Chapter 13
They sat in the corner of the restaurant. It was a very romantic setting with a pianist playing in the background and candles lit on the table with a single red rose to accent the centerpiece. Lance always did have good taste. The problem was, she wasn't thinking about Lance as she took a bite of her salad but someone else.
Lancelot: So who was that man that charged me earlier, Psyche? I've never seen him before.
Psyche: He is a fellow witch that trained under my father. For some reason, he believes you are the man who killed him.
Lancelot: That's as preposterous as Balthazar claiming that I am a demon.
Psyche: Yes. I know.
Lancelot: And you, darling? Do you believe them?
Psyche: Of course not. I told you that.
Lancelot: Yes, but you are awfully quiet this evening. What's bothering you?
Psyche: I'm just thinking about tomorrow. Running everything through my mind. I want everything to be perfect.
Lancelot reached across the table and Psyche placed her hand in his.
Lancelot: It will be perfect, except...why did you ask everyone to come? You know that they don't approve of me.
Psyche: True but they are family and I would like for them to attend.
Lancelot: Whatever you want, sweetheart. I have an idea!
Psyche: Oh?
Lancelot: Let's elope.
Psyche: Elope?
Lancelot: Yes, we'll get married tonight!
Psyche: But everything is ready for tomorrow.
Lancelot: Then why don't we make that the reception?
Back at Psyche's house, everyone was struggling to make sense of the day. Eros was staring out the window, while Piper, Phoebe, and Paige were pouring over Patrick's Book of Shadows. Cole was on the phone with work trying to explain why he hadn't made it in and Simon and Leo were in the corner talking.
Simon: I understand what you're saying, Leo, but Psyche has already drunk the potion that her father created. She will not become a warlock after marrying Lancelot.
Leo: That may be true, but what if Lancelot is prepared for that? What happened between Eros and Psyche?
Simon: I don't know. She would never tell me.
Cole: I understand what you are saying, sir...Yes, I will be in the day after tomorrow...You have a good night...Bye.
Phoebe: So, do you still have your job?
Cole: Yes, barely. Eros, why don't you tell us exactly what happened between you and Psyche?
Eros: Very well, We were best friends growing up. I was orphaned at a young age, living off the streets and using my powers to get food and money mostly by stealing. That was how Patrick found me, trying to steal his wallet. He took me in and raised me trying to help me use my powers for good things and still not having to worry about where my next meal came from. Psyche and I clicked. We told each other everything, our dreams and our fears. She was the little sister I always wanted but never had. Then one day everything changed. She wasn't a little girl anymore but a beautiful woman. I decided to make a living so that I may someday propose to her and still be worthy. I asked Patrick for a job and he gave me one, no questions asked. I think he knew how I felt but he never said anything. Suddenly, he was gone and everything changed. Psyche, leaned on me for support while I took over her father's business. Finally, I got enough courage to ask Psyche out and we went to the
movies. On our way home, we were mugged. I astral projected out of my body behind him. As soon as he saw my real body collapse he went to attack Psyche but as soon as I had gone she had begun forming an energy ball in her hand. When the mugger saw this he transformed into his demonic form, he was a Chameleon, I believe. Anyway, he turned to run but stopped short when he saw me in my astral form. He reached for his athame and stabbed at me. When I went to counter attack, he got past me and took off. I chased him after yelling to Psyche to wait where she was. She didn't listen and when she caught up to us I was struggling with the Chameleon. He stabbed me and my astral form went up in flames.
Psyche: When I returned to his body it wasn't there. I assumed that it had not been his astral self but instead his real body and believed him dead.
No one had heard her come in and jumped at the sound of her voice.
Eros: When I had caught up to the Chameleon, he'd known who Psyche was and taunted that The Soul Catcher would be coming for her. I made a quick decision to stage my death so that I could search for and find him before he did. Apparently, I was too late.
Eros nodded to the glittering diamond band on Psyche's left hand. She looked down at it and then back at the group. She slowly walked further into the room.
Psyche: Lance asked me to elope with him tonight.
Everyone gasped.
Eros: Then you are married?
Everyone stared at Psyche in disbelief.
Psyche: No.
Simon came towards her and hugged her. As he pulled away from her, he studied her with a concerned look on his face.
Simon: But how did you refuse him? I don't understand.
Psyche: The spell is pulling me to marry him, yes, but it doesn't say when to marry him. For some reason, I kept looking to the past and it helped. I told him that the things you want most in life are worth waiting for so he could wait. What are all of you still doing up? We have a big day tomorrow.
Phoebe: We've been trying to figure out how to stop the wedding from happening.
Psyche: I see. Well, you can't so give it up.
Simon: Now, Psyche...
Psyche: Don't start, Simon. It's the only way.
Eros: No it's not and you know it. Were you talking about me?
Psyche: You?
Eros: The man you loved, were you referring to me?
Psyche: Boy, don't you think highly of yourself? Do you honestly think that I could love someone who would let me believe that they were dead for five years?
Piper: He had a good reason.
Psyche: NO! He didn't. We could have fought The Soul Catcher together, the way we had done everything else.
Eros: That was before I realized how much you meant to me, Psyche. I couldn't risk losing you again.
Cole: Again?
Eros: Yes, again. After Patrick died, I thought she had died too. You didn't talk, I mean really talk, to me anymore, Psyche. It was almost like I didn't exist for you anymore. I didn't know what to do to help and you wouldn't tell me. But then you slowly came back to me and I thought that everything would be perfect.
Psyche: Enough. I've heard enough.
Phoebe: Maybe it's what you need to hear, Psyche.
Psyche: Oh really, is that what you think? Well, you don't know me. None of you know me.
Simon: Psyche, it's time for your anecdote. You're being unreasonable.
Psyche: No, I'm not, Simon. I took it before I left. Now, all of you leave me alone. I'm going to bed.
Eros: Psyche...
But she hadn't heard him for she had already left.
Piper: I think we should all try and get some sleep. Psyche's right. Tomorrow is a big day, one way or another, and it's already after midnight.
Simon: I'll show you to your rooms then.
Everyone stood and followed Simon out of the room except Eros. After seeing to it that everyone was comfortable, Simon came back to the living room to clean up. Eros was standing in front of the fireplace staring at the portrait.
Eros: What should I do, Patrick? I wish you were alive to help me. She is as stubborn as you were.
Simon: More so, I think.
Eros spun around and watched as Simon started cleaning up the dishes.
Eros: I didn't hear you come in. I love her, Simon.
Simon: I'm not the one you should be telling that to, Eros.
Eros: But what difference will it make now that she is under his spell?
Simon: What difference does a spell make where true love is concerned? You too were destined to be together. One example of this is your names.
Eros: Oh don't start with the Greek mythology again, Simon.
Simon: And why not? It was yours and Psyche's favorite story. After she thought you had died, she wore that book out reading the story of "The Four Tasks" over and over. Then when she met Lancelot and fell under his spell, she put the book away. When I questioned her about it she simply said, "What difference does it make? True love is a myth." Tell her, Eros. Patrick would have wanted you to.
Then he left. Eros could hear him cleaning up in the kitchen and then all was quiet as Simon went to bed. Eros went upstairs and as he passed Psyche's room he paused. Her door was open a crack, a signal they used to use when they wanted the other to stop in before going to bed. The old nostalgia took over and he gently pushed open the door. She was asleep. The lamp was still on and a faded book rested on her chest. He walked over to her and picked the book up and looked at the page it was open to. The story of the ancient God Eros and his beloved mortal Psyche jumped up at him from the pages. With tears in his eyes, he marked the place in the book, laid it on the nightstand, and gently caressed Psyche's cheek. As she stirred, he stepped back, turned off the light, and quietly left.
In the corner, a shadow stepped out and took form. Lancelot frowned toward Psyche on the bed.
Lancelot: You're lucky he did not move to kiss you, my dear, or you would have been mourning his death again.
With that he vanished, his hushed voice never heard.
They sat in the corner of the restaurant. It was a very romantic setting with a pianist playing in the background and candles lit on the table with a single red rose to accent the centerpiece. Lance always did have good taste. The problem was, she wasn't thinking about Lance as she took a bite of her salad but someone else.
Lancelot: So who was that man that charged me earlier, Psyche? I've never seen him before.
Psyche: He is a fellow witch that trained under my father. For some reason, he believes you are the man who killed him.
Lancelot: That's as preposterous as Balthazar claiming that I am a demon.
Psyche: Yes. I know.
Lancelot: And you, darling? Do you believe them?
Psyche: Of course not. I told you that.
Lancelot: Yes, but you are awfully quiet this evening. What's bothering you?
Psyche: I'm just thinking about tomorrow. Running everything through my mind. I want everything to be perfect.
Lancelot reached across the table and Psyche placed her hand in his.
Lancelot: It will be perfect, except...why did you ask everyone to come? You know that they don't approve of me.
Psyche: True but they are family and I would like for them to attend.
Lancelot: Whatever you want, sweetheart. I have an idea!
Psyche: Oh?
Lancelot: Let's elope.
Psyche: Elope?
Lancelot: Yes, we'll get married tonight!
Psyche: But everything is ready for tomorrow.
Lancelot: Then why don't we make that the reception?
Back at Psyche's house, everyone was struggling to make sense of the day. Eros was staring out the window, while Piper, Phoebe, and Paige were pouring over Patrick's Book of Shadows. Cole was on the phone with work trying to explain why he hadn't made it in and Simon and Leo were in the corner talking.
Simon: I understand what you're saying, Leo, but Psyche has already drunk the potion that her father created. She will not become a warlock after marrying Lancelot.
Leo: That may be true, but what if Lancelot is prepared for that? What happened between Eros and Psyche?
Simon: I don't know. She would never tell me.
Cole: I understand what you are saying, sir...Yes, I will be in the day after tomorrow...You have a good night...Bye.
Phoebe: So, do you still have your job?
Cole: Yes, barely. Eros, why don't you tell us exactly what happened between you and Psyche?
Eros: Very well, We were best friends growing up. I was orphaned at a young age, living off the streets and using my powers to get food and money mostly by stealing. That was how Patrick found me, trying to steal his wallet. He took me in and raised me trying to help me use my powers for good things and still not having to worry about where my next meal came from. Psyche and I clicked. We told each other everything, our dreams and our fears. She was the little sister I always wanted but never had. Then one day everything changed. She wasn't a little girl anymore but a beautiful woman. I decided to make a living so that I may someday propose to her and still be worthy. I asked Patrick for a job and he gave me one, no questions asked. I think he knew how I felt but he never said anything. Suddenly, he was gone and everything changed. Psyche, leaned on me for support while I took over her father's business. Finally, I got enough courage to ask Psyche out and we went to the
movies. On our way home, we were mugged. I astral projected out of my body behind him. As soon as he saw my real body collapse he went to attack Psyche but as soon as I had gone she had begun forming an energy ball in her hand. When the mugger saw this he transformed into his demonic form, he was a Chameleon, I believe. Anyway, he turned to run but stopped short when he saw me in my astral form. He reached for his athame and stabbed at me. When I went to counter attack, he got past me and took off. I chased him after yelling to Psyche to wait where she was. She didn't listen and when she caught up to us I was struggling with the Chameleon. He stabbed me and my astral form went up in flames.
Psyche: When I returned to his body it wasn't there. I assumed that it had not been his astral self but instead his real body and believed him dead.
No one had heard her come in and jumped at the sound of her voice.
Eros: When I had caught up to the Chameleon, he'd known who Psyche was and taunted that The Soul Catcher would be coming for her. I made a quick decision to stage my death so that I could search for and find him before he did. Apparently, I was too late.
Eros nodded to the glittering diamond band on Psyche's left hand. She looked down at it and then back at the group. She slowly walked further into the room.
Psyche: Lance asked me to elope with him tonight.
Everyone gasped.
Eros: Then you are married?
Everyone stared at Psyche in disbelief.
Psyche: No.
Simon came towards her and hugged her. As he pulled away from her, he studied her with a concerned look on his face.
Simon: But how did you refuse him? I don't understand.
Psyche: The spell is pulling me to marry him, yes, but it doesn't say when to marry him. For some reason, I kept looking to the past and it helped. I told him that the things you want most in life are worth waiting for so he could wait. What are all of you still doing up? We have a big day tomorrow.
Phoebe: We've been trying to figure out how to stop the wedding from happening.
Psyche: I see. Well, you can't so give it up.
Simon: Now, Psyche...
Psyche: Don't start, Simon. It's the only way.
Eros: No it's not and you know it. Were you talking about me?
Psyche: You?
Eros: The man you loved, were you referring to me?
Psyche: Boy, don't you think highly of yourself? Do you honestly think that I could love someone who would let me believe that they were dead for five years?
Piper: He had a good reason.
Psyche: NO! He didn't. We could have fought The Soul Catcher together, the way we had done everything else.
Eros: That was before I realized how much you meant to me, Psyche. I couldn't risk losing you again.
Cole: Again?
Eros: Yes, again. After Patrick died, I thought she had died too. You didn't talk, I mean really talk, to me anymore, Psyche. It was almost like I didn't exist for you anymore. I didn't know what to do to help and you wouldn't tell me. But then you slowly came back to me and I thought that everything would be perfect.
Psyche: Enough. I've heard enough.
Phoebe: Maybe it's what you need to hear, Psyche.
Psyche: Oh really, is that what you think? Well, you don't know me. None of you know me.
Simon: Psyche, it's time for your anecdote. You're being unreasonable.
Psyche: No, I'm not, Simon. I took it before I left. Now, all of you leave me alone. I'm going to bed.
Eros: Psyche...
But she hadn't heard him for she had already left.
Piper: I think we should all try and get some sleep. Psyche's right. Tomorrow is a big day, one way or another, and it's already after midnight.
Simon: I'll show you to your rooms then.
Everyone stood and followed Simon out of the room except Eros. After seeing to it that everyone was comfortable, Simon came back to the living room to clean up. Eros was standing in front of the fireplace staring at the portrait.
Eros: What should I do, Patrick? I wish you were alive to help me. She is as stubborn as you were.
Simon: More so, I think.
Eros spun around and watched as Simon started cleaning up the dishes.
Eros: I didn't hear you come in. I love her, Simon.
Simon: I'm not the one you should be telling that to, Eros.
Eros: But what difference will it make now that she is under his spell?
Simon: What difference does a spell make where true love is concerned? You too were destined to be together. One example of this is your names.
Eros: Oh don't start with the Greek mythology again, Simon.
Simon: And why not? It was yours and Psyche's favorite story. After she thought you had died, she wore that book out reading the story of "The Four Tasks" over and over. Then when she met Lancelot and fell under his spell, she put the book away. When I questioned her about it she simply said, "What difference does it make? True love is a myth." Tell her, Eros. Patrick would have wanted you to.
Then he left. Eros could hear him cleaning up in the kitchen and then all was quiet as Simon went to bed. Eros went upstairs and as he passed Psyche's room he paused. Her door was open a crack, a signal they used to use when they wanted the other to stop in before going to bed. The old nostalgia took over and he gently pushed open the door. She was asleep. The lamp was still on and a faded book rested on her chest. He walked over to her and picked the book up and looked at the page it was open to. The story of the ancient God Eros and his beloved mortal Psyche jumped up at him from the pages. With tears in his eyes, he marked the place in the book, laid it on the nightstand, and gently caressed Psyche's cheek. As she stirred, he stepped back, turned off the light, and quietly left.
In the corner, a shadow stepped out and took form. Lancelot frowned toward Psyche on the bed.
Lancelot: You're lucky he did not move to kiss you, my dear, or you would have been mourning his death again.
With that he vanished, his hushed voice never heard.