Chapter 17: Going Home
A/N: This was kind of finished, but I wanted to make it final. This is the last chapter. I'm wrapping everything up. I hope you like it. I own nothing.
The goodbyes were short, yet tearful. The Charmed Ones found it especially hard to let go of Chris. They had said goodbye like this to the older Chris. He had died mere hours later. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Piper asked for the millionth time. Chris managed a small smile. His mother was being her normal over-protective self. He loved his mother, although they didn't always understand each other. It was his father she was worried about.
He knew in his heart that Leo was different now. That did not erase all that his father had done to him. He wasn't sure that he could handle seeing Leo. It was all so hard. Mel seemed to have sensed his worry, and she held his hands comfortingly. Mel gave him a sort of strength. She didn't seem afraid to see the new future they had created. She didn't seem worried that her mother would still be dead.
In truth, Melinda Prudence Halliwell was terrified. A torrent of what ifs were running through her head. The most important to her was if her mother was alive. As juvenile as it sounded, she wanted her mommy. She knew that their problems were far from over. Chris, though slightly happier, was still depressed. The only thing that would help him would be a long talk with his mother. Mel talked to him and she was pretty sure that he was convinced.
"Bye", said Chris.
Together, Chris and Mel through their vials of potion on the wall. Almost immediately a vortex swirled into existence. Without looking back, the cousins stepped in. They were almost immediately hurtled through space and time. It was so powerful that it caused both Mel and Chris' head to spin. When the spinning stopped they found themselves in the same attic. The attic was empty. They both sensed people downstairs. Cautiously, they walked to face their family.
At the foot of the stairs, Mel let out a squeal of delight. Sitting at the table, drinking coffee from a large mug, was her mother. Without hesitation, she ran to her mother and locked her in a rib cracking hug. "Oh mom!" she cried, "I missed you so much. Phoebe looked at her suspiciously. "Melinda Prudence Halliwell, what did you do?" Mel smiled mischievously. "It's a long story", she said.
Meanwhile Chris had run to his uncle Kevin. He was alive! They had saved him! Chris had always been close to his uncle. Uncle Kevin was like a father to him. After they had broken away, Chris was having a tearful reunion with his mother. Mel was surprised. Even after all he had been through, he had never cried. "What happened Chris?" asked Piper urgently. She was, as always, a worrywart.
"Mom", Chris said softly, "we need to talk." As mother and son walked into the other room, Mel telepathically told Chris, It's gonna be okay. For once in his life, Chris believed her.
THE END
