I tumbled out of bed sighing. Today was the day we are supposed to go back to the lake and find out who Scruffy is…and to hopefully vanquish the demon that killed that poor guy. Walking downstairs I started up the coffee, making sure to make enough for my sisters as well. Knowing Phoebe she is just going to act like a zombie until she gets her caffeine fix. Smiling at the thought I got myself a bagel. Unfortunately I didn't inherit Grams cooking; I would burn toast if Piper wasn't around. The phone started to ring and I sighed looking at the microwave clock, seeing it was only seven. Who calls at seven in the morning?
"Halliwell residence," I answered the phone with a tired voice.
"Sorry Prue…did I wake you up?" Victor's voice came on the other line. Surprised that it was our father's voice on the other side of the line, I nearly dropped the phone.
"Um…no I was awake already," I informed him. "As far as I know, Piper and Phoebe are asleep still. Victor stayed silent for a moment. "So…" was it always going to be this awkward talking with him? Especially since there is still so many open wounds that are still healing and I can't seem to get them to heal any faster. I heard footsteps behind me and I turned to see Phoebe walking down to stairs. "Morning Phoebs,"
She just grunted in my general direction and barely suppressed a laugh at her tired face, and messed up hair. Victor was silent on the other line…I wonder what's bothering him. "Um…is something wrong with Paige?" I asked assuming that was probably the reason why he called.
"No…no Paige is fine. So…did you and your sisters go to the lake yesterday?" Why would he want to know that?
"Um…why do you want to know?" I am trying to cut him some slack, but he doesn't have to know where we are every minute of everyday. We aren't his little girls anymore, so I don't know why he is acting like it.
"No…it's just…" he started, but then stopped.
"It's just what?" I asked. Phoebe walked up next to me and mouthed Who are you talking to? I put my hand over the mouth piece and said, "Dad," Phoebe's face brightened up and she yanked the phone away from me.
"Hey Daddy," Phoebe said. She stayed silent for a moment, nodding her head and stuff. "Ah…yeah…" Another moment of silence, "Yeah…that should be fine. See you in a bit. Yeah…love you too Dad," Phoebe hung up the phone and I glared at her.
"Why is Dad coming over here Phoebe? We need to go and vanquish the water demon," I said stiffly.
"He wanted to come. I don't see why he couldn't," Phoebe said nonchalantly.
"Phoebe…demons and a mortal do not mix," I snapped.
"He protected Paige all these years," Phoebe pointed out. I rolled my eyes and let out a sigh.
"Phoebe…why should we let him come to the place where mom died?" I asked darkly. "I don't think he deserves that right,"
Piper's POV
I opened my eyes to be meet to an new day. I sighed as the memory of Dan and I came to my mind. I groaned as I realized that I had to see Dan again this morning. He would sure to be out getting Jenny off to school; when Prue, Phoebe and I leave the house for the lake. Shit. I so didn't want to face him. Not yet. Not ever.
I cussed myself out for a few more minutes before I took myself to task. I slowly sat up in bed and pulled the sheets off my hot body. I was dreaming of Leo again; I knew it because ever since I had met Leo Wyatt I had been waking up all sweaty and wet. No other guy had ever affected me like this before or since. I sighed as I got out of bed and pulled on my silk bathrobe. I had some laundry to do later on this afternoon. I'm out of sheets. I just knew if my sisters were in the manor when I walked down with my pile of sheets they would start to tease me. Well Phoebe won't because of everything that happened yesterday; but Prue sure will. Shit.
I stood underneath the shower and allowed the steamy hot water run down my still hot body as the image of Leo stayed firmly locked in my mind. Why or why can't I get Leo out of my head or my mind? I could still feel his butterfly kisses on my body as he slowly ….. I let out a soft groan as I turned off the water and stepped out of the shower.
I pulled the robe tightly around me as I stood at the steamed up window. I reached over and wiped a wide circle so I could see myself somewhat more clearly. Only thing was that I wasn't alone. Leo was behind me with just his bare wet chest. I watched as he wrapped his arms around me and bent and kissed my sensitive spot on my neck. The spot that truly was only meant for Leo and Leo alone. I let out a soft moan as I closed my eyes and simply enjoyed Leo's closeness.
I slowly opened my eyes once more when I felt a cold breeze and I saw that I was alone once more. I shook my head as I frowned in disappointment I knew that Leo was never truly with me. How could he be? I'm the one who kicked him out of my bed and my personal life when I learned that he was a whitelighter. Granted I get to see and talk to Leo every day; nights too; but I could never truly have Leo as I had him when I first met him. Before I knew the truth. We just simply won't meant to be.
I left the bathroom door and made sure that the door was open so it could air out. I didn't want to cause mildew and have the ceiling cave in on us. I remembered Gram's lectures on that note whenever we would turn the bathroom into a steam room. I walked back into my bedroom and stripped my bed bare. I walked over to my closet and pulled the outfit that I was going to wear today. A pair of short blue jean shorts; and a light pink tank top. After I got dressed, I brushed my hair tying it back with a hair tie. I only but on what makeup I needed so I didn't look so pale; and I left my room.
I walked down stairs all ready hearing my sisters bricking. I sighed deeply as I heard dad's name brought up. I stopped outside the kitchen door when I heard Prue shout.
"Victor is not coming to the lake with us; and that is final."
"Dad wants to come with us?" I asked as I pushed the door open. A warm smile came to my lips; but suddenly I thought of something. I frowned darkly. "So that woman is going to be coming also than."
"Paige isn't going with us. She has to work." Phoebe said quickly. Much too quickly for my taste.
I sighed deeply. "Good." I smiled brightly again. "Daddy is really coming than."
Phoebe nodded happily right back at me, but Prue of course had her hands folded and she frowned darkly at me.
"He's not welcomed." Prue sniffed.
"Two to one, Prue, he's coming." Phoebe sang.
"Dad has a right to be with us Prue, he loved mom after all." I said walking over to my older sister and putting my hand on her arm.
Prue's POV"I highly doubt that Piper. If he really loved Mom, he would have come back," I said seething. I saw Piper's face go slack and I mentally slapped myself. "I'm sorry Piper, I am not used to him being here and just acting like everything is going to be ok. I will work on my anger with Dad, and make sure not to take it out on you guys,"
"That's ok Prue," Phoebe said, although I know that she is a little ticked that I haven't forgiven him yet.
"So when's Daddy getting here?" Piper asked.
"Ask Phoebe since she felt the need to let him come," I grumbled heading back for the kitchen. Noticing that my bagel was about to burn I pointed my finger at it, instantly making it pop out of the toaster.
I went into the refrigerator and grabbed some jelly and smeared a huge amount on my bagel taking an angry bite.
Phoebe's POV"He'll be here soon," Phoebe sighed, watching as their older sister stormed off into the kitchen. I hoped Piper was doing better since yesterday. We stayed silent for a while not sure what to say to each other. This has never happened before, just us not saying anything to each other.
The doorbell rang and I decided to go get it. Is Dad here already? I went to answer the door and Piper followed behind me. I swung the door open and my grin faltered when I saw it was Dan. Piper instantly froze him. "Make him go away," Piper commanded. I sighed, but wasn't in any mood to bicker with Piper about Dan while Prue was in the house.
I waited a couple minutes and he unfroze. "Um…hey Dan," I said a little awkwardly, but nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw all of his bruises gone and he didn't look afraid of me.
"Is Piper awake yet?" he asked.
"Um…no…" I said a little shocked that he was completely healed.
"Oh…" he looked a little crestfallen, and I felt a little bad for him. "Can you have Piper call me later?" he asked me.
"Uh…yeah sure," I said. "See you later Dan," I said and he walked away, back towards his house. I closed the front door, and walked over to Piper. "Piper…Dan was completely healed. All traces of me kicking his ass yesterday was gone…"
Piper's POV
I blinked. "Impossible,"
"Also he didn't seem to be afraid of me; or over concerned for you." Phoebe shook her head. "What the hell game is he playing? He has no right to hurt my sister like that." Her fists clenched at her side. "I'm going over there and give him another licking." She seethed as raw anger played out on her face. She turned to go but I quickly grabbed her arm roughly.
"You told Leo!" I stormed softly so Prue wouldn't hear us and come out to find out what happened. "I fucking told you not to tell anyone, especially Leo."
"Piper, I didn't tell anyone. I promise you." Phoebe whispered as she realized what had happened. Her anger left her face and she looked concerned at me.
"Than how did Leo find out?" I demanded feeling the heat rise to my checks.
"I-I don't know. Perhaps the Elders were spying on us and decided to make Dan forget what he saw and my beating him up." Phoebe winced as I tighten my hold on her arm and jerking her a little bit. "You are hurting me Piper."
I wasn't listening. I didn't even realize that I had Phoebe in a death gripe. No all I could think of was Leo knew about my booty call with Dan. He must than know about my breaking down in Phoebe's room and than mine.
Suddenly I felt arms wrap themselves around me and I was pulled into a hug. I knew a man wasn't hugging; me because I well I felt boobs against mine. I closed my eyes as I allowed Phoebe to comfort me.
"Everything will be fine, Piper, I promise." Phoebe softly said as she pulled me out of her arms. She slowly lowered her arms and I saw that on her right arm were finger prints. I quickly grabbed her arm and saw that my fingers fit perfectly. "Oh Phoebe, I'm so sorry honey." I whispered.
"Don't worry about it Piper, you didn't mean to do it." Phoebe said.
"Didn't mean to do what?" Prue asked walking up to us.
I sighed and I lowered my hand from Phoebe's arm and Prue saw the finger imprints.
Prue's POV"Piper Halliwell, what possessed you to go hurt Phoebe?" I asked as I pushed Piper away from our little sister.
"Prue, it was just an accident," Phoebe said, as I took a closer look at Phoebe's arm. It looked like it was going to bruise.
"Nice going Piper, making Phoebe go for the battered wife look," I snapped at Piper.
"I didn't mean to…" Piper said.
"Piper I get you are angry, but honestly don't let hate blind you to the point of hurting someone in our family," I shouted at her.
Suddenly I heard the door open and instantly I shot my arm out sending a vase crashing towards whoever was breaking into the house. "Victor…haven't you ever heard of knocking?" I snapped when I saw it was our dad.
"Prue…you almost attacked Dad," Phoebe said running towards him. "You ok Daddy?"
Victor's POV
"Phoebe told me that I didn't have to knock anymore." I said wiping the shards of glass from my jacket. "No harm done."
Prue glared at her younger sister.
"He has every right to come and go. I told Paige she doesn't have to knock either." Phoebe said.
I saw Piper open her mouth to say something; but after she quickly glanced at me she shut her mouth again. I sighed inwardly; but was proud that Piper wasn't letting her anger get the better of her.
"I don't mind Paige have unlimited access to the manor. But not him." Prue shook her head.
"Gee thanks." I couldn't help but frown at the note. But I was happy that she said that she didn't mind Paige being allowed in the manor without knocking. "So you girls ready to get to the lake?" I asked.
Prue's POVI wanted to bark that he wasn't welcome, and that he had no right to be going to the place where I saw our mother die. He shouldn't even be welcomed here to be with us. The only reason I am even allowing his existence in this manor is because of Paige. And if Victor keeps throwing that at my face, I am going to kill him myself. "I just have to throw some clothes on," I said stiffly towards him, clearly already showing my disdain towards him. Who am I kidding? I can never forgive Victor knowing what he had done, and even when we had our little "moments" it was always short. With that I stormed upstairs, and I heard Phoebe following me.
I went into my room and hurriedly changed my clothes. "Prue," Phoebe said, and I turned to her not really in the mood.
"Look Phoebe, I get he is coming, but none of you are going to convince me to treat him any other way that I was raised to hate him," I said, walking around Phoebe and storming down the stairs.
"Prue, can you please find it in your heart to forgive Daddy?" Phoebe asked me.
"Phoebe…I know you are glad to have him back in our lives…but I am not like you and Piper. Do you think I don't want to forgive him? Do you think I don't want my Daddy back?" Phoebe looked at me in shock, "Phoebe...I would love to be a part of his life again, but I cannot look past what has been done...and I'm sorry if that it is hurting you, but I am hurting too," Tears hit my eyes and instantly I went back downstairs, and headed for the front door.
"Prue where are you going?" I heard Piper ask me.
"Work," I said without looking over my shoulder, and instantly went into my car and drove off.
Victor's POV
I had to use the bathroom, and Piper had told me the one downstairs was out of order so I went upstairs to use that one. I was about to leave the bathroom when Prue's voice came through the door. I leaned forward on the door and I was able to hear what my oldest daughter said about me. It broke my heart.
After I heard Prue and Phoebe go down the stairs I opened the door and followed suit I just started down the stairs just as the front door slammed shut. I sighed deeply. But I made sure that my face wasn't turned down; I didn't want Phoebe to think that I heard what Prue had said.
"So are you girls ready to go?" I asked as I stepped off the last step.
"Prue went to work." Piper sighed deeply. "She has to come to the lake with us to point out Mr. Shaggy."
Phoebe looked wide eyed at me and than up the stairs and than back at me; before her face straighten out before. "Why were you up stairs, daddy?"
"I had to use the bathroom." I said. "I had to use the one upstairs because Piper informed me the one down here is out of order. I could fix it for you girls if you would like."
"Actually we called a repair shop. Not only is the bathroom in the dumps; but so are several other things in the manor." Piper said as she grabbed her car keys. "Ready to go."
"Are we going to the lake without Prue?" Phoebe raised her eye brows.
Piper shook her head. "Nope. We are going to get Prue." Humor lit up her eyes. "Prue can't cause a scene at work; she would be too embarrassed."
I followed my daughters out of the manor and to Piper's car. I saw that Phoebe got into the back seat and allowed me the passenger seat. I got in and Piper pulled out of the driveway and turned the car in the direction of Prue's office.
Phoebe's POVAs I sat in the car with Piper and Dad, I had a feeling Dad heard what Prue had said. He may be good at hiding what he was feeling, but he can't ever get past his daughters' watchful eyes. Sitting in the back next to him, I laid my head on his shoulder. Maybe I should talk to Paige…or maybe get Paige to talk to Daddy about what Prue said, because I knew he heard everything Prue had said. "Daddy…" I started, and he looked at me.
"Yes Phoebe?" he asked me.
"Um…never mind," I said quickly. I'll talk to him when Piper isn't around. She already has enough on her plate as it is, and I wish she knew that I hadn't told anyone, and I mean anyone about what Piper had done. We reached Buckland's Auction House, and Piper parked. We entered the office and headed for Prue's office.
"Guys I am really busy right now," Prue snapped, clearly trying to get out of going to the lake while Dad was here with us.
"Prue…what about our little problem?" I asked her.
"Well…I think you two and Victor can handle this," Prue said putting down the book, and gently putting down some artifact or another.
"Prue…" Piper started, and Prue just rolled her eyes taking her glasses off. "You are acting like a little kid,"
"Well, I haven't been one since he left, so I think it is kind of poetic," Prue said to us. "You guys clearly don't need me since Daddy dearest over here can probably find who Mr. Scruffy is. I mean, I gave you guys a good enough description, so please…go have fun," Prue sighed, getting up from her chair and grabbing mine and Piper's shoulders leading us back to the door.
"Prue, what if we need the one two three pow wow?" I asked her.
"Not my problem," Prue sighed. "Victor, you know the way out," she said passing him and sitting back in her chair.
Victor's POV
I sighed as I walked over to Prue's chair. I pulled her chair out from underneath her desk and began to wheel it towards the open door.
"What do you think you are doing, Victor?" Prue demanded as she jumped out of the chair and she turned to face me with anger in her face.
"I'm getting you to go with your younger sisters. You started this quest and I want you to be with your sisters; to protect them if they need to be protected." I said as I moved sideways around the chair.
"I have always protected my sisters." Prue said hotly. "You have no right to come in here, Victor, and say that I haven't been protecting my little sisters."
"Don't I?" I asked. "It seems to me like you are just allowing your little sisters to go off into a situation and them not knowing much about it." I frowned darkly. "Now that's not what I call protecting your younger sisters, Prue."
Prue sighed deeply. "Fine, let's go. But I am not going to be in the same car as him." She pointed her finger at me.
"I'll ride with Piper; and Phoebe can ride with you." I said still in a stern voice. I wasn't about to let up; because I knew if I did; than Prue would stick her heels in and stay in her office. I knew how to get to my oldest daughter.
Prue's POV"Fine," I said, really pissed with Victor. "But if you ever touch any of my things in my office, I will make you wish you were never born," I forcefully took my chair away from him.
"You are not going back into that office," Victor said sternly.
"Yes I am, this is my chair, and I am not letting some idiot trying to be a father to his daughters that he abandoned twenty years ago, not just once but twice in his life tell me what I can and cannot do with my belongings," swishing my finger at his hand again at the chair and his hand flew off my chair. "And I really don't care if I use my powers on you, since you are clearly not an innocent," I snapped and I took my chair back to my office.
"Prue…what are you doing?" Jack asked me walking into the office. Great, another thing Victor has done to start ruining my life even more.
"Some idiot tried to take my chair when I went to go meet my sisters," I sighed, really not wanting to explode. "Look, something came up…" I started.
"Don't worry about it, I'll cover you," Jack said.
"Thanks, see you later," I sighed grabbing my purse and walking towards my car and found Phoebe already there. "Do not speak to me about him Phoebe," I snapped, not wanting to talk about the scum plaguing my life.
Phoebe's POV"Prue what is the matter with you?" I snapped at her.
"You are asking me what is the matter with me? What is the matter with him? How dare he embarrass me in front of my co-workers?"
"Prue…you were going to ditch us to do work?" I asked shocked with her attitude.
"Well, you know you are funny," Prue said laughing sarcastically. "You know, it would not have been that big of a problem if you didn't let Victor come with us," That is it!
"Prue, he is our father!" I shouted at her when we hit a red light.
"No…he is just the person that helped create us Phoebe. He has not been a father for years, and I do not see any reason to treat him any differently," God, what did I do to get plagued with stubborn Prue?
"Prue…"
"No Phoebe, I am not treating him any differently than I have been," God, she doesn't even know that Dad overheard everything she said to him.
"Prue, he heard what you said in the manor," I sighed, hoping guilt tripping would work against her.
"Good, then I will have more pleasure telling him that when he fucks up with us again," Prue snapped at me as we reached the Lake. She just pisses me off so much. I got out of the car and just avoided Prue as we looked for Piper and Dad.
Piper's POV
I got into the drivers seat and waited for daddy to get into the passenger side. But he didn't get in. He kept staring at the front door to Bucklands and I knew he was waiting for Prue to arrive. I knew that if Prue didn't come out of the building soon; than Dad would go back in there and pretty much drag her out. I sighed deeply as I buckled my seat belt. I was personally happy how things turned out for the trip to the lake.
I get daddy all to myself for the drive to the lake. I was so happy that Phoebe said that she'll ride with Prue. I wanted my dad to myself for a little while. I hardly ever had alone time with just dad and I … ever.
Victor's POV
Ok Prue, I'm giving you five more minutes; than if you aren't out here; than I'm going in there and dragging your butt out. I will not have you let your little sisters go off on a mission on their own. I looked over to where Prue's jeep was parked and I saw Phoebe's concern face looking out at me. I shrugged my shoulders and put on a fake smile and winked at my youngest of my three daughters.
Phoebe didn't look convinced. She reached out to open the door; but I shook my head as I spied Prue walking out of the building. I got into the passenger seat so Prue wouldn't see me. "We'll let Prue and Phoebe drive ahead of us, that way it'll give you and I some much needed time along." I said with a wink over at Piper as I buckled my seat belt.
I saw Piper smile at this and she actually waited ten minutes after Prue had driven out of the parking lot; before she started the car. And than I noticed that she was driving the speed limit; sometimes a little less.
"So how is everything going with Dan?" I asked.
I saw Piper tense up and she screeched to a stop at the red light that suddenly happened. "Piper?" I asked concerned.
"Sorry about that daddy." Piper said with a blush as she brought her right hand down to her leg and wiped it off, she did the same with her left after she brought her right hand to the wheel.
"Are you and Dan having a fight?" I asked in an understanding voice.
"Something like that." Piper said as she drove through the intersection. "I don't really want to discuss Dan, dad." She sighed deeply. "Not today, perhaps another day."
"Ok sweetheart." I said with a nod. "What's a safe topic?" I asked.
Piper's POV
I felt bad for almost giving daddy whiplash. But I wasn't expecting him to bring Dan up. I was still upset over what I did to Dan the morning before; and how Leo went and healed him; I was upset that Phoebe told him. I felt my temper rise; and I fought it back down; I didn't want this very rare time alone with daddy to be spoiled by my temper. Sides I knew if I spoke of Dan I would spill and tell him everything; I couldn't ever. I didn't want daddy to look down at me and think me as a slut. Even through that is exactly what I'm. A slut, a whore.
I couldn't think of one so I just drove silently till we arrived at the lake. I saw that Prue had parked in the first parking space, and there was an open space next to hers. I turned off the engine. "Ride home with me daddy?" I softly asked.
"Of course, darling." Dad said. He leaned over and hugged me tightly. "I love you Piper, and whenever you are ready to talk; I'm here for you."
I closed my eyes and breathed in his scent. "Thank you daddy." I said as I slowly opened my eyes. I looked out of the window and saw Prue glaring at me from in side. I didn't care how mad Prue was at daddy; that won't make my mad at him.
END CHAPTER FIVE