Untitled (a Piper story)

[mcharmed21]

*Hola! this is my newest addition to the stories that i have written that take place in the present time. well, i hope you enjoy.
Untitled (a Piper story) Sequel to:
I Have Eyes Only For You
************
Untitled (a Piper story)

Chapter One

The club was booming with customers. The dance floor was packed with people dancing to the D.J.’s great mix that was playing. Piper made her way across the dance floor to the bar. She took off her scarf and jacket, revealing a green laced tank top. “How’s it going Jenna?” Piper asked as she cleared the counter of used glasses.

“It’s going great,” the strawberry blonde replied. “I guess you can say the same for the newbie,” she said nodding her head towards the north end of the bar. Chris was busy making some margaritas. Piper smiled.

“Is he single?” Jenna asked still eyeing Chris.

“Chris? Like the one I hired as a bartender?” Piper asked looking at Chris who was now serving a couple of customers.

“Yeah, him.”<br>
“He’s just been through a really…tough break up,” Piper informed remembering what happened to him two months ago. Chris had become a bit more introverted ever since Bianca had passed away.

“Aww, that’s too bad; keep me posted.”<br>
Piper laughed and walked over to Chris. “Hey there,” she said.

“Hey Piper. What’s up?”<br>
“Oh nothing,” she replied wiping down the counter. “So what do you think about Jenna?”<br>
Chris glanced at Jenna who was talking with a few customers, “She’s ok, why?”<br>
“Do you see her as, oh I don’t know, possible date material?”<br>
“Piper you didn’t,” Chris said serving a female customer who had been eyeing him the whole time.

“No, but I’m just saying, keep an open mind. You’ve been sulking for the past-”<br>
“I have not been sulking and we’re not discussing this,” he stated and walked away.

“Chris, come on. Since Phoebe and Paige moved out, the whole love life discussion has been running dry.”<br>
“And you think that by setting me up with co-workers it will help?”<br>
“Yes…no; I just want to know that you’re ok. Chris it may not seem like it but you can talk to me.”<br>
“Um…thanks?”<br>
****
It was the next day. The sun was shining brightly outside and everything seemed peaceful.

“Wyatt please calm down honey,” Piper said as she paced the conservatory. “I’m so sorry about that,” Piper said into the phone. Wyatt continued to cry and scream. Piper put a hand to her head. “How much are we talking about?” Piper nodded and said the occasional “Uh-huh;” she walked over to the playpen and picked up her son. The door bell rang. “Could somebody get that?” she said loudly. Wyatt was still wailing. She sighed, “I forgot, I’m the only one here.”<br>
“Could you hold on for a second? Thanks.”<br>
She put the phone down and walked over to the door with Wyatt. “Zoey, hey.”<br>
“Hey, is this a bad time?”<br>
Piper’s eyes widened and she ran away.

“Alrighty then,” Zoey said sarcastically to herself as she let herself in and closed the door behind her.

“You’re still there. I’m sorry about that, its just-things are kind of hectic and-” Piper paused and smiled annoyed. “Two is fine. Thanks, buh-bye.” She hung up the phone. Wyatt was still crying.

“Is everything alright?” Zoey asked.

Piper sighed and paced the conservatory again. “There’s an electrical problem at the club and my car is down so I have no way of getting there to meet the electrician at two, and Wyatt won’t stop crying…” Piper tried to quiet her son down.

“Call Chris, have him orb you to the club,” Zoey suggested.

“Good idea. Chris!” Wyatt wailed louder than before, “Shh…mommy didn’t mean to yell.”<br>
Chris orbed in, “What’s up?” Wyatt screamed, “Can’t you make him stop?” Chris said.

Piper glared at him, “Like I haven’t tried. I don’t know what’s wrong with him.”<br>
Wyatt continued to cry. Zoey took off her purse, “Let me try,” Zoey said.

Piper handed Wyatt to her, “Alright but I-” Wyatt stopped crying when he was in Zoey’s arms. “Ok, how did you do that because I’ve been trying to quiet him down for almost a half-hour.”<br>
“Don’t worry about it. Go get ready, rinse your face to relieve some of that stress and Chris will take you to P3.”<br>
“Since when am I a personal chauffer?” Chris said.

“Since now,” Zoey said in a beat. “Go on Piper, I’ll baby sit Wyatt.”<br>
“Are you sure?”<br>
“Absolutely.”<br>
Piper went upstairs.

Zoey smiled at Wyatt, “You’re so cute.”<br>
“Thanks,” Chris said jokingly. Zoey rolled her eyes at him, “Hey, how did you get him to stop crying?”<br>
Zoey played with Wyatt’s hands, he giggled. “He’s still young enough to where he can sense stress in the person who holds him. Now if I placed Wyatt in your arms, I wonder what kind of racket he would make.”<br>
“I’m not stressed,” Chris said crossing his arms in front of him. Zoey gave him a skeptic look, “I’m not,” Chris repeated.

“Sure you’re not,” Zoey said innocently.

“I’m not,” he repeated again.

“Oh come on Chris, I could easily tell that you’re stressed out a lot of the time. I would be too if I were you.”<br>
“Meaning what?”<br>
“Well, you don’t seem to have that much balance in your life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that your life is, you know, horrible; just unbalanced.”<br>
“Unbalanced, oh really?”<br>
“Well you work all the time. Granted you are a white lighter, but still.”<br>
“Hey, my life is balanced,” Chris said defensively. “And just so you know, I don’t work all the time.”<br>
“Enlighten me then because it seems to me that when you’re not demon hunting or actively playing the part of a white lighter, you’re working at P3.”<br>
Chris was stumped for words.

“What are you two talking about?” Piper asked coming down the stairs.
Author: wiccangirl311

Zoey caught Chris’ eye, “The importance of balance in life.”<br>
Piper looked at the two curiously. “Chris, let’s go, I’m supposed to meet the electrician.”<br>
Chris grabbed Piper’s hand, “Thanks and bye Wyatt,” Piper said. The two orbed out.

End of chapter one

[mcharmed21]

Chapter two

It was now night and Piper was seated at the dinning room table. Papers lay neatly stacked in piles and Piper was jotting a few things down on a slab of binder paper. Just then Paige orbed in with Phoebe. “Hey there strangers,” Piper greeted as her two sisters rushed over give her hugs.

“It’s starting to feel like that, isn’t it?” Phoebe said.

“Well not really, I mean, we still see each other, just not as often,” Paige said.

“Come on you two, no depressing talk. You just got here,” Piper pointed out.

Paige and Phoebe smiled as they took a seat at the table. “So, whatchya up to?” Phoebe asked.

Piper sighed, “Oh nothing, I’m just paying the bills and figuring out a budget. What’s new in your lives?”<br>
Paige smiled, “Well, my new temp job-you know, the one at the law office- is going great. The boss is cool and everyone there is really friendly. Also, Richard is, as always, fabulous.”<br>
“How’s not practicing magic openly going for you?” Phoebe asked.

“Truthfully, it’s ok but I am going to stick with him and not use it in front of him….except in emergencies as our ever reminding white lighter calls our demon hunts.”<br>
“Well, now it’s my turn. Jason and I are now staying in London which is so beautiful. He’s still getting used to the whole dating a witch and magic thing but he’s cool.”<br>
****

Chris walked into the nursery and walked over to Wyatt. He looked around and stepped closer to the crib. A blue force field went up around Wyatt.

“Why does he do that?” Zoey asked as she walked in with a blanket.

Chris stepped aside to let Zoey place the blanket over Wyatt. The shield went down.

“He doesn’t trust me,” Chris replied as he watched Zoey tuck Wyatt in.

“Sweet dreams buddy,” she said and tapped the child’s nose with her fore finger then turned out the light. The moonlight shone through the window. “Planning on a sleep over?” Zoey teased.

“What?” Chris said.

“Wyatt’s fine, the baby monitor’s on. Let’s let him sleep.”<br>
“Right.”<br>

Piper, Paige and Phoebe were laughing when Chris and Zoey came downstairs.

“Zoey, come here,” Phoebe said. Zoey walked over and gave Phoebe and Paige a hug. “How are you?” they asked.

“I’m dong fine,” Zoey replied. Paige and Phoebe gave her a look. “Alright, I’m doing better. The past several weeks have been really tough but I’m holding up. Not to mention that I’ve got great friends helping me out.”<br>
“Well that’s good to hear,” Phoebe said.

Zoey nodded, “Piper, Wyatt’s in bed and here’s the baby monitor. I changed his diaper and gave him his bottle so he should be fine for now at least.”<br>
“Thank you so much,” Piper replied.

“No problem, anytime. I don’t mind watching him. Well it was nice seeing you guys. I have to get going.”<br>
“I walk you home,” Chris volunteered.

Phoebe turned and looked at Piper with a raised eyebrow.

“What?” Piper asked.

“What’s going on with those two?” she asked leaning in to better hear her sister.

Piper laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Paige asked.

“You mean Chris and Zoey?”<br>
Phoebe nodded, “Yes, they would be whom I was referring to when asked.”<br>
“Nothing is going on between them. Zoey is still getting over the shock of her ex-demonic/suicidal boyfriend and she’s still grieving about losing Summer and Ronnie. And Chris, well, he lost a fiancé.”

“Yes, but that was two months ago. Has he even tried to move on? Any casual dates?” Phoebe asked.

“Hmm…Chris and casual dating- that just sounds weird.”<br>
“Paige,” Piper said.

“Well I’m sorry, but how do you expect our loner white lighter to go out on dates when the only socializing he does is with us or taking customers orders at the club?”<br>
“Yeah but he’s probably just trying to adjust,” Phoebe said.

“Adjust to what?” Paige asked.

“To being single again? I don’t know,” Phoebe said.

****

Chris and Zoey walked along in silence. “Hey, sorry for saying that your life was unbalanced and making it seem like your life is boring…which it’s probably not; boring that is. I’ll just stop myself now.”<br>
“No, it got me thinking, I do work a lot but being their white lighter is a big responsibility. Also I need to help protect them and Wyatt.”<br>
Zoey nodded, “I understand, but don’t you think that you should have some fun too?” Chris smiled. “You should do that more often,” Zoey suggested.

“What?”<br>
“Smile; I barely ever see you smile. You have a nice smile; you should show it off once in a while. Ooh, I just made a rhyme.”<br>
Chris grinned.

“Now you’re just showing off,” Zoey teased. The two laughed.

“So what about you?” he asked.

“What about me?”<br>
“How have you been these past weeks? I barely see you.”<br>
“Aww, did you miss me?”<br>
“I didn’t say that,” Chris said quickly.

“You missed me,” Zoey teased and nudged him with her shoulder.

He smiled, “No seriously, how have you been?”<br>
“I’ve been better,” Zoey replied. “I’ve slept better too.”<br>
“Are you still getting nightmares?”<br>
Zoey nodded, “Every time I fall asleep. When I’m awake, I can’t help thinking about him. Missing him even though I hate what he did. Is that terrible?”<br>
Chris shook his head, “No, it’s natural. You loved him. Sometimes I find myself thinking about…” he stopped himself.

Zoey looked at him, “Is she from the future?” Chris nodded. “Well I’m sure she thinks about you all the time and misses you dearly.”<br>
“Actually, she passed away,” he informed quietly.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”<br>
“Yeah, I am too.”<br>
“If it’s any consolation, she was lucky to have you in her life.”<br>
“Are you hitting on me?” he teased.

“Yes, yes I am,” Zoey said then burst out laughing.

End of chapter two

[mcharmed21]

Chapter three

Piper was rushing about the store, trying to get her grocery shopping done more quickly. “Flour, check. Now I need eggs,” she said to herself. She rushed down the aisle and grabbed a carton of eggs. As Piper made her way to the check out line, she glanced around, standing on tip-toe, trying to find the shortest line. She finally spotted it and quickly made her way past other shoppers to get to it. She was almost there when the cashier closed the check out stand.

Piper groaned and looked about; all the other lines seemed to be a mile long. “Now open on check stand eight.”<br>
Piper rushed over to check stand eight but was cut off by a middle aged woman with a shopping cart full of groceries. Piper sighed and looked at her son who was seated in the baby seat of the shopping cart.


As Piper was loading up the car with her groceries, she dialed a number on her cell phone. “Hello, Zoey? It’s me Piper. I was wondering if you were available to baby sit Wyatt for a few hours.” Piper grabbed the bag that contained eggs. “It would only be from four until six, I have a dentist appointment. Thanks see you soon.”<br>
She closed her cell phone and when she did a skater nearly ran into her. Piper dropped the bag of groceries. “Thank you for that!” she called after him. She sighed, “Ah, crap. This is great, this is just great.” The eggs had splattered on the cement.

A woman with short strawberry blonde hair cut in a bob knelt over, “People have no courtesy these days.” The lady helped clean what they could.

“I know. Thank-you,” Piper said getting up and placing her bag in the car.

“My pleasure,” the lady said and walked off.

After Piper closed the trunk of the car, she noticed a necklace with a green oval pendant, lay on the ground. Piper picked it up, “Hey, you forgot your-” it was too late, the lady was no where to be seen. Piper looked down at the pendant, it began to glow.

****

The strawberry blonde shimmered into the fire lit cave. “It is done,” she said.

“Are you sure she found it?” the old warlock said in his raspy voice.

“Positive. The pendant is made to be attractive to the one whom it is after,” the lady replied.

“You better hope this works Evian,” the war lock warned. “It would be a shame if you met the same fate that Alaster met.”<br>
“Alaster was a fool. He was blinded by his love for that-”<br>
“Careful Evian, that isn’t an ordinary witch. I feel it in the air,” the warlock turned to Evian. “She’s not to be touched, do I make myself clear?”<br>
“Yes my liege,” Evian replied not looking him in the eye.

End of chapter three

[mcharmed21]

Chapter four

Piper came down the stairs all ready to go. She was wearing the necklace she had found earlier. Zoey was playing with Wyatt. “Alright, I’m off to the dentist. The emergency call list is posted on the refrigerator. Wyatt’s bottles and milk are in the cabinet. If you could, try to bathe him; he usually puts up a fight but gives in with this,” Piper held up a yellow rubber ducky. Zoey laughed. “Ok, well I’ve got to go. Thanks again.”<br>
“No prob,” Zoey said.

Piper kissed Wyatt on the forehead and left.



Zoey was busy doing some homework when Chris orbed in. “Zoey, what are you doing here?” he asked.

“Baby sitting Wyatt. Did I interrupt you when I called you?”<br>Chris shook his head, “No, Leo and I were just doing some white lighter training. He thinks I need it. Why did you call me?”<br>
Zoey put her pencil down, “I was wondering if you’ve heard from Piper. See, she was supposed to be home, like, five hours ago.”<br>
“No, I haven’t heard from her. Did you try reaching her on her cell?”<br>
“Yup, it was turned off.”<br>
“Weird,” Chris said. Zoey nodded as she closed her binder and textbook. “How long have you been here?”<br>
“Since four o’clock. She said that she was going to a dentist appointment. At first I figured that her appointment was running late, but now I’m starting to worry.”<br>
“Leo,” Chris said. Leo orbed in. “Piper hasn’t returned from her dentist appointment, she’s running five hours late. And Zoey can’t get hold of her,” he informed.

Leo closed his eyes.

Zoey leaned in towards Chris, “What’s he doing?” she whispered.

“He’s sensing for Piper.”<br>
“Oh.”<br>
Before Leo was done, Piper barged in the door. “Hey peoples!” she said loudly.

“Piper, where have you been?” Chris asked.

“Out,” she replied loudly.

“Hey, tone it down a bit, Wyatt’s sleeping,” Zoey said getting up and gathering her stuff together.

Piper smiled and held her arms out and ran over to Zoey and hugged her.

“Oh, um, are you drunk?” Zoey asked.

Piper put her nose to Zoey’s, “No,” she said. “See? Ah…” Piper laughed as Zoey fanned the air about her.

“Oh yeah, that’s attractive,” Zoey said sarcastically.

“I though you said that you had a dentist appointment,” Leo stated.

“I didn’t go, I blew it off. Blew it off like the wind,” Piper replied. Piper walked over to Chris and leaned her head against his shoulder. “Chris, Chris, Christopher, Chris. You, my man, come from the future,” she gestured her hand in the air as if to point out where the future was. “But you’re here in our present but your past. That is some crazy stuff.” Piper burst out laughing, “It’s like you can tell what will happen in a year…stock market crash? Hey what about the lottery?” Piper smiled and patted his chest. “You’re kind of cute, you know that? Jenna likes you, she thinks you’re sexy. Chris and Jenna, Jenna and Chris. Chris and Zoey and Jenna.”<br>
“Leo, a little help here,” Chris said.

“Alright Piper,” Leo said as he dragged her away from Chris, “time for you to go to sleep now.”<br>
“I don’t wanna,” Piper replied childishly then laughed. “Orb me to my room. I want to be orbs.” Leo sighed and orbed her out of the living room.


“She’s asleep, she was out when her head hit the pillow,” Leo informed as he came down the stairs.

“What the hell has gotten into her?” Chris demanded. “That’s unlike Piper to blow off appointments.”<br>
“She has been stressed a lot lately, maybe that has something to do with it?” Zoey replied.

“Maybe,” Leo said. “Zoey, it’s pretty late, you might as well just stay the night.” Zoey nodded.

****

Piper tossed and turned in her sleep. The green pendant glowed vibrantly against the dark of the room. Evian stepped out of the shadows and made her way quietly and cautiously to Piper’s bed. Evian’s face morphed into an ugly, ridged face with deep red eyes. She placed her hand on the pendant she wore and her other hand on the pendant Piper wore. Evian then began to mumble some words that were not in a known language. The pendant on Piper’s chest went from glowing green to glowing a bright red. Piper squinted in her sleep then relaxed as a smile spread across her face.


The downstairs area was dark and quiet. Evian made her way noiselessly down the stairs, as if floating on air. She looked around the place; her eyes glowed in the dark as if they belonged to some wild animal. Zoey lay peacefully asleep on the couch in the second living room. Her skin seemed to glow in the moon light that filled the room, giving her an almost unreal look. Evian made her way to the couch, her eyes narrowed. What’s so different about her that he wouldn’t want her touched? She thought. Evian glanced around once more then place a hand above Zoey; a green glow formed beneath her hand.

“Piper?” Chris said.

Evian morphed into Piper quickly, annoyed that she didn’t have enough time to get a read on Zoey. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Leo asked me to check up on you,” Chris whispered looking at her suspiciously. “What were you doing just now?”<br>
“Me? Oh, I was…checking up on Zoey,” Evian replied quickly. “I though I heard something so I came down to check up on her but now that I know it was nothing I’m going to head on back up to bed. Good night.” Evian quickly went up the stairs.

Chris watched as “Piper” went up the stairs. Something seemed different about her but he couldn’t quite figure out what it was. He looked down at Zoey who had now turned onto her side; he pulled up the covers on her and when he did he noticed something on her left wrist. There were three small sized scars on her wrist. He held her wrist, wondering why she had cut herself. Zoey grabbed his hand, still in a deep sleep though. “Damien,” Zoey mumbled. Chris orbed out.

End of chapter four

[mcharmed21]

Chapter five

The next day came and Piper came down stairs with Wyatt in her arms. Zoey was in the kitchen sipping on some tea and Jake was doing the same. “Good morning,” Zoey said cheerily. “Coffee or tea?”<br>
“Neither, I’m not in the mood for anything to drink,” Piper replied. “What’s he doing here?”<br>
“I brought Zoey over a change of clothes,” Jake replied.

“Where are you off to this early?” Zoey asked.

“That’s really none of your business,” Piper answered flatly.

“Sorry for starting to strike up conversation,” Zoey mumbled.

“Here, take him,” Piper ordered almost dropping Wyatt into Zoey’s arms. “Baby-sit him or something. What is it that you do best, oh yeah, act like you’re his mother. Well since you think you can do better, you keep him. I’ve got to go.”<br>
“Piper, I don’t know what the hell your problem is but I have to go to school so find someone else to baby sit Wyatt for you.”<br>
Piper smiled, “Boo who, the world isn’t fair. Call in sick; you’ve got yourself a responsibility now.”<br>
“Piper I-”<br>
Piper froze Jake as he was about to take a sip of his coffee.
“Unfreeze him,” Zoey said, shocked what Piper had just done.

“No, I don’t think so.”<br>
“Piper, I’m serious, unfreeze him.”<br>
“Why don’t you?”<br>
Piper turned to leave when Chris orbed in, “Piper, Leo wanted me to let you know that he won’t be able to pick up Wyatt later, due to an elder meeting that will be going on all day.”<br>
“Well Zoey will be watching him, isn’t that right mom?”<br>
“No. I have to go to school.”<br>
Piper rolled her eyes and took Wyatt from her, and tried handing him to Chris. “You watch him.” Wyatt’s blue shield went up. “Well that’s interesting,” Piper said. Chris backed away and Piper sighed. “Wyatt, mommy doesn’t have time for this. Stop with the shield thing and let Chris watch you,” Piper’s necklace gleamed and Wyatt didn’t put up his shield when she handed him over to Chris. “Got to go.”<br>
“Piper,” Zoey started.

Piper waved her hand and Jake unfroze spilling coffee on himself. “What the hell?”<br>
“Hey, I can’t baby sit,” Chris said.

“Well tough, I have to go to school. I’ve got tests and presentations, not to mention a meeting with my counselor. I’ll try to get back as soon as possible. Wyatt’s diapers and things are in the nursery. His milk for the bottle is,” Zoey opened up a cabinet and pulled out a can, “right here; the directions are on the back. His toys are upstairs, in the attic and in the playpen. Don’t use the brown teddy bear; he has a thing against it.” Zoey pulled out a small note pad and pen, “This is my cell phone number in case you need it. Emergency number is 911. What else? Oh, if he won’t stop crying, just hold him but remember he can sense stress.”<br>

Chris nodded, “I can do this. I just have to make it until three o’clock.”<br>
“Yeah…Jake let’s go.”<br>
Jake grinned mischievously, “Aren’t you going to give your husband a kiss?”<br>
Zoey glared at him, “No but I’m going to kick your ass if you make another crack like that.” Zoey tickled Wyatt, “Be good for Chris. And vice versa.”<br>
Chris sighed and looked at Wyatt.

End of chapter five

[mcharmed21]

Chapter six


Piper was walking among the crowds in the mall, gazing at all the windows. Piper sighed to herself, “Nothing to my liking, as usual.” She kept on walking then stopped in front of a window. “What have we here?” she said to herself as she looked at the short black cocktail dress with spaghetti straps. Piper digged through her purse. She grinned to herself as she pulled out a credit card. She glanced around then began to say a spell:

I’m in a rut and need some…bucks so I cast this spell, the amount of money to spend, only I can tell.

The pendant glowed vibrantly and so did the card. Piper smiled smugly and walked into the department store.

The store was a very high class looking store, with designer brands ranging from Gucci, Versace and even to Laura Wang.

“Um excuse me,” Piper said to one of the employees. A blonde woman with a stuck up appearance turned around to face Piper.

The woman quickly looked Piper up and down, grimacing a bit at what the she wore. Piper was wearing black jeans and a flowy green-blue top. “Can I help you?” she said in a snooty tone.

“Yes, I’d like to try on the dress that’s on the mannequin in the window.”<br>
The lady smiled sympathetically, “I’m afraid you won’t like that dress. It’s not on sale; you might not be able to afford it. Try next door.”<br>
Piper smiled stiffly, “Maybe you didn’t here me. I said that I want to try on that dress. Now we can do this the easy way-or,” with a wave of her hand Piper sent out some green light that hit the lady in the eyes. “Let’s try this again; I would like to try on that dress in the window.”<br>
“Yes, yes of course,” the lady said hypnotically.

Piper told the woman her size and then smiled to herself as she gazed down at her hand, “Not bad.”<br>

The cashier rang up the several dresses, pants, shirts and shoes that Piper had brought up to the counter.
“That will be $7,000.94,” the cashier said.

Piper waved her hand again, “What was that?” she asked.

The cashier looked at the computer and the numbers on the screen began to decrease drastically. Suddenly they stopped at $200. “Uh, that’s weird,” the cashier said.

“Not really,” Piper replied with a sly smile and waved a hand in the air.

“Thank you, have a nice day,” the cashier replied cheerily.

Piper smiled as she grabbed her bags, “Oh, I think I will. You have no idea.”<br>
As Piper was walking out, hands full of shopping bags; she bumped into Greg, the fireman she had been seeing for a while now. “Piper, what are you doing here?” he asked surprised to see her.

“I’m just shopping, and you?”<br>
“Lunch,” Greg replied with a smile. “Care to join?”<br>
“I’d love to.”<br>
****
Zoey was in the middle of study hall when her phone went off.

“Zo,” Jake said.

“What?” she asked not taking her eyes off of her paper she was writing.

“Your phone, it’s ringing.”<br>
“Can you get it? Please and thank-you.”<br>
Jake opened her purse and pulled out the phone. “Hello,” he said.

“Is Zoey there? It’s Chris.”<br>
“Zoey, it’s your husband.”<br>
Zoey grabbed the phone and glared at Jake, “What’s up?”<br>
“Wyatt won’t stop crying and it’s driving me nuts,” Chris said pacing the hall. “I’ve tried everything.”<br>
“Ok calm down. Is he hungry?” Zoey asked.

“How the hell am I supposed to know, he can’t talk.”<br>
Zoey put a tired hand to her head, “Well guess. Where is he? Did you try to get him to play with his toys?”<br>
“He’s upstairs in the nursery, crying and he won’t shut up,” Chris said loudly as if to have Wyatt hear him say that. Wyatt began to wail more loudly than before.

“You left him in the nursery?” Zoey said with a slight laugh.

“You would too if you were here. I can’t do this, I’m not good with kids,” Chris said entering the nursery.

“Ahem!” an elderly lady around fifty said loudly. “No cell phones in the library.”<br>
“Sorry,” Zoey said and the woman walked away.

“Sorry for what?” Chris asked.

“No, not you,” Zoey replied. Wyatt’s crying could be heard loudly on the other end of the phone. “Ok, I’m going to guess that that may be his hungry cry. Have you already fed him?”<br>“No, I already tried with the apple sauce but he wouldn’t eat it. My pants have proof.”<br>
“Ok maybe he doesn’t like apple sauce. Try his bottle.”<br>
A blonde beautiful girl with blue eyes and an obnoxious smirk came up to the table where Zoey and Jake sat. “Who’s that, your boyfriend?” Britney said. “Oh that’s right, he’s probably on another murder spree right now.”<br>
“Hey Britney, go screw yourself,” Jake said.

Britney glared at Jake, “You’d like that, wouldn’t you. Stop defending this @#%$. You’re wasting your time when it could be put to good use.” She smiled seductively at Jake.

“I’m sorry, I’m not into whores,” Jake fired back.

“Ok, this stuff is confusing,” Chris continued holding phone with one hand and stirring the milk mixture with the other. “Is it supposed to clump up like that?”<br>
Zoey sighed, “Chris, you’re supposed to stir it as soon as you put the powdered milk into the pot.”<br>
“Ok, I got it now, I just needed to add more water,” Chris said.

“Ok, now put the milk into the bottle but don’t give it to Wyatt yet,” Zoey instructed, “First you have to test how hot it is-”<br>
“Well, well,” Britney said with a sly grin. “Looks like Hoey –Zoey-Free-Marie Aguilar has some secrets being revealed.”<br>
Zoey glared at the girl, “Chris, test the milk on your arm.”<br>
Chris did so, “Zoey when are you coming home-I mean, back to the manor?”<br>
“Look, I’ve got some things to do I’ll try to be there at- let’s see, it’s ten-thirty now, I’ll be there in like, two hours.”<br>
“Oh how sweet,” Britney taunted. “Tell the father I said hello,” she said loudly.

“Who’s that?” Chris asked.

“Gotta go; bye.” Zoey hung up the phone. “What the hell is your problem?” she demanded, getting up, loudly that the whole library fell silent.

Britney looked around, “Look, don’t go taking out your anger on me,” she replied, projecting her voice to make sure that everyone heard. “After all it’s not my fault you got knocked up by that murderer of a boyfriend of yours.” Britney smiled, “What-did I hit a sore spot with you? After all, you’re the reason that Ronnie and Summer died. You and you’re so-called love for this-man, is what caused this. And you want to know what the funny part is? You don’t even seem to care. You just walk these halls like nothing happened. You’re sick and twisted.”<br>
With that remark Zoey snapped and grabbed Britney by the shirt and slammed the girl into the nearest book shelf.

Jake jumped out of his seat, “Zoey, come on, don’t do this.”<br>
“What is the meaning of this?” demanded the librarian. “I will not tolerate this.”<br>
Zoey grabbed Britney’s jaw and forced her to look her in the eye. “You have no idea, what you’re talking about,” she said viciously. “If I were you, I’d be careful with what you say. Do you understand me? Don’t you ever talk about Summer or Ronnie-anything. You don’t even know the half of it. You don’t know @#%$.” Zoey pushed away from Britney who was now glaring harshly back at her while rubbing her arms which Zoey had held onto firmly.

“Aguilar, you’re to see the principal, now,” the librarian said firmly.

Zoey grabbed her things and left the library with Jake; eyes watching her in silence.

“Hey, don’t listen to her,” Jake said softly grabbing Zoey and hugging her.

She was crying now, tears of anger and frustration mixed with pain. Jake kissed her hair and cheeks, then mouth. It wasn’t the kind of kiss that a boyfriend gave to his girlfriend, but rather the kind that a friend gives to a friend.

End of chapter six

[mcharmed21]

Chapter seven

Zoey placed her bag down near the door when she shimmered into the manor. She had been suspended for two days on account of having gotten into a “physical altercation” as the principal and dean liked to think of it. According to them, they were cutting her some slack seeing as that it was a result from dealing with strong feelings about the death of Summer and Ronnie. Britney, as usual, got off pretty much Scott-free; she only had to serve lunch detention for three days, which was a whole lot better than being suspended for two days.

“Chris?” she called out as she looked around the living room.

“I’m in the nursery,” Chris said as he laid Wyatt onto the changing table. Wyatt smiled and giggled. Chris placed a hand to his chin.

“It’s not rocket science,” Zoey teased as she entered the nursery.

Chris glared at her, “You change him then.”<br>
“How about we divide it in half?”<br>
“I can work with that,” Chris said.

Zoey looked at him, “The first step would be to take off his diaper.”<br>
“I knew that,” Chris replied. Zoey walked over to the dresser and gathered some baby wipes and baby powder and a fresh diaper. “Is everything alright? You seem kind of out of it.”<br>
Zoey sighed still looking for things. “I got suspended today; got into a fight.”<br>
“Ah damn it!” Chris exclaimed stepping away from Wyatt. Wyatt burst out in a fit of laughter.

“What happened?” Zoey asked. Then she noticed his shirt; on it was a big wet spot along with smaller wet spots. Zoey tried not to laugh.

Chris glared down at Wyatt, “Wyatt decided to use me as a pee target.” Wyatt giggled.

“I can tell,” Zoey said then laughed.

Chris rolled his eyes at her.

“I’m sorry, it’s just…oh come on Chris, it was an accident. You can always change your shirt.”<br>
Chris nodded, “You’re right.” He began to approach Zoey.

“W-What are you doing?” Zoey said backing away.

Chris spread out his arms, “Come her.”<br>
“NO, I’m fine here.” Chris kept drawing in closer. “Christopher don’t even think about it.”<br>
Chris smiled playfully, “You can always change your shirt Zoey.”<br>
Zoey laughed, “Don’t Chris, that’s mean. No! Don’t.” Zoey dodged past him and Chris chased after her and finally got her. He grabbed her and hugged her. “Eww! Let go.”<br>
“No,” Chris said laughing and hugging her.

“Chris you’re so mean. Ew.” The two caught each other’s eye and stop laughing.

Chris let go of her quickly, “We should finish changing him.”<br>
“Right,” Zoey replied and took off her now dirty sweater.

End of chapter seven

[mcharmed21]

Chapter eight

Paige orbed into the manor, it was now late in the afternoon. Chris and Zoey were seated on the couch watching the TV. with Wyatt seated in Zoey’s lap. “What’s going on here?” Paige asked curiously. “Where’s Piper?”<br>
“Piper? Oh you mean the moody biotch-who-uses-her-power-against-people Piper? She left at seven-thirty this morning,” Zoey explained. “I haven’t seen her since.”<br>
“What do you mean uses her power against people?” Paige asked.

“She did just that. You know Jake right?”<br>
“Yeah, what about him?”<br>
“Well,” Zoey continued, “She froze him then refused to unfreeze. The reluctantly unfroze him.”<br>
“That’s not like her,” Paige said. “Has she called to check in?”<br>
“Nope,” Chris replied. “She’s acting really strange; she left Wyatt here with us the whole day.”<br>
“It’s weird; she didn’t even have a hang over-unless there’s a potion for that. Is there a potion for that?” Zoey said.

“Wait a sec, Piper was drunk, when?”<br>
“Last night,” Chris replied. “She blew off her dentist appointment for the bar.”<br>
Paige sat down on the small couch, “So you two have been looking after Wyatt this whole time? Didn’t you go to school? Where’s Leo?”<br>
“I went to school…got suspended,” before Paige could continue, “Chris took care of Wyatt and Leo is at an all day elder thing,” Zoey finished quickly.

Just then Piper came in.

“Where the hell have you been?” Chris demanded getting up.

“Geeze you’re really annoying. I mean, don’t you have somewhere else to go so you could stop bitching at me and my sisters? And not that it’s any of your business, but I went out shopping and bumped into Greg so we went out for lunch,” Piper replied.

“Shopping? I though you were on a budget,” Paige said.

Piper laughed obnoxiously, “Oh please Paige, why be on a budget when one can simply conjure all the money she needs.”<br>
“Piper, you know magic isn’t supposed to be used for personal gain,” Paige said.

“You should practice what you preach,” Piper said a bit coldly. “If I remember correctly, you cast a similar spell too.”<br>
“That’s not the point. Is that Gucci that you’re wearing?” Paige asked.

“The dress and the shoes,” Piper said with a proud smile. “That reminds me, Zoey I bought you something. I felt kind of bad for treating you the way I did”<br>
“Really?” Zoey said.

Piper laughed, “No, not really, but I did buy you this.” Piper held up a black skirt that was cut at different angles. “It’s Zac Posen, not sure who he is but I thought that you might like it.”<br>
“Piper, I can’t accept that. You need to get out of this…phase your in.”<br>
“Well I guess I’ll just have to give the matching t-strapped shoes to someone else then,” Piper said in a false saddened way.

Zoey’s eyes widened with joy but Chris nudged her with his elbow to snap her out of it. “You’re evil,” she said to Piper. “Here, I’m sure Wyatt’s missed you.” Zoey tried to give Wyatt to Piper but Piper backed away.

“I told you, you keep him. After all, you seem to know what’s best for him. Besides I’ve got things to do.” Wyatt began to cry.

“Piper,” Paige said. “That’s your son you’re talking about.”<br>
“Oh Paige if you feel that strongly about it, why don’t you keep him? I’m sure Zoey wouldn’t mind just like I don’t.
Anyways, being a mother is so- what’s the word- confining.”<br>A car horn honked outside on the street. “Well, I’ve got to go. Bye.”<br>
Chris orbed in front of Piper, “You’re not going anywhere.”<br>
“Chris, don’t make me have to move you,” she warned.

“Piper, something’s not right with-”<br>
Piper raised her hands and Chris flew into the wall. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Piper left, slamming the door behind her.

Paige rushed over to Chris, “Are you ok?” she asked.

“Yeah, get Phoebe. We have to figure out what’s happened to her.” Paige orbed out and Wyatt stopped crying.

Chris got up and stumbled a little. “You should sit down,” Zoey suggested. When Chris did so, Leo orbed in.

“It’s about time,” Zoey said.

“What happened to you?” Leo asked noticing Chris rubbing his head.

“Piper,” Chris replied flatly.

“What-Piper?”<br>
“Yeah, your ex-wife is acting like a total biotch,” Zoey informed. “She doesn’t want to deal with any sort of responsibility, including Wyatt.”<br>
Leo took Wyatt out of Zoey’s arms, “What? I don’t understand.”<br>
“That makes four of us,” Chris said.

Paige and Phoebe orbed in. “Five now,” Zoey added.
****
“Paige told me all about it. What do we do?” Phoebe asked as they all made their way up to the attic.

“Maybe some sort of demon turned her into a who-cares-about-anything person,” Paige guessed.

“Is there a demon that can do that?” Phoebe asked curiously.

“Well there are demons that can manipulate the minds of their victims into doing what they want,” Leo said then glanced at Zoey.

“Hey, Damien only did that once,” Zoey replied.

“Well how do we know, he could have done it at other times with out you realizing it. He could have performed his Jedi mind games on you to get you to- you know,” Paige said.

“Hey, those times were consensual,” Zoey said not completely believing it. “Damn it Paige now I’m going to keep wondering if-” she caught Leo’s eye. “This isn’t about me, it’s about Piper, remember?”<br>
“You and I are going to have a little chat later,” Leo said.

Zoey glared at Paige and Paige gave her a guilty look.

“Let’s check the book, we need to get a move on,” Chris said quickly. “It’s likely Piper will end up doing something far more worse than throwing people around.”<br>End of Chapter eight

[mcharmed21]

Chapter nine

Piper giggled as she continued to kiss Greg while they walked down the street. “What?” she asked noticing Greg looking at her curiously.

“Nothing, it’s just-you seem different,” he replied as the two took a seat on a bench.

“Different how?” Piper asked with a smile.

“I don’t know, just different.”<br>
“And do you like this different?”<br>
Greg smiled and kissed her lips. “Yeah, I like it a lot.”<br>
Piper smiled, “Oh really. Well then that’s a good thing because I’ve got a lot more up my sleeve.”<br>
Greg smiled, “Like what? Care to expand on that?”<br>
Piper looked around the park then back at him. “Do you believe in magic?” she asked with a grin.

“What like the kind at magic shows with those fancy card tricks and sawing people in half illusions?”<br>
Piper shook her head, “No, none of that. I’m talking about the real deal. Witchcraft and the paranormal.”<br>
Greg laughed, “I stopped believing in that when I was a kid. It’s not real.”<br>
“On the contrary, it’s as real as both you and I and I’ve got proof.” She took out her lipstick, “Watch this.” Piper threw the lipstick in the air and froze it in mid-air.

Greg’s eyes widened and he felt the air as if to see if the lipstick was held up by strings. “H-How did you do that?”<br>
“Magic,” Piper replied with a grin. “I’m a witch.”<br>
Greg looked at her, “A witch? Like you cast spells and brew potions?”<br>
Pipers nodded, “Yeah, pretty much. Only don’t worry, I’m a good witch. I use my power to fight off demons and warlocks.”<br>
Greg laughed nervously, “I-Look at the time,” he said glancing down at his watch less wrist, “I need to leave; bye.” Greg got up and began to walk away really fast, so fast that it was almost a jog.

“Wait, Greg.” Piper said and froze him. She ran up to him and unfroze him.

“How- How-”<br>
“What’s going on? I thought you were ok with this.”<br>
“Ok? Ok? How could I be ok with this? I barely believe my own eyes. You’re-”<br>
“I’m what?” Piper demanded with a tone of fierceness in her voice.

“I need to leave,” he repeated and rushed off again.

“Are you afraid of this?” Piper yelled after him. Piper waved a hand in the air, “You…scaredy cat!” Suddenly Greg stopped running and cried out in pain. His knelt over, fur appeared on his body and his whole frame became smaller and smaller. Soon Greg was no longer human, he was a grey cat. Piper burst out laughing and looked at her hand, “I like this new power.” She froze Greg the cat and went over and picked him up. “Suits you right.”<br>
*****

“There’s nothing in here,” Paige said as she continued to flip through the Book of Shadows.

“Keep trying,” Phoebe said as she mixed a potion together.

“What’s that for?” Paige asked glancing up at her sister.

“It’s to hopefully knock some sense back into our sister, make her remember what she loves.”<br>
Zoey was seated on the floor flipping through a couple of old black leather bound books. “Let’s swap,” Zoey said handing her book to Chris who was seated across from her.

“Alright, but I haven’t found anything in this one,” he said swapping books with her.

“Where’d you get those anyways?” Paige asked curiously.

“Leo gave them to me as reading material when I was in the seventh grade. I found them fascinating and found a couple of others that are at home,” Zoey replied.

“Leo gave you books on the occult and witchcraft?” Phoebe said.

“Yup, but it’s also historical too. It helped to keep my mind off of some things that I was going through, not to mention taking a keen interest in dead languages.”<br>
“Uh-huh,” Paige said. “He couldn’t have just given you Nancy Drew?”<br>
“Oh, I found it,” Zoey said. “It’s the necklace, which makes sense.”<br>
“What necklace?” Chris asked as he and the sisters gathered around to get a look at the book.

“The necklace that Piper found recently,” Zoey replied. “The necklace is a symbol of a type of mystical cult of witches. It says here that the witches lure their victims by leaving them an object that they can’t resist.”<br>
“In this case that object would be the necklace,” Phoebe said.

“Hold on, if it is the same necklace, how’d Piper find it?” Paige asked.

“The necklace fits the description,” Zoey said. “Silver chain with the green oval pendant. She must have found it after getting off the phone with me on-”<br>
“The day of her dentist appointment which would explain her sudden change in mood,” Chris finished.

Phoebe nodded, “Does it say what the necklace does?”<br>
“It says that the necklace allows what the wearer’s strongest desire is to come out. Also it puts them on a power trip. That’s all there is.”<br>
“So Piper’s want was to be careless and neglectful?” Chris said.

“No,” Paige said, “She wanted time away from being responsible all the time. Remember how she was a couple of days ago?”<br>
Phoebe nodded, “Zoey try to see if you can find more information on this necklace,” Zoey nodded and shimmered out. “Chris, find Piper but don’t approach her. Just make sure that she doesn’t harm anyone or herself.”<br>
“What are we going to do?” Paige asked.

“You and I are going to figure out a plan on how to get Piper back and fill Leo in on the news.”<br>
End of chapter nine

[mcharmed21]

Chapter ten

Evian walked over to where the old warlock stood. He was looking like he was trying to sense something in the air. His eyes were closed and he did not move. He slowly opened his eyes, a thin smile spread across his aged face. “You have done well, Evian,” the warlock commended. “The eldest will soon reach her peak, break her magic away from using it for good and then she shall be on our side.”<br>
“I still don’t see why we are doing this in the first place,” Evian said. “Why not just kill the witches instead of wasting time?”<br>
“Evian, you ignorant fool,” the warlock growled. “By infecting Piper we are in fact going to end up infecting her sisters as well. Their bond as the Charmed Ones is linked through their blood, through their very being as sisters. Therefore infect one and the others shall fall too. Besides, what use is three dead witches when we can have the power of three working for evil instead?”<br>
“Yes my liege,” Evian said. “You’ll also be happy with what I have to show you. It regards the other witches you sent me after, soon their powers will be yours.”<br>
Evian and the old warlock walked over to a pool of water. Evian wave a hand over the pool and all of a sudden ripples formed. The ripples were like no other. Instead of working themselves outwards, they moved inwards. Soon a picture of three women appeared. The green gem glowed on the three women’s necklaces. The women in the ripples were acting mad. One was shooting energy balls left and right; one was in the process of using her new found powers on the people in the park while the other was bent over with her hands to her head.

“Soon they will be driven to enough madness that they will think the only way out is suicide,” Evian explained with a smile. “Once that is done, their powers are up for grabs.”<br>****

Piper entered the manor with an air of malignance about her. She was not the same Piper that had left the house that day. This Piper was cold and filled with power that she had been receiving. The power was like nothing she had ever felt before. It flowed through her veins; she breathed it in like oxygen. The feeling was a rush, a feeling like no other. She wanted more of it and she knew exactly where to get it.

“Are you sure?” Phoebe asked as she paced the attic, her heals tapping on the wooden floor.

“I wish I wasn’t,” Zoey replied. “But if that’s what’s happening to her, then we need to act fast. It’s only a matter of time before-"

“What else did it say?” Leo asked anxiously.

Zoey turned to him, “Look, that’s all it said and that’s enough. The necklace is what we want. We need to get it away from her. Destroy it before….” Zoey stopped and bent over holding her stomach.

“What’ wrong? Zoey?” Paige said.


Piper was slowly making her way up the stairs when Chris orbed in front of her.

“Get out of my way,” Piper threatened.

“Piper, think about this,” Chris rationalized. “This isn’t you. It’s that necklace. You need to-“<br>
Before he could say anymore Piper grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and threw him over the railing. Chris landed with a loud thump on the ground. Piper blinked and re-appeared standing right beside Chris. “You are really starting to annoy me, you know that?” she said grabbing hold of the white lighter who was bleeding from the head. “You need to be put into place and I’m the one who will do that for you.” She slammed her fist into Chris’ stomach. All the air was knocked out of him when she punched him.

“Piper, leave him alone!” Paige shouted as she and the others came racing down the stairs.

Piper smiled up at them, “I’m only having myself a little fun, but if you insist.” With that she sent Chris flying across the room, causing him to crash into the glass, plate filled cabinet.
“Piper, now just give us the necklace,” Phoebe said walking towards her sister.

Piper smiled, “Come here and I’ll give it to you.”<br>
Phoebe came close and Piper put her hands behind her as if unclasping the necklace. Piper laughed then slammed her fist into Phoebe. Phoebe began to glow as if she were in candle light.

With a wave of his hand Leo sent Piper flying. Phoebe fell to the ground, weak and completely dizzy.

Piper smiled her eyes wide with excitement, “Now that was not what I was expecting to come out of you Phoebes.” Suddenly a faint whisper called to Piper. It was a magnetic voice. It beckoned her; it was something that she couldn’t resist. Piper blinked out.

Paige and Leo ran over to Phoebe. Leo tried healing her but couldn’t. “What’s going on?” Paige asked.

Leo shook his head, “I-I don’t know. It’s like I can’t heal her.”<br>
“I’m fine,” Phoebe said trying to get up only to fall right back down again.

“Leo,” Zoey called from over where Chris lay.

Leo rushed over to the fallen white lighter. Chris was in really bad shape. He wasn’t moving and he wasn’t breathing. The left side of his face was covered in blood. Leo quickly healed him. “Piper,” Chris said.

“She’s gone,” Zoey said.

“No, Piper,” Chris repeated. “She’s like- she’s acquired Phoenix’s power.”<br>
“That would explain why I can’t heal Phoebe,” Leo said.

“What’s a Phoenix?” Zoey asked confused.

“We need to get to Piper and fast,” Chris said ignoring Zoey.

“Chris is right,” Phoebe agreed. “Piper isn’t going for the whole, ooh I like my new power thing. She’s power hungry. There’s no telling what she’s capable of doing now.”<br>
end of chapter ten

[mcharmed21]

Chapter eleven

The strawberry-blonde hair softly draped over the milk white flesh of the young woman’s neck. Her lips were a bluish purple, like the color one would get after being out in severely cold weather for a long time. The lips were chapped but that didn’t take away your eyes from the unique color they came. The oxygen and blood had ceased moving in that direction. Bright vibrant green eyes were wide with fear; with pain. A large dark, wine colored stain filled the sheer white of her shirt. The beginning of this stain leaked out from the stomach.

Evian stood next to the lifeless body, her face contorted in a hideous grin, with a tiny glass vile. With a touch of her pendant, a creamy rose colored mist surfaced from the body.

Evian quickly captured this mist in the vile and sealed it tightly with a black rubber stopper. The power of deflection is a prized power and now it was hers.

*****

Chris flipped through the book of shadows hastily. The paper rustling from his impatience. “We’re going to find her Chris,” Paige said.

Chris merely glanced at her, “That’s not the point. We need to find her now; she could do something that she won’t ever be able to take back. She could have killed Phoebe.”<br>
“But she didn’t,” Paige continued, “And Phoebe’s fine.”<br>
“She’s not fine,” Chris stated. “What point of the part where Piper used a Phoenix’s powers on her aren’t you getting. Piper didn’t extract all of Phoebe’s power, thus causing Phoebe to get sick. It’s like an infection that will spread until her power is completely extracted or until it kills her. Believe me, I know what I am talking about.”<br>
Paige looked at Chris with sympathetic eyes. She could clearly see that this situation was bringing up old feelings for him. He was still trying to cope with losing his fiancée and now her own sister had brought back painful memories.

Leo orbed in with Zoey. “Hey, did the elders find out what happened to you?” Paige asked turning towards Leo and Zoey.

“The other elders said that it’s a slight advancement in her power,” Leo answered. “Since she can manipulate the air, she can also feel certain shifts.”<br>
“Interesting,” Paige said.

“Not really,” Zoey replied. “You aren’t the one that felt what I felt. That wasn’t Piper. She was too cold and too malicious to ever be your sister.”<br>
Paige nodded, “We’re on it, we just need to help Phoebe also.”<br>
“How is Phoebe” Leo asked.

“Not so good, it’s like she’s sick.”<br>
“Where is she?” Leo asked.

“In her bedroom, come on, I need to check up on her anyway,” Paige replied.

After the two left the attic Zoey turned to Chris. Her friend seemed troubled by what had happened only an hour ago. “Are you feeling alright?” she asked softly.

“We’re under a lot of pressure here. We need to focus on getting Piper back and curing Phoebe.”<br>
Zoey nodded, “You didn’t answer the question.”<br>
Chris glanced at her quickly, “I’m fine. Now go down stairs, I need to you to find out if we have any bezoar stone powder and if there is some mandrake root in the cupboard.”<br>
Zoey gave him one last look before leaving the attic.

Chris sighed when she left. He hadn’t been able to focus; his mind kept wandering as he kept thinking about Bianca. Maybe there’s a chance that she didn’t die. Maybe Wyatt had saved her, he had done it before. Besides, he changed the future now that he’s helped the sisters with other things. Maybe…she could be alive.

She could be waiting for him right this second. But how would he know? There were no time travel spells that would allow him to- no, he thought. He must focus, he couldn’t bear losing Bianca and he couldn’t bear losing his once best friend’s mother.

End of chapter eleven

[mcharmed21]

Chapter twelve

Evian smiled as she drained the magic out of the newly deceased body. The ebony woman’s body hung heavily from the light brown wood of the ceiling. Evian gazed hungrily at the woman, her magic was powerful. A shape shifter, unlike no other that she had felt before.

Why the warlock wanted these powers she wasn’t sure. She had tried sampling the power of deflection but soon the warlock caught up with what she was doing and warned her in a very clear and firm voice, that if she should try something like that again, she would die more horribly than Alastor had.

After draining the magic, a sudden thought occurred to her. What about that Zoey girl’s magic? The warlock had been awfully keen on not having Evian touch her. Could it be that she was more powerful than she was letting on to be? Was it that somehow, she wasn’t even a witch, but something more powerful than one?

****
Piper blinked into an empty wine where house where she met up with Evian. “Why did you call me here?” Piper asked. Chris peaked out from behind a beam.

“It’s time for the final stage of your journey,” Evian replied sweetly.

“What journey?” Piper asked boredly.

“The one regarding your power.”<br>
Piper raised her hands to blow up Evian, but as if by some unseen force, her hands lowered. Evian laughed, “I can tell you’re hungry,” she said. “Your body and mind craves for power, it needs more power. I know exactly where you can get that power.”<br>
“Oh really?” Piper said not really interested. “And where would that be?”<br>
“Your sisters,” Evian replied. “Think about it, who are the most powerful and feared witches?”<br>
A nasty grin spread across Piper’s face, “I like the way you think.”<br>

Just then Paige and Zoey orbed in behind Chris. “What’s going on?” Paige whispered.

“I’m not sure,” Chris replied. “From what I can hear, I think we should come up with another plan.”<br>
“There’s no time for that,” Paige replied. “Phoebe’s not looking to hot and this might be our only chance to get Piper back.”<br>
“As much as I hate the current plan,” Zoey added, “I have to agree with Paige.”<br>
“You don’t understand,” Chris said, “That woman is more powerful than Piper. If she gets her hands on you-“<br>
“We’ll just have to take that chance. It’s what I get for being bate,” Zoey said glancing at Paige.

Paige sighed, “The youngest is always bate, trust me, you get used to it.”<br>

Zoey shimmered in beside Piper and Evian. “Hey Piper what’s up?”<br>
“You shouldn’t be here,” Piper said.

“Well, well, we meet again,” Evian said.

“Do I even know you?”<br>
Piper smiled, “Then again, you might be of some use to me after all.” Piper began moving in on Zoey.

“Sorry about this,” Zoey said and sent Piper flying with a huge gust of wind. Evian shot an electric ball at Zoey but she deflected it with a gust of wind.

“Piper, I’m here to help you.”<br>
“Help me?” Piper said increduously. “I feel great; I don’t need your help.” She sent Zoey stumbling backwards. “What’s happening to me?” she asked looking at her hands. Piper felt dizzy and week.

“You need to feed,” Evian said. “Use the girl.”<br>
“Hey shut it you old bag,” Zoey said and sent Evian flying again. “No need to give her ideas.” Zoey backed away from Piper. “Listen to me, you need to get rid of the necklace, it drains your humanity each time you use it. It’s controlling you, just hand the necklace to me.”<br>
“Don’t listen to her,” Evian said, “she just wants it for herself.”<br>
“Stay out of this,” Zoey knocked the woman down with a gust of wind. She noticed Paige and Chris sneaking up behind Piper. “Damn you’re annoying. Piper listen to me, it will eventually kill you and when it does that wench will take-“<br>
Zoey flew across the room and fell into some old wooden crates. “And to think that I thought you a friend,” Piper said lowering the arm she used to send Zoey back.

Paige tried to grab the necklace but Piper kicked her in the stomach. “Oww, alright that’s it.” Paige threw a potion vile at Piper’s feet and she was engulfed for a brief moment in a cloud of pink smoke. “What’s mine is yours what’s yours is mine, I offer up my gift to share, swap Piper and mines power through the air.”<br>
Piper stumbled back and so did Paige. Piper tried to blow up Paige but nothing happened. Paige raised her hands and caused Piper to freeze.

Evian was knelt over the barely moving Zoey, draining her magic. Chris sent her flying backwards. “Paige, a little help.”<br>
Paige froze Evian. Paige ran over to Piper and took the necklace and smashed it with the heel of her white shoes.

Evian screamed and burst into tiny particles. Piper collapsed onto the ground.

Chris knelt down over Zoey, blood spilled out from her side where a piece of crate had impaled her. Chris stared at the wound, Bianca was before him.

* “Haven't we been here before?”*

“Bianca,” Chris said taking hold of Zoey’s hand.

“Oh my god,” Paige said rushing over to where Zoey lay bleeding. “She’s not breathing. Leo!” Paige turned to Chris, “What the hell? Why didn’t you do anything? Leo!”<br>
****
“Ok Wyatt, mommy’s here,” Piper soothed as she hugged her son. “I love you,” she continued. “I will always love you.”<br>
A knock came at the door and Phoebe and Paige entered the bedroom.

“Oh hey,” Piper said. “Phoebes, how are you feeling?”<br>
“I’m ok I guess,” Phoebe replied. “What about you?” she asked taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

“Better, I still can’t believe how I acted.”<br>
“It wasn’t you Piper,” Paige said. “It was the necklace.”<br>
Piper shook her head, “But it was me though, I could tell.”

She sighed and kissed her son on his beautiful golden blonde hair.

Paige smiled a bit guiltily, “I can’t help but think that this was somehow my fault too.”<br>
“And mine,” Phoebe said.

“No, none of it’s your guys’ fault, only mine.”<br>
“Isn’t it?” Paige said. “I mean, we kind of left you to deal with a lot when we moved out and it’s all the stress-with the minor help of the necklace-that caused this to happen.”<br>
“Yeah,” Phoebe agreed. “Even though we moved out, we’re still responsible for the house, helping you out and our nephew.”<br>
Piper smiled warmly at her sisters and kissed her son upon his cheek.

the end


*Episode: CHris Crossed; season 6