Okay, so I haven't updated in a long while, but there's been stuff going on and there's been major block, but thanks to those who have stuck with me. I hope to upload a lot more chapters in the upcoming weeks, and am always open to any suggestions any readers may have.
On with the story.
Chapter Fourteen: Phoebe and Cole
"So, how are things at home?"
Phoebe swigged from the bottle of vodka that Cole had swiped from his father's liquor cabinet and shrugged feebly, looking up at Cole through bleary eyes.
"They are what they are. It's all…crap. To be honest," she replied, slurring slightly, sounding exhausted. "I mean, sure, we're doing all that sisterly bonding stuff, but…I just don't see how that's going to help."
Cole wrapped his arm around Phoebe's shoulders and sighed, searching for the right words. He wasn't brilliant at speaking. He never had been.
"I guess…I guess if Paige realises that, no matter what, you and Piper and Prue are her family, and are there for her, then…well then that has to be…enough," he finished somewhat weakly.
"That's the thing though. Prue and Piper always think that movies and popcorn and manicures can fix everything and maybe some things can't be fixed that way."
"How do you mean?" asked Cole, sensing that the best thing for him to do right now was probably to listen.
Phoebe took another sip from the bottle, swallowing deeply and grimacing as she did so.
"It's just not that simple. And…" she trailed off, biting her lip thoughtfully.
"And what?" probed Cole, stroking his hand down Phoebe's back.
"It's totally selfish."
"Doesn't matter," Cole assured her. "If it's important to you, or it bothers you, then I want to know."
Phoebe sighed, placing the bottle down, and pulling her knees up to meet her chest. "I guess I just feel hurt that my dad didn't tell me – us – before. Well, no, me. 'Cause my dad and me have always been much closer than he was to the others and we told each other everything. Least, I thought we did."
"Phoebe, I don't think your father set out to deceive any of you," Cole answered, speaking slowly, so as to choose his words carefully. "I don't know your father at all. I've met him once. But…but if I had been in that position…I couldn't see the benefit in telling anyone, let alone the daughters he loves so much."
Phoebe rest her head on her knees and swallowed hard, trying to fight back tears.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded, wiping her eyes furiously. "I'm fine. Just shouldn't let me drink much," she joked.
"It's okay if you're upset," Cole assured her. "I can't begin to imagine how you're feeling, or what you're thinking. So if you want to cry, that's okay."
He wrapped his arms tightly around her petite figure and kissed her soft hair.
"It's just so confusing. And then I feel bad 'cause I think of how it must feel for Paige…" sniffed Phoebe, clinging to Cole's shirt.
"I know, I know. But you're allowed to be upset too." Cole moved back a bit, and slid his finger under Phoebe's chin. "Look at me."
Reluctantly, Phoebe lifted her head, and locked her tear filled eyes with Cole's own compassionate ones.
"I'm not gonna tell anyone that you got upset or anything. It's between you and me, 'kay?"
Phoebe nodded and smiled gratefully. "Okay."
Cole returned Phoebe's smile with one of his own, and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Phoebe snaked her arms around Cole's neck and held him to her, deepening the kiss, moving their bodies closer.
"Phoebe, Phoebe," Cole said, pushing her gently away.
"Sorry, I just thought…" Phoebe flushed, looking at the ground.
"I like you. A lot. I just don't want you to do anything that you'll regret when you're less upset and more sober," Cole assured her.
He stood up, and then offered his hand to Phoebe to pull her up too. She swayed on her feet and Cole wrapped an arm around her waist.
"I think I should take you home," he chuckled.
Okay…so that wasn't great by any means. And I know it's a tad OOC for Cole, but I wanted to show a more compassionate side to him. Please don't be nasty, I realise this chapter wasn't stunning.
Next is Paige and Glen.
