Okay, in the next chapter, we will learn a little more about the events that have transpired over the last year.....including some information on Cole........but until then, enjoy. And please, let me know what you think: )



~~~~~



Piper lay on her back, listening to the sounds of her husband's breathing. She'd already studied every inch of the bedroom ceiling as she lay unable to sleep in bed. Turning to look at the bedside clock, she was grateful to see that it was now a reasonable hour to get up. When she turned back to Leo, his eyes were open.

"Hi," he greeted.

"Hi," she whispered back. At the love and understanding she could see in his eyes, she felt the threat of tears.

"Hey," he soothed, wrapping his arms around her. She gripped him tightly, nuzzling her head under his chin.

"I'm sorry," she apologised.

"You've nothing to be sorry for," he said. "I know that the next few days are going to be tough.....aniversaries and birthdays usually are."

"She was......she was so young. Why did she have to die, Leo?"

He tightened his embrace. "It was just -- "

"No, don't give me that 'it was just her time,' bull! Tell me that it was unfortunate, tell me that the world is just a really crappy place, but don't tell me it was her time!"

She regretted her outburst the instant it had happened, but couldn't take it back as tears choked her.

"Shhh.....it's okay, Piper. You're right, the world is a really crappy place sometimes. And Phoebe.....she didn't deserve to die. But she did.....and you have to move on now. You know it's what she'd want."

She nodded against his chest, biting her lower lip. "Yeah, I....I think it is. I just....why haven't they let her visit? I know....she had to get used to being there and.....that we had to accept it and move on. But it's been a year. Where is she?"

Leo sighed. "I can't answer that Piper.....I wish I could."

"I wish you could, too," she whispered.



********



Piper rubbed a tired hand over her face. She knew as she moved to Phoebe's room that it was where she would find Prue. As she'd lain awake, unable to sleep last night, she had heard the sounds of Prue's nightmare, and then her sisters departure. Every instinct in her screamed out for her to go and comfort her sister, but she knew the reaction she would get if she tried. Although she and Prue had grown even closer than they were when Phoebe was alive, Prue completely refused to show that she was still grieving.

Cracking the door open slightly, Piper's heart contstricted at the sight of her big sister, curled up in a little ball, like a small child. She wished that she didn't have to wake her up, but Prue had a photoshoot to prepare for....and she had only recently started finding joy in her work again.

She put a hand on Prue's shoulder and shook gently. "Prue? Sweetie, get up."

She stirred, not quite awake.

"Prue?"

Prue peeked open one eye, groaning when she realised she was now fully awake. "Uh," she moaned. "What time is it?"

"It's gone eight am," Piper answered. "I let you sleep as long as I could.....but you asked me to make sure you were up and about for before 8:30."

"I remember," Prue groused. "I just didn't expect 8:30 to be so early."

Piper smiled. "C'mon, sleepyhead. Up and at 'em."

"God, my sister has been replaced by a clone.....'cause the Piper *I* know doesn't enjoy getting up this early.....plus she isn't so perky."

"Ah,but I am not perky," Piper corrected. *You* are simply more dour than usual."

"That *must* be it."

"Uh huh, so go.....take a shower and I'll throw some breakfast together for you."

"Thanks Piper," Prue said sincerely, giving her sister a quick hug. Looking around the room as she left, Prue was glad that Piper hadn't asked what she was doing in here........she just couldn't get in to how much she missed her sister.

"You're welcome," her sister answered to Prue's back. Piper took one more good look around Phoebe's room, before turning to leave. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.



~~~

The figure watched as the eldest Halliwell exited her home. She walked slowly to her car, oblivious to his presence. Good. That's how it should be.

~~~