THREE

The five were sitting in the living room enjoying a quiet evening after dinner. Nothing much was going on and they were all grateful for the respite from demonic attacks and the bounty hunters that were still after Cole. He had told them he would be safe in the manor for a little while. He had laid a false trail and they were thousands of miles away looking for him. It would be some time before they decided to see if he had come back to the manor.

"You know," said Leo suddenly, "I could go for some ice cream."

"After that huge dinner?" Paige asked. "Where do you put it all?"

"I do a lot of orbing, remember?" Leo asked. "Piper, you want to help me get some for everyone."

"Sure," said Piper.

She knew that look and that tone. It meant that Leo wanted to talk to her. It was very subtle and most of the time neither Phoebe nor Paige were aware of it. As they went into the kitchen Cole turned to Phoebe.

"I can't stay very long," said Cole. "The bounty hunters are sure to come looking for me here eventually. News about us isn't exactly a big secret in the underworld."

"Well then," said Phoebe, snuggling up next to him, "let's make the most of it."

"Get a room," said Paige, rolling her eyes.

"Great suggestion," said Cole, pulling Phoebe to her feet.

Paige just stared at the two in amazement as they bounded up the stairs. That left her all alone in the living room. Piper and Leo would be back in a minute. And she was real sure she didn't want to go upstairs and have to walk past Phoebe's room just then. After a few minutes, Piper and Leo came back into the living room carrying a gallon of ice cream, some bowls, and some spoons.

"Where are Cole and Phoebe?" Piper asked.

"Upstairs," said Paige.

"Well, they do get so little time together," said Leo, looking at Piper. "I'm sure they have some things they need to talk over."

"Yeah, probably," said Piper.

"What are you two up to?" Paige asked.

"Just ice cream," said Leo. "I hope you like Rocky Road."

"I love it," said Paige.

"Good," said Piper. "Because that's all we have right now. I'd give anything for some double fudge decadence."

"Yeah, but think of the calories," said Paige.

Piper just laughed. The three sat in the living room chatting for several minutes when someone suddenly orbed into the entryway. He was in his sixties, bald on top, and was wearing a white robe that the White Lighters normally wore. The three looked over as he walked into the living room.

"Chandler," said Leo. "What brings you here?"

"Oh, just thought I'd finally meet the Charmed Ones," said the White Lighter. "I've heard so much about them I've been very interested in meeting them for a long time."

"This is Chandler," said Leo, introducing him to the rest of the group. "This is Piper, my wife. And that's Paige, the youngest. And that would be Phoebe coming down the stairs."

"And Cole Turner," said Chandler turning to look at Phoebe and Cole.

"It sounded like we had company," said Phoebe, glancing at Leo. "What's the occasion?"

"Just a social call," said Chandler, extending his hand to shake Phoebe's. "I'm Chandler Morgan. I spend most of my time on Council business and rarely get a chance to get into the field."

He moved over to shake Pipers' hand.

"I'm a member of the White Lighter Council," Chandler explained. "We help decide who will become White Lighters. It's not an easy task, let me tell you."

"I can imagine," said Paige. "There must be a lot of qualified candidates out there."

"Quite a few," said Chandler shaking Paige's hand. "But you're something rather unique I understand. You were born a White Lighter?"

"Half White Lighter," Paige corrected. "My mother was a witch. But then you probably all ready know that."

"Yes," said Chandler. "Leo's very lucky. White Lighter to the Charmed Ones. But no one ever said how attractive the three of you are. Well, no one but Leo, of course."

"Are you hitting on us?" Paige asked.

"Not at all," said Chandler. "Just stating a fact. I'm afraid I can't stay long. There's a matter of some urgency that demands my attention. I just had a few spare moments and thought I'd take the opportunity to meet you."

"Well, that's very thoughtful," said Piper. "When we hear from up there it's usually to do something the Elders want done."

"They are quite busy," said Chandler. "You have no idea what they do every day. Frankly, I'm surprised they get as much done as they do. Well, I hate to cut this short but I need to be going. Duty and all that."

"It was nice of you to stop by," said Phoebe. "Maybe you can come back again soon and we can chat some."

"I'd like that," said Chandler. "Leo, I'll see you at the next meeting."

"Of course," said Leo.

"Cole," said Chandler. "You're not at tall as I imagined."

"I can be," said Cole, smiling. "But I'm sure you wouldn't like the change."

"Probably not," said Chandler. "Well, ladies, it was a pleasure. Sorry to rush off. I'll try to make my next visit a little longer."

"That was strange," said Paige after Chandler had orbed out.

"What?" Leo asked.

"He just stopped by to meet us?" Paige questioned. "I don't think that's ever happened to me before."

"You'd be surprised how many White Lighters would like that," said Leo. "You are something of legends up there. They've been anticipating your arrival for three hundred years. You're kind of like celebrities."

"I guess," said Paige. "Now, how about that ice cream before it melts?"

"Great idea," said Phoebe.

Piper just smiled as she began to scoop the ice cream into the bowls.