Sisters Bound

Part 10 – An Anticipated Awakening

By: Silverstar03

This is the last chapter! I swear! '

Later that night after dinner I turned the television off and sat back. Paige was sitting in Prue's room at my request and Phoebe was asleep. She slept a lot…but she had been through so much these past months that I didn't blame her. I liked watching her sleep, because she looked so peaceful, just like I remembered her. I smiled sadly at this thought as I heard our door open and I looked over to see Mike and Jamie walk in. I hadn't seen Mike since I woke up and his presence brought a smile to my face.

"Mike," I whispered, trying not to wake Phoebe.

"Hey little girl," he teased and then leaned over for a hug. I gladly gave him one while Jamie sat down on the end of my bed. Mike was soon standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders. "So, how are you feeling?" Mike asked, and I smiled.

"I feel pretty good considering all the medication they have me on," I answered jokingly and Mike smiled. "But I am a little tired."

"That's understandable," he replied as he looked down at Jamie.

"You guys…what's up?" I asked. Something seemed off.

"It's just that…the police want to question all three of you…Piper…what happened? How did this happen?" Jamie asked, and I looked down at these words. I hadn't even thought about the police.

"I…I don't remember," I said softly, but I knew they could tell I was lying.

"Piper, please tell us," Jamie pleaded. "Paige claims that she fell asleep, and when she woke up you were all there. We can't get the truth out of her, so she'll have to be questioned by the police. She's so young…we don't want her exposed to this kind of world."

"How do you know that Paige wasn't telling the truth?" I asked, looking up at them as I did so. Both stared at me in silence for a period of time before Jamie spoke again.

"Piper…your sisters reappeared after being kidnapped for six months. All three of you are injured badly, and the gang is still out there. All of you could still be in danger and now Paige might me caught up in this as well." Jamie was staring at me hard and Mike was looking sadly over at Phoebe, his hands still on Jamie's shoulders. Tears came to my eyes as I realized what my foster parents were telling me. They were afraid for their safety and the safety of their daughter…they didn't want to risk having us around. But…I was sure that the whole clan that was after us had been vanquished. We got everyone, or at least all of the leaders. Even though I thought we were safe, I could never be sure. If the Mathews' didn't want us with them, there was nothing I could do. Unfortunately, that realization didn't make my heart stop hurting. I had to try to stay with them! They were my family too.

"Jamie…Mike…" I barely whispered as tears fell down my face. "I said I don't remember anything," I then cried, looking at both of them in the eyes as I did so. "I…I don't know what happened…but if the gang were after us, then I'm sure we'd all be dead by now. Look around, we're not dead! My sisters and I survived these attacks. These gang members would have killed Prue and Phoebe long ago if they were going to. But they didn't! My sisters have been kept alive these past six months, and now they're back. My family has been given a second chance…Please don't condemn us for this…we're victims…" Unable to speak any longer, I fell into sobs and let my head drop. Jamie immediately rushed to my side and pulled me into a hug.

"We didn't mean to make you upset Piper," she soothed, rubbing my back gently as I sobbed into her shoulder. "We've just been doing a lot of thinking and a lot of talking. It will be for the best if you tell the police everything you know."

"But I don't remember!" I said again between sobs and Jamie held me even more tightly to her, rocking me gently back and forth as she did so. This felt like the embrace of a mother. I didn't want to give it up. "I…I love you guys," I finally said as I quieted. "I love you both…and I love Paige as a sister…but I love Phoebe and Prue too. I'm a part of them, and they are a part of me."

"It's okay honey, we understand," Mike then said, walking up from the end of my bed to stand next to us. "We don't want to give you up either…But…it's going to get complicated from here. Jamie and I just need to talk it out." I nodded slowly as Jamie loosened her grip on me and set me back against my pillows. I looked at these people and felt a tinge of betrayal…but then I saw the torn look in Jamie's eyes and the grief in Mike's. I'd have to give them time. As I began to feel a wave of exhaustion I heard the door quietly open and I looked over to see Paige. I could tell she had been waiting outside the door, and with one look at me she was up on the bed and had her arms around me.

"Paige, I think it's time to go," Jamie said suddenly and both her and Mike stood up. We'll be back tomorrow Piper, okay?" I nodded as Jamie bent down to kiss me on the forehead and they both left the room.

"You're still my sister," Paige whispered, and I hugged her tighter as tears fell silently from my eyes.

"And you're still mine," I whispered back.

"I'm taking good care of Kit," Paige then said, and I looked down at her in surprise. I hadn't even thought of her. "But you'll see her when you come home," Paige continued, and I smiled. When I went home…the only thing was, I didn't know where home was anymore. "Oh, and I forgot," she continued. Reaching into her pocket, Paige pulled out something in her fist. I watched as she opened it to reveal Grams' necklace. "I kept it safe for you, and I'm giving it back, just like I promised." The sight of Grams' necklace gave me hope and I smiled.

"No," I said, stopping her with my good hand. "Give it back to me when we're all home together." Paige smiled at this, leaned up to give me a kiss on the cheek, and then hopped off the bed and to the door.

"Goodnight Piper," Paige whispered as she turned out the lights and left.

"Goodnight Paige." It was now silent in the dark room and I took a few minutes to breathe and calm down.

"We're in trouble, aren't we?" Phoebe asked meekly from her bed, and my eyes popped open at her voice. I guess we had woken her.

"I don't know," I answered. "Have you told the police anything?"

"No…the doctors wouldn't let them in earlier…I haven't said anything to anyone."

"I'd keep it that way," I replied softly.

"I figured…no one would believe us anyway." The room remained silent for at least ten more minutes before I heard Phoebe speak again. "I can tell they mean a lot to you…"

"Yeah."

"I love you Piper." These were the last words Phoebe said to me that night.

"I love you too."

The next morning I woke up early and found Phoebe still asleep. The nurse was leaning over her checking to make sure she was okay.

"Excuse me?" I whispered, and she turned around quickly at the sound of my voice.

"Piper, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

"A little better," I answered as she came over to check on me.

"Yep, you seem like you're ready to get out of here. Phoebe too."

"Really?" I asked, and she nodded. "In that case…do you think…do you think I could see my sister Prue?" Our nurse looked taken aback for a moment, but then smiled.

"Well, I don't see why not. Here, I'll help you walk over."

"Thank you, thank you so much!" I said quietly so to not wake Phoebe, and let her help me stand up. The truth was that I felt a lot better physically today. But emotionally…I still wasn't at my best. My nurse hardly had to help me out into the hall and to Prue's room next door. When we walked in I grimaced at Prue's looks, but they weren't a surprise to me. I'd seen her looking a lot worse 3 days ago. After sitting me in a chair next to Prue's bed my nurse quietly left and I was alone with her. Slowly, I reached out my hand and placed it gently over Prue's. As I looked up at her face, I was surprised to see that her eyes were open.

"Piper…" she whispered while I stared at her in shock.

"Prue…Oh my God, you're awake!" I said excitedly as I leaned in to give her a hug.

"Yeah…I woke up earlier this morning…I was just pretending to be asleep before so I wouldn't have to talk to the doctor. I wanted to see you first." Leaning back from our hug, I looked Prue over and smiled. "You okay?" she asked, and I nodded.

"Yeah, Phoebe too. We're both in the room next door. It was you that we were worried about. Do you feel okay?" Prue went quiet for a minute before answering.

"Yeah…I feel okay…I just want so badly to go home." I smiled sadly at my big sister, knowing perfectly well that that wouldn't be possible. Even after they let her out of the hospital, we couldn't stay at our house. The government wouldn't allow it.

"Prue, I should call the nurse. I want to make sure you're okay," I said quickly as I stood up. She started to protest, but I held my hand out and shook my head. "Phoebe and I will be leaving today and I want to make sure we don't leave you in terrible health."

"You're leaving…Where to?"

"The family I've been staying with…at least, I think we are. Jamie and Mike Mathews and their daughter Paige. But…now I think we might not be able to stay with them anymore. Three kids are a lot to take care of…" I looked down as I said this and frowned.

"You really care for them, don't you?" Prue asked, and I looked up at her a second later.

"Yeah…They were my family when I had no one. Paige became my friend."

"Well, no matter what happens, you'll have me. And Phoebe too."

"Thanks," I whispered. "Anyway, Jamie said the police are going to be questioning us…"

"I don't remember a thing," Prue said immediately, and I smiled at the quickness of her answer.

"It's better that way." Prue nodded at my statement as I walked over to the door and poked my head out to get a doctor. Both our nurse and Doctor Nolan were in the room minutes later and I stood back as they checked over my sister. It was so weird talking to her again after all this time and having her actually talk back to me. As Doctor Nolan and a few nurses crowded around Prue I slipped out of the room and headed back to Phoebe. She was awake when I got there and she looked relieved to see me.

"Where were you!" my little sister whined, and I laughed at her.

"Guess who woke up!" Phoebe's face lit up at my comment and I jumped onto her bed to hug her as tears started to spill from her eyes.

"Prue's awake…she's okay…" was all Phoebe could say for the next ten minutes as I held her.

"And the nurse told me this morning that we can leave today."

"Leave…where will we go?" I shrugged in response.

"I hope back home with Jamie, Mike, and Paige…but even if we can't, we'll be together. That's all that matters."

"Yeah, that's all that matters," Phoebe repeated, if only to keep her morale up.

It wasn't till later that afternoon that Phoebe and I knew what was going on. Mike walked into the room with a bag, set it down on the table, and turned towards us. I was on Phoebe's bed talking with her about Prue.

"Mike…" I said in surprise, expecting Jamie more than him.

"Hey Piper, Phoebe," he said quickly, and we waited. "I brought you guys some clothes…the hospital's releasing you." I looked at Phoebe quickly and then back at Mike. "You're both coming home with us."

"Really!" I asked, jumping off the bed and rushing forward to hug him. "Thank you so much! You won't regret this, I swear!" Mike just smiled and patted me on the head.

"This isn't permanent Piper, you should know that," he replied, but he was smiling as he said it and I knew that once we went home, we wouldn't be leaving. Phoebe just looked on with hope. It would be difficult for her to get use to the way of life I'd already lived in for six months…but I knew she could do it. She was a Halliwell after all. As I let go of Mike and walked back over to Phoebe, he spoke again. "The police also want to talk to both of you. Get dressed…I brought some clothes in that bag," he continued, pointing the brown paper bag on the table. "The police will be here soon." After Mike left I turned to Phoebe and smiled, but she was frowning.

"What about Prue…? We can't just leave her Piper." I knew Phoebe was right…but I also knew that I needed to get my baby sister out of this atmosphere and back to some sense of normality.

"We'll come visit her every day," I promised. Phoebe tilted her head in thought for a moment, a serious expression on her face that was there quite often these past few days…An expression I'd never seen before her kidnapping. Finally, she nodded and then got up to get dressed. After putting on a pair of jeans I realized that my arm was going to give me trouble. Phoebe removed the sling for me and helped me put on a T-shirt. Just the ten seconds of strain on my arm after the removal of the sling sent pain up from my elbow to my shoulder. Gritting my teeth, I waited for Phoebe to reattach the sling, and then sighed in relief when I could rest my arm down again.

"You okay?" my little sister asked, and I nodded as I looked over at her. She had on a pair of my sweatpants and a sweatshirt that were way too big for her. I guess I hadn't really realized how much weight she had lost. The clothes were so baggy that she looked lost in them. I had to laugh at her annoyed expression as she sat forcefully back on her bed and crossed her arms. It was at that moment that Mike reentered with three policemen. The questioning went quickly since we both repeated that we remembered nothing. I could tell that the policemen didn't believe us, but they eventually gave up and left.

"You two ready to go?" Mike asked with a sigh as we all stood up.

"Almost," I replied as we exited the room and I walked right into Prue's, Phoebe behind me. Her eyes were closed when we entered, but as soon as she heard us walk up to her side she opened them slightly.

"Phoebe…" Prue whispered as her vision focused on our little sister. "Look at you…" Phoebe smiled as she leaned down for a hug, maybe searching for some reassurance. No matter what I said, Prue's soothing words would always be superior. I guess it's because she's the oldest…almost like a mother to Phoebe…and even to me. "Hey now," Prue said gently as tears fell from Phoebe's eyes. "Didn't I tell you everything would turn out? Didn't I tell you we'd see Piper again? No crying now, I'm going to be fine." Phoebe pulled away slowly as Prue said these words. Her tears stopped.

"Prue, we're going home with Mike…but we'll be okay. And we're going to come visit you tomorrow," I said. Prue looked up at me for a moment before leaning up slightly. I leaned down and wrapped my arm around her. It was amazing how much strength she could give to me just by being near. When Prue leaned back onto her pillows she looked behind us at Mike, who was waiting in the doorway.

"I'll be fine you two," she then insisted. "I think I'm going to get some sleep, so don't worry about me." As Prue's tired eyes closed I pulled Phoebe away from the bed and led her over to Mike. On the whole ride back to the house I watched Phoebe. I knew she was scared and worried…and I also know that the emotions generated from her whole experience hadn't hit her yet. I wished desperately that Prue had been well enough to come home with us too…home…It was weird how I'd been calling the Mathews' house home lately. It was hard to call the empty manor home these past few weeks, but would it be different now that Phoebe and Prue were back?

As soon as we walked in the door two arms were wrapped around my waist. Looking down, I smiled at Paige and then hugged her back.

"You're home!" she then squealed as she let go of me and looked excitedly over to Phoebe, Mike, and then back to me. Jamie was standing in the kitchen doorway smiling at me, and I smiled back.

"Welcome back Piper, and welcome to our home Phoebe," Jamie said softly as she walked up to us and put her hand on Phoebe's shoulder.

"Thanks," she said quietly back. Reaching over, I took Phoebe's hand with mine and looked up at Jamie.

"Where is Phoebe staying?"

"Oh, yes! You must be tired. Let me show you girls upstairs." We walked up the stairs behind Jamie, straight down the hall, and stopped in front of a door on the left side right next to the bathroom. It was the bedroom across from mine. "Piper, I thought that you could move in here with Phoebe so Prue has a room to stay in when she gets out of the hospital." At these words I thought back to the room Phoebe and I use to share. When I looked at Phoebe I saw relief in her eyes.

"Piper is going to change rooms?" I heard Paige ask, and when I turned I saw her behind us. "Then we won't be next to each other anymore…"

"Hey, it's okay Paige. You can always visit me over here."

"Yeah, I don't mind," Phoebe added in.

"And I can always visit you in your room," I continued.

"Okay…" Paige said slowly, and even though she still seemed upset, I knew she'd get over it quickly. Meanwhile, Jamie had turned the lights on and I saw that the room was much different than I last remembered it. Before there had been boxes, old furniture, old toys, and, quite frankly, a lot of junk in the room across from mine. Now everything was cleared out and I saw how big the room actually was. A bed was lying on either side, each next to a desk and dresser. It was freshly painted white with a light blue trim and had a new fuzzy dark blue rug in the center.

"Jamie…" I whispered in disbelief. "This is…wonderful…how….?" Tears came to me eyes as I turned to her and reached forward to give her a hug.

"Mike and I had been meaning to clean out and redo this room anyway…and you need a place to sleep, so…" I just smiled as Jamie looked at me and then at Phoebe. "Phoebe…We can take you over to your house tomorrow to get some of your things…are you okay sharing with Piper until then?" Phoebe nodded mutely and Jamie frowned slightly, worried about my little sister. "Piper, I can help you move your things in here tomorrow if you need help. We should all rest tonight. Are you girls hungry?" In response, Phoebe walked forward and laid herself down on the left bed. I looked at her for a moment before returning my attention to Jamie.

"No…we're fine. We ate at the hospital before we left."

"Oh…okay…well, I'll let you two settle in. Come on Paige." I watched sadly as Jamie left and Paige reluctantly followed, and then turned my attention back to Phoebe.

"You okay Phoebs?" I asked timidly.

"Yeah," she replied after a minute, but her eyes remained closed. I sat on my new bed and watched her until her breathing eventually evened and I was sure that she was asleep.

To Be Continued…