Disclaimer: I LAY NO CLAIM TO ANY OF THE CHARMED CHARACTERS, QUOTES, OR OVERT REFERENCES THAT MAY APPEAR IN MY STORIES. THEY ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF SPELLING TELEVISION. I WRITE FOR MY OWN SATISFACTION AND FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO READ THEM. .

A/N: This short is based on my humble take of what might be going through Alyssa Milano’s thoughts as she posed for the picture, of her holding the Charmed DVD at the celebration of the 150th episode. I hope you enjoy.

Changes- One Shot


~:~:~:~:~
Ch-ch-Changes…
Pretty soon now you're gonna get older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
~:~:~:~:~

She posed for the camera. The grin stretched across her tanned face, but her heart was not behind the smile. Graciously thanking the photographer she returned to her thoughts. Staring at the front of the DVD case, remembering the first year of the series. She longed to return to what would never be again. Not that she had anything against Rose, who she actually respected, or the show itself, but she never could or would take well to change. The writing had changed; the cast is not longer the tight-knit group it once was. The powers that be have rotated Phoebe’s love interests more than she has in her own personal life. Nope, things have changed and seeing the trio’s picture from season one made that realization all too clear.

Slowly she ran her thumb over the glossy image of the case. The major accomplishment of reaching their 150th episode and the release of the first set of DVDs was bittersweet. Alyssa wished so deeply that Shannen could be sitting next to her, celebrating this victory of the show’s longevity. Memories began to flood her thoughts, as she let her mind return to the season that launched the show’s success.

She recalled the first script reading. She was replacing the actress, Lori Rom, in the role of Phoebe Halliwell. This was the first meeting with the cast, writers, and directors accumulatively. She was nervous and apprehensive. Aaron had asked her to join, always impressed with her work, but that offered little reassurance as she stepped into the huge room, with all eyes appearing to be on her.

‘Get a grip, Lyssie Girl, you have been through script runs before why should this one be any different?’ As her mind was attempting to regain control she felt a gentle arm snake around her shoulder.

“Come on, Lys, you can sit by me. Trust me you are soo right for this part.” The soft, raspy voice whispered in her ear, as Shannen guided her to the waiting table.

Never again, did she feel out of place or unwelcomed… it felt like home!

The three actresses instantly bonded and it was evident on screen. Alyssa recalled the conversation she had had with Holly and Shannen, while awaiting a set change for the episode Dream Sorcerer.

Flashback

Shannen sat in her hospital gown, milking a bottled water while Holly sat, cross-legged, on the white-sheeted bed. Alyssa was sitting in a visitor’s chair watching both her screen sisters chat. She softly broke into their conversation.

“You know you two are honestly like real sisters to me.” Her voice was just above a whisper, emotion catching the words in her throat.

“What, Lys, we couldn’t hear you.” Holly said, as both looked at the raw features of their friend.

“I’ve never had a sister of my own. Cory is a real sweetie, but I always longed for a sister to share my child and adulthood with. That scene we just cut got me to thinking…”

“Shannen bent down beside her, concerned as she saw the tears well in her friends huge eyes.”

“What is it? Tell us.”

“I… I was scared. Those tears in that scene were real. I would die if I lost you, Shannen, you too Holl. You are like real sisters to me.” She couldn’t take it anymore and buried her head into the nook of Shannen’s shoulder.

“You know she’s right, ShanDo. None of us have any sisters. I have to say I feel the same way. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost either of you.”

“Ditto” Shannen said through tears of her own.

“Ok, I say we make a pact, sisters forever. Whaddaya say?” Alyssa said holding out her trembling hand.

“Sisters!” Shannen said, placing her hand on top of Lyssie's.

Both actresses looked up wondering why Holly was not doing the same. Ah, guys, this lil pact thingy doesn’t involve poking our finger and merging our blo.. bloo..”

“Blood Holl, the word is blood, sweetie.” Shannen said, fighting back a teary giggle.

“Yeah, that.” She replied, already showing signs of queasiness. “I just read an upcoming script and… well..”

“No, silly! This doesn’t involve blood, just faith, trust and the power of sisterhood. Are ya in or what?” Alyssa said, her cheeky grin and attitude returning.

“To sisters!” Holly said.

“To sisters!” The other two echoed, followed by a huge group hug, tears, laughter, and a bond that lasted nearly three years.

Alyssa was drawn back to her thoughts by a hand gently placed on her shoulder, while another one took her left hand. Slowly her eyes refocused into the banquet room.

“Sisters, forever.” She heard Holly say as she squeezed Alyssa’s hand.

“Yeah, Lys, sisters forever.”

Expecting the arm around her shoulder to belong to Rose, she nearly jumped as she recognized the husky voice of her big sister.

‘SHANNEN!” She squealed, this time really jumping, knocking her chair over as she dived into her surrogate siblings arms.

Alyssa never wanted to let go. As she continued to embrace her dear friend she glanced up, and through teary eyes she saw Rose with a goofy grin on her face. Alyssa mouthed… “You did this?” To which Rose bashfully shrugged.

“Come here, Rosie.” Came the tearful order from Alyssa.

With all four squished together Alyssa was ready for a new pact.

“Sisters!” she stated, holding out her had like she did so many years ago.

“Sisters!” Shannen echoed.

With a wink from Shannen, Rose’s face burst into a wide grin as she, too, placed her hand on top of theirs.

“Sisters!” She vowed.

After a brief pause, Alyssa chuckled. “Don’t worry Holls, not blood oath required in this pact either.”

“Whew, you guys know how much I hate…”

“Oh for goodness sakes Holly, just put your damn hand over ours already” Shannen playfully demanded.

“Sisters!” Holly said, finalizing the treaty.

“Forever!” They all said, unity restored and a new beginning underway.

‘Change doesn’t have to be such a bad thing after all, now does it, Lyssie Girl?’ Alyssa thought as she pulled her ‘family’ over to a small corner couch, similar to the prop used in P3’s alcove.

Yes, indeed, a new beginning was underway.


The End