Troubled Times
Part 10
By: Silverstar
Thanks for those of you who reviewed. I really appreciate it. ^_^ Well, here it is, the last chapter. I hope everyone has enjoyed this story so far, and that you like the ending. I can't believe it's finally over, but it is. Thanks again to those who have reviewed, and I beg you to please review for this chapter, the last one, and tell me what you think of my story as a whole. Thanks!
Disclaimer: Don't own Charmed!
**********
The next morning Jim woke me up early and the fatigue along with the headache and fuzziness from the drugs that were wearing off made it hard to get up. Jim helped me up and I quickly changed before we all dashed to the car. Matt had only paid for one night, and we had a plane to catch. Like before, Jim made me lay down in the back, but I didn't mind since my head hurt so much. I just wanted to sleep. About an hour later I woke up to Jim shoving his jacket on me and putting a baseball hat on my head.
"Keep it on low," he instructed as he shoved my free hair under the back of my shirt. We were at the airport. I wasn't sure how Jim expected us to get through security with me all over the news, but I was too out of it to really care. I just wanted to lye down and sleep. After parking the van in a random parking lot, Matt grabbed all three of the bags that we had and Jim ushered me out the door. On the way to the airport we climbed onto a transport bus and we sat down in three seats near the back. I wanted to scream out for help...but my head hurt too much, and Jim's strong grip on my wrist prevented me from doing so. One word, and I know he'd snap it in half. At the airport we quickly got off the bus and made our way down one of the numerous long hallways and to the...Starbucks? I looked at my escorts with questioning eyes as we sat down at a table, but didn't say anything. I looked around a little, but after a glance at Jim I lowered my head back down. He was giving me a death stare...I guess he didn't want anyone to see me so that I wouldn't be recognized. Ten minutes later a man dressed in an airline uniform came over to our table and sat down.
"Ready?" the man with the gruff voice asked. Jim and Matt nodded and we silently got up and followed him down some hallways and towards a plane. The walking made me dizzy and I lagged behind while the men walked faster. Stopping for a moment, I took a deep breath and tried to brush off my headache and dizziness, but it was no use. Seconds later Jim's hands were firmly gripping my shoulders as he pushed me forward.
"I don't feel well..." I whispered in Jim's ear as we moved forward...Oh, my legs felt like Jell-O.
"Just hold on a little longer," he whispered back. "You can rest on the plane." I nodded, feeling to sick to say anything, and let Jim lead me forward. Five minutes later we stopped outside a gate and I watched as our new friend went up to the guy standing in front checking passports and tickets. A minute later he left and our friend was now in charge. Jim led me forward behind Matt, who gave the guy our tickets and passports. Of course, I didn't have a passport...So all three were probably fake. Everything was blurry as Jim led me onto the plane and sat me down at the window. After pulling the window shade down he sat down next to me while Matt stored our bags and got situated in the aisle seat. "You can rest now baby," Jim said softly to me, and I was so sick that I allowed my head to fall onto his shoulder as my eyes closed.
"EVERYONE! STAY WHERE YOU ARE!" My eyes popped open at the sound of someone yelling and I looked up at Jim. He looked...scared.
"Jim...What's going on?" I asked in a whisper, and he shushed me. I looked up to see two policemen and that inspector...it was that guy Darryl! As soon as Jim saw me looking around he pulled my head back down so that my face wasn't visible. I listened as Darryl went past us to go talk to the pilot and was surprised when Jim pulled me up.
"Hold it!" a police officer said to us as Jim shoved a barf bag in my face and pulled me down the aisle.
"My friend feels really sick," I heard Jim say, and in a minute we were in the bathroom.
"Jim..." I whispered, hoping that he'd do nothing stupid, but he shushed me again and we listened.
"Okay, we're looking for a Phoebe Halliwell..." I heard Darryl say as he walked down the plane's aisle. "We have reason to believe that she is on this flight, so I need an ID from everyone aboard."
"Get ready to run," Jim whispered sharply to me, and in a second he had looked outside the bathroom and then shoved me out and towards the exit. We ran down the steps and I tried to keep up as he pulled me by the hand behind him.
"Hey! Inspector! Two people just ran off the plane!" I heard someone shout behind us, but Jim was pulling me so fast that I had to concentrate on my feet...and my stomach. I didn't want to get sick in front of the whole airport. I gasped for air as Jim shoved me quickly into a crowd and then into the empty bathroom beyond. I fell hard and winced as my head hit the floor, tearing the bandage on my head as the gash started to bleed again. Jim was pulling me into the storage closet that was inside, which normally held toilet paper, mops, and the such. He squeezed in beside me and then shut the door.
"Hey...babe...Phoebe..." he said softly, and I attempted to focus my eyes on him...very blurry...a very fuzzy Jim. "Here hun, take this." I couldn't do anything as Jim slid some hidden needle into my arm and then another into his. "If I can't be with you I don't want to be with anyone...and I don't want you to be with anyone else either...." I heard distant voices as my eyes slowly shut, but I couldn't make anything else out. Still...I felt relieved as my mind slid into unconsciousness and I drifted away from all of the pain.
I heard beeps and clangs...I felt like I was moving...Opening my eyes, I looked up at a hazy room...Uhh...Nothing made sense.
"Phoebe...Phoebe..." Someone was calling my name...who...who...I tried to focus, but just moaned in pain as my head started to pound. I felt so sick... "Phoebe...can you hear me? It's Prue." My eyes had already shut, not that I could see with them open anyways, but at the sound of Prue's name I felt relief swarm over me.
"P...Prue...?" I tried to whisper, although I didn't accomplish anything more than mouthing her name silently. Suddenly, I felt someone squeezing my hand and my mind was put at ease for a second before I fell into unconsciousness yet again.
~~~
Footsteps...behind me...Very slowly, I turned around to see Jim standing there...no, it wasn't Jim...It couldn't be...
"Phoebe...my love..." He moved towards me, but as he took a step forwards, I took one backwards.
"No...Stay away from me...I..." My eyes widened as he jumped forward and placed his lips on mine. So warm...so inviting. I gave in to the kiss and savored the moments when Jim's lips were on mine, lingering above with his sweet soft touch.
"No...WAIT!" I yelled, jumping away from him and turning to run. But Jim was quick, and his arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me down so that I couldn't escape. I saw the ravenous look in his eyes, and knew that the sweet touch of his lips was misleading. Jim had never been sweet and good...he had always been a bastard...I had to fight him...
"Phoebe, don't even try it," Jim whispered, combing his hands through my hair. "You couldn't fight me even if you wanted to." No...I couldn't, could I?
"Phoebe..." Huh? Who was that... "Phoebe..." What...Someone...someone was calling me?
"Phoebe...Everything's going to be fine. Please...please just come back to us..."
"Prue?" I asked, staring up at the sky. Yes...I decided. I could fight on...I could live...Smiling to myself, I closed my eyes as I felt Jim disappear behind me and everything went black.
~~~
Beep...Beep...Beep...Uh...a very familiar noise...a noise that I didn't like. My mind cleared as the soft beeping from the equipment surrounding me reached my ears. Panic overtook me for a moment before I could take a deep breath and calm myself down. The noise around me indicated a hospital...I hated hospitals...but... A hospital meant that I was getting treated...that I was safe...safe away from Jim. Realizing this, I quickly opened my eyes to see where I was exactly. As light hit my pupils I groaned in pain, lifting my right arm to shield myself from it. I immediately felt the headache that I had suppressed and silently cursed the glaring light.
"Phoebe?" What...what was that...? "Phoebe...Are you awake?" Slowly lowering my arm, I squinted my eyes open to see that Prue had been sleeping in the chair next to my bed. "Phoebe?" she said again, relief and happiness evident in her voice as she grabbed my hands in hers and stared into my eyes.
"Prue...?" I whispered, relief sinking into me as well when I saw her. I couldn't believe it. I...I was out of that hell whole...I was back with my sisters.
"Phoebe," she sobbed happily, reaching over and enveloping me in a huge hug. Emotions rising within me, I cried too as I wrapped my arms around her and she held me. We sat there like that for a long time before Prue finally pulled away. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Here I am crying all over you when you're still sick. Tell me, how do you feel? I should call the doctor..." She got up to leave the room, but panic overcame me so suddenly that I cried out.
"No! Don't leave!" I said as loudly as I could, and Prue turned right back around towards me.
"What is it?" she asked gently, and I let her wrap her hand around mine.
"Don't leave..." I whispered, and she just nodded. Getting up, she leaned over and hit the nurse-call button. Minutes later I saw Jamie walk through the door, and I almost started crying again. She had helped me get well before...I was sure to be home soon. She seemed to jump when she saw that my eyes were open and then a smile spread across her face.
"Phoebe...Oh, God..." was all I heard from her before she covered her mouth with both of her hands and looked at Prue. Prue just nodded at her, and then she ran out, calling for the doctor.
"Prue...what was she..." I was slightly confused by how Jamie had acted...so surprised to see me awake...But everything started to get hazy again, and I slowly let my eyelids droop. "Prue..." I felt her hand squeeze mine and I gripped back onto her.
"It's all right Phoebe...You rest. I'll explain later." I accepted Prue's statement before I fully shut my eyes and fell back into a peaceful sleep.
I awoke later at the sound of voices talking quietly around me. Slowly opening my eyes, I looked up to see Prue talking with Doctor Scott, and Jamie was standing nearby listening. It seems I had only been out for a 1/2 hour or so...uh, my head felt horrible...what was wrong with me? Noticing my movement, Jamie, pulled on Doctor Scott's sleeve, and all three turned towards me. Prue immediately rushed to my side and Doctor Scott was not far behind.
"Phoebe," Prue said, almost like she was still convincing herself that I was awake. I looked up at her and gave her a small smile before my head started pounding again. I barely noticed when the doctor ushered Jamie and Prue out of the room...but by the time I looked up I was alone with her. As soon as they were gone she started examining me.
"Phoebe, how do you feel?" she asked as she wrote down something on her clipboard.
"Confused," I answered. "And my head hurts." She nodded, and then pulled up the chair Prue had been occupying and sat down.
"Well, that's understandable."
"Tell me...What happened?" I asked.
"Well, you were brought into the hospital five days ago." she began.
"Wait," I said interrupting her. "How did I...How did I get here?" Doctor Scott looked at me for a moment before continuing.
"Well, the police found you at an airport in Nevada. Do you remember?" I tried to recall what had happened...but the last thing I remembered was the needle.
"It's...It's a little hazy," I said softly, and she nodded at me.
"That's all right. It's understandable." I just looked at her with confusion again, and then she continued. "You were unconscious when the police found you in one of the airport's bathroom closets, or so they tell me." I nodded and listened as she continued. "On the way to the hospital nearest to that airport your body had an almost fatal reaction with the drugs, and you went into a coma."
"A...coma...?" I asked, and she nodded.
"Your sisters insisted that they wanted you transferred here, so three days ago you were moved and put back under my care."
"Th...Thank you," I said, looking up at my doctor and smiling. "I owe you a lot." She smiled at me for a moment before getting back up and fidgeting with the equipment surrounding me.
"When you were found you had a nasty gash on your forehead," she said, and I reached up to feel the bandages over my throbbing head. "You were given stitches and you do have a concussion, but nothing more serious than that. Your head may hurt, but it's because of that, and the fact that your mind is still healing from the coma you were in." I nodded that I understood and watched as my doctor wrote down some more things from the machinery and headed for the door. "I'll send your sister back in ..And Phoebe? You're going to be all right." I smiled to myself as she left and closed my eyes in relief. I was going to be fine. Still...something still nagged at me in the back of my head. What about...what about Jim? What had happened to him? Doctor Scott hadn't said anything about him. Fear suddenly welled up inside of me at the thought that he could be anywhere...What if he came back for me? As my mind started racing I heard the door open and looked over to see that Prue had walked in. Tears threatened to overflow from my eyes when I saw her, for fear and for relief. I watched as she slowly walked up to my bed and sat down next to me.
"How are you honey," my sister asked, taking her hand and placing it gently on my cheek.
"I'm...okay," I whispered, and shut my eyes, still trying to convince myself that I wasn't dreaming. "It's just..."
"What is it?" A voice said from the doorway. Opening my eyes, I looked over to see Piper standing just inside the doorframe. Prue must have called her.
"Piper..." I whispered, and tears fell down my face again as she rushed towards me and took me into her arms. I couldn't believe it...Oh, I just couldn't believe that I was back with my sisters. Seconds later Prue joined in on the hug and we sat like that for a long time...a long time. Finally, my sisters drew back and I was able to dry my eyes and calm down. Being with them made me realize how much I needed them...There was a time in my life when I had pushed them away...But no, I don't think I could go on without them. If it wasn't for them, then Jim....Jim...Drawing a deep breath, my mind went into panic mode again as I thought of him.
"What is it Phoebs?" Piper asked again, and I looked from her to Prue, and then back to her again.
"Um...I understand how I got here and everything that happened, but...no one has spoken a word to me about...well...What about Jim?" I asked, whispering his name, fearing if I said it any louder that he'd hear me and appear. Prue and Piper's worried faces softened at this question, and they climbed onto the bed to sit on either side of me, each holding one of my hands.
"He's gone Phoebe," Prue said gently. "You won't have to worry about him anymore."
"The doctors tried to save him," Piper continued. "But he died from overdose." I sat silent for a moment upon hearing these words and let the information sink in. Jim was dead...gone...A part of me...the part that had trouble letting go of the love I once had for Jim...that part of me was saddened. The majority of my head...and my heart...Well, the majority felt great relief and gladness. I would be free from him at last and I would now have a chance to get on with my life...a life with my sisters. My face remained blank as I went through these emotions, and when I looked up I could see that Prue and Piper were waiting for a reaction from me.
"It's all right," I finally said to them, squeezing their hands with mine. "It's for the best for everyone. Now maybe both of us will be able to find peace." Prue and Piper both smiled gently at these words, and then came in for another hug. I just laughed and hugged them both right back.
"You know we love you," Prue said.
"Very much," Piper added, and I smiled.
"Yeah," I told them. "I love you guys too. And...I want to thank you for everything."
"No need," Prue responded as I snuggled down under my covers and closed my eyes. My head still hurt slightly, and I felt exhausted.
"Sorry..."I said, opening my eyes to look up at them. "I'm just...so tired."
"Don't apologize, you've been through a lot," Piper said, pulling another blanket up to tuck me in. "Get some rest." At hearing these words, I slowly closed my eyes and let my mind rest.
The next morning I awoke to see both Piper and Prue sitting at a table in my room eating breakfast, smiling and laughing softly. After shaking my head a few times to clear my mind, I sat up and watched them. A minute later Piper looked over and jumped to her feet when she saw me up.
"Oh, Phoebe, I'm so sorry! Did we wake you?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
"No, it's okay," I told her as she and Prue came to my side. "Why aren't you two at work?" I then questioned. They just smiled, sitting down next to me on the bed.
"We wanted to be here with you," Prue explained, and I accepted this information. A minute passed before I saw Prue reach up and push the nurse- call button. "Jamie wanted me to call her when you were up," she said to me, and I nodded. We then sat in silence, but I didn't care. My mind felt at ease when my sisters were in the room, and their faces and voices calmed me. Five minutes later I heard a noise, and looked over to see that Jamie had come through the door.
"Phoebe!" she exclaimed happily, and I smiled at her happiness. "How are you? Do you feel all right? Ready for some breakfast?"
"Yeah," I told her as she came over to check on me and my sisters moved out of her way. "I feel okay, except my head still hurts a little. And yeah...I think I could eat a little."
"That's good," Jamie continued. "Because I want you to make a fast recovery so you can go home and rest. Most people do get healthier once their allowed to return home, you know." I nodded at her, and had to laugh inside at her ramblings as I smiled. She seemed so happy to see me awake and willing to eat! After checking my pulse and a few readings from the equipment around me Jamie left, returning a minute later with a tray of food. Then, with a full smile, she nodded at my sisters and left. They all seemed so happy to have we awake and eating...on the road towards recovery. I hope I hadn't caused them too much worry. Brushing this thought off for later, I brought my attention to my breakfast and began to eat.
A few days passed, but every time I opened my eyes one of my sisters was always there. They weren't letting me out of their sight, and I was glad for it. It was a week after I had woken from my coma when Doctor Scott came in with good news.
"Well Phoebe," she said with a smile. "If you're ready, I'm able to release you today at the earliest. I've already told your sisters," she added, nodding at Prue, "And they're ready to do the paperwork and take you home with them. Are you feeling good enough to leave?" I just smiled at the doctor and nodded.
"I feel fine, except for the headaches I get sometimes," I said. They had taken the stitches out of my head a few days earlier and told me I was healing nicely.
"Well, that's normal. We've tested your blood and checked you, and everything seems to be fine. I have prescribed some medicine for your headaches though that you can take for two weeks. After that, if it's still bothering you, then you should come back in for a check-up." I nodded as the doctor handed Prue my prescription and smiled at me. "I hope I won't be seeing you any time soon, at least not in the hospital."
"Thank you," I said as she nodded and walked towards the door.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I heard Piper say as she came bouncing through the door and almost ran into my doctor.
"That's all right," Doctor Scott insisted. "Goodbye Piper, take care."
"You too," Piper chirped before the doctor left and both of my sisters came over towards me. "So, are you ready?" Piper asked in a cheerful voice, and I nodded.
"Okay, I'm going to go fill out some of the paperwork," Prue said, and with that she left, leaving Piper and me alone.
"Here Phoebe," Piper said as I got out of bed. "I brought you some clothes."
"Thanks," I said as I took the bag from Piper and walked into the bathroom to change. To change...wow, I've changed so much. As I put on a pair of jeans and pulled a sweater over my head I looked into the mirror. Yes...that was me in there. But...I was different. I looked...stronger...and healthier. I was the same...but different. And, I liked the changes. I was proud of who I had changed into and what I was about to become. Smiling at this thought, I nodded at myself in the mirror and opened the door to the main room where Piper was waiting.
"You look great," she told me as I walked up to give her a hug.
"Thanks," I said, and I let her take my hand and lead me out of the hospital room. We found Prue in a waiting room down the hall filling out the last of some forms for my release, and five minutes later we were walking out of the hospital, side be side with my sisters' arms linked through mine. The ride back to the Manner was silent, except for Piper humming softly to herself. They had put me in the front seat next to Prue, and Piper had gladly climbed in the back. When we pulled up the driveway in front of our house Piper quickly jumped out and opened the door for me. Prue and I laughed at her, but she just smiled as she grabbed my bag from me and led me into the house. Everything was as I had left it, and at seeing this I felt a sense of warmth and comfort. I watched as Piper went upstairs to put my bag in my room, and Prue led me over to the couch. I sat down next to her and took a deep breath. I was home...I was welcome...and...I was loved. It felt great.
"Phoebe..." I looked over at Prue and saw a look in her eyes...but I couldn't quite make out what it was. "Phoebe...we really thought we had lost you...after you had come back to us and we had made you a part of this family again, and...And I couldn't handle it. When...when Darryl called us with news from some motel in Nevada...I was so glad. So very glad." I watched as Prue wiped her eyes and I placed my hand on her shoulder.
"You mean the maid at that motel got my note?" I asked, and she nodded. "Oh, God, I was so scared...I left that in desperation, not really expecting anyone to find it." Prue just smiled at me as Piper came into the room and sat down with us on the couch.
"No Phoebs, it was that note that saved you, " Piper said, and I looked over at her. "And...it saved us too, because we would have fallen apart without you here."
"Piper..." I whispered, and I gave her a hug as a tear fell down her cheek.
"Oh Prue, now you have me crying," Piper said, playfully swatting at my big sister and I laughed along with Prue.
"You guys...please don't cry for me," I whispered. "Can we...just try to go back to the way things were before?" Both of my sisters nodded after I said this and Piper immediately stood up and walked towards the kitchen.
"I'm going to make some lunch," she called over her shoulder, and then she was gone.
"I'm going to go upstairs and freshen up," I told Prue, and I slowly got to my feet and made my way up to my room. As I walked through the door I stopped in mid step and looked around. It looked like my sisters had cleaned things up...but as I looked around, everything came back.
"This is where my tea fell," I whispered, bending down and touching the spot where there was a faint stain on my rug. "This was where he took me," I whispered, going over and slowly sitting down on my bed. "But...this is where I am. And I am home." Smiling at these words, I got up from my bed and went into the bathroom to clean myself up before lunch. He may have taken me, but I was back now, and I sure would put up a hell of a fight before ever leaving again.
THE END
So? How was it?! ^__^
Thanks for those of you who reviewed. I really appreciate it. ^_^ Well, here it is, the last chapter. I hope everyone has enjoyed this story so far, and that you like the ending. I can't believe it's finally over, but it is. Thanks again to those who have reviewed, and I beg you to please review for this chapter, the last one, and tell me what you think of my story as a whole. Thanks!
Disclaimer: Don't own Charmed!
**********
The next morning Jim woke me up early and the fatigue along with the headache and fuzziness from the drugs that were wearing off made it hard to get up. Jim helped me up and I quickly changed before we all dashed to the car. Matt had only paid for one night, and we had a plane to catch. Like before, Jim made me lay down in the back, but I didn't mind since my head hurt so much. I just wanted to sleep. About an hour later I woke up to Jim shoving his jacket on me and putting a baseball hat on my head.
"Keep it on low," he instructed as he shoved my free hair under the back of my shirt. We were at the airport. I wasn't sure how Jim expected us to get through security with me all over the news, but I was too out of it to really care. I just wanted to lye down and sleep. After parking the van in a random parking lot, Matt grabbed all three of the bags that we had and Jim ushered me out the door. On the way to the airport we climbed onto a transport bus and we sat down in three seats near the back. I wanted to scream out for help...but my head hurt too much, and Jim's strong grip on my wrist prevented me from doing so. One word, and I know he'd snap it in half. At the airport we quickly got off the bus and made our way down one of the numerous long hallways and to the...Starbucks? I looked at my escorts with questioning eyes as we sat down at a table, but didn't say anything. I looked around a little, but after a glance at Jim I lowered my head back down. He was giving me a death stare...I guess he didn't want anyone to see me so that I wouldn't be recognized. Ten minutes later a man dressed in an airline uniform came over to our table and sat down.
"Ready?" the man with the gruff voice asked. Jim and Matt nodded and we silently got up and followed him down some hallways and towards a plane. The walking made me dizzy and I lagged behind while the men walked faster. Stopping for a moment, I took a deep breath and tried to brush off my headache and dizziness, but it was no use. Seconds later Jim's hands were firmly gripping my shoulders as he pushed me forward.
"I don't feel well..." I whispered in Jim's ear as we moved forward...Oh, my legs felt like Jell-O.
"Just hold on a little longer," he whispered back. "You can rest on the plane." I nodded, feeling to sick to say anything, and let Jim lead me forward. Five minutes later we stopped outside a gate and I watched as our new friend went up to the guy standing in front checking passports and tickets. A minute later he left and our friend was now in charge. Jim led me forward behind Matt, who gave the guy our tickets and passports. Of course, I didn't have a passport...So all three were probably fake. Everything was blurry as Jim led me onto the plane and sat me down at the window. After pulling the window shade down he sat down next to me while Matt stored our bags and got situated in the aisle seat. "You can rest now baby," Jim said softly to me, and I was so sick that I allowed my head to fall onto his shoulder as my eyes closed.
"EVERYONE! STAY WHERE YOU ARE!" My eyes popped open at the sound of someone yelling and I looked up at Jim. He looked...scared.
"Jim...What's going on?" I asked in a whisper, and he shushed me. I looked up to see two policemen and that inspector...it was that guy Darryl! As soon as Jim saw me looking around he pulled my head back down so that my face wasn't visible. I listened as Darryl went past us to go talk to the pilot and was surprised when Jim pulled me up.
"Hold it!" a police officer said to us as Jim shoved a barf bag in my face and pulled me down the aisle.
"My friend feels really sick," I heard Jim say, and in a minute we were in the bathroom.
"Jim..." I whispered, hoping that he'd do nothing stupid, but he shushed me again and we listened.
"Okay, we're looking for a Phoebe Halliwell..." I heard Darryl say as he walked down the plane's aisle. "We have reason to believe that she is on this flight, so I need an ID from everyone aboard."
"Get ready to run," Jim whispered sharply to me, and in a second he had looked outside the bathroom and then shoved me out and towards the exit. We ran down the steps and I tried to keep up as he pulled me by the hand behind him.
"Hey! Inspector! Two people just ran off the plane!" I heard someone shout behind us, but Jim was pulling me so fast that I had to concentrate on my feet...and my stomach. I didn't want to get sick in front of the whole airport. I gasped for air as Jim shoved me quickly into a crowd and then into the empty bathroom beyond. I fell hard and winced as my head hit the floor, tearing the bandage on my head as the gash started to bleed again. Jim was pulling me into the storage closet that was inside, which normally held toilet paper, mops, and the such. He squeezed in beside me and then shut the door.
"Hey...babe...Phoebe..." he said softly, and I attempted to focus my eyes on him...very blurry...a very fuzzy Jim. "Here hun, take this." I couldn't do anything as Jim slid some hidden needle into my arm and then another into his. "If I can't be with you I don't want to be with anyone...and I don't want you to be with anyone else either...." I heard distant voices as my eyes slowly shut, but I couldn't make anything else out. Still...I felt relieved as my mind slid into unconsciousness and I drifted away from all of the pain.
I heard beeps and clangs...I felt like I was moving...Opening my eyes, I looked up at a hazy room...Uhh...Nothing made sense.
"Phoebe...Phoebe..." Someone was calling my name...who...who...I tried to focus, but just moaned in pain as my head started to pound. I felt so sick... "Phoebe...can you hear me? It's Prue." My eyes had already shut, not that I could see with them open anyways, but at the sound of Prue's name I felt relief swarm over me.
"P...Prue...?" I tried to whisper, although I didn't accomplish anything more than mouthing her name silently. Suddenly, I felt someone squeezing my hand and my mind was put at ease for a second before I fell into unconsciousness yet again.
~~~
Footsteps...behind me...Very slowly, I turned around to see Jim standing there...no, it wasn't Jim...It couldn't be...
"Phoebe...my love..." He moved towards me, but as he took a step forwards, I took one backwards.
"No...Stay away from me...I..." My eyes widened as he jumped forward and placed his lips on mine. So warm...so inviting. I gave in to the kiss and savored the moments when Jim's lips were on mine, lingering above with his sweet soft touch.
"No...WAIT!" I yelled, jumping away from him and turning to run. But Jim was quick, and his arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me down so that I couldn't escape. I saw the ravenous look in his eyes, and knew that the sweet touch of his lips was misleading. Jim had never been sweet and good...he had always been a bastard...I had to fight him...
"Phoebe, don't even try it," Jim whispered, combing his hands through my hair. "You couldn't fight me even if you wanted to." No...I couldn't, could I?
"Phoebe..." Huh? Who was that... "Phoebe..." What...Someone...someone was calling me?
"Phoebe...Everything's going to be fine. Please...please just come back to us..."
"Prue?" I asked, staring up at the sky. Yes...I decided. I could fight on...I could live...Smiling to myself, I closed my eyes as I felt Jim disappear behind me and everything went black.
~~~
Beep...Beep...Beep...Uh...a very familiar noise...a noise that I didn't like. My mind cleared as the soft beeping from the equipment surrounding me reached my ears. Panic overtook me for a moment before I could take a deep breath and calm myself down. The noise around me indicated a hospital...I hated hospitals...but... A hospital meant that I was getting treated...that I was safe...safe away from Jim. Realizing this, I quickly opened my eyes to see where I was exactly. As light hit my pupils I groaned in pain, lifting my right arm to shield myself from it. I immediately felt the headache that I had suppressed and silently cursed the glaring light.
"Phoebe?" What...what was that...? "Phoebe...Are you awake?" Slowly lowering my arm, I squinted my eyes open to see that Prue had been sleeping in the chair next to my bed. "Phoebe?" she said again, relief and happiness evident in her voice as she grabbed my hands in hers and stared into my eyes.
"Prue...?" I whispered, relief sinking into me as well when I saw her. I couldn't believe it. I...I was out of that hell whole...I was back with my sisters.
"Phoebe," she sobbed happily, reaching over and enveloping me in a huge hug. Emotions rising within me, I cried too as I wrapped my arms around her and she held me. We sat there like that for a long time before Prue finally pulled away. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Here I am crying all over you when you're still sick. Tell me, how do you feel? I should call the doctor..." She got up to leave the room, but panic overcame me so suddenly that I cried out.
"No! Don't leave!" I said as loudly as I could, and Prue turned right back around towards me.
"What is it?" she asked gently, and I let her wrap her hand around mine.
"Don't leave..." I whispered, and she just nodded. Getting up, she leaned over and hit the nurse-call button. Minutes later I saw Jamie walk through the door, and I almost started crying again. She had helped me get well before...I was sure to be home soon. She seemed to jump when she saw that my eyes were open and then a smile spread across her face.
"Phoebe...Oh, God..." was all I heard from her before she covered her mouth with both of her hands and looked at Prue. Prue just nodded at her, and then she ran out, calling for the doctor.
"Prue...what was she..." I was slightly confused by how Jamie had acted...so surprised to see me awake...But everything started to get hazy again, and I slowly let my eyelids droop. "Prue..." I felt her hand squeeze mine and I gripped back onto her.
"It's all right Phoebe...You rest. I'll explain later." I accepted Prue's statement before I fully shut my eyes and fell back into a peaceful sleep.
I awoke later at the sound of voices talking quietly around me. Slowly opening my eyes, I looked up to see Prue talking with Doctor Scott, and Jamie was standing nearby listening. It seems I had only been out for a 1/2 hour or so...uh, my head felt horrible...what was wrong with me? Noticing my movement, Jamie, pulled on Doctor Scott's sleeve, and all three turned towards me. Prue immediately rushed to my side and Doctor Scott was not far behind.
"Phoebe," Prue said, almost like she was still convincing herself that I was awake. I looked up at her and gave her a small smile before my head started pounding again. I barely noticed when the doctor ushered Jamie and Prue out of the room...but by the time I looked up I was alone with her. As soon as they were gone she started examining me.
"Phoebe, how do you feel?" she asked as she wrote down something on her clipboard.
"Confused," I answered. "And my head hurts." She nodded, and then pulled up the chair Prue had been occupying and sat down.
"Well, that's understandable."
"Tell me...What happened?" I asked.
"Well, you were brought into the hospital five days ago." she began.
"Wait," I said interrupting her. "How did I...How did I get here?" Doctor Scott looked at me for a moment before continuing.
"Well, the police found you at an airport in Nevada. Do you remember?" I tried to recall what had happened...but the last thing I remembered was the needle.
"It's...It's a little hazy," I said softly, and she nodded at me.
"That's all right. It's understandable." I just looked at her with confusion again, and then she continued. "You were unconscious when the police found you in one of the airport's bathroom closets, or so they tell me." I nodded and listened as she continued. "On the way to the hospital nearest to that airport your body had an almost fatal reaction with the drugs, and you went into a coma."
"A...coma...?" I asked, and she nodded.
"Your sisters insisted that they wanted you transferred here, so three days ago you were moved and put back under my care."
"Th...Thank you," I said, looking up at my doctor and smiling. "I owe you a lot." She smiled at me for a moment before getting back up and fidgeting with the equipment surrounding me.
"When you were found you had a nasty gash on your forehead," she said, and I reached up to feel the bandages over my throbbing head. "You were given stitches and you do have a concussion, but nothing more serious than that. Your head may hurt, but it's because of that, and the fact that your mind is still healing from the coma you were in." I nodded that I understood and watched as my doctor wrote down some more things from the machinery and headed for the door. "I'll send your sister back in ..And Phoebe? You're going to be all right." I smiled to myself as she left and closed my eyes in relief. I was going to be fine. Still...something still nagged at me in the back of my head. What about...what about Jim? What had happened to him? Doctor Scott hadn't said anything about him. Fear suddenly welled up inside of me at the thought that he could be anywhere...What if he came back for me? As my mind started racing I heard the door open and looked over to see that Prue had walked in. Tears threatened to overflow from my eyes when I saw her, for fear and for relief. I watched as she slowly walked up to my bed and sat down next to me.
"How are you honey," my sister asked, taking her hand and placing it gently on my cheek.
"I'm...okay," I whispered, and shut my eyes, still trying to convince myself that I wasn't dreaming. "It's just..."
"What is it?" A voice said from the doorway. Opening my eyes, I looked over to see Piper standing just inside the doorframe. Prue must have called her.
"Piper..." I whispered, and tears fell down my face again as she rushed towards me and took me into her arms. I couldn't believe it...Oh, I just couldn't believe that I was back with my sisters. Seconds later Prue joined in on the hug and we sat like that for a long time...a long time. Finally, my sisters drew back and I was able to dry my eyes and calm down. Being with them made me realize how much I needed them...There was a time in my life when I had pushed them away...But no, I don't think I could go on without them. If it wasn't for them, then Jim....Jim...Drawing a deep breath, my mind went into panic mode again as I thought of him.
"What is it Phoebs?" Piper asked again, and I looked from her to Prue, and then back to her again.
"Um...I understand how I got here and everything that happened, but...no one has spoken a word to me about...well...What about Jim?" I asked, whispering his name, fearing if I said it any louder that he'd hear me and appear. Prue and Piper's worried faces softened at this question, and they climbed onto the bed to sit on either side of me, each holding one of my hands.
"He's gone Phoebe," Prue said gently. "You won't have to worry about him anymore."
"The doctors tried to save him," Piper continued. "But he died from overdose." I sat silent for a moment upon hearing these words and let the information sink in. Jim was dead...gone...A part of me...the part that had trouble letting go of the love I once had for Jim...that part of me was saddened. The majority of my head...and my heart...Well, the majority felt great relief and gladness. I would be free from him at last and I would now have a chance to get on with my life...a life with my sisters. My face remained blank as I went through these emotions, and when I looked up I could see that Prue and Piper were waiting for a reaction from me.
"It's all right," I finally said to them, squeezing their hands with mine. "It's for the best for everyone. Now maybe both of us will be able to find peace." Prue and Piper both smiled gently at these words, and then came in for another hug. I just laughed and hugged them both right back.
"You know we love you," Prue said.
"Very much," Piper added, and I smiled.
"Yeah," I told them. "I love you guys too. And...I want to thank you for everything."
"No need," Prue responded as I snuggled down under my covers and closed my eyes. My head still hurt slightly, and I felt exhausted.
"Sorry..."I said, opening my eyes to look up at them. "I'm just...so tired."
"Don't apologize, you've been through a lot," Piper said, pulling another blanket up to tuck me in. "Get some rest." At hearing these words, I slowly closed my eyes and let my mind rest.
The next morning I awoke to see both Piper and Prue sitting at a table in my room eating breakfast, smiling and laughing softly. After shaking my head a few times to clear my mind, I sat up and watched them. A minute later Piper looked over and jumped to her feet when she saw me up.
"Oh, Phoebe, I'm so sorry! Did we wake you?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
"No, it's okay," I told her as she and Prue came to my side. "Why aren't you two at work?" I then questioned. They just smiled, sitting down next to me on the bed.
"We wanted to be here with you," Prue explained, and I accepted this information. A minute passed before I saw Prue reach up and push the nurse- call button. "Jamie wanted me to call her when you were up," she said to me, and I nodded. We then sat in silence, but I didn't care. My mind felt at ease when my sisters were in the room, and their faces and voices calmed me. Five minutes later I heard a noise, and looked over to see that Jamie had come through the door.
"Phoebe!" she exclaimed happily, and I smiled at her happiness. "How are you? Do you feel all right? Ready for some breakfast?"
"Yeah," I told her as she came over to check on me and my sisters moved out of her way. "I feel okay, except my head still hurts a little. And yeah...I think I could eat a little."
"That's good," Jamie continued. "Because I want you to make a fast recovery so you can go home and rest. Most people do get healthier once their allowed to return home, you know." I nodded at her, and had to laugh inside at her ramblings as I smiled. She seemed so happy to see me awake and willing to eat! After checking my pulse and a few readings from the equipment around me Jamie left, returning a minute later with a tray of food. Then, with a full smile, she nodded at my sisters and left. They all seemed so happy to have we awake and eating...on the road towards recovery. I hope I hadn't caused them too much worry. Brushing this thought off for later, I brought my attention to my breakfast and began to eat.
A few days passed, but every time I opened my eyes one of my sisters was always there. They weren't letting me out of their sight, and I was glad for it. It was a week after I had woken from my coma when Doctor Scott came in with good news.
"Well Phoebe," she said with a smile. "If you're ready, I'm able to release you today at the earliest. I've already told your sisters," she added, nodding at Prue, "And they're ready to do the paperwork and take you home with them. Are you feeling good enough to leave?" I just smiled at the doctor and nodded.
"I feel fine, except for the headaches I get sometimes," I said. They had taken the stitches out of my head a few days earlier and told me I was healing nicely.
"Well, that's normal. We've tested your blood and checked you, and everything seems to be fine. I have prescribed some medicine for your headaches though that you can take for two weeks. After that, if it's still bothering you, then you should come back in for a check-up." I nodded as the doctor handed Prue my prescription and smiled at me. "I hope I won't be seeing you any time soon, at least not in the hospital."
"Thank you," I said as she nodded and walked towards the door.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I heard Piper say as she came bouncing through the door and almost ran into my doctor.
"That's all right," Doctor Scott insisted. "Goodbye Piper, take care."
"You too," Piper chirped before the doctor left and both of my sisters came over towards me. "So, are you ready?" Piper asked in a cheerful voice, and I nodded.
"Okay, I'm going to go fill out some of the paperwork," Prue said, and with that she left, leaving Piper and me alone.
"Here Phoebe," Piper said as I got out of bed. "I brought you some clothes."
"Thanks," I said as I took the bag from Piper and walked into the bathroom to change. To change...wow, I've changed so much. As I put on a pair of jeans and pulled a sweater over my head I looked into the mirror. Yes...that was me in there. But...I was different. I looked...stronger...and healthier. I was the same...but different. And, I liked the changes. I was proud of who I had changed into and what I was about to become. Smiling at this thought, I nodded at myself in the mirror and opened the door to the main room where Piper was waiting.
"You look great," she told me as I walked up to give her a hug.
"Thanks," I said, and I let her take my hand and lead me out of the hospital room. We found Prue in a waiting room down the hall filling out the last of some forms for my release, and five minutes later we were walking out of the hospital, side be side with my sisters' arms linked through mine. The ride back to the Manner was silent, except for Piper humming softly to herself. They had put me in the front seat next to Prue, and Piper had gladly climbed in the back. When we pulled up the driveway in front of our house Piper quickly jumped out and opened the door for me. Prue and I laughed at her, but she just smiled as she grabbed my bag from me and led me into the house. Everything was as I had left it, and at seeing this I felt a sense of warmth and comfort. I watched as Piper went upstairs to put my bag in my room, and Prue led me over to the couch. I sat down next to her and took a deep breath. I was home...I was welcome...and...I was loved. It felt great.
"Phoebe..." I looked over at Prue and saw a look in her eyes...but I couldn't quite make out what it was. "Phoebe...we really thought we had lost you...after you had come back to us and we had made you a part of this family again, and...And I couldn't handle it. When...when Darryl called us with news from some motel in Nevada...I was so glad. So very glad." I watched as Prue wiped her eyes and I placed my hand on her shoulder.
"You mean the maid at that motel got my note?" I asked, and she nodded. "Oh, God, I was so scared...I left that in desperation, not really expecting anyone to find it." Prue just smiled at me as Piper came into the room and sat down with us on the couch.
"No Phoebs, it was that note that saved you, " Piper said, and I looked over at her. "And...it saved us too, because we would have fallen apart without you here."
"Piper..." I whispered, and I gave her a hug as a tear fell down her cheek.
"Oh Prue, now you have me crying," Piper said, playfully swatting at my big sister and I laughed along with Prue.
"You guys...please don't cry for me," I whispered. "Can we...just try to go back to the way things were before?" Both of my sisters nodded after I said this and Piper immediately stood up and walked towards the kitchen.
"I'm going to make some lunch," she called over her shoulder, and then she was gone.
"I'm going to go upstairs and freshen up," I told Prue, and I slowly got to my feet and made my way up to my room. As I walked through the door I stopped in mid step and looked around. It looked like my sisters had cleaned things up...but as I looked around, everything came back.
"This is where my tea fell," I whispered, bending down and touching the spot where there was a faint stain on my rug. "This was where he took me," I whispered, going over and slowly sitting down on my bed. "But...this is where I am. And I am home." Smiling at these words, I got up from my bed and went into the bathroom to clean myself up before lunch. He may have taken me, but I was back now, and I sure would put up a hell of a fight before ever leaving again.
THE END
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