Our Screwed-Up Destiny

[Esmeralda]

Primrose Empath wrote:

*smiles* Poor Leo -- don't you just want to give him a big hug? I know I do.

Me, too.

Sammi wrote:

have to say that I think Cole was being a tad insensitive when it came to Andy having to leave, just shrugging like that. Its a shame Andy had to leave though. Prue really needs him. Charges know how to tune in at the wrong time dont they?!

LOL, that they do. But at least Andy is enough of a whitelighter to know that when a charge calls, they need him--think of when the sisters would call for Leo... And Cole's a realist. Comes from being a mercenary demon for a half-century. He knows that if Andy had to go, he had to go--and so do the sisters.

As for the rest of you, you all made me smile. Rest assured that Andy knows how much Prue needs him and if his charges didn't need him more he'd be right there with her and will just as soon as he can. Slight spoiler there, maybe, or maybe slight teaser...

Well, the rest of you, except for that last person. I don't think I know who are and I don't think Primrose mentioned anyone by that ultra-weird name to me. I know I don't have any friends who like Britney. And it's ULTRA-rude to put in a personal request like that in the middle of a fanfiction thread. If you think Primrose knows who you are, why don't you PM her like you're supposed to do or should we report you for spamming our thread?

[Primrose_Empath]

Thanks Es! That was a most excellent explanation of why Cole acted the way he did to Andy's sudden departure.

And since I don't want to keep our awesome and loyal readers waiting...

Here's your Friday update. Enjoy!

---

--PRUE (continued)--

Nobody was really much up for conversation during the rest of the drive, so after a couple of minutes, I turned on the radio in order to break the silence. Coincidentally, it was right at the beginning of "Just My Imagination" by the Cranberries -- one of Piper's favorite bands who were also playing at the celebration of her life that night. As I was mouthing the words, I quickly glanced in the rear-view mirror; what I saw brought a smile to my face. Phoebe was doing the exact same thing, softly singing along to the song. We exchanged a wink and grin before I returned my attention to the road. We knew that we were both remembering dancing to that very song at P3:

[Start Flashback: (Episode 2.05 She’s A Man, Baby, A Man)]

[Scene: P3. Prue is wearing a very sexy outfit.]

Phoebe: Oh.. Well, well. And I thought the heat wave was over.

Piper: Yeah, Prue. You look hot.

Prue: I’m just grateful to be back in heels.

Phoebe: Let me see. Oh, yeah. You definitely have that walk down.

Prue: Well, we’ll see if Alan agrees with that.

Phoebe: Alan? I thought you thought he wasn’t interested.

Prue: Yeah, I was wrong. Just a little gender confusion.

Piper: Looks like you learned a few things about being a woman by being a man.

Prue: Actually, I did. I mean, we’re different, which I’m glad about that. But we’re also similar in many ways. You know, we all feel the same emotions. It’s just that if we don’t communicate honestly, then we read between the lines and tend to get everything screwed up.

Piper: And sometimes it’s just up to us to open the door first... take a chance

(They see Dan)

Prue: Oh, you finally called him, huh?

Piper: I got some good advice from the brother I never had. Excuse me.

Prue: You’re welcome.

(She goes to meet Dan.)

Prue: So, what about you, Phoebs?

Phoebe: Me, Uh? (She sees Owen) I actually have an appointment with a Doctor I’ve been dying to see. I’m still running a little bit hot.

Prue: I see that. He winked at you

(Phoebe goes to meet Owen. The Cranberries start to play.)

Piper: Glad you could make it.

Dan: Are you kidding? I’m just glad you called. Truth is I’ve been waiting to call you for some time now.

Piper: Really? I never would guess.

Dan: You wanna dance?

Piper: Sure.

(They join Phoebe and Owen and start to dance.)

Prue: Alan, Hey... Good to see you.

Alan: I’m glad you called back, Prue. I have to admit. I didn’t think you would.

Prue: Well, I wasn’t going to at first. But then I met this really nice guy who encouraged me to go ahead.

Alan: Yeah? Who is he? I wanna thank him.

Prue: Oh, no. I’ll thank him.... Cranberries.

Alan: Let’s go.

(They join Piper and Dan and Phoebe and Owen. Then we see the girls dancing with their guys.)

[End Flashback]

Approximately two and a half songs later, we pulled into P3's parking lot, piled out of the car and headed into the club.

--COLE--

As we made our way down the stairs, we looked around in amazement. The employees had indeed been busy with the preparations. The decorations were almost all up and the pictures and floral arrangements from the church had been strategically placed at various spots around the club, including a collage of pictures taken at the club that had been made by one of the bartenders and was situated on an easel just past the bottom of the stairs.

--PHOEBE--

Walking over to the bar, I noticed one other person already seated there. I gave Prue a quick nudge with my elbow and my big sister sighed.

--PRUE--

It was Victor, who got up from his seat and waved us over. Great, just great. I was hoping he wouldn't get here until later when it was crowded and I could avoid him. So much for that plan.

--PHOEBE--

I jogged over and wrapped my arms around him. "Daddy!"

--VICTOR--

I returned my youngest's hug. "Baby. Doing any better?"

--PHOEBE--

I shrugged as we broke apart. "Sorta. Some minutes are better than others." I gave him a curious look. "You're here early. I thought you weren't coming until later on."

--VICTOR--

Before I could give a response, I saw Cole heading towards me, followed closely by Prue. Keeping one arm around Phoebe's shoulders, I reached out and shook his hand, and he returned the gesture in kind.

--PRUE--

And now it was my turn as I locked eyes with my father and slowly approached, still keeping my distance. Releasing his arm from Phoebe's shoulder, he took a couple of steps forward towards me. "Prudence."

---

To Be Continued....

[woogyinthehouse]

nice update and a cute little flashback!! I hope Prue and Victor get on, for Piper at least, more please!

[*Sammi!*]

Fabulous update!

Im sure that Prue and Victor will get along... If just for today right? It was Piper who always wanted her to sign their dads birthday cards etc... Just once... Please?

[Prue's Empath]

This fan-fic is so great! Primerose_Empath you so rock I love your writing! You always keep me waiting for something new! and always keep me interested!

[~.:Alysha:.~]

As always loving every minute of it!! You two are just plain and simply awesome!! Yeah i hope that Victor and Prue can get along at least for Pipers sake! Oh i miss Piper

[pipercharmedphreak]

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!! What a great choice in flashbacks! I also miss Piper, but your story proves that Charmed could have moved on without Piper. Phoebe's reaction to seeing Victor is perfect I can see and hear tht scene in mind mind wonderfully. I can't wait to see how Prue and Victor interact.

Eagerly waiting!

[Primrose_Empath]

*huge grin* Thank you Sammi, woogyinthehouse, Phoebe_Halliwell, and pipercharmedphreak! You guys and your awesome reviews just totally made my Saturday. *great big hug*

That particular flashback is one of our favorites too. Think about it -- how often did we get to see the girls having fun dancing with their guys at the end of the show? Seeing them unwind and able enjoy themselves like that was something that was truly missing during the later seasons.

Now onto the subject of Victor: the reaction towards seeing their dad really illustrates just how very different Prue and Phoebe are, and that's part of what has made writing this so fun -- showing the differences between the two of them.

You wanted to know how Prue and Victor were going to interact? Well, wait no longer...

---

--PRUE (continued)--

I inwardly groaned. I thought I told him that I hate being called by my full name. Not that it matters since he probably won't listen anyway. But now at Piper's celebration is neither the time nor the place to get into this discussion. After all, I wouldn't want to disappoint her. So for you, Piper. "Vic...I mean...Dad." And taking the last few steps, I put my arms around him in a half-hearted hug.

--PHOEBE--

Cole and I took this awkward exchange as a cue to leave the vicinity and scooted off to go help the employees put the finishing touches on the decorations before the doors opened.

--VICTOR--

As we pulled apart I looked into the eyes of my eldest and saw the lingering resentment towards me reflected there, but right now it was also mixed with a touch of sadness. I decided to break the quickly-forming silence. "I asked Phoebe if she was doing all right. So how about you? Doing any better?"

--PRUE--

"All right, I guess." I sighed and shook my head. "As well as I can be doing, considering...you know. You?"

--VICTOR--

"The same." It was at that moment that I noticed that a very key person in Piper's life was nowhere to be seen. "Where's Leo? I didn't see him come in with you."

--PRUE--

"That's because he didn't."

"What do you mean? Is he even coming?"

"I'm not really sure. He might drop in later, but I don't think so."

"Why?"

I felt my anger starting to rise, but did my level best to keep it under control. For you, Piper, for you.

I shot a piercing glare at my father and gritted my teeth. "Victor. Would you stop with the '20 Questions' bit? Long story short, he said that he wasn't really feeling up to coming and needed some alone time to sort things out. I'm not holding that against him, and neither is Phoebe. It's his choice whether to come or not, all right? Losing Piper has hit him just as hard, if not harder, as it's hit the rest of us."

Pausing, I tucked my hair back behind my ears. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go make sure that the sound check has been completed since we're about to open the doors." With that, I turned on my heel and headed towards the stage, leaving Victor standing by the bar, still trying to figure out all of what was just said.

--PHOEBE--

I was putting the final straightening touch on one of the tables when I saw Prue walk briskly by me and up towards the stage. For a half-second I considered going over there to see how it went with Daddy, but the expression on my big sister's face combined with the sight of him standing in shock by the bar told me all I needed to know. Taking a moment to straighten one last picture, smiling wistfully as I remembered when it was taken, I hurried over to Daddy and hugged him.

--VICTOR--

"What did I do wrong?" I asked, watching Prue stalk towards the stage.

--PHOEBE--

I grinned. "You called her Prudence."

--VICTOR--

I was still bewildered. "But that's her name. Your mother fell in love with that name the moment she heard that it was Melinda Warren's daughter's name. It's a beautiful name for my beautiful oldest daughter."

--PHOEBE--

I still grinned. "But you're the only one who calls her that. When and if she ever decides to forgive and forget that you left us when you did, she'll probably love you calling her that. But not now. And all of us are hurting today so we're all ultra-sensitive." I started giggling. "Prue and I almost came to blows over a casserole."

--VICTOR--

My eyes started to get big and I started to ask, but she shook her head as she glanced at her watch. "Later. We're opening in a minute. Whoa. Time sure flies. I gotta go find Cole and join Joe at the doors."

--PHOEBE--

Daddy nodded, and after giving me another hug, he headed for the food to be sure that everything was there. I watched him, then looking around, I spotted Cole waiting for me by the stairs and speed-walked over to him, my spreadsheet firmly in hand. Together, we ascended the stairs and took our place by the front doors.

---

To Be Continued....

[*Sammi!*]

That was classic Prue! And the tuckingher hair behind her ear. Its like Im watching it happen infront of me! And classic Victor. I can imagine the bewilderment on his face wanting to know what he did!
Im proud of Prue though, she did as well as she could have done.

Great update girls! Bring me more!

[~.:Alysha:.~]

Yeah loved it...i feel sorry for Victor but..hes just trying to get involved in his daughters life, but yeah they are all like super sensitive so i dont blame Prue for acting the way he did..but yeah i still feel for Victor!

[Primrose_Empath]

Thanks Sammi and Phoebe_Halliwell for your awesome reviews! If you can picture this happening in your mind, than that means we must be doing something right. ;D

Here's your next update....

---

--COLE--

When we opened the doors at exactly 6:00, there was already a long line of familiar faces, all holding the program. Joe had already walked up and down the line, making sure that they did. Now he joined Phoebe and me and Phoebe handed him the spreadsheet before I reached for the first person's program. I flipped the program over and read the name to Joe, who checked it off before handing the program to Phoebe. She in turn read the memory with a sad smile before setting it on the table sitting next to us, working on dividing them into various categories based on the memory. We continued this routine for a good fifteen minutes, and could hear the first band beginning to play.

--PRUE--

While Phoebe, Cole, and Joe started check-in duty, I had finished verifying the sound check and positioned myself at the foot of the stairs to greet each person who walked into the club and point out where various things were located. After three minutes to allow the band to finish setting up, I strolled up onto the stage and took the mike. After thanking everyone for coming, I introduced the first band, Dishwalla. Stepping down from the stage, I found myself glad that Leo wasn't there, since I knew that hearing that particular group would not have brought him the fondest of memories:
[Start Flashback: (Episode 2.04 The Devil’s Music)]

(Piper walks in the kitchen.)

Piper: (excited) Guess what I did? Guess what I did? All by myself?

Phoebe: What?

Piper: You ready?

Phoebe: What?

Piper: Get this... Dish...walla... my club... playing there... tonight.

Prue: What?

Piper: I networked. Sent out feelers, sent off press releases and wouldn’t you know it. Dishwalla decided to put P3 on their schedule! How’s about that? P3 has officially been validated as the place to be! We’re on the map (hugs her sisters) I couldn’t have done it without you, you patient (kisses Prue) most generous (kisses Phoebe) sisters in the whole wide world. (Doorbell rings.) I’ll get it. (answers the door.) Leo... this day just keeping getting better. Hi.

Leo: Hi, uh, Piper, we have to talk.

Piper: Yeah...okay, uh... are you free tonight? Better be, ‘cause you’re my date. We have backstage passes, all access, baby, to see Dishwalla at P3. I made it happen.

Leo: Uh, no, actually, I made it happen.

Piper: What?

(Prue and Phoebe walk in.)

Leo: Yeah, look, I want to tell you sooner, but I didn’t have time. I had to move fast. There’s a demon involved.

Piper: A demon?

Leo: Yeah, he’ll be at your club, tonight.

Piper: But, no, their manager, Jeff Carlton, came to me and-and booked them himself.

Leo: I know. I cast a spell on him

Piper: You what?

Leo: I sort of cribbed it from one of the other witches I look after. I suggested to Carlton that he get Dishwalla into your club

Prue: Why didn’t you just come to us?

Piper: Because he knows I would have been pissed off. What are you doing?

Leo: My job.

Piper: Your job? What are we, like, Leo’s Witches now? We’re supposed to kill a demon during a sold-out concert? Are you nuts?

Phoebe: Piper...

Piper: No, Leo. Anywhere else but not there... not my place.

[End Flashback]

Dishwalla started their set and people began to filter onto the dance floor. Satisfied that the guests were enjoying themselves, I weaved my way over to the bar, stopping to chat with and receive hugs from various people on the way. As I sipped on a bottle of mineral water handed to me by the bartender, I noticed Victor beckoning to me from the alcove. Rolling my eyes while capping the bottle, I slowly walked over. Wonder what he wants.

---

More to follow....

[~:*Destiny*:~]

great! I love it! ;D

[*Sammi!*]

I loved that scene! Piper was so happy... and thinkin about the whole fanfic... this makes me sad again!

Fantabulous update!!

[pipercharmedphreak]

Wonderful update! I love the line about 'Leo's Witches'. I agree though having these memories of such a happy Piper, makes it really sad to remember that in this fic she is gone. I am lovin the contrast between Prue's character and Phoebe's character

[Prue's Empath]

I'm loving this whole story line so much I made it a graphic!!!:



You guys are so great at writing and I just wanted to show my appriceation!!!

[woogyinthehouse]

Nice couple of updates!! i lvoed the flashback there, fitted just perfect in that little spot. I love the interaction between Prue and Victor i can just picture them both there talking to each other lol. I wonder what he wants now?

[Primrose_Empath]

Thank you Sammi, pipercharmedphreak, and woogyinthehouse for your reviews -- they put a huge smile on my face and were a most excellent way to start off my Monday!

So what did Victor want? Well, you'll find out...just as soon as we check in with Phoebe at the front doors.

---

--PHOEBE--

Outside P3, I kept looking for the young Halliwell look-alike I had scared so much at Piper's funeral and was disappointed when I didn’t see her. Maybe she'd come later. I certainly hoped so.

A few people tried to get in with either counterfeit programs or with no programs at all. Thanks to my spreadsheet and both Joe and Cole, they didn't succeed. Some even tried bribing the three of us, but still had no luck. Joe just kept his arms crossed, insisting, "Private party and you're not on the list."

--PRUE--

Around 6:15, I showed up to pick up the memories. My baby sister smiled sadly. "There's some good ones in there."

I nodded. "I'm sure there are. Did you talk to Dad?"

--PHOEBE--

"Yeah, I did," my eyes went wide, surprised that Prue had called our father Dad.

"Why?"

"After I introduced the first group, he told me I'd done a good job and in doing so, he called me Prue."

I grinned. "Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks, huh?"

--PRUE--

"Guess you can." I returned the smile; then headed back into P3. Dishwalla was just finishing up their set, so I quickly shuffled through the memories and selected a few to read. One was from a childhood friend, one from a classmate, one from a fellow employee at Quake and one from one of Piper's P3 employees -- a well-balanced selection from every stage of Piper's life.

I waited until Dishwalla finished, then returned to the stage. After thanking Dishwalla and asking the crowd to give them another round of applause, I proceeded to read the memories. Some made everyone sniffle, some made us laugh, but they all made us smile, feeling as if Piper was somehow there with us.

Janice Robinson was next up on the billing, and after her introduction, she took the stage to a large round of applause from the crowd. A small smile crept across my face as I leaned against a nearby table and allowed the music to help me drift off into another memory.

[Start Flashback (2.13 Animal Pragmatism)]

[Cut to inside. Phoebe is dancing with Ethan; Prue and Piper are sitting at the bar.]

Prue: You know, I never knew how exhausting not having a job could be.

Piper: Table four needs to be bussed.

Prue: Okay, I'm serious. You know, it's like having a job just sort of made this whole Charmed thing less stressful. It gave me something else to worry about.

Piper: So the Prue of old wins out after all.

Prue: I like being busy.

Piper: And why mess with a good thing?

Prue: Yeah, I just need to find something that I love getting busy at.

Piper: Speaking of gettin' busy, check out our little sister.

(They watch Phoebe dancing with Ethan.)

Prue: Oh, my. Just hope she doesn't do eighties dancing. I'm ready to go home. (she gets up) Bye.

[End Flashback]

As the second and final song of the set came to an end, I sorted through more of the remaining memories, reading each one with a wistful look before settling on another mixture of various friends and employees. With a quick check of my watch, I noted that it was almost 7:00, which meant Phoebe should be coming in from check-in duty fairly soon--just in time to catch The Cranberries performance. They were only the fourth of many performers playing that night, including Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, who were the closing act. Faith would still be performing her own previously-arranged concert after that at 9:00--Phoebe and I knew our sister would shoot us if we cancelled a sold-out concert--and both of us were grateful to Faith and Tim for agreeing to do an extra set to close out the celebration of Piper's life.

Sighing softly, I stepped up onto the stage to share the next round of memories and introduce The Goo Goo Dolls.

---

To Be Continued...

[woogyinthehouse]

HE CALLED HER PRUE!!! ;D ;D That was one sweet update!! Im glad they didnt argue or anything, awww.....

Cant wait for an update like always!

[~.:Alysha:.~]

Yeah i was so happy that he finally called her Prue and she called him Dad!! Ohh im sure Piper would of loved to have been there to hear that! Hmm i wonder if the young Halliwell lookalike will turn up?? Hope so!! Like always another fantastic update!!

[*Sammi!*]

awwww! She called him dad! awww! happy tears!
Great job girlies!