Family Reunion

[mcharmed21]

Author: wiccangirl311

Family Reunion

Chapter one

Phoebe fanned herself with one of her magazines as she tried to blow air up to her face at the same time. It was coming towards the end of February and the San Francisco climate had climbed which was really odd since it was still what would be considered the transition between winter and spring.

It was 85 degrees in the city which was really rare because it only usually hit around 75. Right now there was no wind blowing and the fans only blew the warm muggy air around.

“Fresh lemonade!” Piper announced as she came into the conservatory carrying a glass juice holder and several clear pink glasses on a tray.

“I now remember why I hate the heat,” Phoebe mumbled. “Not only is it uncomfortable but you don’t want to do anything but sleep.”<br>
Piper nodded, “But it is a nice change from all the fog.”

“Ugh! Curse this heat,” Paige said as she entered the conservatory with her nephew in her arms. Wyatt was dressed in blue jean over alls and a red tank top with a picture of the cartoon Blue’s Clues on it.

“Mommy,” Wyatt said and Paige handed over her nephew.

“You know, I have a perfect solution to this,” Paige said. “Zoey!”<br>
Piper shook her head as she set Wyatt down and gave him his training cup full of lemonade.

Zoey walked in sporting a pair of black pedal pushers and a yellow square neck tank top. “What’s up? Oh, lemonade.”<br>
“Could you do something about this heat? Like, oh I don’t know, give us a cool breeze?”<br>
“As tempting as that sounds, I risk the consequences of personal gain.”<br>
“Please, what bad can occur with a little breeze?”<br>
Zoey took a sip of her lemonade. “OH I don’t know, I could end up with big breasts like you did; psycho men that won’t leave me alone and we all know I’ve had enough of those; and my personal favorite- as Leo puts it- some weather malfunction that ends up causing an ice age or global warming.”<br>
Phoebe laughed.

“Anyways,” Zoey said, “how’s it going with the engaged life?”<br>
“Oh gosh it’s wonderful,” Phoebe said. “It’d be even more wonderful if my ex-demonic husband hadn’t been resurrected.”<br>
“Well at least we know how he got back,” Paige said.

“Yeah, did you find anymore information on the Ancients?”
Piper asked. “I mean I know we had that little history lesson courtesy of the shadow puppets a few months back, but anything new?”<br>
“Well the book was no help since it basically said the same thing the shadows did,” Paige replied.

“Well, I did do some research on them and from what I found out, they’re pretty much unstoppable. They can only be stopped by a creature or being of magic equal to what the Ancient wields in strength,” Zoey informed.

“Where’d you get that information from?” Piper asked.

“Parts from Chris and parts from this pagan/witch craft site that I found on the internet.”<br>
“Speaking of,” Phoebe started. “What’s the deal between you and Chris now?”<br>
“Nothing, we’re just friends,” Zoey replied.

“He broke up with Jenna shortly after you two kissed,” Paige pointed out.

“Phoebe, do you know what it means to keep something a secret?” Zoey said.

“Yeah about that, I’ve never been able to keep secrets. Sorry about that.”<br>
“Anyways,” Paige continued, “don’t you think that means something?”<br>
Zoey didn’t answer.

****

Chris was walking down a street. He didn’t know which street it was but he didn’t care. He was just wandering physically and mentally. He needed to stop thinking about Zoey. He had broken up with Jenna a week after the kiss for two reasons: he was confused by the kiss they shared; even though he felt the way he did about her he couldn’t read how Zoey felt. She seemed unemotional when he had confronted her about it yet he felt something when her lips touched his. Second, he realized that Jenna wasn’t the girl for him. Anyone who would ask him to give up his friendship due to jealousy and lack of trust didn’t deserve his time.

“Oh honey, don’t put that in your mouth,” a young woman with beautiful brown hair that reached her shoulders said. She was struggling with a bag of groceries and trying to keep her son from sticking the house keys in his mouth.

The brown paper bag ripped and canned food and oranges fell to the ground. Chris walked over and gave the young woman a hand.

“Oh thank you so much,” she said.

“No problem,” Chris replied with a friendly smile.

“I’m Julie by the way,” she said holding out a hand for a shake.

“Nice to meet you Julie, I’m Chris.”<br>
“Really, what a coincidence! My son’s name is Chris,” Julie said looking at her young son who was about a year old. It was the first time that Chris noticed that the child had brown hair and blue eyes. “We just moved here,” Julie
continued. “So we’re still getting used to the city.”<br>
Chris nodded, “If you need, I can help bring these groceries in for you,” Chris offered.

“That’d be great.” She got u and picked up her son, “Come on Christopher, it’s time for your nap.”<br>
Chris picked up a couple bags of groceries and followed Julie to the front door. The mail box was filled with envelopes but in gold lettering was the name ‘Perry.’<br>


The house was small but had a cozy country type of feel to it. As Chris followed Julie into the kitchen he saw boxes scattered here and there, along with a few pictures of the family along the walls and on the small end tables. Chris smiled at the pictures; he couldn’t believe it. After all of these years of wondering who his family was, where he had lived, he finally found it.

“Chris, would you like something to drink? I made some fresh iced tea or there’s orange juice.”<br>
“Iced tea is fine thanks.”<br>
Julie smiled, “So, do you live in the neighborhood?”<br>
“Uh no actually, I live down town but I have some friends that live a few blocks from here.”<br>
“Oh well that’s cool. You know, it is really great to run into someone nice around here.”<br>
Chris nodded and just then a tall man with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes walked in. “You didn’t tell me that we were expecting company,” he said and kissed his wife on the lips.

“This is Chris, we just met,” Julie introduced. “Chris, this is my husband Mark.”<br>
“Nice to meet you,” Chris said with a big smile as he shook his father’s hand.

“Chris helped bring in the groceries,” Julie went on.

“That was very kind of you Chris,” Mark said. “Are you from the neighborhood?”<br>
“NO I live down town actually.”<br>
Mark nodded then went over and patted baby Chris on the head. Baby Chris was now playing with a shiny red fire engine toy. “So Chris, do you baby sit?” Mark asked suddenly.

“Mark,” Julie said.

“What? He seems like a good kid,” Mark replied. “Tell you what, why don’t you stay for dinner and we can get to know you better.”<br>
“Uh truthfully I’m not a great baby sitter, but I do know a girl who could help you though,” Chris said. “Her name is Zoey; she’s amazing and really good with kids.”<br>
“Amazing huh?” Mark said with a smile. “A girlfriend of yours?”<br>
“No actually, just a good friend,” Chris replied quietly.

End of chapter one

[mcharmed21]

Chapter two

Piper and her sisters were flipping through magazines when Chris ran into the house.

“Whoa, where’s the fire?” Piper asked.

“Sorry,” Chris replied with a smile. “Is Zoey here?”<br>
“Yeah, she’s doing laundry. Where’ve you been all day?” Piper asked.

“Just taking a walk. Bye.”<br>
“Walk!” Piper shouted after him.

“What was that all about?” Phoebe wondered.


“I can’t ask him,” Zoey said into the phone as she reached into the dryer and pulled out her dried clothes and placed them into the laundry basket. “Because I can’t, things are weird now between us ever since we kissed.”

Zoey smiled, “You want me to compare you and him? What is this, some ego boost? Besides a lady never kisses and tells.”

She laughed, “You jerk! Anyways, I’m not even sure if he’d go to prom with me.” Zoey rolled her eyes, “What do I say? Oh hey- Chris.”<br>
Chris just entered the laundry room.

“Jake I’ll call you back.”<br>
“Hey Zoey,” Chris said smiling brightly. “I need to talk to you.”

He grabbed her hand and orbed them out of the laundry room.


The two orbed into her room in the basement.

“Chris what’s going on?” Zoey asked curiously smiling at her friend’s eccentricity that he was displaying.

Chris was still smiling, “I met my parents,” he blurted finally.

“What-when?” Zoey asked.

“Today, a couple of hours ago actually.” He grabbed her hand and sat her down on the bed. He then stood up again.

Zoey laughed, “Look at you, you can’t stop smiling.”<br>
“I can’t help it. All my life I never knew who my parents were and now I do.” He turned to her, still beaming. “My mom, she’s beautiful. Long brown hair and hazel colored eyes. Her name is Julie, Julie Perry. And my dad, he’s a bit taller than me with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. His name is Mark.”<br>
“It must be nice to fill in that missing blank in your life,” Zoey said with a faint smile, holding onto the silver heart shaped locket around her neck.

“It is. It’s better too, they invited me to join them for dinner,” Chris said taking a seat next to her.

“That’s wonderful,” Zoey said.

“Yeah and I kind of told them that I’d bring you along,” he continued while taking her hand in his.

Zoey’s smile twitched a little. “You what- why?”<br>
“Please Zoey, it would mean a lot to me if you’d come to dinner with me tonight.”<br>
“Alright- oh my gosh! What am I going to wear?”<br>
Zoey leaped u and ran over to her dresser and began to search anxiously through her drawers.

Chris laughed, “It’s only dinner,” he said.

“Correction, its dinner with your parents. The outfit says alto; it’s how people see you.”<br>
“You look fine in what you’re wearing,” he said noting her blue jeans and white top.

“Are you purposely not trying to help?” Chris smiled. “Which top? The blue three-quarter sleeve or the pale pink one with the sheer pink thing that goes over it?”<br>
“The pink one.”<br>
Zoey nodded. “Um Chris, can I ask you a question?”<br>
“Sure, shoot.”<br>
Zoey smiled nervously, “Um, I don’t know if you’re interested but, it’s kind of short notice because I wasn’t sure- in two weeks there’s this dance, prom actually, and I was wondering if you’d like to go with me.”<br>
Chris smiled softly, “Prom huh? Yeah I’ll go with you.”<br>
Zoey smiled and blushed a bit, “Ok, great; but you have to rent a tux you know.”<br>
Chris nodded, “Sounds like fun, I’ll just pack a change of clothes.”<br>
“Same here, my converse sneakers shall wait in the limo.”<br>
End of chapter two

[mcharmed21]

Chapter three

Chris was about to knock on the door. “Wait,” Zoey said. “One last time, do I look ok?”<br>
Chris smiled, “Zoey for the last time, I’m sure they’re going to like you. You look great. Remember no cell phone though; your social can wait a few hours.”<br>
Zoey nodded then gestured her hand in the air, “Proceed.”<br>
Chris knocked on the door and Mark answered it. “Chris, glad you could make it. Zoey I presume?” he said extending his hand towards her for a shake.

Zoey smiled, “Yes; pleased to meet you Mr. Perry.”<br>
“Please, call me Mark. Please, come in.”<br>
The two entered the house and Mark took their jackets and hung them up on a coat rack. He then led them to the dinning room table where plates and utensils had been set out.

“Julie, our guests are here,” he announced.

Julie came out to the kitchen holding baby Chris in her arms. “OH hello, I’m Julie.”<br>
“Pleased to meet you, I’m Zoey. You have a lovely home here.”<br>
Julie smiled, “Imagine what it will look like with all the boxes gone.”<br>
*****

“So Zoey, Chris here tells me that you’re into photography?”
Mark said and then took another sip of his wine.

Zoey nodded and set down her glass of iced tea down upon the yellow placemat. “I love photography, it’s the only form of art that I can express myself in. I’ve been at it for about four years now.”<br>
“Zoey plans to attend the Academy of Art here in San Francisco and get a masters degree in Photography,” Chris added.

“Oh that’s wonderful,” Julie said. “I used to dabble in photography when I was your age. How are you at taking portraits?”<br>
Zoey smiled, “Truthfully I’ve only done two portraits before. One for my best friend and his family and the other for this girl I met in Vancouver.”<br>
Julie nodded, “Well, if I asked would you be able to take some pictures? I’ve been meaning to get a family portrait done.”<br>
“Sure, no problem.”<br>
As Julie and Zoey continued on with their conversation setting up a date and time, Mark turned to Chris. “So what about you? Any interests-sports-music-art?”<br>
Chris smiled, “Actually, I’m pretty fond of history.”<br>
“History, that’s an interesting subject; very large subject. What parts of History do you like the most?”<br>
“I love it all,” Chris replied truthfully. “European history is pretty fascinating; especially the literature. I mean you’ve got Dante, Homer, and all these other amazing and talented writers who have been a great contribution the literary society. Then now I’ve gotten into art history courtesy of Zoey. She loves all that stuff. We went to an art museum in San Jose a couple of weeks back and she wouldn’t leave until every piece was looked over and she gave her commentary on it. But it’s great; I mean to learn of the things that have built what we know as society today.”<br>
Mark nodded and just then a dark lighter appeared and shot an arrow right at Mark. Julie lit an energy ball and sent it at the dark lighter. Zoey used a powerful gust of wind to deflect the arrow.

“The baby!” Julie said.

Mark rushed over to baby Chris and orbed out just in time to escape an oncoming arrow. The dark lighter telepathically sent Julie flying across the room. He shot another arrow, this time at Zoey. Chris shoved her out of the way and the arrow pierced him in the side. Zoey formed a fire ball and sent it at the dark lighter causing him to explode into flames.

“Chris,” she said and ran over to him. The arrow had been shot pretty close and had dug in him deep. “Why’d you do that?” she demanded.

“I just took an arrow for you and you’re complaining?” he said breathlessly.

“I don’t want you to die on me,” Zoey defended.

Julie got up and looked over at them. “Mark!” Mark orbed in with the child in his arms. “He needs your help.”<br>
“I can’t touch that, it’s a dark lighter’s bow,” Mark explained.

Zoey nodded, “Come on, sit up,” she instructed Chris.

Chris shook his head as he sat up. “NO, I don’t think so,” he said.

“We have to get the arrow out and my way will be faster or you can have me yank it out with my own hand.” Zoey placed the palm of her hand over the butt of the arrow. “Eyes on me,” she said. When Chris locked eyes with her she smiled nervously, “On three. One-”<br>
Chris cried out in pain as the arrow exited his body. Zoey had conjured a powerful gust of wind to push the arrow out the other side of the wound.

Mark knelt down beside Chris and healed his wound. “So you’re a white lighter too?”<br>
Chris rubbed his side where the wound had been. “Part whit lighter actually; Part witch, part white lighter.”<br>
“Well it seems that no matter where we go, they’ll find us,” Julie said quietly.

“Well here that is kind of the norm,” Zoey said. She looked at where the dark lighter had stood; scorch marks could be seen on the floor and the walls.

Julie smiled faintly, “It’s alright; that’s some power of yours.” Julie sighed, “Well, I’m going to go put the baby to bed. It was nice meeting you.”<br>
“She’s a bit overwhelmed,” Mark explained. “The past few weeks have been nothing but demonic attacks. Way more than usual.”<br>
Zoey glanced at Chris. “Dark lighters?”<br>
“There’ve been some demons but mainly dark lighters.” Mark smiled, “Zoey I’ve heard a lot of good things about you from Chris.” Zoey blushed a bit. “I was wondering if you could baby sit my son tomorrow. I’d feel a lot better having you sit for him seeing as what has happened tonight.”<br>
Zoey smiled, “Uh, sure, no problem.”<br>
“Good; could you be here at six? I’m taking Julie out; it’s our two year anniversary.”<br>
Zoey nodded, “I’ll see you at six.” Just then Zoey’s cell phone rang and she glanced at Chris.

“Go ahead,” he said with a faint smile.

Zoey smiled brightly, “Thanks; excuse me for a second.”<br>
“She likes you,” Mark said when Zoey had left the room.

Chris smiled and shook his head, “I don’t think so. She’s already made that clear.”<br>
“She does, I can tell by the way she looks at you. It’s how Julie used to look at me before we got together. We were best friends in college and I fell in love with her. She made it clear time and time again that she didn’t think of us as more than friends but now we’re married and have a kid. Look, I’m not saying that she’s the one to marry and settle down with, all I’m saying is that you two clearly like each other. You should go after her; she seems like a great girl.”<br>

[mcharmed21]

Zoey and Chris laughed as they climbed the steps t the Halliwell manor.

“You must be- you met your parents!” Zoey exclaimed with a big smile and grabbing hold of his arm.

Chris smiled, “I-I can’t believe it,” he said. “After all of these years of wondering and now I’ve met them. Words cannot begin to describe how I feel.”<br>
In a rush of pure excitement and joy, Chris grabbed Zoey and twirled her around as if dancing to inaudible music. Zoey laughed with delight. Chris stopped twirling and Zoey smiled up at him. Chris tucked Zoey’s hair behind her ears then leaned in and kissed her on the lips softly. Zoey pulled away.

“What’s the matter?”<br>
Zoey bit down on her lower lip nervously, “Don’t hurt me Chris, ok?” she said quietly.

Chris lifted her chin up with hand, “I won’t hurt you; I promise.”<br>
Zoey smiled and kissed him sweetly. As the two continued to kiss the air around them became tense. The tension filled Zoey’s body like nothing she had ever felt before. Something was coming. She pulled away from Chris and looked up at him curiously. Whatever it was that was to come would affect him; the air told her in ways she couldn’t explain.

“What is it?” Chris asked. “Is there something wrong?”<br>
“I’m not sure; I just have this- this feeling. In the air…I’m sorry I’m spoiling the day.”<br>
Chris smiled and kissed her lips. “You haven’t ruined anything.”<br>
Chapter four
“Oh thank you so much,” Julie said taking baby Chris out of Zoey’s arms. “I hope he wasn’t too much trouble for you.”<br>
“No, not at all; he was perfect angel,” Zoey replied as she put her purse on.

“Here you go,” Mark said handing Zoey money.

“Oh no really, that’s not necessary,” Zoey said politely.

“No really, it’s the least we could do.”<br>
Zoey smiled and politely took the money, “Thank you.”<br>
“Do you need Mark to take you home?” Julie asked. “It is pretty late, I’m sure your parents don’t want you walking home.”<br>
Zoey smiled faintly. “Oh no thanks, I shimmer so I’ll go that way. Have a good night.”<br>
“Bye.”<br>
****

When Zoey shimmered into the manor, she noticed Leo, Piper, Paige, and Phoebe gathered in the conservatory.

Chris walked up to her, “They know,” he whispered.

“Know what?” Zoey asked.

“About my parents,” he replied.

“Come in here you two,” Piper said.

Chris and Zoey entered the conservatory uncertainly.

Leo folded his arms in front of him. “I think you the two of you have some explaining to do,” he said in a firm tone.

“Why didn’t you tell us that you found your parents?” Phoebe asked.

“And Zoey, how could you just say nothing about it?” Paige said.

“Chris,” Leo began, “do you have any idea what can-” Leo froze.

“Leo?” Piper asked.

Paige went over and waved a hand in front of his face; he gave no response.”<br>

[mcharmed21]

Phoebe looked out the window, “Everything is at a stand still,” she informed.

“That’s because time has stopped,” Zoey replied.

The others looked at her curiously.

“The air, it’s immobile and there’s this feeling of-”<br>
“My, my that power of yours has really made you connected to almost everything,” a man in white robes with white hair, and a white mustache said.

“OH no, not you again,” Piper mumbled.

“Not me again? What’s that supposed to mean?”<br>
“Chris, Zoey, meet the Angel of Destiny,” Paige said dryly.

“The Angel of Destiny?” Zoey said skeptically.

“That’s correct and can any one of you guess why I might be here?” the Angel of Destiny asked looking around at the five. “Let me tell you. It has come to my attention that the grown up Christopher Perry has met with his birth parents.”<br>
“What does that-” Chris was cut off.

“Let me finish,” the angel said. “Last night during the get to know you dinner, a dar lighter attacked. Chris and his friend Zoey Aguilar vanquished the dark lighter revealing themselves as witches. This was not supposed to happen which is why I am here.” The angel paused. “There is no delicate nor easy way to say this, but in precisely one week from today, Mark and Julie Aguilar will be killed.”<br>
“What?! By whom- what?” Chris demanded.

“There is nothing that you can do about it, it must happen. It’s their destiny.”<br>
“Screw destiny,” Chris said angrily. “These are my parents we’re talking about.”<br>
“It must happen,” the angel continued calmly. “If you interfere, death will only come after them time and time again and if you continue trying to save them it will take your life, killing young Chris; which you know that if that happens, it will prevent your olderself- you- from coming back from the future to warn the sisters.”<br>
Chris shook his head, “Piper, tell him…tell him that we can’t just-” he glared at the fact that the sisters looked at him helplessly then he orbed out.

“He musn’t-”<br>
“Shut up,” Zoey snapped at the angel. “How dare you come here and tell him that. He doesn’t deserve that, he’s finally found his parents. He doesn’ deserve to know that kind of feeling of loss.”<br>
“Zoey,” the angel said with a faint smile. Zoey shimmered out before he could go on. The angel smiled, “Those two are going to have a rough road ahead of them; separate and united.”<br>
****

Chris was seated on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands when Zoey shimmered in.

“Chris?” she said softly while approaching him. Zoey sat down beside him and he took her hand in his. “We’re going to get through this,” she said and kissed his hand.

“How? How am I supposed to get through this?” Chris asked. “I can’t just sit around and let them die.”<br>
“I know.”<br>
“I can’t- what am I supposed to do?”<br>
“I don’t know, but we’ll think of something. In the mean time, take advantage of time; see them again.” Zoey took off her silver locket and handed it to him. “here, it’s for luck. I was told that it belonged to my mother when she dropped me off at the church.”<br>
Chris took the silver locket in his hand and smiled faintly.
Zoey kissed his cheek, “You’ll figure something out.” She smiled faintly and wipped away some of the stray tears he let escape down his cheek.

Chris kissed her lips softly and she kissed him back. He stroked he held the back of her head pulling her closer to him with each kiss he gave her. “Don’t leave,” he whispered and kissed her again.

Zoey pulled away, “Not tonight. Good night Christopher,” she said then shimmered out.

End of chapter four

[mcharmed21]

Chapter five

“Alright, Mark if you could just move a little to the left- perfect,” Zoey said and snapped pictures of the smiling happy family.

“Thank you so much for doing this,” Julie said.

“It was my pleasure,” Zoey replied and clicked away some more. “Ok, well, I’ll have these to you by Friday at the latest.”<br>
“Thanks for the offer but I’m going to a party.”<br>
Mark smiled, “Ah to be a teenager again. Have fun.”<br>
****

Zoey put on her black jacket over her burgundy laced top.

“Remember, no drinking,” Piper said.

“Not a sip,” Zoey promised.

“No illegal act of any kind,” Leo added.

“When have I-”<br>
Leo looked at her, “It includes spray painting, even if you think its artistic expression.”<br>
“Jake’s going with you right?” Piper asked.

“Yes, Jake’s picking me up and dropping me off here,” Zoey assured. A car horn honked. “See ya!”<br>
“Keep your cell phone on incase of emergency!” Piper called after her.

“Be back at ten –thirty!” Leo added.

“Twelve- thirty tops!” Piper adjusted. Leo looked at Piper, “What? Oh come on Leo, ten-thirty is early. Leo smiled and kissed her on the lips.


“Hey Jake,” Zoey said as she climbed into the passenger seat of the black mustang.

“So the party’s at Ocean beach, and just so you know, there’ll be a keg,” Jake informed.

“Well none for me tonight,” Zoey said. “Remember, I’ve stopped drinking at parties ever since I woke up the next day with Alex in the same bed as me.”<br>
“That’s good to hear,” Chris said from the back seat.

“Chris, what are you doing here?” Zoey asked surprised to see him.

“I needed a break from things,” he replied. Zoey studied him or a moment. “I’m fine,” said taking hold of her hand.

“It’s about time,” Jake stated with a slight laugh.

“Shut up and drive Jake,” Zoey said and turned on the radio.

*****

The bonfire cast a warm glow onto the face of the group of teenagers who had gathered there. Rock music filled the air along with the laughter of those playing Frisbee and volley ball in the dark. A few tripped drunkenly about while others made out under the stars.

Zoey looked around searching for Chris. She hadn’t seen him for the past two hours and was wondering if he had already left. “Hey Brian, have you seen Chris?” she asked her friend.
“Nah, I think he bounced,” Brian replied and placed an arm around Zoey’s waist. “So…will you go to prom with me?” he asked smiling a charming smile at her. He had a thing for her since the sixth grade.

Zoey smiled, “Sorry, but I already have a date; Chris has agreed to go with me. See you later.” With that she walked off.


Chris gazed off into the vast ocean. “Everything seemed tranquil. The stars filled the sky as if someone had cast glitter abut a dark black back round. The half moon cast a pale bluish light onto everything it touched giving every object a dark, haunting silhouette.

Chris took another sip of beer.

“There you are,” Zoey said as she walked up to him. “I’ve been looking all over the place for you. I thought that you might have left.” As she took a seat next to him, she noticed the empty beer bottles on the sand. The two were quite a ways from the party.

“Are you alright?” Zoey asked looking at him curiously.

“I’m fine,” Chris replied, “Why wouldn’t I be?”<br>
“Chris, you know I’m here for you right? If you need anything-” Chris kissed her. Zoey smiled, “I don’t think-”<br>
He kissed her again this time more passionately than before. Zoey kissed him back and he lowered her down onto the sand. Zoey smiled as she pulled him closer to her. Chris slid his hand under the side of her shirt, her skin was smooth.

“Oh, you’re hand is cold,” Zoey said with a slight laugh then kissed him again after he pulled his hand back. He then placed his hand on her thigh and continued to kiss her lips. He then began to unbuckle her black belt.

“Chris wait,” Zoey said breaking the kiss only to be kissed by him some more.

Chris ignored her and continued to now unbutton her jeans.
“Stop,” Zoey repeated. “Chris stop!” she said louder and pushed him off of her. She got up and buttoned back up her pants. “Why didn’t you listen the first time?” Zoey asked.

“You said if I wanted anything-”<br>
“I didn’t mean it like that. What kind of girl do you think I am?”<br>
“Apparently you only put out with strangers.”<br>
“Screw you,” Zoey said now standing up.

“I didn’t mean that,” Chris said placing his hands on her waist.
Zoey pushed him away. “You’re drunk, you should go home.”<br>
“Go home, to what? My parents? They’ll be dead in a couple of days.”<br>
“Chris you-”<br>
“No, stop. You- you don’t even know what it’s like to have parents do you?” he laughed. “Oh that’s right, you’re a foster child. Always have been. You act like you know what its like-”<br>
“I know that having an ounce of knowing who your parents are is a whole lot better than not knowing anything at all.”<br>
“Here we go again,” Chris said. “Zoey’s little problems some how manage to play into everything don’t they?”<br>
“I didn’t-”<br>
“You of all people are the last person that should be dishing out advice about…anything. You shouldn’t give advice about relationships because you are the worst when it comes t that. You loved a murderer; you sleep with people you don’t know.”<br>
“Stop it,” Zoey said.

“You can’t even give advice about life because you try to take your own when you cut yourself.”<br>
“Stop it,” Zoey repeated through gritted teeth.

“Oh and my personal favorite, family advice. You haven’t even had one single stable family. You’ve gone through what- five foster homes and none wanted you. You own parents didn’t even want you. And you think that Summer and Ronnie were your stable parents but we both know that they had their problems. They’d drink and they’d smoke mari-”<br>
Zoey slapped him across the face. “Don’t you ever talk about them that way again.” With that she ran off.

End of chapter five

[mcharmed21]

Chapter six

“Was the party that bad?” Piper asked Zoey. The three sisters and Zoey were eating breakfast at the dining room table.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Zoey replied playing with her scrambled eggs.

“You need to eat,” Phoebe said.

“Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?” Paige asked.

“Pass the orange juice,” Zoey said avoiding the subject.

As Piper handed the orange juice carton to Zoey Chris orbed into the manor. He looked like hell. He woke up to a really bad hangover and a serious guilt trip. He needed to talk to Zoey.

“Hey Chris,” Piper greeted.

“Wow, you look like hell,” Paige pointed out.

Zoey got up from the table, “I’ll be in the attic,” she announced. Chris held her arm but she jerked away. “Don’t touch me,” she said firmly and coldly.

“Zoey we need to talk,” Chris said.

“As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing to talk about and I don’t think I ever want to talk to you again. End of discussion.” With that she walked away.

“Uh-oh, what did you do?” Phoebe said.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Chris said.

The door bell rang just then. “I’ll get it,” Piper said.


“Hey Piper,” Jake greeted.

“Oh hey Jake; Zoey’s in the attic.”<br>
“Actually, I was wondering if Chris was here by any chance,” Jake informed.

“Yeah, he just came in.”<br>
Jake nodded and followed Piper in.

Chris was seated in the second living room but stood up upon Jake’s arrival. “Hey man, what’s up?”<br>
Jake laughed, “What’ up? I’ll tell you what’s up you son of a b!tch!” Jake punched Chris in the jaw, sending him stumbling backwards with the force of the punch.

“What the hell?” Chris charged at Jake and the two began slugging it out.

Jake grabbed Chris by the collar of his shirt and slammed him into the wall. Jake was more strong than Chris had estimated him to be. “She came crying,” Jake said then punched Chris. “All because of you,” he punched him again; the flesh of his knuckles grazing Chris’ front teeth. “What you did to her (he was punched again) what you said to her.” Jake punched him one more time then Chris shoved Jake away and punched him in the gut. Chris then stood Jake up and punched him in the jaw.

Zoey came running into living room. “Stop this!” The two ignored her and kept slugging it out. “I said STOP!” she stuck her arms straight out to the side of her and a strong gust of wind sent the two to opposite sides of the room.

“What the hell is going on here?” Piper demanded.

Jake picked himself up and panted. “If you ever treat her like that again, I swear you’ll wish you were immortal.” Jake left the room.

Chris wiped away some of the blood from his lip and looked at Zoey who glared at him coldly. Chris orbed out.

“Do you mind telling us what that was all about? Why two friends were having a slug fest in here?” Paige said impatiently.

Zoey was silent.

“Did Chris hurt you?” Phoebe asked.

Zoey remained silent.

“Zoey if he hurt you like that you need to tell us,” Piper said.

“No, he didn’t do that to me. It’s just….” Suddenly Phoebe felt anger fill her mixed with hatred.

“Oh,” Phoebe said. Zoey shimmered out.

End of chapter six

[mcharmed21]

Chapter seven

“Looks like you got quite a shiner there,” Mark said to Chris as the two sat on the couch in the Perry’s house. “Here, let me heal that for you.”<br>
Mark healed Chris’ black eye. “Thanks,” Chris said.

“Next time don’t get into a fight. You know, a strong man is a man who doesn’t resort t his fists, instead he uses this,” Mark pointed to his head. Chris nodded with a faint smile at his father’s concern. “So Zoey came by yesterday,” Mark said while looking at Chris curiously.

It had been two days since his fight with Jake.

Chris nodded, “Oh?”<br>
“Yeah, she seemed rather quiet. She came over to learn how to make lasagna.” Chris nodded. “She seemed pretty eager to avoid talking about you. Is everything alright between the two of you? When I asked about you the words ‘jerk’ and ‘ugh’ were used quite a lot.”<br>
“I deserve that,” Chris said quietly.

“You want to talk about it?” Mark asked.

Chris thought for a moment; this would be the first heart –to- heart he had with his father. “I screwed things up,” Chris confessed. “Things started to develop between me and Zoey, then I go and screw things up with words.”<br>
Mark nodded then turned to him, “Have you tried apologizing?”<br>
“Yeah, but she won’t talk to me. I’ve tried telling her that I’m really sorry but she won’t listen. She can be really stubborn.”<br>
Mark smiled sympathetically, “Have you tried apologizing to her with flowers? Girls like flowers.”<br>
Chris smiled at this, “She’s a fire starter, she’d probably set them aflame. Thanks anyways.”<br>
Mark nodded, “Then you should just try again but don’t make it to where it’s so that you can feel better about yourself. Make it to where it’s truly because you are sorry.” He then looked at Chris, “Is she the cause of your shiner?”<br>
Chris laughed, “No she went easy on me. All I got was a slap n the face and a ‘I never want to see you again.’”

Just then Julie and Zoey entered the house carrying some deserts they had just baked at the women’s club. When Zoey caught sight of Chris her smile faded, “Well it was fun today, going to the club and all but I need to get going.” She said and waved then began to make her way to the door.

Julie grabbed her arm, “No, no you’re staying here and that goes for you too Chris.”<br>
“Julie-”<br>
“Not now Mark,” Julie said and led Zoey over to the couch and sat her down right beside Chris. Zoey scooted to the far end of the couch. “You two need to talk whatever this is out.”<br>
“Sorry about this,” Mark said. “She’s a counselor.”<br>
“Hush; go on Chris,” Julie directed.

Chris hesitated then began. “Zoey, I never meant to hurt you.”<br>
“It’ a little to late for that isn’t it?” she said coldly.

“What else do you want me to say?” Chris exclaimed. “I’ve already tried apologizing who knows how many times.”<br>
“You’re so ignorant!” she exclaimed.

“I’m ignorant, how am I ignorant?”<br>
“Do you really think I’m sorrys will make everything ok again?” Zoey demanded. “You promised me that you wouldn’t hurt me and you did. You’re just like the rest of them, and I don’t need that anymore.” Zoey put a tired hand to her forehead and Chris didn’t dare look at her. He didn’t want to think of him ever being like the men from her past. He wanted to show her that goodness and softness she had been missing out on in her relationships. “Then to top it off,” she continued. “You talk poorly of Ronie and Summer. Do you-”<br>
Zoey flew across the room and smacked hard into the bookshelf. Julie lit an energy ball and sent it at the demon but the demon dodged it. He lit an electric ball and sent it flying fast at Julie.

With a wave of his hand, Mark caused the electric ball to go off course. Again the demon sent another electric ball. This time it nearly hit Zoey as she tried to get up but Chris Sent it flying at the demon with a flick of his wrist and the demon exploded.

Chris turned to Zoey who was bleeding from the head. He placed his hands over her wound and healed it as he locked eyes with her.

“Thanks,” she said and he helped her up to her feet.

“Are you alright?” he asked his parents in a concerened voice.

“Yeah, we’re fine,” Mark replied hugging his wife and child.

****

The club was booming with loud mucsic coming from the live band that was on the stage. People were laughing and dancing and just having a good time. Chris and Zoey descended the stairs, entering the sea of people.

“Zoey,” Chris said taking hold of her arm.

Zoey looked at him blankly, “What?”<br>
It took him a while to answer. He didn’t see any emotion in her face while she looked at him. “I really am sorry,” he said finally. “If I could take it back I would but I can’t.Do you think you might be able to forgive me?”<br>
“I really don’t know,” Zoey replied.

Chris nodded and let go of her and looked away.

“Chris.” He turned to look at her. “Give it time; a lot of time because we can’t just pick up where we left off. It’s not easy like that.”<br>


“Well look who’s here,” Paige said as Zoey and Chris approached the bar.

“Are you two cool with each other now?” Piper said smiling curiously.

“My parents were attacked again,” Chris said changing the subject.

“What? When?” Phoebe asked.

“Tonight, about an hour ago,” Chris replied.

“Wait, you saw them?” Leo said. “Chris, you heard the angel-”<br>
“Screw what the angel said,” Chris said. “I don’t care what he said.”<br>
“Chris, it has to happen,” Piper said gently. “We can’t meddle with Destiny.”<br>
Chris glared at her and stormed off.

End of chapter seven

[mcharmed21]

Chapter eight

7:15 pm:

Chris paced his room. He couldn’t stand to sit. He couldn’t sit; his body and mind wouldn’t let him. It was the blackest of days today. It was the day that his parents were destined to die and he was not to interfere. He couldn’t because it was destiny which is why he had not left his apartment that whole day. No interfering with destiny. But what exactly was destiny?

He kept contemplating this question over and over in his head unable to find the answer. How is that two people, so innocent, so loving- how is that they were meant to die. It just didn’t make sense and it didn’t seem fair. How could death be anyone’s destiny? The Angel of Destiny had come to him just yesterday, in his stupid calm manner, had reminded him that he was not to interfere and had once again reminded him of the tremendous consequences that would come of it if he did interfere.

*****

Zoey finished wrapping the package. She had been up all night for she had been dreading the next day. She tried calling Chris, she wanted to help him through this but felt so useless. His phone just rang and rang so she thought that maybe he wished to be alone. She wouldn’t blame him if he wanted to be alone. All of this was unfair to him. He of all people did not deserve this; he deserved to know who his parents were and spend time with them. She glanced at the clock: 7:15 pm. In another five minutes, Mark and Julie Perry will be no more. Zoey got up from her des and put on the black coat that used to be Chris’ and shimmered out.

*****

Chris stared at the clock’s neon green glowing numbering. Within a blink of an eye the clock now read 7:17 pm. He wanted to orb over to the house, confess that he was their son back from the future to save a Charmed One’s son and his best friend. He wanted to tell them everything. He wanted to save them from this idiotic destiny that was to be theirs. He- 7:18.

There was still time, he thought to himself. Chris got up and crossed the room to retrieve his jacket.

7:19 pm:

One minute. I can get to them and still save them, Chris thought. Who cares about destiny; he couldn’t lose- 7:20pm. Everything was unreal, he couldn’t hear a thing. The quiet was deafening. He couldn’t move; his feet were heavy and so was the rest of his body. A pain could be felt in his chest: the pain of sorrow.

****

Zoey stared at her watch: 7:20 pm. She looked at the blue painted door that stood in the way of her going to him and being there for him and placed her hand upon it. She was crying silent tears. He doesn’t deserve this she kept thinking. He deserves so much more.

****

Chris wiped away the tears that he let escape. He suddenly got up from where he had to sit because his body had been too heavy for him to stand. Two knocks had come at his door. Quickly he rushed to the door and opened it only to find that no one was there. He glanced down and noticed a rectangular box, gift wrapped in a plain blue paper. He picked up the box which weighed heavy, and brought it inside with him. he sat on the couch and took off the evelope that had been taped to the box. In side was a note written in a her beautiful script:

May it bring you some peace
- Zoey

Chris put the note down and tore away the blue wrapping paper and lifted off the lid. He smiled faintly, still crying silently. Inside was a portrait of him and his family in a simple cherry wood picture frame. Little Chris smiled brightly –in his hand he held a passifier. Mark and Julie stood together smiling happily. Mark held little Chris in his arms and Julie had her arm around her husband. There was only one picture frame but there was also a photo album.

As he flipped through the photo album he found baby pictures from the hospital along with a wedding picture of his parents. His mother looked so beautiful with her hair pulled back simply with wisps of hair framing her face, holding onto his father’s hand while looking up at him. Mark looked down at her with a loving smile.

There were pictures of the family on a boat with Chris dressed in blue and white plaid overalls and a baige fishing hat with a blue passifier in his mouth. There were pictures labeled first Christmas and first Halloween with Chris dressed up as a fire fighter; along with a pictures labeled first and second birthday.


“I’ve been sorting through some old photos,” Julie had said to Zoey a couple of days ago. Julie sat down on the white couch. “I want to make a photo album but I realized that some of the pictures somehow got lost during the move. Luckily I found the negatives. Would you do me the favor of developing them for me?”<br>Zoey smiled, “Sure, no problem.”<br>
There were also pictures of Chris as he is now, standing with Mark and posing for the camera during a barbeque that he and Zoey had been invited to. There was also one with him and both parents talking at the green table in the Perry’s small back yard.

There was also one that must have been taken by Mark. It was a candid picture of Zoey baking in the kitchen with Julie.

The two had flour on their hands and were smiling about something. The caption below said: Learning How to Make Lasagna from the Best. And next to the picture was a copy of Julie’s recipe in his mother’s beautiful hand writing.

****

Leo orbed and found that he was standing on the tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. “Why’d you call me here?” Leo asked.

“I needed to know if it was alright that I leave town for a while,” Chris replied. Chris looked at the city’s sparkling skyline against the black backdrop of the sky. “I need some time Leo,” he continued. “I just need to get away for a while. But don’t worry it would only be for a couple of weeks at the most.”<br>
Leo nodded, “Go ahead and don’t worry about the sisters; take as much time as you need. I really am sorry about your parents.”<br>
Chris nodded, “Yeah, me too.”<br>
“Where are you going?”<br>
“Away, I’m not sure where yet.”<br>
Leo nodded, “You know how to reach us if you need anything. Don’t be afraid to call us, we’re here for you Chris.” Leo made to leave but Chris stopped him.

“Wait,” Chris took out a small plain envelope from his jacket. “Could you give this to Zoey for me? Thanks.”<br>
Leo smiled and orbed out. Chris glanced out across the distance, he sighed then orbed out.

THe end

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* Coming Soon: Meant to Be