Lost Soul
Part One
By: Silverstar
Hello again! *Waves* Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you for your extremely kind and uplifting reviews for Guardian from Above. That especially goes out to Cooldude: Here is your sequel! ^__^ Thanks to all of you who have been reading from the beginning as well. You guys know who you are. Anyway, after the enormous response I got demanding that I write a sequel, I decided to go for it. I hope everyone enjoys Lost Soul as much as they enjoyed Guardian from Above. For those of you who haven't read my other fic, I'd have to tell you to go read it! It's my duty as the writer. In reality, I think you'd be able to read this without reading the first one, but you might be a little confused. So, without further ado, here it is! ^___^ *cheers*
Disclaimer: I do not own Charmed or any of the characters.
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*(PAIGE)*
Something was happening...what was going on...? I looked around me, but everything was in a haze, unclear and imprecise. Shaking my head a little to clear my mind, I started to feel around with my hands. The walls were hard and cold...*shiver* Suddenly, the haziness started to recede and I blinked. I stared openmouthed and in shock at my surroundings. I was...in the cave...the dark underground prison that had held me for I don't know how long...I stared with wide eyes around the room from hell, backing myself into a corner.
"No, not again...not again," I whispered, my voice quivering with fear. In a flash a demon stood before me...It was a...a...Yellonius. The same one who had put me through endless torture only one month ago. I slowly sank to my knees, my whole body was shaking with fear. He had the same yellow eyes, the same pale skin, and the same sinister grin. It was going to happen again...He was going to chain me to the...I pulled my arms from the ground in an attempt to get up and run, but the shackles were already around my wrists. "No!" I screamed out with fury as tears came to my eyes, but I was trapped and the monster kept coming towards me...never stopping...He was right next to me, his hand on my throat -
*****
"No!" My eyes popped open and I jolted up, breathing hard. It was dark and quiet...I looked around, confused, and then saw my alarm clock: 3:00am. The familiar surroundings of my room soon seeped into my mind, and I realized that I was in bed...It had only been a dream...a dream... My hands were shaking so hard, and try as I might, I couldn't make them stop. I could feel the cold sweat that I was drenched in, and the memories of that horrible experience came flooding back. Shoving them away, I slowly got up and stripped my bed. The sheets were soaked. Still shaking, I pulled off my pajamas and grabbed my robe. There was no way I'd be sleeping any more tonight. As I put on my robe, grabbed a towel, and headed for the bathroom, I realized fully that it had been a whole month since my experience with the Yellonius and with Prue. I hadn't heard from her since, and I'd been having these dreams ever since she left. I let a burst of cold water wash over me, drowning out the terrifying dream. When I was fully awake, I turned the knob. In seconds hot and steaming water was flowing over my body.
Since the attack, Piper, Phoebe, and Leo hadn't let me out of their sight. Cole and Leo have even been offering to drive with me to work daily, and I have been accepting, only because I know it makes Piper and Phoebe feel better. My sisters are worried, but I think that overall they are just glad to have me home and they don't want me disappearing on them again. I'm grateful for their love and attention, but the only time I have for myself is when I'm in my room alone. This usually consists of the time when I'm sleeping. At work I've been catching up from when I was gone, and usually Piper or Phoebe come have lunch with me everyday. No one knows about the dreams...I don't want to bother my family...They've been doing so much to get me to forget what happened...
Sighing to myself, I turned off the shower and dried off. After pulling my hair back and putting my robe back on, I quietly opened the door and went downstairs. I needed some tea...herbal tea cures everything...at least, I like to think it does. As I heated the water and got out a tea bag, I looked around the kitchen. The familiar area where I've been practicing potions gave me a sense of peace. I let this feeling wash over me as I finished making my tea and took a sip.
"Mmmmnnnn," I sighed, letting the hot liquid run down my throat and into my stomach. Wrapping my robe tighter around me, I went into the family room and made myself comfy on the couch. After a lot of breathing and four teacups later, I finally relaxed and my hands stopped shaking. Smiling, I cleaned up the mess I made in the kitchen, and walked up to my room with a mug of coffee. It was 5:00 and my sisters would be getting up soon. I didn't want them knowing that I had been up since three...I didn't want them finding out that this happened at least twice a week. The only evidence I left that I was up was the rest of the coffee sitting in the pot. After taking a gulp to wake me up further, I left the hallway and entered my room, locking the door behind me. My eyes wandered the room and rested on the damp sheets. That was the fourth pair this month to get so wet with sweat that I had to pull them off the bed. Shaking my head, I brought my mind back to the present and grabbed the sheets. After throwing them in the dirty hamper, I made my bed with clean sheets and got dressed. After I heard Piper leave the bathroom and enter her room, I slipped in and brushed my teeth. I then styled my already dry hair and by 7:30 I was downstairs with another mug full of coffee. Two minutes later Piper entered the kitchen fully dressed and ready for a day at P3. She came down this time every morning after her shower to make breakfast, and recently she had been teaching me to cook as well.
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*(PIPER)*
Mmmnnnn....The smell of coffee always wakes me up in the morning...Rolling over, I reached an arm over to my husband only to find that he wasn't there.
"Damn," I muttered as I opened my eyes and sat up. Leo must've left in the middle of the night again...stupid Elders...*sigh* Wait...if there was coffee brewing...Getting up, I grabbed my robe and headed for the shower. Paige had to be up, and I wanted to get downstairs so she didn't have to sit alone. Ever since she was captured a month ago she had been getting up earlier and earlier. In response, I've been going downstairs early too and teaching her how to cook different breakfast foods. Usually I had Leo wake me up early, but for some reason he hadn't been there half the night...*sigh* I quickly took my shower and retreated to my room to get dressed and blow dry my hair.
"Good morning," I looked over at Phoebe's doorway as I left my room and saw her standing there.
"Oh, good morning Phoebe," I replied, suppressing a yawn behind my hand.
"Tired are we?" she asked with a hint of playfulness.
"Well, let's just say I'm not in a cheerful morning mood," I replied. "Leo was gone when I woke up." I smiled when Phoebe gave me a sympathizing look, but shook my head when she opened her mouth to speak. "Don't bother Phoebe," I said. "You don't have to lie to make me feel better. I know Cole didn't leave you last night."
"And how do you know that?" she asked with a hint of a smile.
"Because you've been in a good mood since I saw you and you can't even suppress your smile. See? You're smiling now." She laughed as I poked her in the stomach and then retreated downstairs towards the coffee. Phoebe would be down in about an hour, fully dressed and ready for work. Cole would follow twenty minutes later.
As I rounded the bend in the stairs and walked into the kitchen my smile dropped a little. Paige was sitting at the kitchen table with a huge mug of coffee starring off into space. My heart ached for her...She had been drinking so much coffee lately that I'm sure she'd have withdraw if she stopped. Putting on a bright face, I walked up to my sister. I was determined to make her feel better. No matter what.
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*(PHOEBE)*
Poor Piper...I stopped laughing as I saw her head downstairs and towards Paige. She wasn't the only one worried about our sister. I felt bad...Piper had been getting up early to be with Paige...while I was staying up late with Cole...Still, a smile came to my face as I thought of him and I turned around to peek through my bedroom door. There he lay on my bed...so cute with his ruffled hair and innocent look...*sigh* Closing the door softly, I headed for the shower. I should get downstairs and be with my sisters. They needed me.
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*(PAIGE)*
"Good morning!" Piper said enthusiastically as she approached me. I snapped myself out of my thought track and focused on my sister, on the present.
"Good morning," I replied, getting up to greet my sister. "Do you want any help this morning?"
"Sure," Piper said, pride emanating throughout her voice. Ever since she began teaching me she's taken on the role of a parent, glowing as if her child has just gotten top scores in the school spelling bee. Still, cooking allowed me to get out of my head, and focus on something outside of myself. Smiling back at Piper, I grabbed my coffee and joined her behind the stove to make eggs. As I carefully cracked an egg open over the pan, a deja vu came swimming over my body. Quickly placing the eggshell down, I slowly backed away from the stove and leaned on the counter behind me. In my mind, I saw the Yellonius...the sound of cracking bones...
"Paige?...Paige? Are you okay? Paige!" I jolted up and saw Piper right in front of me. Her hands were on my shoulders and she was looking straight into my eyes. As I starred into her eyes I was brought back to reality and became grounded where I was, at home with my sister. Shaking my head, I put on a smile for Piper and held back my tears.
"Sorry...I was just thinking," I mumbled, and then went back to making the eggs, brushing Piper aside. If she made me talk...I know I'd break down...and I didn't want to break down in front of my sisters. They didn't need to deal with that.
When I finished making the eggs and finally looked up at Piper. She was putting rolls on the table and she seemed to be deep in thought.
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*(PIPER)*
Paige...She had looked devastated just then...like a memory had overtaken her...I could hear the pain in her voice, feel the shakiness of her body, see that look in her eyes...she was worrying me...scaring me to death, because she was going through something and I had no idea what was in her head.
"Wah!..." I jumped in surprise as a pair or arms wrapped around my neck and I felt Paige lean her head on my shoulders.
"I don't mean to worry you," she said softly, and I brought my hands up and placed them on her arms. A few moments later she let go and when I turned around she was back at work making the eggs. As I finished setting the table and poured myself a mug of coffee I sent up a silent prayer. Please...Powers that do exist...help my sister. She struggles so.
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*(COLE)*
I slowly opened my eyes to find that Phoebe was no longer at my side...I could feel her though...She was in the bathroom and she was troubled. Ever since last month she had been troubled. I tried to help her escape from the worries and pain for as long as I could...I know she appreciated it...but every morning we both came back to reality and it hit us hard. Every day was a struggle...I wanted life back to normal, if you could call our life normal...This morning something dawned on me. Our life would never be normal...and it would be a long while before we were all content and happy. Last month still loomed over us all...Prue still loomed over us all. Yes...I knew Phoebe thought of her often. Each Halliwell sister got the same far-off look in her eyes whenever they thought of their long gone sister...the woman who had returned only to leave again.
"Cole?" I looked up to see Phoebe standing in the doorway fully dressed and looking at me with a grin. At least I could always make her smile.
"You get more beautiful every day," I whispered as I sat up and she came over to sit on the bed, blushing the whole way.
"Thanks...but, why are you still in bed? Did I tire you out last night?" she asked mischievously. I laughed out loud as I grabbed her and pulled her into a hug.
"That's my Phoebe...always thinking dirty thoughts," I whispered and she chuckled at the joke. "Actually," I said as we pulled out of our hug, "I was just thinking." I saw her smile falter and I looked at my love with concern. "Phoebe...when we're together I know everything just seems...right. Everything else stops and there's just us...but, life...it hasn't been the same since..." Phoebe quickly and silently placed two of her fingers on my lips, silencing me.
"I know Cole...You don't have to say it. I've been thinking it too. Last month still haunts us all. I just...I...I don't know what's happened to our family. One incident like that and...You'd think it would bring us closer together." She shook her head and I smiled down at her.
"It will take a long time," I said and she looked up into my eyes. "Nothing will be the same for a long time...But when that moment comes, we will all be happy and content. We will all live in peace and look at last month at a new perspective...the past." I smiled as Phoebe leaned in and our lips met. Not one of our usual passionate can't-let-go-or-it'll-be-hell kisses, but a comforting soul searching kiss, bringing the lights in both of our hearts closer together. When we parted Phoebe leaned into me and I wrapped my arms around her. "When that time comes," I continued, "we'll take advantage of every moment. I'm willing to work towards that time...aren't you?" I looked down at Phoebe and saw hope gleaming out of her eyes. I hadn't seen that in a while. A minute later she got up and looked at me.
"I can't believe we just had that serious discussion and you're still in the nude!" she blurted out. I looked down at myself, and she was right. Here I was sitting on the bed, wrapped in a sheet, and we had just had one of the most serious conversations since we had gotten together. I smiled at my girlfriend and just shook my head.
"Go downstairs you perceptive little witch and I'll be down in twenty," I laughed as she walked over to the door.
"Promise to be down soon?" she asked. "I want you to drive with me to work." I nodded helplessly, knowing I was going to get pulled into one of her tricks and she gave me a brilliant smile. Yep, that smile was worth it.
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*(PIPER)*
My heart started to pound and I got that funny feeling that Leo was near by. A moment later I heard the angelic music and his pure white and blue lights appeared behind me. Yep...he was smart. He knew I was mad at him...BUT his strategy of orbing-in behind me was _not_ going to work.
"Leo..." I said slowly as I turned to face him, trying to keep my cool.
"Hi honey," he said sweetly as he smiled innocently at me. I just gave him a long stare and he sighed.
"Hi honey to you too," I replied, trying to keep my voice from growing loud. "So honey, where were you this morning...or maybe I should say last night, since I have no idea when you even left!" My voice had grown from soft and steady to loud and bold.
"Piper...I'm sorry, but I had to go. You know-" I turned around and went over to the sink, banging the pots loudly as I pretended to clean up. We had talked about this before...he knew why I was mad...or at least he should know. "Piper..." He had come up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. His warmth...I turned around, ready to give in, but I stopped myself. I had to stay strong.
"Leo..." My voice faltered and I could feel the tears, but I pushed them back.
"I know," he replied, and I looked up at him. In a moment he had orbed us into our bedroom for some privacy. When the tingling sensation stopped flowing through my body I found myself standing in my room...in the arms of my husband.
"Oh Leo," I whispered, and I laid my head on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered back. "I know we talked about this. I should have woken you up or left you a note about when I'd probably be back...but there was no time. One of my other charges needed me and then the Elders called...there was just no time." I sighed, taking in my husband's scent.
"I just worry about you," I replied. "What if you went off like that and I never saw you again? All of us are going through such a hard time right now...I don't know if I could stand loosing you." I felt one of my tears fall as I said this and I shook my head. I had to stay strong.
"Piper...its okay...I love it when you share your feelings with me. You're always stuck on being the strong sister of the family...but you know you can tell me what you truly feel. I'm here for you to lean on me...just like I know you're always here for me to lean on you." I looked up at my husband and gave him a smile.
"When do you ever lean on me?" I asked. "You always seem to be pretty strong. " He smiled and started to stroke my hair with his fingers.
"I lean on you every day," he replied, and I saw truth, beauty...and love in his eyes...in his soul. "My life is so hectic...whenever I need to get away from anything I come here...your presence gives me peace...hope...just looking at you helps me to be stronger." I starred up at my husband and smiled.
"Promise not to do it again?" I said in a half-whimpering half-demanding voice.
"I promise," he whispered, and as he leaned down I reached up for a kiss.
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*(PAIGE)*
I smiled to myself as Leo and Piper orbed out of the kitchen. They fought like this every time Leo orbed out un-expectantly in the middle of the night...but they always made up in a matter of minutes. Shaking my head, I shoved my eggs in the trashcan and cleaned my plate. I just wasn't hungry...I hadn't been for a while now. But it was best not to mention it. I wouldn't want my sisters to worry. After making sure the stove was off and the food on the table for Phoebe, Cole, and Leo, I grabbed some coffee for my thermos and headed for the coat rack.
"Hey." As I pulled my coat on I turned around to see Phoebe standing there with a smile. "Be careful," she said after some hesitation, and I nodded and gave her a smile. It looked like I was going to work by myself today...some privacy! I do have to say that Prue was right...my sisters didn't let me out of their sights for a whole month.
"Don't worry," I said softly, putting my hand on Phoebe's shoulder. "I'll be fine. You sisters of mine worry all the time. You don't have to." Phoebe smiled back at me and then gave me a hug.
"I'll see you later tonight," she said, and with that I nodded and headed out the door as she headed for her breakfast.
As I drove to work I could feel the anxiety slowly surface...one month ago...one month ago...the parking lot...*shudder* As I pulled into the lot I chose a place as far away from my usual spot as possible, just like I had done every day since I had come back to work. Taking a deep breath, I turned off the car and headed into work. That's just what I needed to keep my mind off...other things.
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*(PHOEBE)*
Ummmm, these eggs are fantastic...Paige has been doing a good job in the kitchen. I wonder if...*sigh* As I ate my eggs I heard a noise behind me. I looked back to see Piper and Leo, who had orbed down from their room.
"Hey," I said as I poured myself some coffee.
"Hey Phoebe...what's wrong?" Piper asked as she started to make a plate for Leo. "Is the food bad?" I smiled and shook my head, laughing at her remark. The food was never bad in this house...unless I made it.
"No...I was just thinking about Paige. She was hurrying out of here so fast that I just let her go to work by herself this morning...I shouldn't have let her..." I looked up when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Leo.
"Phoebe, you shouldn't worry so much. I think you did the right thing."
"W-what?" I asked and Piper came over to stand next to me.
"All of us mean well, but I think we've been smothering Paige too much. She hardly has any time to herself, and I think she needs it if she wants to think things through and move on from last month." I smiled up at my brother-in-law and then got up to hug him. Piper joined in after a few seconds.
"I needed to hear that," she whispered and Leo kissed the top of both of our heads.
"Now, let me try this breakfast," Leo pouted and we laughed as Piper handed him a plate and I filled a thermos with coffee.
"Now where is that boyfriend of mine?" I said to myself just as I felt a breeze behind me and Cole's arms wrapped around my waist. He had orbed in just as I had thought of him.
"You called?" he asked and I laughed as I turned around to face him.
"You devilish little thing," I joked as I wisped out of his grasp and piled some food on a plate. "Hurry and eat up, we have to go."
"Yes mam'," he replied and sat down to eat. I smiled at his antics and then turned to Piper.
"Do you have the list?" I asked and she nodded.
"All the stuff I'll need is on there. Just be sure to bring it home at lunch so I'll have it when I get here."
"Right. Are you done Cole?"
"Yumphs."
"Okay, we're out of here. Bye Piper, Leo."
"Bye," I heard Piper call out as I grabbed a thermos of coffee for my boyfriend and dragged him out the door.
Part One
By: Silverstar
Hello again! *Waves* Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you for your extremely kind and uplifting reviews for Guardian from Above. That especially goes out to Cooldude: Here is your sequel! ^__^ Thanks to all of you who have been reading from the beginning as well. You guys know who you are. Anyway, after the enormous response I got demanding that I write a sequel, I decided to go for it. I hope everyone enjoys Lost Soul as much as they enjoyed Guardian from Above. For those of you who haven't read my other fic, I'd have to tell you to go read it! It's my duty as the writer. In reality, I think you'd be able to read this without reading the first one, but you might be a little confused. So, without further ado, here it is! ^___^ *cheers*
Disclaimer: I do not own Charmed or any of the characters.
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*(PAIGE)*
Something was happening...what was going on...? I looked around me, but everything was in a haze, unclear and imprecise. Shaking my head a little to clear my mind, I started to feel around with my hands. The walls were hard and cold...*shiver* Suddenly, the haziness started to recede and I blinked. I stared openmouthed and in shock at my surroundings. I was...in the cave...the dark underground prison that had held me for I don't know how long...I stared with wide eyes around the room from hell, backing myself into a corner.
"No, not again...not again," I whispered, my voice quivering with fear. In a flash a demon stood before me...It was a...a...Yellonius. The same one who had put me through endless torture only one month ago. I slowly sank to my knees, my whole body was shaking with fear. He had the same yellow eyes, the same pale skin, and the same sinister grin. It was going to happen again...He was going to chain me to the...I pulled my arms from the ground in an attempt to get up and run, but the shackles were already around my wrists. "No!" I screamed out with fury as tears came to my eyes, but I was trapped and the monster kept coming towards me...never stopping...He was right next to me, his hand on my throat -
*****
"No!" My eyes popped open and I jolted up, breathing hard. It was dark and quiet...I looked around, confused, and then saw my alarm clock: 3:00am. The familiar surroundings of my room soon seeped into my mind, and I realized that I was in bed...It had only been a dream...a dream... My hands were shaking so hard, and try as I might, I couldn't make them stop. I could feel the cold sweat that I was drenched in, and the memories of that horrible experience came flooding back. Shoving them away, I slowly got up and stripped my bed. The sheets were soaked. Still shaking, I pulled off my pajamas and grabbed my robe. There was no way I'd be sleeping any more tonight. As I put on my robe, grabbed a towel, and headed for the bathroom, I realized fully that it had been a whole month since my experience with the Yellonius and with Prue. I hadn't heard from her since, and I'd been having these dreams ever since she left. I let a burst of cold water wash over me, drowning out the terrifying dream. When I was fully awake, I turned the knob. In seconds hot and steaming water was flowing over my body.
Since the attack, Piper, Phoebe, and Leo hadn't let me out of their sight. Cole and Leo have even been offering to drive with me to work daily, and I have been accepting, only because I know it makes Piper and Phoebe feel better. My sisters are worried, but I think that overall they are just glad to have me home and they don't want me disappearing on them again. I'm grateful for their love and attention, but the only time I have for myself is when I'm in my room alone. This usually consists of the time when I'm sleeping. At work I've been catching up from when I was gone, and usually Piper or Phoebe come have lunch with me everyday. No one knows about the dreams...I don't want to bother my family...They've been doing so much to get me to forget what happened...
Sighing to myself, I turned off the shower and dried off. After pulling my hair back and putting my robe back on, I quietly opened the door and went downstairs. I needed some tea...herbal tea cures everything...at least, I like to think it does. As I heated the water and got out a tea bag, I looked around the kitchen. The familiar area where I've been practicing potions gave me a sense of peace. I let this feeling wash over me as I finished making my tea and took a sip.
"Mmmmnnnn," I sighed, letting the hot liquid run down my throat and into my stomach. Wrapping my robe tighter around me, I went into the family room and made myself comfy on the couch. After a lot of breathing and four teacups later, I finally relaxed and my hands stopped shaking. Smiling, I cleaned up the mess I made in the kitchen, and walked up to my room with a mug of coffee. It was 5:00 and my sisters would be getting up soon. I didn't want them knowing that I had been up since three...I didn't want them finding out that this happened at least twice a week. The only evidence I left that I was up was the rest of the coffee sitting in the pot. After taking a gulp to wake me up further, I left the hallway and entered my room, locking the door behind me. My eyes wandered the room and rested on the damp sheets. That was the fourth pair this month to get so wet with sweat that I had to pull them off the bed. Shaking my head, I brought my mind back to the present and grabbed the sheets. After throwing them in the dirty hamper, I made my bed with clean sheets and got dressed. After I heard Piper leave the bathroom and enter her room, I slipped in and brushed my teeth. I then styled my already dry hair and by 7:30 I was downstairs with another mug full of coffee. Two minutes later Piper entered the kitchen fully dressed and ready for a day at P3. She came down this time every morning after her shower to make breakfast, and recently she had been teaching me to cook as well.
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*(PIPER)*
Mmmnnnn....The smell of coffee always wakes me up in the morning...Rolling over, I reached an arm over to my husband only to find that he wasn't there.
"Damn," I muttered as I opened my eyes and sat up. Leo must've left in the middle of the night again...stupid Elders...*sigh* Wait...if there was coffee brewing...Getting up, I grabbed my robe and headed for the shower. Paige had to be up, and I wanted to get downstairs so she didn't have to sit alone. Ever since she was captured a month ago she had been getting up earlier and earlier. In response, I've been going downstairs early too and teaching her how to cook different breakfast foods. Usually I had Leo wake me up early, but for some reason he hadn't been there half the night...*sigh* I quickly took my shower and retreated to my room to get dressed and blow dry my hair.
"Good morning," I looked over at Phoebe's doorway as I left my room and saw her standing there.
"Oh, good morning Phoebe," I replied, suppressing a yawn behind my hand.
"Tired are we?" she asked with a hint of playfulness.
"Well, let's just say I'm not in a cheerful morning mood," I replied. "Leo was gone when I woke up." I smiled when Phoebe gave me a sympathizing look, but shook my head when she opened her mouth to speak. "Don't bother Phoebe," I said. "You don't have to lie to make me feel better. I know Cole didn't leave you last night."
"And how do you know that?" she asked with a hint of a smile.
"Because you've been in a good mood since I saw you and you can't even suppress your smile. See? You're smiling now." She laughed as I poked her in the stomach and then retreated downstairs towards the coffee. Phoebe would be down in about an hour, fully dressed and ready for work. Cole would follow twenty minutes later.
As I rounded the bend in the stairs and walked into the kitchen my smile dropped a little. Paige was sitting at the kitchen table with a huge mug of coffee starring off into space. My heart ached for her...She had been drinking so much coffee lately that I'm sure she'd have withdraw if she stopped. Putting on a bright face, I walked up to my sister. I was determined to make her feel better. No matter what.
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*(PHOEBE)*
Poor Piper...I stopped laughing as I saw her head downstairs and towards Paige. She wasn't the only one worried about our sister. I felt bad...Piper had been getting up early to be with Paige...while I was staying up late with Cole...Still, a smile came to my face as I thought of him and I turned around to peek through my bedroom door. There he lay on my bed...so cute with his ruffled hair and innocent look...*sigh* Closing the door softly, I headed for the shower. I should get downstairs and be with my sisters. They needed me.
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*(PAIGE)*
"Good morning!" Piper said enthusiastically as she approached me. I snapped myself out of my thought track and focused on my sister, on the present.
"Good morning," I replied, getting up to greet my sister. "Do you want any help this morning?"
"Sure," Piper said, pride emanating throughout her voice. Ever since she began teaching me she's taken on the role of a parent, glowing as if her child has just gotten top scores in the school spelling bee. Still, cooking allowed me to get out of my head, and focus on something outside of myself. Smiling back at Piper, I grabbed my coffee and joined her behind the stove to make eggs. As I carefully cracked an egg open over the pan, a deja vu came swimming over my body. Quickly placing the eggshell down, I slowly backed away from the stove and leaned on the counter behind me. In my mind, I saw the Yellonius...the sound of cracking bones...
"Paige?...Paige? Are you okay? Paige!" I jolted up and saw Piper right in front of me. Her hands were on my shoulders and she was looking straight into my eyes. As I starred into her eyes I was brought back to reality and became grounded where I was, at home with my sister. Shaking my head, I put on a smile for Piper and held back my tears.
"Sorry...I was just thinking," I mumbled, and then went back to making the eggs, brushing Piper aside. If she made me talk...I know I'd break down...and I didn't want to break down in front of my sisters. They didn't need to deal with that.
When I finished making the eggs and finally looked up at Piper. She was putting rolls on the table and she seemed to be deep in thought.
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*(PIPER)*
Paige...She had looked devastated just then...like a memory had overtaken her...I could hear the pain in her voice, feel the shakiness of her body, see that look in her eyes...she was worrying me...scaring me to death, because she was going through something and I had no idea what was in her head.
"Wah!..." I jumped in surprise as a pair or arms wrapped around my neck and I felt Paige lean her head on my shoulders.
"I don't mean to worry you," she said softly, and I brought my hands up and placed them on her arms. A few moments later she let go and when I turned around she was back at work making the eggs. As I finished setting the table and poured myself a mug of coffee I sent up a silent prayer. Please...Powers that do exist...help my sister. She struggles so.
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*(COLE)*
I slowly opened my eyes to find that Phoebe was no longer at my side...I could feel her though...She was in the bathroom and she was troubled. Ever since last month she had been troubled. I tried to help her escape from the worries and pain for as long as I could...I know she appreciated it...but every morning we both came back to reality and it hit us hard. Every day was a struggle...I wanted life back to normal, if you could call our life normal...This morning something dawned on me. Our life would never be normal...and it would be a long while before we were all content and happy. Last month still loomed over us all...Prue still loomed over us all. Yes...I knew Phoebe thought of her often. Each Halliwell sister got the same far-off look in her eyes whenever they thought of their long gone sister...the woman who had returned only to leave again.
"Cole?" I looked up to see Phoebe standing in the doorway fully dressed and looking at me with a grin. At least I could always make her smile.
"You get more beautiful every day," I whispered as I sat up and she came over to sit on the bed, blushing the whole way.
"Thanks...but, why are you still in bed? Did I tire you out last night?" she asked mischievously. I laughed out loud as I grabbed her and pulled her into a hug.
"That's my Phoebe...always thinking dirty thoughts," I whispered and she chuckled at the joke. "Actually," I said as we pulled out of our hug, "I was just thinking." I saw her smile falter and I looked at my love with concern. "Phoebe...when we're together I know everything just seems...right. Everything else stops and there's just us...but, life...it hasn't been the same since..." Phoebe quickly and silently placed two of her fingers on my lips, silencing me.
"I know Cole...You don't have to say it. I've been thinking it too. Last month still haunts us all. I just...I...I don't know what's happened to our family. One incident like that and...You'd think it would bring us closer together." She shook her head and I smiled down at her.
"It will take a long time," I said and she looked up into my eyes. "Nothing will be the same for a long time...But when that moment comes, we will all be happy and content. We will all live in peace and look at last month at a new perspective...the past." I smiled as Phoebe leaned in and our lips met. Not one of our usual passionate can't-let-go-or-it'll-be-hell kisses, but a comforting soul searching kiss, bringing the lights in both of our hearts closer together. When we parted Phoebe leaned into me and I wrapped my arms around her. "When that time comes," I continued, "we'll take advantage of every moment. I'm willing to work towards that time...aren't you?" I looked down at Phoebe and saw hope gleaming out of her eyes. I hadn't seen that in a while. A minute later she got up and looked at me.
"I can't believe we just had that serious discussion and you're still in the nude!" she blurted out. I looked down at myself, and she was right. Here I was sitting on the bed, wrapped in a sheet, and we had just had one of the most serious conversations since we had gotten together. I smiled at my girlfriend and just shook my head.
"Go downstairs you perceptive little witch and I'll be down in twenty," I laughed as she walked over to the door.
"Promise to be down soon?" she asked. "I want you to drive with me to work." I nodded helplessly, knowing I was going to get pulled into one of her tricks and she gave me a brilliant smile. Yep, that smile was worth it.
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*(PIPER)*
My heart started to pound and I got that funny feeling that Leo was near by. A moment later I heard the angelic music and his pure white and blue lights appeared behind me. Yep...he was smart. He knew I was mad at him...BUT his strategy of orbing-in behind me was _not_ going to work.
"Leo..." I said slowly as I turned to face him, trying to keep my cool.
"Hi honey," he said sweetly as he smiled innocently at me. I just gave him a long stare and he sighed.
"Hi honey to you too," I replied, trying to keep my voice from growing loud. "So honey, where were you this morning...or maybe I should say last night, since I have no idea when you even left!" My voice had grown from soft and steady to loud and bold.
"Piper...I'm sorry, but I had to go. You know-" I turned around and went over to the sink, banging the pots loudly as I pretended to clean up. We had talked about this before...he knew why I was mad...or at least he should know. "Piper..." He had come up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. His warmth...I turned around, ready to give in, but I stopped myself. I had to stay strong.
"Leo..." My voice faltered and I could feel the tears, but I pushed them back.
"I know," he replied, and I looked up at him. In a moment he had orbed us into our bedroom for some privacy. When the tingling sensation stopped flowing through my body I found myself standing in my room...in the arms of my husband.
"Oh Leo," I whispered, and I laid my head on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered back. "I know we talked about this. I should have woken you up or left you a note about when I'd probably be back...but there was no time. One of my other charges needed me and then the Elders called...there was just no time." I sighed, taking in my husband's scent.
"I just worry about you," I replied. "What if you went off like that and I never saw you again? All of us are going through such a hard time right now...I don't know if I could stand loosing you." I felt one of my tears fall as I said this and I shook my head. I had to stay strong.
"Piper...its okay...I love it when you share your feelings with me. You're always stuck on being the strong sister of the family...but you know you can tell me what you truly feel. I'm here for you to lean on me...just like I know you're always here for me to lean on you." I looked up at my husband and gave him a smile.
"When do you ever lean on me?" I asked. "You always seem to be pretty strong. " He smiled and started to stroke my hair with his fingers.
"I lean on you every day," he replied, and I saw truth, beauty...and love in his eyes...in his soul. "My life is so hectic...whenever I need to get away from anything I come here...your presence gives me peace...hope...just looking at you helps me to be stronger." I starred up at my husband and smiled.
"Promise not to do it again?" I said in a half-whimpering half-demanding voice.
"I promise," he whispered, and as he leaned down I reached up for a kiss.
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*(PAIGE)*
I smiled to myself as Leo and Piper orbed out of the kitchen. They fought like this every time Leo orbed out un-expectantly in the middle of the night...but they always made up in a matter of minutes. Shaking my head, I shoved my eggs in the trashcan and cleaned my plate. I just wasn't hungry...I hadn't been for a while now. But it was best not to mention it. I wouldn't want my sisters to worry. After making sure the stove was off and the food on the table for Phoebe, Cole, and Leo, I grabbed some coffee for my thermos and headed for the coat rack.
"Hey." As I pulled my coat on I turned around to see Phoebe standing there with a smile. "Be careful," she said after some hesitation, and I nodded and gave her a smile. It looked like I was going to work by myself today...some privacy! I do have to say that Prue was right...my sisters didn't let me out of their sights for a whole month.
"Don't worry," I said softly, putting my hand on Phoebe's shoulder. "I'll be fine. You sisters of mine worry all the time. You don't have to." Phoebe smiled back at me and then gave me a hug.
"I'll see you later tonight," she said, and with that I nodded and headed out the door as she headed for her breakfast.
As I drove to work I could feel the anxiety slowly surface...one month ago...one month ago...the parking lot...*shudder* As I pulled into the lot I chose a place as far away from my usual spot as possible, just like I had done every day since I had come back to work. Taking a deep breath, I turned off the car and headed into work. That's just what I needed to keep my mind off...other things.
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*(PHOEBE)*
Ummmm, these eggs are fantastic...Paige has been doing a good job in the kitchen. I wonder if...*sigh* As I ate my eggs I heard a noise behind me. I looked back to see Piper and Leo, who had orbed down from their room.
"Hey," I said as I poured myself some coffee.
"Hey Phoebe...what's wrong?" Piper asked as she started to make a plate for Leo. "Is the food bad?" I smiled and shook my head, laughing at her remark. The food was never bad in this house...unless I made it.
"No...I was just thinking about Paige. She was hurrying out of here so fast that I just let her go to work by herself this morning...I shouldn't have let her..." I looked up when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Leo.
"Phoebe, you shouldn't worry so much. I think you did the right thing."
"W-what?" I asked and Piper came over to stand next to me.
"All of us mean well, but I think we've been smothering Paige too much. She hardly has any time to herself, and I think she needs it if she wants to think things through and move on from last month." I smiled up at my brother-in-law and then got up to hug him. Piper joined in after a few seconds.
"I needed to hear that," she whispered and Leo kissed the top of both of our heads.
"Now, let me try this breakfast," Leo pouted and we laughed as Piper handed him a plate and I filled a thermos with coffee.
"Now where is that boyfriend of mine?" I said to myself just as I felt a breeze behind me and Cole's arms wrapped around my waist. He had orbed in just as I had thought of him.
"You called?" he asked and I laughed as I turned around to face him.
"You devilish little thing," I joked as I wisped out of his grasp and piled some food on a plate. "Hurry and eat up, we have to go."
"Yes mam'," he replied and sat down to eat. I smiled at his antics and then turned to Piper.
"Do you have the list?" I asked and she nodded.
"All the stuff I'll need is on there. Just be sure to bring it home at lunch so I'll have it when I get here."
"Right. Are you done Cole?"
"Yumphs."
"Okay, we're out of here. Bye Piper, Leo."
"Bye," I heard Piper call out as I grabbed a thermos of coffee for my boyfriend and dragged him out the door.