Twice Cursed
Breakfast at the Halliwells'
Phoebe woke up at seven, her mind feeling fresh. She made her bed, took a nice, long shower, put on clean clothes from her regular wardrobe (she had learned to keep some of her clothes at the Manor), and applied a bit of makeup. For the first time in a month, she did not have to put on under-eye concealer.
She walked quietly down the steps and into the kitchen, the house still quiet with sleep. Phoebe donned on an apron and made an omelet—the only food that she could cook well. Then she switched on the coffeemaker, made a whole pot of the strong stuff, and poured herself a cup.
Paige, following the smell of breakfast, wandered sleepily into the kitchen, then started when she saw Phoebe sitting calmly at the counter, proofreading some of her work while sipping some of her coffee. "Phoebe, hey," Paige greeted her.
Phoebe looked up, a bit startled. "Oh, hey Paige," she said, giving her youngest sister a half smile. "There goes my plans to slip away unnoticed. I came over last night, but I think I fell asleep before you guys came home. I hope that's ok." She stood up. "Do you want me to make you an omelet?" she asked, seeing the way Paige slightly drooled at her breakfast plate.
Paige slightly hesitated. "Are you sure? I can always—"
"No, please Paige, I insist. I have definitely been way too much of a burden for you guys lately, and while an omelet can't make up for it, it won't hurt," Phoebe said firmly.
"You haven't been a burden," Paige protested. "Far from it. We love having you back here, but—" Paige sighed and tried to find a way to say what she wanted to without having her sister fall back into her fragile state, especially since she seemed so composed now. "But we hate seeing you so miserable." Paige bit her lip. "But you seem a lot better now," she offered. "What…changed?"
Phoebe paused as she drew a carton of eggs out of the refrigerator. "You know what's funny? I'm actually not sure," Phoebe said honestly. "I came here—in a bit of a mess," Phoebe admitted while tying the apron back on. "And then I went up and slept."
"Well, then it must have been one hell of a nap you took there," Paige said, pouring herself a cup of coffee.
"Mm, I agree." Paige sat down opposite Phoebe's seat and they lightly chatted with Phoebe at the stove, something that they hadn't done in ages. Phoebe informed her sister quite merrily about Elise finally relaxing Phoebe's strict schedule; Paige shared her stories of rowdy magical teenage students, words that should never be put in the same sentence, she complained. They talked about the recent lull in demon activity and together made up a few theories of why that could be.
When Phoebe turned away from stove, she had not one but three plates of omelets. "This one is for you, and these two are for Piper and Leo. But as for me, I have to run. This article—" she grabbed the piece of paper she was proofreading "Is due this morning, and I have to add the changes I made. So…" she leaned over and gave Paige a peck on the cheek. "Tell everybody that I love them.
Paige watched as her sister walked out of the manor, her eyebrows peaked on top of her forehead. Whatever her sister said, there was most probably some sort of magic going on. Even if there wasn't, they were better safe than sorry. She ate her omelet, covered the other two plates with lids so they wouldn't get cold, and headed up toward the attic.
A/N: I know this was short yet again but no worries; the next one is definitely going to be longer. One author's request, though; I haven't been getting many reviews lately, and though I don't want to harp on you guys to, please take into consideration that reviews count a lot. This applies particularly to my other story, Love's Intervention, especially since you guys seem to follow that story more closely. Just in case you guys didn't know, a newish chapter is up for LI (14).
So yeah. For those who have reviewed, its greatly appreciated, just make sure you continue on. Thanks so much!!