EIGHT

Dinner was nearly ready when Leo orbed into the kitchen. As before, Patricia just stared in awe as Leo completed his orb.

"That is so cool," said Patricia. "Will I be able to do that some day?"

"No, I'm afraid not," said Leo. "It's something only White Lighters can do."

"Oh," said Patricia, a note of disappointment in her voice.

"Don't be too upset," said Phoebe. "I've always wanted to fly but it just wasn't in the cards. But you'll be able to do a whole lot of other neat things."

"So," said Piper, "any more news?"

"Well the Elders have decided that Patricia should have her own White Lighter," said Leo. "They just aren't sure which one it's going to be yet. It's kind of an unusual situation. Both of Patricia's parents are mortals. They feel the appointment of a White Lighter is particularly important in this case."

"That makes sense," said Paige. "Her White Lighter will have to educate not only her but her parents as well. That's a pretty big order."

"They also want the three of you to explain things to her parents," Leo said. "Make them understand just how special she is."

"Way ahead of you on that one," said Piper.

"What about my real parents?" Patricia asked. "Do these Elders know who my real parents are?"

"Not yet, I'm afraid," said Leo. "But they're going to keep checking. We'll find out who they are soon, I'm sure."

"Hey, look what I can do," said Patricia.

She concentrated for several moments and suddenly the saltshaker slid across the table.

"That's pretty good," Leo said, smiling.

"It's kind of hard right now," Patricia said. "But they tell me it will become easier as I practice more."

"Yes, it will," said Leo. "Pretty soon you'll be able to do it without even thinking."

"That's gonna be cool," Patricia said.

"Just remember what I told you," Piper said.

"I know, I know, no personal gain," Patricia said. "That's okay. It's just cool what I can do."

"Well, dinner is just about ready," said Piper. "When we're done you can practice some more with your power. And we'll explain what it's like to be a witch."

"Cool," said Patricia heading for the dinning room.

"She sure uses cool a lot," Paige whispered to Piper.

"She's only twelve," Piper whispered back. "She'll grow out of it, I'm sure."

After dinner Patricia practiced more with her power. With the sisters' help she was becoming quite proficient with it. After about an hour the doorbell rang. Piper answered the door and found a man in his mid-forties standing on the front porch.

"Piper Halliwell?" questioned the man. "I'm Robert Shelling. We spoke on the phone earlier."

"Mr. Shelling," said Piper, glancing out into the empty street beyond. "I understood you wouldn't be here until tomorrow."

"I was able to catch a last minute flight," said Shelling. "I couldn't wait to get Patricia back."

"Daddy," Patricia cried, running to the man.

He hugged her tightly.

"You had us so worried," Shelling said to his daughter. "Your mother has been worried to death about you."

"I'm sorry," said Patricia. "Where is momma?"

"She wasn't feeling well," said Shelling. "But we have a flight back to Tacoma in a little while. We'll all be together again very soon."

"I think you should come in for a bit," Piper said. "As I explained on the phone, there are some things you need to know about Patricia being a witch. Very important things."

"Well, we do have a little time," said Shelling. "And I guess I should hear what you have to say. It's just all so sudden."

"I'll get some more coffee and we'll try to explain things to you," Piper said. "Everyone have a seat in the living room and I'll be right back."

Everyone went into the living room as Piper went into the kitchen to get the coffee. When she came back into the living room she was carrying a tray with the coffee on it.

"Daddy says momma is fine," Patricia said. "She wasn't hurt from what I did to her. She was just kind of shaken up."

"That's wonderful, sweetie," Piper said as she sat down. "So, Mr. Shelling, I have a question."

"Fine," said Shelling.

Suddenly Piper brought her hands up and Shelling froze instantly. With a wave of her hand Piper unfroze only his head.

"What's going on?" Shelling demanded, confused.

"Ah, ah, my questions first," said Piper. "Now. Who are you really?"