Chapter 16

"Say hi Phoebe," Willow said to Laci. Every time Willow asked the younger ones to say hi to Phoebe or every time she had to explain to them that she wasn't awake, she fought desperately to keep back her tears.

"Hi Hebe," Paige whispered climbing next to her big sisters head.

"Hi Phee," Laci said from Willow's arms.

"Nicea nagan," was Howie's reply from Buffy's arms. Prue sat next to Phoebe and stroked her hair whispering to her.

"Hi Pheebs," Piper said and sat on Prue's lap to talk to Phoebe.

"We'll be right back," Oz said and took Laci from Willow.

"Where you goin'?" Willow whispered.

"I'll bring back some food," he replied. As soon as Oz and Laci got out into the lobby they saw a large flyer hanging over the hospital door.

It read: MISSING Joseph Codwell, 6 Months old. Last seen with baby-sitter on Saturday, August 23. In the middle of the poster was a picture of Howie. Underneath it read: Mother, nurse Codwell here at our hospital is grief-stricken and is begging whoever has her Joseph will return him immediately.

"Howie," Laci said pointing to the poster. Oz sighed heavily and went up to the front desk.

"Excuse me," he said as politely as he could to the lady behind the desk.

"Could you please tell me where I can find Nurse Codwell?"

Minutes later Oz and Laci were outside Phoebe's room with Nurse Codwell.

"I'm just going to start from the beginning Nurse Codwell," Oz said his voice gentle.

"You can call me Britney," she whispered, tears rolling off of her face. Oz opened the door and lead Britney inside where she spotted Howie in Buffy's arms.

"Joseph!" She yelped and grabbed Howie from Buffy. Oz began to explain to his confused group of friends what was going on.

"I'm so glad he's safe," Britney said cuddling Howie close.

"I guess we better explain Ms. Codwell," Willow said, formally, but again some how maintaining her gentleness. No one knew how their little Willow did it.

"You can call me Britney," the nurse whispered again.

"Prue and I found Howie in a trash can on the side of Prue's house and we all have been taking care of him."

"Howie?" Britney questioned the name.

"That's what we've been calling him," Prue explained.

"Awww. I am so glad you guys found him! See I had hired a nanny to watch over Joseph and she totally betrayed us. I had her arrested for kidnapping when I came home one night and she wouldn't tell me where my baby was. Hopefully they can sentence her for a larger crime now. I can't believe how big he's gotten! How can I ever repay you?" Britney asked.

"Be our friend," Willow said gently. "We are all so grateful for what you have done to help us."

'Willow the gentle strikes again,' Oz thought to himself as Willow slipped him a mischievous smile. Oz returned it as he held on tight to Laci.

"Now that I can do," Britney smiled.

"And," Buffy added. "Please please please, let us see Howie every once and a while." Britney smiled.

"Of course I'll let you see Joey. Say, why you all don't come over to my house tonight. My boyfriend and I will cook dinner."

"That sounds like fun. Can we go Buffy please?" Amy asked gripping Buffy's arm. Buffy couldn't help and giggle at her sister.

"Sure Aimes. Guys?" Buffy asked.

"Count us in," Prue said speaking up for the Halliwell sisters.

"Hebe comes too!" Paige said stubbornly staying close to her sister's head.

"Well I am going to go home now but I'll see guys around say 5? I have to get down to the station and tell the officers the good news." Britney said.

"Sounds good," Oz nodded and Britney left with Howie.

"Are you going to stay a little while?" Buffy asked Prue gently. She nodded.

"Okay come on Paige. Want some ice cream?" Buffy asked little Paige.

"No! I want Hebe to come too!" Paige shrieked and started crying.

"Oh you're so cranky," Buffy said and took Paige in her arms and left with the others. Soon it was only Prue and Willow. Prue started off crying, so Willow knew they'd be their for a while.

"Will, it's getting pretty expensive keeping Phoebe in the hospital," Prue stated quietly, trying to keep back her tears.

"Oh Prue," was all Willow could manage through the large lump in her throat. Prue let her emotions take over and she started to cry weakly. Prue had been having trouble eating and her grades were steadily taking a turn for the worst.It seemed like over the course of the last few months Prue had cried out all of her tears.

But Willow never stopped listening.

She put her heart into helping her friend, but emotionally it was really tearing her apart. Of course with a soon to be 2 year old in the house Willow had to stay strong. For not only Laci but Oz and Prue as well. Willow, Laci, and Oz had been staying at Prue's house for the past 3 months to help her take care of Piper and Paige.

Sometimes Willow's nightmares would awake her. Oz had been there every time to comfort her.

"I honestly don't know what to do Will. You saw how Paige reacted to all of this. She just...she doesn't understand," Prue said feebly. No tears appeared on her face but it made Willow ache inside to see Prue suffer. Willow took a deep breath.

"I'm not going to say everything's going to be okay this time sweetie." Willow reached for Prue's hand but Prue moved it away from Willow's reach.

"Prue, it's just that...well I don't want to keep kidding you. I don't think we should continue kidding ourselves," Willow said, tears coming now.

"What are you getting at Willow?" Prue asked her voice full of hurt.

"Oh sweetie. It's just that I believe that Phoebe will be okay. I really really do. But at the same time I'm really scared Prue. Scared that Phoebe won't come through. Saying everything's going to be okay doesn't prove anything. Well it does make you feel better." With this last sentence, Willow found herself with her goofy, lopsided grin on her face, but she didn't understand why.

Prue had to smile. She grabbed Willow's hand and held it tight.

"I love you Will. You're all I have left. So please, don't bail on me now," Prue gripped Willow around the neck and hugged her tightly.

"Everything's going to be okay Prue," Willow whispered.