Thanks so much to SciFi Fan Gillian, leo/piper4ever, piperleo4eva and HollyShadow for leaving comments. It means sooo much to me. Hopefully you will continue to enjoy the story. I promise action and romance, but I have to set up some things first. Again, any thoughts good or bad are appreciated.
Chapter 2
The following morning, Piper, Phoebe, Paige and Leo sat at the table enjoying a quiet breakfast. Wyatt sat in his high chair next to his daddy, content to play with his food.
"So the Elders have no clue why demon activity has been at a premium lately?" Asked Phoebe while sipping her orange juice.
"Big surprise there." Quipped Paige sarcastically.
Leo sent her a chastising look. "Nothing specific, but they do feel there is a struggle for control of the underworld again. Whenever that happens, demon activity rises."
"What you're saying is, we can expect to be busy." Grouched his wife.
"Afraid so."
Wyatt chose that moment to start squirming in his chair, clearly done with his meal and ready to be released from his confinement.
"Alright sweetie, let's get you cleaned up." While Piper fussed over him, the doorbell rang. Leo told her he'd get it while she finished up.
Opening the door, he spied a young woman on the other side. "Hello, can I help you?"
Lauren was so nervous. She was not going to be able to do this, but another voice countered. ' Yes you can. This is too important.' When the door opened to reveal a very attractive man and not a woman she was expecting, Lauren froze. She had a hard enough time talking to people, but good looking men made it almost impossible.
Leo watched as the woman ducked her head, her long black hair obscuring most of her face. For a moment he thought she wasn't going to answer and he was about to question her again, but her head lifted and she spoke in a tiny voice. "I'm here about the nanny position." And promptly shoved a white envelope at him.
Brows drawn together in a confused frown, Leo glanced at the woman and then back at the offered envelope. Taking the latter, he opened it and quickly scanned its contents. Still puzzled, he said. "Why don't you come in for a moment."
Looking straight ahead, not meeting his eyes, she stepped through the doorway and found herself in a foyer.
"Piper!"
Rushing in at the sound of his voice, expecting another demon, she said. "What! What is it?" Her expression changed instantly when she observed the young woman standing next to her husband. "All right. Not what I was expecting."
"Uhmmm." Leo uttered and handed the letter over, waiting for her reaction.
She looked up at him after she had finished reading it. "Now they send us a nanny. Where were they months ago?"
"I don't know. The Agency told me no one wanted the job."
Remembering the woman standing there, Piper turned her eyes to her. "Sorry, don't mean to be rude, but this is a bit of a surprise. The letter says your name is Lauren Allison."
"That's correct ma'am." Was the quiet response.
"And the Agency sent you?"
Lauren wasn't quite sure who the man was that sent her, but since he gave her the letter she assumed he worked in some way for the Agency. "Yes ma'am." Her voice a little stronger, remembering she still had to convince them to hire her. "I'm really good with children. I've been working at the San Francisco Child Care Agency for seven years now. I don't mind odd hours, and I'm a really hard worker."
Piper looked back up at Leo. He gave his shoulders a slight shrug, letting her know, he was as puzzled as she. "Well Lauren, I don't know how much the MNA told you, but this would not be a normal nanny position."
"Oh, I know ma'am. You're one of the Charmed Ones and I should expect constant danger. I am only half witch and have no active powers, but I promise to take care of your child with my life." The last said from her heart. She had meant every word, this opportunity was too good to loose.
"Well." Piper replied impressed with the girl's speech, although a bit irritated by the whole constant danger thing. "Here, why don't you sit down and let Leo and I talk this over."
"Of course ma'am." Leo sent her a warm smile as she found a seat on the couch and she felt a little less nervous.
Expectant eyes, met them as they entered the kitchen. "So what's up?" Questioned Phoebe.
After Piper had filled in both sisters she asked, "What do you think?"
Paige was a little skeptical. "Are we sure she's legit?"
"The letter of recommendation for the Agency looks authentic." Leo offered. "Maybe I should check with the Elders, just to make sure."
Piper nodded her head. "Good idea. Bye."
"If she checks out are you hiring her?" Wondered Phoebe as Leo orbed out.
Taking a seat, Piper propped up an elbow and placed her hand on the side of her cheek. "I don't know. It'd be nice to have the help, I can't deny that."
"I hear a but." Her middle sister noted.
"Yeah. I mean, its hard handing the care of your child over to a stranger."
Paige sat next to her. "But it won't be all the time. Just when you are at the club or doing the witch thing."
Lifting her head off her hand Piper arched an eyebrow. "Which is pretty much 24/7 lately."
"True, but wouldn't it be nice to know Wyatt is being looked after no matter what comes up?"
Phoebe now joined the other two at the table. "Why not just start off with a trial basis. If it doesn't work out, then she's outta here."
The swirl of blue and white lights distracted them from furthering their discussion. The moment Leo materialized all eyes where on him. "And?" Prompted his wife.
"They don't know anything about a Lauren Allison, but they say if she has the letter and it has the seal, it's authentic. Only members of the Agency have access to that seal."
"What do you think Leo?"
"I think maybe we should give it a try. I know it's been difficult on you lately, maybe this will relieve some of the stress."
"Okay then." Piper stood up and Leo and she went out to the living room.
Lauren had left the manor happier than she had ever been. Granted they were hiring her on a trail basis, but it was enough. She knew she could do a good job. Not knowing where this new found confidence was coming from, but taking full advantage of it and the feeling it brought. Piper Halliwell told her to be back tomorrow by 8:00 and they would take it from there. Her confidence waned just a little at the thought of the eldest Halliwell sister. She felt very intimidated by her and nervous. It wasn't anything specific, just a feeling. Piper's husband on the other hand was the complete opposite. Maybe it was the soft voice he used or his warm green eyes when he looked at you. Whatever the case, it helped to offset what she felt from Piper. Shaking her head, she pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind and concentrated on the black pavement in front of her.
The next morning proved to be typically chaotic start at the manor. Wyatt was being fussy. Phoebe accidentally deleted three fourths of her column. Not able to find her car keys, Paige was running late. The aroma of burnt cinnamon rolls filled the air, because Piper was seeing to her son instead of the oven. When the doorbell rang, Piper said she would get it. Seeing the new nanny on the other side of the door, Piper smiled at her promptness. Allowing Lauren to enter, she led her to the kitchen and all it's craziness.
"Phoebe, Paige, this is Lauren, Wyatt's new nanny." She hurriedly introduced. Both sisters came over and gave the newcomer a quick hand shake and greeting.
Noticing the stunned expression dominating Lauren's face, Phoebe smiled. "I know, it's crazy here. Welcome to the Halliwell Manor, chaos is our specialty."
"Phoebe!" Piper chastised. "She just got here. I'd like her to stay for at least, oh I don't know, a minute or two before you scare her away."
Looking properly apologetic, he sister said. "Sorry. Hey, I've got to go. If Elise calls, tell her I'm on my way."
Jingling her keys, Paige shouted. "I found them! I'm outta here."
Within seconds and a whirlwind of departures, the place was quiet. Piper observing it all with a serene smile, and Lauren's eyes still wide.
"It's not always like this." Assured Piper. "Well, maybe most of the time." She amended. "Come on, let me introduce you to Wyatt and we'll get started."
Three hours later and a multitude of instructions, Lauren's head was reeling. Her new employer had very set ways she wanted things done and clearly expected Lauren to follow them exactly. She felt as though she should have been taking notes, praying she would be able to remember everything. The last thing she wanted was to get fired on her first day.
Piper had just put Wyatt down for his afternoon nap. Telling Lauren she needed to run to her club to take care of things, but informed her she would not be long. Lauren felt good that Piper trusted her enough to leave the child with her, even for a brief time. Hopefully in time she would come to trust her even more.
Going into the kitchen, she cleared Wyatt's lunch off the high chair. She was startled by Leo's sudden appearance. One moment she was alone, the next he stood by the doorway.
Seeing her jump at his unexpected entrance, he quickly apologized. "Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you. I thought Piper was here."
Recovering her composure, Lauren replied. "She had to go to her club, while Wyatt is taking his nap. She said she wouldn't be long."
"Really?" Leo answered with a slight frown marring his brows. Knowing his wife they way he did, he was surprised she left the new nanny with their son already. Obviously Piper had a good feeling about the girl or she wouldn't have. Going over to the refrigerator, he took out a bottle of water. "So how's the first day going?"
"Okay so far."
He heard a hint of apprehension in her voice. "Are you sure?"
Surprised he had sensed her self-doubt, she didn't know how to respond. She didn't want to say anything that might jeopardize her position.
Sensing her quandary, he raised a hand. "Hey, I don't mean to pry, but if you need to talk I'm a really good listener." The soothing tone was followed by a warm smile.
Instantly she felt like she could say anything to him. Something she had never been able to do with anyone else before. "It's just..." When she hesitated, he simply tilted his head and waited. "I don't want to screw up. Piper gave me so many instructions and I'm trying to process it all so she'll be happy with my performance. I don't want to disappoint her." Her face grew red with embarrassment. She couldn't believe she just blurted out all of that and to her employer no less.
Leo's soft chuckle made her relax slightly. Maybe he wasn't thinking she was an ungrateful wretch.
"Piper can be a little overwhelming at first. Don't worry, I'm sure you're going to do a great job. Just give yourself time to get to know the job and us. No one expects you to remember everything on the first day, least of all Piper."
His words were like a balm for her raw nerves. "Thank you."
"Sure. Oh, and about earlier." At her puzzled look, he explained. "When I suddenly appeared. I'll try not to startle you too much with the orbing, but it is something you'll have to get use to if you stay."
"I'll try."
"Good. I'm going to check on Wyatt."
A warm glow and a shy smile filled Lauren's face as she watched his retreating back.
Piper pulled her jeep into the driveway a short time later. Hoping out, she hastened for the front door. She hadn't meant to be gone as long as she had. Entering the manor, her unease quickly fled, as everything seemed to be in order. She let out a pent up breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Finding Lauren sitting in the conservatory folding Wyatt's clothes, she said, "Hey, everything go okay?"
"Oh yes! Wyatt is still sleeping I think."
"You think!" Piper demanded sharply, not allowing the other woman to finish.
Quickly, Lauren made to clarify, stumbling a bit over her words in a rush to sooth Piper's anger. "No, what I mean is, Leo came home and is upstairs. I didn't check on Wyatt because I didn't want to intrude."
Relieved, and embarrassed by her outburst, Piper apologized. "Sorry. New mom thing." Turning to go upstairs, she stopped and looked back. "Thanks for folding the laundry. I noticed you straightened up the kitchen as well."
"Your welcome." Lauren watched as Piper continued on her trek up the stairs. Her heart was still beating loudly from Piper's outburst. She tried to remember what Leo had said, however it was difficult. Piper just made her feel so nervous all the time.
Entering the bedroom, Piper spied her two favorite men. Leo sat in the rocking chair quietly reading to Wyatt. The whole scene caused her heart to flutter just a little and she smiled. "How are my two guys?"
They looked up and returned the grin and she thought she had to be the luckiest person in the world. A loving husband, a beautiful, healthy child and two wonderful sisters. Except for the demon fighting, her life was pretty perfect.
Sitting Wyatt in his playpen, Leo came over and gave his wife a hug. "Everything okay at the club?"
"Yeah. Minor emergency. It's fine now."
"So how'd it feel to leave Wyatt?"
Sometimes she hated how well he knew her. It was unsettling at times. Moving out of his embrace, she sat on the couch watching her son. "It was fine." At his skeptical expression she caved. "All right, it was awful. Happy."
"Of course not honey. How are you now?"
"Better. I got home and the house is still in one piece and Wyatt is safe. Lauren seems to know what's she's doing."
He sat down next to her. "It will take some time to get use to her being here, but I think it's going to work out."
Leaning her head on his shoulder, she smiled. "Always the optimist."