ONE

"Dad, I'm fine," said Phoebe. "Leo healed me. I'm as good as new."

"Look, I know he's a . . . White Lighter," Victor said hesitantly, glancing over at Leo. "I'd just feel better if you were checked out by a doctor, that's all. You were shot, for crying out loud."

"Victor," Leo started.

Victor shot Leo an angry glance.

"Sweetie," said Piper putting her arm around Leo, "I think you'd better stay out of this one."

"I'm sorry, Leo," said Victor. "It's not you personally. I just have issues with White Lighters."

"I'm aware of that," said Leo nervously. "But you do know about White Lighters. You must know that our healing ability heals someone completely. Better than any doctor could do."

"Can you honestly say there have never been any side affects from your healing?" Victor asked. "Maybe something your healing power can't affect?"

"Dad, it can heal any physical ailment a person has," said Piper. "Leo's healed all of us at one time or another. And there have never been any side affects."

"That's my point," said Victor. "You've all needed his healing a lot. Even if he does heal you completely there has to be some kind of accumulation for all that injury. If you broke your arm in the same place five times would you expect it to work properly even if it healed completely?"

"We haven't broken our arms in the same place five times," said Prue.

"No," said Victor. "Most of your injuries are demonic related. And most of those are a lot worse than simply breaking your arm. I'd just feel better if Phoebe was checked out by a doctor. A real doctor."

"Dad, that's really not necessary," said Phoebe. "I really am okay."

"Hold on a minute, Phoebe," said Cole. "Maybe your dad has a point. I know that a White Lighter's healing ability can completely heal a person. But Victor has a point. There could be unforeseen complications from all the injuries you and your sisters have sustained the past couple of years. And it's always a good idea to have a checkup every so often."

"That's all I'm asking," said Victor. "That you get a checkup and make sure everything is working like it's supposed to be. If for no other reason than it will make me feel better."

"I guess a checkup couldn't hurt," said Phoebe. "If it will make you feel better and get you off my back I suppose I could get a checkup."

"Thank you," said Victor, kissing her on the forehead. "I'm sure everything is okay. I'd just like to make sure. I wasn't much of a father when you three were growing up. I'd like to think I'll have plenty of time to make up for at least part of that."

"All in the past, dad," said Piper, glancing at Prue. Prue had accepted their father back into their lives but she still harbored some bad feelings about their childhood. Feelings she was trying very hard to deal with. "And we're going to be around for quite a while."

"It's not like you lead ordinary lives," Victor reasoned. "You're all witches. My soon-to-be son-in-law is a White Lighter – which I'm still not sure I'm comfortable with. And one of my other daughters is dating a demon. Not exactly the model family."

"Everything will be okay," said Prue. "We've learned to trust in Leo's healing power. You should, too."

"I'm sure I will," said Victor. "In time. Promise me you'll get that checkup for me."

"I have to run into town in the morning," said Phoebe. "While I'm out I'll stop in at the doctors' office and make an appointment. Will that make you happy?"

"Absolutely," said Victor smiling. "I'm going to have to leave town on business in a couple of days. I'd like to know that you're okay before I leave."

"Right now I need to be getting to the club," said Piper. "Leo, I could use some help opening the club. The bartender is going to be late tonight and there's an awful lot to get done."

"I suppose I could tear myself away to help for a while," said Leo smiling.

"And I should be going for a day or two," said Cole, looking nervously at Victor. He still wasn't sure just how much the girls had told Victor. "I need to make sure that a few loose ends are tied up. Wouldn't want any unwanted guests showing up."

"That's probably a good idea," said Phoebe. "I'm feeling kind of tired. I think I'll just sit around the house and rest for a while."

"Care for some company, honey?" Victor asked. "I don't have to be anywhere tonight."

"Sure," said Phoebe. "It will give us a chance to catch up on things."

"Well, I have to get to the magazine," said Prue. "I got a call earlier and apparently they have some big new spread they're going to do and they want to let all the photographers know exactly what they're looking for."

"Will you be very late for dinner?" Piper asked.

"Not sure, sweetie," said Prue. "I'll just have to play it by ear."

"Well call if you find out," said Phoebe. "You know how Piper gets when you're late for dinner and don't call."

"I'll call," said Prue. "I don't think it will be very late. It's just some special photo layout they're planning to do. If I think I'm going to be late I'll call and let you know."

"Okay," said Piper. "I should be able to come home once the club is ready. Then maybe we can all enjoy a relaxing evening at the club for a change."

"I'm all for that," said Prue.

Cole said his goodbyes to Phoebe as Leo and Piper orbed out for the club. While Prue headed for her car, leaving Phoebe and Victor to settle into the living room.