AN: So sorry for the long wait. School and life have taken their toll on me in recent weeks. I made this chapter a bit longer to compensate. If you like it leave a review. If you hated it leave a review. If you have a suggestion...leave a review. I like reviews. Reviews make me write faster and put a smile on my face. Alright enough begging! I give you...
THINGS I'LL NEVER SAY
Tiamat strode along a darkened corridor in some godforsaken section of the Underworld. He held his head up and glared at any of the poor unfortunate souls who called this hellhole home. His usual garments for his job in the mortal world were replaced by far more kingly robes reminding him of the distant time when he and his sister were revered and worshiped, a time before Lucifer's ultimate defeat. Still he had grown accustomed to the suit and tie worn by his human cover and found the flowing white gold-rimmed robes more cumbersome than he recalled. His silver serpentine ring grew ice cold. He stopped and studied his surroundings.
The corridor appeared deserted. The last disheveled demon to cross paths with him did so some time before. His ring only grew cold in the presence of someone powerful enough to challenge him. There were few demon or other evil beings capable of such actions. He and his sister were the last of Lucifer's firsts. Zankou and Lilith had met their unfortunate ends at the hands of witches. His sister had slaughtered the other two eons ago. There was a rumor of a seventh firstborn, one stronger even than Lilith. If he or she had ever existed they certainly had not shown their face since the last Great War between the Powers.
Still his ring had never been proven wrong. The first Source the Charmed Ones had vanquished certainly proved to be a powerful and capable enemy. The Twice Blessed witch and half-vampire may have proven to be a threat. Then there was the youngest of Piper's children. Anakin demonstrated just how lucky evil was that Aeglaeca had chosen to taken on the Halliwells. If that boy had been allowed to grow into his powers there would not be an Underworld left to rule. Tiamat shuddered involuntarily.
Shadows shifted in front of him. Tiamat summoned a pleiomorph into his hand. Not one to show concern, he casually used the deadly weapon as little more than a walking stick as the shadows continued to swirl. He followed the inky darkness's progression from shifting formless voids into a tall humanoid form. The wraith's form shifted further, losing the ethereal aspects of vapor. The darkness slowly melted away revealing a young woman with flowing brown hair and piercing blue eyes. Her ears were almost elfin, and her skin was far too pale.
"Phenex," greeted Tiamat coldly.
Phenex run her tongue along her dangerously sharp canine-like teeth. "Tiamat," she said with barely contained rage.
He carefully shifted his weight off the staff. If the wraith was foolish enough to attack he could easily deliver a fatal blow. "What can I do for you?"
"You can explain why you vanquished two of my wraiths," hissed Phenex.
"They served their purpose," replied Tiamat blandly, exuding an aura of nonchalance.
Phenex bared her teeth again. Her fingers morphed into razor sharp talons. Tiamat eyed the talons with an arched brow; he cocked his head to one side and glared at her.
"Their fate is not yours to command."
Tiamat laughed frostily. "Do you control their fate?"
Phenex began to circle him. "You and your sister came to me for help. That deal did not include you using my brethren as playthings."
Not bothering to physically follow her progress Tiamat waited until she returned to original position before answering. "May I remind you, young wraith, without my sister's incantation your brethren would still be locked up in those pitiful tombs."
Phenex rose to her fill height and power rippled off her. Tiamat was reminded once again why she alone of Aeglaeca's lieutenants had survived his defeat. He held up his hand in a gesture of peace. Phenex glared at him.
"Do not think I am foolish enough to believe your sister came up with that incantation. She is a powerful sorceress. Hellequin held her is high regard, but she could not undo those enchantments without help. Only a Power is capable of that."
Tiamat frowned. "A Power? They are all defeated."
Phenex mocked him. "Not all of them were defeated, and I know what you and your sister wish to perform. Do not be a fool, Tiamat; such power will not go unnoticed. And magic that ancient always has unforeseen consequences."
"Do you wish to renege on our deal?" asked Tiamat, his voice hard as steel.
Phenex's form began to fade. "No, but vanquish another wraith and even your ring will not sense my presence." Her form was absorbed by the retreating shadows.
Tiamat threw the pleiomorph aside. It smashed against the opposite wall causing the rock to fracture. The inflexible staff went flaccid and slithered away, seeking a victim or worthy master. He had told his sister when they had first discussed forming an alliance with the wraiths they could not be trusted. She, like almost all of Lucifer's creations, greatly underestimated their supposed lesser cousins. If Phenex suspected their true intentions then she could warn others. As powerful as he and his sister were, they could not stand against a combined onslaught. There were many beings both good and evil who would be against their ultimate goals.
Movement further along the corridor drew his attention. He forced himself to relax. His mark had arrived. Surrounded by a large entourage of demons and warlocks, the current Queen of Vampires sat rigidly on her elegant sedia gestatoria, a relic from a bygone time. The stern and angular faced woman gracefully slipped down from her carried throne. She petted a few demons on the head as she passed with her long-fingered hands. Their looks of devotion and desire sickened him. He would like nothing better than to rip her non-beating heart from her chest, but like the wraiths, they needed the vampires for the time being.
"Milord, Tiamat," said the Queen with sickly sweetness.
Tiamat forced a smile. "My Queen, it is always an honor."
She moved forward and dragged a perfectly manicured finger along his chin. He suppressed a shudder. "Why the cloak and dagger?"
"Despite my sister's explicit instructions most of her court still distrusts your kind, my Queen. She thought it best we discuss matters away from prying ears for the time being."
The queen clucked her tongue. "What's the point of an alliance with the Source if I'm still to be banished? Forced to eke out an existence at the edges of her kingdom."
Tiamat bowed his head, not taking his eyes off the woman. "It will not always be this way, but we do have other priorities as well. The Underworld has been in chaos for a lengthy period of time. My sister cannot right every wrong and foolish ruling by her predecessors in the course of a single evening."
"Very well. Very well," said the Queen dismissively. "What do you wish to talk about?"
Tiamat drew in a deep breath. "It has to do with your daughter."
The Queen smiled and her heavy lidded dark eyes lit up. "She is a lovely girl, don't you agree? The most exquisite Vrykolakas to be born in an millennia."
"She is easy on the eyes, my Queen. She has captured the eyes of many both ally and enemy. She had performed the tasks assigned to her admirably. That is all tasks except one. She has failed to retain the desire of a most important target."
The Queen frowned, still playfully letting her finger follow the contours of Tiamat's jaw.
"A man has been able to escape her wiles?" she whispered into his ear.
Tiamat nodded slowly. "Zachary Halliwell."
The Queen withdrew her wondering hand in a flash of light. She drew herself back, and fear briefly marred her features. "A Halliwell? You have sent my baby to seduce a Halliwell?"
"You were informed my sister has plans to destroy the Halliwell family," reminded Tiamat clinically.
The Queen clucked her tongue again. "Vrykolakas are powerful beings. Seductresses of the highest order, but you and your sister expect too much. The Halliwell's are not just witches; they are the most powerful witches to ever exist."
Tiamat smirked, enjoying the Queen's obvious terror. "They are still human with human failings."
"Perhaps—yes, perhaps you are correct." The Queen regained her composure. "It would certainly be a dream come true to have a Halliwell for dinner. I'll talk to my daughter. Remind her of everything that's at stake."
Tiamat inclined his head in a show of gratitude. "That is all we can ask."
Michael sat silently on the slightly damp patch of grass as he watched the shouting match between Matt and Zach develop. The cousins had chosen to spend some quality time together before the party that night. After convincing their parents that they would not get into any trouble and promising to call them the second they thought they were in danger they had walked over to the park a few blocks from the Manor. Michael was glad the park was empty; he did not know how they would explain themselves to a passerby. His brother ever the pacifist stood between the two red-faced teens trying unsuccessfully to get them to lower their voices.
The argument had started off simply enough. It was one he and Richard had from time to time, but never to this degree. It was over magic. Matt despite some misgivings was all for having their parents unbind their powers. Zach, being the only one of them to have any recollection of having powers, was less enthusiastic about taking up the Charmed torch. Currently Matt was yelling that Zach was a coward, which Zach did not take well. Michael scrambled to his feet and caught Zach's arm before he could take a swing at Matt.
"Alright, let's take a breather," he said forcefully.
Matt balled his hands into fists. "No, let him go. I'll kick his spineless guts."
Zach tried to wrench himself free of Michael's grip, but his cousin was remarkably strong. "Go fuck yourself!"
Richard closed his eyes. "Mates…"
Matt interrupted him. "At least I'm getting some."
Zach finally threw Michael off him and glared at Matt. His whole body was shaking, and the pain in his chest started to twinge. He forced himself to straighten out his fingers and take three deep breaths.
"This is ridiculous," said Richard.
Michael still poised to break up a fight glanced at his brother. "Are you getting any?"
Richard shook his head. "None of your beeswax."
"Good, cause I'm not," said Michael with a small smile.
Matt huffed. "Zach, we can't keep—this is our destiny."
Zach still shaking let out another long breath. "Doesn't mean we have to walk willingly to our deaths."
"I saw you in that hospital bed. Magic didn't put you there. If you had powers…"
Zach raised a single eyebrow, accentuating the similarities between himself and their grandmother. "I'd what? I'd have been able to vanquish that wraith? It killed ten of the best-trained people in the world without breaking a sweat. But a puny fifteen-year-old kid could flick his wrists and kill it? Matt, magic won't make our lives easier. We might be targets now because of our parents, but with powers that target is only going to get bigger."
Matt pulled his short hair in frustration. "We can't run away from this. There is no place to hide. No one else is going to take care of it for us. I'd prefer to get our powers now when our parents are still here to teach us how to use them. Because sooner or later we will get them back, and if it's later it maybe too late."
Zach opened his mouth to argue.
"No, Zach, how would you feel if Rebecca got caught in the cross fire? It's going to happen. Don't you want to be able to protect her? Or would you prefer to bury your head in the sand while some demon plunges an athame into her heart?"
Michael grimaced. "Low blow," he murmured to himself.
Zach's hands clenched in to fists again. "You don't know what you're talking about—any of you. Magic has always been this amazing Christmas gift you've been waiting for all year. I don't remember much about before, but I do know that Anakin died because of magic. I know that Grandpa Leo died in the crossfire despite all his children and his wife having powers. I know—I know—I…" He trailed off finding it difficult to catch his breath.
"We know the danger, Zach," said Richard gently. "Believe me our mom has brow beat us with it. I don't want my life to change. I don't want to be 'Charmed,' but I also know that I couldn't live with myself if an innocent died when I could've helped."
Matt took a cautious step forward. "I know magic is not all rainbows and butterflies. I saw what it could cost when you almost died. This isn't me being naïve. It's me seeing how fucked up this whole situation is and choosing to do everything in my power to make it better. I watched as that wraith drove that athame into your chest, and I was helpless to stop it. I don't want that to happen again. Not when I know, however small the chance, I could've stopped it."
Zach sighed. "I'm not a coward."
Michael smiled, relaxing. "Course not, you're just a chicken."
Zach stuck out his tongue. "Piss off."
"Sorry," muttered Matt.
"Me too."
Richard collapsed to the ground, throwing his arms up in the air. "Thank God."
Michael rolled his eyes at his brother's antics. "So about tonight? Are we seriously just doing the whole family party thing? Surely there's some party we could sneak out to?"
Matt shook his head. "Sorry, dude, the big Halloween party is our party."
"Then can we at least go trick or treating? Maybe I can pick up some hot girl that way."
Zach massaged the scar on his chest. "And then do what?"
Michael waggled his eyebrows. "There are plenty of bushes to hide behind."
"My brother has ruined Halloween for many little kids," commented Richard, eyeing Zach.
Zach caught his concerned look and dropped his arms to his side. "Danny might know of a party."
"It's not going to be a gay party, is it?"
"MICHAEL!" roared Richard.
Michael laughed it off. "I'm kidding."
"He's part of the whole jock crowd. If there is another party tonight, he'll know."
Michael rubbed his hands together. "Perfect. Now, costumes?"
"Why don't we wait until we've got our powers back, and you can just conjure something up?" asked Zach sardonically.
"I know you're joking, but that'd be so cool!"
Richard spoke up. "Do you remember your powers?"
Zach sat down in hopes of alleviating the chest pain. "Not really. I've asked my dad a few times, but he's never answered. Grandma Piper said that I was like my dad when he was a baby. Magic reacted to my desire, but she also said that now that I'm older it might not still be the case."
"I want something cool like telekinesis or Grandma Piper's powers," said Michael dreamily.
Matt plopped down beside Zach; all enmity between the two forgotten. "I don't care what powers I get as long as they're active. Premonitions are cool and all but not a big help in the middle of a fight."
"Don't worry, I'll get all the passive powers," said Richard fatalistically.
Michael patted his brother on the back. "Someone has to, bro."
Piper stood in front of the Book of Shadows scanning over the woodcuttings describing the destiny of the Charmed Ones. She could still remember the stormy night Phoebe had first read from the Book. The fear of what she and her sisters had to face was as tangible now as it was that night. Magic had cost her so much, but it was also the source of most of her happy memories. If she had never been a witch she would never have met Leo. She would not have four wonderful children.
White orbs descended from the ceiling and swirled around the attic a few time before settling in front of her. The orbs grew too bright for her to look at, and she shut her eyes when she reopened them she gasped.
"Prue?"
Prue Halliwell stepped out of the circle of candles and solidified. "Hello, Piper."
Piper run around the podium supporting the Book of Shadows and embraced her older sister for the first time in decades. "How? Why?"
Prue smiled and returned Piper's hug just as fiercely. "Missed you too, sis."
Piper laughed tearily. "Hi."
Prue led them over the battle-worn couch and sat down. "I'm sorry it's taken me this long to visit."
"No, no. I'm just glad you can."
Prue smiled at her sister. "I'm so proud of you, Piper. The way you looked after this family. I could never have done half as well as you have."
"Don't be silly," sniffed Piper, tears of happiness blurring her vision.
Prue shook her head. "I'm not Piper. I didn't want to leave you and Phoebe, but my death served a purpose. You, Phoebe, and Paige accomplished so much more than anyone thought possible."
Piper shook her head in disbelief.
Prue continued, still smiling, "You were always the heart of this family, Piper, but after my death you became the foundation as well."
Piper blinked through the tears. "Why are you here?"
"To see you," hedged Prue.
"And?" pressed Piper; regaining some of the strong stubbornness she was renowned for.
Prue hesitated. "And to convince you about the importance of this family's destiny."
Piper gave Prue a hard stare. "If you think I'm going to force my kids into giving my grandbabies their powers you can go. Destiny or not it is their choice."
"There's a war coming, Piper. A war like none we've ever weathered."
"Weathered? WEATHERED!" Piper screamed, jumping up from her seat. "Maybe you missed what's been going on down here, Prue, but this family hasn't just weathered anything. We've sacrificed and suffered. My baby had to die! I lost my husband."
Prue nodded try to placate the enraged witch. "I know, Piper, I know. Believe me if there was anything any of us could do to save you and your children from more sadness…"
Piper put her hands on her hips and tossed her greying hair over her shoulder. "No! We had the Ultimate Battle. Then we had that whole thing with Jonathan. Then—haha—then the Powers had a hissy fit and put my family in the middle. This time—this time Destiny owes us. Do You Understand? This time we deserve better than to be the punching bag for whatever goddamn demon has decided to make a power grab."
Prue glanced up at the roof. "I told you."
"Who the hell are you talking to?" yelled Piper.
More dazzling white orbs formed. Unlike the Prue's orbs or the orbs that appeared when they summoned Grams or Patty, these orbs blazed with such an intensity Piper could feel the heat washing off them. The orbs descended to the floor and swirled, leaving long scorch marks on the floorboards. The orbs flashed once more and a familiar blond young man with bright blue eyes stepped out of the brightness. Piper took one look at him, eyes wide, and fainted. He nimbly caught her and laid her down on the couch.
"Well, this is going wonderfully," stated Prue sarcastically.
The man narrowed his blue eyes, not looking at her. "Thanks, Aunt Prue, but I've got it from here."
Prue looked longingly at her sister. "Anakin…"
Anakin shook his head, piercing her with a knowing stare. "We're breaking too many rules. After that thing with Zach, the boundary is thin enough already."
"Right, tell her I said good bye and I love her."
Anakin smiled gently; his demeanor warming up considerably. "She knows that, Aunt Prue." He flicked his hand, and Prue vanished in a flash of white light.
Piper blinked her eyes slowly. "Dreaming," she muttered.
Anakin bent down and softly brushed the stray hairs out of her face. "No, Mom, you weren't dreaming."
"Anakin!" gasped Piper.
Anakin beamed stupidly. "Sorry for the surprise visit."
Piper sat up quickly, throwing her legs over the side of the couch. "But—but—how?"
"There isn't time to explain. My presence here—it's dangerous."
"Why?" questioned Piper, pulling him into the tightest hug she had ever given. He returned the hug wholeheartedly, and for a moment mother and son sat at peace in each other's embrace.
Anakin gently ended the hug. Seriously he met his mother's inquiring gaze. "Mom, this war—these demon, they're bad news. We've got to stop them."
"Stop them? Stop them how? The spell to destroy a suxen isn't in the Book anymore."
"I know. Tiamat and Rahab won't go after the nexus anyways. They've got enough power to spare without it. No, what they've got planned is far worse than anything Zankou ever conceived of in his darkest moments."
Piper reached out and touched him. "You're actually here."
"Yes, I'm actually here, and that's the problem. There's a tear in the fabric of the world. Uriel made it when he saved me. Now, Tiamat and Rahab are trying to exploit it. They've already succeeded in making it bigger."
"Saving Zach," guessed Piper.
Anakin nodded, not surprised. "It may not have been his time, but summoning a Power into the physical plane has its consequences."
Piper sighed. "So we have to stop them."
"In time, yes, if they succeed—I don't want to even think about it."
"How?"
Anakin shrugged. "I don't know, but if you are going to stand a chance it's going to be with all of your powers."
Piper shook her head. "They're just kids."
"And stronger than you give them credit for. Coddling them isn't going to save them. Fair or not they're at the center of Tiamat and Rahab's plot. Get them ready. Prepare them. It's going to be a long and terrible battle, but losing isn't an option. It can't be."
"They deserve a normal life. You're asking me to take that away from them."
Anakin sadly agreed. "It's for the greater good." Orbs formed and obscured him from her sight. When they vanished Anakin was gone.
Piper looked up at the ceiling. "I hate the greater good."
Someone knocked on the attic door.
"Yes," called Piper.
Wyatt stepped into the attic. "Everything alright, Mom?"
Piper licked her lips and closed her eyes. "No, and I don't think they're ever going to be."
Wyatt frowned, worried. "What's up?"
"I just…" she trailed off. Anakin and Prue had appeared to her. "It's nothing, sweetie."
"The kids are back from the park, and they want their powers."
Piper stood up. "They want their power?"
"Yeah, even Zach. I—are we doing the right thing, Mom?"
Piper closed her eyes, hating herself. "Yes."
"Prue's still on the fence."
"We can still protect them when they have their powers. But if you and Chris are right about these new demons, they're going to need more protection than we can provide. They've got to learn to fight."
Wyatt scratched his head in thought. "They're not soldiers."
"We're all soldiers, Wyatt, whether we want to be or not. It's better to be prepared for what is going to come."
Wyatt collected the Book. "What's gotten into you?"
"I've just decided whining about this being unfair isn't going to change anything. Maybe we'll find a way to defeat these demons without needing them, but like you said they're already targets."
Back in the kitchen Chris stood over a bubbling pot with Matt and Michael hovering next to them. Prue sat by the table with arms folded, brooding. Zach and Richard were cutting up mandrake root to add to the potion. Sarah and Serena were continuing on with the decorating the birthday cake. Chris could tell everyone was on edge especially the adults. His mother and brother entered the kitchen, Wyatt holding the Book.
"That's enough mandrake," said Chris, he motioned with his fingers and the pieces floated over to the potion.
Piper sat down next to Prue and offered her a comforting shoulder.
"All that's left is the blood of the witches who brewed the binding potion."
Wyatt set the Book on the kitchen counter. "Are you all positive you want to do this? We'll support whatever is your choice. This is a big decision," he said heavily.
Chris removed the potion from the heat and pulled out a sharpened knife. He carefully pricked his finger and allowed a few drops of his blood to drip into the potion. The potion frothed and foamed. He handed the knife to Wyatt who added his blood to the potion with an expression of pain. Piper led Prue to her waiting brothers and handed her the knife. She scowled and took the knife.
"We shouldn't be doing this."
Michael wrapped an arm around his quivering mother. "Mom, we love you, but it's our turn."
Prue stabbed her finger and her blood dribbled into the potion. The potion sputtered and changed color to brilliant neon yellow. Chris settled the potion back on the heat and stirred it until the yellow faded into a metallic hue.
"It's ready," he whispered forebodingly.
Wyatt motioned and one glass vials appeared in front of each of the teens. Prue snapped her fingers and the vials filled with the still steaming potion. She hugged Michael tightly.
"Magic is a huge responsibility. If you take back your powers it's a declaration that you'll defend the helpless. You will use your powers to help others and never for personal gain. It'll require you to make greater sacrifices than you can possibly imagine, but it will also bring you great joy," said Prue faintly.
Wyatt nodded along. "We promise to do our best to still shield you from evil, and we'll always be there to help you. But this will be your path to follow."
Zach picked up his vial and studied the potion. "Bottoms up."
He drained the vial and gagged. The potion tasted far worse than he had imagined. It clung to the inside of the throat and burned his stomach. The scar on his chest felt like it had been ripped open, and he collapsed to the floor. He was vaguely aware of his mother dropping down beside him and rubbing his back. The heat from the potion reached his heart and exploded. His eyes rolled back into his head, and his back arched. Someone yelled his name. Warmth spread out from his aching chest. Something else exploded. He opened his eyes.
His dad had his shield up protecting his mom and grandmother from something. He looked up and saw a massive whole in the roof above him. He blinked and rolled onto his side, groaning.
"What happened," he coughed.
His dad pulled him back onto his feet and looked at him with concern in his eyes. "Are you ok?"
Zach rubbed the scar on his chest. It still throbbed, but the pain was not as severe as before. "What happened?"
"You—you blew a whole in the roof," said Wyatt as lightly as he could.
"Was that supposed to happen?"
Wyatt shook his head as Sarah pulled Zach into a hug. "The potion unbound your powers, but whatever that dagger was laced with reacted with it."
"Where are the others?" asked Zach looking around the kitchen for his cousins, aunts, and uncle.
Chris orbed back in with Matt and Serena. "That was exciting."
Prue followed with Michael and Richard. "What the hell was that?"
Zach looked down at his tingling hands. "I don't know."
Wyatt patted him on the shoulder. "It was nothing."
"Nothing? He damn near blew us all into atomic particles."
Chris frowned at Prue. "We would've reformed…most of us."
Zach covered his mouth shakily as the thought sank in. "Oh my God."
"It's ok, sweetie," comforted Piper.
Zach looked wildly around the room, taking in the destruction. That could have been his family. He could have killed his family. He wanted to run and hide, but his mother pulled him in close.
"It's ok, Zach, it's ok. Your dad and uncle suspected something like this might happen. We weren't in any danger," whispered Sarah.
Wyatt crossed his arms over his chest, eyeing his sister. "We told you the potion might react."
"Yeah, I thought he might split the foundation or something. That—that was something else. That was like when Anakin threw that hissy fit when he was ten, and Mom had to re-conjure the whole house."
"Plans within plans," said Chris cryptically.
Prue shuffled over to Zach. "Sorry, sweetie, it was just a big shock. I don't blame you. It's been a long day, and my nerves are fried."
Zach nodded his head but kept it resting on his mother's shoulder. A twinge of pain shot out across his body emanating from his scar. A mental image of a blood-covered kitchen formed in his mind's eye. That had almost been his family because of him.
As was Michael's usual actions in tense situations he made a joke. "But I wanted to be able to blow stuff up," he whined.
The other's laughed.
"Care to help with the clean up?" asked Chris.
Matt jumped to action. "I always wanted to try this spell. Let the object of objection become but a dream as I cause the seen to be unseen."
Blue and white orbs briefly covered the whole kitchen and vanished leaving a perfectly clean room.
"And the cake?" asked Serena.
Matt glanced at the sparkling cake stand. "Sorry."
"I can fix it," said Wyatt.
"No," said Zach hesitantly. "Let me."
He waved his hand in the direction of the cake stand and concentrated. He could not shrink away from his powers now that he had them. If they were dangerous he would learn to control them. The air above the stand shimmered and a monstrous fully decorated cake slipped out of the air and onto the stand.
"Projection," murmured Sarah.
Zach frowned. "Is that a bad thing?"
"No, it's just extremely rare."
Wyatt chuckled. "That's my boy!"
Michael waved his hand, but nothing happened. He flicked his wrists and still nothing. "What the hell."
"What's wrong?"
"Where're my powers?"
Prue laughed. "Sweetie, they're not just going to happen. You'll have to learn what triggers them, and what powers you have. Zach's special because he already he his powers once."
"But Matt cleaned the room," said Richard.
"He used a spell," explained their mother.
Michael eyed the Book. "Ok cool. Let's go cast some spells!"
Prue opened her mouth and closed it with a sigh. "No dragons and keep the property damage to a minimum. We've got guest coming in a bit."
Michael, Richard, and Matt left the kitchen with the Book. Zach slowly climbed to his feet still staying close to his mother. She gently nudged him in the direction of his dad.
"You'll be fine," she said and kissed him on the head.
Wyatt wrapped an arm around him and indicated to Chris to follow them out into the conservatory.
"What's up kiddo?"
Zach nibbled on his lip. The idea that he had almost killed his family weighed heavily on him. Somehow he thought his dad would not understand his concern though. His dad would expect him to work through it.
Wyatt waited for his son to speak, but he remained silent. He said, "It's ok to be scared. There was a time when I feared my powers."
"What?" asked Zach suddenly.
"It was a long time ago, but there was a time I asked your grandma Piper to strip my powers."
"Why?" Zach could not imagine his dad without his powers.
Chris cleared his throat. "I can go."
"No, Chris, stay," said Wyatt. "Zach, has your grandmother ever told you about the other Chris?"
Zach shook his head. He had heard bits and parts of the story.
Chris breathed heavily. "Wyatt, it wasn't you."
"Don't kid yourself, Chris, that Wyatt was every bit a part of me. Just like that Chris is a part of you."
"What are you talking about?"
Chris closed his eyes. "The other Chris came from a very dark timeline. His family had been killed except his brother. His brother had become the Source of All Evil. So he decided to go into the past and vanquish the demon that turned his brother evil."
Zach's eyes widened. "You were evil?"
Wyatt nodded. "Yes. I became power hungry. Obsessed with gathering enough power so that no one could ever hurt me again. And there is a part of me that agrees with that Wyatt. It scares me how easily my powers could corrupt me."
Chris scoffed. "Like you'd ever let that happen. You're way too much of a force for good."
"But at least you knew. I—I don't know how I did what I did."
Both Chris and Wyatt looked at each other. "You didn't do anything," said Chris.
"But I felt it. I felt my magic do it."
Chris shrugged. "It had nothing to do with you or your lack of control over your powers. When you were attacked and the wraith used such a specific poison on you I suspected that there was another plot going on. For whatever reason Tiamat and Rahab fear you more than your cousins. They singled you out that night, and they set up a back up plan incase you weren't killed. When we mixed the unbinding potion I added the mandrake to ensure whatever power was released exploded outward."
"You made me blow up the kitchen?" asked Zach bewildered.
Wyatt moved his head from side to side. "We weren't sure what would happen exactly. Chris thought that the remnants of the potion would react with your reawakened powers. We both agreed that whatever the reaction it would be designed to kill you. So we altered the potion to redirect those destructive forces. We were never in any danger. The second we knew what was going to happen we got everyone out of the kitchen."
Zach rubbed his scar absentmindedly. "And what if it had released my projection power?"
Wyatt smirked. "Kiddo, you may be powerful, but you've got a long way before you could take me on."
Zach sunk into the chair. "What powers do I have?"
"You were still growing into your powers when we bound them, but I think you got molecular manipulation, projection, and orbing from me. When you were a baby you could conjure and use telekinesis like your mother. "
"Cool. What's the difference between conjuring and projection?"
Chris started to answer, but Wyatt hushed him. "Conjuring is a weaker form of projection."
"But I have both?"
Chris gave Wyatt a look. "It's more complicated than your dad said. Conjuring means you're calling forth an item that already exists. With projection you are essentially creating an object. You change reality to fit your desires."
"Do you know what powers Matt, Mike, and Rick have?"
"Matt is telekinetic, can conjure and orb at least for the moment. The twins were much harder to sort out. Obviously they'll be able to orb to some extent. If you guys are the next set of Charmed Ones then one of them with have premonitions. Then it's truly a guess. I'd assume one or both have telepathy. With Prue as their mother there's a good chance empathy and molecular immobilization are in the mix too."
Zach ran a hand through his hair. "How do we find out?"
"Training," said Chris simply. "And a lot of it. You guys wanted your powers; now you have to learn to control them."
Something exploded above them.
"I better go check on them," said Chris.
Zach glanced at his dad. "Are you worried?"
"About?"
"Us having powers?"
Wyatt pulled him into a hug. "I'll always be worried about you, kiddo, but I think it was time. Even if these demons weren't around. Magic is a part of who you are, and you loved it as a baby. You'll love it again."
The doorbell rang.
"Who could that be?"
Zach checked his watch. "It's probably Rebecca and Sophie."
"Go answer the door. I'll go warn the others that we have muggles in the house."
Zach groaned. "Really?"
Wyatt laughed. "Got to love the Potter references. It's part of the job description."
Zach rolled his eyes and shook his head. The doorbell rang again, and he shook his hands to rid himself of his nerves. Everything felt different now; he felt different. He knew lying would be more difficult. Actually having changed everything. He reached the front door and took a deep breath in through his mouth and breathed out slowly through his nose. He felt like he was about to face his executioners. He opened the door.
Sophia and Rebecca bounded into the Manor. Sophia gave him a quick hug and dashed off to the kitchen carrying four grocery bags loaded with candy. Rebecca lingered in the entrance hall, rocking on the balls of her feet. Zach took a good look at her and his breath caught in his throat. All thoughts of magic, powers, and demons vanished to be replaced by ideas he seriously hoped no one could sense. Rebecca was wearing a medium length black skirt, a white collared shirt buttoned just enough to be considered modest, reasonable high heels, and a thing black tie. He had told her in one of their late night texting sessions how attractive he found girls in collared shirts and ties.
"Happy belated birthday, Zachary," greeted Rebecca softly, leaning against the wall.
Zach moved closer, and planted his feet so that she fit snuggly between his legs. "Happy Halloween," he said cockily.
Rebecca smirked and ran a single finger across his chest. "Do you like my costume? I'm going for the high powered executive."
Zach cocked an eyebrow and rested his right hand on the wall next to her head. He bit his lower lip, and his fingers gently glided over her chin and cheek before entwining in her long brown hair. He lowered his face slowly and could not help but grin as her eyes fluttered shut. Pressed up against her he could feel her breath quicken in anticipation. He closed his eyes as his lips met hers. A groan reverberated inside of him, and they broke apart.
"I love it," he whispered, eyes still closed.
Rebecca wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him into her. The intensity of their bodies touching nearly was enough to make his legs give way. Somehow he remained upright as he kissed her again, longer this time. His heart beat faster as the kiss deepened. She continued to pull him deeper into her, and he knew she must feel him. Every other time he had been this close to a girl and his body reacted he felt embarrassed but not today. Today it felt right, almost perfect.
He pulled away from her before they completely lost their sense of decency. They were still in a very public part of the Manor. He opened his eyes and saw her looking at him with passion and a bit of concern. He smiled as he tried to catch his breath. Sophia returned and cleared her throat. Zach acknowledge her with a nod but did not move away from Rebecca.
"Lovely display as that was I'd suggest not doing it in the entrance way," warned Sophia. "Unless you want your parents watching you two like hawks all evening."
Zach pushed against the wall and stepped aside to let Rebecca pass. She adjusted her arms so that he could stand beside her and rested her head comfortably on his shoulder. A wide breathless grin refused to leave her satisfied face.
Sophia shook her head and laughed. "Alright, love birds, but don't say I didn't warn you. Zach, your mom said you'd know where the plastic cauldron from last year is in the attic."
Zach nodded. "Right, I can get it."
He led the way up the stairs still holding tightly onto Rebecca. As they passed his bedroom's door to get to the attic's stairs; something inside exploded. All three of them jumped.
"MATT?" yelled Zach louder than necessary. He waited a moment before turning the door handle.
Smoke filled his bedroom. It burned his eyes and made him cough.
"What the hell happened?" asked Sophia following him into the room. "Matt?"
Matt popped up between to denser parts of the smoke. "SOPHIA!"
Richard and Michael also appeared; faces covered in black soot.
"Err—hi?" said Michael, trying to wipe away the worst. He only succeeded in smearing the soot.
Zach disentangled himself from Rebecca with an apologetic look and rushed to open a window. He positioned the floor fan he luckily kept in his room to face the window and turned it on. The smoke slowly started to dissipate.
"Didn't my dad tell you guys we had guests?" inquired Zach sternly.
Matt sheepishly avoided his cousin's gaze. "It—surprise?"
Zach joined Rebecca across the room. "Who thinks setting off a firework inside is a good idea?"
Richard caught on the quickest. "It was just a baby Roman candle."
Sophia clucked her tongue. "Seriously, Matt?"
Matt pulled a contrite look. "No harm done."
Sophia folded her arms. "Go get cleaned up."
Matt jumped up and dashed passed them all but not before stealing a kiss from Sophia.
"Still thinks he's mature?" teased Zach.
Sophia ignored him. "You two must be Richard and Michael. Pleasure to meet you. Matt's told me so much about you."
Zach smacked himself on the forehead. "Sorry, I forgot. You guess have never met. Michael and Richard, meet Sophia and Rebecca. Rebecca and Sophie, meet my cousins Michael and Richard."
The twins hurriedly wiped their hands on their pants and shook hands with the girls. Both of them gave Zach impressed looks when they shook Rebecca's hand.
"We best go clean up," suggested Michael before they could descend into an awkward silence. The twins left the room.
Rebecca looked around the messy room. "I'm assuming it's not always this smoky?"
Zach ran a hand through his hair taking in the destruction. It was not terrible, but he would have preferred his room to be made up the first time he let his girlfriend see it.
"The cauldron, Zach," reminded Sophia.
Zach nodded. "I'll be right back."
Rebecca started to follow him, but Sophia held her back. "No one but family can go into the attic. Piper's rules," explained Sophia.
Rebecca's shoulder fell, but she quickly recovered and sat down on Zach's bed. She had seen bits and parts of the room in the good morning pictures Zach sent her every morning, but this was the first time she was able to put all the pieces together. He was a typical teenaged boy in his decorating sense. His bed sheets and covers were simple solid black and navy blue. Next to his bed was a well-worn wooden desk. On it sat his laptop his half-empty schoolbag, and two picture frames. One frame contained a picture of a much younger Halliwell family. In the other was a picture of a girl with dark hair, bright eyes, and a huge smile. She assumed the girl must be Pax. Taped to the frame were two wallet-sized pictures. One was of a blond haired baby and a laughing blond haired young man. The other to her surprise was a picture of her and Zach from Homecoming.
The rest of the furniture in the room consisted of a stand-alone cupboard off to one side with a single tall and thin bookshelf leaning against it. The bookshelf had six shelves, and she was ashamed to feel a jolt of amazement when she noticed four of the shelves were lined with various books. The second to the top shelf held gaming discs and videos. On the very top shelf sat a large stuffed clownfish and a bag of dog treats.
"Where's Pax?" asked Rebecca when Zach returned carrying a massive plastic cauldron.
Zach shrugged. "She's around here somewhere. My uncle Chris spoils her and gives her way too many treats, so she's probably following him around."
Sophia took the cauldron from Zach and left them alone in the room. She made it a point to not close the door and ensured they both saw her do it.
Rebecca got up from the bed and walked over to the bookshelf. "Who bought you the clownfish?"
Zach laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Andrew if you must know. The first time we hung out our parents took us to see the remake of Finding Nemo."
"That's cute," said Rebecca absentmindedly as she perused the books on the lower shelves. "What's your favorite Harry Potter book?"
"Prisoner of Azkaban," said Zach docilely. "Yours?"
Rebecca picked up the copy of the book. "This is a first edition."
"My dad and mom bought me the whole set when I was obsessed with the series as a kid," said Zach moving up beside her.
"I like Half-Blood Prince," whispered Rebecca.
Zach licked his lips and covered her hand with his. "That's my favorite movie."
"Really? I prefer Deathly Hallow Part II."
Someone knocked on the open door interrupting them. Prue stood in the doorway, beaming at them. "So this must be the lovely Rebecca Starling who's stolen my nephew's heart."
"Prue!" cried Zach half-heartedly.
Rebecca handed him the book and extended a hand to shake the approaching woman's hand.
Prue continued to smile. "You look stunning tonight, young lady."
Rebecca blushed. "Thank you, Mrs…" She looked over her shoulder at Zach for help.
"It's Brooks, dear, but please call me Prue. I only make my boys' girlfriends call me Mrs. Brooks."
Rebecca nodded. "Ok, Prue, it is then."
Prue looked around the room. "Matt told us they had an accident in here. I'll send Richard and Michael back up here to clean it up."
"No," said Zach shaking his head quickly. "Really, Prue, it's fine. I can get to it later."
Prue shrugged. "Fine, but your mother would have my head if I left you alone in your room with a girl. I seem to remember there being a rule against that."
Zach groaned. "The door was open."
"That didn't stop my brother from getting up to all sorts of…"
Zach held up his hands. "ENOUGH! We'll go back downstairs. I still have to sleep here."
Prue giggled. "I'll tell you later then."
"No thanks!" said Zach grabbing Rebecca's hand and pulling them out of his room. "Sorry for that."
Rebecca chortled. "I like her. She seems fun."
Zach nodded. "She can be when she's not telling me stories of my father's exploits. It's enough to kill anyone's mood."
Rebecca pecked him on the cheek quickly. "I can easily fix that."
Zach blushed. "Right."
They sat down at the top of the stairs. Rebecca noticed another picture of the young blond man hanging on the wall. This one was of him and a younger Prue, Chris, ad Wyatt; Chris was in a graduation cap and gown.
"Who's that guy?" asked Rebecca pointing at the picture.
Zach saw the picture and sighed. "It's my uncle Anakin."
"You've never mentioned him before," said Rebecca sensitively.
"No, I suppose I haven't. He died when I was still a baby just after my grandfather Leo. That's him over there." Zach pointed at his parents wedding picture. Piper and Leo stood just behind his dad and his other grandparents stood behind his mom.
"Wow. I'm sorry, Zach," said Rebecca unsure how to react to the news.
Zach smiled. "It's ok. He was such an amazing person. Both of them were, really."
"How—er…"
"He died during the whole affair with Owain Glyndwr, and Grandpa Leo passed away from a heart attack." Rebecca leaned against Zach, and he automatically wrapped a comforting arm around her.
"I don't know what I'd do if I lost someone I was close to," murmured Rebecca. "I nearly lost it when you were in the hospital, and we hadn't known each other that long. Not—not that I'm saying we're not close. Just—uh—just…"
Zach hugged her tighter and kissed the top of her head. "I know what you mean. I wouldn't wish losing a loved one on my worst enemy. It sucks, but I know they're all in a better place. One day, hopefully a very long time away, I'll get to see them there."
They slipped into silence. Zach studied the photographs lining the staircase. He had lived in the Manor for so long that they had become commonplace to him. He barely noticed them from day to day, but they spelled out the history of the Halliwell family. Even with the sharp icy prickle of loss he felt whenever he saw a picture of Leo or Anakin it dawned on him how lucky he actually was. In the photographs his family was happy and healthy, and he knew they were not faked smiles on their faces. The pictures were snapshots of a much wider truth.
"Did you see the picture of us from Homecoming on my desk?" he asked after a few minutes.
Rebecca nodded into his shoulder.
"I would've printed out a larger one, but Kenny said I had to wait until after my party."
Rebecca lifted her head. "When is everyone supposed to get here?"
Zach checked his wristwatch. "In about half-an-hour."
"We should go see if they need help with anything."
Zach agreed and pushed himself up. He offered a helping hand to Rebecca, and she took it. Together they descended the stairs and found the party decoration festivities in full swing. Matt, Michael, and Richard were all hanging up a massive happy birthday banner. Wyatt and Chris were setting up an additional table. Serena and his mom were carrying out disposable plates, glasses, and cutlery. They entered the kitchen to find Piper busy preparing dinner.
"Can we help, Grandma?"
Piper glanced over her shoulder with a spoon covered in some sort of sauce halfway between the pot and her lips. "Oh no, sweetie. Thank you, but you're the birthday boy."
The doorbell rang as his mom re-entered the kitchen. "Hey, Zach, can you get the door. I think it's some trick-or-treaters."
"Of course."
"Hi, Mrs. Halliwell," greeted Rebecca timidly.
Sarah smiled. "Good evening, Rebecca."
They left the kitchen.
"Your mom doesn't like me."
Zach laughed off the comment. "Don't be silly. She loves you."
Rebecca opened the door while Zach lifted the plastic cauldron now filled with candy. "I'm serious, Zach; she doesn't like me."
Zach held out the cauldron for the group of preteens to grab handfuls of candy. "It's all in your head. How couldn't she like you?"
"Maybe because I'm corrupting her baby boy," said Rebecca as she closed the door.
Zach sniggered. "Really? I thought only guys had to go through that with girlfriends' dads."
Rebecca playfully swatted his arm. "Zach!"
"Ok, ok, I'll talk to her if you want, but I'm sure you're worrying over nothing."
The doorbell rang again. Zach opened the door. Andrew, Kenny, Danny, and Beth stood on the porch. Michael appeared in the entranceway and whistled.
"Who's the fit bird?" he asked.
Andrew frowned and looked around. "Bird? What bird?"
Danny slapped the back of his head. "It's slang, idiot."
Andrew rubbed the back of his head. "Oh."
Zach ushered them into the house and closed the door. "Guys this is my cousin Michael. Michael, meet Kenny, Danny, and Beth. You've met Andrew before even if you can't remember his name." He whispered the last part.
Michael shook Kenny and Danny's hands. Andrew and he bumped fists. With Beth he took her hand and bent down and kissed it. "Mademoiselle, a pleasure to meet you."
Beth smiled. "Well, well, finally a gentleman."
"Allow me to take your coat," offered Michael heavily accentuating his accent.
Andrew interrupted the moment by tossing his jacket at Michael. "Thanks, dude!"
Michael did not miss a beat and caught the jacket with ease and smiled at Andrew. "Anyone else?"
Zach cleared his throat. "Everyone is setting up in the living room."
Danny took hold of Andrew's shoulders and maneuvered him away from Michael. Kenny gave his sister a questioning look; she shooed him away. She shrugged, smiled knowingly at Rebecca, and followed the two teens inside the house. Zach wrapped an arm around Rebecca's waist, and they too left, leaving Michael and Beth alone in the entranceway.
"Answer the door if anyone comes by," yelled Rebecca at the two teens, but neither appeared to have heard her. "I did not expect that."
Zach laughed. "Mike's a bit of a player."
"So is Beth," commented Rebecca.
They nearly walked right into Kenny who had stopped in the middle of the passage, staring at a photograph.
"Is that the Kyle Brooks?"
Zach frowned; he had never heard someone talk about his uncle with such reverence in his or her voice. "Yeah, he's my uncle."
Kenny spun around to face his friend. "You're joking, right?"
"Nope. He's married to my aunt Prue. Michael and Richard are his kids."
"But he's—he's the face of the pro-magical movement in Europe. He heads up the International…"
Zach interrupted him. "Yeah, I know. He's my uncle."
"So you support magic and magical people's rights?" asked Kenny is a low whisper.
Zach's breath caught in his throat and his stomach did a backflip. "Sure. They're people just like us," he said hesitantly.
Rebecca kissed him on the cheek. "I'm going to see if your mom needs any help."
Zach nodded not really hearing his girlfriend. He was too focused on Kenny's words. They were skirting dangerous territory. "What about you?"
Kenny picked up the picture of Kyle, Prue, and Piper. "I—uh—yes." He replaced the photograph and nervously met Zach's eyes.
Something deep inside Zach woke up. The sound of a drill sliding through thick metal echoed in his head, and he clutched at his ears. The sound drifted in and out, becoming more and more excruciating. He dropped to his knees, calling for the sound to stop. Someone, he assumed it was Kenny, shook him and asked him something he could not make out.
Kenny started to hyperventilate as he watched Zach rock back and forth on his knees. Zach's father had appeared almost as soon as Zach had started yelling. The rest of the house was silent, too silent. Wyatt was muttering something while trying to hold Zack still. He turned around and spoke to Kenny.
"What happened?"
Kenny breathing quickly could only shrug.
Wyatt's blue eyes narrowed, and he stood up. He stretched out one of his hands and colors sprang up around Kenny. They swirled around him: a deep blue, a bright green, a dark red, and a shimmering darkness. He blinked and the colors vanished. He stared back at a shocked Wyatt.
"An elemental," said Wyatt.
Kenny's eyes widened. "You're a witch!"
Wyatt held up his hands and smiled. "Let's keep it down. I don't know how long the freezing spell will last."
"Freezing spell?" asked Kenny, nervous. He had suspected there was something more to the Halliwell family, but he never thought they would be witches. He had met a few other magical beings since his experience in Paris; none of them were enjoyable memories.
Wyatt saw the young boy shiver, and he lowered his hands slowly. "I'm not going to hurt you, Kenny."
Kenny could not help but laugh. "That's what the last witch said before they tried to skewer me."
Wyatt pointed at his son who was no longer yelling but obviously still in a great deal of pain. "Son, I—look at Zach."
Kenny, making sure to keep a good deal of distance between him and Wyatt, glanced at Zach.
"Do you know what a whitelighter is?"
Kenny brow wrinkled further. "Whitelighter?"
Wyatt sighed. "They're like guardian angels for witches and whitelighters-to-be. They help guide their charges to follow their destinies. I think my son may be your whitelighter."
Kenny scoffed. "Bullshit. Why'd that—he's in pain."
"Right. A whitelighter can sense when his or her charge is scared or in danger. Before a whitelighter learns to control their powers those feelings can be overwhelming. It can be like a dentist's drill is ripping apart your eardrums. Not very pleasant, let me tell you."
Kenny bit his lip. "So?"
"So you're nervous, and my son is sensing that."
"And that means he's my whitelighter? What a load of kak!"
Wyatt wet his lips. "Can we at least try something?"
Kenny put up a hand, conjuring a large flame. "What?"
Wyatt eyed the flame. "Impressive. Not many elementals can call forth fire in the palm of their hands."
"That's not all I can conjure," said Kenny in warning.
"Dad?" cried out Zach.
Wyatt closed his eyes. "Kenny, please, I promise you we're good witches. Surely you've heard of the Charmed Ones?"
Kenny's bright blue eyes widened and his control of the flame in his hand weakened. The flame jumped out of his palm and lit up the nearby mirror. "Shit!"
Wyatt waved his hand and the flame vanished. Another gesture reversed the fire damage.
"You're—but—you're—OH MY GOD!"
Wyatt breathed a little easier. "So you've heard of my mom and aunts then."
Kenny looked down at Zach. "If he's my whitelighter, why did this happen only now?"
"It's a long story. One I think he'd like to tell you, but at the moment we need to help him."
"How?"
Wyatt took a step closer and Kenny tensed. "You're safe. All I want you to do is calm your mind. Whatever fear you had just before, you need to forget it. Just take deep breaths."
Kenny did as he was instructed; his eyes focused on Zach. Slowly with each breath he took he could feel his heart rate slow. As his heart slowed Zach seemed to relax as well. Eventually the teen stopped rocking and removed his hands from his ears. He yawned and acted like he was trying to pop his ears by moving his jaw. He climbed back onto his feet with a curious look on his face.
"What happened?"
Wyatt patted Kenny on the back, making the young teen jump. "Zach, meet your first charge."
Zach groaned. "Seriously?"
Wyatt nodded proudly. "I'm sure the two of you have lots to talk about, but it sounds like everyone else is unfreezing. I suggest any magic-ky talk can wait until after the party is over. Matt mentioned you're sleeping over at his place tonight."
Kenny nodded slowly. "I—err…"
Sarah stepped into the passage. "What happened?"
Wyatt smiled broadly. "I'll tell you later. At the moment we need to celebrate someone's birthday."
Dinner was a hurried affair. Piper prepared all of Zach's favorite foods including his all time favorites: roast chicken and potatoes. The room was mostly silent while everyone ate with the occasional complement about Piper's cooking thrown in. Once everyone had eaten their full, Piper and Sarah cleared the table before bringing out the birthday cake. Everyone sang, Matt took pictures, and Rebecca gave him a sloppy kiss when he managed to blow out all but a single candle.
Things warmed up when they moved to the living room. Zach sat in the center of the room and one by one everyone gave him their present. His mom and dad got him the new set of golf clubs he had been eyeing. Prue and Kyle gave him a huge collection of British sweets. Chris and Serena bought him a pair of tickets to go see one of his favorite bands in concert. His grandmother's gift was a promise to pay for driving lessons once he got his permit in a few months. His friends and cousins got him the usual gifts. Finally only Matt and Rebecca had their gifts left.
Matt got up and handed him a large box. Zach thanked him and ripped through the wrapping paper and then the box. Inside was another box. He opened it and found another box. He gave Matt a look, and his cousin burst out laughing. In the sixth much smaller and thinner he finally reached the present. He pulled out a picture frame in a similar style to the ones already on his desk. The photograph was one he did not remember being taken. In it were all his friends dressed up for Homecoming and in the center were Rebecca and he.
"Wow, thanks, dude."
Matt nodded his approval. "It's digital so the photo will change every hour or so."
Zach gently placed the photo frame down with the rest of his presents. Rebecca got up from her seat by Sophia. She was not carrying any box or package. She reached him, and he smiled at her.
"So you didn't give me a lot of time to get you something special for your birthday."
Zach grinned sheepishly.
Rebecca pouted. "And I'm the best gift giver. Just ask any of my friends. So instead I'm left with this…Zach, I love you."