Thank you very much for reviews. I found the last chapter particularly
tough because of the love scenes; it's difficult to write them without too
much sugar and just the right amount of details. So the fact that you liked
it meant a lot to me. Thanks.
Here is another chapter, please let me know what you think.
Chapter 18
On Friday morning Phoebe ran into the kitchen closing her earring on the way. The rest of the family was gathered around the table having breakfast.
"Coffee?" Paige asked her elder sister.
"No," the middle Halliwell answered looking around trying to locate her car keys.
"Why are you in such a rush?" Piper asked. "It's only eight o'clock."
"I know," Phoebe complained, "but I have to leave early to go shopping. Jason phoned me last night and told that today there is this Charity event and I really have to go. Apparently there will be a lot of high profile people. This means I need to go and buy a dress."
"Why did Jason not tell you earlier?" Paige asked.
"He messed up the dates. If Veronica hadn't asked him for a lift we would have missed it. And apparently it's very important. A lot of investment people are coming so Jason wants all leading columnists to be there."
"Sounds like fun," Paige commented sarcastically.
"It's not that bad," Phoebe assured her sister. "Usually there is good music and good food. Plus Jason will be there and if he is too busy with his business partners Jack and Mary are coming as well. So I won't be on my own."
"Well, I hope you'll enjoy it, honey," Piper smiled at her little sister.
"I hope so too," Phoebe finally located her keys and ran to the door, "Buy," she yelled from the porch.
Nicole climbed out of the low Porsche and ran to the elevator straightening her skirt on the way.
"You drove like an absolute maniac," she reproached Cole when they both got into the lift.
"Well, excuse me," he retorted, "but it was you who kept telling me all the way that we could not be late. Now," he looked at his watch, "we are exactly on time. And by the way it was you who insisted on driving, we could have blurred, much faster."
"Yes, and where exactly do you see us blurring to? It's a rush hour everywhere, not just on the road. And I don't think just appearing in your office from nowhere would be such a great idea. Your secretary already gives me such foul looks."
Cole gave her a teasing smile, "Well, she's a secretary after all. You can't hide from them, they have the power of knowing things even before you do. Comes with the job. And in our case she's right." He paused and Nicole's face turned red when she noticed how his eyes darkened with desire.
"Oh, God," she murmured under her breath wishing that they would not have to go through this whole day of work.
The elevator doors opened and Cole and Nicole walked straight into the main meeting room of the DLM Investments. At the end of the meeting when everybody got up to leave the managing director smiled, "Well, I will see you all tonight at the Charity event," he remarked walking towards the door.
"What Charity event?" Nicole asked surprised.
He turned around, "The Annual Charity Ball," he replied in a slightly surprised voice, "Did you not get the invitation?"
Nicole shook her head, "No, I did not."
"And neither did I," Cole added.
"Oh," the Director frowned, "they must have messed up somehow. But you are definitely registered for it. We are sponsoring one of the prizes, so I really hope you can come. It would be a great opportunity for you, Nicole, to meet important people. And you, Cole get introduced in your new role." He smiled at them apologetically but his voice indicated that refusal was not an option.
Cole and Nicole exchanged glances and the latter smiled, "Of course, I'll come," she said. "It would be great." Cole behind her nodded confirming that he would make an appearance as well.
The director smiled, "So I'll see you tonight," he said.
Phoebe walked into the ball room followed by Jason, Veronica and a few of her colleagues. The room was decorated beautifully. She saw a few familiar faces around. Being a popular columnist and Jason's girlfriend meant that Phoebe was often invited to this sort of events. Jason got immediately pulled away by one of his business partners and Phoebe and Veronica headed to the drinks table.
"It's a great Ball," Veronica said looking around. "Great networking event."
Phoebe smiled wryly, "Oh, yes. Network till you drop. Jason loves such parties."
"I bet he does," Veronica nodded her head. "Look, here is Kline, I am going to say hello," her smile became sultry. "And maybe he'll introduce me to that gorgeous hunk he's talking to."
Phoebe followed her gaze and stiffened. She saw Michael Kline with a glass champagne in his hand, talking to a tall blonde woman, whose face she could not see. Next to this woman dressed in an immaculate tuxedo stood her ex husband. "Veronica, no," Phoebe called after her. But the young woman did not hear the warning. As if through a wall of thick fog Phoebe saw her approaching the group. Kline smiled and shook her hand. He then introduced Veronica to a woman he was talking to and then to Cole. Veronica gave him her most charming smile, he smiled politely back and stretched his hand to shake hers and then Phoebe saw Veronica blanch and jerk her head. Cole's expression became amused. He lifted his head and his eyes met Phoebe's. His smile disappeared and he curtly nodded to her. At this point the woman talking to Kline turned her head and Phoebe recognized Nicole Berg dressed in a beautiful aquamarine gown. It was going to be a long evening, Phoebe thought to herself. A very, very long evening.
Nicole mentally cursed. Phoebe Halliwell. The one person she did not want to see. Not today. Not ever, if she was honest. She flashed Kline a bright smile and tried to concentrate on what he was saying.
Cole was not fooled by her smile. He could feel her tension and hated the fact that he could not do anything about it. His instincts told him to just grab Nicole's hand and blur away from this place. But he could not, which was kind of ironic. He was an all powerful demon and he could not stop the woman he cared so much for being hurt. A famous entrepreneur approached him and Cole had to stop thinking about Nicole. For the next two hours both of them shook hands, smiled and talked about world markets, investments, exchange rates and donations to charity.
Cole finally got rid of the annoying banker, he looked around and found Nicole standing with a way too bright smile talking to one of the organisers. When their eyes met, she shot him a "call for the rescue" look. He grinned and moved towards her.
"Mrs Blake," he said sending a forty year old woman a charming smile. "You organised a beautiful event. And the music is so good. Would you mind if I steal Nicole from you for a dance?"
The socialite smiled at him adoringly, "Of course, Mr Turner, it's so nice to see you young people dance."
Cole shot her another bright smile, took Nicole by the hand and led her to the dance floor.
"Thank you so much for rescuing me from her," Nicole whispered to him, "But I have to warn you I am not very good at dancing."
"That will make two of us," he answered pulling her closer. "But it is either that or talking to Mrs Blake, the choice is yours."
She gave him unhappy look, "Can't we just go?" she asked giving him a pleading smile.
Cole had to fight a strong urge to agree with her. "You have no idea, how much I would like to do it, but you know we can't," he said looking deep into her eyes, "We have at least an hour before we can go."
She sighed, "I know, but you'll have to promise we'll at least get some food. I am starving and with all this talking I did not have time to eat."
He smiled widely at her, "Word of honour, after this song we'll go and eat."
Phoebe was watching the two of them dance and a knot in her stomach was growing by the minute. Cole was never keen on dancing and she always had to nag him for a single dance. But with Nicole Berg, he was the one dragging her to the dance floor. And what was worse they looked beautiful together. They moved graciously following the rhythm of the latino melody. She saw them smiling at each other and the look in Cole's eyes made her stomach turn upside down. She recognised that look, she saw it so many times in the past. Phoebe could not watch any longer.
"I am going to get some food," she told Jason. He nodded, too busy talking to one of the big publishers. She headed to the tables, which were set in the next room and started picking some food hoping that it would make her stomach feel better. When her plate was full she turned around looking for a place to sit when suddenly her heel slipped on a slice of cucumber that somebody had dropped. Trying to hold her balance she grabbed on to a jacket of a man walking passed her. The firm hand steadied her.
"Thank you," she murmured without even looking at him.
"You're welcome," she heard too familiar voice. Phoebe jerked her head up and saw Cole's face in front of her.
In panic she stared at him. His face was expressionless. "I see you're fine now," he said coolly, letting go of her elbow and turned to leave.
"Cole..." Phoebe grabbed his shoulder and when he turned back she immediately regretted her outburst. "Thank you," she mumbled again.
He was about to answer, but a loud voice interrupted him.
"Cole, Phoebe, how great to see you guys together. I always knew that you would sort everything out." Both Cole and Phoebe swirled around and saw Carla Stevens the ex columnist from the Bay Mirror standing behind them. "A love like yours can conquer everything," the older woman kept bubbling, "you were destined to be together. And everybody else you meet will never going to make you as happy as you were with each other."
"We are not..." Cole tried to say. But she did not let him finish.
"Of course you are not announcing it openly. But here everybody is your friend. And we are so happy for you."
The half demon lost his patience. "Look, lady," he started again and stopped mid sentence.
Nicole turned on her heels and walked out of the room. Her only thought was not to start crying or blowing things up before she managed to leave this party. She had almost reached the door when somebody stopped her.
"Miss Berg," the tall young man with dirty blond hair smiled at her. "I am Jason Dean. I wondered if we could talk."
She was about to refuse him when his name registered with her. Nicole put a bright smile on her face. "Absolutely."
The initial panic, which Phoebe felt when Carla Stevens opened her big mouth, was replaced by vindictive satisfaction when she observed Nicole Berg looking as if she just had her worth nightmare. But the pleased smile quickly disappeared from Phoebe's face when she saw Cole's reaction. She'd never seen him that angry. He waved his hand and the room around them emptied leaving just him, Phoebe and Carla. He grabbed the older woman by her shoulders and shook her violently. "You are gravely mistaken," he roared dangerously, "and if you ever again open that big mouth of yours in front of me I personally will make sure that it would be the last words of your life." With these words he let go of the semiconscious woman and strode out of the room without even one glance to his ex wife.
When Cole got out of the room his only aim was to find Nicole and try to minimize the damage he knew was already done. The look in her eyes when she stood in that room almost physically hurt him, there was so much pain in them. He looked in all rooms but could not find her. He went outside and blurred to the Penthouse but she was not there either. Then he blurred back and went into the ballroom and there he finally saw Nicole dancing with Jason Dean. Cole could not believe his eyes. Jealousy flared in his heart but he suppressed it knowing that it was pain caused by her feelings to him, which made her do that. He stood in the ballroom just watching her dance, when he felt somebody putting a hand on his shoulder. Cole swirled around and saw Justin Read his former colleague from Carter, Jackman and Kline.
"Hi, Cole, how are you doing?"
The last thing he needed now was to talk to somebody, so Cole mastered all his will power and managed a cold smile, "I am fine," he said curtly hoping that Justin will get the hint.
But the latter just grinned wider, "Come on, Cole, don't be such a prude, new job, new woman. And you have nothing to say?"
The half demon gave his ex colleague a chilling smile, "Silence is a virtue," he said in an icy tone, his smile vanishing, "you should have learnt it by now, Justin."
His words made Justin's smile disappear, "No need to be so rude, Turner," he said trying to sound confident, "I get the hint," his eyes moved to the dance floor and a smug smile stretched his lips. "But I also get that you and Jason Dean share the same taste in women."
For the rest of his life Cole would be surprised how he managed not to incinerate Justin Read on the spot. His hand has already clenched into a fist ready to release a fireball when the lights went out and a loud voice announced,
"Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you all so much for coming. I hope you are having a good time. I will only ask for your attention for a few minutes to announce this year's winners of our auction. The main prize a 20 feet yacht goes to Jason Dean who bid 50,000 dollars for it."
The room roared in applause and Jason made his way to the podium illuminated by a spotlight. Cole did not notice him, his attention was completely focused on Nicole. In the virtual darkness of the room the young woman was convinced that nobody could see her face. The smile disappeared from her face, she ran her hand through her hair and headed to the door. The half demon did not waste any time and followed her. The moment she was out of the room, Nicole blurred away. Cole did not have anything else to do than to follow her. He caught up with her on the way, grabbed her hand and next minute they reappeared in the Penthouse.
"What the hell are you doing?" Nicole yanked her hand out of his grasp.
Cole's face hardened, "I am just trying to ask you the same question?" he asked slowly trying to sound calm.
Nicole's lips twisted into sarcastic smile, "Well, I was trying to get home," she said. "And if you excuse me, I'll be on my way." With these words she blurred away. Cole cursed and followed her. After a few interdimensional jumps Nicole realized that she would not be able to lose Cole this way and she blurred in front of her uncle's house. Hopefully there she would be able to hide from him at least until she is able to face him with some sort of dignity. She quickly opened the door and tried to close it behind herself but was too late. The door blew up into hundreds of pieces and she found herself facing one very pissed of half demon.
"Can we stop now with the "catch me if you can" theme and talk like grown ups?" he asked sarcastically.
Nicole rubbed her face, "We have nothing to talk about," she whispered tiredly.
The anger, which Cole managed to suppress for so long spilled out. "We have plenty to talk about," he growled. "What the hell were you thinking dancing with Jason Dean?"
"Well, excuse me, you were busy getting back with Phoebe so I had to entertain myself in a different way."
"I was not getting back with Phoebe," he yelled. "She slipped and grabbed my jacket for support. That's when Carla Stevens opened her big mouth. That woman was always out of her mind and today she just moved into the whole different dimension," he paused and continued in a calmer voice. "I am sorry you had to see it. But it does not mean anything. You've got to believe me."
Nicole's anger disappeared as quickly as it flared, her shoulders sagged and she shook her head. "It does not matter anymore," she whispered in a choked voice.
Cole stared at her and ran his hand through his hair. "I've stopped understanding you," he said quietly, his rage replaced by despair. "All this time I was worried that you would understand it wrongly. Then I saw you dancing with Jason Dean and I was convinced you were trying to get back at me, Phoebe and the whole world. And now you're telling me it does not matter?"
Nicole looked up at him and he could see that she struggled to hold back tears. "I meant that it did not change anything," she said quietly. "I am sorry, Cole. What I saw in that room was the life version of my worse nightmare. I am not saying that you did anything wrong. I believe you that it was just a stupid accident. You are the most loyal person I know. And I also know that you would not hurt me and won't lie to me. But no matter how mad this woman is she was right today. The love you and Phoebe shared does not go away just like that. You are soul mates, you were meant for each other and when Phoebe gets over her fears and asks you back I don't want to be the one standing between you. I don't want to be the second best choice."
Cole looked at her his eyes full of disbelief. "I told you me and Phoebe don't have future, never had."
"And I am sure you honestly believe in that, but it does mean you're right. I am sorry to bring it up, but I know how much you fought to be with Phoebe, you changed your life for her and you always wondered what happened to your Phoebe, the one you met 3 years ago," she paused and continued even quieter tears streaming down her cheeks. "I will be honest with you, Cole. I am falling for you, really badly. And I believe that you have feelings for me as well, you care for me and this way you make my feelings for you even stronger. If we don't stop now it will be too late for me. I will not survive if you leave me. It will drive me insane and I'll hate you for the rest of my life. We have a task to complete, which is important to the whole world. We cannot afford ruining it."
Nicole did not look at him, she knew if she just met his eyes she would not be able to stick to her decision. And she had to do it. She had to save the debris of her pride if she could not save her heart.
"So what do you want to do?" she heard him ask. She could not understand his tone and did not want to look at him.
"I want you to stay away from me as much as possible," she said quietly hoping that her voice would express determination she did not feel. "I will stay at the Lugel's plain for this weekend, clear my thoughts. And after that we'll be just colleagues." She finally found the courage to look at him and immediately regretted it.
Cole's face was expressionless but his eyes were dark with pain. Then his lips twisted into a wry smile and his eyes sparkled with contempt.
"I thought I would have a lot to say to you," he said with a bitter irony, "but I was wrong. We have nothing to say to each other. Just like I have nothing to say to Phoebe. It turns out that you two have a lot in common. You both are egoistic, self righteous cowards who care only about themselves. When we met I did not trust you but you made me believe that you were different. I believed that you had ability to think and feel, I believed you were able to understand and trust me. I could not have been more wrong. With Phoebe there was nothing I could say or do to make her believe I was not evil. With you there is nothing I can say or do to stop you thinking I love Phoebe. Just like her you are stuck in your own prejudiced world, blinded and deafened by your own fears, not caring about anything else except your own peace of mind. And I am just a stupid fool who was prepared to risk everything for the opportunity to be happy, for the opportunity to make you happy," a pained laugh escaped his mouth. "Well, I am done with it. I am sick and tired of you making deciding my life for me, whom I love and don't love. Enjoy your peace of mind I will not disturb it again."
With these words her turned on his heels and disappeared into the darkness. Nicole stood there for a moment and then sank to her knees, sobbing. She felt as if the whole world collapsed around her. She did not know how long she spent there curled up on the marble floor not feeling the coldness of the stone. She was alone, completely alone and it was her own doing. The loud cry escaped her mouth and she shimmered out of the house. She reappeared in the Schwarzlight family mausoleum. There she sank on her knees between the grave of her father and her uncle. Her forehead touched the floor and a pained groan escaped her mouth. Then she lifted her head and stared at the thirteen candles burning in front of each parlour. Her voice broke the silence of the night. "You never were there for me. You left me before I could even remember you properly and I always will hate you for this. But please, help me. Please help me now and I will never ask you again." Her voice broke and she bowed her head whispering her silent plea.
The end.
Author's note: This is the end of the story "When your life takes a turn". I started working on the sequel story and hope you'll stay with me. There will be a lot more of Elizabeth and also of the Charmed Ones and Leo. I know that in the show Leo is spineless and narrow minded (and I don't like him) but with a right amount of influence from Nicole and Cole he can become a little bit more of a character.
I just want to say thank you to everybody who send me reviews and especially those who were there throughout the story.
Here is another chapter, please let me know what you think.
Chapter 18
On Friday morning Phoebe ran into the kitchen closing her earring on the way. The rest of the family was gathered around the table having breakfast.
"Coffee?" Paige asked her elder sister.
"No," the middle Halliwell answered looking around trying to locate her car keys.
"Why are you in such a rush?" Piper asked. "It's only eight o'clock."
"I know," Phoebe complained, "but I have to leave early to go shopping. Jason phoned me last night and told that today there is this Charity event and I really have to go. Apparently there will be a lot of high profile people. This means I need to go and buy a dress."
"Why did Jason not tell you earlier?" Paige asked.
"He messed up the dates. If Veronica hadn't asked him for a lift we would have missed it. And apparently it's very important. A lot of investment people are coming so Jason wants all leading columnists to be there."
"Sounds like fun," Paige commented sarcastically.
"It's not that bad," Phoebe assured her sister. "Usually there is good music and good food. Plus Jason will be there and if he is too busy with his business partners Jack and Mary are coming as well. So I won't be on my own."
"Well, I hope you'll enjoy it, honey," Piper smiled at her little sister.
"I hope so too," Phoebe finally located her keys and ran to the door, "Buy," she yelled from the porch.
Nicole climbed out of the low Porsche and ran to the elevator straightening her skirt on the way.
"You drove like an absolute maniac," she reproached Cole when they both got into the lift.
"Well, excuse me," he retorted, "but it was you who kept telling me all the way that we could not be late. Now," he looked at his watch, "we are exactly on time. And by the way it was you who insisted on driving, we could have blurred, much faster."
"Yes, and where exactly do you see us blurring to? It's a rush hour everywhere, not just on the road. And I don't think just appearing in your office from nowhere would be such a great idea. Your secretary already gives me such foul looks."
Cole gave her a teasing smile, "Well, she's a secretary after all. You can't hide from them, they have the power of knowing things even before you do. Comes with the job. And in our case she's right." He paused and Nicole's face turned red when she noticed how his eyes darkened with desire.
"Oh, God," she murmured under her breath wishing that they would not have to go through this whole day of work.
The elevator doors opened and Cole and Nicole walked straight into the main meeting room of the DLM Investments. At the end of the meeting when everybody got up to leave the managing director smiled, "Well, I will see you all tonight at the Charity event," he remarked walking towards the door.
"What Charity event?" Nicole asked surprised.
He turned around, "The Annual Charity Ball," he replied in a slightly surprised voice, "Did you not get the invitation?"
Nicole shook her head, "No, I did not."
"And neither did I," Cole added.
"Oh," the Director frowned, "they must have messed up somehow. But you are definitely registered for it. We are sponsoring one of the prizes, so I really hope you can come. It would be a great opportunity for you, Nicole, to meet important people. And you, Cole get introduced in your new role." He smiled at them apologetically but his voice indicated that refusal was not an option.
Cole and Nicole exchanged glances and the latter smiled, "Of course, I'll come," she said. "It would be great." Cole behind her nodded confirming that he would make an appearance as well.
The director smiled, "So I'll see you tonight," he said.
Phoebe walked into the ball room followed by Jason, Veronica and a few of her colleagues. The room was decorated beautifully. She saw a few familiar faces around. Being a popular columnist and Jason's girlfriend meant that Phoebe was often invited to this sort of events. Jason got immediately pulled away by one of his business partners and Phoebe and Veronica headed to the drinks table.
"It's a great Ball," Veronica said looking around. "Great networking event."
Phoebe smiled wryly, "Oh, yes. Network till you drop. Jason loves such parties."
"I bet he does," Veronica nodded her head. "Look, here is Kline, I am going to say hello," her smile became sultry. "And maybe he'll introduce me to that gorgeous hunk he's talking to."
Phoebe followed her gaze and stiffened. She saw Michael Kline with a glass champagne in his hand, talking to a tall blonde woman, whose face she could not see. Next to this woman dressed in an immaculate tuxedo stood her ex husband. "Veronica, no," Phoebe called after her. But the young woman did not hear the warning. As if through a wall of thick fog Phoebe saw her approaching the group. Kline smiled and shook her hand. He then introduced Veronica to a woman he was talking to and then to Cole. Veronica gave him her most charming smile, he smiled politely back and stretched his hand to shake hers and then Phoebe saw Veronica blanch and jerk her head. Cole's expression became amused. He lifted his head and his eyes met Phoebe's. His smile disappeared and he curtly nodded to her. At this point the woman talking to Kline turned her head and Phoebe recognized Nicole Berg dressed in a beautiful aquamarine gown. It was going to be a long evening, Phoebe thought to herself. A very, very long evening.
Nicole mentally cursed. Phoebe Halliwell. The one person she did not want to see. Not today. Not ever, if she was honest. She flashed Kline a bright smile and tried to concentrate on what he was saying.
Cole was not fooled by her smile. He could feel her tension and hated the fact that he could not do anything about it. His instincts told him to just grab Nicole's hand and blur away from this place. But he could not, which was kind of ironic. He was an all powerful demon and he could not stop the woman he cared so much for being hurt. A famous entrepreneur approached him and Cole had to stop thinking about Nicole. For the next two hours both of them shook hands, smiled and talked about world markets, investments, exchange rates and donations to charity.
Cole finally got rid of the annoying banker, he looked around and found Nicole standing with a way too bright smile talking to one of the organisers. When their eyes met, she shot him a "call for the rescue" look. He grinned and moved towards her.
"Mrs Blake," he said sending a forty year old woman a charming smile. "You organised a beautiful event. And the music is so good. Would you mind if I steal Nicole from you for a dance?"
The socialite smiled at him adoringly, "Of course, Mr Turner, it's so nice to see you young people dance."
Cole shot her another bright smile, took Nicole by the hand and led her to the dance floor.
"Thank you so much for rescuing me from her," Nicole whispered to him, "But I have to warn you I am not very good at dancing."
"That will make two of us," he answered pulling her closer. "But it is either that or talking to Mrs Blake, the choice is yours."
She gave him unhappy look, "Can't we just go?" she asked giving him a pleading smile.
Cole had to fight a strong urge to agree with her. "You have no idea, how much I would like to do it, but you know we can't," he said looking deep into her eyes, "We have at least an hour before we can go."
She sighed, "I know, but you'll have to promise we'll at least get some food. I am starving and with all this talking I did not have time to eat."
He smiled widely at her, "Word of honour, after this song we'll go and eat."
Phoebe was watching the two of them dance and a knot in her stomach was growing by the minute. Cole was never keen on dancing and she always had to nag him for a single dance. But with Nicole Berg, he was the one dragging her to the dance floor. And what was worse they looked beautiful together. They moved graciously following the rhythm of the latino melody. She saw them smiling at each other and the look in Cole's eyes made her stomach turn upside down. She recognised that look, she saw it so many times in the past. Phoebe could not watch any longer.
"I am going to get some food," she told Jason. He nodded, too busy talking to one of the big publishers. She headed to the tables, which were set in the next room and started picking some food hoping that it would make her stomach feel better. When her plate was full she turned around looking for a place to sit when suddenly her heel slipped on a slice of cucumber that somebody had dropped. Trying to hold her balance she grabbed on to a jacket of a man walking passed her. The firm hand steadied her.
"Thank you," she murmured without even looking at him.
"You're welcome," she heard too familiar voice. Phoebe jerked her head up and saw Cole's face in front of her.
In panic she stared at him. His face was expressionless. "I see you're fine now," he said coolly, letting go of her elbow and turned to leave.
"Cole..." Phoebe grabbed his shoulder and when he turned back she immediately regretted her outburst. "Thank you," she mumbled again.
He was about to answer, but a loud voice interrupted him.
"Cole, Phoebe, how great to see you guys together. I always knew that you would sort everything out." Both Cole and Phoebe swirled around and saw Carla Stevens the ex columnist from the Bay Mirror standing behind them. "A love like yours can conquer everything," the older woman kept bubbling, "you were destined to be together. And everybody else you meet will never going to make you as happy as you were with each other."
"We are not..." Cole tried to say. But she did not let him finish.
"Of course you are not announcing it openly. But here everybody is your friend. And we are so happy for you."
The half demon lost his patience. "Look, lady," he started again and stopped mid sentence.
Nicole turned on her heels and walked out of the room. Her only thought was not to start crying or blowing things up before she managed to leave this party. She had almost reached the door when somebody stopped her.
"Miss Berg," the tall young man with dirty blond hair smiled at her. "I am Jason Dean. I wondered if we could talk."
She was about to refuse him when his name registered with her. Nicole put a bright smile on her face. "Absolutely."
The initial panic, which Phoebe felt when Carla Stevens opened her big mouth, was replaced by vindictive satisfaction when she observed Nicole Berg looking as if she just had her worth nightmare. But the pleased smile quickly disappeared from Phoebe's face when she saw Cole's reaction. She'd never seen him that angry. He waved his hand and the room around them emptied leaving just him, Phoebe and Carla. He grabbed the older woman by her shoulders and shook her violently. "You are gravely mistaken," he roared dangerously, "and if you ever again open that big mouth of yours in front of me I personally will make sure that it would be the last words of your life." With these words he let go of the semiconscious woman and strode out of the room without even one glance to his ex wife.
When Cole got out of the room his only aim was to find Nicole and try to minimize the damage he knew was already done. The look in her eyes when she stood in that room almost physically hurt him, there was so much pain in them. He looked in all rooms but could not find her. He went outside and blurred to the Penthouse but she was not there either. Then he blurred back and went into the ballroom and there he finally saw Nicole dancing with Jason Dean. Cole could not believe his eyes. Jealousy flared in his heart but he suppressed it knowing that it was pain caused by her feelings to him, which made her do that. He stood in the ballroom just watching her dance, when he felt somebody putting a hand on his shoulder. Cole swirled around and saw Justin Read his former colleague from Carter, Jackman and Kline.
"Hi, Cole, how are you doing?"
The last thing he needed now was to talk to somebody, so Cole mastered all his will power and managed a cold smile, "I am fine," he said curtly hoping that Justin will get the hint.
But the latter just grinned wider, "Come on, Cole, don't be such a prude, new job, new woman. And you have nothing to say?"
The half demon gave his ex colleague a chilling smile, "Silence is a virtue," he said in an icy tone, his smile vanishing, "you should have learnt it by now, Justin."
His words made Justin's smile disappear, "No need to be so rude, Turner," he said trying to sound confident, "I get the hint," his eyes moved to the dance floor and a smug smile stretched his lips. "But I also get that you and Jason Dean share the same taste in women."
For the rest of his life Cole would be surprised how he managed not to incinerate Justin Read on the spot. His hand has already clenched into a fist ready to release a fireball when the lights went out and a loud voice announced,
"Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you all so much for coming. I hope you are having a good time. I will only ask for your attention for a few minutes to announce this year's winners of our auction. The main prize a 20 feet yacht goes to Jason Dean who bid 50,000 dollars for it."
The room roared in applause and Jason made his way to the podium illuminated by a spotlight. Cole did not notice him, his attention was completely focused on Nicole. In the virtual darkness of the room the young woman was convinced that nobody could see her face. The smile disappeared from her face, she ran her hand through her hair and headed to the door. The half demon did not waste any time and followed her. The moment she was out of the room, Nicole blurred away. Cole did not have anything else to do than to follow her. He caught up with her on the way, grabbed her hand and next minute they reappeared in the Penthouse.
"What the hell are you doing?" Nicole yanked her hand out of his grasp.
Cole's face hardened, "I am just trying to ask you the same question?" he asked slowly trying to sound calm.
Nicole's lips twisted into sarcastic smile, "Well, I was trying to get home," she said. "And if you excuse me, I'll be on my way." With these words she blurred away. Cole cursed and followed her. After a few interdimensional jumps Nicole realized that she would not be able to lose Cole this way and she blurred in front of her uncle's house. Hopefully there she would be able to hide from him at least until she is able to face him with some sort of dignity. She quickly opened the door and tried to close it behind herself but was too late. The door blew up into hundreds of pieces and she found herself facing one very pissed of half demon.
"Can we stop now with the "catch me if you can" theme and talk like grown ups?" he asked sarcastically.
Nicole rubbed her face, "We have nothing to talk about," she whispered tiredly.
The anger, which Cole managed to suppress for so long spilled out. "We have plenty to talk about," he growled. "What the hell were you thinking dancing with Jason Dean?"
"Well, excuse me, you were busy getting back with Phoebe so I had to entertain myself in a different way."
"I was not getting back with Phoebe," he yelled. "She slipped and grabbed my jacket for support. That's when Carla Stevens opened her big mouth. That woman was always out of her mind and today she just moved into the whole different dimension," he paused and continued in a calmer voice. "I am sorry you had to see it. But it does not mean anything. You've got to believe me."
Nicole's anger disappeared as quickly as it flared, her shoulders sagged and she shook her head. "It does not matter anymore," she whispered in a choked voice.
Cole stared at her and ran his hand through his hair. "I've stopped understanding you," he said quietly, his rage replaced by despair. "All this time I was worried that you would understand it wrongly. Then I saw you dancing with Jason Dean and I was convinced you were trying to get back at me, Phoebe and the whole world. And now you're telling me it does not matter?"
Nicole looked up at him and he could see that she struggled to hold back tears. "I meant that it did not change anything," she said quietly. "I am sorry, Cole. What I saw in that room was the life version of my worse nightmare. I am not saying that you did anything wrong. I believe you that it was just a stupid accident. You are the most loyal person I know. And I also know that you would not hurt me and won't lie to me. But no matter how mad this woman is she was right today. The love you and Phoebe shared does not go away just like that. You are soul mates, you were meant for each other and when Phoebe gets over her fears and asks you back I don't want to be the one standing between you. I don't want to be the second best choice."
Cole looked at her his eyes full of disbelief. "I told you me and Phoebe don't have future, never had."
"And I am sure you honestly believe in that, but it does mean you're right. I am sorry to bring it up, but I know how much you fought to be with Phoebe, you changed your life for her and you always wondered what happened to your Phoebe, the one you met 3 years ago," she paused and continued even quieter tears streaming down her cheeks. "I will be honest with you, Cole. I am falling for you, really badly. And I believe that you have feelings for me as well, you care for me and this way you make my feelings for you even stronger. If we don't stop now it will be too late for me. I will not survive if you leave me. It will drive me insane and I'll hate you for the rest of my life. We have a task to complete, which is important to the whole world. We cannot afford ruining it."
Nicole did not look at him, she knew if she just met his eyes she would not be able to stick to her decision. And she had to do it. She had to save the debris of her pride if she could not save her heart.
"So what do you want to do?" she heard him ask. She could not understand his tone and did not want to look at him.
"I want you to stay away from me as much as possible," she said quietly hoping that her voice would express determination she did not feel. "I will stay at the Lugel's plain for this weekend, clear my thoughts. And after that we'll be just colleagues." She finally found the courage to look at him and immediately regretted it.
Cole's face was expressionless but his eyes were dark with pain. Then his lips twisted into a wry smile and his eyes sparkled with contempt.
"I thought I would have a lot to say to you," he said with a bitter irony, "but I was wrong. We have nothing to say to each other. Just like I have nothing to say to Phoebe. It turns out that you two have a lot in common. You both are egoistic, self righteous cowards who care only about themselves. When we met I did not trust you but you made me believe that you were different. I believed that you had ability to think and feel, I believed you were able to understand and trust me. I could not have been more wrong. With Phoebe there was nothing I could say or do to make her believe I was not evil. With you there is nothing I can say or do to stop you thinking I love Phoebe. Just like her you are stuck in your own prejudiced world, blinded and deafened by your own fears, not caring about anything else except your own peace of mind. And I am just a stupid fool who was prepared to risk everything for the opportunity to be happy, for the opportunity to make you happy," a pained laugh escaped his mouth. "Well, I am done with it. I am sick and tired of you making deciding my life for me, whom I love and don't love. Enjoy your peace of mind I will not disturb it again."
With these words her turned on his heels and disappeared into the darkness. Nicole stood there for a moment and then sank to her knees, sobbing. She felt as if the whole world collapsed around her. She did not know how long she spent there curled up on the marble floor not feeling the coldness of the stone. She was alone, completely alone and it was her own doing. The loud cry escaped her mouth and she shimmered out of the house. She reappeared in the Schwarzlight family mausoleum. There she sank on her knees between the grave of her father and her uncle. Her forehead touched the floor and a pained groan escaped her mouth. Then she lifted her head and stared at the thirteen candles burning in front of each parlour. Her voice broke the silence of the night. "You never were there for me. You left me before I could even remember you properly and I always will hate you for this. But please, help me. Please help me now and I will never ask you again." Her voice broke and she bowed her head whispering her silent plea.
The end.
Author's note: This is the end of the story "When your life takes a turn". I started working on the sequel story and hope you'll stay with me. There will be a lot more of Elizabeth and also of the Charmed Ones and Leo. I know that in the show Leo is spineless and narrow minded (and I don't like him) but with a right amount of influence from Nicole and Cole he can become a little bit more of a character.
I just want to say thank you to everybody who send me reviews and especially those who were there throughout the story.