A/N: Hello everyone, hows you all doing?
Sorry that there's still no update for Life After Death but I am working on it, promise.
Next part below and hope you all like.
2. Moving On
Paige sat mesmerized by the picture in front of her. This was as close as she would get to the person. They were just another deceased relative she would never get to meet, no matter how much she longed to.
She had millions of unanswered questions. Any answers she gained from Piper and Phoebe, did little to ease her curiosity. It also didn't help that their replies were short and vague, causing more questions to form in her mind.
It had now gotten to the point where Paige no longer asked questions. Instead she only imagined what it would be like to meet her older sister, Prue.
Asking about her sister usually lead to an uncomfortable silence and the sudden need for someone to leave the room. Piper was particularly sensitive to the subject, where as Phoebe would grow quiet and distant at the mere mention of Prue's name.
And that was the problem. It seemed as though their older sister's name was off limits, even with Leo and Cole. They, too, would grow slightly pensive and would have a wave a guilt flood their features for a brief moment.
Paige knew very little about the death of Prue Halliwell. She had only met the other two sisters a few months after the incident, which took place in the underworld. What she did notice was a small crack thathad permanently resigned itself within Piper's and Phoebe's relationship. It was not huge and disastrous….just present.
The only connection she held to her sister was the endless photographs, a dark room in the basement and a bedroom, which seemed to be kept…waiting for Prue's return.
The youngest Halliwell would sometimes find herself sat in the room, looking at the things that were left behind. Paige had her own room in the manor but she tended to drift into Prue's, examining the room trying to find out who her sister had been.
It had been about a year and a half since then and still the topic was hard to approach.
How can you get to know a person, who no-one is willing to talk about or aren't around themselves to help answer all your questions?
The only solution Paige found was to stare at a picture…..that only stared back at you blankly.
"What's that?" Piper asked, walking into the living room and finding her youngest sister lost in thought.
Paige looked up quickly at the sound of Piper's voice and she tried to hide the object but her sister had already seen it. The actionsonly madePiper grow increasingly curious.
"Na ah, Missy, what are you hiding?" she smirked, moving closer to grab for whatever Paige didn't want her to see.
"It's nothing, Piper." the youngest tried.
"Paige, you can show me…or I'll get it myself and it won't be pretty." Piper threatened playfully.
"Piper, honestly….."
Before Paige could finish her sentence, Piper had hold of the photograph. She cringed as she watched the smile fade from Piper's face as she stared down at the picture.
Piper pushed the sadness away from her thoughts, as something else nagged at the now eldest sister. "Paige, why'd you feel you need to hide this?"
"I didn't want to upset you." she replied quietly, glancing away.
The older Halliwell felt guilt raise inside of her at the small and unsure voice that came from Paige.
"You wouldn't upset me…" Piper replied sitting down and wrapping an arm around her sister. "..I do get upset, I'm sure you know, but I don't want you to hide it to protect me."
"But I feel I should."
"You sound just like her." Piper laughed softly, catching Paige's small spark of happiness with finally learning something about Prue. "Paige, that photograph is just a tiny piece of what reminds me of Prue. I mean there is so much in this house that has a memory. Her bedroom is still as she left it, that hits me. Photographs are everywhere and as much as it hurts, I think removing it all would only hurt more."
Paige felt as though she could open up now and Piper would actually listen. "I just know the subject is hard for all of you. I've noticed Phoebe would avoid Prue's room…but then I've found her in there at night, asleep. I just thought it would never be a good time to ask about Prue, although I really want to know about her."
Piper smiled. "She would have wanted to know about you too, protect you like she did me and Pheebs. It was the big sister complex….I don't think I'd ever be like she had been."
"Big shoes to fill?" Paige grinned, knowing the feeling well.
"Huge." Piper laughed.
After a moment of silence Piper grew serious and looked at Paige. "About Phoebe, she has some issues with Prue's death and she won't admit it but she is hurting. She feels responsible and she will never get over that…just leave her to deal and if she needs you, all I can ask is that you be there."
"Of course I would." Paige smiled then grew quiet for a moment. "Do you think I'd get the chance to met her?"
"I hope you do."Piper replied in a small voice.
"So this picture.." Paige stated, trying to change the subject slightly. "What is with get up, sis?" she laughed.
"Hey, it was the nineties, some of us hadn't just come out of our teens." Piper mocked, working out that when the picture was taking, Paige would have barely been twenty.
"At least I would have had style."
Piper hit Paige's leg with the back of her hand and the pair laughed.
"Hey guys, what so funny?" Phoebe asked coming into the room.
"This." Paige replied handing the photo of her three older sisters standing outside the manor, to Phoebe.
Phoebe looked at it and felt tears build in her eyes. "Not one of our best days." she tried to joke.
"Well, despite Paige's opinion, I thought I was having quite a good style day." Piper replied, playfully glaring at Paige.
"Not exactly what I meant." Phoebe laughed, having been thinking of the argument she had had with Prue that day.
Piper smiled sympathetically towards the original youngest. "I know sweetie." she replied pulling Phoebe down next to her.
Paige could hear the sniff of oncoming tears from Phoebe and she gently placed her hand over her sister's, offering the comfort she needed. In response, she received a small smile.
"I miss her." Phoebe whispered, as Piper placed an arm around her sister.
"Me too." she whispered back, unconsciously looking at the photograph. Finally finding the courage to not run away and hide from the subject of her sisters death.
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"We all know Prudence Halliwell is not dead, why give up on the search for her." one Elder announced to a room full of Them.
It was brightly lit, although had a tranquil and calming ambience, despite the warring debate that was being held.
"It has been over a year by earths time and still there has been no sign of Prudence. The resources we are using are becoming scarce. No one's willing to venture down to the underworld as they all believe of her death." another responded.
"That is because her family doesn't even know she is still alive, making it much more believable. You have purposely kept them in the dark and as a result kept her from being found." the first Elder heatedly shot back.
"The Charmed Ones don't need the distraction. Especially if Prudence is found in a bad state." a female Elder explained.
The Elder, who argued for Prue, scoffed at the comment and rolled his eyes. "My I remind you, Prudence is charmed. The strongest in fact and you are willing to let a power of her magnitude to be left in the hands of the Source."
"Willing is slightly exaggerated, wouldn't you say?" another raised an eyebrow to the previous remark. "..and if it is to ever come that Prudence returns, the Charmed Ones will know what is expected and theright course of action."
"I only hope you are right."
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The dark cloak flowed as he moved through a corridor. Power emanated from him, rendering those around him in awe. They would bow and distance themselves, frightened of the power he possessed.
He rarely left the thrown room but this was a cause he had invested a lot of time and energy in. Although more trouble than it was worth, he knew the outcome would be great.
So much time had been dedicated to this, he was buzzing with excitement.
"Prudence." he bellowed, walking into a chamber.
The eldest Halliwell turned, unfazed by the echoing voice that would cause others to cower. She was dressed in black, the typical shade for being in hell…even though she used what she had to her advantage. Her long dark hair loosely flowed down her shoulders and back.
"Jaden, come in." she throw back at his rude entrance. "I'm assuming the errand-boy has a message."
"I've told you not to call me that." he seethed. It irritated him how everyone else would fear at how close he was to the Source….yet she mocked his status.
Prue walked over to him slowly and ran a finger along his clenched jaw. "I would apologise... but I'd be lying." she whispered in his ear.
Roughly he grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away, holding her at an arms length. "You know very little of what I could do to you." he threatened through his teeth.
She leaned in closer, with a sarcastic smile gracing her features. "That's your problem, errand-boy, your not allowed….or master will get very mad."
Prue grinned as distaste grew within him and seeped out onto his features. "Not to worry…" she continued to tease. "..I'm sure puppy will have his day."
A/N: Thanks to those who reviewed, much appreciated!
;o)
jdjams; Not forgetting Life After Death. I think it would be impossible. Not too muc to ask for both...just need to get back in the swing of the other one, lol. Thanks for the review.
'Fraid I'm using the reply button again for the rest...sorry.
Also in this timeline no Wyatt or Chris and Cole has conveniently not gone evil.
Again thanks for the support and catch you guys later.