Hey guys. SO SORRY! for the huge delay in the update. I have no excuse except that I've been super busy. I know, I know. It's lame. Anyhow. I promise I'll be a lot quicker to update. Within the week. I swear. Anyway, please read and review! I really appreciate all the suggestions and comments people have written! Hope you like these chapters.
Piper was on her knees in the bathroom, retching into the toilet violently when she suddenly felt arms envelope her. One hand carefully supported her abdomen and chest while the other gently smoothed back her hair. She knew this touch. It was gentle and loving and kind. She could smell his scent. Subtle and pure. It was Leo. She gagged as all the guilt washed over her once more. He stayed there, on his knees with her. Holding her. Soothing her. Until she had expelled every modicum from her stomach. Even as she heaved with nothing coming out. He remained. Without saying a word. He cared for her. He held her. Cradled her on the bathroom floor. Wiped her moist brow and held her trembling body. Finally, when her breathing slowed and her shaking lessened he carefully helped her to her feet and still supporting her he put toothpaste on her toothbrush and helped her clean her teeth. She looked absolutely exhausted. Her face was pale. Her skin was clammy. Her hair was damp and stringy. There didn't appear to be an ounce of energy left in her body. Even her eyes. Her vibrant golden eyes, were dull and vacant. He moistened a washrag and tenderly dabbed her face lovingly. Then he slowly led her back into their room and to the bed. He looked into her eyes. He wanted to make everything alright. He wished she would talk to him. Tell him. Tell him what she was thinking. Why she was sad. What had happened. She spoke not a word. But as he tucked her in she looked into his sad and caring crystal eyes and a single tear slid down her cheek.
"Where's Phoebe?" Leo asked Paige as he walked into the attic. Paige was curled up on the couch pretending to read.
"Can't you sense her?" She said without so much as moving.
"Yes, but I'd rather hear it from you." He approached her and stood in front of Paige. She could feel his eyes boring into her. Finally she looked up at him. His blue eyes looked concerned and worried.
"What happened?" He asked softly?
She didn't know how much to say. She didn't know if she should say anything. She felt trapped. Trapped by sisterly loyalty and the loyalty she felt for Leo. She bit her lip. She couldn't form the words. Leo seemed to sense this and carefully sat down next to her.
"The elders said there was a rift in the power of three." He paused hoping this would entice her to speak. When she remained silent, he continued. "The last time this happened, a demon was involved but that doesn't seem to be the case now." Paige continued to sit silently.
"Paige." He looked deep into her eyes. "Please." She felt completely and utterly torn. "I need to know what happened." She stared at him. He tried to decipher the meaning behind her big brown eyes. "Is Phoebe okay?" Paige nodded. She could see the relief in Leo's eyes. She took a deep breath and spoke.
"They … um. They got into a fight." She said her eyes cast down.
"Piper and Phoebe?"
"Hmm hmm." She responded. A part of her felt like she was betraying them.
"About?" Paige just shook her head. She couldn't say it. It wasn't her place or her responsibility. Leo nodded.
"How bad?" He asked. He knew it was bad. The elders had felt the aftershocks.
"Phoebe, uh, hit her." Paige mumbled. Leo was stunned.
"What?" He stood up, shocked. "My god."
