The Hidden Page
Family Comforting
Chapter 16
Phoebe moved over so Piper could join her on the living room couch. "I thought you and Leo would be turning in early." "So did I, but you know my husband, the workaholic. He orbed out right after our shower because he wanted to check with the Elders to make sure all his charges were okay. He also wanted to see if there was any talk going on up there about the Paige situation." Phoebe nodded. She was doing her best not to try and think too much about Paige but she too was curious if the Elders had anything to say on the matter.
"Did I hear my name mentioned?" Leo asked as he suddenly reappeared. "Yes, we were talking about you behind your back again. How did you know?" Phoebe teased. She noticed that her brother-in-law's smile did not quite reach his eyes. He looked baffled by something. "Okay, what are the Elders up to now?" she asked.
"I don't know. They were in some big meeting. I asked a few White Lighters that were hanging around up there what it was about. Now either they didn't know the details or weren't willing to share that information with me. The same thing is true about the whole Paige thing. They also said that I'd been granted a few days vacation and that my charges would be taken care of. They said I shouldn't worry about anything."
"The Elders doing something nice for us for a change? That kind of has the opposite effect on me," Piper said. "It makes me worry big time. I don't exactly always trust them." Phoebe knew exactly how her sister felt. "Piper!" You really shouldn't say things like that," Leo warned her. "You know they have the ability to strip you of your powers and I think we have enough to deal with right now. We need them on our side."
"Well that would definitely be different. Half the time it feels like they are working against us," Phoebe offered. "I know, I know, I shouldn't have said that either but it just slipped out. So let's just change the subject before my big mouth gets me into any more trouble."
"So where's Cole?" Piper asked. I thought the two of you were planning on turning in early as well. You did get in your jammies first after all." "That was the plan but my stomach had other ideas. It was a little upset with me that I only picked at breakfast and totally missed lunch and supper and it let me know loud and clear. So Cole went out to get some Chinese food."
"You should have let me know," Piper scolded. "I would have fixed you something. Besides, I'm a little hungry myself." Phoebe smiled at her sister and said, "Piper, you don't have to take care of all of us constantly you know. You have had just as rough a day as any of us and besides Cole is going to get enough for four."
"That was nice of you two to think of us. Thank you!" "Well it was the least we could do considering he had to borrow your SUV again to go pick it up." "He better not violate any traffic laws this time," Piper said. "I'm too tired to go down to the police station again to bail him out."
Cole came in at just that second. "Looks like you're in luck Piper, because I'm back and I actually remembered to drive under a hundred this time and I didn't run over any little old ladies on the way to or from the restaurant." "See I told you he was making progress," Phoebe joked as she went over to help Cole with the bags. She also couldn't resist giving him a little peck on the cheek.
"I'll get the dishes and set the table," Leo volunteered. "Well you can get the dishes, I'll get the drinks, and Phoebe can get the napkins. Nobody has to set the table, however, since I think we should just eat in the living room vegging out in front of the T.V."
"Who are you and what have you done with Piper?" Phoebe demanded. Cole who was standing next to Piper reached out his hand and placed it across her forehead. She doesn't have a fever. Maybe she's possessed."
"Okay, alright, have your laughs! I know I can be a little bit uptight sometimes but I'm working on becoming more flexible." Phoebe shook her finger mockingly. "You better not let hear your idol Martha Stewart say that. She'll yank your membership." "Yeah well I've been thinking it's about time I got a new heroine. Now let's get ready to eat before the food gets cold."
A few minutes later the two couples were sitting in front of the T.V. watching an old rerun of WKRP in Cincinnati and trading savory bites of their favorite entrees. It was hard to tell what they were laughing hardest at; Herb Tarlek dressed as a fish, the Johnny and Venus sobriety test with a sheriff, or their own pathetic attempts with the chopsticks. Phoebe looked around the room at her family and wished for a moment that she'd been the one given the freezing time power. She'd give anything to keep things just the way they were right now. She could happily spend the rest of eternity like this. Sharing the good times with the people she loved the most in the world.
Just as the ending credits rolled on WKRP there was a loud crack of thunder. "It sounds like the storm is getting more violent," Leo commented. Piper clicked off the T.V. A second later the lights went out by themselves. Phoebe and Piper screamed simultaneously. "Are you okay?" Cole asked the concern evident in his voice. "Yeah, sorry I guess we are just a bit jumpy tonight," Phoebe said trying to reassure him and herself.
"I'll get a flashlight and go down and check the breakers," Leo offered. "Don't bother," Cole said making his way over to the window. It looks like the whole block is out." " I guess it looks like we are back to plan A," Piper responded, "Turning in early." Everyone agreed since they were bushed.
Piper and Phoebe lit candles; they all cleaned up the remains of dinner. The couples then shared goodnight hugs as they started to make their way toward the stairs. That is until they felt the ground shake underneath their feet. "Oh great a tremor, just what we need. Do you think the universe is trying to tell us something?" Phoebe asked in exasperation. She was starting to wonder what else could possibly go wrong. "Well hopefully it's just trying to remind us we live in San Francisco," Cole said wrapping his arms around her while being cautious of the candle she held to navigate the way to their bedroom.
"Well one thing is for sure, I know that now I'm not going to sleep a wink, no matter how tired I originally was," Piper groused. "I'm feeling a little too freaked out. I don't really believe in coincidences any more. Something has to be cosmically wrong. Pheebs are you sure you haven't had any premonitory warnings today?" "Not a one, unless you count this sinking feeling in my stomach and before one of you guys says anything smart, it's not the spicy shrimp talking."
The other three snickered at that last comment. "Why don't we just all relax and come up with a new plan," Leo suggested. Another tremor this one a little stronger rocked the house a bit and something hit the floor. "At any rate I think we should get off the staircase." Phoebe thought that was definitely a good idea.
They all joined hands and Leo orbed them back to the living room. "Couldn't you have orbed us to Honolulu or anyplace where there isn't about to be an earthquake?" Piper asked her husband obviously struggling to hang on to her wits. "I could have but I figured you'd want to stay close to home in case anything new develops on the Paige front."
"That girl is going to get us killed yet," Phoebe replied but deep down she knew Leo was right. They had to stick this out. "Come on everyone let's just calm down and try to get our minds off the storms, earthquakes, cosmic messages and especially Paige," Cole suggested. "Sounds good to me! So what are you thinking of sweetie, lobotomies?" Phoebe asked.
"No I was thinking we could take turns reading aloud. Lord knows we have enough candles around here to illuminate the entire manor. They should give us enough light to see by," Cole said. "That's actually a pretty marvelous idea," Piper complimented him. "What made you think of it?" "Well you know when we heard something hit the floor earlier? It turns out it was a book. I know because I'm standing right next to it."
" You can count me in then. Just as long as it isn't one of Phoebe's criminal psychology textbooks! I don't think I'm in the mood to get in the mind of a serial killer tonight," Piper informed her sister's fiancée. "It's actually a book of love sonnets," Cole responded as he picked it up and Phoebe held the candle up so he could see the book's spine.
"Dad said he gave that book to Mom on their first anniversary," Piper said softly. "Hey if it brings up bad memories, I can always pick another book," Cole offered. "No that's okay," was her reply. "It actually helps to remember that they did love each other very much, even if they couldn't make the marriage last. Is it okay with you Phoebe?"
"Yes, it think it would be kind of nice actually. Since it is your idea honey why don't you get us started," Phoebe suggested to Cole. He nodded and then he and Phoebe settled in on one couch while Piper and Leo did the same on the other. Cole lit the candles closest to him and then began to read. Phoebe snuggled closer, burying her head on his strong, comforting chest, and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. She listened contentedly as his beautiful baritone voice read words of love from the master poets. Phoebe thought she was about to start purring like Kit when he began to softly stroke her hair as he read. For the second time that night she wished that this moment would never end. On that thought she drifted off to sleep, safe in her true love's arms.
Family Comforting
Chapter 16
Phoebe moved over so Piper could join her on the living room couch. "I thought you and Leo would be turning in early." "So did I, but you know my husband, the workaholic. He orbed out right after our shower because he wanted to check with the Elders to make sure all his charges were okay. He also wanted to see if there was any talk going on up there about the Paige situation." Phoebe nodded. She was doing her best not to try and think too much about Paige but she too was curious if the Elders had anything to say on the matter.
"Did I hear my name mentioned?" Leo asked as he suddenly reappeared. "Yes, we were talking about you behind your back again. How did you know?" Phoebe teased. She noticed that her brother-in-law's smile did not quite reach his eyes. He looked baffled by something. "Okay, what are the Elders up to now?" she asked.
"I don't know. They were in some big meeting. I asked a few White Lighters that were hanging around up there what it was about. Now either they didn't know the details or weren't willing to share that information with me. The same thing is true about the whole Paige thing. They also said that I'd been granted a few days vacation and that my charges would be taken care of. They said I shouldn't worry about anything."
"The Elders doing something nice for us for a change? That kind of has the opposite effect on me," Piper said. "It makes me worry big time. I don't exactly always trust them." Phoebe knew exactly how her sister felt. "Piper!" You really shouldn't say things like that," Leo warned her. "You know they have the ability to strip you of your powers and I think we have enough to deal with right now. We need them on our side."
"Well that would definitely be different. Half the time it feels like they are working against us," Phoebe offered. "I know, I know, I shouldn't have said that either but it just slipped out. So let's just change the subject before my big mouth gets me into any more trouble."
"So where's Cole?" Piper asked. I thought the two of you were planning on turning in early as well. You did get in your jammies first after all." "That was the plan but my stomach had other ideas. It was a little upset with me that I only picked at breakfast and totally missed lunch and supper and it let me know loud and clear. So Cole went out to get some Chinese food."
"You should have let me know," Piper scolded. "I would have fixed you something. Besides, I'm a little hungry myself." Phoebe smiled at her sister and said, "Piper, you don't have to take care of all of us constantly you know. You have had just as rough a day as any of us and besides Cole is going to get enough for four."
"That was nice of you two to think of us. Thank you!" "Well it was the least we could do considering he had to borrow your SUV again to go pick it up." "He better not violate any traffic laws this time," Piper said. "I'm too tired to go down to the police station again to bail him out."
Cole came in at just that second. "Looks like you're in luck Piper, because I'm back and I actually remembered to drive under a hundred this time and I didn't run over any little old ladies on the way to or from the restaurant." "See I told you he was making progress," Phoebe joked as she went over to help Cole with the bags. She also couldn't resist giving him a little peck on the cheek.
"I'll get the dishes and set the table," Leo volunteered. "Well you can get the dishes, I'll get the drinks, and Phoebe can get the napkins. Nobody has to set the table, however, since I think we should just eat in the living room vegging out in front of the T.V."
"Who are you and what have you done with Piper?" Phoebe demanded. Cole who was standing next to Piper reached out his hand and placed it across her forehead. She doesn't have a fever. Maybe she's possessed."
"Okay, alright, have your laughs! I know I can be a little bit uptight sometimes but I'm working on becoming more flexible." Phoebe shook her finger mockingly. "You better not let hear your idol Martha Stewart say that. She'll yank your membership." "Yeah well I've been thinking it's about time I got a new heroine. Now let's get ready to eat before the food gets cold."
A few minutes later the two couples were sitting in front of the T.V. watching an old rerun of WKRP in Cincinnati and trading savory bites of their favorite entrees. It was hard to tell what they were laughing hardest at; Herb Tarlek dressed as a fish, the Johnny and Venus sobriety test with a sheriff, or their own pathetic attempts with the chopsticks. Phoebe looked around the room at her family and wished for a moment that she'd been the one given the freezing time power. She'd give anything to keep things just the way they were right now. She could happily spend the rest of eternity like this. Sharing the good times with the people she loved the most in the world.
Just as the ending credits rolled on WKRP there was a loud crack of thunder. "It sounds like the storm is getting more violent," Leo commented. Piper clicked off the T.V. A second later the lights went out by themselves. Phoebe and Piper screamed simultaneously. "Are you okay?" Cole asked the concern evident in his voice. "Yeah, sorry I guess we are just a bit jumpy tonight," Phoebe said trying to reassure him and herself.
"I'll get a flashlight and go down and check the breakers," Leo offered. "Don't bother," Cole said making his way over to the window. It looks like the whole block is out." " I guess it looks like we are back to plan A," Piper responded, "Turning in early." Everyone agreed since they were bushed.
Piper and Phoebe lit candles; they all cleaned up the remains of dinner. The couples then shared goodnight hugs as they started to make their way toward the stairs. That is until they felt the ground shake underneath their feet. "Oh great a tremor, just what we need. Do you think the universe is trying to tell us something?" Phoebe asked in exasperation. She was starting to wonder what else could possibly go wrong. "Well hopefully it's just trying to remind us we live in San Francisco," Cole said wrapping his arms around her while being cautious of the candle she held to navigate the way to their bedroom.
"Well one thing is for sure, I know that now I'm not going to sleep a wink, no matter how tired I originally was," Piper groused. "I'm feeling a little too freaked out. I don't really believe in coincidences any more. Something has to be cosmically wrong. Pheebs are you sure you haven't had any premonitory warnings today?" "Not a one, unless you count this sinking feeling in my stomach and before one of you guys says anything smart, it's not the spicy shrimp talking."
The other three snickered at that last comment. "Why don't we just all relax and come up with a new plan," Leo suggested. Another tremor this one a little stronger rocked the house a bit and something hit the floor. "At any rate I think we should get off the staircase." Phoebe thought that was definitely a good idea.
They all joined hands and Leo orbed them back to the living room. "Couldn't you have orbed us to Honolulu or anyplace where there isn't about to be an earthquake?" Piper asked her husband obviously struggling to hang on to her wits. "I could have but I figured you'd want to stay close to home in case anything new develops on the Paige front."
"That girl is going to get us killed yet," Phoebe replied but deep down she knew Leo was right. They had to stick this out. "Come on everyone let's just calm down and try to get our minds off the storms, earthquakes, cosmic messages and especially Paige," Cole suggested. "Sounds good to me! So what are you thinking of sweetie, lobotomies?" Phoebe asked.
"No I was thinking we could take turns reading aloud. Lord knows we have enough candles around here to illuminate the entire manor. They should give us enough light to see by," Cole said. "That's actually a pretty marvelous idea," Piper complimented him. "What made you think of it?" "Well you know when we heard something hit the floor earlier? It turns out it was a book. I know because I'm standing right next to it."
" You can count me in then. Just as long as it isn't one of Phoebe's criminal psychology textbooks! I don't think I'm in the mood to get in the mind of a serial killer tonight," Piper informed her sister's fiancée. "It's actually a book of love sonnets," Cole responded as he picked it up and Phoebe held the candle up so he could see the book's spine.
"Dad said he gave that book to Mom on their first anniversary," Piper said softly. "Hey if it brings up bad memories, I can always pick another book," Cole offered. "No that's okay," was her reply. "It actually helps to remember that they did love each other very much, even if they couldn't make the marriage last. Is it okay with you Phoebe?"
"Yes, it think it would be kind of nice actually. Since it is your idea honey why don't you get us started," Phoebe suggested to Cole. He nodded and then he and Phoebe settled in on one couch while Piper and Leo did the same on the other. Cole lit the candles closest to him and then began to read. Phoebe snuggled closer, burying her head on his strong, comforting chest, and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. She listened contentedly as his beautiful baritone voice read words of love from the master poets. Phoebe thought she was about to start purring like Kit when he began to softly stroke her hair as he read. For the second time that night she wished that this moment would never end. On that thought she drifted off to sleep, safe in her true love's arms.