Life has been crazy the last 5 months. I have finally chosen a major in aviation engineering, in hopes of one day having the chance at becoming a pilot in the Army. I have also been keeping myself busy by competing on the intramural soccer team and holding a job in the library. Between my classes, work, soccer, and my additional cadet training I have had no time to relax so Thanksgiving break could not have come sooner. One whole week off, with nothing to do except spend time with my family in Chicago and eat Piper's wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. The only negative part of the whole trip is that Victor will be there, but at least he and mom are staying at a hotel while Phoebe and I will be at Prue's and Piper's condo. As the bus finally arrives at Central Station I throw on my coat and grab my bags. I enter the station with about 50 other cadets, all of us in uniform trying to make our train and spend much needed time at home. I finally spot Phoebe over by the benches and walk over to her, I can tell that at first she does not recognize me, probably the uniform, but when she finally does she come rushing over practically tackling me with a hug.
Phoebe: Paige! I didn't recognize you. How are you? What's new? Have you lost weight? What is with the uniform?
Paige: It's good to see you as well Pheebs, slow down we have about an 8 hour train ride to catch up on everything.
Phoebe: I know it's just that I haven't seen you since Labor Day and that was forever ago.
Paige: I think they just called our train, lets go and then we can catch up on everything.
Phoebe: Ok, I hope we get a meal on the train I am starving.
I laugh knowing that Phoebe is always starving. Once we find our seats, I run up to the food car and grab us some drinks and snacks since I am also pretty hungry. As I sit back down in my seat Phoebe launches in to her assault of questions for the second time.
Phoebe: Thanks for the food. So tell me what's with the uniform and why are you so skinny?
Paige: I am wearing the uniform because I was required to wear it for dinner earlier today and I didn't have time to change before I got here. And I'm not sure I am following the whole skinny thing, I am the same weight I was last time you saw me, but maybe I am just more toned now. So what is new with you, how are your classes?
Phoebe: Not a whole lot new with me just parties and maybe some classes, but I am mostly just having fun. You know me and classes don't really get along too well, so I go every now and then. I switched my major again, it's Psychology now.
Paige: How many times have you switched, 3?
Phoebe: So I am just trying a little bit of everything so I know what I really want to do. I am almost 90 sure that I am sticking with Psych though, I really like it.
Paige: That's good, I'm happy you found something you like. I also finally chose my major, aviation engineering.
Phoebe: Wow, that sounds hard.
Paige: Well it's what I want to do so I am willing to put in the effort. I can't wait to have Piper's cooking, the food at Westpoint is nothing compared to hers.
Phoebe: Same here.
The conversation goes back and forth for awhile and at some point I must have nodded off because before I know it Phoebe is shaking my shoulder saying we have arrived. I groggily grab my stuff and follow Phoebe off the train and outside the station, where we are met with hugs from both Piper and Prue. Piper takes my backpack and wraps her arm around me leading us to the EL (a/n Chicago's elevate train).
Piper: So Missy Paige, how ya doing? You look all spiffy in your uniform.
Paige: I'm good. Oh yeah (yawn) the uniform, I was going to change on the train but I fell asleep and forgot.
Piper: No it's good, I wanted to see you in it. It suits you. Tired huh?
Paige: Yep, it's been a long week.
I glance behind us to see Prue walking with Phoebe asking her all sorts of questions.
Paige: So how is Prue doing with the whole Westpoint thing?
Piper: I think she is ok with it, we both did a bunch of research and know how much of an opportunity this for you and how hard you had to work to get in. She is mostly concerned about how you are handling everything.
Paige: I'm ok, I'm just busy all the time. Next semester things will slow down a bit without soccer. I'm starving.
Piper: Well we are stopping at this great breakfast place that is a couple of blocks from our condo, so you will have food soon.
Paige: Thanks.
When we arrive at the cafe the four of us grab a booth and Piper quickly sits next to Phoebe forcing Prue to share a bench with me. After we each order breakfast Piper engages Phoebe in a conversation leaving Prue and myself to try and make our own conversation. I figure I should start since I have created this awkwardness between us.
Paige: So Prue how has it been working for Chicago Magazine? Get to meet any famous people lately.
Prue: Work is good and I haven't met anyone famous recently, but a couple of months ago I did a photo shoot of Nicholas Cage since he just shot a movie here.
Paige: So was he nice?
Prue: He seemed nice, but it was hard to say the shoot did not last long since he had to get back to another publicity thing.
Paige: Well it's cool that you get to make your living enjoying your hobby and you get to meet interesting people.
Prue: I know it makes me happy that I am not stuck behind a desk. So how have you been?
Paige: I've been good. It's nice to have this week off, I have been so busy the last 5 months.
Prue: With what, I mean besides school?
Paige: Well I have my classes, cadet training, I work at the library, and I am on a soccer team. Westpoint is huge into athletics, I'd swear it is almost required. Next semester should ease up a bit since soccer will be over, but then I start my major courses.
Prue: So you've picked a major? Are you going to stick with it or are you going to pull a Phoebe?
Paige: I have chosen aviation engineering and yes I will be sticking with it. I want to fly planes or helicopters, not sure which yet.
Prue: Wow! That is an exciting prospect, maybe one day you can take me on ride.
Paige: Sure, this summer I am going to start flying lessons that is why I am working at the library. Need to get some money for the lessons.
Prue: Well you redefine seem to have an action plan. I'm happy for you and I'm glad that you told us about Westpoint, you shouldn't feel the need to hide things from your family.
Paige: Thanks Prue, I just was having a rough time the last couple of years and I didn't really want to get into a fight about Westpoint and everything.
Prue: So what was the cause of your rough time?
Paige: Nothing, it doesn't matter anymore I was able to get through it and sort most of it out.
Prue: Well just know that you can always talk to us about things.
Paige: I know, thanks.
When we finished breakfast the four of us head to Prue and Piper's condo. Once there I am given a tour of their place and I change out of my uniform. As I am walking towards the living room I hear the laughter of my sisters and I am immediately remind of all the fun times we had when we were younger. When I walk in the room I see that Phoebe and Prue are teasing Piper about her obsessive compulsive need to keep everything in the condo in order. It is then that I look around a bit closer and notice that everything is in it's place and there is absolutely no dust through out the entire place.
Paige: Jeez Prue do you guys really live here? I mean you are never this clean, your room was always a disaster area.
Piper: Tell me about it, I had to practically lock her in her room this week to make sure there was room for us to even walk in it.
Typical Piper always keeping things orderly. I sit on the chair across from my sisters on the couch and everyone is silent again.
Paige: So when is mom coming in?
Prue: Mom and dad are coming in Monday night so we have the whole weekend to ourselves.
Paige: Do you guys have to work?
Piper: I have to work on Monday and Tuesday, but then I am off until next Saturday.
Prue: I just have a shoot Monday afternoon and then I'm free the rest of the week. Did you guys have anything you wanted to do while you were in town?
Phoebe: Shop, go to a club, and shop some more.
Paige: Well I can go shopping with you guys, but I doubt I can get into any of the clubs since I am only 18. You guys should redefine go and while your gone I'll get my homework done.
Phoebe: You brought homework? Just blow it off we'll find a way to sneak you in.
Paige: Yes I brought my homework do you have any idea of the punishments that come with not having it done. I'd be running laps around campus forever. So it is not a problem for me to sit down and just get it over with tonight and be able to enjoy the rest of the week.
Phoebe: I can't ...
Piper: Then it's settled, tonight the three of us will hit a couple of clubs and Paige will get her homework done.
Prue: Sounds like a plan to me. So you want us to show you around town in the mean time?
Paige: Yeah, let's go see that bean thing at the millennium park.
Piper: Ok. Then we can go shopping since we won't be too far from State Street or Michigan Avenue.
Phoebe: Alright, lets go see this bean and then have fun.
Later that afternoon the four of us come back from shopping. I am completely exhausted, we have walked all over the place and it seems like the week has finally caught up with me. Piper goes in to the kitchen and I can smell her whipping up dinner. Prue and I are sitting on the couch while Phoebe is modeling all her new clothes for us. I lay my head on Prue's shoulder and shut my eyes while Phoebe runs back in to the bedroom to change into another outfit.
Prue: Are you tired squirt?
Paige: Yeah, this week has been crazy. I had all my normal stuff and then I was trying to finish some other things up so I would be able to leave yesterday.
Prue: Why don't you skip your homework tonight and just get some sleep. We'll take Phoebe out tomorrow night as well and you can do your homework then.
Paige: I don't know I have an awful lot, I might try to at least start some of it tonight and then finish it tomorrow.
Prue: I think dinners ready, lets go.
After eating my first great meal in 5 months I offer to clean up the kitchen so everyone else can get ready for their night on the town. An hour later I start working on my differential equation homework, trying not to get lost in the "Good Will Hunting" type math. Piper comes out of her room looking great and sits on the couch behind me.
Piper: Yuck, what is that?
Paige: My math homework. I hate it, always takes me forever to even understand a little bit of it before I can even attempt to do the homework.
Piper: Well good luck with that and we'll be back probably around 2, so goodnight Missy Paige.
Paige: Goodnight and have fun.
After 3 hours I finally finish my math homework. I look at the clock and see that it is only mid-night so I grab my a novel that I am required to read for my Literary Criticism class. I lay down on the couch and start reading one of the most boring books I have ever read and quickly fall asleep. The next morning Prue takes the book I was reading off of my chest and shakes me awake.
Prue: Squirt it is time to wake up, it's almost 10.
Paige: It's 10, I haven't slept this late in months.
Prue: I figured which is why I let you sleep in. But everyone else is up now so it's time for you to get ready for the day.
Paige: Ok. Thanks.
I walk into the kitchen after getting ready for the day and I can tell that Phoebe is a little hung over nursing a cup of strong coffee.
Paige: So what time did you guys get back last night, I didn't hear you come in.
Piper: Yeah you were out on the couch, I don't know how you didn't hear Phoebe giggling. We came home right around 3 or so. Did you finish your homework?
Paige: I finished my math, it took me a lot longer than I thought and I started to read a novel for my English class, but I didn't get very far. So in answer to your question no, but almost.
Phoebe: I still can't believe you passed up the club last night for homework.
Paige: Listen, I know you don't understand but I need to get my work done so I don't get in trouble when I get back to school. Westpoint is not like NYU, the only consequence to not doing your homework is not just your grade, but also in your training.
Prue: Let's not fight it is too early and the three of us are hung over. Phoebe, Paige couldn't have come if she wanted to because she is too young. And Paige don't be so hard on Phoebe she just wants to make sure you are happy.
Piper: How about today we go to some museums and then we can go to China town for an early dinner.
Paige: Chinese, my favorite. Let's go.
The rest of the day was pretty much a repeat of Saturday, we all had fun and then my sisters went out for another night on the town while I finished my novel and wrote my paper. After I finished my homework I fell asleep watching tv with one thought on my mind, tomorrow I'll have to deal with Victor.
I awoke to the sound of Piper's alarm clock and the sound of the shower running. In an effort to help my sister I get up and start the coffee, I then find the toaster and pop tarts and make my specialty. What can I say I make a mean pop tart. I pour a cup of coffee for Piper and grab myself a glass of water because I think coffee tastes nasty. I don't know how the rest of my family can drink something so awful first thing in the morning. Thirty minutes later Piper enters the kitchen surprised that I am up.
Piper: Hey there missy what are you doing up?
Paige: My body is used to getting up early so I thought I'd get up grab some breakfast and go for a run.
Piper: Well thanks for the coffee and if you get changed you can ride with me on the train and run on the trail that runs along the lake. You would just have to get off the stop after mine and you'll be there.
Paige: That sounds good. Can you write a note to Prue letting her know where I'll be while I get changed and grab my mp3 player.
Piper: Sure.
As Piper and I are waiting for the train to arrive I can tell she is studying me. I hope she doesn't look too closely and notice that I am nervous for what will come of tonights reunion.
Piper: What's wrong Paige and don't say nothing I can tell you are nervous about something.
I won't make eye contact with my sister as I consider letting her in on the truth. I know I have hesitated too long when she wraps her arm around my shoulder and gives me a hug.
Piper: Please tell me Missy Paige, your making me worried.
I am having an internal battle with myself. If I tell her what will she think of me, will we still be sisters. I don't know what I would do if she rejected me after hearing my secret. I feel her other hand slip under my chin and tilt my head upwards so that she can see my eyes. I try to stop the tears from welling in my eyes, but it is too late.
Piper: That's it I am calling in late to work and we are going to talk things out.
Paige: You don't have to do that I'm fine.
Piper: Don't start that Paige, you will tell me what is wrong before I go to work and don't even try lying to me.
I look back down at my feet and we hop on the train when it arrives. By the time we get off Piper has called the resturant telling them she won't be in for the day because of a family emergency. Piper leads me to the trail by the lake and we walk in silence for awhile until I stop at a bench over looking the lake and sit down. Piper sits next to me and I can feel her eyes looking me over trying to figure out what is going on in my mind. I stare at my hands and start telling her my secret.
Paige: I have wanted to tell you guys for the last eight years, but I am afraid of what you will think of me once you find out.
Piper: I will always love you Paige no matter what you say. Please tell me it's not good for you to have held a secret for so long.
I take a deep, stuttering breath and start my story.
Paige: About eight years ago Victor and I were alone at home and he was real mad at me because he thought I lost the remote for the tv. H-he pushed me and I hit my head on the coffee table then he told me something I would never have thought possible. He t-told me that he was not my father just his burden. He told me mom was raped by my father and that he was just trying to be nice to mom and look after me. For the next 6 or 7 years he hit me and then warned me that if I told anyone he would tell you guys about me not really being your sister. So I never told anyone because I didn't want you guys to leave me. Then right before I moved out I overheard mom and Victor fighting and I found out that my father, Sam, did not rape mom. They apparently dated when mom and Victor were separated and I was the product of that relationship. Sam died in a car accident and then Victor and mom got back together and pretended I was their daughter.
Piper: What?
Paige: I'm sorry, I can go back to school...
Piper: Stop. You are not going anywhere. Are you sure, I mean about dad.
Paige: Well if it is not true then he has been abusing me for seven years and lying to me about the reasoning.
Piper: He hit you?
I can't speak anymore I can hear the skepticism in her voice so I just nod my head and stare out at the lake. Oh god she doesn't believe me, what have I done. I should get out of here, go back to New York.
Piper: Paige please look at me. I believe you, I know you wouldn't lie about something like this.
I slowly turn and see the tears in Piper's eyes.
Paige: I'm so sorry I knew I shouldn't have told anyone. Just forget the whole thing it doesn't matter things don't have to change. Everything has been fine the last eight years we can just continue on like nothing was ever said.
I stand up, too nervous to hear her response.
Piper: Don't! I'm not going anywhere and neither are you. You are still my sister I don't care if Victor is your father or not. You will always be the sister who always sticks up for me and the one who comes to me when she is not feeling good. I'm just shocked, I thought you were going to tell me you were unhappy about Westpoint not about being abused and Victor not being your father. Come here.
She stands up and opens her arms and I walk into them as she gives me a hug. It is then all my emotions start pouring out of me, I try to contain them but they still come. I am sobbing in my big sisters arms and she sits us back down on the bench still holding on to me. Everything I have feared for the last eight years was wrong, she still loves me even if I am a half-sister.
Piper: Just let it all out Paige, it's ok I'm not going anywhere.
After about 5 minutes of this I compose myself and try to back out of her embrace but she won't let me.
Paige: I'm sorry I blubbered all over you.
Piper: Don't you worry about that you have been bottling that up for so long it just needed to come out. Feel better now?
Paige: A bit, it just feels good to tell someone else. I'm still dreading tonight though.
Piper: I'm glad you told me and I think you should tell the rest of your sisters and mom.
Paige: I don't know I just don't want to ruin the family. I mean everything is ok, Victor just doesn't like me and I can handle that.
Piper: Well I can't and everyone else is going to find out from you or they will hear it from me. Victor should never have hit you ever, even if you aren't his daughter. Mom needs to know and this secret of you not being Victor's daughter should never have been kept to begin with. We all deserve to know where we come from and you should know about your father.
Paige: Will you be with me when I tell them?
Piper: Of course sweetie. When do you want to tell them.
Paige: How about after dinner. Then everyone can have one last happy meal before I turn this family's world upside down.
Piper: Ok. I'll try to stick close so you and Victor don't have to spend anytime alone. And later once this all comes out I want to know what he did to you, ok?
Paige: I figured, but I'm sure everyone else will want to know as well, if they believe me.
Piper: Don't you worry about that, they will. I don't know if you are aware of this but the rest of us have always noticed that you don't really like dad, I mean Victor, so know it is making sense.
Paige: You can still call him dad Piper, he is your father just not mine.
Piper: My father would never abuse a defenseless child so I think I'll call him Victor. You ready to go back?
Paige: Can we just go for a walk first and head back in a bit.
Piper: Whatever you want Missy Paige.