Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from the television show Charmed. All characters belong to Spelling Television, and The WB.

This is my first Charmed fic. I apologize if I get any of the show's details wrong. I'd love to get feedback! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed the story so far. Please continue to review the story or e-mail me at jeff_langdon@hotmail.com!

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Anguished Soul - Chapter 15

Chris crumpled the paper and threw it across the room. "How could this be?" he thought to himself. "I could've sworn there was no one else at the park." Groaning in frustration, he decided that he would deal with this after a good night's sleep.

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"What do you mean you can't make it?" Piper yelled into the phone. Phoebe and Paige eyed each other as they watched their older sister fuming. "You promised to be there for the party and now you're bailing on me?" The two younger witches flinched as Piper slammed the phone.

"Who was that?" Phoebe inquired. "The band that is supposed to play at tonight's party at P3?"

Piper grimaced at the thought. "Was supposed to play. They're not coming anymore."

"Why?" Paige joined in.

"Unforeseen circumstances, supposedly."

"So now what? Didn't the client specifically requested a band?"

"That's the problem!" Piper lamented. "The party is for his daughter's eighteenth birthday. Where am I going to find a band on such short notice?"

"Well, just tell the client that the band bailed," Paige suggested.

"Oh that would go well with the client," Piper replied. "You don't understand how difficult this man is. And his wife, she's ten times worse!"

As the three of them discussed Piper's predicament, Chris orbed in, wearing his usual smirk. "Morning everyone," he greeted. "Piper, you look - agitated."

"Don't mind her," Phoebe advised. "Minor glitches at P3."

"Minor?" Piper protested. "This is a major catastrophe we're talking about here."

"Okay," Chris answered. "What exactly is the problem?"

"Well, P3 is hosting an important party for a client tonight. And the band that was supposed to play at the concert just bailed on her," Paige explained.

The young Whitelighter nodded in understanding but shrugged helplessly. "Sorry, but I can't really help you with that one."

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Phoebe sat at the kitchen table trying to finish her latest column. She wrote furiously and was making good progress, wanting to finish the column before the party at P3. Piper was still up in arms over the band's last minute cancellation. Phoebe and Paige both decided to join Piper that night to give her as much support and assistance as possible.

She smiled triumphantly as she completed the final touches on the column. At the same time, Chris orbed into the kitchen and headed straight for the fridge.

"And hello to you too," Phoebe greeted as she watched the young Whitelighter nearly finish a bottle of water in seconds.

"Sorry," Chris apologized sheepishly. "Thirsty," he explained as he sat down at the table.

"Okay," Phoebe answered with some confusion. "And what have you been up to? You look exhausted."

"I am," Chris answered. "But I'll be fine. What have you been up to?" he asked, quickly changing the subject.

"Just finishing the column. I wanted to get it out of the way before tonight's party at P3."

Chris nodded in understanding. "Is Piper still having a nervous breakdown?"

Phoebe laughed at the comment. "I wouldn't go that far. But let's just say that you wouldn't want to get in her way right now."

"Okay," Chris laughed. "I'll make sure I steer clear from her."

"So, how long has this been going on?"

The young Whitelighter stared at Phoebe with a confused look. "Excuse me?"

"You know, the big secret that's not really very secretive."

"What exactly are you trying to say, Phoebe?" he asked as he took another gulp of water/

"You and Paige."

Chris nearly choked on the water upon hearing the question. "What about us?" he croaked.

Phoebe walked over and swatted Chris playfully on the head. "Don't play innocent with me. Piper may be oblivious to it but I certainly have kept my eyes on you two. And if it makes you feel any better, I think you two look rather adorable together."

Hearing the comment, Chris could not help but blush somewhat. "Paige is a great, isn't she?"

"Well, I must say that you're not too bad yourself."

"Thanks," Chris answered gratefully. "Do you think Piper is going to take this badly?"

"No, I doubt it. She'll be surprised, that's for sure. But I don't think she'll object."

"I hope so. Well, I've got to get going. I have a few more errands to run. Go luck with tonight."

"Thanks, Chris. I think we'll need it."

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"Maybe we can stay home instead?" Piper pleaded.

"Piper! You can't just not show up! That's not very professional," Phoebe chastised.

"You know this is going to be a complete disaster."

"Why don't you just tell the truth?" Paige suggested. "Maybe Mr. Johnson will be understanding."

"Him? Understanding? Not unless the earth turns out to be flat instead of round."

"Come on," Phoebe urged. "Let's get going. You don't want to be late or you'll really piss off Mr. Johnson."

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The three witches stood outside P3's front door as they prepared to enter the lion's den. Piper gave her sisters a pleading look but it did little to change their minds. Taking a deep breath, the three of them entered the club, praying for the best but expecting the worst. As they entered the club, they were overwhelmed by the sheer noise in the room, not expecting this many people to attend Mr. Johnson's party. Taking a few more steps, they looked around for Mr. Johnson, hoping to get the explanations with over quickly. Instead they looked towards the main area and froze. Their mouths dropped open and Piper nearly fainted.

~ to be continued ~