Lost Soul
Part 2
By: Silverstar
Hi! I hope you all enjoyed the first part to this sequel and that you'll enjoy this part as well. I'm just letting everyone know that these 1st few chapters are just setting the mood to how everyone is feeling and what's going on in the sisters' lives. There probably won't be any real action for a little bit. And please do forgive the lateness. I just had exams and I have been studying 24/7! *sigh* I'm so glad that they're over. Anyway, here's the 2nd chapter! ^__^
Disclaimer: I do not own Charmed or any of the characters. Don't sue please...^^'
ERROR!!: Sorry, but in the last chapter I implied that Cole and Phoebe were married by using the word husband. They're not. I'm sorry I made that mistake. I did change it, but for those of you had read the 1st chapter before I caught the mistake, I am sorry.
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*(PAIGE)
"Hey Paige-" As I sat trying to concentrate on my work I heard someone come up behind me. Scared out of my wits, I jumped out of my chair and probably three feet into the air. "Hey, calm down, it's only me." Turning around, I saw the mail boy behind me.
"Oh, hey," I said as he handed me my mail.
"You need to take some vacation or something Paige. You're way too tense."
"Thanks," I replied as he left and I slowly sat back down. It had been like this all day. I couldn't concentrate and I was terribly jumpy. It brought me back to the first week after my kidnapping. I had been so jumpy and nervous...It was ironic that I had actually been wishing over and over these past few weeks that my family would leave me alone...but now, more than ever, I didn't want to be alone. After shifting through my mail I opened my drawer to put some of the envelopes away. Inside, I saw the framed picture of my parents. I had put it in there a few months back when I had put the framed pic of Phoebe, Piper, and I on my desk. Picking up the picture, I looked at my parents and fought to hold the tears behind my eyelids. You wouldn't want me to do this to myself, would you Mom? Dad, you'd tell me to face my fears...But, I can't. I can't help feeling this way...Taking hold of the picture, I held it to my heart for a few seconds and then slowly put it back into the drawer. Mom...Dad...Please give me strength...Today...it's so hard...Taking a deep breath, I closed the drawer and looked up at the clock. It was twelve, time for lunch. Only...I dreaded going out to my car. Maybe I'd just skip lunch today...
"Hey." Again I jumped out of my seat and whipped around to whoever was behind me. As my eyes rested on him, I took a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief. "Woah, calm down Paige, it's only me." I was starring at my guardian angel (literally)...Leo.
"Oh, hey Leo. Have a seat," I said as I pointed to one of the chairs in front of my desk and he walked around to sit in it. Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I slowly sat down and tried to keep my hands from shaking with nervousness. Leo's presence helped...I felt safe when he was there only because I knew he'd do anything to protect me...as his charge and as his sister-in-law.
"I didn't mean to scare you," Leo apologized once we were both seated.
"It's okay," I said, trying my best to keep my voice from quivering. After attempting to give him a smile, I reached for my coffee thermos and took a sip. The sharp flavor and warmth revived me somewhat and calmed my nerves.
"Paige...you're shaking," Leo whispered, and as I set my coffee down he placed his hands over mine. I looked up into his eyes and I knew that I was vulnerable to break down at any moment.
"S-Sorry...I'm just a little jumpy today," I whispered, focusing my eyes on a random spot of my desk.
"Well, that's understandable," Leo replied and then put his finger under my chin. I obediently looked up at him and waited. "That's why I came to take you out for lunch. My treat."
"But Leo...You don't have any money..." I stopped when I saw him hold up some green bills.
"Yes, but I went somewhere called 'Piper's Bank' and got some cash," he replied with a grin. Laughing at my brother-in-law, I turned around to get my coat and my purse. Then, I walked around the front of my desk to meet him and we walked outside together. When we were outside he grabbed my hand to orb us somewhere and I smiled up at him.
"Thanks Leo," I said quietly and he nodded at me before we disappeared in brilliant white and blue lights.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
As I sat there in my car, driving towards work, I repeatedly glanced over at my boyfriend...His presence gave me comfort and eased the stress I was feeling...with work and with family. When we stopped at a red light he looked over and caught me glimpsing at him.
"Phoebe..." I quickly looked back at the road and started to drive as the light changed...but I was smiling.
"Sorry Cole...It's just..."
"What?" he asked in his innocent way and I had to look over again for a brief second before turning my eyes back to the road.
"You make me smile..." I said softly, and blushed when I felt his hand cradling my head, under my chin and on my cheek.
"And you make my soul soar," he replied. I thought I'd melt right then and there. Still, I continued driving to work and finally parked the car. Turning off the ignition, I turned to Cole. He sat there, looking adoringly at me and rubbing his fingers over my hand.
"Cole...Thank you...for being here for me...and for my family. It means a lot to us...It means a lot to me." He just grinned and then leaned over to kiss me. When we broke away I reached into my pocket and pulled out a list. "I know you're looking for a job today, but could you go to the store and pick this stuff up for me?" I looked pleadingly into his eyes and he sighed, taking the list and looking at it.
"...This is grocery store stuff...well..." He looked up at me and I gave him my famous puppy dog eyes. "...okay...I'll do it for you." My face broke into a smile and I reached over to hug him.
"Thank you so much! You can take the car and then just drop it off here. I'm going to bring it all home at lunch."
"No problem," he said as we both got out of the car and I handed him my keys and some money.
"And remember to be home by 4. We want to surprise Paige," I said as Cole gave me one last hug.
"I won't forget," he whispered in my ear before he pulled away and I smiled at him as he got into the car. Grabbing my briefcase, I waved to Cole before heading into the building, singing a happier tune. Today was going to be a good day.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
When I was reassembled and collected from the orbing with Leo I opened my eyes and looked at my surroundings. We had orbed-in behind a dumpster at a French café. It wasn't the loveliest of places to orb-in to, but it was inconspicuous enough so that no one would see us appear out of thin air. Taking my hand, Leo looked around the dumpster to see if anyone would see us, and then led me onto the sidewalk and up to the door of the café. Before I knew it we were seated in a booth with two cups of coffee in front of us. Immediately, I took a long drink from the cup to calm my nerves and then looked over it at Leo. It was then that I realized that he was starring at me.
"Leo...you're...starring at me," I said cautiously as I slowly set my coffee cup down.
"Oh, sorry...it's just...oh, it's nothing," he said, and then busied himself with putting sugar in his coffee. After looking at him for a minute, I picked up the menu and looked through. I wasn't really hungry at all...but it was something to do to keep my mind distracted.
"May I take your order?" Slamming the menu shut, I jumped up to see the waiter standing there, looking surprised and confused.
"Oh...sorry," I mumbled, sitting back down and picking up the menu.
"Sorry about that," Leo told the waiter. "She's just a little jumpy today."
"Oh, I'm sorry I startled you," the confused waiter said, looking from me to Leo.
"That's alright, it wasn't your fault," I said to him with a weak smile.
"Still, I apologize again," he continued.
"Anyway," Leo broke in. "I'll have a club sandwich. What about you Paige?"
"I'll have a small salad," I replied. "The house dressing."
"Yes Mam,' I'll have those orders right out for you." And with that, we were alone again.
"Paige..." Sighing to myself, I slowly looked up at Leo. He wore a worried expression on his face and I shook my head at him.
"Please don't worry Leo...I'm just...it's...It's been a stressful day. That's all." He continued to look at me and I could tell he wasn't going to let it drop.
"Paige...I won't lie to you. We've all been really worried lately about you, and how you're acting today just reinforces my concerns."
"Leo..."
"Please, just be straight with me. I'm your whitelighter, and I'm here for you if you want to talk. As your whitelighter, I promise I won't tell anyone else anything you say to me. It's a promise." I looked at him, and I could tell he wasn't going to stop asking questions until I told him everything...but... "Paige, I promise I won't tell anyone. And you never know, maybe if you tell me what's on your mind it may help. Sometimes just getting your thoughts and feelings out in the open can do a lot of good." I looked at Leo, and then gave him a genuine smile. He really cared for me, and I knew I could trust him. Just...maybe I wouldn't tell him everything.
"Okay Leo...if you don't mind listening..."
"No, not at all," he said gently, and then smiled at me. Picking up my coffee, I took a long sip and then set it down. It was almost empty already.
"It's just...This past month has been so hard..." I looked up at him and saw him nodding, listening intently. "I remember back to the first week after...I was so nervous, so jumpy...I didn't want to be left alone and I didn't even leave the house."
"I remember too," Leo said, and I followed his gaze to the waiter, who was approaching with our food. "Thanks," he said as the waiter set our food down, refilled my coffee cup, and left. I silently thanked Leo for warning me about the waiter in his own way so I wouldn't make a fool of myself again. Smiling at me, he started to eat and patiently waited. I smiled back, took a bite of my salad, and then continued. I just wasn't that hungry.
"I can remember everything like it was yesterday," I said suddenly, and all the things I had been trying not to think about came rushing to the surface of my mind. "It...It's just too much. I can't deal with it...After that first week I started to get annoyed that I couldn't get any time alone...but today, the one day I drove to work by myself...the one day I was given some freedom...I wanted someone with me so bad...I hated being alone...I know its not possible...but I just fear that it will happen all over again...and I haven't even dealt with last month yet..." I felt the tears coming, and I rested my elbows on the table and held my face in my hands. I didn't want Leo to see me crying. I didn't want him to worry anymore. "I'm so sorry...Now you're just going to worry about me even more..." I choked out. A moment later my hands were pulled away, and Leo was looking into my eyes.
"No...I'm glad you told me. It's not healthy to keep all those feelings bottled up inside. Your feelings are understandable, and anyone else who went through the same ordeal would feel the same way." I just starred at him, and smiled.
"Thanks Leo," I sniffled as I took a tissue out of my purse and dried my eyes. He just smiled at me, and then continued to eat his sandwich. Leo had made me feel better, but I was still uneasy, and the thought of food didn't have a good feeling. I picked at my salad for a while before Leo spoke again.
"You know Paige, you haven't really been eating much lately." I looked up at him with a surprised expression. "I know you think we don't notice, but I know you've been throwing your food away. You're getting too skinny. It's not healthy."
"I'm just not that hungry Leo," I replied, and drank some more of my coffee.
"You must be hungry," he persisted and I shook my head.
"Leo...Lately, the thought of food has just made me feel sick. I don't think I could eat any more of this without getting sick to my stomach...I'm sorry. The gesture of taking me out to lunch was wonderful, and I appreciate it a lot that you did. I was having a nervous breakdown back at the office...of course, I'm having one here with you too, but it's nicer when someone else who knows is around...The bottom line is that I know I should eat...but I just can't. I'm sorry."
"Maybe you'll feel differently later," he replied with a smile and I nodded. Maybe I would...but I doubted it.
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*(PIPER)*
Sighing to myself, I made yet another round around the club. I had to make sure everything was in order before I left since I was taking off early to go home and get everything ready for Paige. I thought that Leo suggesting to me that he should go have lunch with her would help, but I was still nervous. What if something went wrong? The memories of last month were still too close, still too real, still too traumatizing for me not to worry. I had been fixing food especially for Paige the day she never came home...I shuddered at the thought and jumped when someone tapped my shoulder from behind.
"Ms. Halliwell?" I turned around to see my manager for the Club, Jackie, standing there.
"Oh, hello Jackie."
"Hi," she said with I smile. "I just got here and saw you pacing around the club. Is there anything I can do? If you're worrying about tonight, don't. I've been in charge here before by myself. I'll have everything under control." I smiled at the young manager. Her kindness and eagerness to help soothed my nerves. She smiled back, thinking I had stopped worrying about the club, not even realizing that I had been thinking about something totally different.
"Thanks Jackie," I said, handing her the clipboard I was carrying. "Here's the info on what should be arriving tonight. Make sure someone checks everything before the shipping guys leave. The check for them is also in there."
"Okay, got it," she said as she took the clipboard and leafed through the papers.
"If you need anything you know my number," I said and she nodded.
"Don't worry Ms. Halliwell, everything will be fine here." I nodded and then looked at my watch. It was already 1:30!
"Oh, I have to go. Don't forget to lock up Jackie." And with that, I tossed her the spare key to the club and bolted out the door. I had to get home and start cooking. We were going to have the perfect dinner tonight...for Paige and for all of us.
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*(PHOEBE)*
Come on Phoebe, come on Phoebe...With one last sentence I pushed the print button and grabbed my jacket. I was running late!
"Phoebe..." As I was putting my jacket on I saw my boss enter the room. "Do you have your column?"
"Yeah, it's in the printer," I said as I grabbed my purse. "But I got to go, I'm sorry. If you need any changed I'll do them tomorrow." I laughed inwardly at the surprised expression on Alease's face as I bolted out the door. As I ran outside I smiled to myself, finding the car parked in the first spot with grocery bags piled in the back seat. I reached under the front tire to find the keys and a note from Cole.
Dear Phoebe,
Here's everything on the list. I also bought some cherry ice cream for the both of us later. I'll see you tonight.
Love,
Cole
I chuckled at the cherry ice cream comment. It was our little joke...Every time he bought ice cream he never got a chance to eat any because someone else in the house always beat him to it. What could I say, us Halliwells loved our ice cream.
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*(PIPER)*
As I pulled into the manner's drive way I saw Phoebe unloading her car full of groceries. So, I wasn't the only one running late.
"Hey sis," I called out as I locked my car and went to help her bring in the last two bags. She turned at my voice and smiled.
"I was wondering where you were," Phoebe said to me and I followed her inside, closing the front door behind us.
"I'm so sorry, I got caught up at the club," I replied as we unpacked the food, spices, and other cooking ingredients.
"That's okay, I got caught up at work too," Phoebe replied as she pulled some cherry ice cream out of a bag.
"Ooo, ice cream," I commented and we both chuckled. Phoebe had let us all know about Cole and his love of the cold icy desert. We continued to unpack in silence and my thoughts drifted off to one month ago. They do that often. I remember my feeling of relief and horror at seeing Paige when she was brought back to us...I remember my lost hope...and I remember Prue. I could still smell her, and feel her arms around me as we hugged. I could hear her voice and feel her tears of happiness on my cheek. *Sigh* Paige had made that all possible...She had helped me, along with Phoebe and Prue, to get peace. She had helped us all move on...
"ipper....Piper!" I looked up to see Phoebe in front of me. "Where were you?" she asked and gave me a smile.
"Sorry...just thinking," I replied and then sat down at the kitchen table. She followed suit and I looked up at her when I felt her hands grip mine.
"You're thinking of last month, aren't you?" she asked, and I nodded. "Don't worry Piper, things will get easier. We're having this dinner as a celebration for Paige and to symbolize that we can move on from this. From here on out I'm sure everything will be a lot easier. Through time, everything will go back to the way it use to be. You'll see." I smiled at my little sister and squeezed her hands.
"You're always so optimistic," I whispered and she squeezed my hands back. "Well, we should start on dinner," I announced and I got up to start preparing.
"Anything I can do?" Phoebe asked and I smiled at her eagerness to help. Neither one of us wanted to be alone. I sure was glad Leo was with Paige. She shouldn't be alone either.
"Okay, why don't you start on the salad," I told Phoebe and we went to work. Two sisters, working together in one of the most normal ways...in the kitchen. It meant the world to the both of us.
TO BE CONTINUED...
(I know it was a little slow, but I promise it will get better next chapter!)
Part 2
By: Silverstar
Hi! I hope you all enjoyed the first part to this sequel and that you'll enjoy this part as well. I'm just letting everyone know that these 1st few chapters are just setting the mood to how everyone is feeling and what's going on in the sisters' lives. There probably won't be any real action for a little bit. And please do forgive the lateness. I just had exams and I have been studying 24/7! *sigh* I'm so glad that they're over. Anyway, here's the 2nd chapter! ^__^
Disclaimer: I do not own Charmed or any of the characters. Don't sue please...^^'
ERROR!!: Sorry, but in the last chapter I implied that Cole and Phoebe were married by using the word husband. They're not. I'm sorry I made that mistake. I did change it, but for those of you had read the 1st chapter before I caught the mistake, I am sorry.
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*(PAIGE)
"Hey Paige-" As I sat trying to concentrate on my work I heard someone come up behind me. Scared out of my wits, I jumped out of my chair and probably three feet into the air. "Hey, calm down, it's only me." Turning around, I saw the mail boy behind me.
"Oh, hey," I said as he handed me my mail.
"You need to take some vacation or something Paige. You're way too tense."
"Thanks," I replied as he left and I slowly sat back down. It had been like this all day. I couldn't concentrate and I was terribly jumpy. It brought me back to the first week after my kidnapping. I had been so jumpy and nervous...It was ironic that I had actually been wishing over and over these past few weeks that my family would leave me alone...but now, more than ever, I didn't want to be alone. After shifting through my mail I opened my drawer to put some of the envelopes away. Inside, I saw the framed picture of my parents. I had put it in there a few months back when I had put the framed pic of Phoebe, Piper, and I on my desk. Picking up the picture, I looked at my parents and fought to hold the tears behind my eyelids. You wouldn't want me to do this to myself, would you Mom? Dad, you'd tell me to face my fears...But, I can't. I can't help feeling this way...Taking hold of the picture, I held it to my heart for a few seconds and then slowly put it back into the drawer. Mom...Dad...Please give me strength...Today...it's so hard...Taking a deep breath, I closed the drawer and looked up at the clock. It was twelve, time for lunch. Only...I dreaded going out to my car. Maybe I'd just skip lunch today...
"Hey." Again I jumped out of my seat and whipped around to whoever was behind me. As my eyes rested on him, I took a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief. "Woah, calm down Paige, it's only me." I was starring at my guardian angel (literally)...Leo.
"Oh, hey Leo. Have a seat," I said as I pointed to one of the chairs in front of my desk and he walked around to sit in it. Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I slowly sat down and tried to keep my hands from shaking with nervousness. Leo's presence helped...I felt safe when he was there only because I knew he'd do anything to protect me...as his charge and as his sister-in-law.
"I didn't mean to scare you," Leo apologized once we were both seated.
"It's okay," I said, trying my best to keep my voice from quivering. After attempting to give him a smile, I reached for my coffee thermos and took a sip. The sharp flavor and warmth revived me somewhat and calmed my nerves.
"Paige...you're shaking," Leo whispered, and as I set my coffee down he placed his hands over mine. I looked up into his eyes and I knew that I was vulnerable to break down at any moment.
"S-Sorry...I'm just a little jumpy today," I whispered, focusing my eyes on a random spot of my desk.
"Well, that's understandable," Leo replied and then put his finger under my chin. I obediently looked up at him and waited. "That's why I came to take you out for lunch. My treat."
"But Leo...You don't have any money..." I stopped when I saw him hold up some green bills.
"Yes, but I went somewhere called 'Piper's Bank' and got some cash," he replied with a grin. Laughing at my brother-in-law, I turned around to get my coat and my purse. Then, I walked around the front of my desk to meet him and we walked outside together. When we were outside he grabbed my hand to orb us somewhere and I smiled up at him.
"Thanks Leo," I said quietly and he nodded at me before we disappeared in brilliant white and blue lights.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
As I sat there in my car, driving towards work, I repeatedly glanced over at my boyfriend...His presence gave me comfort and eased the stress I was feeling...with work and with family. When we stopped at a red light he looked over and caught me glimpsing at him.
"Phoebe..." I quickly looked back at the road and started to drive as the light changed...but I was smiling.
"Sorry Cole...It's just..."
"What?" he asked in his innocent way and I had to look over again for a brief second before turning my eyes back to the road.
"You make me smile..." I said softly, and blushed when I felt his hand cradling my head, under my chin and on my cheek.
"And you make my soul soar," he replied. I thought I'd melt right then and there. Still, I continued driving to work and finally parked the car. Turning off the ignition, I turned to Cole. He sat there, looking adoringly at me and rubbing his fingers over my hand.
"Cole...Thank you...for being here for me...and for my family. It means a lot to us...It means a lot to me." He just grinned and then leaned over to kiss me. When we broke away I reached into my pocket and pulled out a list. "I know you're looking for a job today, but could you go to the store and pick this stuff up for me?" I looked pleadingly into his eyes and he sighed, taking the list and looking at it.
"...This is grocery store stuff...well..." He looked up at me and I gave him my famous puppy dog eyes. "...okay...I'll do it for you." My face broke into a smile and I reached over to hug him.
"Thank you so much! You can take the car and then just drop it off here. I'm going to bring it all home at lunch."
"No problem," he said as we both got out of the car and I handed him my keys and some money.
"And remember to be home by 4. We want to surprise Paige," I said as Cole gave me one last hug.
"I won't forget," he whispered in my ear before he pulled away and I smiled at him as he got into the car. Grabbing my briefcase, I waved to Cole before heading into the building, singing a happier tune. Today was going to be a good day.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
When I was reassembled and collected from the orbing with Leo I opened my eyes and looked at my surroundings. We had orbed-in behind a dumpster at a French café. It wasn't the loveliest of places to orb-in to, but it was inconspicuous enough so that no one would see us appear out of thin air. Taking my hand, Leo looked around the dumpster to see if anyone would see us, and then led me onto the sidewalk and up to the door of the café. Before I knew it we were seated in a booth with two cups of coffee in front of us. Immediately, I took a long drink from the cup to calm my nerves and then looked over it at Leo. It was then that I realized that he was starring at me.
"Leo...you're...starring at me," I said cautiously as I slowly set my coffee cup down.
"Oh, sorry...it's just...oh, it's nothing," he said, and then busied himself with putting sugar in his coffee. After looking at him for a minute, I picked up the menu and looked through. I wasn't really hungry at all...but it was something to do to keep my mind distracted.
"May I take your order?" Slamming the menu shut, I jumped up to see the waiter standing there, looking surprised and confused.
"Oh...sorry," I mumbled, sitting back down and picking up the menu.
"Sorry about that," Leo told the waiter. "She's just a little jumpy today."
"Oh, I'm sorry I startled you," the confused waiter said, looking from me to Leo.
"That's alright, it wasn't your fault," I said to him with a weak smile.
"Still, I apologize again," he continued.
"Anyway," Leo broke in. "I'll have a club sandwich. What about you Paige?"
"I'll have a small salad," I replied. "The house dressing."
"Yes Mam,' I'll have those orders right out for you." And with that, we were alone again.
"Paige..." Sighing to myself, I slowly looked up at Leo. He wore a worried expression on his face and I shook my head at him.
"Please don't worry Leo...I'm just...it's...It's been a stressful day. That's all." He continued to look at me and I could tell he wasn't going to let it drop.
"Paige...I won't lie to you. We've all been really worried lately about you, and how you're acting today just reinforces my concerns."
"Leo..."
"Please, just be straight with me. I'm your whitelighter, and I'm here for you if you want to talk. As your whitelighter, I promise I won't tell anyone else anything you say to me. It's a promise." I looked at him, and I could tell he wasn't going to stop asking questions until I told him everything...but... "Paige, I promise I won't tell anyone. And you never know, maybe if you tell me what's on your mind it may help. Sometimes just getting your thoughts and feelings out in the open can do a lot of good." I looked at Leo, and then gave him a genuine smile. He really cared for me, and I knew I could trust him. Just...maybe I wouldn't tell him everything.
"Okay Leo...if you don't mind listening..."
"No, not at all," he said gently, and then smiled at me. Picking up my coffee, I took a long sip and then set it down. It was almost empty already.
"It's just...This past month has been so hard..." I looked up at him and saw him nodding, listening intently. "I remember back to the first week after...I was so nervous, so jumpy...I didn't want to be left alone and I didn't even leave the house."
"I remember too," Leo said, and I followed his gaze to the waiter, who was approaching with our food. "Thanks," he said as the waiter set our food down, refilled my coffee cup, and left. I silently thanked Leo for warning me about the waiter in his own way so I wouldn't make a fool of myself again. Smiling at me, he started to eat and patiently waited. I smiled back, took a bite of my salad, and then continued. I just wasn't that hungry.
"I can remember everything like it was yesterday," I said suddenly, and all the things I had been trying not to think about came rushing to the surface of my mind. "It...It's just too much. I can't deal with it...After that first week I started to get annoyed that I couldn't get any time alone...but today, the one day I drove to work by myself...the one day I was given some freedom...I wanted someone with me so bad...I hated being alone...I know its not possible...but I just fear that it will happen all over again...and I haven't even dealt with last month yet..." I felt the tears coming, and I rested my elbows on the table and held my face in my hands. I didn't want Leo to see me crying. I didn't want him to worry anymore. "I'm so sorry...Now you're just going to worry about me even more..." I choked out. A moment later my hands were pulled away, and Leo was looking into my eyes.
"No...I'm glad you told me. It's not healthy to keep all those feelings bottled up inside. Your feelings are understandable, and anyone else who went through the same ordeal would feel the same way." I just starred at him, and smiled.
"Thanks Leo," I sniffled as I took a tissue out of my purse and dried my eyes. He just smiled at me, and then continued to eat his sandwich. Leo had made me feel better, but I was still uneasy, and the thought of food didn't have a good feeling. I picked at my salad for a while before Leo spoke again.
"You know Paige, you haven't really been eating much lately." I looked up at him with a surprised expression. "I know you think we don't notice, but I know you've been throwing your food away. You're getting too skinny. It's not healthy."
"I'm just not that hungry Leo," I replied, and drank some more of my coffee.
"You must be hungry," he persisted and I shook my head.
"Leo...Lately, the thought of food has just made me feel sick. I don't think I could eat any more of this without getting sick to my stomach...I'm sorry. The gesture of taking me out to lunch was wonderful, and I appreciate it a lot that you did. I was having a nervous breakdown back at the office...of course, I'm having one here with you too, but it's nicer when someone else who knows is around...The bottom line is that I know I should eat...but I just can't. I'm sorry."
"Maybe you'll feel differently later," he replied with a smile and I nodded. Maybe I would...but I doubted it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
Sighing to myself, I made yet another round around the club. I had to make sure everything was in order before I left since I was taking off early to go home and get everything ready for Paige. I thought that Leo suggesting to me that he should go have lunch with her would help, but I was still nervous. What if something went wrong? The memories of last month were still too close, still too real, still too traumatizing for me not to worry. I had been fixing food especially for Paige the day she never came home...I shuddered at the thought and jumped when someone tapped my shoulder from behind.
"Ms. Halliwell?" I turned around to see my manager for the Club, Jackie, standing there.
"Oh, hello Jackie."
"Hi," she said with I smile. "I just got here and saw you pacing around the club. Is there anything I can do? If you're worrying about tonight, don't. I've been in charge here before by myself. I'll have everything under control." I smiled at the young manager. Her kindness and eagerness to help soothed my nerves. She smiled back, thinking I had stopped worrying about the club, not even realizing that I had been thinking about something totally different.
"Thanks Jackie," I said, handing her the clipboard I was carrying. "Here's the info on what should be arriving tonight. Make sure someone checks everything before the shipping guys leave. The check for them is also in there."
"Okay, got it," she said as she took the clipboard and leafed through the papers.
"If you need anything you know my number," I said and she nodded.
"Don't worry Ms. Halliwell, everything will be fine here." I nodded and then looked at my watch. It was already 1:30!
"Oh, I have to go. Don't forget to lock up Jackie." And with that, I tossed her the spare key to the club and bolted out the door. I had to get home and start cooking. We were going to have the perfect dinner tonight...for Paige and for all of us.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
Come on Phoebe, come on Phoebe...With one last sentence I pushed the print button and grabbed my jacket. I was running late!
"Phoebe..." As I was putting my jacket on I saw my boss enter the room. "Do you have your column?"
"Yeah, it's in the printer," I said as I grabbed my purse. "But I got to go, I'm sorry. If you need any changed I'll do them tomorrow." I laughed inwardly at the surprised expression on Alease's face as I bolted out the door. As I ran outside I smiled to myself, finding the car parked in the first spot with grocery bags piled in the back seat. I reached under the front tire to find the keys and a note from Cole.
Dear Phoebe,
Here's everything on the list. I also bought some cherry ice cream for the both of us later. I'll see you tonight.
Love,
Cole
I chuckled at the cherry ice cream comment. It was our little joke...Every time he bought ice cream he never got a chance to eat any because someone else in the house always beat him to it. What could I say, us Halliwells loved our ice cream.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
As I pulled into the manner's drive way I saw Phoebe unloading her car full of groceries. So, I wasn't the only one running late.
"Hey sis," I called out as I locked my car and went to help her bring in the last two bags. She turned at my voice and smiled.
"I was wondering where you were," Phoebe said to me and I followed her inside, closing the front door behind us.
"I'm so sorry, I got caught up at the club," I replied as we unpacked the food, spices, and other cooking ingredients.
"That's okay, I got caught up at work too," Phoebe replied as she pulled some cherry ice cream out of a bag.
"Ooo, ice cream," I commented and we both chuckled. Phoebe had let us all know about Cole and his love of the cold icy desert. We continued to unpack in silence and my thoughts drifted off to one month ago. They do that often. I remember my feeling of relief and horror at seeing Paige when she was brought back to us...I remember my lost hope...and I remember Prue. I could still smell her, and feel her arms around me as we hugged. I could hear her voice and feel her tears of happiness on my cheek. *Sigh* Paige had made that all possible...She had helped me, along with Phoebe and Prue, to get peace. She had helped us all move on...
"ipper....Piper!" I looked up to see Phoebe in front of me. "Where were you?" she asked and gave me a smile.
"Sorry...just thinking," I replied and then sat down at the kitchen table. She followed suit and I looked up at her when I felt her hands grip mine.
"You're thinking of last month, aren't you?" she asked, and I nodded. "Don't worry Piper, things will get easier. We're having this dinner as a celebration for Paige and to symbolize that we can move on from this. From here on out I'm sure everything will be a lot easier. Through time, everything will go back to the way it use to be. You'll see." I smiled at my little sister and squeezed her hands.
"You're always so optimistic," I whispered and she squeezed my hands back. "Well, we should start on dinner," I announced and I got up to start preparing.
"Anything I can do?" Phoebe asked and I smiled at her eagerness to help. Neither one of us wanted to be alone. I sure was glad Leo was with Paige. She shouldn't be alone either.
"Okay, why don't you start on the salad," I told Phoebe and we went to work. Two sisters, working together in one of the most normal ways...in the kitchen. It meant the world to the both of us.
TO BE CONTINUED...
(I know it was a little slow, but I promise it will get better next chapter!)