Chapter 2
Piper and Leo stayed diligently by Melinda's side until they were forced to leave when lights were going out. They drove home in absolute silence, Piper concentrating on the road and Leo staring absentmindedly at the houses they passed.
Walking through the door to their apartment, Leo tenderly stopped Piper reaching out to catch her arm. "I have to go speak with them, let them know what's going on." Piper nodded, slipped her arm out of his grip and walked directly to the bathroom, closing the door softly behind her.
By the time Leo returned, Piper was curled up in their bed and sleeping. Leo quickly changed and slipped under the covers, wrapping an arm over Piper's stomach and slipping his hand into hers when she snuggled into him.
The alarm sounded at 7:00am and Piper slammed her hand on it, disorientated and heart racing. Sitting up and blinking continuously, her stomach churned as she remembered the previous days events and the fore coming ones. With a glance at the emptiness beside her, she slipped out of bed and poked her head out of the room. "Leo?" Receiving nothing but silence, Piper retreated to the bathroom, surprised to see a note stuck to the mirror.
Piper,
I'm sorry, there's been an emergency. I've been called and I couldn't get out of it. I'll try and get to the hospital some time today, I can't promise anything though.
I'm so sorry.
Love you always,
Leo.
Grabbing the note and screwing it up in her hand, Piper swung her fist at the nearest wall, connecting with a loud thump. Breathing deeply, she leant over the basin and splashed water on her face, resting her head in her arms for a minute, regaining her composure. Straightening up, she wiped her face with a towel and prepared for a day of silent suffering.
~&~
By 8:30am, Piper was walking through the now familiar hospital halls; weaving her way through the morning staff changeover to reach Melinda's room. Poking her head around the corner, she grinned at Melinda, sitting up in bed; a book open in her lap. "Hey beautiful." Piper stated, laughing at Melinda's complete change of expression.
"Mom!" She threw her arms around Piper's neck and hugged her tightly. "I missed you."
"I missed you too Mel. How are you feeling?"
Melinda shrugged. "Okay, I guess. I'm getting a wiggly line soon."
"A wiggly line?" Piper smiled, sitting cross-legged opposite Melinda.
"Yeah, Rachelle told me about it." Piper glanced across to the other bed in the room when Melinda indicated and a tiny girl grinned and waved at her.
"Hi! I'm Mel's roommate."
"Hi Rachelle." Piper smiled back at her, trying not to focus on her lack of hair and thin body.
"A wiggly line is the tube that they put in your chest so that they can give you chemo and stuff easily." Rachelle explained and Piper nodded. "You don't have to worry, I'll look after her when you're not here."
"How old are you Rachelle?" Piper asked gently.
"Ten, almost eleven. Well, three months away, but that's almost don't you think?"
"Of course." Piper laughed lightly.
"Where's Daddy?' Melinda asked suddenly, just realising that he wasn't there.
"He had to work Mel. He'll be here as soon as he can." Melinda nodded hesitantly. "He said for me to give you a big hug for him though." Piper lied, holding her arms open.
"Really?" Melinda asked.
"Absolutely!" With a small giggle Melinda crawled into Piper's lap, wrapping an arm around her neck and facing Rachelle.
"My mum can only visit every second or third day. But she calls me on the phone everyday though." She explained maturely. "I have two brothers that have to be looked after and we live in Callistoga, so it's hard for her sometimes."
Piper nodded, rubbing Melinda's back and kissing her forehead. She couldn't imagine ever leaving Melinda for a day, let alone a 2 or 3. A nurse entered the room then, sending Rachelle off to the in-hospital school and informing Melinda it was time for her small surgery. "Are you coming too Mom?" Melinda asked quietly, tightening her grip on Piper's neck.
"Your Mom can stay with you until you go in Melinda." The nurse informed. "We just have to take you down the hall and get you prepped."
"You'll be fine Mel! I'll see you this afternoon!" Rachelle stopped at the door and waved, before disappearing around the corner.
"Can I take Angel?" Melinda questioned, crawling out of Piper's lap and off the bed.
"The Bear." Piper mouthed to the nurse, indicating with her eyes to the teddy.
"Oh of course Melinda! That's such a beautiful name for him."
"Thank you." Melinda muttered, picking up the bear and turning to Piper. "See, this is what I'm getting." She quietly informed, pointing to a thin tube sticking out of Angel's chest.
"That's right Melinda. And it'll only stay in until you're better, then they take it out." Melinda nodded, slipping her hand into Piper's and following the nurse.
~&~
An hour later when Melinda was sedated and taken into the operating room, Piper rushed out of the hospital and to a deserted spot behind one of the buildings. "Leo!" She called in a hushed voice. "Leo!" A few minutes later when Piper was about to return to the ward, a sparkling of blue lights brought a sigh of relief. "Can you stay?" She asked immediately, staring at him hurtfully.
"No Piper, I'm sorry. Two whitelighters have been killed and they're short staffed. It's just chaotic. They won't let me leave."
"Have you told them about Melinda?" Piper questioned, crossing her arms across her chest and stepping back.
"Of course; they're really sorry, but we agreed Piper. Being married, having children, it wouldn't effect our jobs." Leo shrugged sadly, this time it was out of his control.
"Doesn't this count as extenuating circumstances?"
Leo shook his head. "I'm sorry Piper." He felt a pull at his body. "I have to go."
"Leo, please! This is our daughter." Piper gave a final desperate plea, but Leo bit his lip and shook his head.
"They control me Piper, they can orb me out whenever they want." He moved forward and pulled her stiffened body into his arms, holding her just seconds before being orbed away against his will.
~&~
By six o'clock that evening, Leo still hadn't returned and Piper sat with an exhausted Melinda curled up in her lap. A tray of barely touched food lay next them and Piper picked at it, trying to convince Melinda to eat a little. "How about if I take two bites of the banana and you have one Mel?" Piper asked after trying every other food on the tray.
"No mom. I don't want any." Melinda shook her head tearfully.
"Just one bite baby, please." Piper stroked her hair and took a small bite herself.
With a defeated shrug Melinda opened her mouth and bit off a tiny piece. "No more."
"Just one more okay, then we'll put it away." Too tired to argue, Melinda nodded and ate the bigger piece that Piper placed in her mouth. "Thank you." Piper whispered, kissing her forehead. "I'm going to have to go soon Melinda. Is that alright?" Melinda's lower lip trembled and she didn't say anything.
"Sometimes the nurses will read us a story at night or something." Rachelle piped up from across the room. "They might read you some of that book you're reading Melinda."
"Oh, that sounds good Mel." Piper smiled gratefully at Rachelle and tried to hide the tiredness in her own voice.
Melinda nodded. "I guess so."
"Good girl." Piper hugged her as a nurse came in.
"Temperature time girls!" She exclaimed, heading for Rachelle and quickly taking her temperature. "Excellent Rachelle! Now, your turn Melinda."
"No!" Melinda gave a small cry, sick of being poked at all day and her chest sore and tender.
"It's only quick sweetheart, you're okay." Piper offered, nodding for the nurse to quickly hold the digital thermometer to her ear. She quickly took it and left, leaving Melinda sniffling into Piper's shirt. "Shhh. You're just tired Mel."
"What else are you going to let them do to me Mom?" She whispered and Piper suppressed a tearful cry. Unable to verbalise a response, she pulled Melinda in tightly and let her silent tears disappear into her daughter's hair.
~&~
It was well after dark when Piper dragged herself into their empty apartment that night. She didn't even bother checking for Leo, just turned some lights on and headed to the kitchen in search of something remotely resembling food. Standing with all of the cupboards opened and peering into the fridge, she didn't even bother uttering a word when Leo orbed in behind her.
"How is she?" Leo asked softly, leaning back against the bench and watching Piper.
"She's okay, no thanks to you." Piper replied quickly.
"I couldn't help it Piper."
"I'm not going to fight with you Leo, you just do what you have to do." Piper calmly closed the fridge door and walked out of the kitchen.
With a deep breath, Leo followed her to their room. "Piper please. Can we talk about this?"
"There's nothing to talk about is there? You have a job to do; it's takes priority over your wife and daughter." Piper stopped and turned to face Leo, treading a fine line between sadness and anger.
"I know that you want me there, I just can't. I have no control over this, they're literally orbing me wherever they want, whenever they want."
"We don't want you with us Leo. We need you."
"What do you want me to do? Give up my wings?" Leo questioned dejectedly, Piper's words tearing through his heart.
"No. I just want you to realise that this isn't right. I shouldn't have to do this alone."
"I love you."
"Don't say that. It isn't the answer for everything Leo and it's especially not this time."
"What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to be at the hospital this week. Melinda is being bombarded with drugs and she's scared. I don't want to have to lie to her." Piper answered strongly.
"I want to be there and I will do everything in my power to be there." Leo nodded, trying to ignore the elders calling.
Piper moved to walk into the bathroom, but stopped and turned back to face him. "And you can't keep telling her to be strong Leo. She doesn't have to be…we don't have to be."
"I'm sorry okay. I'm just trying to do my best here." Leo answered with a slight defensive undertone, sighing deeply.
"Then tell me that you are feeling as terrified as I am! Tell me that you can't handle watching your little girl being dragged places for tests and drugs just to keep her alive!" Piper raised her voice and tried to keep it from wavering.
"She'll be okay Piper. Melinda's a fighter."
"What is wrong with you? She has leukaemia Leo! She doesn't have a head cold or the measles. She has cancer!" Piper clenched her fists and screamed at Leo, dismissing her self-composure.
"And it'll take a while, but she'll get better. She will go back to school and live her life out; she'll be fine."
"I can't believe you. You're living in a fantasy world Leo. Go and be with your little whitelighter community, where death isn't a concern."
"You're acting like I don't even love her Piper. You two are my entire world."
"That's where you're wrong Leo. You're the one acting like you don't care, not me." Piper shrugged and walked back out of their bedroom and to the kitchen.
"I have to go." Leo said quietly, shadowing her and grabbing her arm to stop her.
"Fine." Piper stated, pulling her arm out of his grasp and walking away, ignoring him as he orbed out.
Piper was rushing around their increasingly messy apartment the next morning when the phone rang. With her boots on but laces untied and hair wet but unbrushed, she rushed to answer it. "Hello, Piper Halliwell."
"Hey Piper, its Prue. I didn't wake you did I?" Prue asked, already sensing her sister's wavering emotional state.
"No. I'm just on my way to the hospital. What's up?" Piper explained, tying her laces with the phone pressed between her shoulder and ear.
"I just wanted to see how Melinda was going." Prue said gently.
"She's okay, scared. She starts chemotherapy today."
"How are you?"
"I'm fine." Piper answered quickly.
"Would it be okay if I came to see Mel this afternoon?"
"I think she'd love that."
"Okay. I've got her room number, so I'll let you go. Is there anything you need? Something you want me to pick up?"
Piper resisted the urge to spit out a sarcastic remark, taking a deep breath in its place. "Thanks Prue. But there's nothing we need."
"Okay. I'll see you later Piper." Piper nodded, muttering a goodbye before hanging up the phone.
The next hour and a half were spent rushing around and driving through peak hour traffic to the hospital. Finally arriving, she gave a momentary thought to Leo's lack of contact before shrugging it aside and heading for Melinda's room.
"It's your mom Mel!" Rachelle exclaimed with a grin, almost as excited to see Piper as she was her own mother.
"Morning Rachelle. How are you doing?" Piper replied politely, looking out for any sign of the nurses before slipping a small bite-sized chocolate snack into her hand.
"Great now!" She replied and even Melinda gave a small smile.
"Do I get one?"
"Absolutely." Piper nodded, kissing her on the forehead and handing her one.
"It's weird." Rachelle grabbed their attention. "There's all these foods that make me feel like I wanna throw up my entire stomach contents, but chocolate hardly ever does. Strange hey?" She giggled softly.
"Rach doesn't have to go to school today." Melinda whispered, nibbling at the chocolate.
"Yeah?" Piper raised her eyebrows, sitting up on the bed.
"Yep. I had a temp last night." The young girl rolled her eyes. "They're so protective."
Piper gave a small laugh. "You just take it easy okay?"
"Yes Mrs Wyatt." She grinned mischievously.
"Guess what Mel?" Piper asked, bringing her legs up and folding them under her.
"What?" Melinda gave a small try at enthusiasm, but it couldn't quite convince Piper.
"Aunt Prue is going to visit you this afternoon."
"Really?" Melinda asked, her eyes lighting up for a few seconds before her expression fell. "After my medicine?"
"Yeah sweetie. After you have your medicine." Piper nodded and Melinda's lower lip trembled. "What is it Mel?"
"It's gonna make me sick." She whispered, her eyes downcast.
"But you need it to make you better." Piper explained softly, holding out her arms for Melinda to crawl into.
"But Aunt Prue won't want to see me if I'm really sick." She answered, wrapping an arm around Piper's neck and playing with her hair.
"I promise that Aunt Prue is going to come and see you no matter how sick you are, okay?" Piper felt a pull at her hair and tears welled in her eyes; Melinda hadn't reverted to her child security habits in years.
They were interrupted then by a nurse, strolling casually in to the room. "How are my two favourite patients?" She grinned and Rachelle gave a loud laugh.
"Don't listen to her Melinda, she says that to every room!"
"Oh, I'm hurt Rachelle. How could you think such a thing." The nurse grinned, heading straight for Melinda. "You must be Melinda's mom. I'm Amy."
"Hi. I'm Piper."
"I thought I'd quickly explain what's going to happen this morning Mel." She smiled, crouching down to meet Melinda's fearful eyes. "Would it be alright if I borrowed your bear?" Melinda nodded. "Does he have a name?"
"Angel."
"Okay. Well, you see this tube that Angel has? The one the same as yours?" Melinda nodded again, her big brown eyes staring at the nurse, listening intently. "This is how we're going to give you your medicine today."
"Is it going to hurt?" She whispered, the only thing that was on her mind. Everything she had had done in the last two days had seemed to hurt. She didn't understand why she had to get sick and be caused pain, just to get better.
"Why don't you ask Rachelle over there. She's had chemo before, but I haven't." The Amy smiled, throwing a glance to the other bed.
"It doesn't hurt Mel. It feels kind of weird though. Like it burns a little, you can feel it as it goes in."
"There you go." Amy nodded and Piper placed a kiss into Melinda's hair. "Do you have any other questions?"
"I'm going to be sick aren't I?"
"Yeah. You're probably not going to feel too good but there's lots of people around to take care of you and your mom's here."
"Okay."
"Good. We have to go into another room for a little while, just so you can have the chemo. You can come back in here as soon as it's finished."
"Can mom stay with me this time?"
"Yep. Your mom can always be with you when you get your chemo."
"Okay." Melinda said again, slipping off Piper's lap and keeping a strong grip on her hand.
"Are you doing okay Piper?" Amy asked softly and Piper gave a small smile and a shrug.
"Lets just get this first time over with." Amy nodded and led them directly to a roo where Piper settled on a chair before pulling Melinda into her lap.
Different doctors moved in and out, their words and names blurring into the rush of information they gave. The names of the drugs being administered, how long it would take, details of possible reactions. Piper just kept nodding in a daze, stroking Melinda's back as she curled smaller in her arms. "We're going to give it now." A doctor's voice came distant and soft, Melinda whimpering slightly as he pulled her shirt to the side and connected a longer tube holding the cocktail of drugs.
"Shhhh." Piper whispered into her ear, rocking her gently as the liquid moved through the tube and into her chest. Melinda squeezed her eyes shut and gripped Piper's shirt, the initial feeling shocking her. She eventually began to relax a little, paling and growing heavier in her mother's arms, her breathing deep but regular.
Piper let her mind wander; thoughts of Leo filling her mind. Where was he? Why were they doing this to them? She was just a child…a future witch…didn't she need protecting too? In eight years of marriage, she still found no logic in their reasoning. Leo could go weeks, months even, with barely a call from them. And then in times of crisis, they always insisted on keeping him away from his family…from her. Was it a type of test? Or did they actually think they were helping in some warped way? They'd taken his power to heal non-demonic related injuries or sicknesses. What else could he do?
Refusing to let her mind circle the same questions and thoughts, Piper forced her attention back on Melinda, whispering short stories and caring words until the last drop of toxic liquid has been sent into her tiny body.
They were brought back to Melinda's room, where Piper watched her sleep for a couple of hours, not even stirring as her temperature was constantly taken.
"Hey." Prue whispered, coming into the room seeing both girls sleeping and Piper staring into space.
"Hi." Piper whispered back, forcing a smile.
"How is she?" Prue gently took Piper's hand and leaned over to press a light kiss to Melinda's warm forehead.
"Okay." Piper shrugged. "She's been sleeping for hours."
"She probably needs it." Piper nodded her agreement. "Where's Leo, Piper? I thought he'd be here."
"He's busy." Piper replied bitterly and Prue narrowed her eyebrows.
"Busy how?"
"With them. Apparently there's some crisis and shortage of whitelighters."
"He wants to be here Piper. I know Leo and he wouldn't be away if he didn't have to be."
"You'd think he'd find a way Prue. This is his little girl too." Piper shook her head; there were no excuses for Leo this time. First he was emotionally detached, refusing to believe that Melinda wasn't going to be perfectly fine…and then being conveniently called constantly. Maybe this was just an excuse; maybe Leo just didn't care enough.
"He'll find a way. Just give him some time Piper." Piper didn't get a chance to respond as Melinda groaned and her eyes flicked open.
"Mom?" She muttered tearfully. "Mom!"
"I'm right here Mel. It's okay." Piper rushed to her daughter's side.
"I feel sick." Melinda gasped, pulling herself weakly to her elbows and staring at Piper fearfully.
"You're okay." Piper whispered, holding a small green container under her chin, quickly placing it aside when Melinda finished vomiting.
"Aunt Prue." Melinda gave a small half-smile as she noticed her aunt wrapping her arms around Prue's neck when she was hugged.
"Not feeling so good sweetie?" Prue asked, sitting on the side of the bed and holding her hand.
"I feel a bit better now." Melinda whispered, her voice scratchy.
"That's good. How would you like it if I stayed with you for a little bit while your mom goes and has something to eat?"
"No Prue. I'm fine." Piper interrupted.
"It's okay mommy. I want to talk to Aunt Prue." Melinda nodded. "I promise I'm okay."
"Just get something from the cafeteria. I'll know where to find you if I need you." Prue encouraged.
"I'm really not hungry." Piper tried unsuccessfully to convince Prue.
"I'll take good care of her Piper."
"Go on mom." Melinda nodded and Piper held her hands up in defeat.
"Okay! I'm going, you two together are impossible. I'll be back soon Mel." Piper reluctantly left the room, realising she was in fact, a little hungry.
"Your mother is impossible Melinda." Prue grinned, gently reaching over to push some of the hair off her niece's face.
Melinda gave a small smile and looked thoughtfully up at Prue. "Aunt Prue? Can I tell you something?"
"Of course you can. You can tell me anything you know that."
"Mom and Dad are fighting cause I got sick."
"Have you heard them fight?" Prue asked, immediately concerned.
"Yesterday, when they were here, they weren't talking. And Mom wouldn't even look at Daddy." Melinda explained tearfully.
"I'm sure they weren't fighting, it was probably nothing."
"They were fighting, I can always tell when they are. They don't look at each other, or talk, or touch each other like they always do. I didn't mean to get sick Aunt Prue. I couldn't help it." Melinda whispered, biting her lip to try and stop her tears.
"Melinda. I want you to listen to me okay?" Melinda nodded, a few tears falling from her eyes and trickling down her cheeks. "You mom and dad love you so much. And this is not your fault. They're not arguing about you honey, I promise."
"But it's cause I'm sick."
"No, it's not Mel." Prue moved to slip in beside Melinda and wrapped an arm around her. "You couldn't help getting sick and we're all going to help you get better. This is just a little fight and your mom and dad will be back talking soon. I promise."
"Really?"
"Yes. Have I lied to you before?"
"No." Melinda gave a small smile, curling into Prue and closing her eyes. "I don't want to be sick Aunt Prue. I want everything to be back the way it was."
Prue leant over and kissed the top of Melinda's head. "I know sweetie. And will it be soon, you just have to get better."
Piper and Leo stayed diligently by Melinda's side until they were forced to leave when lights were going out. They drove home in absolute silence, Piper concentrating on the road and Leo staring absentmindedly at the houses they passed.
Walking through the door to their apartment, Leo tenderly stopped Piper reaching out to catch her arm. "I have to go speak with them, let them know what's going on." Piper nodded, slipped her arm out of his grip and walked directly to the bathroom, closing the door softly behind her.
By the time Leo returned, Piper was curled up in their bed and sleeping. Leo quickly changed and slipped under the covers, wrapping an arm over Piper's stomach and slipping his hand into hers when she snuggled into him.
The alarm sounded at 7:00am and Piper slammed her hand on it, disorientated and heart racing. Sitting up and blinking continuously, her stomach churned as she remembered the previous days events and the fore coming ones. With a glance at the emptiness beside her, she slipped out of bed and poked her head out of the room. "Leo?" Receiving nothing but silence, Piper retreated to the bathroom, surprised to see a note stuck to the mirror.
Piper,
I'm sorry, there's been an emergency. I've been called and I couldn't get out of it. I'll try and get to the hospital some time today, I can't promise anything though.
I'm so sorry.
Love you always,
Leo.
Grabbing the note and screwing it up in her hand, Piper swung her fist at the nearest wall, connecting with a loud thump. Breathing deeply, she leant over the basin and splashed water on her face, resting her head in her arms for a minute, regaining her composure. Straightening up, she wiped her face with a towel and prepared for a day of silent suffering.
~&~
By 8:30am, Piper was walking through the now familiar hospital halls; weaving her way through the morning staff changeover to reach Melinda's room. Poking her head around the corner, she grinned at Melinda, sitting up in bed; a book open in her lap. "Hey beautiful." Piper stated, laughing at Melinda's complete change of expression.
"Mom!" She threw her arms around Piper's neck and hugged her tightly. "I missed you."
"I missed you too Mel. How are you feeling?"
Melinda shrugged. "Okay, I guess. I'm getting a wiggly line soon."
"A wiggly line?" Piper smiled, sitting cross-legged opposite Melinda.
"Yeah, Rachelle told me about it." Piper glanced across to the other bed in the room when Melinda indicated and a tiny girl grinned and waved at her.
"Hi! I'm Mel's roommate."
"Hi Rachelle." Piper smiled back at her, trying not to focus on her lack of hair and thin body.
"A wiggly line is the tube that they put in your chest so that they can give you chemo and stuff easily." Rachelle explained and Piper nodded. "You don't have to worry, I'll look after her when you're not here."
"How old are you Rachelle?" Piper asked gently.
"Ten, almost eleven. Well, three months away, but that's almost don't you think?"
"Of course." Piper laughed lightly.
"Where's Daddy?' Melinda asked suddenly, just realising that he wasn't there.
"He had to work Mel. He'll be here as soon as he can." Melinda nodded hesitantly. "He said for me to give you a big hug for him though." Piper lied, holding her arms open.
"Really?" Melinda asked.
"Absolutely!" With a small giggle Melinda crawled into Piper's lap, wrapping an arm around her neck and facing Rachelle.
"My mum can only visit every second or third day. But she calls me on the phone everyday though." She explained maturely. "I have two brothers that have to be looked after and we live in Callistoga, so it's hard for her sometimes."
Piper nodded, rubbing Melinda's back and kissing her forehead. She couldn't imagine ever leaving Melinda for a day, let alone a 2 or 3. A nurse entered the room then, sending Rachelle off to the in-hospital school and informing Melinda it was time for her small surgery. "Are you coming too Mom?" Melinda asked quietly, tightening her grip on Piper's neck.
"Your Mom can stay with you until you go in Melinda." The nurse informed. "We just have to take you down the hall and get you prepped."
"You'll be fine Mel! I'll see you this afternoon!" Rachelle stopped at the door and waved, before disappearing around the corner.
"Can I take Angel?" Melinda questioned, crawling out of Piper's lap and off the bed.
"The Bear." Piper mouthed to the nurse, indicating with her eyes to the teddy.
"Oh of course Melinda! That's such a beautiful name for him."
"Thank you." Melinda muttered, picking up the bear and turning to Piper. "See, this is what I'm getting." She quietly informed, pointing to a thin tube sticking out of Angel's chest.
"That's right Melinda. And it'll only stay in until you're better, then they take it out." Melinda nodded, slipping her hand into Piper's and following the nurse.
~&~
An hour later when Melinda was sedated and taken into the operating room, Piper rushed out of the hospital and to a deserted spot behind one of the buildings. "Leo!" She called in a hushed voice. "Leo!" A few minutes later when Piper was about to return to the ward, a sparkling of blue lights brought a sigh of relief. "Can you stay?" She asked immediately, staring at him hurtfully.
"No Piper, I'm sorry. Two whitelighters have been killed and they're short staffed. It's just chaotic. They won't let me leave."
"Have you told them about Melinda?" Piper questioned, crossing her arms across her chest and stepping back.
"Of course; they're really sorry, but we agreed Piper. Being married, having children, it wouldn't effect our jobs." Leo shrugged sadly, this time it was out of his control.
"Doesn't this count as extenuating circumstances?"
Leo shook his head. "I'm sorry Piper." He felt a pull at his body. "I have to go."
"Leo, please! This is our daughter." Piper gave a final desperate plea, but Leo bit his lip and shook his head.
"They control me Piper, they can orb me out whenever they want." He moved forward and pulled her stiffened body into his arms, holding her just seconds before being orbed away against his will.
~&~
By six o'clock that evening, Leo still hadn't returned and Piper sat with an exhausted Melinda curled up in her lap. A tray of barely touched food lay next them and Piper picked at it, trying to convince Melinda to eat a little. "How about if I take two bites of the banana and you have one Mel?" Piper asked after trying every other food on the tray.
"No mom. I don't want any." Melinda shook her head tearfully.
"Just one bite baby, please." Piper stroked her hair and took a small bite herself.
With a defeated shrug Melinda opened her mouth and bit off a tiny piece. "No more."
"Just one more okay, then we'll put it away." Too tired to argue, Melinda nodded and ate the bigger piece that Piper placed in her mouth. "Thank you." Piper whispered, kissing her forehead. "I'm going to have to go soon Melinda. Is that alright?" Melinda's lower lip trembled and she didn't say anything.
"Sometimes the nurses will read us a story at night or something." Rachelle piped up from across the room. "They might read you some of that book you're reading Melinda."
"Oh, that sounds good Mel." Piper smiled gratefully at Rachelle and tried to hide the tiredness in her own voice.
Melinda nodded. "I guess so."
"Good girl." Piper hugged her as a nurse came in.
"Temperature time girls!" She exclaimed, heading for Rachelle and quickly taking her temperature. "Excellent Rachelle! Now, your turn Melinda."
"No!" Melinda gave a small cry, sick of being poked at all day and her chest sore and tender.
"It's only quick sweetheart, you're okay." Piper offered, nodding for the nurse to quickly hold the digital thermometer to her ear. She quickly took it and left, leaving Melinda sniffling into Piper's shirt. "Shhh. You're just tired Mel."
"What else are you going to let them do to me Mom?" She whispered and Piper suppressed a tearful cry. Unable to verbalise a response, she pulled Melinda in tightly and let her silent tears disappear into her daughter's hair.
~&~
It was well after dark when Piper dragged herself into their empty apartment that night. She didn't even bother checking for Leo, just turned some lights on and headed to the kitchen in search of something remotely resembling food. Standing with all of the cupboards opened and peering into the fridge, she didn't even bother uttering a word when Leo orbed in behind her.
"How is she?" Leo asked softly, leaning back against the bench and watching Piper.
"She's okay, no thanks to you." Piper replied quickly.
"I couldn't help it Piper."
"I'm not going to fight with you Leo, you just do what you have to do." Piper calmly closed the fridge door and walked out of the kitchen.
With a deep breath, Leo followed her to their room. "Piper please. Can we talk about this?"
"There's nothing to talk about is there? You have a job to do; it's takes priority over your wife and daughter." Piper stopped and turned to face Leo, treading a fine line between sadness and anger.
"I know that you want me there, I just can't. I have no control over this, they're literally orbing me wherever they want, whenever they want."
"We don't want you with us Leo. We need you."
"What do you want me to do? Give up my wings?" Leo questioned dejectedly, Piper's words tearing through his heart.
"No. I just want you to realise that this isn't right. I shouldn't have to do this alone."
"I love you."
"Don't say that. It isn't the answer for everything Leo and it's especially not this time."
"What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to be at the hospital this week. Melinda is being bombarded with drugs and she's scared. I don't want to have to lie to her." Piper answered strongly.
"I want to be there and I will do everything in my power to be there." Leo nodded, trying to ignore the elders calling.
Piper moved to walk into the bathroom, but stopped and turned back to face him. "And you can't keep telling her to be strong Leo. She doesn't have to be…we don't have to be."
"I'm sorry okay. I'm just trying to do my best here." Leo answered with a slight defensive undertone, sighing deeply.
"Then tell me that you are feeling as terrified as I am! Tell me that you can't handle watching your little girl being dragged places for tests and drugs just to keep her alive!" Piper raised her voice and tried to keep it from wavering.
"She'll be okay Piper. Melinda's a fighter."
"What is wrong with you? She has leukaemia Leo! She doesn't have a head cold or the measles. She has cancer!" Piper clenched her fists and screamed at Leo, dismissing her self-composure.
"And it'll take a while, but she'll get better. She will go back to school and live her life out; she'll be fine."
"I can't believe you. You're living in a fantasy world Leo. Go and be with your little whitelighter community, where death isn't a concern."
"You're acting like I don't even love her Piper. You two are my entire world."
"That's where you're wrong Leo. You're the one acting like you don't care, not me." Piper shrugged and walked back out of their bedroom and to the kitchen.
"I have to go." Leo said quietly, shadowing her and grabbing her arm to stop her.
"Fine." Piper stated, pulling her arm out of his grasp and walking away, ignoring him as he orbed out.
Piper was rushing around their increasingly messy apartment the next morning when the phone rang. With her boots on but laces untied and hair wet but unbrushed, she rushed to answer it. "Hello, Piper Halliwell."
"Hey Piper, its Prue. I didn't wake you did I?" Prue asked, already sensing her sister's wavering emotional state.
"No. I'm just on my way to the hospital. What's up?" Piper explained, tying her laces with the phone pressed between her shoulder and ear.
"I just wanted to see how Melinda was going." Prue said gently.
"She's okay, scared. She starts chemotherapy today."
"How are you?"
"I'm fine." Piper answered quickly.
"Would it be okay if I came to see Mel this afternoon?"
"I think she'd love that."
"Okay. I've got her room number, so I'll let you go. Is there anything you need? Something you want me to pick up?"
Piper resisted the urge to spit out a sarcastic remark, taking a deep breath in its place. "Thanks Prue. But there's nothing we need."
"Okay. I'll see you later Piper." Piper nodded, muttering a goodbye before hanging up the phone.
The next hour and a half were spent rushing around and driving through peak hour traffic to the hospital. Finally arriving, she gave a momentary thought to Leo's lack of contact before shrugging it aside and heading for Melinda's room.
"It's your mom Mel!" Rachelle exclaimed with a grin, almost as excited to see Piper as she was her own mother.
"Morning Rachelle. How are you doing?" Piper replied politely, looking out for any sign of the nurses before slipping a small bite-sized chocolate snack into her hand.
"Great now!" She replied and even Melinda gave a small smile.
"Do I get one?"
"Absolutely." Piper nodded, kissing her on the forehead and handing her one.
"It's weird." Rachelle grabbed their attention. "There's all these foods that make me feel like I wanna throw up my entire stomach contents, but chocolate hardly ever does. Strange hey?" She giggled softly.
"Rach doesn't have to go to school today." Melinda whispered, nibbling at the chocolate.
"Yeah?" Piper raised her eyebrows, sitting up on the bed.
"Yep. I had a temp last night." The young girl rolled her eyes. "They're so protective."
Piper gave a small laugh. "You just take it easy okay?"
"Yes Mrs Wyatt." She grinned mischievously.
"Guess what Mel?" Piper asked, bringing her legs up and folding them under her.
"What?" Melinda gave a small try at enthusiasm, but it couldn't quite convince Piper.
"Aunt Prue is going to visit you this afternoon."
"Really?" Melinda asked, her eyes lighting up for a few seconds before her expression fell. "After my medicine?"
"Yeah sweetie. After you have your medicine." Piper nodded and Melinda's lower lip trembled. "What is it Mel?"
"It's gonna make me sick." She whispered, her eyes downcast.
"But you need it to make you better." Piper explained softly, holding out her arms for Melinda to crawl into.
"But Aunt Prue won't want to see me if I'm really sick." She answered, wrapping an arm around Piper's neck and playing with her hair.
"I promise that Aunt Prue is going to come and see you no matter how sick you are, okay?" Piper felt a pull at her hair and tears welled in her eyes; Melinda hadn't reverted to her child security habits in years.
They were interrupted then by a nurse, strolling casually in to the room. "How are my two favourite patients?" She grinned and Rachelle gave a loud laugh.
"Don't listen to her Melinda, she says that to every room!"
"Oh, I'm hurt Rachelle. How could you think such a thing." The nurse grinned, heading straight for Melinda. "You must be Melinda's mom. I'm Amy."
"Hi. I'm Piper."
"I thought I'd quickly explain what's going to happen this morning Mel." She smiled, crouching down to meet Melinda's fearful eyes. "Would it be alright if I borrowed your bear?" Melinda nodded. "Does he have a name?"
"Angel."
"Okay. Well, you see this tube that Angel has? The one the same as yours?" Melinda nodded again, her big brown eyes staring at the nurse, listening intently. "This is how we're going to give you your medicine today."
"Is it going to hurt?" She whispered, the only thing that was on her mind. Everything she had had done in the last two days had seemed to hurt. She didn't understand why she had to get sick and be caused pain, just to get better.
"Why don't you ask Rachelle over there. She's had chemo before, but I haven't." The Amy smiled, throwing a glance to the other bed.
"It doesn't hurt Mel. It feels kind of weird though. Like it burns a little, you can feel it as it goes in."
"There you go." Amy nodded and Piper placed a kiss into Melinda's hair. "Do you have any other questions?"
"I'm going to be sick aren't I?"
"Yeah. You're probably not going to feel too good but there's lots of people around to take care of you and your mom's here."
"Okay."
"Good. We have to go into another room for a little while, just so you can have the chemo. You can come back in here as soon as it's finished."
"Can mom stay with me this time?"
"Yep. Your mom can always be with you when you get your chemo."
"Okay." Melinda said again, slipping off Piper's lap and keeping a strong grip on her hand.
"Are you doing okay Piper?" Amy asked softly and Piper gave a small smile and a shrug.
"Lets just get this first time over with." Amy nodded and led them directly to a roo where Piper settled on a chair before pulling Melinda into her lap.
Different doctors moved in and out, their words and names blurring into the rush of information they gave. The names of the drugs being administered, how long it would take, details of possible reactions. Piper just kept nodding in a daze, stroking Melinda's back as she curled smaller in her arms. "We're going to give it now." A doctor's voice came distant and soft, Melinda whimpering slightly as he pulled her shirt to the side and connected a longer tube holding the cocktail of drugs.
"Shhhh." Piper whispered into her ear, rocking her gently as the liquid moved through the tube and into her chest. Melinda squeezed her eyes shut and gripped Piper's shirt, the initial feeling shocking her. She eventually began to relax a little, paling and growing heavier in her mother's arms, her breathing deep but regular.
Piper let her mind wander; thoughts of Leo filling her mind. Where was he? Why were they doing this to them? She was just a child…a future witch…didn't she need protecting too? In eight years of marriage, she still found no logic in their reasoning. Leo could go weeks, months even, with barely a call from them. And then in times of crisis, they always insisted on keeping him away from his family…from her. Was it a type of test? Or did they actually think they were helping in some warped way? They'd taken his power to heal non-demonic related injuries or sicknesses. What else could he do?
Refusing to let her mind circle the same questions and thoughts, Piper forced her attention back on Melinda, whispering short stories and caring words until the last drop of toxic liquid has been sent into her tiny body.
They were brought back to Melinda's room, where Piper watched her sleep for a couple of hours, not even stirring as her temperature was constantly taken.
"Hey." Prue whispered, coming into the room seeing both girls sleeping and Piper staring into space.
"Hi." Piper whispered back, forcing a smile.
"How is she?" Prue gently took Piper's hand and leaned over to press a light kiss to Melinda's warm forehead.
"Okay." Piper shrugged. "She's been sleeping for hours."
"She probably needs it." Piper nodded her agreement. "Where's Leo, Piper? I thought he'd be here."
"He's busy." Piper replied bitterly and Prue narrowed her eyebrows.
"Busy how?"
"With them. Apparently there's some crisis and shortage of whitelighters."
"He wants to be here Piper. I know Leo and he wouldn't be away if he didn't have to be."
"You'd think he'd find a way Prue. This is his little girl too." Piper shook her head; there were no excuses for Leo this time. First he was emotionally detached, refusing to believe that Melinda wasn't going to be perfectly fine…and then being conveniently called constantly. Maybe this was just an excuse; maybe Leo just didn't care enough.
"He'll find a way. Just give him some time Piper." Piper didn't get a chance to respond as Melinda groaned and her eyes flicked open.
"Mom?" She muttered tearfully. "Mom!"
"I'm right here Mel. It's okay." Piper rushed to her daughter's side.
"I feel sick." Melinda gasped, pulling herself weakly to her elbows and staring at Piper fearfully.
"You're okay." Piper whispered, holding a small green container under her chin, quickly placing it aside when Melinda finished vomiting.
"Aunt Prue." Melinda gave a small half-smile as she noticed her aunt wrapping her arms around Prue's neck when she was hugged.
"Not feeling so good sweetie?" Prue asked, sitting on the side of the bed and holding her hand.
"I feel a bit better now." Melinda whispered, her voice scratchy.
"That's good. How would you like it if I stayed with you for a little bit while your mom goes and has something to eat?"
"No Prue. I'm fine." Piper interrupted.
"It's okay mommy. I want to talk to Aunt Prue." Melinda nodded. "I promise I'm okay."
"Just get something from the cafeteria. I'll know where to find you if I need you." Prue encouraged.
"I'm really not hungry." Piper tried unsuccessfully to convince Prue.
"I'll take good care of her Piper."
"Go on mom." Melinda nodded and Piper held her hands up in defeat.
"Okay! I'm going, you two together are impossible. I'll be back soon Mel." Piper reluctantly left the room, realising she was in fact, a little hungry.
"Your mother is impossible Melinda." Prue grinned, gently reaching over to push some of the hair off her niece's face.
Melinda gave a small smile and looked thoughtfully up at Prue. "Aunt Prue? Can I tell you something?"
"Of course you can. You can tell me anything you know that."
"Mom and Dad are fighting cause I got sick."
"Have you heard them fight?" Prue asked, immediately concerned.
"Yesterday, when they were here, they weren't talking. And Mom wouldn't even look at Daddy." Melinda explained tearfully.
"I'm sure they weren't fighting, it was probably nothing."
"They were fighting, I can always tell when they are. They don't look at each other, or talk, or touch each other like they always do. I didn't mean to get sick Aunt Prue. I couldn't help it." Melinda whispered, biting her lip to try and stop her tears.
"Melinda. I want you to listen to me okay?" Melinda nodded, a few tears falling from her eyes and trickling down her cheeks. "You mom and dad love you so much. And this is not your fault. They're not arguing about you honey, I promise."
"But it's cause I'm sick."
"No, it's not Mel." Prue moved to slip in beside Melinda and wrapped an arm around her. "You couldn't help getting sick and we're all going to help you get better. This is just a little fight and your mom and dad will be back talking soon. I promise."
"Really?"
"Yes. Have I lied to you before?"
"No." Melinda gave a small smile, curling into Prue and closing her eyes. "I don't want to be sick Aunt Prue. I want everything to be back the way it was."
Prue leant over and kissed the top of Melinda's head. "I know sweetie. And will it be soon, you just have to get better."