Charmed, raising the next generation

Life goes on

Ashley Larocque & Julia Suddard (AKA my mom.)
31st, January, 2024

Chapter seven

The perfect gift

As the last month of the year rolls in, there is a certain magical setting that takes over the world. December brings with it a sense of beauty and anticipation as people prepare to bid farewell to another year. The air is crisp, the days are shorter, and the holiday season is in full swing. It's a time when families come together, friends exchange gifts, and cities are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. There's just something magical about the December setting that brings out the childlike wonder in all of us.

One of the most enchanting aspects of the December setting is the weather. Depending on where you live, you might experience a gentle snowfall or a cool breeze that sends shivers down your spine. The streets are often lined with frost-covered trees and rooftops, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a postcard. It's a time when cozy sweaters, scarves, and hats become wardrobe staples, providing both warmth and a sense of style. There's nothing quite like bundling up in layers and stepping outside to embrace the winter wonderland that December brings.

December is also synonymous with the holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or another holiday, there's an undeniable sense of joy and excitement in the air. People rush to stores to buy gifts for their loved ones; homes are decorated with twinkling lights and ornaments; and the smell of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air. It's a time to gather with family and friends, to share laughter, and to create lasting memories. The December setting provides the perfect backdrop for these festivities, adding an extra touch of magic to the season.

In addition to the holidays, December also marks the end of one year and the beginning of another. It's a time for reflection and goal-setting. As we look back on the past twelve months, we may feel a sense of accomplishment for our achievements or a desire to make changes in our lives. The December setting encourages us to slow down and take stock of where we've been and where we want to go. It's a time to set intentions, to make plans for the future, and to embrace the fresh start that awaits us in January.

Finally, December can bring up old memories and the opportunity to create new ones. Piper, for one, was definitely feeling the sentimental energy in the air. After spending the evening sitting on the couch, wrapped in a warm blanket, looking through old photos and watching home movies, she realized how long it had been since their last family picture. In fact, Wyatt had barely been a toddler and Chris was only an infant in the last photograph. With Wyatt now almost four and Chris having just turned two, and with the baby coming in a few short months, Piper decided it was the perfect time to get a new family picture taken. This wonderful sounding idea then evolved into the decision to have the entire family photographed. Piper and Phoebe hadn't taken a professional photo together since they were children, and Piper had never had one with Paige.

Piper's ingenious idea had landed her in an unwanted situation. She now found herself abandoned outside a photography studio with her two irritable children. Leo had insisted that he needed to check the car in case they forgot anything, but Piper suspected it was merely an excuse to avoid dealing with their cranky kids. While Chris was throwing a fit due to the cold weather, Wyatt was having a meltdown out of sheer boredom. The fact that neither of them had slept well the night before only added to the chaos. Strangers began to disapprovingly eye the misbehaving children and shake their heads, placing the blame on Piper.

Leo moved slowly towards his family, hoping that the situation had improved. However, once he saw that nothing had changed, he turned around to check the car again. Unfortunately, Piper noticed him trying to sneak away and lost her temper. "That's enough!" she snapped, her voice filled with frustration. "Leo, get your cowardly ass back here! Chris, it is not that cold outside, and I did tell you to zip up your coat! Wyatt, I don't care that you're bored; we are not going inside until everyone is here!"

The boys resumed their fits, but Leo knew better. He let out a deep sigh before re-joining his family, nodding awkwardly to some staring passersby along the way. "Piper, nothing is going to get done if the boys are in a bad mood with snot on their faces and red eyes. Let me take them inside while you wait out here for the others," Leo said, attempting to reason with her. Piper glanced at her children with an irritated expression. Leo was right, but allowing him to take the boys inside the studio would mean the kids got their way, and this frustrated her more than the way her kids were acting. However, she also knew she had to pick her battles. In the end, having nice pictures to look back on was more important than her pride. "Fine," she said, looking back at Leo, "but don't let them take their coats off or they'll dirty their clothes." "How would they-" "Oh, they'd find a way," Piper interrupted, knowing her children too well. Leo nodded and took the boy's hands, leading them inside the building.

Finally, Piper spotted some familiar faces approaching. A smile immediately spread across her face as she waved her hand in greeting. "Sorry, we're late," Paige apologized as she and Piper shared a hug. "Our car broke down," she added. Henry was still visibly frustrated as he recounted the details of their car troubles. Apparently, they had been stranded on the side of the road for a good fifteen minutes before the tow truck finally arrived. "Why didn't you just orb here?" Piper asked. Paige looked at her husband and then back at her sister. "Ask him. Someone is overly cautious about being seen." The conversation fell silent, and Piper's eyes were drawn to her sister's baby bump. Despite only being four months along, Paige already looked like she was six months along. Piper herself was six months pregnant, and their bumps were of equal size.

Phoebe and Coop arrived a few minutes later, offering no apology or explanation for their lateness. However, it didn't matter. Now that everyone was here, they entered the studio, where Leo was sitting with the boys. Piper was relieved to see that her sons were in a much better mood. Wyatt and his little brother were seated on separate chairs in the waiting room, making goofy faces at each other in an attempt to make the other laugh. Since both of them found everything funny, they laughed at each other's expressions.

In the waiting area, Piper and her companions sat down next to another family, consisting of two women and two young girls aged approximately six and eight years old. As they waited for their turn, conversations started, and a new woman entered the studio. Paige immediately recognized her as the creepy woman who had been stalking her. She froze for a second, considering informing her family, but then decided against it, feeling safe in the company of her loved ones and the Power of Three. Although the woman had given her the chills before, she had never attempted to harm her, and it would be foolish for her to try now with other people around and the entirety of the Power of Three.

The photographer suddenly followed a middle-aged couple out of the picture room and into the waiting area. He then turned towards the other clients and said, Four individuals—two women and two young girls—obediently followed him into the picture room. Meanwhile, Piper glanced at her children and frowned in disapproval. "I thought I told you to keep their coats on," she said, now addressing Leo. "The boys insisted on taking them off and had just settled down. I didn't want to provoke another tantrum," Leo replied. "Their outfits—" "Are perfectly fine," Leo interrupted, assuring her.

Piper tried to keep her composure, even though she felt her blood boiling. She didn't want to create a fuss in public, especially in front of her young children. Her kids were being relatively quiet and well-behaved, and the last thing anyone wanted was a tantrum right before taking pictures. She quickly glanced at her wristwatch. Phoebe was sitting next to her, fixing her makeup with a hand mirror, and Paige sat between Coop and Henry, gently rubbing her baby bump. Henry had a lot on his mind, preoccupied with thoughts of a stubborn parolee and how to handle him. As usual, Coop's mind was consumed with thoughts of love, and Wyatt was telling his brother about the time he brought a dragon to life. Piper didn't want to hush the boys if they talked about magic, as it would only draw attention. Despite her annoyance, Piper managed to keep her cool and maintain her focus on the task at hand.

As soon as the women and children left the studio, the Halliwell group was called in, and the adults stood up from their chairs. Piper turned to her sons and gestured for them to follow. Leo took their hands, and the group proceeded into the picture room, which was a bare space with a small two-step bench and a camera. The back wall was painted white to serve as the background for the photos. Piper wasted no time and recited the lengthy list of photographs they wanted taken. It included a group photo of the entire family, parent and child pictures, a photo of the boys together, individual photos of each of the boys, a family picture with her, Leo, and the boys, couple shots, a sister group shot, baby bump pictures, and finally, a husband group shot. The photographer nodded in agreement, and Piper remarked, "Wow, I'm impressed you followed all that." To which the photographer replied, "You're not the first big family I've photographed." After studying them for a brief moment, the photographer decided on the order in which to take the photos. "I always start with pictures that include children. Little ones can become restless and impatient during photo shoots. Let's begin with this little guy."

Leo guided Wyatt to the bench and knelt down in front of him. "Just sit here and look at the camera. Do what the photographer tells you and remember to smile when he asks." Wyatt nodded and Leo stepped away. Wyatt sat on the stool as the photographer approached him. "Can you put this foot up on the bottom step?" Wyatt complied, placing his left foot on the bottom step. "Great, now can you put this hand on your knee?" Wyatt did as he was asked, resting his left hand on his knee. "That looks good, what do you think, dad?" Leo replied, "Yeah, that looks good." Wyatt beamed at the praise. "What a great smile! Can you smile like that when I take the picture?" Wyatt nodded eagerly. "Okay, one last thing: put this hand on this leg." Wyatt placed his right hand on his right thigh. The photographer moved to the back of the camera and knelt down. "Big smile!" Wyatt gave his best smile, and with a click, the picture was taken, along with a few extra shots for good measure. "Great job, buddy. You did fantastic. Can you go stand with your parents now? You can come back in a few minutes." Wyatt nodded, hopped off the bench, and ran to his mother, wrapping his arms around her leg.

Next, it was Chris's turn to have his individual photo taken, but the small, shy boy was visibly nervous. He hesitantly shook his head when the photographer instructed him to sit on the bench. "What if your big brother goes with you?" the photographer suggested, trying to ease Chris's nerves. Chris looked at his brother with an excited smile and nodded in agreement. The photographer then moved the bench to the side and adjusted the camera before posing the boys. Wyatt sat on the floor with Chris sitting in front of him between his legs, and he wrapped his arms around his little brother's waist. "Okay, look at the camera and give me big smiles," the photographer directed. Once the boys were facing the camera and both smiling, the picture was taken, along with a few extras in case the first one didn't turn out well. "That was perfect, boys. I think the camera likes you." This made their smiles even bigger.

This time, when Chris was asked if he was ready to take a picture by himself, he nodded his head in agreement. Wyatt re-joined his parents at the side of the room while the photographer started getting Chris to pose. "Chris, would you like to stand up for your picture or sit on the bench?" the photographer asked, sensing that the child was still a little nervous. "Like Wyatt," Chris replied, nodding. The photographer brought back the bench and positioned it, then helped Chris onto it. He instructed Chris to sit with his bottom on the top step; his legs were apart, leaving a small gap, and both feet were on the bottom step. He placed Chris's left hand on his left knee and his right hand on top of his left hand. After adjusting the camera height, the photographer asked, "Okay, Chris, can you give me a big smile?" Chris put on his best smile, and the photographer took a few pictures. "Awesome job. These are going to look great," the photographer praised.

Leo joined his two sons for the next photograph, standing just behind them with a warm smile on his face. Chris, the younger one, stood on the second step of the bench, while Wyatt stood on the top step as he was bigger. The photographer clicked the camera, capturing the picture. Leo then stepped away, making way for Piper, the boys' mother, to take her place in the picture. The photographer removed the bench once again, and Piper stood in the middle, with Wyatt on her right and Chris on her left. Both boys were standing on small benches to give them some extra height. The photographer directed Piper to lean the boys into her and rest her hands on their shoulders. They smiled radiantly, creating a precious memory that would last forever. The photographer clicked the camera again, capturing the moment.

After the rest of the pictures had been taken, the large group left the room, stepping back into the waiting room. As Piper approached the front desk to purchase the pictures, Paige scanned the room. A chill ran down her spine as she noticed the woman with the unsettling grin was still sitting there. Though it was possible that she was there for a photo session, Paige's intuition told her otherwise. To her relief, both Henry and Phoebe had also noticed the woman's unsettling presence. Henry quickly moved in front of his wife, while Phoebe placed a comforting hand on Paige's shoulder. "You really should look in the book, just in case," Phoebe whispered. "Or at least talk to Darryl about this," Henry suggested. "Don't underestimate your instincts, Paige," Phoebe added.

Since Wyatt and Chris were in a good mood, Piper took the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping for her sisters. While wandering around the mall, they unexpectedly bumped into Billie, who was also busy shopping for Christmas. They decided to stick together and shop as a group. As they approached the toy aisle, Wyatt's eyes lit up with excitement when he saw a large remote-controlled car, and he let go of his mother's hand to get a closer look. Piper followed him, leaving Billie and Chris behind. She had started trusting Billie around her children and now felt comfortable with her being alone with them if she or someone she fully trusted was nearby. As she watched Wyatt try and convince his mother to buy him the expensive toy, Billie wasn't aware of what Chris was doing. The mischievous toddler,, was orbing toys off the shelves and into Billie's shopping basket.

"Why don't you get this for Chris for Christmas?" Piper suggested, offering her son a compromise. "I'm sure Chris will let you play with it sometimes," she added. Wyatt gave it some thought before agreeing to the compromise. Piper wasn't thrilled about spending so much on a toy, but she removed it from the shelf and placed it in her basket anyway. With this resolved, Billie focused her attention on Chris. Her eyes widened in alarm, and she quickly scanned their surroundings to ensure no one had seen Chris's magic. Though there were customers everywhere, they weren't paying Chris any attention. Billie turned back to Chris and said, "No magic in the store, Chris. There are mortals here." She collected the toys from the basket and placed them back on the shelves.

Wyatt's face lit up with joy as he ran towards Billie, his mother following closely behind. "I want to get Mommy a Christmas present," Wyatt exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. Piper's heart swelled with love. "Thank you, Buddy," she said, beaming at her son. Wyatt looked up at Billie with hopeful eyes. "Can you take me, Billie?" he asked. Billie turned to Piper for approval, and once she nodded, Billie took Wyatt's small hand in hers. "Which store do you want to go to?" Billie asked, leading Wyatt away from Piper and Chris. Wyatt's shoulders shrugged in uncertainty. "What do you want to buy mommy?" Billie prodded gently. Again, Wyatt was at a loss. "Maybe a necklace or a pair of earrings?" Billie suggested. Wyatt nodded eagerly in agreement, and they made their way to the nearest jewellery store inside the mall.

Meanwhile, Chris was blabbing incoherently while holding his mother's hand. "How about this top for Auntie Paige? Do you think she'd like it?" Piper asked, holding up a purple top. Chris shook his head. However, he didn't know whether or not his aunt would like the top. He didn't like it, so it was a no from him. Piper put the top back and scanned the rack. Her eyes landed on a top she was sure Phoebe would like. However, Chris was growing restless and bored, and he deemed the top "ugly" before announcing that he wanted to leave.

Wyatt was feeling defeated as he browsed necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Despite the stunning array of accessories on display, none of them felt quite right. He was on a mission to find the perfect gift for his mother, and nothing seemed good enough. Billie could sense his frustration and tried to console him. "I'm sure your mom would love any of these," she said soothingly. But Wyatt was insistent that he needed to keep looking. Billie could see the hurt in Wyatt's eyes and tried to cheer him up. "I'm sorry you haven't found anything yet, Buddy. Sometimes, it takes a while to find the perfect thing," she stated. Wyatt shrugged his shoulders and gazed down at the floor with pouted lips and watery eyes.

Later that day, Wyatt was still feeling down. He sat at the table with his family but couldn't bring himself to eat. He twirled his fork in his spaghetti. His parents quickly took notice and watched him with concerned expressions. "What's going on there, son?" Leo asked in a soft tone. Wyatt simply shrugged and stared into his bowl. "Did something happen? You can tell us," Piper prodded. Wyatt whispered, "I'm sorry," as he looked up at his mother. Piper shifted nervously in her chair and asked, "What are you sorry for?" Wyatt sniffled and replied, "I couldn't find your present." Piper breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment there, she had thought either Wyatt had done something serious or someone had done something to him. "Not good enough," Wyatt continued. "Oh, no, buddy. I will love anything you get me," Piper reassured him. However, Wyatt only shrugged and fell silent.

Piper hated seeing how upset her son was over this. Unlike other children his age, Wyatt already possessed a strong sense of empathy, more so than the average toddler. His parents believed this was due to Wyatt's heritage as a whitelighter and a Warren witch, both known for their empathetic and kind nature. However, being so young, Wyatt struggled to express his emotions and was often stubborn and easily frustrated. Therefore, Piper knew that there was nothing she could say to make Wyatt feel better. However, since Wyatt was only a toddler, she could easily distract him.

Changing her expression from concern to excitement, Piper suggested, "Why don't we go see Santa tomorrow?" Wyatt's entire demeanour transformed at the idea. A bright smile spread across his face and his eyes lit up with pure excitement. "Can Auntie Phoebe come?" he asked eagerly. His mother nodded in agreement and replied, "I'm sure Auntie Phoebe would love to join us. Why don't you call and ask her after supper?" Wyatt nodded happily and started gobbling up his spaghetti in anticipation of calling his aunt. Meanwhile, Chris burst into laughter at his brother's sudden fast eating, as if he were competing in a pie-eating contest at the carnival.

While Wyatt was anticipating his visit with Santa at the mall, Phoebe and Coop had an equally exciting topic to discuss. Ever since the loving couple tied the knot surrounded by their family and closest friends, the newlyweds had been planning their honeymoon. "It's too close to Christmas now; I don't want to miss that," Phoebe said, setting down her glass of water. "I was thinking early next year, but it'll have to be either before or after Valentine's Day," Coop added, cutting into his steak. As Cupid, Valentine's Day was Coop's busiest time of year. "I want to be around when Piper has the baby, but January will be a busy month at work," Phoebe pointed out. Her sister was due to give birth in early March. "Okay, what if we leave right after Valentine's Day, and Piper can call us when she goes into labor?" Coop suggested. With his power of beaming, Coop could transport them back home in a matter of seconds, no matter where they went on their honeymoon. Phoebe considered the idea. "I'd rather not have the honeymoon while I'm already pregnant, so it needs to be early next year," she said, pausing to think. They had agreed to start trying for their first child together a few months into the new year. "Yes, your suggestion works. Work won't be too hectic, and we can probably get back before Piper's due," Phoebe agreed.

The Honeymoon was an exciting event to plan, but the subject on Paige's mind was awkward and nerve-wracking. "Honey, I've been thinking about our Christmas plans," Paige slowly began. Henry placed down his napkin and focused his eyes on her. Paige's voice dropped to a whisper. "I know we're having your parents over for Christmas dinner." She paused and then said, "But I was wondering if they would mind if I invited my father to join us." She nervously bit her lip, waiting for her husband's response. "I'm sure they wouldn't mind at all," Henry replied. He paused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "In fact, I think it would be good for them to meet. And having both sides of the family together for the holidays is a good thing."

Paige let out a nervous laugh. "Maybe not," she said. "My family's holiday traditions includes the spirits of my grandmother and mother, and I've already told your parents that my mother's dead." She tucked her hair behind her ears and added, "Introducing my dead mother to your mortal parents would be a very awkward moment." Henry nodded in agreement and said, "Well, as for your living father, I think you should have him over for Christmas dinner." However, Paige shrugged, uncertain about her own suggestion to invite Sam. "He's the only one I haven't told yet that we're expecting twins," she said. "Perfect time to tell him," Henry stated. He then asked, "Were you hoping I'd say you can't invite him?" Paige shook her head but then stopped and shrugged. "This is all new; I'm not sure what to do," she said. "It's new for him too, and just as confusing," Henry assured her.

As 7 o'clock came around, Wyatt and Chris began to show signs of irritability, indicating that it was their bedtime. Leo gave them a hug, wished them good dreams, and watched Piper lead them up the staircase. The boys' bedroom still had remnants of a nursery, with light blue walls adorned with large Mickey Mouse stickers. A changing table with diapers and wipes on display on the shelves underneath. However, it was slowly starting to become more of a toddler's bedroom than a nursery. Especially now that Chris slept in a cute toddler bed instead of a crib. At night, Wyatt's Mickey Mouse nightlight dimly lit up the room. Stuffed animals were scattered on the beds and floor, along with a colourful array of hard LEGO bricks. A stack of brightly illustrated children's books stood neatly on the bookshelf in the corner, with their covers bursting with vibrant colours that were sure to capture the children's imaginations. It was bittersweet to watch the room slowly change as time went on. Leo and Piper hadn't started setting up the baby's nursery in Phoebe's old room yet, but they would be starting on it after Christmas.

Piper gently tucked Chris into bed and leaned over to plant a kiss on his forehead. Initially, transitioning Chris to a bed was challenging. He would resist settling down at night and going to sleep. Instead, he would wait for his parents to leave and then either jump on his bed or play with his toys until he got caught or passed out from exhaustion. However, as he became more accustomed to sleeping in a bed, he began to settle down more quickly. There were now fewer tantrums at bedtime, and his parents believed it was because Chris was no longer confined in his crib. Unlike Wyatt, who loved using his powers, Chris rarely used his own. His parents were grateful for this, as he didn't orb out of his crib, highchair, or car seat. It was interesting to observe the differences between the two boys. Chris was not as empathetic as Wyatt, and this was something he had yet to start developing. He was also more hesitant to experiment with his powers, whereas Wyatt was more carefree. Just like mortal children, magical children also had their own unique traits and characteristics.

Moving on to Wyatt, Piper tucked him in and kissed his head. She was about to leave the room, but Wyatt caught her attention. "Can I go with Auntie Phoebe?" He asked, his eyes fighting to stay open as sleep was taking over. "You mean to see Santa?" Piper asked. "No, shopping," Wyatt clarified. He let out a sleepy yawn. Piper seated herself on the edge of his bed and said, "Honey, I love that you want to get me a present." She paused, deciding how she wanted to word this. "I will love anything you get me." However, like before, her words didn't bring the child any comfort. "You're the best mommy," Wyatt whispered, melting his mother's heart. "You need the best present." Piper sighed and stroked her son's hair before kissing his forehead. "Anything you get me will be the best present," she said. Wyatt didn't respond. He closed his eyes, ready to drift off to sleep.

In the morning, after feeding and dressing the children, Phoebe picked them up to take them to the mall to see Santa. Meanwhile, Piper and Paige were headed to the doctor. They planned to meet Phoebe and the boys at the mall afterwards. The mall was buzzing with holiday cheer. Shoppers were scurrying around, their arms filled with bags of gifts for loved ones. The air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and pine, and twinkling lights adorned every corner. In the heart of it all, nestled in a cozy corner of the mall, stood Santa's magical workshop. Children eagerly lined up, waiting for their turn to meet the jolly old man himself.

Amongst the sea of excited kids, two brothers named Wyatt and Chris couldn't contain their glee. With wide eyes and rosy cheeks, they swung Phoebe's arms back and forth, chatting excitedly about Santa, Christmas, presents, and reindeer. However, they soon realized they were in for a long wait. There was a long line of adults and eager children, a line that seemed to never end. Phoebe didn't really want to wait in the long line, knowing that boys would eventually get impatient and cause a scene. "You know, it looks like Santa is really busy right now." She paused as she thought of something that would keep the boys entertained and happy. "Wyatt, why don't we do that shopping for mommy, and you can both get one new toy too." She suggested. Chris squealed in delight as Wyatt bobbed his head eagerly.

Piper and Paige, two close sisters who were lucky enough to get pregnant around the same time, were eagerly waiting for their respective pregnancy check-ups. Piper was at 29 weeks, while Paige was at 20 weeks. They had planned to accompany each other to the doctor's office, because Henry had to work and Paige refused to go to the doctor alone because of the creepy woman with the grin. Piper, being in her third trimester, was feeling a bit more anxious than Paige. She knew that her check-up would involve more tests and discussions about the baby's position and preparations for birth. On the other hand, Paige, being in her second trimester, was looking forward to seeing her babies through an ultrasound and learning more about its development.

They were called into the examination room, where their doctor greeted them with a warm smile. Piper's check-up started first. She and the doctor discussed Piper's overall health and any concerns she might have. As the doctor placed a Doppler device on Piper's belly to listen to the baby's heartbeat, Piper felt a sense of relief and joy. The rhythmic sound of her baby's heartbeat reassured her that everything was going well. The doctor also performed a routine ultrasound to check the baby's growth and position. Piper eagerly watched the screen as her little one moved around, seemingly aware of their presence. They also discussed the importance of proper nutrition and exercise during this stage of pregnancy.

As Paige lay down on the examination table, the doctor squeezed some cold gel on her belly and began moving the ultrasound probe gently over it. Almost instantly, an image of her babies appeared on the screen. Paige's eyes widened with awe. This was the first time she was seeing them since learning she was expecting twins. Suddenly, her fears disappeared and she couldn't take her eyes off the screen. The doctor pointed out various features and explained how the babies were growing and developing. During Paige's check-up, the doctor also discussed important milestones in her pregnancy and answered any questions she had. They talked about the upcoming anatomy scan, where they would get a detailed look at the babies' organs and confirm their genders if Paige wished to know. She wasn't sure if she wanted to know in advance, and she didn't know if Henry did.

Both Piper and Paige left their check-ups feeling reassured and filled with anticipation for what lay ahead, and joined Phoebe and the boys at the mall. Phoebe was in the long line, trying her best to keep a conversation going with the boys to distract them. Wyatt, though disappointed he still couldn't find anything for his mother, was filled with excitement over seeing Santa and held a new truck under his arm. Meanwhile, Chris cuddled a new brown teddy bear in his little arms. "I sent you to bring my kids to see Santa, and they mysteriously have new toys," Piper stated playfully as she and Paige approached. The boys smiled at her presence, gave her a hug, and then gave one to Paige. "Hey, they're with Aunt Phoebe; what did you expect?" Phoebe replied with a laugh.

The line moved slowly, but finally, there was only one more child ahead of them. That kid sat on Santa's lap, freaked out, and ran off crying with his father chasing after him. As they approached Santa's throne, the boys' excitement soared. Their eyes sparkled with wonder as they took in the elaborate set-up around them. A towering Christmas tree stood tall beside Santa's chair, adorned with colourful ornaments and twinkling lights. And soft carols played in the background. Finally, it was their turn. Wyatt and Chris eagerly climbed onto Santa's lap; Wyatt on the left, and Chris on the right.

Santa, with his merry laughter and kind eyes, welcomed them warmly. "Ho, ho ho, Merry Christmas! What are your names?" The boys shouted out their names eagerly, and when Santa asked if they had been good all year, they nodded their heads. However, Piper begged to differ. Santa asked them about their wishes for Christmas, patiently listening as each boy shared their dreams. Chris listed anything that came to mind, even if it wasn't something he actually wanted. Meanwhile, Wyatt said he didn't want presents. "I want to buy mommy a present," he said. "Oh, that's very kind. Santa will see what he can do to help you, young man."

The boys couldn't help but be in awe of Santa's presence. They marvelled at his fluffy white beard and his twinkling eyes that seemed to hold a hint of magic. As they spoke to him, they felt a sense of comfort and joy wash over them. They knew that Santa understood their hopes and dreams, and that he would do his best to make their Christmas wishes come true.

After a few minutes of conversation, Santa bid them farewell with a hearty "Ho ho ho!" He assured them that he would do his utmost to deliver the gifts they had asked for. The boys hopped off his lap, their hearts filled with joy and excitement. As they made their way back to their mother and aunts, they couldn't stop talking about their encounter with Santa.

Wyatt, the adorable little boy with a heart full of love for his mother, Piper, decided that he wanted to go shopping for her again. Paige, always eager to spend time with her nephew and make him happy, agreed to take him while the rest of their family went on their own separate errands. As they strolled through the bustling mall, Wyatt's eyes lit up with excitement at the sight of all the colourful shops and beautiful displays. He held Paige's hand tightly, his tiny fingers gripping hers as they embarked on their mission to find the perfect gift for Piper.

Out of nowhere, a woman with an eerie presence appeared before them. It was her, Paige's stalker! Her eyes seemed to pierce through their souls, and her voice sent shivers down Paige's spine. Paige felt a sense of unease as she realized that she was alone with Wyatt in this encounter. She tightened her grip on his hand and tried to remain calm, not wanting to show him her anxiety. The creepy woman stared at Paige's stomach intently, as if searching for something within her. Her gaze made Paige's heart race, and she found herself instinctively moving closer to Wyatt, shielding him from any potential harm, while placing her free arm across her stomach as though to protect her unborn his young age, Wyatt could sense his aunt's unease. He looked up at her with his big innocent eyes, filled with curiosity and a touch of nervousness. After an intense moment, the woman walked away, and Paige breathed a huge sigh of relief. She looked down at Wyatt and, in a stern tone, instructed, "If you see that woman again, tell me right away." Wyatt nodded in understanding and they then continued on their way.

As they continued their quest, Wyatt's disappointment grew with each passing moment. Nothing seemed to fit the bill - nothing felt special enough for Piper. Determined not to let her nephew down, Paige racked her brain for ideas. Suddenly, it hit her - they could try a local artisan market just a few blocks away. The market was known for its unique and handmade goods, surely there would be something there that would catch Wyatt's eye. With renewed hope, Paige steered Wyatt towards the market, their pace quickening. They weaved through the crowd until they reached the entrance. As they stepped inside, their eyes lit up with wonder at the array of beautiful crafts and artworks on display. However, it turned out to be another dead end, and Paige couldn't understand why her three-year-old nephew was being so picky about this. What kind of toddler even had this kind of awareness?

Paige decided to take Wyatt to the little children's restaurant in the mall, hoping to cheer him up. As they entered the restaurant, she couldn't help but notice all the little girls happily chattering away with their fathers. It tugged at her heartstrings, reminding her of the times when her adoptive father used to take her out for lunch and make her feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Remembering him, made her think about how she had never gotten to have any father-daughter moments with Sam. It made her realize just how much she wanted Sam in her life. She wanted to know him, she wanted him in her life, she wanted to see him be a grandfather to her children. She didn't know if she would ever have any of that with Sam, but if she didn't try, there wouldn't be a chance at all.

Just as Paige and Wyatt were settling into their seats, a familiar chill ran down her spine. The creepy woman had appeared again. Paige's heart raced, and she could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She quickly glanced around, hoping to find an escape route. The woman's piercing gaze seemed to follow her every move, intensifying Paige's uneasiness. She knew she had to get out of there as soon as possible. Without causing a scene, Paige calmly gathered their belongings and whispered to Wyatt that they needed to leave immediately. He seemed to understand that it was for their safety. As they hurried away, Paige couldn't understand why this woman was so fixated on her, but something was now very clear. She was in danger, and she needed help.

Paige's heart raced as she hurried into the police station, her young nephew clinging to her hand. The encounter with the creepy woman had left her feeling unsettled and scared for their safety. She knew she needed help, and she hoped that Darryl, the police officer she had come to see, could protect her. Upon seeing Paige here in such a frantic state, and with one of the children, Darryl knew something wasn't right. He practically jumped up from his chair and asked her what had happened. Paige took a deep breath and began explaining the situation. She described the woman's unsettling behaviour, how she seemed to be watching their every move from a distance. But there was one problem – Paige had no idea who this woman was or what her intentions were. Darryl listened intently, his brow furrowing as he processed the information.

After a moment of silence, Darryl spoke softly. "Are you sure she's not a…other kind a problem?" Paige shrugged, realizing she should have taken her sister's advice and looked through the book a long time ago. "I'm sorry, without any solid information about this woman, there isn't much I can do at the moment. We need more to go on." Darryl was right. How could they catch someone they couldn't even identify? However, Darryl quickly reassured her, "But don't worry, I promise you this: I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. We'll increase patrols in your area and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. In the meantime, I strongly advise you not to go anywhere alone." He lowered his voice and added, "and also check your book, just incase she's not…my kind of bad-guy." Paige nodded, grateful for Darryl's dedication and support. She knew she could trust him to do whatever it took to protect them. "Let me take you both home."

Over the next few days, Darryl's words echoed in Paige's mind as she went about her daily routine. She made sure to always have someone with her when she ventured outside – whether it was one of her sisters, or her husband. She knew that being vigilant was key to staying safe until this woman was caught. As the days turned into weeks, Paige continued to keep an eye out for any signs of the creepy woman. Every noise made her jump, and every shadow sent chills down her spine. But slowly, with Darryl's words in mind and the increased police presence in her neighbourhood, Paige started to regain her sense of security.

Two days before Christmas, Wyatt was feeling the pressure to find his mom the perfect gift. He searched high and low, going from store to store, but nothing seemed to catch his eye. The clock was ticking, and Wyatt's desperation grew with each passing minute. That's when his father suggested that he draw his mom a picture. Wyatt's eyes lit up at the suggestion. Drawing had always been one of his favourite hobbies, and he knew his mom cherished anything he made with his own two hands. However, as he sat down with a blank sheet of paper and a pencil in hand, he couldn't decide on what to draw.

Finally, he drew picture of his mom cooking, one of her favourite hobbies. However, he was only three, so Piper was a bunch of line with a circle on top with dots for eyes and a nose, and he forgot to give her a mouth. Wyatt tried again, this time drawing a picture of him and his mom playing catch in the park. But again, he felt unsatisfied. It was not the perfect present. He spent five minutes drawing, erasing, and redrawing, using more concentration than ever before. Each time, he insisted that none of them are good enough. Leo watched patiently as Wyatt became more and more frustrated. After Wyatt screamed in frustration and ripped the paper in half, Leo took away his crayons and instructed him to go and play with his toys, seeing that he needed a break.

That night, the silence of the house was broken by the soft sound of Wyatt's footsteps as he tiptoed out of his room towards the bathroom. The darkness enveloped him, making every step feel like a delicate dance. As he made his way down the hall, he heard his parents talking in their bedroom. Curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to listen in on their conversation. As Wyatt pressed his ear against the door, he strained to catch every word. "Poor thing, he's trying so hard," his mother's voice said. She spoke softly, her words filled with longing and sadness. "Between us, the perfect gift would be to have Prue back," she whispered. And now, hearing his mother's words, he couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to make that perfect gift come true. He walked away, missing his mother's next words. "I just don't know if Grams will let her come for that long, she's been really strict." Piper sighed and added, "But having her back for Christmas would be the perfect gift."

Wyatt found himself standing at the foot of the attic stairs. If his mother's perfect gift was having her sister back, then Wyatt would find a way to do it. That was that. It was midnight now, the witching hour, and officially Christmas eve. He gripped the dusty banister and slowly ascended. Determined to make his mother's wish come true, Wyatt placed three white candles in a circle. He wasn't allowed to cast spells, and he had never summoned a spirt before. However, he had heard and seen the spell many times. However, there was a small problem; lighting the candles. He wasn't allowed to use lighters. He pondered his problem for a moment, and decided that since this was to make his mother's perfect present, it would be okay to use the lighter just this once. He orbed it into his hand and fiddled with it for a few minutes as he didn't know how it worked. He couldn't figure out how to work the lighter and chucked it on the floor in frustration. He knew the candles needed to be lit, but decided to try the chant without the candles.

In the most adorable voice, the boy tried to remember the entire chant. "Here my words…hear my cry." He couldn't quite remember the next line. Frustrated, he let out a sigh, but then a solution came to him. He knew his family wouldn't allow him to do this, but there was one person who might. With a blink of his eyes, he orbed Billie into the manor. Billie, dressed in a nightgown and slippers with her blonde hair in a messy bun, looked around in confusion before her gaze settled on Wyatt. "I want to give Mommy a present," Wyatt explained. This situation brought back painful memories for Billie. Wyatt probably didn't remember, but she and Christy had once kidnapped him and manipulated him into helping them in this very attic by convincing him he was helping his mother. "I think I should go get your mother," Billie stated. "No!" Wyatt cried out.

"Please, Billie," Wyatt pleated. Billie sighed, conflicted about what to do. Her instincts were telling her to go get Piper, but this sweet boy only wanted to give his mother a present. What was the worst that could happen? "What do you need me to do?" Billie asked sceptically. She could at least hear him out, she decided. And then she'd decide if this was something Piper needed to know about. "The candles and the spell," Wyatt informed her, pointing to the lighter on the ground. Billie's eyes widened as she quickly retrieved the light. "Did you try to use this? That's really dangerous!" She told him. "What spell are you using?" Billie asked. She still wasn't sure how to handle this. "To get Auntie Prue," Wyatt replied. "That's it? All you want is Auntie Prue?" Billie asked. Wyatt nodded in response. Billie sighed, knowing deep down she should go get this child's mother. "If I help you, can you promise that you will never tell your mommy that I helped you?" Wyatt nodded in agreement. "Okay, step back."

Billie lit the candles and chanted the spell, and after Prue's spirit emerged in the circle, she had Wyatt orb her home and reminded him of his promise. "Hi, Auntie Prue," Wyatt greeted. Prue stepped out of the circle and knelt in front of Wyatt. "Hi, buddy. Wyatt, does your mother know what you're doing?" Wyatt shook his head with a smile on his face and said, "It's a surprise. You're the perfect present." Prue stood up and instructed her nephew to go and get his mother. Wyatt nodded eagerly.

Wyatt rushed down the stairs to find his mother. He knew that in order for his plan to work, he needed her presence. "Mommy," he called out to her. Leo and Piper looked in his direction. "What are you doing out of bed, it's so late?" Piper asked. "I got your perfect present. It's in the attic, come one on Mommy." Without hesitation, he quickly made his way downstairs to get his mother and bring her to Prue. As Wyatt guided his mother towards Prue, he felt a surge of love flowing through him. It was as if their bond had become stronger than ever before, fueled by their shared desire to make their family whole again. Holding both of their hands tightly, Wyatt could feel the warmth of their love radiating through him, giving him the strength to carry out their plan.

With all his might, he summoned the power within him and directed it towards the spirit of his aunt, and something extraordinary happened. A blinding light burst forth from their intertwined hands, illuminating the entire attic and causing both Piper and Wyatt to shield their eyes. Once it was over, neither Prue nor Piper realized what Wyatt had done. "What was that, Buddy?" Piper asked. "Your present," Wyatt replied. Piper didn't catch on to what her son was trying to tell her. She didn't understand what magic had just transpired and decided it didn't matter. Her sister was here. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she embraced her sister. "I get to have you for Christmas," she cried. She turned to her son and said, "This is the best present; thank you." However, Wyatt shook his head. "That's not your present," he said. However, his mother and aunt didn't hear him as they continued to cry and embrace.

Summoning her sisters with urgency, Piper relayed the news about Prue's return. Phoebe and Paige arrived in a flurry of excitement and disbelief, their eyes widening at the sight of their sister standing before them. Embracing Prue with tears streaming down their faces. The family gathered in the attic, their hearts overflowing with love. Bound together by blood and an unbreakable bond of love.

In the morning, Piper summoned Grams and Patty, and invited Victor to join them. This was the first time all four sisters were in the same room with both of their parents and their grandmother. Patty beamed at her pregnant daughters. The thought of having new grandchildren filled her with joy. "Coop and I have finally set a date for our honeymoon," Phoebe announced to the group. All eyes turned to her, eagerly awaiting the details. "When will it be?" Patty inquired. "The 15th of February, possibly into March," Phoebe replied with a smile. As the group processed this news, Piper declared that she would make some hot chocolate, leaving the living room to prepare the drinks. In the meantime, Leo turned on the CD player, and the cheerful sounds of Christmas carols filled the room. The boys couldn't resist the festive atmosphere and began to dance around. Piper returned with the hot chocolate and graciously served everyone a cup.

The living room was filled with the joyful sound of Christmas carols. The sweet aroma of hot chocolate wafted through the air as everyone sipped on their mugs. Later on, after changing into their comfy pyjamas, the boys playfully orbed down pillows and invited everyone to join in on a fun pillow fight, except for Piper and Paige, who just watched from the sidelines since they were pregnant. After the excitement died down, they all settled back on the couch and watched some old home movies showcasing their childhood memories and the infancy of the boys. The clock ticked away as they lost themselves in nostalgia and laughter until it was almost midnight. By this time, the boys had dozed off on the floor in a peaceful slumber.

Before going to bed, Leo arranged all the presents under the beautifully decorated tree, hoping to surprise his kids the next morning. As the night passed and the clock struck 5 in the morning, the boys woke up to the sound of their own excitement. Without wasting a moment, they magically appeared in the living room, unable to contain their joy. Of course, Prue, Grams, and Patty had never gone to sleep since they were dead, and they had actually made a bet on when the boys would come. Patty won the bet. The tired half-asleep parents walked down the stairs, sat on the couch, and watched while Piper made coffee and Prue video-tapped the boys ripping open their presents.

The adults took a few sips to wake up from their slumber. Soon, they joined the children on the floor, where piles of presents were waiting to be unwrapped. Wyatt's eyes lit up with joy when he saw his new cowboy hat, and Chris clung tightly to his new teddy bear. Once all the gifts were unwrapped, Wyatt eagerly requested Paige to read them a new book, "The Ugly Duckling." As Paige read to the boys, Prue and Piper got busy in the kitchen, preparing a delicious breakfast. Leo, Henry, and Coop enthusiastically joined forces to clean up the wrapping paper mess. Finally, Piper announced that breakfast was ready, and everyone rushed to the table.

"Piper? Do you know what you're having yet?" Patty asked.

"Yes, actually. Leo and I were waiting until today so we could tell everyone at once."

Piper stood up from her seat and raised her voice to get everyone's attention. The noise in the room gradually subsided as all eyes turned towards her. "Leo and I have some exciting news to share with you all," she announced with a smile on her face. The room buzzed with anticipation as they waited for Piper to reveal what it was. Meanwhile, Wyatt and Chris, who were too engrossed in playing with their new toys, seemed oblivious to their mother's announcement. Piper paused for a moment to build up the suspense. "We know the gender of our child," she continued, and the room fell silent in anticipation. She paused for a moment and then said, "Baby number three is a….BOY!" Everyone in the room looked at each other, not quite sure if Piper was serious or not. Piper sat down, smiling mischievously, and said, "Just kidding." Phoebe caught on first and let out a scream of excitement. "It's a girl!?" she exclaimed. Piper nodded, and everyone else caught on, bursting into cheers and applause. The scream had caught Wyatt and Chris's attention, and they looked up from their toys, wondering what was going on. As everyone started hugging Piper and congratulating her. Once everyone had calmed down, the boys went back to playing, and the adults sat down and chatted excitedly about the new addition to the family.

"Paige, do you know what you're having yet?" Prue asked.

"No, but they are probably a girl."

Chris suddenly leapt up and hurled his bacon at Paige's face, causing the entire table to fall silent as everyone's eyes turned towards Piper. But much to everyone's amazement, Piper decided to declare a food fight. She stood up, grabbed her French toast, and threw it at Paige, who immediately orbed it away but accidentally hit Phoebe in the process. Paige retaliated by flinging her scrambled eggs at Piper, but Piper used her powers to freeze the eggs and then blow them up. Phoebe tossed a piece of bacon at Paige, who also orbed it away but ended up hitting Prue's chin instead. Prue then used her powers to make Paige's glass of milk move towards her, causing it to spill all over Paige. In response, Paige orbed away Prue's chair, making her fall to the ground. Prue then used her powers to make Paige's fork jump out of her hand, but unfortunately, it hit Phoebe on the nose. Phoebe then threw her pancakes at Prue, who used her powers to move them away, but they nearly hit Piper, who quickly froze them. Piper then helped Paige by making the pancakes hit Prue instead. Before long, the boys also joined in the food fight. Wyatt orbed his eggs onto Piper's head, and Chris orbed his pancakes, which were floating in syrup, towards Paige's head. Wyatt then tried to orb the pancakes onto Chris's head, but Chris saw it coming and orbed out of his chair, causing the pancakes to land on the floor instead. Just as they were in the midst of the chaos, Grams looked at Patty, who was laughing along with Victor and her sons-in-law. Penny rolled her eyes, got up, and shouted, "Stop it, children! Clean this up, or you'll be put on timeout—and that goes for the adult kids too! Now clean this up and start acting like adults!" All four sisters stared at Grams for a moment and then burst into laughter.

The group of adults proceeded to clean up the mess that had been created. As they finished, each person took turns washing up in the bathroom. The silence was only broken by the sound of their footsteps as they returned to the table, where they silently finished eating what was left on their plates. Once everyone was dressed and back in the living room, they watched the video that Leo had recorded of the food fight. Despite the mess and chaos, everyone was laughing uncontrollably, including Grams. After watching the video several times, Paige decided to show some home movies from her childhood, and the group settled in to watch. Piper enjoyed learning about Paige's life when she was growing up. Patty also enjoyed it.

It was time for Penny and Patty to leave, and their eyes were filled with both sadness and joy as they tightly embraced each other, exchanging tears and heartfelt words. As they vanished into the ethereal plane, Prue attempted to follow but found herself unable to transform back into her spirit form. She was trapped, unable to return. An invisible barrier seemed to be holding her back, preventing her from leaving, and she couldn't understand why. She looked at her sisters and muttered in disbelief, "Nothing's happening." How could this be? Why was Prue the only one unable to leave? These questions raced through everyone's minds as they stared at Prue blankly.

Suddenly, four of the Elders, the wise and ancient Whitelighters who governed the magical world, arrived with an air of fury surrounding them. The Elders' anger was directed not towards Prue but towards Wyatt. "Do you have any idea of what you have done?" a male Elder asked, his eyes glaring into Wyatt's. This frightened the boy, causing him to hide behind his mother for protection. Piper, not one to let anyone speak to her child in such a manner, shouted, "Hey, back off!" Leo stepped forward, while the others looked on with nervous and confused expressions. "What is this about? What has my son done?" Leo asked in a stern voice. The Elder's voice thundered through the air as they explained the unthinkable truth. "That boy has resurrected a witch," the Elder informed. Pointing to Wyatt's aunt, he added, "Prudence Halliwell." Jaws dropped, tears welled up, and hearts swelled with happiness and love. "Merry Christmas, Mommy," Wyatt whispered as he smiled up at her. As tears fell from her eyes, Piper lifted her son into her arms and whispered in his ear, "you really did give me the perfect present."

Prue's family members stood frozen in a mix of disbelief and overwhelming emotions. Tears streamed down their faces as they realized that they had their sister back, not just for a fleeting moment, but permanently. However, this reunion had come at a great cost and with unforeseen, and unknown consequences. The Elders were not so easily swayed by sentimentality. With stern voices and piercing gazes, they warned the reunited family to tread lightly. The balance between the mortal world and the spirit realm was delicate and easily disrupted. "We have no idea what consequences have come from this," A female Elder stated. She stressed the importance of secrecy and cautioned against abusing the powers that had brought Prue back from the brink of eternal rest. The weight of their warning hung in the air like a shroud, a reminder of the consequences that could befall them if they were not careful. But for now, in this fleeting moment of respite, the family allowed themselves to celebrate.

Authors note: This end of this book but the series will continue on. Keep your eyes out for the next addition: Charmed Raising the next generation Old and New chaos. I will need extra time to work on it, of course. Also fandom pages are in progress but not quite finished yet, keep checking my bio for the link, I'll post it there once all the pages are ready.

P.S. Thank you to my wonderful mom (Julia Suddard) for developing Prue's resurrection storyline. I had no idea how a three year old child would manage something like this, but really wanted it to be Wyatt, and my mother came to the rescue! Love you mom!