Disclaimer: No, I don't own Charmed. Hey, it disappoints me as much as it does you. lol. Seriously though, I would have done some things a lot differently if I'd owned the show...anyways. That's my disclaimer and I'm stickin' to it! (In case you were wondering, no I don't do drugs, yes I really am THAT weird!!!:P)
AN: OH my gosh, I made past 100 reviews! Wow, that is the first time EVER for me!!!! I'm sorry I made you all wait so long, but writer's block is hard to beat. Special thanks to:
Lara-Beth: Your reviews are so sweet. *cries* Really, thank you so much. You are so encouraging...I can't thank you enough. You gave me review #100!!! *gives every gift imaginable and celebrates*
HalliwellGirls: Yes, I'll update quick! I HATE writer's block! :P It's gone know, so, it's all good. Thank you for reviewing and waiting for so long...:D
wAnNaBpIpEr: HEYA! Yeah, I know, I don't usually like chapters...I did like chapter 13...and I think 5. Something like that. lol. I know, my opinions sux. :P:P LOL, thanks for reviewing!
Phoibe: WOW, you really read all sixteen chapters? That is so awesome, thank you for taking the time to do that. I'm glad you liked it enough to read it all. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Macca's Well: Thanx! OK everyone. Prue's turning 31! Thanks for telling me!!! *smiles* and for reviewing
Rea: Well, it's good manners for me to ask you if you liked it before throwing another chapter at you. I wrote more soon! yay!
Starring Piper: Hey, I'll thank you cuz I know you tried to review, and it didn't let you. AGAIN!! I'll just thank you with every chapter now, since you really really deserve it. You're the bestest. *grins*
Everybody say: Thank you Starring Piper!! She contributed to this chapter as well..hehe
Prue stormed into the Manor, relieved to be home, but irritated at the fact that she was the only one there. Grimacing, she recalled the days events. She had grown increasingly annoyed with every snide comment from her new boss. She'd ended up having to bite her tongue every time that insufferable woman sauntered into her cubicle with fresh orders for her to jump right on. How she hated that tiny space that partially secluded her from any human life. She missed the invigorating social contact she'd been accustomed to in her old job. That added with the fact that her sisters had forgotten her birthday made for a very dark mood. She sighed and resigned herself to the fact that she was unavoidably obligated to continue working there, however horrible it became. Her eyes traveled to the small table in the entryway, scanning for a note from any of her sisters. She spotted hurriedly scrawled writing and instantly connected it with Piper. 'Prue, Meet us at P3." Grinning, she relaxed as the weight of the day melted off of her shoulders, leaving her elated. She grabbed her coat and rushed to her car.
The drive there was relatively short, and seemed even shorter to Prue, who spent the time imagining the things her sisters cooked up. Once she arrived, she forced herself to walk calmly into the club, a casual smile plastered on her face. A woman hurried over to her, handing her a note and smiling. She rolled her eyes, playing at aggravation in an effort to hide her excitement. 'Golden Gate Park.' It was childish and immature...and beautifully characteristic of her sisters. The thought they had put into it didn't escape her, nor did how well they knew her. Without even questioning herself, she knew instinctively where to go. The tree they always went to when at the park. So many picnics and sisterly arguments had happened there, it was difficult not to think of it as traditional place to go for the Halliwells. She was still lost in thought as she wondered to the tree. A note taped down several times caught her attention. Laughing, she read it quickly. 'Think: playing house.' She grinned and ripped the paper from the bark. Stuffing it in her pocket, she broke into a leisurely jog. She remember playing under the same trees for hours while Grams lingered far enough away to be hidden. She had always know that Grams did that to give them some semblance of privacy, but also a sense of security. It made them feel secure to know she was nearby if they needed her. She remembered one occasion exceptionally well...
~Flashback~ (OK, I know I do a LOT of these, but Starring likes them and so do I...so there:))
"I already told you I am going to be the mom," Prue stated, crossing her arms. Phoebe stuck her tongue out at her, but behind her so she wouldn't see. Piper laughed, then sobered when she remember the argument.
"Why can't I be? Just once?," she pleaded, wishing her sister would just give in for a change.
"Nope. We always do it this way, and it's always fun," Prue answered, turning around, indicating the conversation was over. Piper and Phoebe exchanged looks. She was always so bossy!
"Fine," Piper relented, sighing heavily. Phoebe clapped her hands together happily.
"I want to be the baby," she announced, sticking her thumb in her mouth.
"Kaysies, but I get to be the big sister," Piper agreed. Prue let them choose their roles like they usually did. Phoebe grinned, then fell on her back and started squalling. Prue rushed to her side, cooing at her in the way she saw mothers do on TV. Silently, she wondered if her mother ever treated her like this. She shoved the thought away, sternly reminding herself that it didn't matter.
"Mommy? What's the matter with sissy?," Piper asked, getting into the game. Prue waved her hand at her, telling her to be quiet. Piper complied, but pouted as she did so. Bossy, bossy, bossy... After a few minutes, Phoebe began to get calmer and began toying with the leaves on the ground.
"There," Prue said, smiling, "That's my good girl." Gently, she kissed Phoebe's forehead. Phoebe grinned up at her, enjoying her role as the center of attention. Piper kneeled down next to her and started tickling unmercifully. Phoebe rolled around in protest, batting away Piper's hands, which did nothing to help her situation. Prue looked on, laughing at the glee in Phoebe's face. This was where she liked it best, where everyone was happy. She hated it at the house when Grams got sad. Everyone was so grouchy then. No, she decided, she'd like to live there forever if she could. An idea popped into her head and she grinned. She would just move her and her sisters out here! All she had to do was convince Grams to let her, and they could be happy always. Satisfied, she jumped into the tickle fight, joining teams with Phoebe, since she was the youngest.
~End~
Prue smiled faintly, remembering the weeks of pestering her Grams about 'moving into the tree place'. She was jolted out of her thoughts by six pairs of arms thrown around her.
"You found us!," Paige said, her voice hinting at her doubtfulness when Piper and Phoebe had told her their plan.
"Of course, I loved this place when we were little," Prue said. Piper and Phoebe grinned at Paige, silently rubbing in the proof that they had been right.
"So whose idea was it to make me hunt for you guys?," Prue demanded, forcing her expression into one of annoyance. Both Paige and Phoebe pointed accusing fingers at Piper, who was trying her best to look innocent. Prue reached out and gave her an extra hug.
"It was great," she assured her, tightening the embrace slightly before letting go. Piper smiled, pleased that Prue had liked the little scavenger hunt she'd cooked up. "I thought you guys had forgotten when you didn't say anything this morning," she continued.
"That was the point," Paige pointed out.
"We wanted to surprise you," Phoebe clarified, elbowing Paige. It was obvious that they had. Prue looked passed them and at the pile of objects littering the blanket spread out over the dirt. She took one look at the triple layered fudge cake she'd been dreaming about all day, and had to stop herself from tearing into it. She glanced at the gifts, and at the picnic basket. Everything looked so perfect.
"OK, birthday girl, what do you want to do first? Eat or open presents?," Piper asked, moving to sit on the edge of the blanket. They all copied her movements and settled in comfortable.
"I can't resist that cake any longer," Prue declared, laughing.
"Say no more," Piper said and took out a knife. As she sliced it with quick and skilled motions, she watched her older sister. Prue was smiling from ear to ear, and clearly thrilled with the way things were turning out. Eagerly, Prue took the first piece and, without waiting for a fork, picked it off the place and sank her teeth into the rich chocolate.
"You are a mess," Piper sighed, handing her a napkin.
"Me next!," Phoebe shouted, and took the slice from Piper's hand, not even waiting for an answer. Piper handed another piece to Paige, then took one for herself. Her attention was taken away from the cake by a blue swirl of lights. Confused, she set down the dessert and got up.
"Leo?," she asked. Leo grinned. He had orbed in with Andy, Grams, and Patty, much to the surprise of everyone there.
"OH MY GOSH," Prue squealed, leaping up to throw her arms around each of them in turn.
"Did you guys know about this?," she asked her sisters. The gaping expressions answered her question.
"Leo, you're the best brother-in-law ever and I love you," Prue exclaimed, hugging him enthusiastically.
"Well, since Leo already gave his gift," Piper started, going over to him and kissing him gently, "Let's do the presents." While Paige and Phoebe fought over which present to give her first, Piper wrapped her arms around her very sweet husband.
"I love you," she whispered, "Thank you for making this happen." Leo bent down and kissed her again, then straightened and watched Prue with his arms still around Piper.
Prue admired the wrapping paper and meticulously unwrapped the first presents. Paige, who had beat Phoebe in their battle, squirmed impatiently. Finally, Prue removed the last piece of paper and admired the painting.
"It's perfect," she said, smiling at Paige, "This is exactly how someone would remember us." Paige blushed and ducked her head in embarrassment. Inwardly however, she was applauding herself. Phoebe handed her Piper's gift, deciding to let Prue open hers last.
"Piper, I love it," Prue said, unwrapping the gift much faster than the last. Piper smiled and walked over to hug her.
"I'm glad. Now you'll have something new to look through in the wee hours of the morning," she said softly. Prue looked at her, startled, then grinned. Piper was always checking on them, careful to be quiet and go unnoticed.
"Now, it's my turn," Phoebe interrupted, giving her the small box. Prue turned her attention back to the gift and began unwrapping it.
"This is the best birthday ever, you guys," she told them as she ripped off the last piece of paper and opened the box, "Really, thank you so much. I love you all. Aw, Pheebs, those pictures are so cute...oh." She stopped her joyous rambling when she read the inscription on the back of the heart shaped locket. Suddenly, she burst into tears, surprising everyone, including herself. Phoebe scrambled over to hug her, wiping at the tears streaming down her sister's face.
"Phoebe, honey, it's beautiful. I'll wear it always," she promised, struggling to clasp it around her neck. Finally, with Phoebe's help, she hooked it securely. She fingered the locket gently and memorized Phoebe's face at that exact moment. 'Even when I'm gone...I'm here.' Prue thought about the words, and knew that Phoebe was right. She would always be there, close to her heart, just like the locket. Fresh tears sprang into her eyes, and she reached out to hug Phoebe tightly, searing this memory into her mind.
AN: OK, I hated it...I'm KIDDING, I'm kidding. lol, I actually really enjoyed writing this and I hope you all enjoy reading it. Let me know your opinions!!! I love reviews, all of them. You guys are the best! *throws everyone chocolate*
AN: OH my gosh, I made past 100 reviews! Wow, that is the first time EVER for me!!!! I'm sorry I made you all wait so long, but writer's block is hard to beat. Special thanks to:
Lara-Beth: Your reviews are so sweet. *cries* Really, thank you so much. You are so encouraging...I can't thank you enough. You gave me review #100!!! *gives every gift imaginable and celebrates*
HalliwellGirls: Yes, I'll update quick! I HATE writer's block! :P It's gone know, so, it's all good. Thank you for reviewing and waiting for so long...:D
wAnNaBpIpEr: HEYA! Yeah, I know, I don't usually like chapters...I did like chapter 13...and I think 5. Something like that. lol. I know, my opinions sux. :P:P LOL, thanks for reviewing!
Phoibe: WOW, you really read all sixteen chapters? That is so awesome, thank you for taking the time to do that. I'm glad you liked it enough to read it all. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Macca's Well: Thanx! OK everyone. Prue's turning 31! Thanks for telling me!!! *smiles* and for reviewing
Rea: Well, it's good manners for me to ask you if you liked it before throwing another chapter at you. I wrote more soon! yay!
Starring Piper: Hey, I'll thank you cuz I know you tried to review, and it didn't let you. AGAIN!! I'll just thank you with every chapter now, since you really really deserve it. You're the bestest. *grins*
Everybody say: Thank you Starring Piper!! She contributed to this chapter as well..hehe
Prue stormed into the Manor, relieved to be home, but irritated at the fact that she was the only one there. Grimacing, she recalled the days events. She had grown increasingly annoyed with every snide comment from her new boss. She'd ended up having to bite her tongue every time that insufferable woman sauntered into her cubicle with fresh orders for her to jump right on. How she hated that tiny space that partially secluded her from any human life. She missed the invigorating social contact she'd been accustomed to in her old job. That added with the fact that her sisters had forgotten her birthday made for a very dark mood. She sighed and resigned herself to the fact that she was unavoidably obligated to continue working there, however horrible it became. Her eyes traveled to the small table in the entryway, scanning for a note from any of her sisters. She spotted hurriedly scrawled writing and instantly connected it with Piper. 'Prue, Meet us at P3." Grinning, she relaxed as the weight of the day melted off of her shoulders, leaving her elated. She grabbed her coat and rushed to her car.
The drive there was relatively short, and seemed even shorter to Prue, who spent the time imagining the things her sisters cooked up. Once she arrived, she forced herself to walk calmly into the club, a casual smile plastered on her face. A woman hurried over to her, handing her a note and smiling. She rolled her eyes, playing at aggravation in an effort to hide her excitement. 'Golden Gate Park.' It was childish and immature...and beautifully characteristic of her sisters. The thought they had put into it didn't escape her, nor did how well they knew her. Without even questioning herself, she knew instinctively where to go. The tree they always went to when at the park. So many picnics and sisterly arguments had happened there, it was difficult not to think of it as traditional place to go for the Halliwells. She was still lost in thought as she wondered to the tree. A note taped down several times caught her attention. Laughing, she read it quickly. 'Think: playing house.' She grinned and ripped the paper from the bark. Stuffing it in her pocket, she broke into a leisurely jog. She remember playing under the same trees for hours while Grams lingered far enough away to be hidden. She had always know that Grams did that to give them some semblance of privacy, but also a sense of security. It made them feel secure to know she was nearby if they needed her. She remembered one occasion exceptionally well...
~Flashback~ (OK, I know I do a LOT of these, but Starring likes them and so do I...so there:))
"I already told you I am going to be the mom," Prue stated, crossing her arms. Phoebe stuck her tongue out at her, but behind her so she wouldn't see. Piper laughed, then sobered when she remember the argument.
"Why can't I be? Just once?," she pleaded, wishing her sister would just give in for a change.
"Nope. We always do it this way, and it's always fun," Prue answered, turning around, indicating the conversation was over. Piper and Phoebe exchanged looks. She was always so bossy!
"Fine," Piper relented, sighing heavily. Phoebe clapped her hands together happily.
"I want to be the baby," she announced, sticking her thumb in her mouth.
"Kaysies, but I get to be the big sister," Piper agreed. Prue let them choose their roles like they usually did. Phoebe grinned, then fell on her back and started squalling. Prue rushed to her side, cooing at her in the way she saw mothers do on TV. Silently, she wondered if her mother ever treated her like this. She shoved the thought away, sternly reminding herself that it didn't matter.
"Mommy? What's the matter with sissy?," Piper asked, getting into the game. Prue waved her hand at her, telling her to be quiet. Piper complied, but pouted as she did so. Bossy, bossy, bossy... After a few minutes, Phoebe began to get calmer and began toying with the leaves on the ground.
"There," Prue said, smiling, "That's my good girl." Gently, she kissed Phoebe's forehead. Phoebe grinned up at her, enjoying her role as the center of attention. Piper kneeled down next to her and started tickling unmercifully. Phoebe rolled around in protest, batting away Piper's hands, which did nothing to help her situation. Prue looked on, laughing at the glee in Phoebe's face. This was where she liked it best, where everyone was happy. She hated it at the house when Grams got sad. Everyone was so grouchy then. No, she decided, she'd like to live there forever if she could. An idea popped into her head and she grinned. She would just move her and her sisters out here! All she had to do was convince Grams to let her, and they could be happy always. Satisfied, she jumped into the tickle fight, joining teams with Phoebe, since she was the youngest.
~End~
Prue smiled faintly, remembering the weeks of pestering her Grams about 'moving into the tree place'. She was jolted out of her thoughts by six pairs of arms thrown around her.
"You found us!," Paige said, her voice hinting at her doubtfulness when Piper and Phoebe had told her their plan.
"Of course, I loved this place when we were little," Prue said. Piper and Phoebe grinned at Paige, silently rubbing in the proof that they had been right.
"So whose idea was it to make me hunt for you guys?," Prue demanded, forcing her expression into one of annoyance. Both Paige and Phoebe pointed accusing fingers at Piper, who was trying her best to look innocent. Prue reached out and gave her an extra hug.
"It was great," she assured her, tightening the embrace slightly before letting go. Piper smiled, pleased that Prue had liked the little scavenger hunt she'd cooked up. "I thought you guys had forgotten when you didn't say anything this morning," she continued.
"That was the point," Paige pointed out.
"We wanted to surprise you," Phoebe clarified, elbowing Paige. It was obvious that they had. Prue looked passed them and at the pile of objects littering the blanket spread out over the dirt. She took one look at the triple layered fudge cake she'd been dreaming about all day, and had to stop herself from tearing into it. She glanced at the gifts, and at the picnic basket. Everything looked so perfect.
"OK, birthday girl, what do you want to do first? Eat or open presents?," Piper asked, moving to sit on the edge of the blanket. They all copied her movements and settled in comfortable.
"I can't resist that cake any longer," Prue declared, laughing.
"Say no more," Piper said and took out a knife. As she sliced it with quick and skilled motions, she watched her older sister. Prue was smiling from ear to ear, and clearly thrilled with the way things were turning out. Eagerly, Prue took the first piece and, without waiting for a fork, picked it off the place and sank her teeth into the rich chocolate.
"You are a mess," Piper sighed, handing her a napkin.
"Me next!," Phoebe shouted, and took the slice from Piper's hand, not even waiting for an answer. Piper handed another piece to Paige, then took one for herself. Her attention was taken away from the cake by a blue swirl of lights. Confused, she set down the dessert and got up.
"Leo?," she asked. Leo grinned. He had orbed in with Andy, Grams, and Patty, much to the surprise of everyone there.
"OH MY GOSH," Prue squealed, leaping up to throw her arms around each of them in turn.
"Did you guys know about this?," she asked her sisters. The gaping expressions answered her question.
"Leo, you're the best brother-in-law ever and I love you," Prue exclaimed, hugging him enthusiastically.
"Well, since Leo already gave his gift," Piper started, going over to him and kissing him gently, "Let's do the presents." While Paige and Phoebe fought over which present to give her first, Piper wrapped her arms around her very sweet husband.
"I love you," she whispered, "Thank you for making this happen." Leo bent down and kissed her again, then straightened and watched Prue with his arms still around Piper.
Prue admired the wrapping paper and meticulously unwrapped the first presents. Paige, who had beat Phoebe in their battle, squirmed impatiently. Finally, Prue removed the last piece of paper and admired the painting.
"It's perfect," she said, smiling at Paige, "This is exactly how someone would remember us." Paige blushed and ducked her head in embarrassment. Inwardly however, she was applauding herself. Phoebe handed her Piper's gift, deciding to let Prue open hers last.
"Piper, I love it," Prue said, unwrapping the gift much faster than the last. Piper smiled and walked over to hug her.
"I'm glad. Now you'll have something new to look through in the wee hours of the morning," she said softly. Prue looked at her, startled, then grinned. Piper was always checking on them, careful to be quiet and go unnoticed.
"Now, it's my turn," Phoebe interrupted, giving her the small box. Prue turned her attention back to the gift and began unwrapping it.
"This is the best birthday ever, you guys," she told them as she ripped off the last piece of paper and opened the box, "Really, thank you so much. I love you all. Aw, Pheebs, those pictures are so cute...oh." She stopped her joyous rambling when she read the inscription on the back of the heart shaped locket. Suddenly, she burst into tears, surprising everyone, including herself. Phoebe scrambled over to hug her, wiping at the tears streaming down her sister's face.
"Phoebe, honey, it's beautiful. I'll wear it always," she promised, struggling to clasp it around her neck. Finally, with Phoebe's help, she hooked it securely. She fingered the locket gently and memorized Phoebe's face at that exact moment. 'Even when I'm gone...I'm here.' Prue thought about the words, and knew that Phoebe was right. She would always be there, close to her heart, just like the locket. Fresh tears sprang into her eyes, and she reached out to hug Phoebe tightly, searing this memory into her mind.
AN: OK, I hated it...I'm KIDDING, I'm kidding. lol, I actually really enjoyed writing this and I hope you all enjoy reading it. Let me know your opinions!!! I love reviews, all of them. You guys are the best! *throws everyone chocolate*