Lost Soul
Part 7
By: Silverstar
I want to thank everyone for hanging through with me for the duration of this series. It really means a lot when you guys review and show interest in my writing. Although this chapter is the last, I am planning on coming out with other Charmed fics in the future. I actually have already started working on another. Thank you all again for the support and urgings for me to continue. I probably wouldn't have gotten this far without you guys yelling at me to 'hurry up and update!' ^__^ Thanks again, I can't say it enough.
Okay...*sniffle* Here it is...the last chapter. I can't believe I've gotten this far. *sigh* Please enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed or any of the characters, but I do own this complete story. I have finally finished. *smile*
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(LEO)*
I looked on with worry as Phoebe and Piper started to get more and more injuries. There was a battle going on...I prayed for their safety as I sat kneeled beside Piper, my hand on her cheek.
"It's going to be alright...It'll be alright baby," I whispered to her, stroking her hair back and out of her face. I saw Cole out of the corner of my eye sitting near Phoebe. He looked worried as well and was holding Phoebe's hand in his. It seemed like ages, but suddenly I felt my hands grow warm. My will to heal Piper had immediately kicked in when she was released from the spell. Realizing this, I began concentrating to heal my wife. In a moment she slowly opened her eyes and looked up at me.
"Leo..."
"Yeah, I'm here..." I whispered as I finished healing her and turned to Phoebe, who had opened her eyes as well.
"Heal Paige," Phoebe directed, pointing at my sister-in-law. I nodded, knowing she needed my healing more than Phoebe, and bent down at Paige's side. Putting my hands above her head, I decided to work my way down from head to toe. After taking a deep breath, I brought forth the power within me and sent it into Paige from my glowing hands. I smiled as I worked when I felt Piper put her arms around me from the back and lean her tired head on my shoulder. They were alright...They were going to be fine. I continued to tell myself this as relief flooded throughout my body and I worked on Paige. She was so beaten up...When I finally healed the bruises on her head I went to her throat...It was so swollen...then to her rib cage, which was crushed down so hard that she could hardly breath. I nodded as I finished healing her rib cage, knowing that she could breath without pain. Afterwards, I went to her wrists and then to her broken ankle. It was a full five minutes before I completely finished healing Paige, and when I was done I sat back with a sigh...It really took a lot out of me. Not realizing that Piper was still on top of me, leaning on my back from behind, I jumped a little in surprise when she started to massage my shoulders.
"You are tense," she commented, and I smiled as I turned around to see her beautiful face.
"Yeah, well, you all had me worried."
"You should know by now that we always make it through," Piper commented and I nodded.
"Leo." I looked over to see Cole, sitting besides Phoebe. "A little help?" I nodded quickly, and left my wife and a sleeping Paige to heal Phoebe. As I bent over her she closed her eyes and I let the glowing energy escape from my hands to heal her wounds. There weren't as many injuries as Paige's, but enough to make Phoebe uncomfortable. When I was done I smiled and Phoebe opened her eyes. They were going to be fine.
"Thanks Leo," she whispered, and as she slowly sat up I reached down to give her a hug.
"Welcome back." After Phoebe returned the hug I got up and turned to my wife. She was bending over Paige and watching her.
"Why isn't she awake?" Piper asked me as I slipped my arms around her waist and brought her closer towards me.
"She's exhausted...this had been so much for her," I answered, and Piper nodded.
"Let's take her upstairs," I heard Phoebe say, and I nodded. Leaving the side of my wife, I bent down and gently picked Paige up. She was so light...She really had lost a lot of weight recently...I shook my head as this thought struck me and then I turned to face the rest of my family.
"I'll meet you upstairs." Gathering my energy, I pulled Paige and myself into an orb and headed for her room. When we arrived I looked down to see Piper clutched to my left arm. She had jumped the orb...
"Sorry, but I couldn't stand to leave you," she said and after gently placing Paige on her bed, I turned towards her.
"I'm glad you couldn't." As happiness invaded me, I leaned down and gently brushed my lips against hers.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
I watched with a smile as Piper grabbed onto Leo's arm at the last moment. I couldn't believe that it was over...the whole ordeal...Finally, we could be free from last month and start anew. A smile again came to my face as two strong arms wrapped around me from behind and pulled me into a hug. Looking up and over my shoulder, I saw Cole's relieved and sparkling eyes looking down at me. He didn't have to say anything. I knew how worried he had been, and how much I meant to him, just from one glance into his soul through those two portals. After a few moments of just taking in each other's presence I leaned up and let Cole take me away. In a few moments my lips slowly left his and I heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thank you," I whispered as Cole picked me up and settled me down on top of his lap on the couch.
"For what?" he asked, an amused grin on his face.
"You saved me," I stated, and I loved the confused look in his eyes at this statement. "I mean, your words. In the Dream Reality I got stuck inside one of Paige's dreams. Only when I realized that I wasn't alone...that you would always be with me, in body or in spirit, was I able to escape the dream and find my way to Paige." I looked up at Cole with love and happiness all over my face.
"I'm glad you remembered," he said lovingly and I leaned my head on his shoulder.
"Do you remember when you told me that one day all of this would be over?" I asked, and Cole nodded. "I think that day is coming."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well...I think something changed inside of Paige...inside of us all. Paige was able to face her fears and still triumph. I doubt she'll be having many nightmares from this. And...well, Piper and I...I think we both learned something about ourselves. We're stronger now." Cole nodded and then leaned in to lightly kiss me on the neck. I put my arms around his shoulders and sighed in happiness.
"I love you," Cole whispered in my ear after he slowly made his way up my neck.
"I love you too," I returned as I leaned in for another passion filled kiss. When we broke apart I looked at Cole lovingly before getting up off his lap and motioning for him to follow. "Let's go upstairs. I'm sure Leo and Piper are done by now." Cole smiled at my 'joke' and obediently followed me upstairs to see Paige.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
I drank in as much of Leo's presence as I could, bringing my arms around his back and his neck as his lips massaged mine. I just couldn't get enough...As our kisses winded down I slowly broke my lips apart from his and breathed heavily in his ear. This was real...it would never change as long as I felt what was in my heart...pure love, passion, need, and want for this man.
"Never leave me," I whispered as Leo picked me up in his arms and I hung on tightly, never wanting to let go.
"I'm not planning to," he answered, gently brushing the hair out of my face. I smiled, looking into his eyes, and then leaned forward to be engulfed in another kiss. As we broke apart yet again I let out a sigh of relief and Leo smiled. "My thoughts exactly," he whispered as he set me down on the ground and I blushed. My senses coming back to me, I turned to look at Paige. She was still lying there on her bed, sleeping peacefully. We had gotten through it...I just couldn't believe it.
"What do you think?" I asked Leo, and he came up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist.
"She'll be fine," he answered and I nodded.
"Yes, I think we all will." Turning around, I saw Phoebe standing in the doorway with Cole behind her.
"I agree," I told her as she walked up next to us. "We'll all be okay." Smiling at my sister, I bent down to help her move Paige under the bed covers. She'd be asleep for a while.
"Let's let her rest," Leo whispered, and I bent down to kiss her on the forehead. Phoebe followed suit and then we silently left her room to retreat to our own. I just wanted to go through the night with Leo by my side, sleeping in peace.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
My eyes slowly opened, and instead of waking up to a nightmare, I found myself in familiar territory...my bedroom, my bed, my home. Looking down, I slowly moved each part of my body...healed. I was healed. I was healed and I was home. Better yet, I was safe. As this information sunk in a huge smile spread over my face. Things would be different from now on. Glancing around my room, I took the time to notice the small things. The sun was shining in through my window, which was slightly open to let in the sound of chirping birds. A few candles on my bureau were lit and burning...I smiled, knowing it was a sign from my sisters. They had been in before to pray for my health. I even noticed the way my soft blanket felt to my skin and the way my plants made shadows on the wall. I was alive, and life was good. Looking up, I silently thanked my Mom. She was the one who had given me the strength to continue, and to survive.
"Thanks Mom," I whispered and I smiled as the word 'mom' can from my lips. I had always had such a hard time saying it since my parents' death. "I now realize...Everything in life should be faced with courage and strength...I won't let last month effect me any longer. What's in the past is in the past...I need to start working on my future." Nodding to myself, I slowly got up and gathered some clothes. It was already eleven thirty...I had been asleep for a while. On my way passing by my bureau I stopped to take in the delightful scent of the candles Phoebe and Piper had no doubt lit for me. The house was quiet, but I liked it that way. All Sunday mornings should be like this...peaceful and laid back. This family needed it anyway. In a few moments I was in the bathroom turning on the shower. I _needed_ one desperately. Stripping off my dirty clothes, I stepped under the hot and steaming water...*sigh* It felt so good. I'd never take a hot shower for granted again. When I realized that my fingers were beginning to look like prunes I turned the water off and got into some clean pajamas. Today I was going to do nothing but bum around the house. After drying my hair and brushing my teeth I took a deep breath. It was time to face my sisters...I wasn't afraid or anything...just a little uncomfortable that they had been in my head...sort of. Who knows what they experienced during that spell? I guess it doesn't matter any longer anyway. I'm just glad to be home. After taking another deep breath I opened the door and headed downstairs.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
I woke to a quiet house...not a sound to be heard. The silence actually suited my mood...I needed some time to wind down and relax. Turning my head to my left, I watched the deep and even breathing of Cole as his bare and muscular chest moved up and down in rhythm. So sexy...Glancing down, I smiled at the way his right hand was protectively wrapped around mine. I loved this man so much. Bending over, I gently removed my hand from his and kissed each of his fingertips lightly. After taking another look at Cole I quietly got up and headed for the shower. It looked like Piper had already been in, but Paige was still sleeping. It made sense. Paige was exhausted and might be a little out of it for a while...Piper was probably downstairs making breakfast for all of us. Actually, by the time everyone got downstairs it would probably be time for lunch. Smiling at this thought, I quickly took a shower and got dressed. A half-hour later I was dressed in some sweats and a top, and peeked my head back into my room. Cole was sitting on the bed, dressed as well (darn my luck!....tee hee ^^). I had to smile at the twinkle in his eyes and the cute way his hair was ruffled and disheveled.
"I missed you," I said playfully, walking up to sit beside him on our bed.
"Me too," he joined in, and put his arm around my waist, pulling me over to sit closer beside him. "I just can't get enough of you." Suddenly, Cole started tickling me in the stomach. Not expecting it, I doubled over and burst out laughing, not being able to stop my hysterics.
"H-...Hey," I managed to get out between giggles. "Not fair." Cole continued to tickle me until I didn't think I'd be able to breathe any longer...Then, he pulled me into a hug, leaning me over his lap, and gave me a firm and passionate kiss on the lips. I quickly closed my eyes, making the best of this kiss, and let out a breath of air as his lips drew away. Opening my eyes, I saw the perfect guy leaning over me and I smiled at him. "Should we go downstairs? I smell food."
"I guess...But I'm demanding some alone time with you later."
"Sure," I laughed as I swatted playfully at Cole and we got up to head downstairs. We passed Paige's room quietly, but before we left I popped my head into her room. She was breathing softly and looked so rested...I smiled at my little sister and then looked over to see that two candles had been lit, and one was sitting there in loneliness with no flame. Piper must have lit them for Paige...one candle from Piper and one from Prue. I nodded at the thought and then tiptoed in to light the remaining one. One from me. After giving one more glance at my sister I joined Cole outside and we headed downstairs. As we rounded the stairs and headed for the kitchen I could smell the fresh bagels even more distinctly.
"Good Morning," Piper exclaimed as Cole and I entered the kitchen. She had fresh bagels on the table along with cream cheese and fresh fruit.
"Good Morning," I replied, and walked over to give my big sister a hug. She returned it whole-heartedly and afterwards gave me a kiss on the forehead. I had noticed that Leo was sitting at the table eating, and when I looked over I saw that Cole had joined him. "How'd you sleep?" I asked Piper as we both sat down to join our guys.
"Great," she replied and I nodded. "I think everything is finally going to go back to how it was before..."
"Before last month," I finished, and Piper nodded. "Me too." It was nice to sit there and have a normal breakfast with bagels, coffee, juice, and family. It hadn't been like this for a long time. When I heard a noise I looked over towards the door and was surprised to find Paige standing there, watching all of us quietly.
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*(PAIGE)*
As I turned to go into the kitchen I stopped and listened. I could hear quiet murmurs coming from within...My family. Slowly, I walked forward and stepped into the kitchen. Upon my entrance I found all eyes looking towards me as the room fell silent. Embarrassed, I looked down at the floor, wishing everyone would just stop starring at me. I jumped in surprise when I found both sisters beside me, wrapping their arms around my shoulders for a group hug. After a moment, I smiled and hugged both of them back. When we broke our embrace I followed them and sat down with my family at the table. I was starving. After eyeing the food, I put some strawberries on my plate and picked up a bagel. No words were needed between my sisters and I...what had happened was over, and none of us wanted to speak about it any longer. We just wanted to move on...And you know the funny part? I was ready. Ready to move on with my life and take what comes my way. You only live once, and in this family, who knows how long that will be? I sat and listened with silent joy as Piper and Phoebe began talking about who was playing at P3 next week. Leo started doing the dishes, and Cole sat next to Phoebe, his hand on her knee. Life was so precious...so wonderful. Thank God I had found myself again...My soul was cleansed, and I was ready for the world with soaring spirits. My lost soul had been found.
THE END
*cries* It's finally over...wow, I just can't believe it. I hope everyone liked the last chapter...I just love happy endings...^^ Thanks again and again (I can't say it enough) for staying with me and supporting this story. I love all of you for it.
~Silverstar
Part 7
By: Silverstar
I want to thank everyone for hanging through with me for the duration of this series. It really means a lot when you guys review and show interest in my writing. Although this chapter is the last, I am planning on coming out with other Charmed fics in the future. I actually have already started working on another. Thank you all again for the support and urgings for me to continue. I probably wouldn't have gotten this far without you guys yelling at me to 'hurry up and update!' ^__^ Thanks again, I can't say it enough.
Okay...*sniffle* Here it is...the last chapter. I can't believe I've gotten this far. *sigh* Please enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed or any of the characters, but I do own this complete story. I have finally finished. *smile*
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(LEO)*
I looked on with worry as Phoebe and Piper started to get more and more injuries. There was a battle going on...I prayed for their safety as I sat kneeled beside Piper, my hand on her cheek.
"It's going to be alright...It'll be alright baby," I whispered to her, stroking her hair back and out of her face. I saw Cole out of the corner of my eye sitting near Phoebe. He looked worried as well and was holding Phoebe's hand in his. It seemed like ages, but suddenly I felt my hands grow warm. My will to heal Piper had immediately kicked in when she was released from the spell. Realizing this, I began concentrating to heal my wife. In a moment she slowly opened her eyes and looked up at me.
"Leo..."
"Yeah, I'm here..." I whispered as I finished healing her and turned to Phoebe, who had opened her eyes as well.
"Heal Paige," Phoebe directed, pointing at my sister-in-law. I nodded, knowing she needed my healing more than Phoebe, and bent down at Paige's side. Putting my hands above her head, I decided to work my way down from head to toe. After taking a deep breath, I brought forth the power within me and sent it into Paige from my glowing hands. I smiled as I worked when I felt Piper put her arms around me from the back and lean her tired head on my shoulder. They were alright...They were going to be fine. I continued to tell myself this as relief flooded throughout my body and I worked on Paige. She was so beaten up...When I finally healed the bruises on her head I went to her throat...It was so swollen...then to her rib cage, which was crushed down so hard that she could hardly breath. I nodded as I finished healing her rib cage, knowing that she could breath without pain. Afterwards, I went to her wrists and then to her broken ankle. It was a full five minutes before I completely finished healing Paige, and when I was done I sat back with a sigh...It really took a lot out of me. Not realizing that Piper was still on top of me, leaning on my back from behind, I jumped a little in surprise when she started to massage my shoulders.
"You are tense," she commented, and I smiled as I turned around to see her beautiful face.
"Yeah, well, you all had me worried."
"You should know by now that we always make it through," Piper commented and I nodded.
"Leo." I looked over to see Cole, sitting besides Phoebe. "A little help?" I nodded quickly, and left my wife and a sleeping Paige to heal Phoebe. As I bent over her she closed her eyes and I let the glowing energy escape from my hands to heal her wounds. There weren't as many injuries as Paige's, but enough to make Phoebe uncomfortable. When I was done I smiled and Phoebe opened her eyes. They were going to be fine.
"Thanks Leo," she whispered, and as she slowly sat up I reached down to give her a hug.
"Welcome back." After Phoebe returned the hug I got up and turned to my wife. She was bending over Paige and watching her.
"Why isn't she awake?" Piper asked me as I slipped my arms around her waist and brought her closer towards me.
"She's exhausted...this had been so much for her," I answered, and Piper nodded.
"Let's take her upstairs," I heard Phoebe say, and I nodded. Leaving the side of my wife, I bent down and gently picked Paige up. She was so light...She really had lost a lot of weight recently...I shook my head as this thought struck me and then I turned to face the rest of my family.
"I'll meet you upstairs." Gathering my energy, I pulled Paige and myself into an orb and headed for her room. When we arrived I looked down to see Piper clutched to my left arm. She had jumped the orb...
"Sorry, but I couldn't stand to leave you," she said and after gently placing Paige on her bed, I turned towards her.
"I'm glad you couldn't." As happiness invaded me, I leaned down and gently brushed my lips against hers.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
I watched with a smile as Piper grabbed onto Leo's arm at the last moment. I couldn't believe that it was over...the whole ordeal...Finally, we could be free from last month and start anew. A smile again came to my face as two strong arms wrapped around me from behind and pulled me into a hug. Looking up and over my shoulder, I saw Cole's relieved and sparkling eyes looking down at me. He didn't have to say anything. I knew how worried he had been, and how much I meant to him, just from one glance into his soul through those two portals. After a few moments of just taking in each other's presence I leaned up and let Cole take me away. In a few moments my lips slowly left his and I heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thank you," I whispered as Cole picked me up and settled me down on top of his lap on the couch.
"For what?" he asked, an amused grin on his face.
"You saved me," I stated, and I loved the confused look in his eyes at this statement. "I mean, your words. In the Dream Reality I got stuck inside one of Paige's dreams. Only when I realized that I wasn't alone...that you would always be with me, in body or in spirit, was I able to escape the dream and find my way to Paige." I looked up at Cole with love and happiness all over my face.
"I'm glad you remembered," he said lovingly and I leaned my head on his shoulder.
"Do you remember when you told me that one day all of this would be over?" I asked, and Cole nodded. "I think that day is coming."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well...I think something changed inside of Paige...inside of us all. Paige was able to face her fears and still triumph. I doubt she'll be having many nightmares from this. And...well, Piper and I...I think we both learned something about ourselves. We're stronger now." Cole nodded and then leaned in to lightly kiss me on the neck. I put my arms around his shoulders and sighed in happiness.
"I love you," Cole whispered in my ear after he slowly made his way up my neck.
"I love you too," I returned as I leaned in for another passion filled kiss. When we broke apart I looked at Cole lovingly before getting up off his lap and motioning for him to follow. "Let's go upstairs. I'm sure Leo and Piper are done by now." Cole smiled at my 'joke' and obediently followed me upstairs to see Paige.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PIPER)*
I drank in as much of Leo's presence as I could, bringing my arms around his back and his neck as his lips massaged mine. I just couldn't get enough...As our kisses winded down I slowly broke my lips apart from his and breathed heavily in his ear. This was real...it would never change as long as I felt what was in my heart...pure love, passion, need, and want for this man.
"Never leave me," I whispered as Leo picked me up in his arms and I hung on tightly, never wanting to let go.
"I'm not planning to," he answered, gently brushing the hair out of my face. I smiled, looking into his eyes, and then leaned forward to be engulfed in another kiss. As we broke apart yet again I let out a sigh of relief and Leo smiled. "My thoughts exactly," he whispered as he set me down on the ground and I blushed. My senses coming back to me, I turned to look at Paige. She was still lying there on her bed, sleeping peacefully. We had gotten through it...I just couldn't believe it.
"What do you think?" I asked Leo, and he came up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist.
"She'll be fine," he answered and I nodded.
"Yes, I think we all will." Turning around, I saw Phoebe standing in the doorway with Cole behind her.
"I agree," I told her as she walked up next to us. "We'll all be okay." Smiling at my sister, I bent down to help her move Paige under the bed covers. She'd be asleep for a while.
"Let's let her rest," Leo whispered, and I bent down to kiss her on the forehead. Phoebe followed suit and then we silently left her room to retreat to our own. I just wanted to go through the night with Leo by my side, sleeping in peace.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
My eyes slowly opened, and instead of waking up to a nightmare, I found myself in familiar territory...my bedroom, my bed, my home. Looking down, I slowly moved each part of my body...healed. I was healed. I was healed and I was home. Better yet, I was safe. As this information sunk in a huge smile spread over my face. Things would be different from now on. Glancing around my room, I took the time to notice the small things. The sun was shining in through my window, which was slightly open to let in the sound of chirping birds. A few candles on my bureau were lit and burning...I smiled, knowing it was a sign from my sisters. They had been in before to pray for my health. I even noticed the way my soft blanket felt to my skin and the way my plants made shadows on the wall. I was alive, and life was good. Looking up, I silently thanked my Mom. She was the one who had given me the strength to continue, and to survive.
"Thanks Mom," I whispered and I smiled as the word 'mom' can from my lips. I had always had such a hard time saying it since my parents' death. "I now realize...Everything in life should be faced with courage and strength...I won't let last month effect me any longer. What's in the past is in the past...I need to start working on my future." Nodding to myself, I slowly got up and gathered some clothes. It was already eleven thirty...I had been asleep for a while. On my way passing by my bureau I stopped to take in the delightful scent of the candles Phoebe and Piper had no doubt lit for me. The house was quiet, but I liked it that way. All Sunday mornings should be like this...peaceful and laid back. This family needed it anyway. In a few moments I was in the bathroom turning on the shower. I _needed_ one desperately. Stripping off my dirty clothes, I stepped under the hot and steaming water...*sigh* It felt so good. I'd never take a hot shower for granted again. When I realized that my fingers were beginning to look like prunes I turned the water off and got into some clean pajamas. Today I was going to do nothing but bum around the house. After drying my hair and brushing my teeth I took a deep breath. It was time to face my sisters...I wasn't afraid or anything...just a little uncomfortable that they had been in my head...sort of. Who knows what they experienced during that spell? I guess it doesn't matter any longer anyway. I'm just glad to be home. After taking another deep breath I opened the door and headed downstairs.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PHOEBE)*
I woke to a quiet house...not a sound to be heard. The silence actually suited my mood...I needed some time to wind down and relax. Turning my head to my left, I watched the deep and even breathing of Cole as his bare and muscular chest moved up and down in rhythm. So sexy...Glancing down, I smiled at the way his right hand was protectively wrapped around mine. I loved this man so much. Bending over, I gently removed my hand from his and kissed each of his fingertips lightly. After taking another look at Cole I quietly got up and headed for the shower. It looked like Piper had already been in, but Paige was still sleeping. It made sense. Paige was exhausted and might be a little out of it for a while...Piper was probably downstairs making breakfast for all of us. Actually, by the time everyone got downstairs it would probably be time for lunch. Smiling at this thought, I quickly took a shower and got dressed. A half-hour later I was dressed in some sweats and a top, and peeked my head back into my room. Cole was sitting on the bed, dressed as well (darn my luck!....tee hee ^^). I had to smile at the twinkle in his eyes and the cute way his hair was ruffled and disheveled.
"I missed you," I said playfully, walking up to sit beside him on our bed.
"Me too," he joined in, and put his arm around my waist, pulling me over to sit closer beside him. "I just can't get enough of you." Suddenly, Cole started tickling me in the stomach. Not expecting it, I doubled over and burst out laughing, not being able to stop my hysterics.
"H-...Hey," I managed to get out between giggles. "Not fair." Cole continued to tickle me until I didn't think I'd be able to breathe any longer...Then, he pulled me into a hug, leaning me over his lap, and gave me a firm and passionate kiss on the lips. I quickly closed my eyes, making the best of this kiss, and let out a breath of air as his lips drew away. Opening my eyes, I saw the perfect guy leaning over me and I smiled at him. "Should we go downstairs? I smell food."
"I guess...But I'm demanding some alone time with you later."
"Sure," I laughed as I swatted playfully at Cole and we got up to head downstairs. We passed Paige's room quietly, but before we left I popped my head into her room. She was breathing softly and looked so rested...I smiled at my little sister and then looked over to see that two candles had been lit, and one was sitting there in loneliness with no flame. Piper must have lit them for Paige...one candle from Piper and one from Prue. I nodded at the thought and then tiptoed in to light the remaining one. One from me. After giving one more glance at my sister I joined Cole outside and we headed downstairs. As we rounded the stairs and headed for the kitchen I could smell the fresh bagels even more distinctly.
"Good Morning," Piper exclaimed as Cole and I entered the kitchen. She had fresh bagels on the table along with cream cheese and fresh fruit.
"Good Morning," I replied, and walked over to give my big sister a hug. She returned it whole-heartedly and afterwards gave me a kiss on the forehead. I had noticed that Leo was sitting at the table eating, and when I looked over I saw that Cole had joined him. "How'd you sleep?" I asked Piper as we both sat down to join our guys.
"Great," she replied and I nodded. "I think everything is finally going to go back to how it was before..."
"Before last month," I finished, and Piper nodded. "Me too." It was nice to sit there and have a normal breakfast with bagels, coffee, juice, and family. It hadn't been like this for a long time. When I heard a noise I looked over towards the door and was surprised to find Paige standing there, watching all of us quietly.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
*(PAIGE)*
As I turned to go into the kitchen I stopped and listened. I could hear quiet murmurs coming from within...My family. Slowly, I walked forward and stepped into the kitchen. Upon my entrance I found all eyes looking towards me as the room fell silent. Embarrassed, I looked down at the floor, wishing everyone would just stop starring at me. I jumped in surprise when I found both sisters beside me, wrapping their arms around my shoulders for a group hug. After a moment, I smiled and hugged both of them back. When we broke our embrace I followed them and sat down with my family at the table. I was starving. After eyeing the food, I put some strawberries on my plate and picked up a bagel. No words were needed between my sisters and I...what had happened was over, and none of us wanted to speak about it any longer. We just wanted to move on...And you know the funny part? I was ready. Ready to move on with my life and take what comes my way. You only live once, and in this family, who knows how long that will be? I sat and listened with silent joy as Piper and Phoebe began talking about who was playing at P3 next week. Leo started doing the dishes, and Cole sat next to Phoebe, his hand on her knee. Life was so precious...so wonderful. Thank God I had found myself again...My soul was cleansed, and I was ready for the world with soaring spirits. My lost soul had been found.
THE END
*cries* It's finally over...wow, I just can't believe it. I hope everyone liked the last chapter...I just love happy endings...^^ Thanks again and again (I can't say it enough) for staying with me and supporting this story. I love all of you for it.
~Silverstar