Thanx again for the reviews! Mucho Amor to all of you who like it.
Disclaimer- I dont own anything you can identify.
Paige wrinkled her nose as the sunlight poured through her window and shone onto her face.
What a beautiful day She thought with a content sigh Its too bad I have work.
Work.
Paige shot up in bed and looked at her alarm clock in a panicked frenzy.
It was 9:28.
Almost a half hour later than the time at which Paige was supposed to be at her office.
Shit.
She jumped out of bed her heart racing with the pressure to make it to work, only to be stopped by a hard object digging into her foot as she stepped onto the floor.
" Ouch!" she cried as she pulled her foot back out of reflex. " What the fuck was that?"
She looked down to see a large crystal sitting on her carpet.
Just then all of the past nights events came back to her. Everything from the glow of the demon's laser to her current state and position.
Of course I'm not going to work. Im a friggin' toddler.
Then something else occured to her as she looked around and saw a bunch of other crystals placed strategically around her bed.
Piper and Phoebe had placed her in a crystal cage so no demon could get to her.
What Paige would have normally taken as sweet gesture, just plain pissed her off as she was already frustrated from rediscovering what had occured.
Where do they get off caging me like an animal? I can take care of myself even though I don't have powers. I did before I found them.
Eager to go downstairs and set her overprotective big sisters straight, she naively tried to step outside of the perimeter of the crystals and was quickly thrown backward by their magic.
Paige screamed in fury and stomped her foot. She hated not being able to take care of herself.
Yeah. Great idea guys. Kept me safe from the demons huh? But did it ever occur to you how I was supposed to get out!
She scanned the room for some sort of answer from her sisters. She spotted a post it note on her nightstand. She vainly picked it up even though she knew in her new position she couldn't read.
Dumbasses.
"Phoeeeebeeee! Pipppeeeeeeeeeeer!" She screamed using all of her vocal power. " Get up here nowwwwwwww!"
When she heard footsteps, she placed a pissed look on her face, folded her arms, and tapped her foot awaiting her sisters' arrival.
When Phoebe entered Paige's room she was met with a scowling , obviously annoyed sister.
" Hey Paige!" She said cheerfully trying to lighten her sister's mood.
Paige's eyes flashed angrily as her mood worsened with Phoebe's seeming obliviousness to her idiocy.
" Phoebe," she began through gritted teeth " Did it occur to you when you decided to write me an explanatory note, that when I woke up I wouldn't be able to read it?" Then she crumpled up the note in her fist and threw it at Phoebe, which actually wasn't all that effective since it bounced off the bars of the cage and hit her in the head instead.
A giggle escaped Phoebe as she watched the scenario unfold." Oh Paige, no, I'm sorry. Piper and I, you know we still aren't used to you like this."
" Yeah well, Ya seemed pretty used to it, when you decided you had the authority to trap me in my room."Paige retorted
Phoebe decided that it was best to take Paige's brattiness with a grain of salt, so she would learn that it did not phase her sisters and that she would not get anywhere by being a bitch.
" Wow someone's grumpy this morning." Phoebe smiled lifting Paige out of the crystal cage, which didn't repel her, and balancing her on her hip. ' What do you say we go downstairs and see what Piper made for breakfast?"
Paige although dumfounded by Phoebe's tolerance for her behavior was not about to let herself be babied again.
" Put me down Phoebe" She warned
" Why?' Phoebe teased " What are you gonna do beat me up?"
Paige strangely upset by Phoebes playful ridicule felt the tears well up in her eyes.
" Aww Paige" Phoebe crooned slightly shocked at Paige's sudden mood swing from angry to tearful and feeling a little guilty about causing it. " I'm sorry. It's just hard to believe you're you when you don't look like you. Here-" she paused placing Paige on the ground " All good.
Paige gave Phoebe a weak smile. " Thanks "
And the two headed downstairs.
When they entered the kitchen, they found it empty.
Wonder where Piper is Phoebe thought
Just then, Piper strode into the kitchen carrying a stack of phonebooks.
" Good morning family!" She said happily
" Hey Pipe." Phoebe replied " Guess who finally decided to get up this morning?"
" I see who finally pulled out of her coma. Hey Paigey! How are you today? Feeling young?"
Paige who did not even appear to have heard what Piper said had her eyes fixated on the phonebooks in Pipers arms.
" Piper, what are those for?" she questioned cautiously although she already knew the answer
" Would you rather have a booster seat?"
" You can't be serious."
" Well do you honestly think you can reach the table without a little help?"
Paige realized it was a lost effort trying to convince her sisters that she was not a little kid. How bad could it get anyway?
" Oh fine."
" Good girl" Piper praised placing the books on Paige's designated seat.
Paige walked over to her chair and climbed up on her elevated seat. Phoebe also resumed her spot at the table, while Piper went to get the food.
When she returned she set out a mug of coffee for herself and for Phoebe but not one for Paige. Instead she set a glass of milk in front of her.
" Where's my coffee?"
" No coffee today, sorry." was Pipers explanation
" But you and Pheebs have coffee." Paige retorted
" What I meant is no coffee for you today"
Paige was furious at this point. First her sister's took control of where she was from the time she went to bed to the time when she woke up , which was humiliating enough, and now they were trying to control what she ate. She wanted coffee and she was going to get it.
" You're not the boss of me. I'm an adult and if I want coffee I can have it."
" I can't let you have it Paige, I'm sorry. Allowing you to consume that much caffenine would be irresponsible of me. It could kill you."
Paige's face turned beet red. Phoebe covered her ears at the telltale sign of an upcoming tantrum.
" But I want it!" she screeched in an unhumanly high pitch
Piper shook her head.
At this Paige pounded her fists on the table and continued to scream and cry," I want it! I want it!" over and over again, while Piper and Phoebe tried their best to ignore her, that is until she erupted in a fit of coughs from straining her voice too much.
Piper stroked Paiges hair to calm her down while Phoebe coaxed her to take small sips of water.
" See what you do to yourself Paigey?" Piper said looking into Paiges puffy red eyes " Getting upset like this is no good for you"
Paige nodded, her throat now sore.
" Is having a cup of coffee really worth all this?" Phoebe put in.
Piper felt like slapping Phoebe. Paige seemed to have forgotten what she was upset about in the first place, as most kids do after they have a fit and bringing it up again was not going to go over well.
Luckily, Paige seemed to be back to normal, whatever that was these days, and responded with a simple no, most likely embarassed about constantly having outbursts like this and being vulnerable around her sisters.
Once breakfast was over, Phoebe headed out to her interview, kissing each of her sisters on the cheek as she left. "Have fun shopping!" She called as she exited the house " I'll see you two around lunchtime."
Paige looked questioningly at Piper. What was this she had heard about shopping?
" I took the day off today to spend it with you buying some new clothes and i called in sick for you- for the next month or so."
" Mr. Cowan must've loved that" Paige quipped
" He was smart and took my word for it You don't mess with a girl's big sister"
" Now I'm scared. So when can I pick up my last pay stub?"
Piper hit her on the shoulder playfully . " I didn't get you fired doofus"
Paige smiled at her " Well you don't have the greatest people skills Piper, no offense."
" Shut up " Piper said although she was grinning " Now c'mon lets go I'm sick of sitting around"
" After you, your highness" Paige further joked
' Hey be nice to me. You need me remember?"
Paige did not find this very funny but tried to not get upset anyway. She hated being dependant on people.
Piper noticed a change in Paige's demeanor after she made her comment yet decided not to bring it up. If Paige had issues then she would let her sister's know on her own time. She didn't want to push her away. The two shortly left the house, the akwardness that had formed between them apparant.
Paige stood outside by the car impatiently waiting for Piper who had run back in the house to get something she had forgotten.
Why does this sort of thing always happen to me? Hmm?She thought Just because I was born last everyone likes to pick on me. I can't believe-
Her thoughts were interrupted by the loud slam of a door as Piper struggled to see over the large carseat she held in her arms.
" Okay, we can go now " She said " Just after I install this."
" There's no way i'm sitting in that" Paige scowled
" Well if you wanna go shopping you're going to." Piper replied pointedly as she put in the seat.
" Nuhuh"
" Yuhuh " was Piper's answer as she swung Paige into the seat despite her squirming retalition.
Piper had to pin Paige down with one arm while strapping her in with the other, finally suceeding in her struggle.
" I hate you" Paige seethed as she realized what had just happened.
" Thats okay" Piper singsonged as she climbed into the front seat of her black jeep. " At least now you won't get killed and I won't get a ticket."
Paige frowned as she sat in the confines of the old carseat. She was not a happy camper as she came to the realization that it was a lost effort trying to convince her older sisters of her maturity. She sulked until Piper pulled up in front of a small boutique called " Daddy's girls". In the window there was a display
of the frilliest, pinkest, girliest outfits Paige had ever seen. It actually made her wanna vomit a little.
' Where did you find this place?" she asked Piper in awe as she lifted her out of the seat.
Piper who doubletaked at the fact Paige didn't object to being held had to shake herself to focus." Oh i've bought baby shower gifts here before" She explained placing Paige on the sidewalk." Ready to go? " she asked holding out her hand to Paige, to keep her close by and to see if Paige had actually decided to cooperate.
Paige decided to take her older sisters hand . She would rather not be kidnapped by any one of the many crazys who lived in san fran. The feel of her big sister's hand cupped around hers made her feel suprisingly safe as the two walked into the store.
" Hi there!" the youngest and oldest charmed ones were greeted by an overly cheerful fake blonde woman as they entered the store. " My name is Kim. Can I help you with anything?" She asked smiling at Paige making her feel a little uncomfortable. She clutched Piper's hand tighter.
" Hi" Piper responded " I'm Piper and this is Paige"
" Hi Paige!" Kim acknowledged " You are very cute you know that?"
" So I've heard" mumbled Paige
" Paige" Piper warned under her breath
" What was that sweetie?" Kim asked Paige " I couldn't hear you"
"I said-" Paige began already not taking a liking to this bimbo
" She said 'Thank You'" Piper interuppted before Paige got herself into trouble. " Now what do you have to show us?'"
" Oh we just got the cutest Baby Juicy items in. I know you'll just adore them."
And the two began to walk off, Paige close behind.
Paige was beggining to feel awful tired . She felt her eyes droop as sat down on a couch.
Maybe I could just rest here for a minute She thought with a yawn I hope Piper doesn't get worried , maybe i should tell her...
But Paige did get to act on that, as she had already nodded off.
Minutes later after already picking out several outfits, Piper turned around to check on Paige. She felt her heart drop as she noticed Paige was no longer behind her.
Oh god. A demon must've gotten to her. What am i gonna do?
" Would you look at that." She heard Kims voice chime " Your daughter has passed out right here in the store on one of our couches."
" I don't have a -" daughter was what Piper meant to say as was her initial reaction to Kim's words, but when the whole message finally sank in, she felt the relief wash over her. Paige was okay. She looked over to see her baby sister curled up, sleeping soundly, thumb stuck tightly in her mouth. Piper smiled at the sight. She hadn't taken Paige as a thumb sucker. It was awful cute though.
" Well I hope this doesn't cut your shopping trip short" sighed Kim
" No I was just about done anyway. I guess i'll just leave her be while I purchase my items." Piper replied
" Here, give the clothes to me with your credit card and i'll ring them up for you while you get her situated"
" Thanks" Piper responded handing over the items.
" No problem."
Soon Piper was carrying her baby sister out to the car , a few hundred dollars poorer, on her way to pick up Phoebe.
Paige's eyes blinked open, just as Piper pulled up to the office where they were supposed to pick up Pheebs.
" Hey Baby" Piper greeted " Have a good nap?"
" I fell asleep didn't I?" Paige questioned groggily
" Yep, right there in the store."
They didn't get much farther into the conversation as just then Phoebe knocked on the window to get their attention, so Piper could unlock the door. Which she did.
" Hey Pipe, Missy paige," Phoebe acknowledged
' Hey Pheebs" Piper answered " How'd the interview go? Feel like you got the job?"
" Dunno. Maybe." was her brief answer.She turn her attention to Paige in the back seat."What's the matter Paige too cool to say hello to your big sis?'
Paige shrugged. She was not a happy person when she got up especially with no caffine.
" Don't mind her. She's probably just grumpy from her nap." Piper explained
" She took a nap?" Phoebe questioned shocked
" Yeah she was sucking her thumb and everything"
Paige froze at the fact that her sister's had found out about her childish habit, that sometimes even got the best of her at 22.
" Awww, how sweet" Phoebe crowed "You're just grumpy aren't you?" She cooed at Paige who was now back in a bad mood.
Paige just tried to block out her sisters, which seemed to work as they lost soon intrest in her.
When they arrived at the restaurant where they were having lunch and Piper parked the car Paige quickly jumped out and stalked into the street, not thinking rationally due to anger.
Phoebe who reacted fast to the situation ran after Paige who was now out of sight , Piper at her side.
" Paige!" Piper called out loudly half angry half scared." Where are you?"
Just then Phoebe noticed Paige's small form storm into the path of a moving car.
"PIPER FREEZE!" She cried out in panic as the car hurtled toward Paiges tiny body which was not moving out of fear.
Just as Phoebe was sure Paige was done for,she noticed things begin to stop moving around her saw Piper run over to Paige.
"Paige Mattehews-Halliwell!" Piper yelled as she grabbed her youngest sisters arm and draggd her out of the street and onto the sidewalk, just as time began moving again." What the hell is wrong with you! You almost got yourself killed. I don't understand, why you think you are invincible because you aren't especially not now."
Paige began to cry. She had never had Piper this angry at her before. She felt terribly guilty about scaring her sister's so much and jeopardizing the PO3.
Piper pulled Paige into a hug.
" Im just glad you'rr safe though." She finished " But we are going to have a long talk when we go home about this and why you keep getting so defiant, understood?"
Paige nodded in agreement, what choice did she really have anyway? You couldn't win against Piper.
Shortly, the three sisters sat in the livingroom, ready to have a serious chat.
" Okay" Piper began " Paige this meeting really is about you so you're going to be doing most of the talking. Why don't you start off by telling us why you did what you did today?"
" Ummm... I dunno?"
" That's not going to do it Paige. I don't think you understand how much you scared us and the fear that i felt and I'm sure Phoebe felt when we saw you almost die."
" I thought i was going to have a heartattack" Phoebe added
" I'm sorry. I really am" Paige said. " Its just that i was upset you found out about my little habit."
" Why did that upset you?" Phoebe asked
" I didn't want you guys to have another reason to think I'm a baby."
" We don't think that" Phoebe defended
"Oh yeah? You guys put me in a carseat, and pick me up all the time and it just gets annoying."
" That's not because we think you are a baby Paige, its because you are our baby sister and we love you and want to show you that. Why are you so resistant to having us take care of you a little anyway?" Piper asked
' It's just...I'm not.." Paige stammered
" It's okay you can tell us honey" Piper reassured her
" I don't like being dependant on people thats all. Because" She felt the tears fill her eyes" everytime I have let someone take care of me or to protect me, I get attached, and then they end up leaving" She was sobbing now
Phoebe who was sitting next to Paige stroked her hair trying to comfort the hurting girl" We'll never leave you, ever" she promised " So what do you say? We never leave you and you let us be the big sisters we want to be? Maybe we'll even get to make up for lost time."
" Deal" Paige agreed as she gave herself over to her sisters' care, hoping she wouldn't regret that decision.