DISCLAIMER: As usual, none of the characters that appear on the Show belong to me. The rest are mine and I shall do as I please with them. Feedback is most welcome.
AUTHOR'S Note: This is a sequel to my previous story, Getting Over You, but is set almost a year after it. Everything is the same, except Prue is now a photographer and Phoebe has become a prominent doctor at the San Francisco Memorial Hospital

"Oh no you don't!" Phoebe exclaimed as she launched a roundhouse kick to a heavy and ugly demon, who didn't seem to have any special powers, just muscle and even that was no match for the karate black belt Charmed One. Her leg caught the demon on the jaw and to top it off, Prue gestured with her hand and sent him crashing headfirst into the wall. The sisters joined hands.
"The Power of Three will set us free,
The Power of Three will set us free,
The Power of Three will set us free."
In a minute the demon was screaming in agony and then he just vanished, leaving an uneasy silence in the abandoned building. "We're getting too good for these guys," Piper commented dryly. Phoebe just shook her head. "I'm not getting any better at making excuses to my clients every time I have to cut short a session." She was now a very well known physician; one of the best and so had a very tight schedule, which was not easy to maintain with so many family emergencies. Prue just sighed distractedly. She could sense another presence with them, but wasn't sure. Turning to her younger psychic sister, she said, "Pheebs, do you get some kind of." "Presence," Phoebe cut in with a nod. "Kind of. It's almost like there is someone here, but it's definitely not evil." Piper raised her eyebrows. After over two years of such experiences, both she and Prue had learnt to trust their sister's instincts. Phoebe turned to Prue questioningly. "Do we check it out?" Prue sighed. "Well, we can't ignore it." With that, the sisters split up so that they could cover more ground. Prue found the cause of the weird feelings. A little girl about 5 years old with short brown hair and large frightened brown eyes stood huddled in a corner, trembling with fright. "Piper, Phoebe," Prue called softly. Her sisters came running. The Charmed Ones stood side by side in front of the little one, not going any closer, for fear of scaring the child. Each was wondering if the girl had seen what had happened only moments before. The little girl studied the three women in front of her. They were all so familiar, and she was fighting the urge to run to one of them and wrap her arms around her neck.
Prue, Piper and Phoebe watched as the little girl made eye contact with each of them one by one and finally settled on Phoebe. Finally, Phoebe took a deep breath, stepped forward and extended her hand. With only a moment of hesitation, the girl rushed forward and threw her arms around Phoebe's neck. She said one word that surprised Phoebe greatly. "Mommy." Prue and Piper never heard, and Phoebe decided to keep it to herself, at least for the time being. She held her tightly and slowly stood up, carrying the girl. Phoebe locked eyes with her sister, in silent contemplation of what they were going to do. "Manor?" she asked. Her sisters nodded as they made their way out of the building and to their cars. Prue and Piper had come in Piper's jeep, but Phoebe had joined them a little later in her own car. Outside, Phoebe set the little one down. The girl stood up but didn't let go of Phoebe's hand. "Which car is yours?" she asked meekly. Phoebe pointed to the sleek silver convertible. "That one." The girl looked up at her face for a brief moment. "Can I come with you?" she asked, almost pleading. Exchanging glances with her sisters, Phoebe nodded with a smile. "Sure," she said leading her to the car and opening the passenger door for her to get in. The girl hopped in obediently. Phoebe went round the other side and got in. She started for home Prue and Piper following close behind in the jeep. "What's your name?" Phoebe asked gently, once on the highway. "Philippa." "That's sweet," Phoebe said aloud. 'Another P name,' she thought. They were silent for the rest of the drive. Phoebe pulled into the driveway of Haliwell manor and got out. Going round, she opened the door for Philippa, who got out but immediately wrapped her arms around Phoebe's leg, almost afraid to let go. Phoebe gently freed her leg and squatted down to the child's level. "It's okay sweetie. I'm not going to leave you," she said softly, as Piper's jeep pulled into the driveway. "But mommy did," was the reply as Philippa's eyes filled with tears. Phoebe gave her a warm hug and picked her up. She led the way inside, with her sisters following. Going into the living room, they all sat down. Philippa immediately snuggled up to Phoebe, shying away from Prue and Piper. "Hey sweetie, what's your name?" Piper asked, sitting next to her younger sister. Philippa lifted her head off Phoebe's shoulder for a moment, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Philippa," she whispered. Phoebe gently pulled her onto her lap. Philippa didn't protest, just snuggled closer, allowing Piper to stroke her hair while Phoebe held her. Prue watched the scene unfold in silence. She couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance between the little girl and her youngest sister.
The doorbell rang and Prue left to answer it. A moment later, she returned with Kevin following. He raised his eyebrows questioningly at Phoebe, who just shook her head. Philippa looked up curiously at the new arrival. The silence was broken by Phoebe's phone, which began to ring insistently. Philippa immediately slid off her lap and onto the couch as Phoebe stood up to answer her call. "Phoebe speaking." Phoebe let out a groan as she listened. " I'll be there as soon as I can," she said. As she hung up, Philippa grabbed her arm. "You're leaving aren't you?" she asked. Phoebe nodded regretfully. It broke her heart to see the sorrow and disappointment in the child's eyes. "Not for long," Phoebe promised. "Can I come with you?" Phoebe shook her head, attempting to let her down gently. "You can't, honey. But I'll be back as soon as I can. Till then, will you stay here with my sisters?" she said softly. Philippa nodded slowly. "Cross your heart and hope to die. You are coming back?" Phoebe smiled slightly. "I don't know about the hope to die part, but I cross my heart," she promised as Philippa threw her arms around Phoebe's neck again. Phoebe returned the hug and kissed Philippa's forehead. Standing up, she met the frowns on her sisters' faces. "Sorry sis, but it's important," she said quietly, starting for the foyer, pulling Kevin along with her. "Could you stick around for a while?" she asked hopefully. He nodded. "The things I'd do for you," he said with a smile. "Thanks," she said giving him a quick kiss before hurrying out the door. Kevin watched her go and sighed. "Man, the things I'd do for love," he told himself as he went back to the living room.
***
Three hours later, a weary Phoebe pulled into the driveway. She smiled when she saw Kevin playing with Philippa. He was on the ground while Philippa was pouncing on him, laughing gleefully. Seeing her, Philippa leaped off Kevin and came running to her, arms wide open for a hug. Phoebe picked her up and hugged her as Kevin came up to them, dusting the grass off his clothes. "Wanna play?" Philippa asked, tugging at Phoebe's coat. "I'm kinda tired. You two go on. I'll freshen up first," Phoebe said, putting her down and looking at Kevin meaningfully. He smiled understandingly. "No problem." "Sorry. This wasn't my idea of an afternoon together," Phoebe apologised. "Hey, we all have responsibilities. It's okay." Phoebe kissed him before making her way up the steps to the front door. Opening it, she hung up her coat. "Prue, Piper," she called. "Attic," Piper responded. Phoebe teleported into the attic to find her sisters poring over the BoS. "Find anything?" she asked. Prue and Piper looked up from the Book and shook their heads. "Nothing," Piper said with a sigh. Prue opened her mouth to say something, but thought better of it. "You look tired," she commented studying her sister's face. Phoebe sighed. "Tell me about it." "Well, let's take a break. You look like you need it," Piper said, looking at Phoebe. They started to go downstairs. "Funny, I didn't get a premonition," Phoebe commented thoughtfully, her mind going back to when the girl had called her 'Mommy'. Prue and Piper proceeded to the kitchen, while Phoebe lingered behind, pausing to gaze outside at Philippa and Kevin. He was going to make a wonderful father some day. Phoebe smiled absently at the thought, wondering if the two were destined for a future together. She turned when she felt a hand on her arm. "Pheebs," Piper said, breaking into her thoughts. Phoebe nodded towards the garden. Piper looked out before laughing softly. Philippa was virtually on top of Kevin while he tickled her to death. Prue joined them, and smiled too. "He's going to make a great dad some day," she commented. Piper nodded her agreement. Phoebe smiled. At that time, Kevin turned and caught the sisters watching. He blew Phoebe a kiss, before turning back to Philippa. "What are we going to do? Did she tell you anything?" Phoebe asked finally. Piper shook her head. "She seems to shut down completely when you ask her." "Pheebs, she's more comfortable around you. Maybe, if you talk to her alone, she'll tell you," Prue suggested, waiting for a reaction. Phoebe nodded slowly. "I'll try."
***
That evening, Kevin was still entertaining Philippa while the sisters were making dinner. Phoebe's phone rang again just as Kevin and Philippa came in. Phoebe sighed as she picked it up. "Oh, yes," she said, pausing to listen briefly. "I can't. Not today," she protested into the phone, rolling her eyes in annoyance. "I'm sorry. Have it on my desk and I'll look at it first thing tomorrow." Phoebe hung up with a groan. "Don't I ever get a break!" "I guess being the best has its disadvantages, huh?" Kevin asked. Phoebe smiled at him playfully. "But being the best gives you the best as well," she told him. They settled down to dinner, each of them observing Philippa. Philippa sat and very politely finished her dinner, keeping her eyes on Phoebe. When they all finished. Philippa floated over to the sink, for the first time displaying her power: levitation. They all smiled, not surprised. It was a sign that she was getting more comfortable with them. Philippa glanced over at Phoebe, looking for approval. She received a smile as response. Levitating over to her, Philippa put her arms around Phoebe's neck, as she had done before and whispered in her ear. Pulling away, she eyed her both questioningly and hopefully. Phoebe smiled at her warmly. "Okay," she said, standing up and taking her hand. On the way out, Phoebe sent a telepathic message to her sisters and Kevin. "She wants to tell me something."
***
Upstairs, in Phoebe's room, Phoebe and Philippa were sitting on the bed. Pointing to a picture, on Phoebe's bedside table of her and Jamie, Philippa whispered. "That's a picture of mommy and daddy." Phoebe looked at her in surprise. She had been expecting something like this, but she could never be prepared for it. Tears welled up in Philippa's eyes as she spoke. "Where I come from you died. Gone away. Aunt Prue and Piper sent me here. Told me that you could help. Will you?" she begged. Phoebe pulled her close. "Of course. Sweetie, your mommy had premonitions right?" she asked gently. Philippa nodded. "She could look inside people's heads too." Phoebe smiled. "Will you let me look inside your head?" she asked. In response, Philippa held out her hands for Phoebe. "Yes." Phoebe took the two tiny hands in her own and they both closed their eyes. Months passed in seconds as she looked into Philippa's memories, some she had accumulated through photo albums. She saw her wedding to Jamie. Philippa's birth. Her death at the hands of a warlock and finally Leo telling Philippa to cast the spell and the same warlock which the Charmed Ones had vanquished following through the portal. She came out of it in utter shock at how different things had turned out. Philippa opened her own eyes and hugged her. Phoebe rocked the child gently till she fell asleep. She didn't want to alarm her. Then, she gently tucked Philippa into the covers and kissed her forehead before going downstairs.
***
Meanwhile, Prue, Piper and Kevin were discussing the situation. "She's certainly very attached to Phoebe," Prue pointed out quietly. "She's amazing with kids," Kevin said, smiling. "Funny, she thought the same of you," Piper told him. Their banter was interrupted by Leo orbing in. "That never ceases to surprise me," Kevin said with a smile. Leo smiled as he kissed Piper, but it soon faded. "Where's Phoebe?" he asked. "Upstairs. Why?" Prue asked, going into protective mode as usual. "It's about Philippa right?" Piper asked. Leo nodded. "What do you know about her?" "Nothing much. They told me you'd know the rest." "Okay, so what do you know?" Prue asked impatiently. "That she's from an alternate reality," Leo said, "An alternate reality where one of the Charmed Ones have been killed." "You missed out quite a lot Leo," Phoebe pointed out quietly as she entered the kitchen. "That's all I know Phoebe," he told her. Phoebe walked up to the window, staring out for a long moment; her eyes not focussed on anything. Taking a deep breath, she turned around. "Philippa's from a reality where she's mine and Jamie's daughter. But I was killed a couple of months ago and evil is taking over the world without the Power of Three," she explained calmly, grimacing at the memory of the death of her alternate self. "You have to go and restore the Power of Three of that world," Leo finished. Turning back to Phoebe, he asked, "How much do you know about that world?" Phoebe shrugged. "Everything Philippa does. I probed her mind. Believe me, you don't want to know." "I'll take your word for it," Kevin said, standing up and wrapping his arms around Phoebe. "Are you okay?" he asked softly. Phoebe sighed, trying to drown the frustration building up inside her. Turning to Leo she asked him pointedly, "Just why can't they give us a break. For once could they let us get over the past and move on without making us relive what we don't want to!" Prue and Piper knew exactly what she was talking about. "Pheebs, what did you see?" Kevin asked gently. "Everything that is bound to bring up unhappy memories for the Charmed Ones of this reality!" she burst out angrily. Just then, they heard a cry from upstairs. "Philippa!" Prue exclaimed. Without hesitation, Phoebe teleported herself and Kevin to her room, leaving the others to take the stairs. They appeared in the room to see Philippa tossing and turning on the bed, obviously experiencing a nightmare. Instead of waking her up, Phoebe sat down beside her and took her hands, closing her own eyes. She entered 'her' daughter's mind and took in the dream. She saw a vision like interpretation of what was happening in the alternate reality. A scary demon with green fangs was attacking Leo2, Andy2 and Jamie2. It struck out at Jamie2, sticking its fangs into his neck and he collapsed to the ground dead. Philippa was struggling to wake up, but Phoebe held her back knowing that as painful as it was it was necessary that they see the end of it. Leo2 cried out in anguish and then closed his eyes. His voice came out loud and clear. "Philippa, sweetheart! You have to help. Please hurry, darling!" Phoebe withdrew from Philippa's mind, just as Philippa jerked awake. "Daddy no!" she screamed, sitting up. Phoebe wrapped her arms around Philippa tightly, holding her trembling body as she cried. "It's okay sweetheart. It was only a dream," she said soothingly. Prue, Piper, Leo and Kevin watched in silence. After a while, Philippa's sobs subsided a little, but she stayed in Phoebe's arms. "You have to help! Please!" she begged. "We will, honey. It'll be okay. You need to sleep," Phoebe whispered into her ear, rocking her till she fell asleep, for the second time that night. Finally, Philippa drifted off again. Philippa hadn't even realised that there were other people in the room. Pulling the covers over Philippa, Phoebe closed her eyes, rubbing her temples, struggling to calm herself down and to take in what happened. Without warning, she teleported into the attic. Grabbing the BoS, she opened it. She knew exactly what she was looking for and found it just as her sisters, Leo and Kevin came dashing up to the attic. Putting a mark on the page, she ignored their presence and continued flipping through in an attempt to find anything on the demon in Philippa's dream. Phoebe knew it was more than just a dream. It was a premonition of the future, a future that remained in her and her sisters' hands. Piper grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to turn around. "That was not just a dream, was it?" Leo asked knowingly. Phoebe nodded. "It was a premonition from the alternate reality," she said turning back. "Phoebe are you sure we should do this?" Piper asked uncertainly. Phoebe whirled round in annoyance. "Does anyone here want to see what happened in her dream?" Phoebe asked, her tone challenging. "Phoebe, let me see," Leo said calmly, "That way, I can easily let everyone else see." Phoebe nodded, taking Leo's hands and closing her eyes. Leo did the same. When they opened their eyes, Leo had gone completely pale and the look on his face was sheer horror. He looked at Phoebe. "Imagine how a 5 year old would feel watching that. Are you still not sure about helping?" she asked. Leo shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "What about you?" he asked concerned. Phoebe shrugged it off. "That's not important," she stated flatly. They all stepped back in surprise as Grams appeared. Looking at Phoebe, "You won't find anything in your Book." Phoebe nodded. "I thought so. Time is ahead there, isn't it?" she asked. Grams smiled with amusement. "You catch on fast, my darling," she said smiling. Phoebe didn't return the smile. Her eyes were closed as if she was in a premonition. Grams turned to the others. "She is emotionally linked to Philippa, just as she is to the two of you," she told Prue and Piper. Phoebe jerked back to reality. Turning to her sisters. "You don't have to go. Only I need to go." Prue shook her head firmly. "Don't even think about it. A temporary extra Power of Three can't hurt, can it?" she added, looking at Grams. Grams shook her head. "It doesn't do any harm unless you activate both at the same time," she said as she disappeared. Phoebe faced her sisters. "Guys, things are very different than they are here. It's not going to be a bucket of fun," she warned, giving them a chance to back out. Piper joined Prue. "No way. We're coming with you and that's final," she said determinedly. "Can we see the dream?" Prue asked. Phoebe turned to Leo. Leo nodded, taking Prue and Piper's hands. A minute later, their eyes opened with the same horrific expression on their faces. They instinctively turned to their sister, who had just shown the dream to Kevin. "I'm fine and that's that," she said firmly. At that moment, Philippa burst into the room, rushing straight to Phoebe. Phoebe picked her up with a slight smile. "I can't sleep," she admitted softly. "It's okay, honey." "Can I call you mommy?" she asked. Phoebe laughed softly. "For now. But only till we get your mommy back," she agreed. "You're gonna bring her back. Thank you, I promise I'll be good," Philippa exclaimed, hugging Phoebe. "I love you," she whispered playfully. "Love you too," Phoebe responded. Prue and Piper watched, seeing their sister's motherly instincts kick in, something they had never seen before. "Okay come on, we've got work to do," Phoebe said, walking up to the BoS, still holding Philippa. "Let me carry you," Piper volunteered, seeing that Phoebe needed to use her hands. Philippa shied away, snuggling closer to Phoebe and gave her a trusting look. "Go on, sweetie. I'm not going anywhere without you," she promised. Hesitantly, Philippa held out her arms for Piper. Piper carried her, but Philippa was still wary of Phoebe's movements, almost afraid that she would just disappear. Phoebe opened the Book to the marked page. "Here it is," she said.
"Earth, wind and fire,
Move through time and space
Heed the call of the Charmed Ones,
Open the gateway so we may come face to face,
With what we desire."
The sisters and Philippa disappeared, leaving Leo and Kevin alone at the Haliwell Manor of that world.
The sisters reappeared in the attic that was somewhat different from the one they'd left behind or wherever. There was no sign of Leo and Kevin. Just then, Prue2 and Piper2 burst into the attic. They froze in their tracks. "Aunt Prue and Piper!" Philippa exclaimed as she ran up to them. "Philippa, you're back!" Piper2 exclaimed, hugging her niece. Finally they turned to face their counterparts. "It was only necessary for Phoebe to come, but I think you did just what I would have," Prue2 said smiling. Philippa ran back to Phoebe. "They're gonna bring mommy back!" she shouted so loudly that it brought Jamie and Leo running to the attic. The two men paused in surprise, but quickly regained their composure. "Thank you for coming," Jamie said gratefully, trying to hold back from running up to kiss Phoebe. Phoebe looked like she was having trouble herself. "There's a demon. He's got green fangs," Phoebe began, avoiding Jamie's gaze. Prue2's eyes darkened with anger. "Zuxcry!" she exclaimed angrily. "I take it he was responsible for my alternate," Phoebe trailed off.
Piper2 nodded sadly. "We don't know how to vanquish him. It's not in the BoS." "Did you try your own spell?" Piper asked. Prue2 shook her head sadly. "Phoebe's the spell writer." "I could do it," Phoebe told them, going over to the BoS. It was already open to a particular page. Phoebe read over the page and sighed. She could feel Jamie's eyes on her. "What?" she asked. He shook his head. "Our two worlds are so alike. My Phoebe had the same look of determination that you do," he said sadly. Phoebe bit her lower lip, trying to put a lid onto her rising emotions. Clearing her throat, she announced, "I'm going for a walk to think things over and come up with a spell." "Why don't you go with her?" Piper2 suggested. The two left quietly. "I take it things did not turn out this way in your world?" Prue2 asked, watching Phoebe and Jamie go. "No. Very differently," Prue said, "That's not important now."
***
"Are things different in your world?" Jamie asked gently, sensing that she was upset. "Very." "Situation or circumstances?" he asked softly. "Circumstances." "So, I don't exist or we're just friends?" he prodded. Phoebe had to smile. Just as inquisitive as the Jamie she had known and loved. "We were going to get married when you were killed," she said softly. "I'm sorry," he said. "Don't be. We don't control how our lives turn out." Jamie wrapped an arm around her shoulders, comfortingly. "Hey it's okay. Besides, I came out here to think up a spell," she added.
***
"Where's mommy and daddy?" Philippa asked innocently. Piper2 smiled. "They'll be home soon," she promised, stroking her hair. As if on cue, Phoebe and Jamie come in. "Daddy!" Philippa exclaimed rushing up to her father. Jamie picked her up and twirled her in the air. Phoebe watched them with a regretful smile, which only her sisters and their counterparts realised. "Aren't you gonna kiss mommy?" Philippa asked her father. Phoebe laughed softly, but shook her head without replying. "Why?" Philippa persisted. "Just because," Phoebe told her softly. Philippa could see that she'd upset her. Wriggling out of Jamie's arms, she went and hopped onto Phoebe's lap. "Sorry," she whispered. Phoebe hugged her. "It's okay. Not your fault." Turning to the Charmed Ones, she asked, "Did you find anything useful?" Prue2 shook her head. "I just wish I looked at the Book more often." "Phoebe was our research girl," Piper2 explained softly. "Well, I've been thinking. There's a spell entitled "Revival of The Wrongfully Banished' in the BoS. Under these circumstances, I'd say our cause would fit perfectly," Phoebe explained, seeing the glimmer of hope in her sisters'' counterparts' eyes. "Will it work?" Prue2 asked, not ready to get her hopes too high. "It should, provided I cast it as it must be cast by a counterpart from another reality." "I've never seen it before in the BoS," Piper2 said. "Me neither," said her counterpart. Phoebe took the Book and skilfully turned it to that page. "Here you go," she said, handing it back. Prue2 and Piper2 looked amused. "Well, let's say I'm research girl in my world too." "What about Zuxcry?" Prue asked. Phoebe shrugged. "I don't know. But I take it we will need the Power of Three." "And?" Piper prompted, knowing her sister had more to say. "And we have to do it before next full moon which is tomorrow." "When can we get our sister back?" Piper2 asked. "I can do it now," Phoebe announced. She looked down at Philippa who had fallen asleep in her lap. She stood up, still holding the child in her arms and looked at Jamie. He came forward to take Philippa from her and their eyes met for a brief moment before Phoebe tore her eyes away. Jamie took the sleeping girl upstairs. 'You've got a job to do,' she told herself silently, trying to clear her head so she could concentrate. Standing in the centre of the room, Phoebe closed her eyes and put her hands together. Softly, she muttered some words and concentrated as a wind began to swirl around her. A moment later, a slightly older version of herself materialised before her. Phoebe leaped forward to steady her counterpart. "Phoebe!" Prue2 and Piper2 cried, coming forward to hug their sister. Phoebe stepped backwards to watch the reunion. Jamie paused at the bottom of the stairs; tears filling his eyes as his eyes met his wife's. The two approached each other and Jamie picked Phoebe2 up and kissed her passionately. Phoebe turned away, pain and regret cursing through her veins but she said nothing. She remembered the last time she'd felt Jamie's kiss, only moments before he was killed. Phoebe2 turned to her counterpart gratitude written all over her face. "It's okay. If I can't help myself, who can I help?" Phoebe responded modestly. Prue and Piper smiled, admiring their little sister's brave front despite how much it was tearing her apart inside.
***
A while later, the Charmed Ones from both worlds were having tea, when Philippa came bounding down the stairs. "Mommy!" she exclaimed joyfully, rushing up to her real mother. Phoebe2 hugged her tightly. Pulling away from her mother, Philippa turned towards Phoebe and hugged her gratefully. "Thank you for bringing back my mommy!" Phoebe smiled. "Why don't you go play with daddy?" Phoebe2 suggested to her daughter. Philippa obediently left. The faces of the six women grew serious. Prue2 spoke up. "If the spell -writers of both worlds put their heads together, we might conjure up something useful." "Sounds good to me," Phoebe2 said, looking at her counterpart. Phoebe nodded thoughtfully. "Uh oh, I know that look," Piper said. Phoebe smiled slightly. "Don't worry, I don't have any bright ideas," Phoebe assured her, forcing a smile for her sisters' benefit. "Okay, we'll leave you two to it," Prue said standing up and leading the way out of the kitchen. Phoebe2 looked at Phoebe and smiled sympathetically. "Things are different, huh?" Phoebe nodded. "We didn't get a chance to come this far." "Jamie was killed?" Phoebe2 asked with surprise. Phoebe nodded. "Saving me, two days after our engagement." "Oh, I'm sorry." Phoebe looked up. "We were dealt different cards and you had the upper hand," she said with a smile, 'Let's get to work." About an hour later both Phoebes emerged from the kitchen having written and completed a spell. "Here it is," Phoebe2 announced confidently. "It should work with just the three of you," Phoebe said quietly. She went to stand beside her own sisters, so that their counterparts could get to work. Piper squeezed her hand, but Phoebe ignored it. She appreciated her sister's concern, but she couldn't let her emotions get the better of her, not yet. The alternate Charmed Ones had barely finished preparations when Zuxcry appeared. He laughed evilly as the sisters joined hands. Instead of attacking them, he jumped on top if Jamie and grabbed him by the arm. He prepared to sink his teeth into Jamie's neck. Philippa screamed, and both sets of Charmed Ones watched in horror. Phoebe leapt forward. There was no way she was going to let the Jamie of this world die too. She kicked out viciously at the demon's head, succeeding only in releasing Jamie. Zuxcry now had a new target: Phoebe. He rushed at her, but she expertly teleported out of the way. Piper tried to freeze him, but her powers wouldn't work. In fact, all their powers seemed to have no effect on Zuxcry. Pausing only for a moment, Phoebe sent a telepathic message to her counterpart. "The spell! While I distract him!" Obliging immediately the Charmed Ones began to chant. A green smoke engulfed Phoebe and Zuxcry who were standing not far from each other. When it cleared, only Phoebe remained. She helped Jamie to his feet, and stepped away when her counterpart came running to check on him. Jamie and Phoebe2 hugged, while little Philippa ran to Phoebe. "Thank you," Jamie breathed. "Again," Phoebe2 added. Phoebe just smiled. "I couldn't bare to watch it happen a second time," she admitted. Piper was about to point out that she hadn't seen it the first time when she realised that her sister must have had a premonition. Philippa looked up at her. "My dream," she whispered. Phoebe nodded. "It didn't happen." Phoebe2 arched an eyebrow. "Premonition?" she asked telepathically. Phoebe nodded in response. "Well, its time for us to get back," she announced, wanting to put it all behind her.
***
The Charmed Ones said their goodbyes to their counterparts and recited the spell once again so that they could be returned to their world. They reappeared in their attic in their world. It seemed to have grown dark. Looking around they saw Kevin, who immediately sprang to his feet when he saw them, relief flooding his face. He came over to Phoebe and gave her a hug and a kiss. "Where's Leo?" Piper asked, feeling disappointed that he wasn't here. "Oh, he had to go. The Elders called him," Kevin explained. He looked down at Phoebe who seemed distant. "Earth to Phoebe." Phoebe blinked. "Are you okay?" he asked concerned. Phoebe nodded, brushing past him. "I'm gonna get something to drink," she announced, leaving the attic. Kevin watched her, slightly hurt. "I think she wants to be alone for a while," Prue explained. Kevin nodded thoughtfully. "Jamie," he said quietly. Prue and Piper exchanged glances and nodded reluctantly. "Okay," he acknowledged, starting for the door. "Where you going?" Piper asked. "It's kinda late. Don't worry I'll tell Phoebe."
***
The next afternoon, which was Saturday, Prue and Piper were at P3 just catching up on girl talk. The club was due to open at night, so they had the place to themselves. Leo orbed in with a smile, as he and Piper met for a kiss. Just then, Phoebe came in through the main entrance. "Hey Pheebs," Piper greeted. "I thought you had an 'first thing tomorrow' assignment?" Prue teased with a smile. "I did, but it happened to be my only assignment," Phoebe replied. Unusually, her tone wasn't smiling. Prue shot Piper a glance. "Phoebe, this was delivered today," Piper said, handing her younger sister a package. "Oh, finally," Phoebe said tearing it open and pulling out several CDs. "I thought I addressed it for home?" Phoebe said. "It was delivered there, but I brought it along anyway," Piper explained, reaching over to look at the CDs. "Craig David," Prue commented, "Nice name and nice face." Phoebe just shook her head. "He's English, Prue. Bit too far away." "S Club 7. Never heard of them," Piper said, raising her eyebrows. "English again. Hit it big everywhere but the States," Phoebe explained. "Spice Girls. Didn't know you liked them," Leo said. "I don't. Just some of their music," Phoebe replied. "Bet ya anything, half these songs will be slow ballads that are fit for any occasion from a funeral to a wedding," Prue joked, teasingly. Surprisingly, Phoebe didn't smile. "Funny Prue. People have different interests and for different reasons," she snapped. Phoebe sighed regretfully. "Sorry Prue. I didn't mean to snap at you." Turning to Piper, "Mind if I mess with the sound system?" she asked. "Not at all," Piper replied. Phoebe picked up her CDs and made her way towards the DJ's booth. Prue and Piper exchanged glances again, but said nothing. 'So how did it go yesterday?" Leo asked, breaking into their thoughts. Taking turns, the sisters recounted their adventure. As they finished, soft music began to come out of the sophisticated sound system. It was a slow tune that sounded depressed. "I told you it would be sad," Prue pointed out. They glanced at Phoebe. She was sitting on the chair, hugging her knees to her chest with her head resting on her knees. Piper could swear there were tears in her sister's eyes. She started to stand but Leo stopped her. "Leave her alone, Piper." "What do you mean?" Prue asked, also concerned. Leo turned to face her. He merely said, "Listen to the words of this song." They tuned their ears to the music. Prue and Piper caught on to the chorus.
Everybody's got something they had to leave behind,
One regret from yesterday,
That seems to grow with time,
There's no use looking back or wondering,
How it could've been now or might've been,
All this I know,
But I still can't find ways to let you go
"I never had a dream come true,
Till the day that I found you,
And even though I pretend that I've moved on,
You'll always be my baby you,
And no matter where life takes me to,
A part of me will always be with you.
Piper immediately realised the meaning behind those words in relation to her sister. "Jamie," she said quietly. Leo nodded slowly, his eyes travelling to the DJ's booth. "She's still hurting." "I thought she was over it," Piper said, shocked. Leo shook his head. "That's how it looks, but she's still got it all locked inside." Prue and Piper looked stunned. "She never talks to you about him, but that doesn't mean she doesn't think about him." "But Kevin?" Piper asked. Leo sighed with a shrug. "I know. She's got to work things out and she needs to do it alone." At that moment Kevin came down the steps with a cheerful smile on his face. He gave them a friendly wave, before scanning the area for his girlfriend, whose car he had seen outside. Looking at the DJ booth, he saw her. Phoebe had moved and was now standing with her back to the inner window. She was leaning against a wall with her head bent backwards. She had obviously not seen Kevin. Piper opened her mouth to stop him, but Prue nonchalantly kicked her under the table. "Ow!"
Prue, Piper and Leo watched in suspense as Kevin made his way to the booth. Phoebe turned in surprise when he entered. Kevin's expression turned from happy to one of concern. He went over to put an arm around her, but Phoebe pushed him away and went to the other end of the average sized booth. From where they were, Prue, Piper and Leo could clearly see what was happening in the booth, but Phoebe and Kevin didn't know that they had an audience. Phoebe faced him, tears of anguish and pain streaming down her cheeks. "Kevin, I can't do this anymore!" Kevin looked at her questioningly. He knew she was upset and had to let everything out, so he let her do the talking. "I can't do this to you, or to me! I'm just using you as a rebound for Jamie. It's him I love and I'm just playing with you! We have to end it. It's been a year and I still can't stop thinking about him. It's just not fair!" she said turning away to face the wall and succumbing to a fit of sobs. Kevin sighed. So this was what it was about. He glanced upwards and silently cursed The Powers That Be for hurting her. She'd seen the way things had turned out in the alternate reality and was now fighting her own consciousness and battling her emotions. Stepping forward, Kevin wrapped his arms tightly around Phoebe from behind, and didn't loosen up until she stopped resisting. She collapsed into his arms sobbing. Kevin just held her against him, blinking back his own tears. Seeing her in so much pain made him want to cry. He wished he could do something to take away her suffering. Prue and Piper watched tears in their eyes, and guilt filling their consciousness. How could they have not realised how much pain and suffering their little sister was going through? Finally, after her sobs had subsided a little, Kevin gently turned her around to face him. He put his hands on her shoulders, and forced her to look at his face. Phoebe started to withdraw, but Kevin held her back. "Phoebe, listen to me." She stopped, hazel eyes meeting with soft brown ones. "You do have feelings for me. If you didn't you wouldn't have put up with me for a year." "But," Phoebe began. "But after yesterday, your hidden feelings for Jamie have resurfaced. Now, you're not sure anymore. More so, you feel guilty for thinking about him when you're with me. And disloyal to him by being with me." Phoebe lowered her gaze, and Kevin knew he was getting through to her. "Phoebe, I'm not asking you to forget about him totally. The two of you were perfectly in sync with each other. I can't expect you to act like he never existed. No one can. But, I don't think Jamie would want you to go on like this. He would want to see you happy." Phoebe looked up with fresh tears as Kevin continued. "Phoebe, as much as you loved and still love Jamie, you have to realise that he's not a part of your life anymore, but it doesn't mean that you shouldn't live either. Phoebe, he gave up his life for you to live, not for you to torture yourself endlessly." "But how is that fair to you?" she asked softly. "It's not unfair. Phoebe, I love you. I always will. I know how much Jamie meant to you and I understand it. He will always be a part of you. I knew that when I first asked you out." With that, he wraps his strong arms around her and pulls her insistently into his arms. Phoebe doesn't protest just falls into his arms, sobbing softly into his shoulder. Prue and Piper watch, as Kevin whisper's something into Phoebe's ear. She nods and then they both vanish from the club. Prue and Piper are momentarily surprised, but Leo smiles knowingly. "They're going somewhere where they can be alone. Maybe Phoebe will finally open up completely." Prue gives him a sceptical look. "Talk to Kevin about Jamie?" "They were friends even while she and Jamie were engaged remember?" Piper reminded them.
***
Kevin sat up cautiously so as not to wake the sleeping form beside him. He and Phoebe had spent a good couple of hours talking; Phoebe finally telling someone the feelings she had buried deep inside for so long. Kevin was glad that she'd told him. It helped him understand her better. Finally, after midnight, the two had come to Haliwell manor.
Leaning back again, he draped an arm around his girlfriend. The words drifted out softly and clearly.
What makes this world go round,
Will the answer let her down,
She is so sweet and young,
And her life has just begun.
What does her future hold,
That's a story left unknown,
Will she make it through her days,
Let our love lead the way.
Kevin sighed softly, wondering what the future held for him and the beautiful and peaceful human asleep in his arms.
Part of me laughs,
Part of me cries,
Part of me wants to question why
Why is there joy,
Why is there pain,
Why is there sunshine in the rain,
One day you're here,
Next you're gone
No matter what we just go on,
Just keep the faith
And let love lead the way
Everything will work out fine
If you let love lead the way
Prue and Piper met at the hallway and heard the music coming from inside their sister's room. She had been asleep when they got home. It was a nice song, but speculative.
Sitting there all alone,
In the window of her room,
Watching the world go by,
Brings tears to her eyes,
All she sees is hurt and pain,
And she wants to break the chain,
She'll keep pressing everyday,
And she'll find her own sweet way
The two went and hesitantly opened the door. Kevin sat up with a start to meet the surprised expressions on Prue and Piper's faces. They had barged in, definitely not expecting to find him there. He immediately put a finger to his lips, indicating silence. They nodded and Piper gestured to her watch. Kevin shook his head. "Sunday," he mouthed, telling them that neither was working today. Piper put her hand to her mouth, embarrassed. Kevin waved them both out before settling back against the headboard, waiting for Phoebe to stir. She snuggled closer to him in an attempt to get more comfortable. He pressed his lips to her head affectionately. He loved her with all his heart, but he wasn't going to push her. She'd been hurt badly, and was afraid of it happening again. Kevin swore to himself in silence that he would do everything to make sure she never got hurt again.
His attention returned to the music.
You can be all that
And still can be who you are,
You gotta know for sure that it isn't make believe
You make me weak, but you are strong
Don't you give up,
If you keep holding on,
You'll never be wrong,
Just close your eyes coz it lies deep in your heart
Phoebe was totally out, fast asleep. She looked almost angelic in her silky white night gown. Kevin couldn't imagine how such a wonderful soul could be put to go through so much, and yet be so beautiful and delicate. Despite her own problems, Phoebe was so unconditionally loving and caring. And it was for everyone, not just her sisters. He'd seen the way Philippa had taken to her immediately even though she wasn't her real mother. Kevin wished that one day she would become his wife and the mother of his children.
***
About an hour and a half later, Phoebe and Kevin came downstairs. Kevin had a protective arm around his girlfriend. Prue, Piper and Leo looked up as they came in. "Good morning, or is it afternoon," Leo teased lightly. Phoebe smiled while Kevin grinned. "So what are your plans for the day?" Prue asked. "How about a hangout, sisters and boyfriends," Piper suggested brightly. Prue groaned mockingly. "Great! I'm going to have to spend my day watching you smooch!" "Sorry, but I can't," Phoebe spoke up regretfully. "Why?" they asked in unison. "Don't tell me you've got to work on Sundays?" Prue said, shocked. Phoebe shook her head. "Not really. You know the police convention thing," she began. "The thing Darryl's been going on about lately," Prue replied. "Yup, I'm supposed to make a speech." "On what?" Piper asked curiously. Phoebe turned to Kevin with a grin. He summoned her computer and handed it to her. "You really don't wanna know," she said, showing a copy of her speech on the screen. "Man, is that English?" Kevin joked. Phoebe punched his arm. "Hey, if you went on about Java and Oracle that's what I'd say," she responded. "Except you know what both of them are," Kevin pointed out, showing the desktop icon for Oracle. Prue and Piper watched silently, trying to pick out any changes in their sister. "Well, you ready?" Kevin asked, standing up. Phoebe stood up too. "Where you off too?" Piper asked. "Mall for a shopping spree," Phoebe told them, grinning. "Wanna join us?" Kevin invited. "Why not?" Piper responded, standing up and pulling Leo along with her. He groaned jokingly. "Great! I'm gonna be a porter on my day off!" Piper made a face, as Prue, Kevin and Phoebe burst out laughing. "What about you?" Leo asked Kevin. "I don't mind at all. I mean, would you complain being the porter to the most beautiful woman on the planet and even get to take her out to dinner," he responded, looking at Phoebe, his eyes twinkling. Piper gave Leo a glare. "Ungrateful whitelighter," she told him, wagging a finger. "Hey, Kevin's got the most beautiful woman, not Leo," Phoebe defended Leo. "Yeah, listen to your sister," Leo put in without thinking. "Oops!" he exclaimed. Phoebe burst out laughing. "Why do I have such a smart ass sister," Piper said, hitting Phoebe playfully. "Ditto!" Leo exclaimed tickling Phoebe. Phoebe giggled, backing away. Seeing she was cornered, she teleported away. "Not fair! Using magic," Piper protested. "Just because you can't freeze me!" Phoebe said, sticking out her tongue. Prue just shook her head and exchanged glances with Kevin. "Are they like this often?" he asked. "Always." Prue looked at him, asking a silent question. Kevin nodded, understanding. "I hope so," he mouthed.