought I'd be taking it from others.
Phoe : The book says that if you don't take energy from others until you've had enough, the force will take it from you.
Piper : I'm trying to keep it under control. I can't let myself harm others. This has to stop.
Leo : Take from me, Piper.
Piper : This is my problem, Leo.
Leo : (grabs her hand and presses it against his cheek) Take it from me, Piper! I'm strong. You can't let it drain you.
Piper's eyes begin to glow but she suddenly shakes herself out of it. She pulls her hand away.
Piper : No more, Leo. No more. You have to end this. You promised me.
Leo : I don't know what I have to do.
Piper : You have to kill me, Leo.
Leo : (eyes blazing) Are you crazy? No!
Phoe : It's the only way in the Book. I'll find another way! Just don't give up, Piper.
Piper : You made me a promise, Leo. This is beyond us. You have to remember and do what you promised. Put the life of innocents and our job on top of it all. It's what is true to you.
Piper closes her eyes and appears to be struggling with the force inside her. She opens her eyes and they are red.
Piper : (different voice) I'm hungry. I need more energy. (closes her eyes and returns to normal) It's draining me, Leo. You have to do it while I can still keep it at bay. If I'm too weak to stop it, it will kill others. Remember what you're meant to be, Leo. (her knees give way)
Leo catches her and takes her to her room. He puts her on the bed. She looked to be in pain, and he could tell that the force inside her was taking all her strength away.
Leo : I can't believe this is happening. We were so happy in this room only a week ago.
Piper : Well (Whispering) you know what they say about too much happiness, don't you? Don't trust fate.
Leo : Piper, I will never do that to you.
Piper : It's a simple matter of doing what you've done before to enemies, Leo. Don't think of me as Piper. Think of me as evil that has to be vanquished. Because in time that's what I'll be.
Leo : Phoebe will come up with some other way.
Piper : We'll hope so. But if she doesn't, I want you to remember that promise. I want you to be true to yourself.
Leo : I don't think I can let you go. We're supposed to be getting over anything as long as we're together.
Piper : Together. That's always been our key word, hasn't it? You should probably find another now.
A knock on the door.
Leo : Come in, Phoebe. What did you find out?
The moment Phoebe stepped in, both Leo and Piper knew that it was time. Her eyes were red-rimmed.
Phoe : Nothing.
Suddenly, Leo's hands start glowing an odd green light.
Phoe : They're giving you back your powers to heal her.
Piper : No, Phoebe.
Leo : It's the test. A green light. They want to see if I can put my job before anything.
Piper : You can, Leo.
Phoe : What? What? No. You don't mean that.
Piper : Phoebe, come here. Sit by my bed. I have to talk to you about something.
Phoebe reluctantly does as told.
Piper : Pheebs, there are choices and there are choices. We've done a lot of good, and for that I'm thankful. You're a capable young woman. Unfortunately, this thing is bigger than we are. It's beyond us. There's nothing more you or I or Prue or even Leo can do. Now, I want you to go downstairs and stay there until Leo tells you it's okay to come up.
Phoe : (crying) I want to be here.
Piper : I don't. (Piper suddenly closes her eyes and fights inside herself) Get out, Phoebe. Now. Please. I don't want you here in case…
Leo : Go, Phoebe.
Phoe : Leo, I don't—
Leo : For your sister.
Phoebe runs out and down the stairs. Leo turns back to Piper, who's been overcome again. She stood up.
Piper : (different voice) Let me feed. (moves to touch him) You wanted me to touch you earlier, didn't you? You pressed my hand to your cheek. You don't know how it feels to press close to another flesh and be kept from absorbing. (suddenly returns to normal and falls back on the bed)
Leo : Piper. Piper.
Piper : It's getting more often. You have to do it now, Leo, before I hurt anyone else.
Leo : I don't want to.
Piper : That would disappoint me, Leo. I thought we'd already agreed.
Leo : We agreed that I would not let innocents be hurt if I can help it. You're innocent.
Piper : Slowly being overcome, Leo. Do you want to see me turn evil? I don't. Please, Leo, you have the power to stop this. (moans) It hurts so much.
Leo watches Piper and feels helpless in view of her pain. He lifts his trembling hands over her and they begin glowing. Piper opens her eyes and he sees that they are red.
Piper : (different voice) Don't you love me anymore? Why are you doing this? Don't hurt me. I was only thinking of our baby. If you do this, there would be no chance for us to ever be together again, to have the little children we've always dreamed off.
Leo stares at her and begins to move his hands away.
Leo : I can't.
Then Piper returns.
Piper : Do it, Leo. Don't break your promise.
Leo's hands tremble over her and begin to take her life. He could see her pain and almost stops. Piper struggles to breathe. She opens her eyes a last time and whispers to him.
Piper : You'll always be my angel. (slips off)


The light in Leo's hands fade out. He touches her cheek.
Leo : I've done what you asked, Pipe, but I haven't fulfilled my promise yet. This isn't being true to myself. I told you I can't live like this.
Phoebe bursts into the room.
Leo : Premonition, Phoebe?
Phoe : Is she—
Leo : Yes.
Phoebe covers her mouth with her left hand and sits on the bed.
Phoe : Bye, Piper. (looks towards Leo) Leo! What are you doing? Are you crazy?
Leo : I'm being true to myself, Phoebe, just like I told your sister.
Phoe : Stop that!
Leo began to feel faint, but he held his glowing hands to his head. He started to fall down.
Leo : Piper (whispers) wait for me.
Phoebe runs towards him as he falls to the floor. Leo faintly heard her voice. It grew smaller and smaller.
Phoe : Leo! Leo, come back! Don't do this, Leo!

Leo was standing in a white, white expanse.
Leo : Piper! Piper!
Piper : Leo? What are you doing here?
He runs to her and she begins to run towards him too. He meant to take her into his arms, but suddenly, grills shot up from the floor and separated them. Only their hands could go through the bars.
Piper : Leo?
Leo : I couldn't live without you.
Piper : What's happening?
Michael appears behind Leo.
Piper : Michael?
Leo : What are you doing here?
Michael : I came to get you.
Leo : Haven't I done enough for the Founders? Why won't they let me rest?
Michael : I'm sorry, Leo. Piper, you have to go.
Piper : No. Leo.
Michael : It's what's supposed to be.
Leo : How long…
Michael : Come on.
Leo looked back at Piper, but she was already floating away from him.

Them : You've failed.
Leo : I did what I had to do. Not for you, not for my powers. I did it because of her. She didn't deserve to suffer that way.
Them : It was an utter waste of everything we had to make happen.
Leo : What do you mean?
Them : You did the right thing, but did you have to take your life as well? This is insane. You had to be hardheaded and you try to test us too.
Leo : I told you. I love her too much.
Them : And we continue to tell you that it's forbidden. But you won't listen! Fine then. We're sending you back. Make your own mistakes.
Leo : I took my life because I didn't want to stay there anymore. Not after that.
Them : You still don't get it, do you? This was all a test. I thought you understood.
Leo : What do you mean? You killed my baby.
Them : This was a test.
Leo : You had me kill her.
Them : For your own good.
Leo : And you tell me this was all a test. You want me to go back there and live knowing you took everything I loved away just to prove you had power over me? Is that it?
Michael : Sorry to interrupt. Leo, you don't seem to—
Leo : What do I have to do to get out of here? I have to go to Piper. Why won't you give me that at least to console me?
Michael : Leo, it was a test. It was a reality created just for you.
Leo's heads whips back to look at Michael.
Leo : (softly) What did you say?
Them : We're saying that you made your own bed. You can lie on it. We won't interfere anymore. As long as you do your job, we'll let you lead the life you want to lead.
Leo found himself orbing into the manor, back to the same day when this all started.
Leo : Hey. (orbs in behind Prue)
Prue chokes on her coffee.
Prue : Don't do that!
Leo : Sorry.
Piper : Hey, honey. What are you doing back so soon?
Phoe : Have a seat.
Leo sits down with the sisters.
Leo : I wanted to take you to the hospital for a check up.
Phoe : How did you—Were you eavesdropping on us?
Leo : No.
Piper : Then why do you want us to have a check-up?
Leo : Humor me, ok?
Phoe : But you're not supposed to see each other today. I told you last night. You're getting married tomorrow.
Leo : Phoebe, if I believed in superstitions, they'd have been shattered decades ago. I've seen too much. Besides, there's no way bad luck's going our way now. So, can you get ready in an hour?
Piper : (kisses him) Of course. (walks out of the kitchen then comes back) By the way, sweetie, I'm glad you came back. I don't know how you knew, but I was feeling kind of bad.
Leo : I'll just check on the sound system at P3 later.
Piper : (returns at once with a puzzled look on her face) How did you know Ben called?
Leo : I think I'm catching on some of Phoebe's power.
Piper : Okay! Love you. Wait here.

Hospital

Doctor : It's really very fortunate you were able to have your check-up today. Seems like we're experiencing a little trouble with the little one. I want you to take this, Piper. (hands her a pill)
Leo : Let me see that first. (grabs he pill)
Doctor : Umm.. ok… Why?
Leo sees that the pill was white and looked harmless.
Leo : Nothing. I just wanted to see everything Piper's taking. So, what do we have to do? I'm worried about her. She's a little pale. I'm very much afraid she might miscarry.
Doctor : Well, fortunately, we were able to see her before. That pill is going to help ease her a lot. I recommend complete bedrest. Any spotting, no matter how minimal, you place a call to me. Rest, Piper, ok? No work for you for at least three days.
Piper : Okay.
Doctor : And no romping with the daddy in bed.
Leo : What? (looking aghast)
Piper : Leo. (giggles) Stop that.
Leo : Tomorrow night's our wedding. Isn't there an exception for special cases like that?
The doctor grins and shakes his head.
Doctor : It seems like you've spent enough wedding nights already. What's a few days of rest?
Leo : (reluctantly) Okay.
Doctor : Leo was right to worry. You might have lost the baby if he hadn't brought you in. (fixes the monitor) You ready now?
Piper : Yeah.
Doctor : Remember, it's still too early for clear pictures. We will hear the heartbeat though.
The heartbeat was strong and steady. Leo and Piper held hands as they watched the white blotches on the screen. It didn't matter that it was hardly recognizable as a baby. They both knew it was still there. Safe, sound and loved.