CHAPTER 3: A Wedding and a Coma
(I would like to credit Charming-Prue for inspiration for the latter half of this chapter and the next chapter. I loved "I Want to Have a Baby". The whole Brad vs. Cole scenario was awesome!)
TWO MONTHS LATER...
Phoebe could barely sleep that night. The excitement about the day to come kept her mind active for most of the night. But at length, she did sleep, and woke up refreshed the next day, and found the bed covered with red roses. Then Piper came in with Phoebe's breakfast. "Good morning," she said. "Great day, isn't it?"
"It had better be," said Phoebe excitedly. "I'm getting MARRIED!"
Paige then entered the room, and carried in Phoebe's dress, which she had just picked up from the cleaners. "Morning, Pheebs. I took the liberty of picking up your dress, and yes, I did check to make sure it hadn't been demonically altered."
"PAIGE!" screeched Piper. "Why would you say anything like that today?"
"It's ok," said Phoebe. "Paige was just being cautious. Now, come here you two." The girls shared a sisterly hug. "Now, where is my husband- to-be currently?"
"Across town at the Smith family estate with Leo and Dad," answered Piper. "They're helping him get ready. Speaking of which, eat quickly, so we can help you get ready, too!"
****
Victor Bennett helped his son-in-law-to-be adjust his bowtie. "You look great, Michael," he said as he finished. Then he said, "Phoebe told me what you did, how you put your life on the line to save my girls when you weren't sure you'd live to tell about it. That makes me proud today. I'm honored to have you as part of this family."
"Thanks...Dad," Michael said awkwardly. Even though he had always addressed his own as "Father," it seemed strange to say it for the first time. Just then, Leo entered the master bedroom, having also just finished getting dressed. The three men grinned at each other for a few moments. Then, Leo said seriously, "Victor, would you mind if I had a private chat with Michael for a second?"
"Not at all," said Victor, turning to leave. After they closed the door, Leo turned to Michael. "I have something important to tell you, so I need you to listen well." He took a deep breath, as though whatever he had to say was a burden for him. "Michael, you know that Phoebe has had to suffer a lot of pain in her life. Some of it was uncontrollable, like her mother's death. But other things could have been controlled. I don't want you to make the same mistakes Cole did. If you're going to marry her, then never hold anything back. Don't lie to her, and don't hide from her. She's one of the strongest people I know. Cole didn't know what to tell her when he found out he was the Source. If you ever end up in a situation like that, you tell her. Understand?"
"Yes, I do," said Michael. He put his right hand on Leo's shoulder. "Thanks for the advice, Leo. I really appreciate it." He paused a moment. "Would you be my best man?"
"I'd be honored," said Leo.
****
Michael, Leo, and Victor arrived at the house at exactly 1:30, a half- hour before the wedding was set to begin. Piper and Paige were waiting downstairs for them. "Good, you're here!" said Piper in relief.
"You know, outside of Darryl, you still haven't told me who the other guests are," said Michael.
"We kind of wanted it to be a surprise," said Paige. As if on cue, white orbs came down from the ceiling, and resolved into Patty Halliwell, Grams, and Prue, who was dressed as a bridesmaid.
Paige and Piper stood there in shock. Grams and Patty had told Leo they were coming, but seeing their big sister was definitely the last thing they had expected to happen.
Piper slowly walked forward, afraid that Prue would vanish at any moment. Her lips quivered, and Piper broke into tears as she fell into Prue's arms. "Prue, I..."
"No, Piper, I don't want you blaming yourself for what happened to me," said Prue. "It was my time. Paige was always meant to have her place in the Power of Three, and nothing you could've done would have changed that."
"I - I love you, Prue," said Piper in between sobs.
"I love you, too sweetie," she said. Then, Prue gestured for Paige to come over. "I hear you've become one hell of a witch."
Paige beamed at the compliment despite the tears in her eyes. "I guess I take after you," she giggled. Then she moved forward so Prue could hug her too. "I'm glad to have finally met you, Prue. I just wish I'd had the chance to know you while you were alive."
"Thank you, Paige, that really means a lot to me," said Prue. "Now, has Phoebe put on any make-up yet?"
"No, I was just up there," said Piper.
"Good, that way, after I see her, she'll only have one layer of make- up on her face instead of two," said Prue. "I'll be back in a few minutes." She made her way to the stairs.
Meanwhile, Darryl had arrived. "Well, I see that a typical Halliwell wedding hasn't changed much," he said, chuckling.
"Glad you could make it," said Michael, shaking his hand. Then, Patty came up to Michael.
"I'm glad to finally meet you," she said. "You've been so good to Phoebe, and I'm proud to have you as a son. Promise me you'll take care of her."
"I promise," Michael said, hugging his mother-in-law. Just then, more white orbs came down from the ceiling, and resolved themselves into.
"FATHER?!" Michael cried in joyous disbelief.
"Oh, son," said Thomas Smith. "You have no idea how proud you've made me. I'm just sorry I couldn't be there to see you grow into the man you are today. You have more courage and brilliance within you than I ever did. Never lose that."
"Thank you, Father," said Michael, embracing him. Just then, Michael sensed a flaming behind him. He turned around to see his mother materialize.
"Vera?" said Thomas.
"Hello, Thomas," said Veraline, moving toward him.
"You look beautiful," he said, smiling at his wife.
Veraline blushed and moved into her husband's embrace. She motioned for Michael to join them. "I'm so glad you could make it, Mom," he said.
"I wouldn't have missed this for the world," she said, smiling through her tears. The family she had loved so much was finally reunited after five long, painful years.
****
Phoebe sat in front of the vanity in her room, pleased with her appearance. All that was left was to apply some make-up, and then she would be perfect for Michael. However, as she went to put some on, she heard a knock at her door. "Come in," she said. Since she did not turn away from the mirror, she did not see Prue until she spoke.
"You look beautiful, Phoebe."
Phoebe froze in shock. 'No, it can't be...' she thought. Slowly, she turned her head, and saw Prue standing there, smiling at her. Phoebe put a hand to her chest. The expected tears began trickling down her face. She got up and rushed into the arms of her big sister.
"Hush, honey," said Prue as Phoebe sobbed.
"I'm just so happy that you came," said Phoebe, drying her face. "I mean, I didn't know you were coming."
"Well, believe me, it took quite a bit of bitching on my part to convince the Elders to let me come," said Prue, giggling. "But there was no way I was going to miss seeing you this time. And before you ask, my astral self will NOT be riding off on a motorcycle in the middle of your wedding."
"I love you so much, Prue," said Phoebe, hugging her big sister again. Just then, Victor came into the room.
"Hi, Dad," said Prue, giving her father a warm smile.
"Somehow I'd figured on seeing you here," said Victor, wrapping his oldest daughter in a strong hug. "As much as I'd like to let the two of you talk, we're getting ready to start now, Phoebe."
"Okay, give me five minutes, to get some make-up on," she said. "I've got to cover up these tear stains." She gave Prue a knowing smile.
****
Michael stood nervously in his tuxedo. He was more scared waiting in front of Grams than facing down Damien.
Prue came to talk with Michael. "You know, I really admire your courage. You were willing to sacrifice yourself for the greater good, and Phoebe trusted you to save her in the process. Anyone who is willing to do that deserves to be with her." She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "I hope that both of you have happy lives together."
"Thanks, Prue," said Michael, returning her smile. At this point, the grandfather clock struck two.
"Places, everyone," ordered Grams, taking her role as High Priestess. A button pressed itself on the CD player, and Canon in D started to play. On cue, Phoebe came down the stairs. As Michael saw her, his heart rose in his chest. Never had she looked as beautiful to him as she did now. Victor took her arm and led her down the aisle to Michael. They both turned toward Grams, and she said, "We are gathered here today to unite two souls as one. Do you, Michael Smith, and you, Phoebe Halliwell, join us here of your own free will to acknowledge the eternal bond shared by both of you?"
Michael, followed by Phoebe, said, "I do."
"Then face each other and join hands. Michael, you may recite your vows," said Grams, wiping a tear from her eye.
Michael and Phoebe turned to look at each other. A smile Michael had been suppressing came to his face, and Phoebe blushed. Michael spoke first. "Phoebe, I fell in love with you the moment I first met you. The sound of your voice, the smile on your face, even the light hitting your hair, all told me that I had found my soulmate. You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful person I've ever known. I promise you that I will never abandon you. I will always be there to take care of you. I will never stop loving you, and I am proud and honored to be your husband."
Tears of pure joy were streaming down Phoebe's face as she spoke. "Michael, in the short time in which I have known you, you have shown more bravery than most people show in ten lifetimes. But you were not brave out of pride. You were brave out of pure goodness of heart. You were prepared to sacrifice your own life to stop the greatest evil, and to save us all. For that, and for showing me more love than I have ever known, I love you and will always love you, my soulmate, and my friend."
There was not one dry eye among those gathered at the ceremony. Grams continued, "Here before witnesses, Michael and Phoebe have sworn their vows towards each other. With this cord, I bind them to those vows." The rope came to life and bound itself around their wrists. Michael and Phoebe said together:
"Heart to thee,
Body to thee,
Always and forever,
So mote it be."
"So mote it be," everyone else repeated.
As Phoebe and Michael kissed, white orbs fell from the ceiling and temporarily illuminated the room. The celebration commenced thereafter, and Michael and Phoebe both knew that for the first time in their lives, they had both found true happiness.
****
Two months passed.
Michael had officially moved into the Manor and Phoebe's room was now their room. Veraline had left the Underworld for good and moved into the family estate to be closer to her son. Piper had given birth to her son, Wyatt Matthew Halliwell, and she and Leo were already in the throes of parenthood.
On Michael's birthday, Phoebe decided to take him out to a romantic dinner at a restaurant within walking distance of the manor. It was a warm summer night and ideal for that kind of evening. After dinner they decided to take a stroll, taking advantage of those conditions.
"I don't think I'm ever as happy as with you," said Michael, nuzzling Phoebe's neck.
"Same here," she said, turning to kiss him. Then she said, "I've got a birthday present I want to give to you right now."
"And what might that be?" Michael asked curiously.
Phoebe took his hand and placed it on her belly. Instantly, Michael felt warmth enter his hand and tingle its way up his arm. His mouth dropped open in shock. "You're pregnant?" he stated.
Phoebe nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "I wanted to surprise you."
Michael scooped her up in his arms and swung her around, raining her with kisses. After placing her down on the ground, he said, "Thank you, Phoebe. For the first time in my life, I feel complete. Everything is perfect." He looked at her smiling face with all the love in his heart.
Suddenly, there was a loud bang.
It was the last sound Michael heard before everything went black.
****
Sensation flooded through Michael's body.
'Strange,' he thought. As his senses awakened, he realized he was lying down.
The last he remembered, he had been in the park with Phoebe on his birthday.
Smells became identifiable. The air smelled clean...too clean. 'It's sterile,' he thought. The only place he could think of that smelled like that was a hospital.
Why would he be at a hospital?
He suddenly became aware that there were voices in the room. After a minute, they became distinguishable enough to understand.
"How is he today?" said Piper.
"The doctor said there wasn't any change," said Leo. "Considering how long he's been out, why would there be?"
"We can't give up hope," said Piper firmly. "We have to stay strong for Phoebe."
'What happened to me?' Michael wondered. He very slowly opened his eyes. His vision cleared after a moment, and he saw that Piper and Leo were looking out the window. "Hey," he whispered at them.
Piper and Leo visibly jumped upon hearing his voice. "Oh my God," said Piper. "He's awake! Go call Phoebe, NOW!" she ordered. Leo ran off, and Piper came over and put her arms around Michael.
Michael winced. "Easy, Piper," he said, his voice returning to normal. "I think I'm a little sore from lying in this bed."
"Sorry, I couldn't help myself," she said, pulling away. "I'm just so glad you're all right."
Leo came back in. "Phoebe's on her way. She'll be here in about five minutes." He came to stand next to Piper. "How do you feel?"
"A little stiff, but otherwise I feel great," he said, stretching. "Now, would somebody mind telling me what happened?"
"You were shot in the park," said Piper. "Some nut job who was looking for a quick thrill decided to give you a 38 caliber bullet in your head for your birthday."
"Oh, man," said Michael, falling back against the pillows. It was then that he realized something was definitely wrong. "Why aren't there any bandages?" he asked.
Piper shifted uncomfortably before she answered. "You were in a coma. The doctors didn't think you'd ever come out of it."
Michael shuddered. "How long was I out?"
Again Piper shifted uncomfortably and looked to Leo. He nodded, and she turned to face Michael again.
"You've been here for two years," she said slowly.
"Jesus," breathed Michael. Two years of his life were gone. Phoebe must have gone out of her mind. Suddenly, he remembered something else which made him sit up straight. "What about my..."
At that moment, Phoebe entered the room wheeling a stroller. A happy little boy sat in it, humming to himself. Phoebe brought the stroller to a stop next to Piper and Leo. She then rushed over and threw her arms around Michael. "I knew you'd come back to me, I just knew it," she said, sobbing in his arms.
"It's ok, baby," said Michael, rubbing her back. "I'm here now." Phoebe pulled back slightly and kissed him passionately. Michael could feel the pain of separation in the strength of her kiss.
Phoebe moved out of his embrace completely and said, "There's somebody here that I know has been looking forward to meeting you." She reached into the stroller and lifted the little boy into Michael's arms.
"Our son?" Michael questioned. Phoebe nodded. "What did you name him?"
"Thomas Victor, after our fathers," said Phoebe, smiling.
"He's beautiful," said Michael. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he kissed his son's head. "Hi, Tom, do you know who I am?"
Tom looked at his father and pointed. "Dada!"
"What - he just said - that is so cool!" exclaimed Phoebe.
"I can't believe it," said Michael, shaking his head. Just then, another voice interrupted his thoughts, a voice that would haunt him for many years to come.
"Phoebe, are you in here, honey?"
TO BE CONTINUED...
(I would like to credit Charming-Prue for inspiration for the latter half of this chapter and the next chapter. I loved "I Want to Have a Baby". The whole Brad vs. Cole scenario was awesome!)
TWO MONTHS LATER...
Phoebe could barely sleep that night. The excitement about the day to come kept her mind active for most of the night. But at length, she did sleep, and woke up refreshed the next day, and found the bed covered with red roses. Then Piper came in with Phoebe's breakfast. "Good morning," she said. "Great day, isn't it?"
"It had better be," said Phoebe excitedly. "I'm getting MARRIED!"
Paige then entered the room, and carried in Phoebe's dress, which she had just picked up from the cleaners. "Morning, Pheebs. I took the liberty of picking up your dress, and yes, I did check to make sure it hadn't been demonically altered."
"PAIGE!" screeched Piper. "Why would you say anything like that today?"
"It's ok," said Phoebe. "Paige was just being cautious. Now, come here you two." The girls shared a sisterly hug. "Now, where is my husband- to-be currently?"
"Across town at the Smith family estate with Leo and Dad," answered Piper. "They're helping him get ready. Speaking of which, eat quickly, so we can help you get ready, too!"
****
Victor Bennett helped his son-in-law-to-be adjust his bowtie. "You look great, Michael," he said as he finished. Then he said, "Phoebe told me what you did, how you put your life on the line to save my girls when you weren't sure you'd live to tell about it. That makes me proud today. I'm honored to have you as part of this family."
"Thanks...Dad," Michael said awkwardly. Even though he had always addressed his own as "Father," it seemed strange to say it for the first time. Just then, Leo entered the master bedroom, having also just finished getting dressed. The three men grinned at each other for a few moments. Then, Leo said seriously, "Victor, would you mind if I had a private chat with Michael for a second?"
"Not at all," said Victor, turning to leave. After they closed the door, Leo turned to Michael. "I have something important to tell you, so I need you to listen well." He took a deep breath, as though whatever he had to say was a burden for him. "Michael, you know that Phoebe has had to suffer a lot of pain in her life. Some of it was uncontrollable, like her mother's death. But other things could have been controlled. I don't want you to make the same mistakes Cole did. If you're going to marry her, then never hold anything back. Don't lie to her, and don't hide from her. She's one of the strongest people I know. Cole didn't know what to tell her when he found out he was the Source. If you ever end up in a situation like that, you tell her. Understand?"
"Yes, I do," said Michael. He put his right hand on Leo's shoulder. "Thanks for the advice, Leo. I really appreciate it." He paused a moment. "Would you be my best man?"
"I'd be honored," said Leo.
****
Michael, Leo, and Victor arrived at the house at exactly 1:30, a half- hour before the wedding was set to begin. Piper and Paige were waiting downstairs for them. "Good, you're here!" said Piper in relief.
"You know, outside of Darryl, you still haven't told me who the other guests are," said Michael.
"We kind of wanted it to be a surprise," said Paige. As if on cue, white orbs came down from the ceiling, and resolved into Patty Halliwell, Grams, and Prue, who was dressed as a bridesmaid.
Paige and Piper stood there in shock. Grams and Patty had told Leo they were coming, but seeing their big sister was definitely the last thing they had expected to happen.
Piper slowly walked forward, afraid that Prue would vanish at any moment. Her lips quivered, and Piper broke into tears as she fell into Prue's arms. "Prue, I..."
"No, Piper, I don't want you blaming yourself for what happened to me," said Prue. "It was my time. Paige was always meant to have her place in the Power of Three, and nothing you could've done would have changed that."
"I - I love you, Prue," said Piper in between sobs.
"I love you, too sweetie," she said. Then, Prue gestured for Paige to come over. "I hear you've become one hell of a witch."
Paige beamed at the compliment despite the tears in her eyes. "I guess I take after you," she giggled. Then she moved forward so Prue could hug her too. "I'm glad to have finally met you, Prue. I just wish I'd had the chance to know you while you were alive."
"Thank you, Paige, that really means a lot to me," said Prue. "Now, has Phoebe put on any make-up yet?"
"No, I was just up there," said Piper.
"Good, that way, after I see her, she'll only have one layer of make- up on her face instead of two," said Prue. "I'll be back in a few minutes." She made her way to the stairs.
Meanwhile, Darryl had arrived. "Well, I see that a typical Halliwell wedding hasn't changed much," he said, chuckling.
"Glad you could make it," said Michael, shaking his hand. Then, Patty came up to Michael.
"I'm glad to finally meet you," she said. "You've been so good to Phoebe, and I'm proud to have you as a son. Promise me you'll take care of her."
"I promise," Michael said, hugging his mother-in-law. Just then, more white orbs came down from the ceiling, and resolved themselves into.
"FATHER?!" Michael cried in joyous disbelief.
"Oh, son," said Thomas Smith. "You have no idea how proud you've made me. I'm just sorry I couldn't be there to see you grow into the man you are today. You have more courage and brilliance within you than I ever did. Never lose that."
"Thank you, Father," said Michael, embracing him. Just then, Michael sensed a flaming behind him. He turned around to see his mother materialize.
"Vera?" said Thomas.
"Hello, Thomas," said Veraline, moving toward him.
"You look beautiful," he said, smiling at his wife.
Veraline blushed and moved into her husband's embrace. She motioned for Michael to join them. "I'm so glad you could make it, Mom," he said.
"I wouldn't have missed this for the world," she said, smiling through her tears. The family she had loved so much was finally reunited after five long, painful years.
****
Phoebe sat in front of the vanity in her room, pleased with her appearance. All that was left was to apply some make-up, and then she would be perfect for Michael. However, as she went to put some on, she heard a knock at her door. "Come in," she said. Since she did not turn away from the mirror, she did not see Prue until she spoke.
"You look beautiful, Phoebe."
Phoebe froze in shock. 'No, it can't be...' she thought. Slowly, she turned her head, and saw Prue standing there, smiling at her. Phoebe put a hand to her chest. The expected tears began trickling down her face. She got up and rushed into the arms of her big sister.
"Hush, honey," said Prue as Phoebe sobbed.
"I'm just so happy that you came," said Phoebe, drying her face. "I mean, I didn't know you were coming."
"Well, believe me, it took quite a bit of bitching on my part to convince the Elders to let me come," said Prue, giggling. "But there was no way I was going to miss seeing you this time. And before you ask, my astral self will NOT be riding off on a motorcycle in the middle of your wedding."
"I love you so much, Prue," said Phoebe, hugging her big sister again. Just then, Victor came into the room.
"Hi, Dad," said Prue, giving her father a warm smile.
"Somehow I'd figured on seeing you here," said Victor, wrapping his oldest daughter in a strong hug. "As much as I'd like to let the two of you talk, we're getting ready to start now, Phoebe."
"Okay, give me five minutes, to get some make-up on," she said. "I've got to cover up these tear stains." She gave Prue a knowing smile.
****
Michael stood nervously in his tuxedo. He was more scared waiting in front of Grams than facing down Damien.
Prue came to talk with Michael. "You know, I really admire your courage. You were willing to sacrifice yourself for the greater good, and Phoebe trusted you to save her in the process. Anyone who is willing to do that deserves to be with her." She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "I hope that both of you have happy lives together."
"Thanks, Prue," said Michael, returning her smile. At this point, the grandfather clock struck two.
"Places, everyone," ordered Grams, taking her role as High Priestess. A button pressed itself on the CD player, and Canon in D started to play. On cue, Phoebe came down the stairs. As Michael saw her, his heart rose in his chest. Never had she looked as beautiful to him as she did now. Victor took her arm and led her down the aisle to Michael. They both turned toward Grams, and she said, "We are gathered here today to unite two souls as one. Do you, Michael Smith, and you, Phoebe Halliwell, join us here of your own free will to acknowledge the eternal bond shared by both of you?"
Michael, followed by Phoebe, said, "I do."
"Then face each other and join hands. Michael, you may recite your vows," said Grams, wiping a tear from her eye.
Michael and Phoebe turned to look at each other. A smile Michael had been suppressing came to his face, and Phoebe blushed. Michael spoke first. "Phoebe, I fell in love with you the moment I first met you. The sound of your voice, the smile on your face, even the light hitting your hair, all told me that I had found my soulmate. You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful person I've ever known. I promise you that I will never abandon you. I will always be there to take care of you. I will never stop loving you, and I am proud and honored to be your husband."
Tears of pure joy were streaming down Phoebe's face as she spoke. "Michael, in the short time in which I have known you, you have shown more bravery than most people show in ten lifetimes. But you were not brave out of pride. You were brave out of pure goodness of heart. You were prepared to sacrifice your own life to stop the greatest evil, and to save us all. For that, and for showing me more love than I have ever known, I love you and will always love you, my soulmate, and my friend."
There was not one dry eye among those gathered at the ceremony. Grams continued, "Here before witnesses, Michael and Phoebe have sworn their vows towards each other. With this cord, I bind them to those vows." The rope came to life and bound itself around their wrists. Michael and Phoebe said together:
"Heart to thee,
Body to thee,
Always and forever,
So mote it be."
"So mote it be," everyone else repeated.
As Phoebe and Michael kissed, white orbs fell from the ceiling and temporarily illuminated the room. The celebration commenced thereafter, and Michael and Phoebe both knew that for the first time in their lives, they had both found true happiness.
****
Two months passed.
Michael had officially moved into the Manor and Phoebe's room was now their room. Veraline had left the Underworld for good and moved into the family estate to be closer to her son. Piper had given birth to her son, Wyatt Matthew Halliwell, and she and Leo were already in the throes of parenthood.
On Michael's birthday, Phoebe decided to take him out to a romantic dinner at a restaurant within walking distance of the manor. It was a warm summer night and ideal for that kind of evening. After dinner they decided to take a stroll, taking advantage of those conditions.
"I don't think I'm ever as happy as with you," said Michael, nuzzling Phoebe's neck.
"Same here," she said, turning to kiss him. Then she said, "I've got a birthday present I want to give to you right now."
"And what might that be?" Michael asked curiously.
Phoebe took his hand and placed it on her belly. Instantly, Michael felt warmth enter his hand and tingle its way up his arm. His mouth dropped open in shock. "You're pregnant?" he stated.
Phoebe nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "I wanted to surprise you."
Michael scooped her up in his arms and swung her around, raining her with kisses. After placing her down on the ground, he said, "Thank you, Phoebe. For the first time in my life, I feel complete. Everything is perfect." He looked at her smiling face with all the love in his heart.
Suddenly, there was a loud bang.
It was the last sound Michael heard before everything went black.
****
Sensation flooded through Michael's body.
'Strange,' he thought. As his senses awakened, he realized he was lying down.
The last he remembered, he had been in the park with Phoebe on his birthday.
Smells became identifiable. The air smelled clean...too clean. 'It's sterile,' he thought. The only place he could think of that smelled like that was a hospital.
Why would he be at a hospital?
He suddenly became aware that there were voices in the room. After a minute, they became distinguishable enough to understand.
"How is he today?" said Piper.
"The doctor said there wasn't any change," said Leo. "Considering how long he's been out, why would there be?"
"We can't give up hope," said Piper firmly. "We have to stay strong for Phoebe."
'What happened to me?' Michael wondered. He very slowly opened his eyes. His vision cleared after a moment, and he saw that Piper and Leo were looking out the window. "Hey," he whispered at them.
Piper and Leo visibly jumped upon hearing his voice. "Oh my God," said Piper. "He's awake! Go call Phoebe, NOW!" she ordered. Leo ran off, and Piper came over and put her arms around Michael.
Michael winced. "Easy, Piper," he said, his voice returning to normal. "I think I'm a little sore from lying in this bed."
"Sorry, I couldn't help myself," she said, pulling away. "I'm just so glad you're all right."
Leo came back in. "Phoebe's on her way. She'll be here in about five minutes." He came to stand next to Piper. "How do you feel?"
"A little stiff, but otherwise I feel great," he said, stretching. "Now, would somebody mind telling me what happened?"
"You were shot in the park," said Piper. "Some nut job who was looking for a quick thrill decided to give you a 38 caliber bullet in your head for your birthday."
"Oh, man," said Michael, falling back against the pillows. It was then that he realized something was definitely wrong. "Why aren't there any bandages?" he asked.
Piper shifted uncomfortably before she answered. "You were in a coma. The doctors didn't think you'd ever come out of it."
Michael shuddered. "How long was I out?"
Again Piper shifted uncomfortably and looked to Leo. He nodded, and she turned to face Michael again.
"You've been here for two years," she said slowly.
"Jesus," breathed Michael. Two years of his life were gone. Phoebe must have gone out of her mind. Suddenly, he remembered something else which made him sit up straight. "What about my..."
At that moment, Phoebe entered the room wheeling a stroller. A happy little boy sat in it, humming to himself. Phoebe brought the stroller to a stop next to Piper and Leo. She then rushed over and threw her arms around Michael. "I knew you'd come back to me, I just knew it," she said, sobbing in his arms.
"It's ok, baby," said Michael, rubbing her back. "I'm here now." Phoebe pulled back slightly and kissed him passionately. Michael could feel the pain of separation in the strength of her kiss.
Phoebe moved out of his embrace completely and said, "There's somebody here that I know has been looking forward to meeting you." She reached into the stroller and lifted the little boy into Michael's arms.
"Our son?" Michael questioned. Phoebe nodded. "What did you name him?"
"Thomas Victor, after our fathers," said Phoebe, smiling.
"He's beautiful," said Michael. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he kissed his son's head. "Hi, Tom, do you know who I am?"
Tom looked at his father and pointed. "Dada!"
"What - he just said - that is so cool!" exclaimed Phoebe.
"I can't believe it," said Michael, shaking his head. Just then, another voice interrupted his thoughts, a voice that would haunt him for many years to come.
"Phoebe, are you in here, honey?"
TO BE CONTINUED...