CYD Part 2
"Our children sweetie. Phoebe what is the matter with you?" Cole asked as he suddenly stopped tickling the girl, who Phoebe presumed to be Ebony, and looked at her with genuine concern. There was fear in his eyes as Phoebe attempted to smile. The little girl became frustrated and wiggled around in Cole's arms until he began to rub her back soothingly, calming her down as she rested against him. The little boy looked up at Phoebe, his bright blue eyes penetrating her, as he gave her a puzzled face.
"Mommy, are you okay? Daddy, Mommy is sick. She does not know us!" he said as he began to cry, fearing his own mother had forgotten him.
"No Ben, she is okay, just a little tired. Do not worry." Cole answered, still staring at Phoebe. "Come on, we have to get ready for school." He said as he handed the little girl to Phoebe and helped the boy out of the bed. The two left and Phoebe gave her attention to the adorable little child in her arms, wiggling like she had with Cole. Absentmindedly Phoebe began to rub her back like Cole had in order to appease the girl, who quickly fell asleep in her arms. Allowing the silence to envelope her, Phoebe's mind began to drift away, questions flooding her brain as she again looked around in confusion. Was this real? She clung to the baby in her arms and refused to open them, fearing she would be alone in her own house when she looked again, this time with no Cole, no children. That safe feeling she once again owned would run away and she would be left to feeling helpless and alone. Cole came back after awhile with Ben at his side, all dressed and ready for school. It was the perfect picture, except one thing was missing.
"Why are you still in your pajamas?" Phoebe asked, wondering why Cole seemed to be unemployed. "I called in and took the day off. I told them my wife needed me by her side and that morning sickness had overcome you once again." Cole offered a small grin, still shook up about her lack of memory. That was all it took. Phoebe melted completely, god he knew how to make her go crazy, even in an alternate universe it seemed. "The baby is still sleeping, and Paige should be here momentarily to pick up our son. Do you need anything?" "Baby?" Phoebe asked for a second time. What was going on? Here she thought she was pregnant, was she or did she have a child? No, Cole had said she was pregnant, so what was this other baby he was referring to?
Before she had a chance to ask a horn honked outside. Ben, knowing what that meant, jumped up and down, obviously excited for school, causing Phoebe to break into a thousand smiles. He ran over and kissed his mother and sister good bye, then went over to his father, who kissed him and carried him to the door.
"Bye sweetie, have fun at school!" Phoebe called after him, shocking herself at the ease of the sentence. It was as if she had lived this before and knew how to run this sort of life. Cole came back in a few minutes and climbed back into bed with Phoebe.
"Still confused about everything?" he asked, kissing her forhead and taking the little girl into his arms. Her sleeping form shifted quietly to fit into her father's arms as he stroked her back with utmost care. She seemed to like this and remained asleep, cooing from time to time. A small smile played on her face and Phoebe could not get over how perfect it all was.
"Mmm, a little, but I think I just went into overdrive or something. I am okay now." she answered, grasping in vain for an excuse. It was different, it seemed weird lying to Cole. Almost like she truly felt insane for being confused. "My memory is just escaping me." She laughed and reached over, once again moving the little girl to her grasp and relaxing the both of them in Cole's arms. His strong hold on her never let go as she softened and fell into the embrace that was all him. "So where is this other baby you mentioned?" she questioned, looking about as if it would pop out from the walls.
"You mean Gracie?" he asked lackadaisically. "She is asleep, although I am sure she would not mind getting up a little early to spend time with us." He laughed once, then hopped out of bed and to the door to retrieve the baby, but not before kissing Phoebe's eyes and the head of the sleeping toddler. Phoebe heard a door creak open, a small mew, like that of a kitten, then footsteps, undoubtably Cole's, coming back towards the room. The sight she beheld took her breath away. Cole was holding a third child of theirs, a small infant not even one year old with dark, curly hair like her father. Her eyes fluttered open and Phoebe looked into her own eyes.
"Ma." The baby mumbled sleepily. She reached up for Cole's chin, unshaved since the day had just begun, and decided to go back into a resting slumber. Cole carried her over to the bed and put her in Phoebe's arms, enthralled by the scene. She almost started to cry as she held on to her youngest baby, tenderly stroking her cheek with utmost care. Ever since she had met Cole, on that dreary morning at the Rave murder scene, she had dreamt of this life. Her and Cole, completely in love, with beautiful children and all they could ever need. each other. Now she was living the dream world that once lay forbidden to her. All she could think about was how she would trade her life for this, just to lie a moment more with Cole and their little girls. Cole gently picked up both children and brought them to their own beds, then sat once again on the bed and lifted up Phoebe, tickling her silently, so as not to wake the little ones.
"How about a shower, my love? We can celebrate our new addition to the family it you would like?" he asked with an impish grin. She nodded and he brought her to their bathroom, where he filled up the tub and undressed them both. "Or maybe a bath?" he said and lowered her into the soothing tub. He climbed in behind her and for the next couple of hours they stayed there, ignoring all but the presence of each other.
That day was truly magical. Cole took the three of them shopping for baby clothes and toys for the little ones, then they picked up Ben and decided to go over to the Manor for lunch. Phoebe approached the house with somewhat trepidation, not knowing what to expect from the two other Halliwell sisters. She rang the doorbell, jiggling Grace in one arm and holding Cole's free hand in the other. Ebony pulled on her father's other hand and on Ben's hand to symbolize she wanted to play, but calmed as soon as her aunt opened the door. Phoebe looked up, expecting to see Piper there, or even Paige, but the woman she stared at was not at all what she expected. With fear and excitement in her eyes, Phoebe let go of Cole and reached out, scared this was a cruel trick.
"Hey you guys, it is about time you arrived, I am only allowed to stay a few hours." Prue joked as she hugged her niece and nephew, and planted a kiss on the baby.
"Prue?" Phoebe asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too sis. The Elders let me come down to congratulate you two on another baby for a little, so I get to spend some time with my family. By the way, they say any more kids and they are cutting me off. I am supossed to be dead." She joked, allowing them to come in.
"Oh." Phoebe responded, feeling slightly dazed, but calmed down as she saw her sister Piper come into the room. Paige was not far behind her. They walked into the kitchen where Leo and Glenn were both waiting. There were so many changes it took Phoebe a few tries to get everything straight. Piper had two girls, Melinda, who was five, and Prue, who was three. Paige had one son, Sean, who was four, around the same age as Ben. The two seemed to get along great. Glenn and Paige had married, everyone stayed in town. The basement was re-done into a play place for the kids, who all spent every other minute down there, except for Grace who was attached to her mother and father. Piper had not lost her ability to cook, and though she used to cook for an army and no one would eat, now she had enough soldiers to gobble up the entire meal. Everyone was genuinely excited for Phoebe and Cole, and she took it they had just found out about the baby. Darryl and her father stopped by quickly to say hi, but their jobs would not allow them to spend any more time with the Halliwells. Patty and Penny made a short visit but we called back 'up there' because the Elders had a hard time with all three desceased Halliwells staying in the Manor so long. It was so much fun so see how everyone lived.
Cole pulled Phoebe aside and asked her to come out with him to a romantic dinner that night. Turned out the entire gang was in on it. The two girls would be staying with Piper, while Ben stayed with Paige, unless one of them needed their parents. Then they were just a shimmer or orb away. Cole brought Phoebe home after saying goodbye to get ready for that evening. Ebony and Ben were a little cautious about spending the night away from their parents, but Grace was the one with the main problem. She clung to her mother like she would die if she let go and cried something awful when they tried to leave. It broke Phoebe's heart to see her like that, even if it meant she loved them that much. Cole took Grace away as Phoebe began to cry and promised her they would go home later. He brought her up to Prue's old crib and rocked her to sleep, Phoebe watching all the while. She soon calmed and went to sleep, and Cole and Phoebe exited the building. They drove home quickly, both anticipating their evening out. It had to be perfect. Phoebe chose a long black gown with spaghetti straps and slits up the sides, styling her hair up beautifully. Cole put on his best suit and escorted his wife to the awaiting limosine. They ate at an elegant French restaurant, staring lovingly at each other the whole time. There was no greater feeling than the one enveloping Phoebe right then. She decided this was how it should be, and how it was to be if she had anything to do with it. Cole held out his hand and brought her to the dance floor, where they began to sway softly to the music.
"I love you, you know that right?" he asked with a little concern, but more tenderness.
"Of course I do. And I love you more than anything. I am sorry about this morning, I guess I forgot some things." She offered an apologetic smile, which caused him to grin and spin her around once.
"It is okay, you did not do any damage." He spoke. "Look at us Phoebe, we have come so far. We deserve this, and our children do too. They adore you, and truthfully, I do not know what I would do if I lost you." His smile turned to a frown as if the very thought scared him to death.
"Do not worry, I am not going anywhere. I love you. And our children. And this baby." She patted her stomach lovingly. "I never thought I could feel like this, but now I know I will never be alone again." She said as he held her close and kissed her lips, then her forhead, and then her eyes.
"You will never be alone." He whispered as she felt him being torn from her instantly. She looked around and saw bright lights, causing her to close her eyes. She opened them once again to behold a dark alleyway in a city, dirty and seedy. She looked down to see her clothes were no longer beautiful as they once were, but now were jeans and a sweater, old and worn. She shivered, wishing Cole were there to keep her warm.
"He is not here." A voice spoke. She whirled around to see the Angel of Destiny in front of her. "As much as I know you enjoyed that side, the white one, now you must see the black one. This is your path if you chose to let your husband go forever. Good luck my dear." He spoke, and vanished into thin air. Phoebe looked around, cold, abandoned, and frightened, unsure of everything once again.
"Our children sweetie. Phoebe what is the matter with you?" Cole asked as he suddenly stopped tickling the girl, who Phoebe presumed to be Ebony, and looked at her with genuine concern. There was fear in his eyes as Phoebe attempted to smile. The little girl became frustrated and wiggled around in Cole's arms until he began to rub her back soothingly, calming her down as she rested against him. The little boy looked up at Phoebe, his bright blue eyes penetrating her, as he gave her a puzzled face.
"Mommy, are you okay? Daddy, Mommy is sick. She does not know us!" he said as he began to cry, fearing his own mother had forgotten him.
"No Ben, she is okay, just a little tired. Do not worry." Cole answered, still staring at Phoebe. "Come on, we have to get ready for school." He said as he handed the little girl to Phoebe and helped the boy out of the bed. The two left and Phoebe gave her attention to the adorable little child in her arms, wiggling like she had with Cole. Absentmindedly Phoebe began to rub her back like Cole had in order to appease the girl, who quickly fell asleep in her arms. Allowing the silence to envelope her, Phoebe's mind began to drift away, questions flooding her brain as she again looked around in confusion. Was this real? She clung to the baby in her arms and refused to open them, fearing she would be alone in her own house when she looked again, this time with no Cole, no children. That safe feeling she once again owned would run away and she would be left to feeling helpless and alone. Cole came back after awhile with Ben at his side, all dressed and ready for school. It was the perfect picture, except one thing was missing.
"Why are you still in your pajamas?" Phoebe asked, wondering why Cole seemed to be unemployed. "I called in and took the day off. I told them my wife needed me by her side and that morning sickness had overcome you once again." Cole offered a small grin, still shook up about her lack of memory. That was all it took. Phoebe melted completely, god he knew how to make her go crazy, even in an alternate universe it seemed. "The baby is still sleeping, and Paige should be here momentarily to pick up our son. Do you need anything?" "Baby?" Phoebe asked for a second time. What was going on? Here she thought she was pregnant, was she or did she have a child? No, Cole had said she was pregnant, so what was this other baby he was referring to?
Before she had a chance to ask a horn honked outside. Ben, knowing what that meant, jumped up and down, obviously excited for school, causing Phoebe to break into a thousand smiles. He ran over and kissed his mother and sister good bye, then went over to his father, who kissed him and carried him to the door.
"Bye sweetie, have fun at school!" Phoebe called after him, shocking herself at the ease of the sentence. It was as if she had lived this before and knew how to run this sort of life. Cole came back in a few minutes and climbed back into bed with Phoebe.
"Still confused about everything?" he asked, kissing her forhead and taking the little girl into his arms. Her sleeping form shifted quietly to fit into her father's arms as he stroked her back with utmost care. She seemed to like this and remained asleep, cooing from time to time. A small smile played on her face and Phoebe could not get over how perfect it all was.
"Mmm, a little, but I think I just went into overdrive or something. I am okay now." she answered, grasping in vain for an excuse. It was different, it seemed weird lying to Cole. Almost like she truly felt insane for being confused. "My memory is just escaping me." She laughed and reached over, once again moving the little girl to her grasp and relaxing the both of them in Cole's arms. His strong hold on her never let go as she softened and fell into the embrace that was all him. "So where is this other baby you mentioned?" she questioned, looking about as if it would pop out from the walls.
"You mean Gracie?" he asked lackadaisically. "She is asleep, although I am sure she would not mind getting up a little early to spend time with us." He laughed once, then hopped out of bed and to the door to retrieve the baby, but not before kissing Phoebe's eyes and the head of the sleeping toddler. Phoebe heard a door creak open, a small mew, like that of a kitten, then footsteps, undoubtably Cole's, coming back towards the room. The sight she beheld took her breath away. Cole was holding a third child of theirs, a small infant not even one year old with dark, curly hair like her father. Her eyes fluttered open and Phoebe looked into her own eyes.
"Ma." The baby mumbled sleepily. She reached up for Cole's chin, unshaved since the day had just begun, and decided to go back into a resting slumber. Cole carried her over to the bed and put her in Phoebe's arms, enthralled by the scene. She almost started to cry as she held on to her youngest baby, tenderly stroking her cheek with utmost care. Ever since she had met Cole, on that dreary morning at the Rave murder scene, she had dreamt of this life. Her and Cole, completely in love, with beautiful children and all they could ever need. each other. Now she was living the dream world that once lay forbidden to her. All she could think about was how she would trade her life for this, just to lie a moment more with Cole and their little girls. Cole gently picked up both children and brought them to their own beds, then sat once again on the bed and lifted up Phoebe, tickling her silently, so as not to wake the little ones.
"How about a shower, my love? We can celebrate our new addition to the family it you would like?" he asked with an impish grin. She nodded and he brought her to their bathroom, where he filled up the tub and undressed them both. "Or maybe a bath?" he said and lowered her into the soothing tub. He climbed in behind her and for the next couple of hours they stayed there, ignoring all but the presence of each other.
That day was truly magical. Cole took the three of them shopping for baby clothes and toys for the little ones, then they picked up Ben and decided to go over to the Manor for lunch. Phoebe approached the house with somewhat trepidation, not knowing what to expect from the two other Halliwell sisters. She rang the doorbell, jiggling Grace in one arm and holding Cole's free hand in the other. Ebony pulled on her father's other hand and on Ben's hand to symbolize she wanted to play, but calmed as soon as her aunt opened the door. Phoebe looked up, expecting to see Piper there, or even Paige, but the woman she stared at was not at all what she expected. With fear and excitement in her eyes, Phoebe let go of Cole and reached out, scared this was a cruel trick.
"Hey you guys, it is about time you arrived, I am only allowed to stay a few hours." Prue joked as she hugged her niece and nephew, and planted a kiss on the baby.
"Prue?" Phoebe asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too sis. The Elders let me come down to congratulate you two on another baby for a little, so I get to spend some time with my family. By the way, they say any more kids and they are cutting me off. I am supossed to be dead." She joked, allowing them to come in.
"Oh." Phoebe responded, feeling slightly dazed, but calmed down as she saw her sister Piper come into the room. Paige was not far behind her. They walked into the kitchen where Leo and Glenn were both waiting. There were so many changes it took Phoebe a few tries to get everything straight. Piper had two girls, Melinda, who was five, and Prue, who was three. Paige had one son, Sean, who was four, around the same age as Ben. The two seemed to get along great. Glenn and Paige had married, everyone stayed in town. The basement was re-done into a play place for the kids, who all spent every other minute down there, except for Grace who was attached to her mother and father. Piper had not lost her ability to cook, and though she used to cook for an army and no one would eat, now she had enough soldiers to gobble up the entire meal. Everyone was genuinely excited for Phoebe and Cole, and she took it they had just found out about the baby. Darryl and her father stopped by quickly to say hi, but their jobs would not allow them to spend any more time with the Halliwells. Patty and Penny made a short visit but we called back 'up there' because the Elders had a hard time with all three desceased Halliwells staying in the Manor so long. It was so much fun so see how everyone lived.
Cole pulled Phoebe aside and asked her to come out with him to a romantic dinner that night. Turned out the entire gang was in on it. The two girls would be staying with Piper, while Ben stayed with Paige, unless one of them needed their parents. Then they were just a shimmer or orb away. Cole brought Phoebe home after saying goodbye to get ready for that evening. Ebony and Ben were a little cautious about spending the night away from their parents, but Grace was the one with the main problem. She clung to her mother like she would die if she let go and cried something awful when they tried to leave. It broke Phoebe's heart to see her like that, even if it meant she loved them that much. Cole took Grace away as Phoebe began to cry and promised her they would go home later. He brought her up to Prue's old crib and rocked her to sleep, Phoebe watching all the while. She soon calmed and went to sleep, and Cole and Phoebe exited the building. They drove home quickly, both anticipating their evening out. It had to be perfect. Phoebe chose a long black gown with spaghetti straps and slits up the sides, styling her hair up beautifully. Cole put on his best suit and escorted his wife to the awaiting limosine. They ate at an elegant French restaurant, staring lovingly at each other the whole time. There was no greater feeling than the one enveloping Phoebe right then. She decided this was how it should be, and how it was to be if she had anything to do with it. Cole held out his hand and brought her to the dance floor, where they began to sway softly to the music.
"I love you, you know that right?" he asked with a little concern, but more tenderness.
"Of course I do. And I love you more than anything. I am sorry about this morning, I guess I forgot some things." She offered an apologetic smile, which caused him to grin and spin her around once.
"It is okay, you did not do any damage." He spoke. "Look at us Phoebe, we have come so far. We deserve this, and our children do too. They adore you, and truthfully, I do not know what I would do if I lost you." His smile turned to a frown as if the very thought scared him to death.
"Do not worry, I am not going anywhere. I love you. And our children. And this baby." She patted her stomach lovingly. "I never thought I could feel like this, but now I know I will never be alone again." She said as he held her close and kissed her lips, then her forhead, and then her eyes.
"You will never be alone." He whispered as she felt him being torn from her instantly. She looked around and saw bright lights, causing her to close her eyes. She opened them once again to behold a dark alleyway in a city, dirty and seedy. She looked down to see her clothes were no longer beautiful as they once were, but now were jeans and a sweater, old and worn. She shivered, wishing Cole were there to keep her warm.
"He is not here." A voice spoke. She whirled around to see the Angel of Destiny in front of her. "As much as I know you enjoyed that side, the white one, now you must see the black one. This is your path if you chose to let your husband go forever. Good luck my dear." He spoke, and vanished into thin air. Phoebe looked around, cold, abandoned, and frightened, unsure of everything once again.