Truth and Consequences- Part 14-Updated 11/27/04

[oddball7]

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1748
(10/12/04 12:24 am)
Reply
Re: Part 11
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Oh, Chris, please, no!! Yes, Wyatt is upset, but remember how he just saw you! He'll be OK! And mothers are *always* telling the older kid to be careful around the baby--I'm the oldest of 6 and went through it with every last one of the little monsters whom I would've orbed to Timbuktu if I could!!! He'll be OK; really he will! You got rid of Barbus and you got rid of Gideon--Wyatt's going to be OK and little Chris won't live the life you did, really truly!

Oh, please, AJ, I hope you didn't take my previous post to heart!! I really want Big Chris to be the one who gives both himself and his big brother a better life--and his mother a longer one!!

Also, man, you had some tremendous lines in here!



Quote:
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CHRIS: OK…A simple “no thank you” would have sufficed.

…He bemoaned as Piper wrapped her arms around him and gave him a friendly squeeze

PIPER: I know. But this is so much more fun.
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Ah!!! So sweet and so typical Piper!!



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CHRIS: We…(he casually points to himself and Piper) are breastfeeding.
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LOL! Phoebs is right--EEWE!!!


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PHOEBE: Go ahead. It’s not going to hurt anything. I mean I’ve touched myself before.
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ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!


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PIPER: Come on Peanut. Are you gonna burp for mommy or what?
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And the rest of the conversation--one of the sweetest of the whole story, followed by the saddest--Chris' only happy memory of Wyatt!

Man, you're doing *such* a fantastic job with this, AJ; I *totally* love it! Please update soon!!

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1775
(10/15/04 10:55 pm)
Reply
Hey, AJ!
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Bumping this story back to the front page.

HEY, AJ, PLEASE UPDATE SOON!!!!!!!!!!

scififantasychic
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 984
(10/17/04 2:22 pm)
Reply
Re: part 11 now up
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Once again, awesome update!

The "we are breastfeeding" exchange is absolutely classic. I would have loved to see that played out on screen.

I thought he was going to be *so* sick when he woke up! Kinda glad you spared us.

And oh, leave it to Phoebe to blurt out the insanely funny line in the middle of a dramatic moment. Just what Chris needed to ease the tension of connecting with his younger self.

Poor Wyatt, to go from golden child to bad boy in just a couple of seconds. Piper's reaction is understandable, given the story she just heard, but so is everyone else's. And it sure is true that the oldest gets all the grief, not only when the other kids are babies, but as they get older, too. If anything goes wrong, it's the oldest's fault for not watching out for them, or for not making them behave, or for not setting a good example. Really feeling for Wyatt right now.

But I'm also feeling for Chris, who realizes himself exactly the problem Phoebe and Paige were talking about. But Piper's right. He can't go back in the state of mind he's in and expect to function. What a predicament.



AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 141
(10/23/04 5:28 pm)
Reply Chapter 12
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INT. ATTIC-MORNING

LEO: Can we talk?

Leo stepped into the attic and addressed his son who was standing at the Book of Shadows, copying something onto a piece of paper.

Chris quickly closed the book and stuffed the piece of paper into his pocket before looking up at his father.

CHRIS: Dad! Hey, I didn’t see you there.

LEO: Sorry. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you. What are you doing?

CHRIS: Oh…Uh… just looking through the book…taking some notes on potential future threats.

LEO: Chris, would you give it a rest already! You don’t have to do that anymore. It’s our turn to take care of you for a change. Speaking of which…<br>
He holds up a coffee cup.

LEO: (continuing) Your mom thought you could use this.

Chris crosses the room to his dad and takes the coffee.

CHRIS: Thanks.

Leo sat down on the daybed and looked up at Chris.

LEO: She was worried about you last night. You know…the way you left and all.

CHRIS: I just needed some time to think. That’s all. I’m fine. Really.

LEO: I know. That’s what I told her.

Chris took a seat on the bed next to Leo and sipped his coffee before adding…<br>
CHRIS: Thanks for not coming after me. I know Mom probably tried to make you.

Leo laughed.

LEO: You know your mom well. Probably because you are so much like her. (beat) Listen Chris…about what happened last night. That wasn’t your fault.

Chris scoffed.

CHRIS: Yeah right! No wonder why Wyatt is so messed up in the future. By being here so long and opening my big mouth so much, I’ve managed to turn our mom into a neurotic worrywart who yells at him for no reason!

LEO: Don’t be ridiculous! Chris…parents yell at their kids all the time. Believe it or not, I bet even you will be yelled at a few times in your life. That’s not what turned Wyatt evil. Gideon is what turned Wyatt evil and we stopped him. YOU stopped him. You saved the future son.

CHRIS: And now it’s time for me to leave. Only…I have nowhere to go.

Leo can see the tears welling up in Chris’eyes and reaches out to comfort him but Chris pulls away. Getting up off the bed, Chris turns back to face his father.

CHRIS: I don’t belong here Leo. But the more I think about it, the more I realize…I don’t belong in the future anymore either! Everything is going to be different. And that scares the hell out of me!

LEO: (getting up off the bed) And I understand that Chris. I do. And we’ll figure this out…I promise. But …<br>
CHRIS: Look Leo…I’m sorry but I really don’t feel like talking about this right now. I…I gotta go.

LEO: Where are you going? Your mom really wanted to talk to you. She’s worried about you Chris!

CHRIS: Later… OK? I just need a little more time to think. Tell her I’ll be back later.

Chris orbs out of the room, leaving Leo with a dreaded expression on his face.

LEO: (to himself) Great! Piper’s going to kill me – Again.



INT. P3 OFFICE – LATER THAT DAY

CHRIS sat at the desk and tapped the fingers of his left hand nervously on the desktop as he clutched a crumpled piece of paper in the right.

CHRIS: Come on Halliwell (he admonished himself) just do it already.

He sighed and held the piece of paper up in his shaking hand and began to read his spell.

CHRIS: Hear my words; Hear what’s said; Come to me, Angel of the Dead.

He closed his eyes and waited anxiously for whatever was about to happen –hoping that everything would turn out as he planned

It seemed like he had waited forever but it was actually only a few seconds before he heard a familiar voice call out his name.

Chris opened his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the familiar, middle aged, man standing before him.

CHRIS: Clarence! Thank god! I thought I was going to get some creepy ass Angel of Death this time!

CLARENCE: (looking around) Well, this is certainly unexpected. You know…most people try to avoid the Angel of Death. But not you. No. You go looking for him!

CHRIS: (standing up) Well, I’m not most people. I need your help.

Clarence walks over to him and looks him up and down before responding.

CLARENCE: You need help alright. Boy…you look like hell! Didn’t you listen to word I said to you last time?

Chris rolls his eyes as Clarence continues…<br>
CLARENCE: I believe I told you to get out of this hole…get some fresh air…live a little! But here it is, a year later and you’re right where I left you!

CHRIS: Well excuse me. But for your information, I happened to have spent that last two months being held captive by the Demon of Fear. So you’ll forgive me if I don’t look like I just stepped off a Caribbean Cruise.

Clarence chuckles at Chris’ indignation and takes a seat on the corner of the desk.

CLARENCE: Alright son. What’s going on? Why am I here?

CHRIS: I need to ask you a question.

CLARENCE: OK. I’m listening.

Chris paused a moment before asking…<br>
CHRIS: Am I on your list?

CLARENCE: Are you on my list?

CHRIS: (annoyed) Yeah…your list. You know…the list of future dead people.

Clarence chuckles again.

CLARENCE: I know what list you’re talking about son. I’m just a little surprised you would ask me that. You know I can’t tell you.

CHRIS: (frustrated) Oh never mind. That wasn’t what I really wanted to ask anyway. I already know I’m on the stupid list…or at least I will be.

Clarence looks surprised by Chris’ declaration.

CLARENCE: Oh really? And how’s that?

[oddball7]

Chris turned his back to Clarence and stared at his own reflection in the mirror that was hanging on the wall.

CHRIS: Well…I guess you could say I kinda put myself there.

CLARENCE: I see.

Clarence replied – not hiding the disappointment in his voice.

There was only one way a person could “put themselves” on death’s list. And while it wasn’t something that was uncommon in Clarence’s experiences as an Angel of Death, he had grown fond of this young man during his last visit and had hoped for better things for him.

CHRIS: What? No lecture?

Chris taunted – baiting Clarence to respond.

CLARENCE: Is that what you want son? Is that why I’m here?

CHRIS: No.

CLARENCE: (patiently) Then why am I here Chris?

CHRIS: Well I was just wondering …Will you still come for me if I …you know…<br>
Clarence smiled.

CLARENCE: I’m an Angel of Death. You die. I come.

CHRIS: Well…where will you take me? I mean, I realize it’s probably…frowned upon to do what I plan on doing but…you’re not going to have to send me to hell or anything?

CLARENCE: No son. No one is going to send you to hell. We don’t punish tortured souls, only evil ones.

Chris sighed with relief and took a seat on the couch.

CHRIS: Well, that’s good to know.

CLARENCE: I do think that you should really think about this some more before you do anything though. What about your family?

CHRIS: My family is the reason I have to do this! I don’t belong here Clarence. And the longer I stay the more screwed up things are going to get. And I can’t go back to my future…because MY future doesn’t exist anymore. Everything will be different.

CLARENCE: Maybe. But from what I hear, it has probably been changed for the better. That doesn’t sound so bad.

CHRIS: Maybe it doesn’t to you. But it sounds pretty damn scary to me!

Their conversation is interrupted by Piper who enters the office followed by Phoebe. Chris jumps up quickly from the couch.

CHRIS: Piper! Phoebe! What are you doing here?

PIPER: We were about to ask you the same thing. (noticing Clarence) Clarence?

CLARENCE: Miss Halliwell. Good to see you again. (turning to Phoebe) And this must be one of those beautiful sisters I’ve heard so much about.

Phoebe blushes and extends a hand to Clarence.

PHOEBE: I’m Phoebe.

PIPER: Phoebe, this is Clarence. He is…or was…a janitor here. (to Clarence) But we haven’t seen you in…oh, about year now. What are you doing here?

CLARENCE: I’m truly sorry for leaving so abruptly Miss Halliwell. But I had a family emergency back east. I hope you understand.

PIPER: Of course.

CLARENCE: Oh, Congratulations by the way. I hear you have a new little one in the house. I’m sure he’ll bring you lots of happiness.

PIPER: (smiling as she glances at Chris) He already has. Thank you.

CLARENCE: Anyway, I was just back in the old neighborhood, visiting some friends and I decided to stop in and say hello to everyone. I was a little surprised to find Chris here though.

PHOEBE: Surprised?

CLARENCE: Well yeah! I was hoping this boy would have gotten a life by now!

Piper and Phoebe are taken back by Clarence’s frankness, but let him continue.

CLARENCE: I mean look at him!

Somewhat amused now, Piper and Phoebe do as instructed and turn their attention to Chris, who rolls his eyes and slumps back down onto the couch as Clarence continues…<br>
CLARENCE: That’s a good looking boy right there. He needs to get out more! Socialize! Not spend his entire life hanging out in this office. Maybe get himself a little lady friend.

As Piper and Phoebe try to stifle their laughter, Chris buries his face in his hand – clearly embarrassed.

CLARENCE: (turning to Piper) I mean…am I right or am I right?

PIPER: Oh, you’re right!

CLARENCE: (to Phoebe) How about you young lady? Do you have a boyfriend? I think you and Chris would make a real cute couple.

Chris looked up quickly with a disgusted look on his face. He realized Clarence was trying to play a part here-to avoid suspicion and all - But this was getting ridiculous.

PHOEBE: Me!?! (laughing nervously) Oh no! No. No. No. See Chris…he’s more like…a little brother. I could never…I mean…we could never…<br>
She shudders at the thought.

CLARENCE: Oh…of course. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.

PHOEBE: No, not at all. I think it’s really sweet you care so much about Chris.

CLARENCE: Well, he’s a good boy. He’s easy to care about.

Piper smiled with pride as she listened to this man praise her son.

CLARENCE: Well, I’ve taken up enough of your time. I should really get going.

PIPER: It was good to see you again Clarence.

CLARENCE: You too Miss Halliwell. Oh…and Chris…<br>
Chris looked up at Clarence.

CLARENCE: Remember the question you asked me when I first go here?

CHRIS: Yeah.

CLARENCE: The answer is “no”. Not yet anyway. You think about what I said. OK?

CHRIS: Sure.

Satisfied, Clarence turned and walked out the door as Piper turned to Chris…<br>
PIPER: What was that all about?

Chris just smiled at her.

CHRIS: Oh…nothin’.

INT. MANOR KITCHEN – LATER

Paige is sitting at the kitchen table with a stack of school work that she has been grading in front of her. She picks up the baby monitor and checks the volume before setting it back down and resuming her task.

Piper and Phoebe enter carrying groceries.

PAIGE: You’re back! Where have you guys been?

Piper sets her bags down on the counter before turning to answer Paige.

PIPER: What? I told you we were going grocery shopping.

PAIGE: Yeah…but that was four hours ago! Where did you go for groceries? Timbuktu?

PIPER: Well, we stopped at P3. I wanted to see if Chris was there.

PAIGE: And was he?

PHOEBE: Yep!

PAIGE: Surprise. Surprise. What was he doing?

PHOEBE: Oh just hanging out.

PAIGE: Huh. Some things never change I guess.

PHOEBE: That’s funny. That’s exactly what Clarence said? Well…more or less.

Paige looks alarmed at the mention of Clarence’s name. Piper and Phoebe don’t notice as they start to put away groceries.

PAIGE: (getting up from the table) Clarence?

PIPER: Yeah…you remember Clarence. He used to be a Janitor at the club last year.

PAIGE: Yeah sure…I remember him? What did he want?

PIPER: Just to say hello.

PAIGE: Oh. That was nice of him. (turning to Phoebe) Phoebe, can I speak to you in the other room for a minute.

PIPER: Is everything all right?

“No, everything is far from alright.” Paige thought to herself. But instead responded...

PAIGE: Yeah…sure. I just have this little situation at magic school and I could really use Phoebe’s advice.

Piper looks curiously at her.

PAIGE: See…one of my students has a little problem and…I’m not really sure how I should handle it. And I figured since Phoebe gives advice for a living…maybe she could help me out. I’d talk about it here in front of you, only I don’t want to break that whole teacher/student confidentiality thing any more than I have to.

PIPER: Are you their teacher or their therapist?

PAIGE: Very funny! Phoebe…living room…now please!

PHOEBE: Alright! Alright ! I’m coming. Geez.

Paige grabs Phoebe by the arm and drags her into…<br>
INT. LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

When the girls get into the living room, Phoebe yanks her arm free from Paige’s grasp.

PHOEBE: God Paige! Rip my arm off why don’t you? What’s the big emergency?

PAIGE: (lowering her voice) Clarence! That’s the big emergency.

PHOEBE: You have a student named Clarence? What a coincidence.

PAIGE: No Phoebe. I don’t have a student named Clarence. I just made up that whole story about my student so Piper wouldn’t worry!

PHOEBE: Worry about what?

PAIGE: Clarence!

PHOEBE: (frustrated and confused) What about him?

PAIGE: Shhh! Phoebe be quiet!

PHOEBE: Well, if you would just tell me what’s going on…<br>
PAIGE: I think Chris is in trouble. Clarence isn’t who he says he is. He’s not a janitor.

PHOEBE: No, you’re right. He’s not. He retired a year ago.

PAIGE: No Phoebe…he was never a janitor. He’s an Angel of Death. He’s Chris’ Angel of Death.

PHOEBE: What? How do you know that?

PAIGE: Chris told me. This isn’t the first time Chris has seen him. Remember last year when he almost ceased to exist because Piper and Leo weren’t getting it on fast enough?

Phoebe nods.

PAIGE: He came for him then too. It really freaked Chris out.

PHOEBE: Wait… Chris told you all this? How come he told you and didn’t tell me?

PAIGE: How should I know? Hey…do you think that officially makes me the cool aunty?

PHOEBE: OK…so not the time!

PAIGE: You’re right. Sorry. Anyway…I think Clarence has come back for him.

Phoebe doesn’t respond, but thinks about this as Paige continues…<br>

[oddball7]

PAIGE: I just can’t believe it. After all the poor kid has been through. Can’t they cut him some slack for cryin’ out loud!

PHOEBE: Something’s not right…<br>
PAIGE: You’re damn right it’s not. The questions is…what are we going to do about it?

PHOEBE: (shaking her head) No…I mean…I don’t think Clarence was there to take Chris.

PAIGE: (confused) You don’t?

PHOEBE: No.

PAIGE: Why not?

PHOEBE: I don’t know…it’s just…well the way he was talking. It doesn’t make sense.

PAIGE: OK…you lost me.

PHOEBE: Well Clarence kept talking about how Chris needed to get a life…get a girlfriend…enjoy himself.

PAIGE: That’s weird. Why would an Angel of Death be encouraging someone to “get a life” if he was just going to die anyway?

PHOEBE: He wouldn’t. That’s my point.

Phoebe sighs as she tries to sort this out. Finally, something occurs to her and she looks up at Paige.

PHOEBE: Oh my god! I think I know what’s going on.

PAIGE: What? What is it?

Phoebe turns and starts hurrying out of the room toward the staircase.

PHOEBE: I have to check the Book of Shadows.

Paige hurries after her.

PAIGE: Wait for me!

INT. ATTIC – CONTINUOUS

PHOEBE hurries into the room and heads to the Book of Shadows. Paige follows.

PAIGE: What is it? What did you figure out?

PHOEBE: Well, what if Clarence didn’t come for Chris?

PAIGE: But he did! You saw him.

PHOEBE: That doesn’t mean that Clarence came to him.

She looks down and notices that the Book of Shadows is closed.

PHOEBE: (to herself) Damn! And of course he closed the Book when he was done!

Paige is confused and clearly losing her patience.

PAIGE: Phoebe!

PHOEBE: I don’t think Clarence came to Chris. I think Chris summoned him.

PAIGE: Why would he do that?

PHOEBE: (sadly) Because he’s desperate…and afraid.

Paige looks at Phoebe…still not following.

PHOEBE: Chris was really upset yesterday. He told Leo this morning that he doesn’t belong here. He thinks his presence here is doing more harm than good. But he’s too afraid to return to his own time.

PAIGE: Can you blame him? Everything is bound to be different. Good or bad…it’s still scary.

PHOEBE: Exactly.

PAIGE: That still doesn’t explain why he would summon the Angel of Death.

PHOEBE: Think about it Paige. If he can’t stay here…and he can’t go back…what is his only other option?

Paige looks horrified - suddenly realizing what Phoebe is saying.

PAIGE: Oh my God! We have to stop him! What are we going to tell Piper?

PHOEBE: Nothing yet. Not until we know for sure that Chris summoned him.

PAIGE: (sarcastic) Oh great. Well why don’t you just go ask him?

PHOEBE: I don’t have to. (placing her hands on the BOS) Leo said Chris was looking through the Book of Shadows this morning. If I can just find out what he was looking at…<br>
Paige steps forward.

PAIGE: Here…let me.

She begins to recite an impromptu spell

PAIGE: Book of Shadows, hear what’s said. Reveal to me, what Chris last read.

As the book flies open…<br>
PHOEBE: Nicely done!

Paige smiles. But when she sees what the Book has opened up to, her smile quickly fades. It’s the spell to summon an Angel of Death.

PAIGE: So… whose going to tell Piper?

The girls think about this for a moment before looking upwards and yelling out in unison…<br>
PAIGE and PHOEBE: Leo!!!!!

To be continued…<br>

[oddball7]

wickedwms
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 57
(10/23/04 9:19 pm)
Reply Re: Chapter 12
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Wow, what a great update. I love all of your characterizations. They run very true to form. That moment of "Whose the favorite aunt" rivalry side tracking Phoebe and Paige while they are in the midst of figuring out the extremity of Chris's emotional state was dead on. I also like how they both yell for Leo at the same time to avoid having to be the bearer of bad news to Piper. Your scene in P3 was also very touching. I love how you brought in Clarence. I always preferred him to the "by the book" Angel of Death. Clarence has a soul. That scene was so skillfully crafted. I loved how soothing and guiding Clarance was and how effortlessly he praised Chris to Piper without giving away who he is or why he is there. He gave Chris alot to think about without giving away too much information. Nicely done. I look forward to your next update. Gosh, so much of the Chris fanfiction going on here is so superior to what was ever done on the show. Too bad the producers and writers are incapable of finishing the story they started, (or fully developing the story they had). I am glad that there are writers like you so that I can at least get some kind of sense of completion to this story arc that I will never get on the show. Great job.

Edited by: wickedwms at: 10/23/04 9:22 pm

scififantasychic
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 997
(10/24/04 2:01 am)
Reply
Re: Chapter 12
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I agree; I'd rather go with Clarence if my time came. He was capable of bringing compassion rather than indifference. I love how Chris thinks the same way, hoping that he'd show up instead of the creepy one.

Hopefully, when Clarence broke the rules by telling Chris he wasn't on the list, he also got across that he doesn't want to see him on the list for quite a while. It was so great of him to get answers out of Phoebe and Piper that would indicate to the boy how much they love him and would be there for him if he'd only let them.

And I do hope the sisters can get Leo to talk some sense into his son. Chris really does seem to value his advice.

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1822
(10/25/04 12:04 am)
Reply
Re: Chapter 12
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Absolutely fantastic job, AJ! It doesn't matter if we have to wait a bit; updates like this make it worthwhile! I'm with the others--I definitely like Clarence as an Angel of Death as compared to Death the creep! Clarence is more like Andrew on Touched by an Angel, my favorite Angel of Death! I could definitely see Andrew playing Clarence in that scene!

Poor Chris really has gone through an awful lot to be considering that choice! I *do* hope the others figure a way of talking him out of it!

As for the rest, I'll just say ditto to what the others said, and PLEASE UPDATE SOON!!!

DumbBrunette
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 4
(11/5/04 9:48 pm)
Reply Re: Chapter 12
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Such a brilliant fic...
Great job!

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1892
(11/10/04 11:55 pm)
Reply
HEY, AJ!!
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I know I said I was willing to be patient, waiting for updates, but this is getting to be a bit ridiculous!! Please update soon!!!

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 145
(11/14/04 7:35 pm)
Reply Finally updated
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OK, I had massive writer's block when it came to this chapter...hence the reason it took so long. I'm not too pleased with the way it turned out but I had to move past this part of the story if I ever wanted to be able to wrap it up. So here it is. It's very sappy so I apologize in advance.

I will probably be wrapping the story up very soon. Probably within the next two chapters.

INT. ATTIC – LATER

PHOEBE: Piper…honey…just try to calm down.

…she begs her sister as Piper paces nervously across the room.

PIPER: Calm down? Calm down? You’ve just informed be that my son is on a first name basis with his Angel of Death AND that he wants to kill himself and all you have to offer is “Calm down”! Are you kidding me right now?

PAIGE, standing next to Pheobe turns to her and responds…<br>
PAIGE: Yeah…given the whole situation…that’s probably a pretty unrealistic request.

PHOEBE: Well excuse me. I’m just trying to help! I don’t see you doing anything constructive. Unless you consider helping Piper pace a hole in the floor constructive.

PAIGE: Well, what would you like me to do?

PHOEBE: I don’t know! But you could start with giving me a break!

PIPER: Yeah…you know…this bickering isn’t helping the whole calming process!

PHOEBE: You’re right. I’m sorry.

PHOEBE turns her attention to LEO who is standing off to the side, eyes closed, trying to sense his son.

PHEOBE: Anything Leo?

LEO opens his eye and sighs.

LEO: No. I can’t sense him.

PAIGE: Oh god. That doesn’t mean he…<br>
PIPER: No. He’s not dead.

PHOEBE: I hope you’re right honey.

LEO: She’s right.

PAIGE: How do you know? You just said you can’t sense him.

LEO: That doesn’t mean he’s dead. He could have just cloaked himself. (smiling at Piper) I trust Piper’s instincts. She’s his mother. There’s no bond greater than that.

PIPER: Well we have to find him.

LEO: (wrapping his arms around her) We will.

Phoebe steps forward and and rubs Piper’s back reassuringly.

PHOEBE: Don’t worry honey. It’s not Chris’ time. I think Clarence made that pretty clear.

PIPER: Well how are we suppose to find him if Leo can’t even sense him?

LEO: You don’t need me to sense him Piper. You can do that. Just follow your instincts.

INT. P3 OFFICE – LATER

PIPER and LEO orb into the office to find their son laying motionless on the couch. The two are both momentarily gripped with fear – thinking that maybe they were in fact too late, but then relax when Chris lets out a soft moan and stirs on the couch.

Leo turns to Piper and smiles.

LEO: Looks like your instincts were right.

PIPER: Yeah, well…I figured if he wasn’t quite ready to kill himself…<br>
She reaches down and picks up and empty vodka bottle from the table in font of the couch.

PIPER: …then at the very least he wanted to drink himself into a stupor. And what better place to do that, than at Mom’s club.

She tosses the bottle across the room into a trash can next to the desk.

PIPER: (turning to Leo) God I hope our kids don’t make this a habit in the future or I see myself turning this place into a coffee house real fast!!

LEO: Yeah…I’m not so sure that’s such a great idea either. Have you seen Chris when he’s caffinated?? Talk about hyper. It’s downright dizzying.

He was trying to lighten the mood and make his wife laugh. But apparently it didn’t work.

PIPER: Well I’ll take a hyper kid over a dead kid any day.

Piper sighed and walked over and took a seat on the floor beside her sleeping son. . Usually, people look peaceful when their sleeping , but Chris looked anything but. She reached out and stroked his tear stained cheek with her hand before asking her husband.

PIPER: Do you think our kids will ever be happy?

LEO: Of course.

PIPER: Are you saying that because you believe it or are you saying that because you want it to be true?

[oddball7]

Leo frowned and looked down at the floor. It was no use lying to Piper…she knew him too well.

PIPER: Yeah…that’s what I thought.

LEO: Piper, I don’t know what’s going to happen to our kids in the future. But I do know it too soon for us to give up hope. Because if we do that…then they WON’T have a chance.

Piper looked back at he sleeping son. She knew Leo was right. She just didn’t understand why happiness had to be such a struggle for her son. It didn’t seem fair.

LEO: Come on Piper. Let’s wake him up.

PIPER: Maybe we should just orb him home and let him sleep it off first.

LEO: (shaking his head) No. We need to talk to our son…alone…now.

Leo walked over and knelt down next to Piper. Brushing the hair back from Chris’ forehead he tried to rouse his sleeping son.

LEO: Chris?

Chris groaned and brushed his father’s hand away.

CHRIS: Go away…<br>
…he groaned, still half asleep and not bothering to open his eyes.

CHRIS:…I’m tired!

PIPER: Come on baby…<br>
…Piper pleaded, leaning forward and kissing his forehead.

PIPER: …wake up. We need to talk.

Chris groaned again in protest before reluctantly opening his eyes.

CHRIS: WHAT!?!

He demanded, punching the side of the couch to emphasize his displeasure.

But when he finally opened his eyes and saw his parents grim expressions…he quickly changed his tune. Concerned and afraid, he sat up quickly on the couch and asked…<br>
CHRIS: What? What’s wrong? Did something happen to Wyatt?

LEO: No Chris. Nothing happened to Wyatt. This isn’t about your brother. This is about you.

CHRIS: (rubbing his bleary eyes) Me?

PIPER: Honey…we know about Clarence?

Chris’ expression went from annoyance to panic as he quickly tried to cover…<br>
CHRIS: Clarence? What…what about Clarence?

LEO: We know who he is Chris. We know he’s an Angel of Death.

PIPER: YOUR Angel of Death.

CHRIS: I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Chris squirmed on the couch…wanting desperately to get away from his parents so they wouldn’t be able to see the shame in his eyes. But they had him cornered and unless he orbed away…there was no place for him to go. So he simply turned his head so he wouldn’t have to look at them, but knew full well that wasn’t going to deter them.

PIPER: Baby…we’re not mad at you. We just… We love you so much. We want to help you.

CHRIS: You weren’t suppose to find out!

LEO: Chris did you really think you could kill yourself and we wouldn’t find out?

CHRIS: No! No…that’s no what I meant!

Chris turned and buried his face into the side of the couch, bringing his hands up to cover his head as he cried out in frustration…<br>
CHRIS: God! This is so messed up! I’ve messed everything up!

Piper got up and sat down on the edge of couch. Reaching out, she grabbed her sons hands and tried to forcibly turn him so he was facing her.

PIPER: Chris, look at me.

Chris fought against his mothers’ grip, his eyes tightly closed but still streaming with tears.

PIPER: Calm down and LOOK AT ME!

Chris stopped fighting and reluctantly looked up at his mother.

CHRIS: (crying) I wasn’t going to do it Mom. I swear I wasn’t.

PIPER: It’s OK.

CHRIS: I thought about it…I don’t know why. I just didn’t know what else to do. But I couldn’t do it! I couldn’t hurt you again. Not like that.

PIPER: I know. Shh…It’s OK.

CHRIS: You weren’t supposed to find out. I’m so sorry.

LEO: Chris, you don’t have to be sorry. OK? We should be apologizing to you.

PIPER: Yeah. Honey…I’m sorry. I should have never asked you questions about the future. That was my fault. Not yours.

CHRIS: But.. I’m messing Wyatt up. Me being here is messing everything up.

LEO: No Chris. Wyatt’s fine. I promise you he’s fine.

CHRIS: (shaking his head) I have to go back.

PIPER: Is that what you want?

Chris thought about his for a moment before responding…<br>
CHRIS: No…not really. Not now anyway. I just…I don’t know. I know I have to go back sometime but…I’m just so scared.

LEO: Chris, you don’t have to go back until you’re ready.

PIPER: And until you are…I promise…no more talk about the future.

Chris scoffs at his mother’s declaration.

CHRIS: No talking about the future. That’s a good one? Do you really think that will work?

LEO: (smiling) Hey, you were here a whole year before we even realized you were our son.

PIPER: And that was because we didn’t talk about the future.

LEO: You wouldn’t let us.

CHRIS: It didn’t stop you from trying.

PIPER: (guiltily) You’re right. But that was before we knew who you were. And before we realized how much damage we could do to our family and to you. I won’t let that happen again Chris. I promise.

Chris wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his shirt before reaching forward and hugging his mother.

CHRIS: OK. Thank you.

PIPER: (hugging him back) Hey, no problem. But you mister…have to promise ME something.

CHRIS (settling back on the couch) What?

PIPER: As long as you are here, there will be no more drinking. OK? Cuz, I’m actually quite fond of this place and I really don’t want to run a coffee house.

CHRIS: (confused) A what?

LEO: (laughing) Never mind. Come on. Let’s go home.

[oddball7]

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1913
(11/15/04 12:43 am)
Reply
Re: Finally updated
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Oh, AJ!! That was absolutely wonderful! Sappy, yes, but wonderfully, CHARMED-LIKE sappy! That could've, no, that *should've* been part of the show so very, very much, the way this whole story should've been--you've got everyone down so very well, I could so easily see it running through my head!!

Thank you so much for having Clarence get through to Chris how much killing himself would've hurt his mother, the way losing her hurt him, but more. Suicide has to be the worst thing on those behind. Much as I wouldn't have blamed him if he had, given what all he'd gone through, I'm so glad he didn't, and I'm so glad you handled this delicate subject so well!!

I also love the way that you know just when and just how to add some of that wonderful Charmed humor--you literally had me laughing out loud in a number of places! As such, this really would've been a perfect place to end it, even though I'm happy to hear it's not.

Speaking of, I'll admit to slightly pouting over the fact that this story is almost done. Some of the best ones in the Forum either are or are close--Scifi's The Witch & The Assassin, Kalvana's Future Consequences, CharmedFan12's Unspeakable Consequences, and now this one (yes, I've also gotten a kick out of the fact that most of my favorite stories have Consequences in the title!)--it's going to really seem strange not looking forward to updates, the way I can't believe The Witch & The Assassin is actually completed!! But I congratulate you ahead of time for crafting such a fantastic tale; I've thoroughly enjoyed it!! And again I thank you for posting the whole thing here, and not just the link!

Funny, someone else mentioned how the show left so much of Chris' story out. I like to say that it left a lot to the imagination, and I'm so glad that we have so many writers with such fantastic imaginations to be able to come up with such fantastic explanations and have the talent, the time, and the gumption to write the tales and share them with us!! It makes me *glad* that the show didn't say what the writers had in mind--no way it could've been as wonderful as these stories!!

Speaking of, I know this is asking, but, please--UPDATE SOON!!!



scififantasychic
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1022
(11/26/04 4:40 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter

Re: Finally updated
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I love seeing Piper and Leo parenting as a team. They’re really very good at it when they’re together. And I agree, the humor was perfectly infused, particularly with the initial introduction of the coffeehouse idea when Leo and Piper were discussing it, and then bringing it up again at the end of the section. Perfect.

[oddball7]

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 147
(11/27/04 3:08 pm)
Reply Re: Part 14
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Thanks for continuing to read. I hope all of you who celebrate here in the US had a great Thanksgiving!

ONE MONTH LATER

INT. MANOR LIVING ROOM

PIPER is sitting on the couch bouncing baby Chris on her knee as BIG CHRIS sits beside her with a goofy grin on his face.

WYATT sits on the floor at Chris’ feet.

LEO enters the room and CHRIS looks up at him excitedly.

CHRIS: Oh dad! Wait till you see what I learned to do!

Leo arches his brow and smiles at his son.

LEO: What’s up? Did you get a new power or something?

CHRIS: No! Not ME…<br>
He reaches out and takes his younger self from Piper’s arms.

CHRIS: Me!

He proclaims holding the baby up for emphasis.

Leo laughs.

LEO: Oh! Right!

He walks over to where Chris is sitting with the baby and bends over to address his infant son.

LEO (baby talking) What’s up little man? Did you learn a new trick? Huh? Did you learn somethin’ new?

CHRIS: Watch!

Chris instructed excitedly as he got up from the couch.

Leo took a seat next to Piper who looked amused by her son’s enthusiasm. As the two watched Chris, he walked over to the middle of the room and placed the infant down on his stomach on a quilt that was spread out on the floor.

Leo turned to Piper, eager to find out what all the excitement was about.

PIPER: Just watch.

CHRIS: Yeah…this is great.

He took a step back from the infant and as all four watched the baby squirmed, grunted a little, and then with all the strength a little guy could muster, raised himself up with his little arms so that he was looking up at his parents with a little red-faced look of determination.

CHRIS: TADA!!!!

Chris cried out excitedly as little Wyatt squealed with excitement and raised his arms in the air as if signaling a touchdown at a football game.

CHRIS: Is that impressive or what?

Leo chuckled and turned to his wife.

PIPER: I’ve been explaining the importance of baby Chris’ tummy time to the boys.

CHRIS: Apparently, that’s not as easy to do as it looks!

He stated proudly.

WYATT: Yey Kiss!

PIPER: (nodding her head) I think they got it. Well, he does anyway (she motions to big Chris) I think Wyatts just feeding off all of the excitement.

LEO: (laughing) I’d say so. (to big Chris) That’s great buddy! Before you know it, you’ll be rolling over.

CHRIS: And crawling.

PIPER: Yeah, let’s not rush things. Something tells me you’re going to be a lot easier to handle when your immobile.

On the floor, baby Chris now tuckered out from his “big accomplishment”, dropped face first onto the quilt and started screaming angrily.

CHRIS: Uh oh! I guess a little guy can only take so much tummy time.

LEO walked over and scooped up the screaming infant.

LEO: Well, what do you expect. That’s hard work huh?

He said to his wailing son as he gently bounced him.

PIPER: Yeah. I think he might be getting hungry too. I’ll get him a bottle.

CHRIS: I’ll get it.

Chris offered, heading toward the kitchen.

PIPER: (to LEO) I didn’t have the heart to tell him that he’s been able to do that for over a week now.

Leo laughs and takes a seat on the couch next to his wife. Baby Chris had settled down by this point and was comfortably resting on his daddy’s chest.

LEO: Chris seems to be doing better. Huh?

PIPER: Well yeah. As long as you’re holding him he’s happy as a clam.

LEO (laughing) No not the baby. The big guy in the kitchen.

PIPER: (smiling) Yeah, he is. It’s so good to see him smiling again.

LEO: It’s good to see you smiling again too.

He responded, leaning in to give his wife a kiss.

As the two locked lips, Chris returned carrying a bottle.

CHRIS: Hey! Break it up!

He tossed Leo the bottle and took a seat on the floor next to Wyatt.

LEO: Hey, why don’t we go do something?

PIPER: Like what?

LEO: I don’t know…<br>
He replied as he started feeding Chris.

LEO: Just get out…just the five of us. It’s a beautiful day outside.

CHRIS: Sounds good to me.

Chris responded, tickling Wyatt, who by this point had planted himself in Chris’ lap.

PIPER: I don’t know. They baby’s tired. Why don’t I stay and you guys can go.

LEO: No. The whole point is to do something together.

CHRIS: Yeah, come on Mom. You know I can sleep anywhere. It’ll be fun.

Piper smiled. She was outnumbered and she knew it. But she also loved it. She loved having all her boys around her…together and happy for a change.

PIPER: Alright. But Wyatt needs to be changed before we go.

She looked at Chris, hoping he would volunteer but wasn’t surprised when he lifted toddler off his lap and handed him to her.

CHRIS: Yeah… I’ll just let you handle that.

PIPER: Oh come on now! (she chuckled) Love me, love my dirty diapers!

CHRIS: (sarcastically) That’s a wonderful attitude mom. Really…it is. And that’s why you’re the mom and I’m only the obnoxious little brother. So… Have fun with that diaper and I’m going to go get something to eat. Call me when it’s time to go.

As Chris exits to the kitchen, Piper turns to Leo, who simply laughs and replies…<br>
LEO: Hey, don’t look at me! He clearly gets his sarcasm from your side of the family.

EXT. GOLDEN GATE PARK – LATER

WYATT: Fasser! Fasser Kiss!

The tiny toddler squealed as he knelt on the merry-go-round that was being pushed by his adult brother.

Chris sometimes had trouble understanding Wyatt when he spoke, but even without Piper close by to translate, he knew his brother wanted him to speed up the ride…go faster!

CHRIS: You need to sit and hold on first!

WYATT: Fasser!

CHRIS: Sit and hold on or we stop!

He instructed in his most authoritative voice.

Not wanting his ride to be over, Wyatt sat himself down and grabbed onto to one of the cross bars as instructed.

WYATT: Kay?

[oddball7]

CHRIS: (laughing) OK. Hold on tight.

Several yards away, seated on a park bench, Leo and Piper sat together, with baby Chris sleeping soundly in his stroller. Leo smiled as he watched his sons off in the distance, happily enjoying their time together.

LEO: This is nice. Isn’t it?

PIPER: Yeah.

Piper responded, rather unenthusiastically as she kept her eyes focused on her sons.

LEO: What’s wrong?

PIPER: (turning her attention to Leo) What? Nothing! I’m agreeing with you.

LEO: Yes, but could sound any less enthusiastic about it?

PIPER: Well I don’t mean to. It’s just…<br>
LEO: What?

PIPER: I don’t know. I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop I guess.

BACK AT THE MERRY-GO-ROUND.

Chris continues to push Wyatt as the toddler squeals with excitement.

A small dark haired girl, around 6 years old approaches and smiles sweetly at Chris. Chris, straightens up and smiles back at her.

CHRIS: Hey there.

GIRL: Hi.

CHRIS: Did you want to get on?

The girl shrugs and turns around to look at her mother who is seated behind her on a nearby bench. The blond haired woman looks up at Chris who acknowledges her with a friendly smile and nod. The woman smiles back.

WOMAN: It’s OK honey. Go ahead.

Chris brings the slowing ride to a stop and allows the girl to climb on.

BACK ON THE PARK BENCH…<br>
LEO: What are you talking about Piper? Things are going great. For once in a long, long time…things are actually going our way!

PIPER: You’re right! Things are going great. And that’s not normal for us.

Leo scoffs as he turns to check on Baby Chris.

LEO: Oh Piper. Why do have to be such a pessimist all the time?

PIPER: I’m not a pessimist Leo. I’m a realist. I call it the way I see it.

LEO: No, you don’t! You only focus on the negative. And you know, that’s not very healthy…for you or the boys.

As Leo continues admonishing his wife, Piper tunes him out and turns her attention once again to Chris and Wyatt. A little girl has now joined them on the merry-go-round, which at first, brings a smile to her face. But as the merry-go-round spins and Piper gets look at the little girl’s face, she is horrified to realize that she recognizes her.

PIPER: (standing up) Oh my god. Please tell me that’s not who I think it is?

LEO: (confused) What? Who?

BACK AT THE MERRY-GO-ROUND

Hunched over, Chris continues to push the kids on the ride. As the ride speeds up the little girl changes position and grabs for another bar to hold onto. It is then, that Chris notices it. On the girls wrist…a small reddish birthmark. A mark he has seen many, many times before…The mark of a Pheonix.

BACK AT THE BENCH

LEO: Piper what’s wrong? Who is that?

PIPER: Bianca.

LEO: (getting up) Bianca? As in Chris’ fiancée Bianca?

PIPER: (annoyed) Do we know any other Biancas?

LEO: Do you think he recognizes her?

PIPER: I’m not waiting around to find out!

She replied and started running in the direction of her sons!

PIPER: (yelling) CHRIS!

On the other side of the field, the Bianca’s mother hears Piper’s cry and turns her attention the woman now running towards the merry-go-round. She immediately recognizes her as one of the Charmed Ones… One of the witches who had tried to vanquish her and her daughter over a year ago….and jumps up from her bench in a panic and starts running for her daughter.

BIANCA’S MOTHER: BIANCA!!!!

As the ride continues to slowly spin, Chris turns toward the direction of his mother’s voice and sees her rushing toward him. Several yards behind her, Leo is attempting to catch up as he struggles with Baby’s Chris’ stroller. Turning away from then, he sees the girl’s mother running toward them from the opposite direction, with a panicked look on her face. He then looks down at the girl and their eyes meet.

CHRIS: (softly) Bianca.

The little girl holds Chris’ gaze for a moment before turning her attention to her mother who has almost reached the ride.

BIANCA: Mommy, what’s wrong?

Her mother reaches the ride and scoops her daughter up quickly before the ride can even come to a stop.

BIANCA: Mommy?

MOTHER: Come on Bianca! We have to hurry!

The woman looks around to make sure no one else is around and then shimmers out with her daughter just as Piper reaches the ride.

PIPER: Chris!

Chris, still staring at the spot where Bianca and her mother once stood, doesn’t even hear his mother at first. It isn’t until she touches his arm, does he turn and acknowledge her.

PIPER: Honey, are you OK?

CHRIS: Yeah. Yeah… just great.

He replies sarcastically before orbing away.

PIPER: @#%$!

She groans and slumps down on the edge of the ride as Leo finally arrives at the scene pushing baby Chris.

Piper looks up at him and with anger and annoyance in her voice she asks…<br>
PIPER: Still think I’m just a pessimist?








Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1968
(12/9/04 10:00 am)
Reply
ezSupporter

Re: Part 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, AJ! I don't know how I missed that you updated! Somehow it slipped back to the second page before I saw it. But I was hunting for something else and I found it and I'm so glad that I did!

This story continues to be absolutely awesome!! I loved the wonderful family-bonding moments with the Wyatt/Halliwells and Piper's realist philosophy (I'm a realist, too, -- hope for the best, but expect the worst, so figure out what's the worst thing that can happen, figure out what you'd do in that situation, then forget it until it happens and until then, just enjoy life!) coming true yet again. I somehow guessed who the little girl was going to be, but I absolutely loved how you handled it. And here's poor Chris, thrown for a loop yet again!!!

(P.S. Has Chris succeeded yet? Has Wyatt been stopped from being turned to evil? Do we get to find out?)

Please update soon!!!

AJ1974
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 148
(12/9/04 5:05 pm)
Reply Part 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Esmeralda. Yes, the story kinda slipped off the page pretty quickly. there are so many great writers that the story ends up slipping to page 2 pretty quickly and people don't see it. I was tempted to "bump" it back to the first page but then thought that would be pretty obnoxious of me to bump my own story. Besides, I knew dedicated readers like yourself would find it soon enough.
As for whether or not Chris has succeeded in stopping Wyatt from turning evil...that will be revealed toward the of the story which will be only another couple of chapters.
Thanks for reading!

Esmeralda
Charmed Cafe Member
Posts: 1969
(12/10/04 1:43 am)
Reply
ezSupporter

Re: Part 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks, AJ! I'm sorry to hear that this story is coming close to an end -- a lot of my favorites have either ended or are ending!! But as you said, it's nice that there's so many new ones getting going -- once my favorites are ended, I hope I have a chance to read them!!

So many have written great sequels to their story; are you planning one? Sure hope so, and if not, hope you're planning another story; you do them *so* well!!!

Please update soon!!

[AJ6]

Finally updated. sorry for the wait

INT. MANOR – LATER

PIPER storms through the front door with Wyatt in her arms. LEO follows behind carrying baby Chris.

PIPER: Unbelievable! Of all the playgrounds in San Francisco, she had to bring her little brat to ours!

LEO: Piper…<br>
Piper placed Wyatt down on the ground and whipped around to face her husband.

PIPER: Leo, I swear to God. If you tell me to calm down one more time…<br>
She turns and starts heading toward the staircase.

PIPER: You are so lucky you are holding our son right now or I would blow your…<br>
Luckily for Leo, PHOEBE and PAIGE entered the foyer from the living room before Piper could finish he statement.

PHEOBE: Hey! What’s going on? What’s all the yelling about?

PIPER: Have you seen Chris?

PAIGE: No, I thought he was with you.

LEO: (calmly) He was.

PHOEBE: Was? Uh oh…that doesn’t sound good.

PIPER: It’s not. (throwing her head back and yelling toward the ceiling) CHRIS!!

LEO: Piper, he probably just went someplace to think.

PIPER: Or he went someplace to summon his Angel of Death again. Did you ever think of that? (off Leo’s look) Oh, I’m sorry. Was that pessimistic of me?

Leo shakes his head but decides against responding her comment. He knows Piper well enough to know that arguing with her will only make the situation worse. She’s pissed off and looking for someone to take it out on. And quite frankly he was in no mood to be her verbal punching bag at the moment.

PIPER: CHRIS!

Piper bellowed again.
PAIGE: OK, can someone please tell us what’s going on? I thought you guys were going to the park.

LEO: We were…I mean…we did…<br>
PIPER: …And we were having a great time until little Miss Bianca showed up.

PAIGE: Bianca? As in…<br>
PHOEBE: …Chris’ fiancée Bianca?

PIPER: (rolling her eyes) What is with you people? Do we know any other Biancas??

PAIGE: Yeah but…I thought she was dead.

LEO: Not little Bianca.

PHOEBE: Oh boy. Did he recognize her?

Piper glares at Phoebe.

PHOEBE: OK. Stupid question. Sorry.

PIPER: Ugh! (Piper moaned) I am in hell! CHRIS!

She hollered one more time - not really expecting it to do any good. So when Chris actually orbed into the room, it took everyone by surprise.

CHRIS: You called?

He asked rather casually with a smile on his face.

Surprised by his casual demeanor, everyone just stared at him for a moment, before Piper finally responded.

PIPER: Umm…yeah. Where have you been?

Chris shrugged.

CHRIS: In the attic. Is there any food in this house? I’m starving!

He grinned at them and headed off toward the kitchen leaving his parents and aunt standing there looking dumbfounded.

Piper turned to her husband and the two exchanged looks of confusion.

PIPER: Yeah…I’m really starting to think our kid is Bi-Polar or something.

Leo rolls his eyes, grabs Piper’s arm and starts leading her toward the kitchen.

LEO: Come on!

INT. KITCHEN – SAME

The family entered the kitchen to find Chris rifling through the cupboard looking for a snack

Piper deposits Wyatt into his pack and play before turning her attention to her grown son.

LEO: Chris, are you OK?

Chris grabbed a bag of chips from the cupboard and turned to face his parents.

CHRIS: Yeah. Why?

Piper let out a manic little chuckle before responding…<br>
PIPER: Why?

CHRIS: Oh, you mean because of the whole Bianca thing?

PHOEBE: Well, yeah! I mean honey…that must have been so…<br>
CHRIS: Weird?

Phoebe turned to Leo.

PHOEBE: (under her breath) Actually I was thinking more along the lines of “traumatic” but “weird” works! Weird is much less troublesome. We can handle weird.

Leo nodded his head in agreement.

Chris laughed.

CHRIS: Guys, I’m fine! Really!

PIPER: Then why did you orb off like that Chris? You had me scared to death!

CHRIS: I’m sorry. I just needed some time to think.

LEO: (to Piper) I told you!

PIPER: Shush! (to Chris) So what were you doing in the attic? That’s not usually a place you go to think.

CHRIS: No, it isn’t. But I was done thinking by that point. I was…uh…looking for something…in the Book of Shadows.

PIPER: What kind of something?

Chris placed the chip bag down on the counter, buried his hands in his pockets and sighed.

CHRIS: You’re not going to like it.

PIPER: Probably not, but tell me anyway.

CHRIS: OK, but before I do, you have to promise that your not going to get upset. Because I have given this a lot of thought.

LEO: Given what a lot of thought?

Chris paused, contemplating the best way to break his news to the family, but couldn’t come up with any easy way to tell them. So he decided to come right out and say it.

CHRIS: I’m ready to go home.

Piper shook her head as if she had heard him incorrectly.

PIPER: What?

CHRIS: Yeah…that’s what I was doing in the attic. I was looking in the Book of Shadows for the time travel potion we were going to use the last time.

PIPER: I see.

Piper said, barely audible, as she sunk into one of the kitchen chairs.

CHRIS: I just… think it’s time. Ya know?

PIPER: Sure. Sure. I understand.

She said, trying to sound supportive, but failing miserably at it.

CHRIS: (stating the obvious) You’re upset.

Piper scoffed…<br>
PIPER: Upset? Why would I be upset? We always said when you were ready, we’d help you go back home and…You’re ready. That’s great! I’m happy for you!

Alarmed by the unseemly, yet obviously forced cheerfulness of Piper’s demeanor, Chris and Leo exchange looks as Piper continues rambling….

PIPER: But you didn’t want to do this right now. Did you? Because I’d really like to put the boys down for their naps and…I don’t know, maybe take one myself first.

CHRIS: Umm…No. We don’t have to do it now.

PIPER: Great!

Piper got up from the table and took Baby Chris from Leo before heading over to the pack and play to get Wyatt. With both her boys in her arms, she exited the room, leaving her family in stunned silence.

Finally, Paige spoke up.

PAIGE: Well, I think she took that pretty well!

Not amused, Chris and Leo both glared at her.

PHEOBE: (rolling her eyes) Paige!

PAIGE: (shrugging) What? Would you have preferred she blow the kitchen to bits.

PHEOBE: As a matter of fact, I would. It’s not healthy for her to keep her emotions bottled up like that.

LEO: (heading toward the door) I’ll go talk to her.

CHRIS: No dad!

Leo stopped and turned his attention to Chris.

CHRIS: (continuing) I’ll go. I’m the reason she’s upset.

INT. PIPER’S BEDROOM

PIPER was laying on her side on the bed, with baby Chris laying beside her, cooing happily as Piper stroked his back in a futile attempt to get him to sleep.

CHRIS appeared in the doorway and tapped softly to get his mother’s attention. Piper looked up and smiled.

PIPER: Hey.

CHRIS: Hey. (he replied stepping into the room) Do you really think it’s a good idea to let me nap in the bed with you?

PIPER: Probably not. But if I try to put you in your crib, you’ll scream bloody murder and wake up your brother.

Chris plopped himself down on the bed and laid down so that he was facing his mother with baby Chris laying between them.

CHRIS: (smiling at her) Well, that’s because I know if I scream bloody murder and wake up my brother, mommy will give in and let me sleep in the bed with her.

He flashed her a devilish smiling before adding…<br>
CHRIS: Hey, I’m no dummy!

PIPER laughed.

PIPER: No, you’re definitely not a dummy.

Piper smiled at her adult son. She had grown to love moments like this with him and it broke her heart to think they would soon be over.

CHRIS: I’m sorry.

PIPER: What for?

CHRIS: …for causing you so much grief and unhappiness. If I could go back and do it all over again, I’d…<br>
He trailed off for a moment and then added…<br>
CHRIS: …actually, I don’t know what I’d do differently. Except maybe not come back at all. But then…<br>
PIPER: …Gideon would have succeeded and we would have lost your brother to evil.

CHRIS: Right.

Piper reached across the bed and took her sons hand.

PIPER: Honey, you were so brave to come back here. And I am so grateful to you for doing that. Don’t you ever doubt that. And you know what else I’m grateful for?

CHRIS: (softly) What?

PIPER: (her voice cracking) All the time over this past year that I have been able to spend with you as my son…my adult son.

She casually reaches up and wipes the tears from Chris’ face as she continues…<br>
PIPER: I know, that in your timeline, I wasn’t able to see you grow up. And I know how hard that must have been for you.

She looks down at baby Chris, who has fallen asleep and gently strokes his back once again.

PIPER: (continuing) And for all I know, it may very well be my destiny not to see this little one grow up either. Which is why I am so glad that we’ve been able to spend this time together now.

CHRIS: Even though I broke every wiccan rule of time travel to do it?

PIPER: (Laughing) Even more so because you broke every wiccan rule of time travel to do it! Let’s face it. We’re not big on rules in this family. I mean, you wouldn’t be here if we were. It’s what makes us Halliwells.

CHRIS: Very true.

PIPER: But despite all that…you were right. It’s time for you to go back. (choking back her own tears) And I’m really, really bummed about that.

Chris leans across the bed, wraps his arm around his mother and rests his forehead on hers whispering…<br>
CHRIS: Please don’t cry mom.

PIPER: I’m going to miss you kiddo.

CHRIS: I’m going to miss you too.

He replied as he rests his head on the pillow beside her…<br>
CHRIS: I’m going to miss you too.

[AJ6]

Here's the second part of part 15. I guess there's a word limit now to the posts so I had to break it up...

INT. ATTIC – LATER

LEO is sitting on the daybed, rolling a potion bottle back and forth between the palms of his hand. He looks lost in thought as Piper enters the room.

PIPER: What’s that?

Leo looks up – startled.

LEO: You’re up. I went to check on you a little while ago and you were sound asleep on the bed with the boys.

PIPER: Yeah. Chris is still asleep and I moved baby Chris into his crib. (pointing to the bottle) What is that?

Leo holds the potion bottle up and smiles.

LEO: It’s the time travel potion Chris wanted.

PIPER: You made it for him already?

LEO: No…I uh….had it left over from the last time. I actually have two bottles of it.

He reaches over and takes a second bottle from the table beside him.

LEO: One to take him home and one to get back. But we never got a chance to use them before Gideon…you know.

Piper walked over and took a seat beside Leo on the daybed.

PIPER: And you held onto it this hold time? Even when you thought Chris was dead. Why?

LEO: I don’t know. I guess I was just trying to hold onto him. (shaking his head) It’s silly. I know.

PIPER: No, it’s not silly.

She takes the bottles from his hand.

PIPER: So, were these hard to make? I mean, did it take a long time?

LEO: Not really. The hardest part was gathering all the ingredients. It took Pheobe days!

PIPER: Days? Really?

LEO nods his head.

Piper looks down at the bottle in her hand and then looks up at Leo and smiles devishly.
He smiles back as she lets the bottles slide from her hand and smash onto the floor below.

PIPER: Oops! Slippery little suckers…aren’t they!

[CanadianHalliwell]

That Piper is a sly one. This is great, great, great. Can;t wait for the next chapter

[scifi]

AJ, I wish there was a way for your readers to know when you've updated. I nearly missed this awesome one. Hey, would you consider PMing us when you update?

Anyway, I really like how remembering Bianca is what finally makes Chris want to go back to his own time. Who knows, she may be waiting for him.

But the scene on Piper's bed is absolutely heartbreaking, because he may still go back to a world without his mom. I love the image of the three of them on the bed together.

And I adore his parents' attempt to keep him around just a little while longer. It's such a Leo and Piper moment with them conspiring!

Wonderful, marvelous, and lots of other nice adjectives!

scifi

[AJ6]

I'll try to rememeber to PM you when I finish the next chapter. Thanks for reading

[Chrisaholic]

Thankfully, here it's longer than on the original TCS board and so I could copy the missing, though there's still the end. Any chance here maybe?

[Esmeralda]

Afraid not. I once asked AJ and because she was busy getting into her "Halliwell 2024" series (which she also never finished), she decided that this was a good spot to end it.

By the way, it's no longer at fanfiction.net, so I'm *very* glad I talked her into posting it here rather than just posting the links.

[Chrisaholic]

That's good. At least, I could add some more to my own copy of this story which hadn't ended properly before. Now it makes a bit more sense. lol