Post by jules1 on Feb 26, 2006 21:25:26 GMT -5
This fic started out as my Upick entry for the Library of Charmed, but I decided to add on and creat a full length story. Please note that the very beginning was not written by me. As I said, that was part of the Upick Contest. I will make a note where my writing begins.
Now......I hope you anjoy my first chapter!
Kaboom!
Paige grit her teeth as she watched the potion blow up again. “At least Piper doesn’t have to see this mess,” she muttered. “Oh, well. Back to the old drawing board,” as she moped her way back over to the Book of Shadows. Her eyes grew wide as she witnessed the pages turning all by themselves for the first time. As the pages stopped turning, Paige began reading from the Book:
"Hear these words.
Hear my cry,
Spirit from the other side.
Come to me,
I summon thee--
Cross now the Great Divide."
She smiled as she watched the ghostly lights appear and begin swirling around. Soon a form began to take shape and Paige wondered who it might be. Grams? Mom? But when the ghost finally fully manifested herself, Paige stared in mute shock.
“Paige! I need your help!”
“Prue?!” Paige squeaked in disbelief as she wiped a smear of greasy potion residue from her face. “Of course, I can help. I can get a hold of Piper or Phoebe right away.” She dumped the contents of her purse out on the table, looking for her cell phone.
Prue shook her head. “No, no need for that. And it’s you I need, not them.”
“Me? Why me? I don’t even know you.”
“Maybe not, but you are a Halliwell, even if your last name is Matthews. And I need to make a decision soon and need you to help me decide.”
“To make a decision? Boy, have you got the wrong girl,” Paige muttered as a lifetime of regrettable decisions flooded her mind.
“What do you mean by that?” Prue asked, concern in her voice.
Paige waved that aside impatiently. “It’s not important right now. I still don‘t understand. Why me? Why not Piper or Phoebe or even Leo?”
“Because they would be thinking with their hearts and I need the advice of someone who understands what it’s like to be Charmed, but who could also think with her mind, not just her heart. I already discussed this with Mom and Grams and Andy, and they‘re no help.”
“Phoebe’s a professional advice columnist,” Paige pointed out. “I think you should ask--”
Prue cut her off. “Phoebe’s too close to me. All of my family is thinking with their hearts. Because you don’t know me, you’re the best one to help, because you’ll think with your head, but still with a lot of compassion, like you do in your social work. And that‘s what I need.”
“Well, I still don’t know what I can do to help, but why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?”
Prue smiled. “Oh, I don’t know if the proper question is ‘What’s wrong’. I love it up here, getting to be with Mom and Grams and Andy and the others. And I love getting to watch how well all of you are doing, especially you, Paige. Even though I never met you, I feel like I know you. You’ve done such a great job helping to keep the Power of Three going.”
Paige stared in shock. “Great job?! Yeah, tell that to the attic,” as she glanced around at the mess she so recently created.
Again Prue smiled. “Yes. I know you don’t think you measure up to the standard I set, but you are truly doing a wonderful job, just by being you! I'm very proud of you.”
For the first time since Prue appeared, Paige felt comfortable. “Thank you, I appreciate that. Truly I do. Now please tell me how I can help.”
“Well, although I love it up here, my soul feels the need to move on. To come back to Earth as another person, to be reincarnated, to try to learn the lessons I didn’t learn as Prudence Halliwell.”
“So go ahead. Like Nike says, Just Do It. I don’t understand why you haven‘t done that before.“
Prue shook her head. “Because another part of me says that you guys might need my help! I’ve been standing in the wings, just in case something should happen so you would need me.”
“Oh, Prue! I’m sure both Piper and Phoebe would be so happy if they knew you felt that way! But as you said, we’re doing fine. None of us would want to stand in the way of you being able to move on, especially Piper and Phoebe! You can let go of them, Prue. You don't have to take care of them any more.”
Prue sighed with relief. “Thank you, Paige! That means so much. There’s another problem, though.”
“What’s that?” Paige asked, now eager to help.
“Although it’s very unusual, I have a chance of becoming a Halliwell again.”
“What?!”
“Yeah, thanks to my actions as Prue, especially my willingness to die for an innocent, I’m being given that chance. If things don’t change, there’s a good possibility that Piper and Leo may have another child soon and if they do and if I agree, I have a chance to be that child."
Paige's eyes grew large. "No wonder you didn't want to ask Piper or Leo!"
Prue nodded. "That knowledge could change the future and prevent that child from ever being born. And Phoebe?! I love her dearly, but she still can't keep a secret!"
Paige smirked. "True. Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
Prue smiled. "Thank you. Normally I would jump at the chance, but depending upon what happens, that child has a chance to either save our family or to doom it, depending upon the choices that child makes.”
“Huh? I don’t get it. Too many ‘depending upons’.”
“I can’t tell you much more than that, partially because I sincerely don’t know--the Powers That Be won’t tell me--and partially because if you knew, then again you might change the future without meaning to and I may never get a chance to be that child. Part of me wants to have that chance, but part of me doesn’t think I should. I wouldn’t remember being Prudence Halliwell, couldn’t use my experiences as Prue to decide what to do. But I don’t know if I should let someone else have that chance to be that child and maybe mess up our family! But if I were the one to mess up the family, I‘d never be able to live with myself!"
Prue shook her head with frustration. "Maybe it‘s better for me to just stay here, wait until all of you eventually join us, and then we can all go back as sisters or cousins or friends! That‘s what Mom and Grams are waiting for; that‘s what I sometimes feel like I should wait for--but what if someone else becomes Piper and Leo‘s second child and because they don‘t feel close to you guys--the way I always would, no matter who I am--and that person doesn‘t want to make the decisions needed to save the family? But what if you guys needed my help while I was still a baby?”
Now Prue sounded absolutely desperate. “Please, Paige, tell me what to do!"
~~~~~~~~~~~My part~~~~~~~~~~~
Paige took in a quick gulp of air, as heat rose into her cheeks. THIS couldn’t be happening. Prue’s situation sounded like something out of the sci fi channel. Then again, Paige corrected herself mentally, being a witch and fighting demons wasn’t exactly something Martha Stewart would feature her show on either.
Pressing a hand to her stomach, Paige tried to control the nausea washing over her. Why would Prue think that she could make a decision like this? She couldn’t even make normal life decisions, let alone decide the future of the Halliwell family, and possibly even the rest of the magical community.
Paige closed her eyes for a moment, trying to settle her nerves, as well as figure out what to say to Prue’s expectant face. She slowly opened them again, halfway hoping that she imagined Prue, and her entire situation.
Of course, Prue was still standing there, as stubborn as ever. “Well,” she prompted, “What do you think I should do?”
“Prue!” Paige shouted, half in anger, half in fear. “You can’t just ask me to decide on the future of all magic, and then expect me to give you an answer in 2 minutes!” She shook her head, trying to sort things out. “In fact, it’s not even my decision to make. It’s YOUR decision.” She looked into Prue’s eyes, trying to sort out the emotion running across her oldest sister’s face. Paige then took in another deep breath, trying to keep her own body from trembling. “I can’t believe that you would even ask me to make a decision like this, just so you won’t get blamed if the wrong choice is made.”
Prue held up a hand, angered at her own tears trying to surface. “Paige, stop right there. I am NOT worried about being blamed for this. It just so happens that blame is one of the things farthest from my mind.” Prue ran her fingers through her hair, trying to figure out a way to explain what she was feeling. “I love you Paige. It may be hard for you to believe, but I love you every ounce as much as I love Piper and Phoebe. You are just as much a part of me as they are. In truth, you are everything that I aspired to become when I was alive.”
“I l-love you too, Prue…” started Paige, but was stopped by Prue.
“That’s why I wanted your help. I’ve watched you for years now, and one of the things that I’m most proud about is your stubbornness to see that the magical world becomes better each and every day. You are able to look at the whole of a situation, and not just bits of pieces of it. Because of that, I have every bit of faith in your instincts as a witch.”
Heat began to rise in Paige’s cheeks once again, only this time they were from embarrassment, not anger. “Prue, I’m not as wonderful as you believe I am.”
“Yes you are. I’ve never joked around about things that I knew were true.”
Paige smiled at her sister and her insistent faith in her abilities. Okay, Paige thought, while trying to sort things out. I need to clear my thoughts, and think like a true witch. What would a good witch do at a time like this? After a few moments, an idea popped into Paige’s mind. “I’ve got it!” she announced suddenly. “I think I can come up with a spell that will allow you to see the key points of the future if you were to become Piper and Leo’s child. This way, you can see how the world would be, and be able to come to the right result.”
“Perfect,” said Prue. “I knew you could help me.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I need to come up with a spell that will work first.” Paige thought for a few moments, trying to come up with something that would work. “I think I have it.” She said. Slowly, she began to chant the words that she came up with.
“The future of magic is questioned,
Worries of what the Halliwells are destined,
Allow Prue to see what’s not in sight,
Help her see if our outlook is bright.”
Paige had to chant the short spell three times, but Prue eventually slumped to the floor in a deep sleep. Paige bent down and brushed her thumb over Prue’s forehead. “Don’t worry sis, I know you’ll do what’s right. You always have.”
~~~Meanwhile~~~
Prue leisurely opened her eyes, feeling as if she’d gotten two hours worth of sleep, and sat up. Rapidly, she remembered the spell Paige had put on her, and looked around. Sure enough, she saw Piper about 8 years older, clasping Leo’s hand. “Isn’t she beautiful?” she heard Piper whisper in Leo’s ear. Leo watched Phoebe’s wedding before him, mesmerized by the flower girl, making her way down the isle.
“That’s because she looks like her mother.” He whispered back.
“T-that’s me.” Prue said to herself, as she too watched the flower girl. “I mean, that’s Piper and Leo’s baby girl. That could be me.” Paige walked closer to Phoebe’s wedding, but nobody could see her. Curiosity peaked her attention, and Prue went nearer to the groom, wanting to know who he was.
Her eyes widened to humungous proportions, as she realized that she knew this groom. But he was supposed to dead, how could this man be alive? Her eyes now seemed to pop out of her head, as Cole Turner kissed the bride. He didn’t look evil, Prue thought to herself. He looked like a good man. Cole and Phoebe’s smiles seemed to shine throughout the church, as they made their kiss a little longer than required.
Then, Prue noticed one more little tidbit. Phoebe had gotten fat! No not, ‘I need to go to the gym more often,’ fat, but she was pregnant fat! More than that, she looked happier than ever, as Cole’s hand rested protectively over her stomach. Prue watched, mesmerized. She didn’t know what had brought Cole back to life, but he was a truly a good person now. Phoebe must have finally realized that nothing can stop or conquer true love.
Prue darted her eyes around the church, captivated by the lack of evil present. But somehow, something seemed to be missing. She looked over the guests one more time and realized what it was when she saw the big easel holding an in memory of picture. Paige was gone. Prue walked up to the picture, right next to where Phoebe and Cole were standing. Phoebe was leaning against Cole as she looked up at the picture of her younger sister. “I miss her so much.” She said, as she clasped Cole’s hand tighter. “I can’t believe she’s already been dead for a year.”
He smoothed his hand over his wife’s. “I miss her too. I know this may sound stupid, but she felt just like a sister to me right before she died. We actually learned to understand each other, and to trust each other.”
Phoebe smiled as she lightly brushed her lips against his. “I am so proud of what Paige did. I mean, because of her, our baby will get to grow up in a world without evil. I know she lost her life in the process, but all Paige ever wanted was to make the world a better place.”
Prue leaned in, wanting to hear what Cole said back, but suddenly felt very dizzy. She slumped to the floor, and closed her eyes for a moment. When she reopened them, she was back in the manor attic. Paige was sitting in front of her, worry present on her face.
“Was everything okay? I mean, what did you see?”
Prue looked at her baby sister, and realized what she would go through in the future if Prue became Piper and Leo’s child. Tear’s fell from her face as she stared at Paige. “I’m fine. I know what to do now, all because of your spell.”
Paige looked at her expectantly. “Well, what are you going to do?”
Prue smiled. “You know I can’t tell you that, it may mess up the future.” Paige argued with her for a minute, but finally gave up when she heard Piper hollering for her downstairs. She and Prue quickly hugged goodbye, as Paige rushed out of the attic to see what Piper wanted.
Prue stayed for an extra minute, as she thought about her situation. Prue thought about the lesson she’d learned years ago. If there were a fire, would she save one sister, or five strangers? Prue had ultimately chosen five strangers. Even though it was hard knowing that her baby sister would die if Prue chose to be Piper and Leo’s daughter, all evil would be gone forever. Prue smiled as she realized that she had indeed made a decision. She was going to become the daughter of Piper and Leo.
Yes, she knew that her entire family would miss Paige so much, but in the process Paige would finally accomplish what she had always worked for. Paige would become more than a witch or a whitelighter. She would be a hero.
~~~~~~~6 years later~~~~~~
Piper slid on the bright red oven mitt as she opened the stove, and slowly pulled out the large chocolate cupcakes that she had baked from scratch. Laying them on the counter, she brought out the chocolate icing and sprinkles. Piper looked at her watch, knowing that she should wait another 15 minutes before decorating the cupcakes, because she knew the icing would melt otherwise.
Sighing contently, Piper listened as all three Halliwell children rushed into the manor, back packs in hand. Wyatt threw his on the table as his eyes caught hold of the chocolate cupcakes. Moving quickly, he ran to them, and had two sticky fingers close to the pan before Piper grabbed them.
“Hey.” Piper said, as she pulled back his hand. “Those just got out of the oven. You could have burned your fingers off!”
Wyatt rolled his eyes as he smiled up at his mom. “Nah. I wouldn’t have lost my fingers. Worst case, I would have just burned the skin off.”
Piper cringed at Wyatt’s 9 year old boy humor. “Still honey, you should be more careful. Ask me to get the cupcake for you next time.” She said as she ruffled her fingers through his hair.
Piper turned to Chris and Patty. “So, how was the second day of school?”
Chris shrugged. “Just like last year.” Chris smiled as he pulled out a piece of paper from his book bag. “Ms. Morton gave us time to draw, so I made this for you.” He handed her the paper. Piper looked at the colorful comic drawing.
A year ago, Leo had bought Chris his first comic book, and read it to him. Ever since then, Chris had been obsessed with making his own versions. “That’s Wonder Willy.” He pointed to an image on the sheet. “And this is Tubular Turtle.” He smiled sheepishly. “He’s supposed to be the good guy, but he’s kind of slow.”
Piper grinned at her son. “I’m glad you had a good day honey.”
She turned to Patty, as she bent down at knee level. “So peanut, how was your second day of Kindergarten?”
“It was okay, I guess.” Patty said as she shrugged. Of course, Piper could tell when her daughter wasn’t telling her something.
“Are you sure?” Piper persisted.
Patty looked down at her shoes. “Maybe.”
Piper tilted her daughter’s chin up with her index finger. “And what do you mean by ‘maybe?’”
“I…uh”
“I know what happened!” Chris shouted.
“Me too.” Said Wyatt. “Burg got in trouble at school today.”
Piper rolled her eyes at Patty’s nickname. Chris and Wyatt had started calling Patty burg after ‘Hamburger Patty.’ They thought it was hilarious. Strange enough, Piper and Leo had both caught themselves calling Patty the same thing a few times.
“Quiet boys.” Piper said, now in full mother mode. “Let Pat tell me what happened.”
Patty chewed on her lip, and pushed her long dark hair behind her ears. “Today, we…we were in circle time, and I started to talk to my friend Jared. And Ms. Stokes was reading a book.
Piper nodded to show she was listening. “Anyway…” Patty continued. “She told me it was rude to laugh when she was talking, and that if something was funny I should share it with the whole class.”
“And what did you do?” Piper asked.
“I um…I knew Ms. Stokes wouldn’t think what I was thinking was very funny, so I told her, ‘I’d rather not say.’ ” Patty took a deep breath. “Then Ms. Stokes said that was too bad, and I should have thought about that before I started giggling.”
“And…?” Piper urged her to go on.
“So I told her what I’d been thinking. I told her that I thought her hair looked a lot like a big red racing helmet.”
Piper tried not to burst out laughing at what her daughter said. Still, she couldn’t keep the laughter out of her eyes. “And what did Ms. Stokes do?”
“She made me sit in the corner, while she gave the rest of the kids snack time.” She opened her eyes wide and looked at her mom. “She was so mean mommy.”
Piper hugged her daughter, knowing that she shouldn’t have been talking during story time but also knowing that Ms. Stokes had been wrong to yell at Patty. All little kids said what they were thinking.
“It’s okay honey.” She lifted up her daughter’s head. “Just make sure that you don’t talk during story time anymore.”
Pat nodded as she sniffled. “Thanks mommy.”
Piper nodded as she stood up and looked at her kids. “Now, who’s ready for a cupcake?”
While handing out cupcakes, Wyatt informed Piper that the coach at school would be coming to the manor to talk to Piper about Wyatt playing football. Piper was very reluctant for her child to join, because she didn’t want him to get hurt. But alas, she said she would think about it, and that she would talk to the coach when he came.
“When will Dad be home tonight?” asked Chris.
“Um…” said Piper as she licked icing off her fingers. “He said his class may run late tonight, so probably about six.” Piper smiled, when thinking about Leo. Once he became human again, he had wanted to get a job. Only one thing had always held his passion, and it was being a doctor. Surprising the entire Halliwell family, Leo had gone back to medical school. He was almost finished now, but had about two years to go.
Suddenly, Paige rushed into the kitchen. “I just talked to Phoebe, and there was a big demon attack near her work. It’s some woman who sucks the life out of guys.”
She rushed over to Piper. “Phoebe’s coming here now, but she says the demon will probably be here any minute.”
Piper’s smile faltered. Such a great family moment had just been ruined. “Kids, Piper said. Why don’t you guys go out and play. I’ll call you back in when its time for dinner. And you two...” she said pointing at Chris and Wyatt. “Watch your sister.”
Piper turned to Paige. “Let’s go check the BOS and see If we can find a spell or something to help us.”
Wyatt came running back into the room before Piper could leave. “I was going outside But Coach Turner is here. He wants to talk to you.”
Piper resisted the urge to scream, and turned to Paige. “Okay, you go up to the book of shadows, why I get rid of the coach. I’ll be up there in a minute.”
Piper ran to the manor door, and pasted a smile on her face as she opened it. “Hi…” she started, but stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes widened at she looked deep into the eyes of none other than Cole Turner. That jerk was supposed to be dead!
More to come later...
Now......I hope you anjoy my first chapter!
Kaboom!
Paige grit her teeth as she watched the potion blow up again. “At least Piper doesn’t have to see this mess,” she muttered. “Oh, well. Back to the old drawing board,” as she moped her way back over to the Book of Shadows. Her eyes grew wide as she witnessed the pages turning all by themselves for the first time. As the pages stopped turning, Paige began reading from the Book:
"Hear these words.
Hear my cry,
Spirit from the other side.
Come to me,
I summon thee--
Cross now the Great Divide."
She smiled as she watched the ghostly lights appear and begin swirling around. Soon a form began to take shape and Paige wondered who it might be. Grams? Mom? But when the ghost finally fully manifested herself, Paige stared in mute shock.
“Paige! I need your help!”
“Prue?!” Paige squeaked in disbelief as she wiped a smear of greasy potion residue from her face. “Of course, I can help. I can get a hold of Piper or Phoebe right away.” She dumped the contents of her purse out on the table, looking for her cell phone.
Prue shook her head. “No, no need for that. And it’s you I need, not them.”
“Me? Why me? I don’t even know you.”
“Maybe not, but you are a Halliwell, even if your last name is Matthews. And I need to make a decision soon and need you to help me decide.”
“To make a decision? Boy, have you got the wrong girl,” Paige muttered as a lifetime of regrettable decisions flooded her mind.
“What do you mean by that?” Prue asked, concern in her voice.
Paige waved that aside impatiently. “It’s not important right now. I still don‘t understand. Why me? Why not Piper or Phoebe or even Leo?”
“Because they would be thinking with their hearts and I need the advice of someone who understands what it’s like to be Charmed, but who could also think with her mind, not just her heart. I already discussed this with Mom and Grams and Andy, and they‘re no help.”
“Phoebe’s a professional advice columnist,” Paige pointed out. “I think you should ask--”
Prue cut her off. “Phoebe’s too close to me. All of my family is thinking with their hearts. Because you don’t know me, you’re the best one to help, because you’ll think with your head, but still with a lot of compassion, like you do in your social work. And that‘s what I need.”
“Well, I still don’t know what I can do to help, but why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?”
Prue smiled. “Oh, I don’t know if the proper question is ‘What’s wrong’. I love it up here, getting to be with Mom and Grams and Andy and the others. And I love getting to watch how well all of you are doing, especially you, Paige. Even though I never met you, I feel like I know you. You’ve done such a great job helping to keep the Power of Three going.”
Paige stared in shock. “Great job?! Yeah, tell that to the attic,” as she glanced around at the mess she so recently created.
Again Prue smiled. “Yes. I know you don’t think you measure up to the standard I set, but you are truly doing a wonderful job, just by being you! I'm very proud of you.”
For the first time since Prue appeared, Paige felt comfortable. “Thank you, I appreciate that. Truly I do. Now please tell me how I can help.”
“Well, although I love it up here, my soul feels the need to move on. To come back to Earth as another person, to be reincarnated, to try to learn the lessons I didn’t learn as Prudence Halliwell.”
“So go ahead. Like Nike says, Just Do It. I don’t understand why you haven‘t done that before.“
Prue shook her head. “Because another part of me says that you guys might need my help! I’ve been standing in the wings, just in case something should happen so you would need me.”
“Oh, Prue! I’m sure both Piper and Phoebe would be so happy if they knew you felt that way! But as you said, we’re doing fine. None of us would want to stand in the way of you being able to move on, especially Piper and Phoebe! You can let go of them, Prue. You don't have to take care of them any more.”
Prue sighed with relief. “Thank you, Paige! That means so much. There’s another problem, though.”
“What’s that?” Paige asked, now eager to help.
“Although it’s very unusual, I have a chance of becoming a Halliwell again.”
“What?!”
“Yeah, thanks to my actions as Prue, especially my willingness to die for an innocent, I’m being given that chance. If things don’t change, there’s a good possibility that Piper and Leo may have another child soon and if they do and if I agree, I have a chance to be that child."
Paige's eyes grew large. "No wonder you didn't want to ask Piper or Leo!"
Prue nodded. "That knowledge could change the future and prevent that child from ever being born. And Phoebe?! I love her dearly, but she still can't keep a secret!"
Paige smirked. "True. Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
Prue smiled. "Thank you. Normally I would jump at the chance, but depending upon what happens, that child has a chance to either save our family or to doom it, depending upon the choices that child makes.”
“Huh? I don’t get it. Too many ‘depending upons’.”
“I can’t tell you much more than that, partially because I sincerely don’t know--the Powers That Be won’t tell me--and partially because if you knew, then again you might change the future without meaning to and I may never get a chance to be that child. Part of me wants to have that chance, but part of me doesn’t think I should. I wouldn’t remember being Prudence Halliwell, couldn’t use my experiences as Prue to decide what to do. But I don’t know if I should let someone else have that chance to be that child and maybe mess up our family! But if I were the one to mess up the family, I‘d never be able to live with myself!"
Prue shook her head with frustration. "Maybe it‘s better for me to just stay here, wait until all of you eventually join us, and then we can all go back as sisters or cousins or friends! That‘s what Mom and Grams are waiting for; that‘s what I sometimes feel like I should wait for--but what if someone else becomes Piper and Leo‘s second child and because they don‘t feel close to you guys--the way I always would, no matter who I am--and that person doesn‘t want to make the decisions needed to save the family? But what if you guys needed my help while I was still a baby?”
Now Prue sounded absolutely desperate. “Please, Paige, tell me what to do!"
~~~~~~~~~~~My part~~~~~~~~~~~
Paige took in a quick gulp of air, as heat rose into her cheeks. THIS couldn’t be happening. Prue’s situation sounded like something out of the sci fi channel. Then again, Paige corrected herself mentally, being a witch and fighting demons wasn’t exactly something Martha Stewart would feature her show on either.
Pressing a hand to her stomach, Paige tried to control the nausea washing over her. Why would Prue think that she could make a decision like this? She couldn’t even make normal life decisions, let alone decide the future of the Halliwell family, and possibly even the rest of the magical community.
Paige closed her eyes for a moment, trying to settle her nerves, as well as figure out what to say to Prue’s expectant face. She slowly opened them again, halfway hoping that she imagined Prue, and her entire situation.
Of course, Prue was still standing there, as stubborn as ever. “Well,” she prompted, “What do you think I should do?”
“Prue!” Paige shouted, half in anger, half in fear. “You can’t just ask me to decide on the future of all magic, and then expect me to give you an answer in 2 minutes!” She shook her head, trying to sort things out. “In fact, it’s not even my decision to make. It’s YOUR decision.” She looked into Prue’s eyes, trying to sort out the emotion running across her oldest sister’s face. Paige then took in another deep breath, trying to keep her own body from trembling. “I can’t believe that you would even ask me to make a decision like this, just so you won’t get blamed if the wrong choice is made.”
Prue held up a hand, angered at her own tears trying to surface. “Paige, stop right there. I am NOT worried about being blamed for this. It just so happens that blame is one of the things farthest from my mind.” Prue ran her fingers through her hair, trying to figure out a way to explain what she was feeling. “I love you Paige. It may be hard for you to believe, but I love you every ounce as much as I love Piper and Phoebe. You are just as much a part of me as they are. In truth, you are everything that I aspired to become when I was alive.”
“I l-love you too, Prue…” started Paige, but was stopped by Prue.
“That’s why I wanted your help. I’ve watched you for years now, and one of the things that I’m most proud about is your stubbornness to see that the magical world becomes better each and every day. You are able to look at the whole of a situation, and not just bits of pieces of it. Because of that, I have every bit of faith in your instincts as a witch.”
Heat began to rise in Paige’s cheeks once again, only this time they were from embarrassment, not anger. “Prue, I’m not as wonderful as you believe I am.”
“Yes you are. I’ve never joked around about things that I knew were true.”
Paige smiled at her sister and her insistent faith in her abilities. Okay, Paige thought, while trying to sort things out. I need to clear my thoughts, and think like a true witch. What would a good witch do at a time like this? After a few moments, an idea popped into Paige’s mind. “I’ve got it!” she announced suddenly. “I think I can come up with a spell that will allow you to see the key points of the future if you were to become Piper and Leo’s child. This way, you can see how the world would be, and be able to come to the right result.”
“Perfect,” said Prue. “I knew you could help me.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I need to come up with a spell that will work first.” Paige thought for a few moments, trying to come up with something that would work. “I think I have it.” She said. Slowly, she began to chant the words that she came up with.
“The future of magic is questioned,
Worries of what the Halliwells are destined,
Allow Prue to see what’s not in sight,
Help her see if our outlook is bright.”
Paige had to chant the short spell three times, but Prue eventually slumped to the floor in a deep sleep. Paige bent down and brushed her thumb over Prue’s forehead. “Don’t worry sis, I know you’ll do what’s right. You always have.”
~~~Meanwhile~~~
Prue leisurely opened her eyes, feeling as if she’d gotten two hours worth of sleep, and sat up. Rapidly, she remembered the spell Paige had put on her, and looked around. Sure enough, she saw Piper about 8 years older, clasping Leo’s hand. “Isn’t she beautiful?” she heard Piper whisper in Leo’s ear. Leo watched Phoebe’s wedding before him, mesmerized by the flower girl, making her way down the isle.
“That’s because she looks like her mother.” He whispered back.
“T-that’s me.” Prue said to herself, as she too watched the flower girl. “I mean, that’s Piper and Leo’s baby girl. That could be me.” Paige walked closer to Phoebe’s wedding, but nobody could see her. Curiosity peaked her attention, and Prue went nearer to the groom, wanting to know who he was.
Her eyes widened to humungous proportions, as she realized that she knew this groom. But he was supposed to dead, how could this man be alive? Her eyes now seemed to pop out of her head, as Cole Turner kissed the bride. He didn’t look evil, Prue thought to herself. He looked like a good man. Cole and Phoebe’s smiles seemed to shine throughout the church, as they made their kiss a little longer than required.
Then, Prue noticed one more little tidbit. Phoebe had gotten fat! No not, ‘I need to go to the gym more often,’ fat, but she was pregnant fat! More than that, she looked happier than ever, as Cole’s hand rested protectively over her stomach. Prue watched, mesmerized. She didn’t know what had brought Cole back to life, but he was a truly a good person now. Phoebe must have finally realized that nothing can stop or conquer true love.
Prue darted her eyes around the church, captivated by the lack of evil present. But somehow, something seemed to be missing. She looked over the guests one more time and realized what it was when she saw the big easel holding an in memory of picture. Paige was gone. Prue walked up to the picture, right next to where Phoebe and Cole were standing. Phoebe was leaning against Cole as she looked up at the picture of her younger sister. “I miss her so much.” She said, as she clasped Cole’s hand tighter. “I can’t believe she’s already been dead for a year.”
He smoothed his hand over his wife’s. “I miss her too. I know this may sound stupid, but she felt just like a sister to me right before she died. We actually learned to understand each other, and to trust each other.”
Phoebe smiled as she lightly brushed her lips against his. “I am so proud of what Paige did. I mean, because of her, our baby will get to grow up in a world without evil. I know she lost her life in the process, but all Paige ever wanted was to make the world a better place.”
Prue leaned in, wanting to hear what Cole said back, but suddenly felt very dizzy. She slumped to the floor, and closed her eyes for a moment. When she reopened them, she was back in the manor attic. Paige was sitting in front of her, worry present on her face.
“Was everything okay? I mean, what did you see?”
Prue looked at her baby sister, and realized what she would go through in the future if Prue became Piper and Leo’s child. Tear’s fell from her face as she stared at Paige. “I’m fine. I know what to do now, all because of your spell.”
Paige looked at her expectantly. “Well, what are you going to do?”
Prue smiled. “You know I can’t tell you that, it may mess up the future.” Paige argued with her for a minute, but finally gave up when she heard Piper hollering for her downstairs. She and Prue quickly hugged goodbye, as Paige rushed out of the attic to see what Piper wanted.
Prue stayed for an extra minute, as she thought about her situation. Prue thought about the lesson she’d learned years ago. If there were a fire, would she save one sister, or five strangers? Prue had ultimately chosen five strangers. Even though it was hard knowing that her baby sister would die if Prue chose to be Piper and Leo’s daughter, all evil would be gone forever. Prue smiled as she realized that she had indeed made a decision. She was going to become the daughter of Piper and Leo.
Yes, she knew that her entire family would miss Paige so much, but in the process Paige would finally accomplish what she had always worked for. Paige would become more than a witch or a whitelighter. She would be a hero.
~~~~~~~6 years later~~~~~~
Piper slid on the bright red oven mitt as she opened the stove, and slowly pulled out the large chocolate cupcakes that she had baked from scratch. Laying them on the counter, she brought out the chocolate icing and sprinkles. Piper looked at her watch, knowing that she should wait another 15 minutes before decorating the cupcakes, because she knew the icing would melt otherwise.
Sighing contently, Piper listened as all three Halliwell children rushed into the manor, back packs in hand. Wyatt threw his on the table as his eyes caught hold of the chocolate cupcakes. Moving quickly, he ran to them, and had two sticky fingers close to the pan before Piper grabbed them.
“Hey.” Piper said, as she pulled back his hand. “Those just got out of the oven. You could have burned your fingers off!”
Wyatt rolled his eyes as he smiled up at his mom. “Nah. I wouldn’t have lost my fingers. Worst case, I would have just burned the skin off.”
Piper cringed at Wyatt’s 9 year old boy humor. “Still honey, you should be more careful. Ask me to get the cupcake for you next time.” She said as she ruffled her fingers through his hair.
Piper turned to Chris and Patty. “So, how was the second day of school?”
Chris shrugged. “Just like last year.” Chris smiled as he pulled out a piece of paper from his book bag. “Ms. Morton gave us time to draw, so I made this for you.” He handed her the paper. Piper looked at the colorful comic drawing.
A year ago, Leo had bought Chris his first comic book, and read it to him. Ever since then, Chris had been obsessed with making his own versions. “That’s Wonder Willy.” He pointed to an image on the sheet. “And this is Tubular Turtle.” He smiled sheepishly. “He’s supposed to be the good guy, but he’s kind of slow.”
Piper grinned at her son. “I’m glad you had a good day honey.”
She turned to Patty, as she bent down at knee level. “So peanut, how was your second day of Kindergarten?”
“It was okay, I guess.” Patty said as she shrugged. Of course, Piper could tell when her daughter wasn’t telling her something.
“Are you sure?” Piper persisted.
Patty looked down at her shoes. “Maybe.”
Piper tilted her daughter’s chin up with her index finger. “And what do you mean by ‘maybe?’”
“I…uh”
“I know what happened!” Chris shouted.
“Me too.” Said Wyatt. “Burg got in trouble at school today.”
Piper rolled her eyes at Patty’s nickname. Chris and Wyatt had started calling Patty burg after ‘Hamburger Patty.’ They thought it was hilarious. Strange enough, Piper and Leo had both caught themselves calling Patty the same thing a few times.
“Quiet boys.” Piper said, now in full mother mode. “Let Pat tell me what happened.”
Patty chewed on her lip, and pushed her long dark hair behind her ears. “Today, we…we were in circle time, and I started to talk to my friend Jared. And Ms. Stokes was reading a book.
Piper nodded to show she was listening. “Anyway…” Patty continued. “She told me it was rude to laugh when she was talking, and that if something was funny I should share it with the whole class.”
“And what did you do?” Piper asked.
“I um…I knew Ms. Stokes wouldn’t think what I was thinking was very funny, so I told her, ‘I’d rather not say.’ ” Patty took a deep breath. “Then Ms. Stokes said that was too bad, and I should have thought about that before I started giggling.”
“And…?” Piper urged her to go on.
“So I told her what I’d been thinking. I told her that I thought her hair looked a lot like a big red racing helmet.”
Piper tried not to burst out laughing at what her daughter said. Still, she couldn’t keep the laughter out of her eyes. “And what did Ms. Stokes do?”
“She made me sit in the corner, while she gave the rest of the kids snack time.” She opened her eyes wide and looked at her mom. “She was so mean mommy.”
Piper hugged her daughter, knowing that she shouldn’t have been talking during story time but also knowing that Ms. Stokes had been wrong to yell at Patty. All little kids said what they were thinking.
“It’s okay honey.” She lifted up her daughter’s head. “Just make sure that you don’t talk during story time anymore.”
Pat nodded as she sniffled. “Thanks mommy.”
Piper nodded as she stood up and looked at her kids. “Now, who’s ready for a cupcake?”
While handing out cupcakes, Wyatt informed Piper that the coach at school would be coming to the manor to talk to Piper about Wyatt playing football. Piper was very reluctant for her child to join, because she didn’t want him to get hurt. But alas, she said she would think about it, and that she would talk to the coach when he came.
“When will Dad be home tonight?” asked Chris.
“Um…” said Piper as she licked icing off her fingers. “He said his class may run late tonight, so probably about six.” Piper smiled, when thinking about Leo. Once he became human again, he had wanted to get a job. Only one thing had always held his passion, and it was being a doctor. Surprising the entire Halliwell family, Leo had gone back to medical school. He was almost finished now, but had about two years to go.
Suddenly, Paige rushed into the kitchen. “I just talked to Phoebe, and there was a big demon attack near her work. It’s some woman who sucks the life out of guys.”
She rushed over to Piper. “Phoebe’s coming here now, but she says the demon will probably be here any minute.”
Piper’s smile faltered. Such a great family moment had just been ruined. “Kids, Piper said. Why don’t you guys go out and play. I’ll call you back in when its time for dinner. And you two...” she said pointing at Chris and Wyatt. “Watch your sister.”
Piper turned to Paige. “Let’s go check the BOS and see If we can find a spell or something to help us.”
Wyatt came running back into the room before Piper could leave. “I was going outside But Coach Turner is here. He wants to talk to you.”
Piper resisted the urge to scream, and turned to Paige. “Okay, you go up to the book of shadows, why I get rid of the coach. I’ll be up there in a minute.”
Piper ran to the manor door, and pasted a smile on her face as she opened it. “Hi…” she started, but stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes widened at she looked deep into the eyes of none other than Cole Turner. That jerk was supposed to be dead!
More to come later...
