Our Screwed-Up Destiny

[Primrose_Empath]

On pins and needles are we? *grins*

Well, wait no longer. You asked for it--you got it! Here is today's update.

---

--LEO--

In the living room, I had made myself as calm as I could before hurrying over to Phoebe's still form lying on the couch. When I saw her chest moving up and down I breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God she's still breathing--lightly, even lighter than Prue was--but still breathing nonetheless. That's a good sign.

I put my hands over the worst of her injuries, her head. As my healing ability activated, a golden glow emanated from my hands and slowly enveloped her entire head. But the bright glow both in my hands and surrounding her head immediately dimmed, just barely lighting both, and it scared the tar out of me. No! No! She is so far gone, even farther than Prue was! I might not be able to bring her back, and no way I can stand that. Please, God. Please, God.

"Why isn't it working?" Cole demanded, but I ignored him, concentrating on my job, praying for all I was worth. It can't be her time, too! It can't!

After what seemed like hours but was actually just a couple of minutes, the light illuminating my hands and Phoebe's head finally began to brighten, finally glowing a bright gold and her breathing became deeper. As the bright golden light spread down to completely envelop her entire body, I breathed a prayer of gratitude, especially when her eyes started to flutter as she slowly regained consciousness.

--PHOEBE--

As I slowly came to, I could feel the warmth of Leo's healing powers flowing over my body and when I managed to open my eyes, I could see his worried and now relieved face. Looking over, I could also see Cole pacing the rug. But there was one person I wanted to see, had to see, more than anyone else and didn't see. "Prue! Prue! Where's Prue?"

--PRUE--

I was still in the midst of mentally berating myself for allowing my anger to get the better of me when I heard the sweetest sound--a voice I thought I'd never hear again--that of my baby sister. And much to my surprise, she wasn't calling out for Cole--she was calling out for me. Even as I flew to my feet, I shook my head wonderingly. After that blowout we had a couple of hours ago, I thought I'd be the last person she would be wanting to see.

In a flash, I had released myself from Andy’s arms and was in the living room with my arms wrapped around my baby sister in a huge hug. A feeling of relief washed over me. "Phoebs, thank God you're okay, baby girl." 'Cause I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, too.

--PHOEBE--

I very happily hugged my big sister back, so glad that she no longer seemed to be so angry at me, as happy tears flowed down my own cheeks. "Oh, Prue, I'm so very sorry! I didn't mean to ignore you and Piper and the innocents! I didn't. Really I didn't!"

--PRUE--

"It's okay, baby girl; I understand; it's okay." At that moment, nothing else in the world mattered to me. My little sister was still alive, and that was all that counted, and the smile on her teary face told me that she felt the same way. "You had me so scared. Don't you ever do that again!" I admonished, tears flowing freely down my face.

That made Phoebe laugh through her tears as did the two men sharing the room with us.

--COLE--

Leo and I had absolutely no idea what had precipitated this reunion; we were just glad it had. I was just as thrilled as Leo was that his healing had worked. That had to have been some fight for Phoebe to call out Prue's name rather than mine. I could've been a bit upset about that, but I was still just so relieved that she was all right, since I didn't know what I would've done had I lost her.

Now I hurried over to the couch and sank to my knees so I could softly plant a kiss on my love's forehead. "Thank god and Leo you're all right!"

--PHOEBE--

I flashed Cole a wide smile and kissed him back. “I felt myself blacking out. I didn't know if you'd hear me." I looked over at the whitelighter with grateful eyes and smiled. "Thank you, Leo."

--LEO--

I slowly shook my head and diverted my eyes away from Phoebe's and towards the far wall instead. "Don't thank me. I almost lost you. Just like I lost Piper. I should've felt you hurt. I should've come as soon as you called, as soon as Prue called. You could've died, Phoebe! I was so busy feeling sorry for myself for losing Piper that I didn't do my job and almost lost you, too! I'm no good as your whitelighter anymore. No good." my shoulders slumped and my head dropped so that I was once again looking at the floor through bright tear-filled eyes.

---

And of course, you know the drill if you want more, right?

[woogyinthehouse]

Yup i know the drill!!

Please update!!

I have found myself addicted to this fanfic, i come home go on TDWD (The Dance We Do) and check if this is updated!!

Cant wait for more and i am so glad Phoebe is alive!!

*happy dance*

[pipercharmedphreak]

I agree with woogyinthehouse. i am hooked!

[Primrose_Empath]

Wow! You guys really know how to make a writer happy!

And here is today's update...happy reading!

---

--PRUE--

"She's alive," I told him, as I hugged my little sister again. "That's all that counts, Leo. That's all that counts." I then remembered that I’d regained both a baby sister and someone else. They're never gonna believe this -- not in a million years! "Got a present for you, Phoebs. You'd never guess who I found," as I grinned and gestured with my left thumb over my shoulder to Andy, who was standing in the doorway, uncertain of his welcome.

--PHOEBE--

"Andy!" I yelled as I basically leapt up from the couch and ran over to give him a huge hug. "It's so good to finally have you back!" I cried ecstatically as I wrapped my arms around him, a smile on my face. I hope Cole doesn't get jealous, but Andy's like the big brother I never had!

--COLE--

I watched with envious eyes as she hugged this stranger tight. Jealousy began to fester in my soul and I could almost feel Belthazar wanting to appear and take care of this man whom Phoebe seemed to love so much.

Prue saw the look in my eyes and intervened before my alter-ego could make an appearance. "Don't worry about it, Cole. Andy grew up with us."

Andy. Andy. Why do I feel like I should know that name? I was a slight bit puzzled until the proverbial light bulb clicked on in my head. Oh! Right! Andy Trudeau-- that inspector who was killed by one of my demonic colleagues about two years ago. Phoebe told me all about him. He was like a big brother to them, although a lot closer than that to Prue. That's right. He died saving Prue's life. Apparently the Elders rewarded him for that by making him a whitelighter. Hmm. Might as well make his acquaintance. And standing up from where I was kneeling alongside the couch, I walked over to shake Andy's hand. "Hey, Andy. Nice to meet ya, man. I'm Cole Turner."

--ANDY--

I smiled a bright smile as I gladly hugged Phoebe back before shaking the half-demon's hand. I knew who this was and I knew what Cole meant to the woman I considered my own baby sister--it was the latest gossip in whitelighter-circles, just like when Leo married Piper. But a Charmed One and a half-demon??!! And yet Phoebe had done the impossible--falling in love with a half-demon who proved that he could love. And because he could love, he could keep his demon half under control.

--LEO--

I was the first to look up to see who Prue was pointing out. And upon seeing who it was, was very much taken aback and remained quiet as both Phoebe and Cole made the newcomer welcome. My consternation showed on not only my face but also in my tone as I finally spoke. "Andy! You know you shouldn't be here, but I'm so glad you are."

Then I turned and walked to the doorway and shook hands with my fellow whitelighter. "I have a huge favor to ask of you...and if you don't want to accept it, I'll fully understand." Taking a deep breath, I carefully went over in my mind what I was about to say next. Here goes nothing. "If your charges are okay, would you watch mine? I've done a dreadful job and I don't know if I can do it anymore." I continued to torture myself for almost losing Phoebe so soon after losing Piper.

--ANDY--

I set Phoebe aside and watched as Cole led her back to the couch. Then I looked at Leo, all the while contemplating the question he had just asked. As I placed a reassuring hand on each of Leo's shoulders, I looked him square in the eyes. "Don't talk like that, Leo. You're hurting, and it's completely understandable that you would feel like you do. But once you all get past this, you'll be okay. Everyone knows how well you've done in guiding The Charmed Ones -- I mean, you're a legend in whitelighter circles." I hope that helps cheer him up....the poor guy's an absolute emotional wreck.

--LEO--

Reflecting upon the answer I received from my whitelighter colleague, I gave him a half-smile. "Andy, I'd still appreciate it if you could stick around for awhile. But you'd better lie low. Besides, these two have to be getting ready for the funeral tomorrow." My voice quivered as I said these last two words, and again tears came to my eyes as I thought about burying my beloved Piper. I desperately wished that whitelighters were able to be with the spirits who were in Heaven so I could be with her, but I knew I couldn't. I'd never be able to see my wife again until I decided to clip my wings and die. That was something else I was once more contemplating.

---

To Be Continued...

[woogyinthehouse]

Great update!! Kinda funny how Cole was a bit jealous of Andy lol, cant wait for more!! ;D ;D ;D

[*Sammi!*]

Primrose! This is uber cool reading!
Gimme more!!! ;D

[~.:Alysha:.~]

Yeah this is great, im really hooked!! Please update
Im glad you bought Andy into it, he's great!!

[Primrose_Empath]

Yippee! More new readers! *happy dance*

Thanks Sammi, woogyinthehouse, pipercharmedphreak, Phoebe_Halliwell, and charmedfan4evr for your reviews -- just knowing that you're enjoying this fic helps keep me going. ;D

And behind door number 3...today's update....

---

--PRUE--

As excited as I was to have Andy back, Leo was right. There was still business that needed to be attended to --- like getting ready for Piper's funeral tomorrow. Leaning against a nearby wall, I sighed sadly and shook my head...I still couldn't believe I was going to be burying one of my sisters, and the one who was also my best friend. It felt surreal, like how everything felt these past few days. How is this fair? Tears ran slowly down my face and dripped onto the floor. I made a half-hearted effort to wipe them away, but they wouldn't stop coming, so I just stared down at the floor and attempted to collect my thoughts.

--ANDY--

As I turned away from my fellow whitelighter, I spotted Prue leaning against the wall with tears silently running down her face. Quickly and quietly I walked over and closed my arms around the eldest sister -- holding her close in a sweet embrace. I silently used a single finger to gently wipe away the tears that kept running down her face.

--PHOEBE--

Seeing Andy cross the room, I soon realized what my big sister was thinking, and tears of grief come to my eyes as well. "Piper!" I choked out as I leaned into Cole's arms and began to sob. This loss of one of my older sisters was one that I hoped I'd never have to face -- at least not so soon.

--LEO--

All of this grief was much too much for me. I couldn't stand to see my two sisters-in-law and their respective loves crying over Piper when I still felt incredibly guilty about losing my wife. Sighing, I left the room and headed up the stairs towards Piper's and my room, the room that was now only my own.

--ANDY--

Leo's exit didn't go unnoticed, however. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the despondent whitelighter climbing up the staircase. Aloud, I gently told the others, "It's probably best that we leave him alone for a while." And holding a still-silently grieving Prue close, I tenderly stroked the top of her head.

--PHOEBE--

Cole nodded as he also held me closer, allowing me to cry on his shoulder, not quite sure what else to do. I looked up to watch Leo leave and managed a watery smile through my tears as I snuggled deeper into Cole's loving arms. Oh, I know what it's like to lose your love to evil! Thank God I got you back...I couldn't get through this without you. I won't put you ahead of the innocents or Prue ever again. I won't. But I'm, oh, so, glad that you're with me now!

--ANDY--

I looked at all of them. "Just remember, you two, everything happens for a reason. Piper's with your mom and your Grams now. I'm sure she's fine and wouldn't like seeing the both of you grieving like this."

--PRUE--

Andy’s words got to me big-time. Leaning into his warm and comforting embrace, I finally allowed all the emotions I’d been holding back for the past couple of days to come rushing out. I failed as a big sister...it's my job to protect Piper and Phoebe...and I couldn't! kept repeating itself over and over in my mind.

"Why did Kernus have to take her?" I sobbed into Andy's shoulder. "He should've taken me!"

Andy gently kissed me on the forehead, while rubbing soft comforting circles on my still-shaking shoulders. "No," he softly reminded me. "What happened was meant to happen."

--PHOEBE--

His words bring a watery smile to my face. "You even sound like a whitelighter." When my words failed to bring a smile to my big sister's face, I knew something was truly wrong. I can't stand to see my normally stoic big sister finally letting it all out, so I hurried over and tightly hugged her. "Don't think that way, Prue! I couldn't stand to lose you, too. Who would take care of me if you weren't here?" My soft brown eyes locked with her red-rimmed ones to send an unspoken message of concern. As always when Prue was sad or depressed, her blue eyes had turned a light smoke-gray. Seeing that color just made my tender heart ache more for my big sister, even as I also mourned the sister who was gone.

--PRUE--

I slowly looked up from Andy's shoulder to my sister's warm brown eyes. Smiling at my baby sister's comforting gesture, I returned the hug, cementing our bond as sisters that had come so close to being broken.

Then I took a deep breath and slowly shook my head. "But it still doesn't make things any better. I mean -- first Mom, then Grams, and now Piper. When's it gonna stop?"

Andy smiled an understanding smile and whispered. "It's gonna be okay. You remember your battle with Death. It was just Piper's time to go," he reassured as both he and Phoebe held me close.

I snuggled in close to Andy while laying my head on Phoebe's shoulder. Andy always had a way of making me feel better simply by being there. "Yeah I guess you're right....it probably was her time to go. But it still sucks," and now Andy, Phoebe and Cole all managed a small smile.

Taking a quick glance at my watch, I was more than a bit stunned. It was well past 11 pm and the funeral was scheduled to start near noon the next day while the family was supposed to be there by 11 in order to greet the other mourners. Wow. It's that late already? Better start calling it quits--and soon. "Oh geez! Guys, we'd better call it a night pretty soon."

--PHOEBE--

I nodded in agreement as I wiped a few lingering tears away and gave my big sister one more hug. "You're right. Piper will never forgive us if we look bad at her funeral," and releasing the hug, I walked back over to Cole, took his hand, and we started our way up the stairs.

--ANDY--

I watched as Phoebe and Cole made their way up the stairs and then returned my gaze to Prue. "I should probably get back to one of my charges, but they're all sleeping right now and I can sense if they need me. And I want to be here for you until They," and I looked up, "decide I can't. Do you mind if I sleep on the couch?" I inquired softly, looking deep into her beautiful still-gray eyes.

Prue smiled as her eyes turned back to blue. "I think I can think of a better place for you to sleep tonight. I need you. Please come with me," and when I nodded, she led me up the stairs.

END OF PART TWO

---

Up next: Part Three

[woogyinthehouse]

I had a tear to my eye in that update. I would have cried if Piper died, like i did when Prue did, honestly you are very descriptive i can imagine it all in my head, well done with an amazing update and more to come soon, i will be waiting"! ;D ;D ;D

[~.:Alysha:.~]

Yeah great work Primose, keep it up, cant wait for the next installment!! lol

[Primrose_Empath]

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record here, but Thank You! *big hug*

And because I'm in such a good mood (and thusly decided not to make you wait until Monday for the next update)....

Here is Part Three. Enjoy!

---

PART THREE

--ANDY--

I slowly woke up and a smile crossed my face as I became aware of Prue sound asleep beside me. I watched her face, so lovely, so relaxed in repose, for a minute. At least for a few hours she's been able to forget the nightmare her world has become, a world without her best friend who also happens to be her sister, one of the sisters she told me she promised Grams that she would protect. I hate having to bring her back into that reality, but...

Leaning over, I kissed her soft cheek. "Prue. Time to wake up."

--PRUE--

Startled out of my dream by a voice and the gentle sensation of someone kissing my cheek, I quickly sat up and looking around wildly, prepared to send whoever it was flying into the nearest wall. Spotting Andy's smiling face, I relaxed and pulled back my hands.

A quick glance at the alarm clock told me exactly what I didn't want to know --- it was almost 10 am, and I was running late -- the family had to be at the church an hour before the noon start-time to greet the other mourners.

"Oh no. We're going to be late!" Turning to Andy, I returned his kiss with a peck on the cheek. "Good morning," I smiled with a loving look in my eyes, so happy that the Elders hadn't taken him away just yet. Then I frantically gathered up the black outfit I laid out the night before, threw on my robe, trying not to remember that it was my birthday present from Piper, and dashed to the upstairs bathroom to take a quick shower and get ready.

--ANDY--

As Prue hurried towards the shower, I threw on my own clothes and dashed down the stairs to wait for her. I knew exactly what she'd want when she got there--a strong cup of coffee--and Piper wasn't there to make it. I knew I couldn't make as good of a pot as Piper would've, but for Prue, I'd give it my best shot.

--PRUE--

About fifteen minutes later, I jogged down the stairs to grab a quick caffeine boost and read the paper. When I turned the corner into the kitchen, there was Andy, a gentle smile on his face as he handed me a steaming cup of coffee sweetened with a small peck on the cheek.

"Hey, you," I managed a small smile as I gave him a loving kiss. "Sorry about earlier, but you know how I hate running late." I pulled out a chair from the kitchen table, took a shaky breath and sipped nervously on my cup of coffee. I was not looking forward to the funeral....it just all seemed so final, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to accept the fact that one of my sisters (and my best friend) was truly gone. This is not gonna be easy. But I've gotta stay strong. If not for my sake, then for Phoebe's. We can't afford for both of us to fall apart.

--ANDY--

Even without using my powers, I knew her so well that I was quite aware of the thoughts that were running through her head. I pulled out an adjacent chair, put a reassuring arm around her shoulders and hugged her. "You don't have to be strong if you don't want to. I'm here; you can lean on me. Just remember how much I love you and that I'm here just for you."

--PRUE--

I slid my chair closer to him and leaned contentedly into his arms. "I love you, too," I whispered in his ear. "Thank you for being here."

Taking another sip from my cup, I glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall and sighed--it was drawing nearer to time to leave for the church. "I wonder what's keeping Phoebs and Cole. If they don't hurry it up, we're going to be late." Setting my cup down and scooting my chair back from the kitchen table, I looked over at him. "I'll be right back.”

Swiftly making my way through the dining room, I stopped at the foot of the stairs, crossed my arms and tapped my foot impatiently. "Phoebe! Are you guys almost ready? We've gotta leave soon, or else we're going to be late! You're the one who said it--Piper would never forgive us if we're late for her funeral!"

--PHOEBE--

Unbeknownst to Prue, I was in a pure panic. I woke up almost the same time as Prue had, but Cole hadn't. Remembering my premonition from the day before, I'd been trying everything I could possibly think of but still he wouldn't wake or stir.

And now the panic escalated to the point where I was nearly hysterical. No! NO! I can't lose Cole the day we bury Piper! No, I won't put him in front of Prue, I won't, but I'll never be able to get through this day without him!

Hearing Prue's impatient voice, I screamed in terror for my big sister.

---

Please review for the next part!

[pipercharmedphreak]

I too am starting to feel like a broken record of how much I love this fan fic! I had tears in my eyes reading the interaction between Prue and Andy! ;D

[woogyinthehouse]

Sweet update, Andy and Prue seem very happy being together, i only hope Cole will be there for Phoebe...UPDATE!

[*Sammi!*]

Awww Primrose Im gonna cry. Its so sweet!

[~.:Alysha:.~]

Yeah agreed, i had like tears in my eyes with the whole Prue and Andy thing! Update soon pwease ;D

[Primrose_Empath]

Wow. Just wow. You guys are simply the best! I mean it---you rock. ;D

Here's the next update...

Happy Reading!

---

--PRUE--

Hearing Phoebe's scream, I ran up the stairs, my feet barely touching the steps. Not her, too! I can't lose my baby sister on the day I'm burying my other sister! Ohhh, I hope that Kernus is back because I'd love to send him on a one-way trip through the wall! Now that would be the proper way to start this horrible day! And right now I'm angry enough that I'm sure that this time I'd have enough power to do it!

--ANDY--

In the kitchen, I suddenly felt Prue's terror, the same terror that originally brought me to her. Dropping my now-empty mug, I immediately orbed to where I could sense her heading--Phoebe's room.

No sooner did I reappear in the doorway to Phoebe's room than I called out, "What's taking so...long?" I took a couple of steps forward into the room and came to a stop when I saw Phoebe crying and Cole's still form lying on the bed, out cold.

Before I could say or do anything else, Prue appeared at the doorway, looking around for the cause of Phoebe's screaming. She didn't even notice me as her eyes immediately landed on the knocked-out Cole lying on the bed and Phoebe's hysterical face. "Phoebs! Are you all right?"

--PHOEBE--

Hearing that voice, I jumped up from the bed and ran directly into my big sister's arms. "Prue! Cole isn't waking up!" As I shook my head a few tears escaped from my eyes and ran down my cheeks. "You remember my premonition! Prue, I just can't lose him, too! I'd never be able to stand it!" I leaned into Prue and rested my head on my big sister's shoulder.

--PRUE--
I wrapped my little sister in a comforting hug and rubbed her shoulders in order to calm her down. "Don't worry, Phoebs, we're not gonna lose him." I watched as Cole's chest continued to rise and fall. As long as he was still alive and simply wouldn't wake up, I was sure we'd figure a way to get him up and moving. Deep down, I had a feeling my sister was more than likely over-reacting due to that premonition she had had yesterday.

Andy had been watching the two of us. "Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked, a note of concern in his voice.

Suddenly an idea popped into my head and my eyes lit up. "Yeah, as a matter of fact, there is." Releasing Phoebe, I jogged over to Andy and whispered in his ear, then went back to hug Phoebe. "Don't worry, Phoebs, he'll be fine." Hope this works--it's the only thing I could think of at short notice.

--PHOEBE--

I watched as Andy orbed out and then turned to look my sister in the eyes. "But, Prue! What can Andy do? You know whitelighters can't heal demons, even half-demons."

---

Please leave a review after the tone! Beeeeeep

[~.:Alysha:.~]

OMG Whats Andy going to do...please update again VERY SOON, im hanging off the edge of my seat here!! lol

[pipercharmedphreak]

As am I.

[Primrose_Empath]

So what is Andy going to do?

Read on and find out....

---

--ANDY--

Just then I orbed back in, holding a pitcher. "You're right, Prue," I smiled. "This should do the trick nicely." While Phoebe watched in shock and Prue tried in vain to hold back her snickers, I strolled over to the bed and poured ice-cold water onto the half-demon.

--COLE--

I sat up so quickly, it was as if I'd been shot out of a cannon. "Are you crazy?" I sputtered, wiping the water off my face and glaring at Andy, who was standing by the bed holding the now-almost-empty pitcher. "Talk about a rude awakening," I grumbled.

--PHOEBE--

Letting out a huge sigh of relief, I sprinted over to my soaked love and gave him a huge hug and a big kiss. "Thank God you're okay!"

--PRUE--

I was trying my hardest not to laugh at Cole's reaction, but the efforts were futile. After a couple of seconds, I just couldn't hold it in any longer and I laughed until my side ached.

--ANDY--

I couldn't help but laugh at Cole's reaction or at Prue's. It's so good to hear her laugh again, even if it's at Cole's expense. Looking in the pitcher and seeing a small amount of water still inside, I gave Prue a most un-whitelighterly look.

Even as she tried to regain her composure, Prue noticed the mischievous look in my eyes. She screamed and waved her hand so the pitcher flew out of my hands, splashing the remaining water onto me.

Now it was Cole and Phoebe's turn to howl at my expense.

"Hey," I grumbled. "Isn't that what you call using magic for personal gain?"

That just made everyone laugh harder, exactly what I had in mind, knowing that this would act as a catharsis for all of the pain this family had gone through. I looked at Prue sheepishly and then down at my now-soaked shirt. "Hey, now I'm all wet. I guess I'll have to orb to one of my charges' places and get a dry one."

--PRUE--

I shook my head in amusement and rolled my eyes. "Come on, Andy, let's go get you a dry shirt. I think I might still have a couple of your old ones in my closet somewhere." Nodding towards the door, I turned and led him out of Phoebe's room and towards my own.

--COLE--

I watched them leave, then looked at the clock. What I saw made me leap from the bed. "Phoebe! Look at the time! Don't we have to be there by 11? Guess we'd better get ready," and grabbing my suit off the chair, I headed for the upstairs bathroom to brush my teeth and wash up, also taking my suit so I could get dressed. But before I did, I looked back towards Phoebe. "You better do the same. You take the upstairs bathroom; I'll take the downstairs one."

Phoebe sadly nodded in agreement and after giving me a quick peck on the cheek, she grabbed the dress she planned to wear and headed for the upstairs bathroom to prepare for the day ahead.

I watched her and then headed downstairs and into the first-floor bathroom. While getting ready, I thought about the day ahead. I knew Phoebe was going to need me to comfort her, but lingering doubts floated through my mind and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to do all that good of a job. "I've been a mercenary demon for half-a-century," I muttered to myself as I brushed my teeth. "I'm the one who made others need to console each other due to the deaths I caused. What do I know about comforting?"

---

And of course you already know the drill if you want more

[~.:Alysha:.~]

haha yeah we know that drill!! That was hilarious!! Put a smile on my face for sure!! Good old Prue & Andy hehe...please update again soon!