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Gary E Davis Unauthorized reproduction of text is not allowed. Contact Gary at garyed40@adelphia.net for permission to use this text
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Charmed
Paige?
Hearing the doorbell Prue wiggled out of her sisters embrace stopping for a moment Prue smiled watching the youngest roll over snuggle into the middle sis.
“Still takes a nuke to wake her doesn’t it?”
“Like always Prue like always.” Piper replied
Giving a small giggle Prue went to the door opening it to see who was there Prue froze this didn’t make sense, the small girl was the image of herself at about 14-15. After a minute Prue found her voice
“H…Hello can I help you?”
“My name is Paige I think I’m your sister!”
As Prue stands there Tears begin streaming down the little face looking at her
“Can I c….come in? I….I….I ha….have no place else to go!”
Prue’s mother instinct kicks into high as she pulls the little thing too herself.
“Course you can come in honey. Come with me.”
Prue led the girl to the kitchen calling Piper along the way. Taking the small bag Prue set it under the table while motioning for the girl to sit down. Prue had just set down her self when Piper walked in.
“Sorry Prue took me a moment to get out of Phoebe’s grasp. What’s up?”
Piper spotted the small girl and the tear stained face.
“Prue who? Oh Sweetie why are you crying?”
“Piper this is Paige she thinks she’s our sister!”
Kneeling down in front of Paige Piper could see she was almost a clone of her older sis as a pre-teen. Taking a tissue from the box on the table Piper wiped the tears from the girls cheeks the child was filthy and obviously underweight. Dropping the tissue on the table Piper turned back to Paige.
“Sweetie is there someone taking care of you? Do they know where you are?”
“N…No there’s no one. My foster parents were killed in an accident! Three weeks ago.”
Sitting down Piper pulled Paige into her lap hugging her close. Piper knew this girl was part of them some how her heart told her all she needed to know. Getting up from her chair Prue knelt in front of her sister and the girl on her lap.
“Paige have you eaten sweetie? Are you hungry?”
At the mention of food Paige’s stomach growled loud enough for all to hear. Paige was a little embarrassed.
“I think you have your answer Prue.” Piper giggled a bit.
“Well then why don’t I help our little charge clean up while you fix her something?”
“Good idea. Would you like that Paige?”
Piper quickly received a small nod.
“Ok then you go with Prue and I’ll get busy.”
Paige was a little imitated by Prue but she really wanted to be held some more so she turned in Piper’s lap and reached for Prue. Smiling Prue picked her up and headed upstairs. After the pair had left Piper retrieved some roast beef and tomatoes lettuce and bread and soon had sandwiches ready for their visitor. Washing her hands Piper spied the small case under the table, picking it up Piper laid it on the counter.
“We need to know.. Don’t we?” Piper reasoned with herself
Deciding to open the case Piper looked over the contents. Small teddy Bear, some clothes badly needing washing, then she spied it.. 20 or 30 letters rubber banded together.
“Ahhh here we go.”
Closing the case Piper stated going through the letters. Most were letters to friends and a few to Santa dropping those Piper came to one where she recognized the handwriting. Piper looked closer and realized:
“Mom’s handwriting!”
Piper was about to open the letter when she heard a body hit the floor and her little sis cry out. Hurrying Piper went to her.
“Piper… I fell off the couch!”
Phoebe was rubbing her head giving Piper her best hurt puppy look. Piper smiling sweetly tickled her little sis’s nose causing a cute giggle.
“Pheebs you’re fine. I’m glad your awake something has come up.”
“What Pipe?”
Piper lifted her little sis to her feet motioning for Phoebe to follow her.
“It seems Phoebe we may have another sister.” “WHAT!”
“Phoebe Shhhhhh.. She’s upstairs with Prue getting cleaned up. She arrived here moments ago with a suitcase and no place else to go.”
“But Pipe how do we know she’s legit? I mean she could be anybody.”
“Well Phoebe for one she’s an exact double for Prue at the age of 15 and there’s this.”
Piper handed the letter with their mom’s handwriting to Phoebe and watched as Phoebes eye’s appeared to double in size. Unfolding the letter the two sisters began to read
Dear Paige
I’m sitting here trying to imagine what you will look like and I can see you my darling. I can see you and I can see the wonderful lady you will become. I’m saddened that I won’t be with you honey the doctors have told me I don’t have much longer I’ll soon join my mom your grams in heaven. I know your father and your three sisters will take good care of you and raise you to be the fine woman I know you’re going to be. I have something for you; each of my beautiful girls receives a custom made Necklace with a “P” charm only you four have these. More then that I leave you all of my love sweet girl and I promise to watch over you always
I love you my sweet Paige
Mom.
Both Piper and Phoebe’s hands found the Charm each wore near their hearts as both felt tears stinging their eyes. They hugged holding each other close.
<>“Hey Phoebe I’m glad your awake there’s someone I’d like you to meet”
Turning to the kitchen door Phoebe saw Prue standing there with their visitor now all cleaned up looking timid and shy. Before Phoebe could say anything Prue held up something. Piper and Phoebe both smiled as they saw it, the thin silver chain with the black “P” charm hanging from the middle. Taking a step forward Phoebe reached for the girl.
“Welcome Home Paige.”
Paige hesitated for a moment unsure.
“Go ahead sweetie.” Prue gave her a little nudge.
Smiling Paige rushed into Phoebe’s arms.
While Phoebe had Paige occupied Piper replaced the letters in the small suitcase placing it back under the table. Regaining her composure Piper placed the sandwich and Milk on the table.
“Here you go Paige eat up.”
“Thanks Piper oooo good I love roast beef.”
Her sisters were watching her when Paige suddenly stopped.
“Oooo nuts I forgot.” She said a little miffed
Paige got up from her chair picking up her suitcase she fished through it for a moment and retrieved a small cooler. Opening it she let out a small relived sigh.
“Good it’s still cold.”
Her sisters watched as Paige deftly removed a syringe some vials and a small unit that looked like a TV remote. Piper looked at Phoebe wondering what she was doing, Prue turned toward them.
“Guys she’s a diabetic that’s insulin.”
Prue sat down next to Paige.
“Need a hand sweetie?” Prue smiled
“I’m still nervous about giving myself the shot could you?”
“Sure can honey.”
Paige picked up the small unit turning it on.
“Watch this Prue.”
Paige touched the unit to her upper arm and after a quick stick the readout gave her blood sugar level. Paige handed it to Prue.
“Wow Paige that’s pretty cool my friend in High school had to use the strips and the lancets on her fingers. She hated that part a lot.”
“This is so much better Prue testing doesn’t even hurt.”
Prue and Paige measured the insulin and after Prue gave her the shot Paige dug into her sandwich. Going to the cupboard Piper pulled out a bag of chips
“Want some chips Paige?”
“Yes Please?”
After giving Paige some chips Piper’s heart broke watching her sister. The little thing ate like she hadn’t eaten in days. Prue seeing the same look on Phoebe pulled her sisters into the living room.
“Paige we’ll be back in a bit.” Prue said as she exited the kitchen.
Turning to her sisters Prue started
“Guys it’s going to be ok she’s home now.”
Her sisters looked as if they were going to collapse from relief.
“That means we’re keeping her right!” both younger P’s said at the same time
“DUH!!!!! You guys. What did you think?”
Happy shrieks echoed from both the younger girls as they grabbed the oldest in a group hug. Wearing a big smile herself Prue tried to calm her sisters a bit.
“Piper you go back to Paige I think we can be sure one sandwich won’t be enough. Pheebs you go check the guest room and make sure its ok for her.
“Got it Prue.” Piper replied
“Aye captain!” Phoebe responded
While her sisters go off to take care of things Prue steps outside to call her lawyer she hopes things will go easy but she needs to cover all bases.
“Hey Missy Paige how you doing there?”
“Fine.”
Paige smiled at the nickname Piper used. She liked it.
“Would you like another sandwich?”
“You bet Please.”
“Coming up sweetie. Same way this time too?”
“Yeah but could you put pickles on it?”
“You bet Pickles coming up.”
Piper placed the sandwich in front of her new sister and sat down next to her. Piper had so many questions to ask she at first couldn’t decide where to start. Finally Piper decided on the obvious.
“Paige…uhhhh When were you diagnosed an um?”
“Diabetic.”
“Yeah that word. When was it?”
“Just after I turned 3 one day I collapsed at home blood sugar was really low. After the emergency room the doctor told my foster Mom I was diabetic.”
At the mention of her foster mother Paige felt her control slip a bit; desperately she fought not to cry. Piper watching her struggle not to break down frowned a bit. ‘So much like Prue’ she thought. Piper laid her hand on Paige’s shoulder.
“It’s ok to cry sweetie.”
Paige looked up her tear filled eyes meeting Pipers
“Why?”
Was all Paige could get out before her control broke and the sobs came. Piper pulled Paige into her lap hugging her tight.
“I’ve got you Paige its ok let it all out honey I’ve got you.”
Meanwhile Prue had joined Phoebe in getting the guest room ready for their new sis.
“Well Pheebs that should do it. Clean sheets blankets and a teddy bear? Phoebe?”
“I thought she might need it Prue.”
“But Honey Ben hasn’t left your bed since you got him when you were 4.”
“Its ok Prue he’s old enough for a sleep over.”
Prue hugged her little sis kissing her cheek.
“You’ll make a great big sis Phoebe.”
”Of Course Prue I have the best to show me how. But?”
“But what Honey?”
“I…I’m still your baby right?”
“Always Sweet girl always!”
Smiling Prue kissed her little sisters nose getting a cute giggle from the 17 year old. Prue adored her little sis more then she could say. The two were talking about Paige when Piper entered the room with their new sis.
“Hi Paige.” Prue smiled warmly
“Hey little sis.” Phoebe added
Moving forward Piper took a hold of Prue’s arm pulling her toward the door.
“Pheebs why don’t you get Paige settled in while we go downstairs.”
With that Piper led Prue back downstairs to the Kitchen Prue protesting a bit.
“Piper why are you dragging me away down here?”
“Sorry Prue but we need to talk and the teens need time with out the adults.”
Sitting down Prue knew Piper was right; she still didn’t like it though her mom instinct was running on high so she wanted to cuddle Paige was that too much to ask?
“Prue what did your lawyer say about Paige living with us?”
“Well he says we are on good ground due to being related to her. But he told me something I don’t understand.”
“What Prue?”
“He didn’t know about her.”
“WHAT? Prue he was our parent’s lawyer too how could he not know?”
“I don’t know Piper but I promise I will find out.”
Meanwhile across town
Phone rings…………………
“Hello Victor Bennet…”
“Yes Mr. Bennet that matter you asked me to check into.”
“Yes.”
“The foster parents were killed in an accident The child was unharmed but missing the authorities don’t know where she is.”
“What??? After the trouble I went to keeping that child hidden her sisters can’t know about her!”
Victor slammed the phone down… this couldn’t happen not now. Picking up the phone he canceled all his meetings to give him time to visit his daughters.
Back at the Manor upstairs
Phoebe is helping Paige unpack her suitcase. Paige stops for a moment sitting on the bed.
“Phoebe this is a bit new for me. I’ve never had my own room.”
“Its ok Paige trust me you’ll like it.”
“Oh Phoebe thank you but I brought my Sammy with me.”
Paige raised up her slightly worn teddy for Phoebe to see. Smiling Phoebe hugged her Ben close.
“Piper seems really nice. Prue does too but Prue is a bit intimidating.”
Phoebe giggled a bit before she replied
“Yeah sometimes I guess but Paige she is the greatest and will always be there for you if you need her. And Piper same way and she’s a fantastic cook”
“How long has it been just the three of you?”
“Mom died when I was two and my father left shortly after, Prue and Piper have had to be Mom and Dad for me their the greatest, How about you Paige?”
Paige squirmed a bit as she tried to maintain her control. Taking a deep breath she looked at Phoebe
“My foster parents adopted me when I was 3 they told me everything about who my Mom was but they didn’t know who my father was or that I had sisters. They were the greatest Phoebe we could talk to each other about anything; we shared family events together. I loved them so much.”
Paige dropped her gaze sniffling a bit. Reaching over Phoebe took Paige’s hand in hers.
“Its ok Paige to feel sad don’t hide it. Can you tell me what happened?”
“We…we were driving to the park for a picnic and were hit from the side by a delivery truck. I didn’t have my seatbelt on and was thrown away from the car. Mom and dad burned to death inside the car.”
Paige lost her control and started sobbing pulling her close Phoebe wrapped her arms around her new sis. After a short time Paige calms down though she doesn’t let go of Phoebe just yet. Looking to change the subject Phoebe has an idea.
“Hey Common I just got Zombie raider for the playstation 2 I’ll show you how to play.”
“Show nothing I’ll beat your butt.”
“Oh you think so Huh Paige? You’re on!”
Speeding into Phoebe’s room the girls tackle Zombies and each other. Downstairs Piper and Prue have been calling relatives trying to figure out what went on just before their Mom died.
“Prue I really don’t know what to think here?”
“Well Piper it seems pretty clear all those times Mom went to visit Aunt Gail she was seeing someone, someone she was pretty close to apparently!”
“But Prue an Affair?”
“It wasn’t an affair Piper Mom and Dad were separated remember?”
“Ok it wasn’t an affair but Aunt Gail said Dad knew about this so what happened to Paige?”
“I don’t know Piper. The agency said she was dropped off there by a man who’s description matches Dad So we need to talk to him. Piper you go check on the girls I’m going to call dad.”
“Ok Prue.”
Reaching the top of the stairs Piper hears the commotion in Phoebe’s room. Going to the door she leans against the doorjamb as she watches her sisters play.
“Hey Piper wanna play the winner?” Paige smiled looking up
“Not Piper Paige… She hasn’t played since Prue skunked her last week.” Phoebe winked at her older sis.
“Prue did not skunk me…” Piper replied a little indignantly
“I did too Piper skunked you good.” Prue said from right behind Piper.
“Well my controller wasn’t working…” Piper stuck her tongue out at Prue.
Taking Piper’s arm Prue pulled her aside for a moment.
“No answer from Victor. His secretary said he was visiting his Daughters!”
“Well I guess we’ll find out soon Prue.”
“Yeah Pipe soon.”
The two older P’s returned to watching the younger ones at play, both wondering what was going to happen. Hearing the doorbell Piper runs to answer finding Aunt Gail when she opened the door.
“Aunt Gail YAY!!!!!!”
“Hi Sweetie sorry to just drop in like this but I thought you guys might need me.”
“Oh you know it Auntie. We just found out Victor is on his way here.”
“Victor? Coming here? This is going to get bad Piper real Bad.”
“I know PRUE!!!!! Need you down here!”
Hearing Piper Prue Hurried downstairs she was happy to find Her Aunt Gail. Prue knew things were going to get ugly and was glad for the backup. Together the three went into the kitchen for Coffee and strategy, If anyone could help handle Victor it was Grams sister Gail the two of them were what Grams called Ball Busters.
“I’m so glad to see you Auntie!” Prue hugged her Aunt tight.
“Glad to see you girls too Prue.”
Gail and Piper went into the kitchen but Prue stopped at the stairs for a moment. She had to tell Phoebe what was up.
“PHOEBE I NEED TO SEE YOU!!” Prue called upstairs
Hurrying down the steps Phoebe met Prue at the bottom.
“What ya want sis?” She asked
“Pheebs Victor is on his way here I don’t know exactly why he’s coming but I need you to try and keep Paige upstairs for a time when he gets here. Ok?”
“Sure Prue I’ll keep her busy.”
That’s my girl.. Thanks hon.”
Phoebe had only just reached her room when she heard the doorbell. Closing her door she returned to the game her and Paige were playing. Downstairs Prue went to the door for a moment she hesitated; taking a deep breath she opened the door.
“Hi Prue.”
“Hello Victor..”
“Hmmm I see by your expression you know already don’t you?”
“Yes Victor I do know. Might as well come in you have some explaining to do.”
Prue stepped aside letting her father in the door. Giving his umbrella a shake Victor set it down and slipped off his trench coat. Inside he knew he had to come clean about everything.
“Don’t worry Prue I’ll tell you the entire entire story.”
Just as the last word left his mouth Victor spotted Gail standing in the kitchen doorway. Forcing a small smile:
“Hi Gail. Glad to see you.”
“You too Victor. I just made some coffee come sit down.”
Taking the coffee from Gail Victor bid Piper hello and took a seat at the table. Taking a deep breath he began.
‘Everyone I know you are full of questions so its time for the answers. 16 years ago your mother and I were separated and she started seeing someone.”
“I remember some guy named Jack….John…” Prue tried to remember the name.
Victor continued
“His name was Jerome Prue. Your Mom met him at the office she worked in.”
“She worked at Hospital then right dad?” Piper set her cup down.
“Yes Piper Jerome was a visiting doctor they hit it off and around a year later Paige was born. “
“But Victor what happened? Why didn’t we know about her?” Gail crossed her arms over her chest.
“I’m getting to that Gail. As you all know Patty was diagnosed with Cancer during that time and it was found too late to do her any good. She died in childbirth.”
Reaching for Prue Piper needed to feel her older sis’s arms around her as the memories returned, knowing this Prue Pulled Piper into her arms holding her. Victor taking a sip of his coffee continued.
“This is where things went from bad to worse Jerome it seems couldn’t handle loosing Patty and somehow decided it was Paige that caused her death..”
“WHAT? She was only a baby It was the cancer that caused her death!”
“I know Prue but that didn’t matter. Jerome blamed her and swore he would get even. Paige was still a part of Patty I couldn’t let anything happen to her.”
“So you hid her?” Gail added.
“Yes it was the only thing I could think to do. I had to keep her safe.”
Victor ran his hand though his hair letting out a sigh. He was relieved to be free of the secret but worried. Walking over to him Prue laid her hand on her dad’s shoulder and with a smile said
“Wanna see her Dad?”
“You bet Prue! She’s here?”
“Yep she beat you here by 2 hours.” Piper added from the coffee maker.
Again Prue found herself at the foot of the stairs.
“PHOEBE PAIGE!! Come down you two someone wants to see you!”
Phoebe wasted no time hurrying into the kitchen. Jumping onto Victor’s lap she smiled big.
“Hi Daddy!”
“Hi Phoebe.. How’s my favorite teenager?”
“Fine! Dad.” Phoebe replied
Looking up Victor saw Prue come back into the kitchen but he didn’t see Paige at first, but slowly two brown eyes peeked out from behind their older sis.
“Paige? Don’t be Shy sweetie this is Our Dad Victor. Dad this is Paige.”
Slowly Paige moved out from behind Prue to stand shyly in front.
“Hi” Paige’s voice was small and quiet.
“Hi Paige it’s nice to meet you. My god Prue she’s the image of you at 15.”
Paige smiled she liked being compared to her oldest sis.
“I look like Prue?” She quietly asked
“You sure do sweetie.”
Paige’s smile widened as she sat in the chair next to Gail at the table, she liked this guy he’s nice. Getting up Phoebe went over to the fridge grabbing a soda.
“Phoebe…….!” Prue squinted her eyes
“Prue.. I only had three.”
“Ok but that’s it till dinner..” Prue replied as she pulled Phoebe onto her lap.
Sitting down herself Piper looked toward Paige.
“Well guys is it about time we tell our new little sis?” Piper asked
“I think so Piper. What do you think Pheebs?” Prue Smiled
“Ya now’s a great time BURPPPPPPPP!”
“PHOEBE!” Prue was trying her best not to break up as her little sis turned bright red
Piper on the other hand lost it soon followed by Aunt Gail and everyone else. Getting control of herself Prue kissed her little sis on the cheek.
“Leave it to my baby girl to steal the moment!”
Getting up Piper went over to kneel in front of Paige.
“Paige what we all wanted to tell you is we want you to stay here with us! Is that ok?”
Paige couldn’t even speak her bottom lip started trembling followed by her jumping into Pipers arms. Piper hugged her tight.
“I think that’s a yes!” Piper said with a smile.
Later after the tears were over and the three younger P’s were back at the playstation Prue walked with her dad to the door.
“Prue if you guys need anything you don’t hesitate to call me. Not for a moment.”
“I will Dad I promise. Uhhh Dad you don’t think this guy is still a threat to Paige do you?”
“Actually Prue I doubt it, he hasn’t been heard from in over 15 years. But just to be safe I’ll check. Good night Hon.”
“See you later Dad.”
Later that night After Prue has skunked Piper a few more times in Playstation She was tucking Paige into bed.
“Good night Paige. Sleep well sweetie.” Prue handed Paige her teddy.
“Night…YAWN…. Prue..Love..YAWN….You.”
“Love you too Honey.”
Prue Bid her other sisters goodnight and after getting into her Flannel PJ’s climbed into bed herself. Getting her book she started to read for a bit. Prue had just turned the 1st page when a huge thunderclap shook the Manor. Turning the 2nd page she started counting.
“1…2…3…!”
She has barely gotten to three when she heard a small knock.
“Come in Phoebe.”
Prue pulled back the covers and her little sis ran to the bed snuggling close as she could get. Covering the both of them Prue held the trembling girl tight as she turned the light off.
“Calm down Honey it’s only a little thunder storm.”
“It…It…It…It’s too loud! To be…be…be a little storm.”
‘Shhhhh Go to sleep sweetie I’ve got you..
Closing her eyes Prue said a silent thank you for her sisters as she snuggled with Phoebe She so loved them all.
Next day Victor called to let them know Jerome had died of an overdose a few years ago and his girls were safe.
THE END