"Frozen In Time"

Disclaimer: See chapter one

Chapter Twenty-Six: One's Past Reopened

Setting: September 29, 2022

The Wyatt Manor changed so drastically. Their were after all 5 people living in the house.

Pru and Cole moved into Leo's old room, and everything was perfect for them. They were happily married and quit successful, and Pru was only 21 years old. Pru was working hard at Bucklands as an appraiser. Everyone loved her, and knew her as Prue's niece. She was making close to six figures and everything was just great. Cole was working as a lawyer again, divorce law in particular. Pru hyphenated her last name to become Wyatt-Turner.

Greg and Emma were doing great together. Emma was starting to show a little, which made Greg so happy. There were no signs of powers yet, which was a good thing. Emma, who worked as a medical secretary, was consumed in planning for the baby. Greg's old room, which was the smaller room compared to Pru's former room, was being turned into a nursery. Greg was a counselor at South Bay Social Services, and was making a moderate pay, which was just enough. They had names all picked out for the child, if it were a girl, Halliwell Piper, and for a boy, Warren Leo.

Sander's life was great, and at it's best. For a 19 year old man, he had two jobs and was making good money. He was a French teacher, teaching three classes a day for twenty grand, which wasn't a lot but it was enough, the club was pulling in thousands a week. He was still the manager though. Dan was working as a CSI still, he was never around, which made Sander a little sad.

Within the last two months, there was little demon activity, which was a good thing.

Sander was sitting in the kitchen grading papers one Thursday morning. His red pen circling words, and making accent marks on others. A French II book propped open on his messenger bag. He was sipping coffee. He was dressed in khakis, a dark blue button down and a gold tie. The clock red six-thirty, he had to leave at seven fifteen, for school started at seven forty-five.

Pru came walking in the kitchen, her briefcase in her hand. She placed it on the opposite side of the table, and walked over to the coffee pot. Her high heels clicking on the floor. She was wearing a short black skirt, a matching blazer, and a pale green dress shirt. Her red hair pulled up into a bun.

"Sander, where is the Equal?" She asked as she opened cabinets looking for the packets. Sander without taking his eyes off the paper he was grading, squinted and the box of Equal telekinetically moved from the counter and towards her cup.

"Thanks lazy ass." She laughed.

"What the hell?" Sander said as he read a paper.

"What is it?" Pru asked confused, as she took a seat at the table, and opened a file which she pulled out of her briefcase.

"Nothing, this student wrote the stupidest sentence." Sander commented.

"What did she write?"

"I wish want dog." he said with a laugh.

Pru too burst into a laugh, as Greg came into the kitchen still in his pajamas. The good thing about his job was, was that he didn't have to be in until nine.

"Emma has a doctor appointment this afternoon, so can someone pick up some milk?" Greg asked, as he took a seat.

"Yeah I could after school is out." Sander said, "Then I have to get to the club because Elmer's Glue is coming to play tomorrow night."

"I still don't know why they call themselves that." Pru said confused, "Oh, I won't be home until eight, I have a business dinner with a client."

Pru walked in the door at nine o'clock, her face red with anger.

Sander was in the kitchen doing lesson plans, and bills for the club all at once. Greg was busy reviewing a case file from work, while Emma was upstairs sleeping.

"Pru, is everything alright?" Greg asked.

"No, it's fucking not." she said rather loudly as she slammed her briefcase on the table.

"Do we want to know what's wrong?" Sander asked, placing his red pen down.

"My client basically insulted me at dinner because I'm, and I quote, 'to young to know anything about art'."

"Oh my god, that's horrible. What did you do?" Greg said.

"I ignored the comment and told him that I don't think Bucklands will be able to match his quota."

Sander and Greg laughed.

"So how was your guy's days?"

"Uhm, let's see, the English teacher, Miss James, hit on me." Sander said.

"Does she know your gay?"

"No."

"I talked to a kid about suicide, and another about homicide." Greg said.

"Oh, how fun." Pru said sarcastically as she sat down, and took her heels off.

"Where is Cole? He hasn't been home yet." Greg stated.

"That's odd, I thought he was getting out at five." Pru thought aloud.

"Maybe he got captured again." Sander said. Pru and Greg stared at him.

"I was joking."

"So not funny considering our luck." Greg said.

"I'm going upstairs to call him, then go to sleep. See you in the morning." she said with a yawn and headed out of the kitchen.

Greg placed the file aside and pulled out that morning's paper, which was still in its pink plastic bag. His eyes widened as he read the front page.

"What is it?" Sander asked as he noticed the change in his brother.

"Read." was all he said, as he put the paper in front of his brother.

DISAPPEARANCE CASE REOPENED–

WITCHCRAFT SUSPECTED

Sander read some of the article out loud, "Three and a half years ago, sixteen year old, Carla Hunter disappeared without a trace. Investigators at the time could come up with no evidence which would point at kidnap or murder. With these new cases of witchcraft afoot, we have reason to believe that it played a key role in young Carly's vanishment. Missing Persons Detective Madison Clause will be leading the investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact her."

Sander's blue eyes watered. Carly was his former best friend, who was really a demon, who he had vanquished.

"Do you think they will find anything?" Greg asked.

"I doubt it. We summoned her the night we killed her, so she left in a swirl of smoke. Plus, if I get interviewed we are going to have to be careful, God knows if they suspect us of anything."

September 30, 2022

The next morning was an off day for Sander because the floors were being redone or something. Sander didn't pay attention during the staff meeting. Pru was up and out of the house by seven, and Greg was gone by eight, for he had to being Emma to work for eight fifteen.

Sander went into the kitchen at about ten o'clock, and read a note that was left on the table.

Sander–

Be home at eleven.

– Greg

Sander tossed the note, and pulled out pancake mix. He reached into the back of the refrigerator and pulled out fresh blueberries and strawberries. He had one of those weird allergies... maple syrup.

Ten minutes later, he was sitting at the table, with his pancakes, the morning paper, and a cup of coffee.

He was engrossed in another article about Carly, when he heard an all to familiar voice from behind him. A voice which brought tears to his eyes, and memories to his head. Sander took a deep breath and turned around to see the person. The one person he had not seen in over a year. Mike.

"Hi Sander." Mike said, as he looked at Sander, who was in shock.

"What are you doing here?" Sander asked.

"I came to see you."

"After a year?"

"It's complicated." Mike said.

"Really is it? Because it wasn't that complicated last year when you broke up with me."

Mike stared at Sander, and studied his appearance. He still had the ocean blue eyes, the golden hair, and he had morning stubble, which was highly attractive.

"I still love you." he said to Sander.

"Don't say that! If you loved me, you wouldn't have left me!" Sander yelled.

"I left because you were affecting my work. I couldn't protect my charges when all I thought about was you!" Mike said back.

"Then why didn't you say that?"

"I don't know, but I was hoping you can give me a second chance?"

"I can't do that. I'm in love with Dan."

Mike stared at Sander, the words 'I'm in love with Dan' ringing in his mind. I should have known he would find someone else, he thought to himself.

"I understand." Mike said.

"Mike, I'll always love you, it's just that Dan and I are right for each other. You can still be my friend if you want."

"If I can't be your lover, I'll settle for friend." Mike said in agreement, then orbed out.

Sander couldn't believe it. Mike was back, the first man he ever loved is back.

But he loved Dan, didn't he?

there was chapter twenty-six! I hope everyone enjoyed. Mike's back, what is Sander going to do? Is he going to go through a Piper-Leo-Dan triangle? I think he might, but who should he choose? The whitelighter? Or the mortal? Why is everything so complicated for witches? Review!!!!

Thanks

Damien455