DISCLAIMER: If you've seen them on TV, I don't own them. They belong to Aaron Spelling and his team. I just love to use them.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Please do not read this if you haven't read 'Wedded Bliss……But for How Long?'. The former was the prior to this story, in a final Trilogy and it makes little or no sense unless you read it. It would be advisable if you read the entire series first, as it would definitely make it more understandable, as this strays from the actual show.

Kevin sat in his office, absently staring at the photograph in front of him. It had been just a month ago, when the beautiful woman in the picture, his wife, had been in his arms. It was just a month before that when they had tied the knot, but now, he didn't know where she was, if she was okay, or if she would ever come back to him. It was killing him. Everything he did, everywhere he looked, reminded him of her beautiful brown eyes, her gentle voice, the smell of her perfume and the taste of her kiss. It was driving him crazy. He couldn't concentrate on anything else. He hated this. He wanted her back so badly. It tortured his soul every waking moment. Even when he was asleep, she was in his dreams. With a sad sigh he turned on the stereo in his office, hoping that the music would relax him in the slightest.
Prue was in her Miata, driving to a photo shoot on the beachfront. The beach had been one of Phoebe's favorite places when she needed to clear her head and think. When she needed to loosen up, it was the stables. Just the thought of her sister brought unwanted tears to her eyes. Where was she? Was she okay? Prue hated this more than anything. Even when Phoebe had been in New York, Prue had been able to keep tabs on her because of Piper, but now, no one knew anything about her. She had promised her baby not to dwell on this, but as every day passed, she knew that each one of them, silently and inconsiderately, broke that promise. She could see it eating away at Kevin every time she saw him. He was so different now, even though he put up a good front for their sake. The familiar sparkle had faded from his eyes, and he wasn't as cheerful as he used to be before. Piper seemed to have closed up somewhat. Sure, she spent time with her and Leo, but there was something missing. Prue knew that though she had always been the protector, Piper's emotional issues had always been worked out with Phoebe. Even for her, Prue knew that lately, she relied on Phoebe to help her sort through her feelings and she missed that. It was only now she realized that even though Phoebe had a lot of commitments, when it really mattered, she was always there. Her mere presence offered comfort. Forcing herself to concentrate on the road ahead, she flicked on the radio.
Piper sat in the living room of the manor with a pile of paperwork for the club in front of her. After minutes of trying to focus on her work, she gave up in frustration. Without even knowing it, her thoughts wondered to her baby sister. Just the thought of her sent a stinging ache through her heart. She could still picture her sister's face, the beautiful smile that said more than words ever could and those gentle brown eyes that were always filled with love. "Oh Pheebs, where are you?" she whispered, as she wiped away a tear. It hurt so much, knowing that there was a strong chance that she would never again see her sister. She didn't understand what it was about Phoebe that brought out the best in everyone. Was it her beauty, her eyes or her smile? Or was it just the way she expressed herself? Phoebe always had a knack for knowing what was going through their heads at anytime. She was highly intuitive, and she chose to see with her heart, and not her eyes. If that was not so, Piper knew that maybe her sister would still be with her today. She picked up the remote and turned on the stereo.
"The world still turns like you said it would
But this pain seems to never let me go
There really is no moving on
It's only going along
And I will always be
Bitter for your love in me
Bitter for the times we shared
That travel with me every where
And I will always try
To hold my head up to the sky
If only just to let you know
Straight from my heart
I still miss you so
If I could I would gladly trade
A thousand tomorrows for one yesterday
There are so many things that I would say
You're part of memory that lives on in me
And I will always be
Bitter for your love in me
Bitter for the times we shared
That travel with me every where
And I will always try
To hold my head up to the sky
If only just to let you know
Straight from my heart
I still miss you so."
Little did the three separate individuals listening to that song know, that even though they thought differently, their minds were all thinking of one person: Phoebe Haliwell, a sister, a friend, a wife and a lover. A person, who had taught them to look into the finer things in life, and in doing so, proved correct the words of Helen Keller. "The most beautiful things in life cannot be seen nor heard. They must be felt with the heart."
Kevin bit back a sob as his eyes fell on the real estate documents in front of him. All he had to do was sign them, and he would become the owner of a wonderful family house, with a garden and all modern luxuries, and yet, at that moment, it was the last thing he felt like doing. Before Phoebe had gone, they had checked out a place of their own in which to start a family. She had fallen in love with the place, the first time she'd seen it, and that was all he needed. They had immediately begun negotiations to purchase it, but now, he didn't want it if he couldn't share it with the one person he wanted to.
*****
In a different place, a different dimension altogether, a familiar figure sat in a dark, musty room. The figure gazed up at the ceiling and sighed wistfully, closing her eyes, as she pictured the world and the life she left behind. As she did so, her thoughts turned to the words of a song, words that depicted her current situation, only it would be a prayer that would go unanswered.
"Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There's always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escaping one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here."
She was brought back to reality as several more figures, wearing dark clothing entered, one of them holding a deep blue, sapphire crystal in a glass case. The first figure took the crystal as the casing magically vanished. Her eyes began to glow in the same color as the crystal shone brightly. Concentrating hard with eyes closed, she chanted in a foreign language, as if in a trance. As she opened her eyes, another figure, identical to the first one in every way, materialized in front of her. "Go. Take care of them all," the first one said, as darkness engulfed the room.
*****
Several days later, Piper was in the kitchen just sitting and staring into space when Leo orbed in. She hardly noticed his arrival. "Ceiling's pretty interesting, huh?" he said lightly. "Ha ha," Piper stated flatly, glancing at him briefly. With a frown he wrapped his arms around her in a hug, from behind. "I wonder where she is, what she's doing," Piper said, struggling to keep the tears from her voice. Leo looked upwards, silently cursing the Council and fate for doing this to them. He missed Phoebe too, more than he would ever admit. She was more than just a charge. She was a friend, the kind of friend who would stand by you no matter what. He knew that she was the one who pushed Piper to start seeing him. She had supported their relationship throughout, and even when Piper was with Dan, Phoebe had been adamant to stay friends with him. Looking back at his despairing wife, he sighed. "She's probably working as fast as possible to come back, right now," he offered gently. Piper turned to give him an appreciative half smile as he glanced upwards suddenly. Piper sighed in frustration. "Go on. But be back soon," she said, as he disappeared in a swirl of blue orbs. Once he was gone, Piper put her face in her hands and closed her eyes, hoping and praying that her sister was okay. She was deeply engrossed in her thoughts, that she hardly heard Leo orb back in. "That was quick," she said, without looking at him. "Yeah well, I only had to play cosmic taxi," Leo responded with a grin. Piper turned to look at him in confusion, but her jaw dropped in utter disbelief when she saw who was standing next to him. "Close that mouth, sis. You don't want any flies getting in," Phoebe said lightly, her eyes sparkling. "Phoebe?" Piper asked, still in shock. Phoebe looked at Leo with a mock hurt statement. "And I was hoping for a hug." Leo just grinned even wider as Piper suddenly stood up, heading straight for her sister. She touched Phoebe's cheek almost fearful that she would disappear. "You're real," Piper said, pulling Phoebe close and hugging her tight. "Of course I am, silly," Phoebe teased, but there were tears in her eyes. "I missed you so much," Piper whispered, her voice cracking. "I missed you too," Phoebe responded, hugging her tighter. As they finally broke the hug, the back door opened and Prue strolled in, but she stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Phoebe and her jaw dropped, just as widely as Piper's. "Phoebe!?" she exclaimed. "Hi Prue. Miss me?" Without another word, Prue just grabbed Phoebe in a tight hug. "Whoa! Air, please!" Phoebe joked, but she hugged Prue back just as tightly. Piper joined in as well. "I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried." Prue said, finally releasing her death grip on Phoebe. "What else is new? Prue, you always worry," Phoebe returned. "And now, to give someone else a heart attack," Phoebe said with a mischievous grin, as she picked up the phone. "Hello, Kevin Grant please…his wife, Phoebe…Hi handsome!…No, you're not dreaming?quot; That was as far as Phoebe got, as she suddenly vanished from sight, the phone receiver dropping. A minute later, still locked in a passionate kiss with Kevin, she reappeared. Prue and Piper had to smile in amusement. A month gone, but the passion between those two was as strong as ever. They broke the kiss, and Kevin held her at arm's length, staring hard at her. "What? I'm in one piece. Jeez. You guys have so much confidence in me, huh?" Phoebe said sarcastically. Kevin smiled and pulled her in for another kiss. Prue and Piper shook their heads. Their Phoebe was definitely back.
****
And so, things returned to normal or rather, as normal as can be in the house of the Charmed Ones. But, as the days went by, Prue, Piper and Kevin seemed to notice the way Phoebe was distant, afraid of becoming too comfortable, and most of all, she had flatly refused to share any details of her mission, only that it was a success. Kevin was quite surprised when Phoebe said that, for now, they could live in the manor or at his apartment, instead of getting their family house.
*******
Meanwhile, in another part of the country, in another city, a lonely figure sat alone in a tiny bedroom at a desk going through all sorts of legal documents, from bank statements to her birth certificate. She glanced at one of the bank statements and gasped sharply. "What the?" The figure was an attractive female with dark brown hair, blue eyes and was probably in her mid to late twenties. Price Haliwell, suddenly tensed as a tingling feeling ran down her spine. Spinning round abruptly, she could sense another presence in the room with her. He heart skipped a beat when a soft, soothing voice reached her ears. "Its okay, Price. I won't hurt you." "Who are you?" Price demanded cautiously, but not fearfully. Something in that voice felt reassuring, almost comforting and something told her she didn't have to be afraid. The voice seemed to come from all directions at the same time. "You will find out soon. Go to San Francisco, where your real family is." Price watched in awe as a pen from her desk magically floated over a paper and began to write. "Here. Follow your heart." With those final words, Price's magical instincts told her that who or whatever that was there had left. She looked at the piece of paper. On it, written in near script was an address: 1329 Prescott Street, San Francisco Bay Area. "Thank you. Whoever you are," she whispered into the air.
A week later, a light blue pickup pulled up across the street from Haliwell manor. Inside sat Price Haliwell, trying to muster up the guts and courage to approach those who lived there, and see if the mysterious event that occurred in her room that night, were angels. She couldn't, and finally, she drove off to find the local library. Logging on to a newspaper clippings web site, she typed in Haliwell. It came up with a list of references from obituaries, but it was the most recent that caught her attention.
'A new, nightclub, P3 opened last night in the Bay Area. Three sisters own it: Prudence, Piper and Phoebe Haliwell. The proprietress is Piper Haliwell?
Price set her jaw tightly. Tonight, she would indiscreetly check this place out and see if they were her real family. As she scrolled down the list of articles, another one caught her attention.
'The Medical Association of the USA, held a special conference for Women's Health, last week. One of the Guests of Honor was Dr. Phoebe Haliwell, from San Francisco Memorial, the leading women's health practitioner in the state?
Price raised her eyebrows. So, one of them ran a nightclub, which all three owned, and one of them was an excellent doctor. She hoped she had the right people. She glanced at her watch. It was 1:00, time for lunch. She drove to a nearby restaurant and while she waited for her food, thought about what she was going to do. P3 wouldn't open till late. She decided to go to San Francisco Memorial and see if she could at least get a glimpse of her sister.
*****
Later that afternoon, Price Haliwell strolled into the waiting room at San Francisco Memorial Hospital. Hesitantly, she walked up to the receptionist. "Um, excuse me. I was wondering if I could see Dr. Haliwell," she said, crossing her fingers in the hope that she wouldn't be asked for an appointment. The receptionist smiled politely and picked up the phone. "Phoebe. A patient for you…okay. Right away." Turning to Price she gestured towards an office. "Go right in." "Thank you," Price said, walking away. As she approached the door, she took a deep breath, wishing her heart would stop pounding so heavily. She knocked lightly. "Come in," said a familiar voice. Price opened the door with trembling hands, and gasped in disbelief. Sitting behind the desk, wearing a lab coat was an almost splitting image of her. If not for Phoebe's hair color and brown eyes, anyone would have thought they were twins. She saw Phoebe do a double take. "Uh, please. Take a seat," Phoebe said. Price shook her head, as she stood just a meter away from one of the sisters she had searched for so long. Suddenly, she couldn't take it anymore, and she just turned and bolted from the room. Phoebe started after her. "Hey, wait!" Price just kept running, all the way to her car. Only once, she was safely inside did she dare to look back, but there was no one there. "Damn! That's my sister! I shouldn't be running from her!" she told herself. She decided that, one way or the other, she would confront them tonight at their club. If Phoebe Haliwell was Piper Haliwell's sister, and they lived on Prescott Street, then Price knew that she had found her real family, and maybe happiness.
****
That evening, Prue, Piper, Phoebe and their respective partners were enjoying a quiet night at P3. As it was a working night, the club wasn't as crowded. They were discussing some funny event, when Kevin suddenly waved his hand in front of his face. Phoebe blinked sharply. "What?" "Where are you? You were totally off," he said, looking slightly concerned. Phoebe sighed, but her gaze never left the young women sitting at the bar. Kevin followed it. "Someone you know?" Phoebe shrugged. "I'm not particularly sure." As fate would have it, Price decided to cast a glance in their direction as they were all staring at her. Everyone gasped, as they looked back at Phoebe. "She looks like a twin of yours!" Bane commented. "Only one way to find out," Prue said determinedly, as she stood up and approached the girl, her sisters in tow.
Price saw them approaching and suddenly lost her nerve. She scurried off the stool and started towards the exit, when suddenly, everything went dead silent. Looking around her, she saw that everyone had literally frozen in mid air. The only people seeming to be alive were the three women and one of their male counter parts. "Hold it!" Prue shouted. Piper looked shocked. "You didn't freeze…Either you're immune to our powers or…or?quot; "You're a good witch," Phoebe finished. Price looked warily at the four people in front of her. The man and two of the women seemed to be very shocked and surprised, but Price couldn't read the feeling she got from the doctor she'd met that afternoon. "Who are you people?" she demanded, trying to sound rough. "I think you know exactly who we are. Price Haliwell, care to explain yourself," Phoebe stated calmly. "How do you know my name?" she asked in surprise as everyone turned to stare at Phoebe. Phoebe looked panicked for a second, but recovered quickly. "Uh, you signed it at the hospital register when you paid me a visit this afternoon," she explained. "You met her?" Prue asked incredulously. "For three seconds. She walked into my office, and then bolted." Price looked at them carefully. This was her chance to explain everything. "P Haliwell?" Kevin questioned suspiciously, gazing at the young women who so closely resembled his wife and her sisters. Piper turned her gaze sharply at him, as she heard him speak. Price only nodded. "Price Amanda Haliwell, daughter of Patty Haliwell and Victor Bennett, born in 197?" Prue's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "You're our sister?" "This is ridiculous! We would have known." Piper exclaimed. "It's the truth. I have the documents to prove it, and I also have a power. I can sense feelings," Price continued hastily. "An empath," Phoebe informed her. "You believe her?" Kevin asked her. Phoebe shrugged lightly. "She didn't freeze. She looks like me. And she has powers. She hasn't attacked us." "Yet," Prue reminded her. "She could be a shape-shifter, and maybe she's immune to our powers," Piper added, wondering why Phoebe was being so open. That was so not Phoebe, but then again, Phoebe always trusted her instincts and heart, and they usually never led her wrong. Piper still couldn't shake the nagging doubt at the back of her mind that said Phoebe was hiding something from them. Price sighed in frustration as tears welled up in her eyes. "Please! What am I supposed to do to prove myself to you? Let's go ask your mother and father. Just please!" Piper felt her heart sink. Either this stranger was a very good actor or she really was who she said she was, only she didn't know that Patty was dead. "That's a good idea," she said, as everything unfroze. Price jumped in surprise. Phoebe pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. "Dad? It's Phoebe. Could you come over to the house now? No, we're okay…there's just something we need to clear up. Okay, bye." Phoebe hung up and looked at everyone. "Let's go." "Wait a minute. We're actually inviting her to our house?" Prue asked in annoyance. "We can't discuss this sort of thing in a club," Phoebe pointed out. "She's right, Prue," Piper said softly. Prue shook her head. She couldn't believe her sisters were buying into this.
*****
Victor hastily pulled into the driveway of his daughters' house. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he knew from the tone of Phoebe's voice that it was important. He walked in through the front door and straight into the living room, but stopped dead in his tracks. "Price?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Dad? Is it really you?" Price said in disbelief. Without a word, Victor swept her into his arms, hugging her tightly. Prue, Piper, Phoebe, Kevin, Leo and Bane, just sat there in stunned silence not sure of how to react. They pulled apart and Victor cupped her face in his hands. "You're so grown up. The last time I held you, you were just a baby. Oh, your mum would be so proud," he said, emotion filling his voice. "Where's my mum?" Price asked suddenly. Victor looked away, unable to meet her eyes. Phoebe sighed inwardly. "Mum was killed by a water demon years ago," she said quietly. "No!" Price whispered. "I'm so sorry. You were only three at the time. Both of you," Victor said, causing Phoebe and Price to glance at each other sharply and then back at him. "We're twins?" Price questioned. Victor nodded with a small smile. "Phoebe being just 4 minutes older." Prue spoke up suddenly, having finally digested the situation. "Why was Price given away, dad?" Victor looked at them angrily. "The Council! They thought it was a mistake as only the Power of Three should exist. That fourth person would only be a weakness!" he explained with resentment. "Your mother and I were forced to give her up for adoption. Neither one of us wanted to, but we had to." Prue looked at her new baby sister, and smiled her first genuine smile. Price smiled back shyly, feeling the stone walls she had built around her heart start to crumble. Before she knew it, her sisters had engulfed her in a massive group hug. She was finally home.
****
And so the days went by with another Haliwell sister. It turned out that Price was still in college, finishing up her accountancy degree, taking night classes, while she worked. She gave the sisters a basic run down of her childhood, but refrained from indulging into it too much. Meanwhile, she had been shown the Book of Shadows and given in to their heritage, but where she fit in to the Power of Three, no one knew. Not even, 'They' had a clue.
Price was getting used to having a loving family. She learnt the way her sisters worked, and felt somewhat envious of their relationship. They were obviously very close, but there were questions she wanted to ask them, questions she knew which could bring up unhappy memories of the past. She even met Leo, their whitelighter, and her twin's husband another witch. Price thought he was extremely cute and as she had once told Phoebe, "You sure have great taste in men!" Of the sisters, she felt a much closer connection to Phoebe as she was her twin, and in a way, Phoebe could relate, coz neither had any memories with their mother. One thing they had in common, was their high sense of intuition and Price could tell that Phoebe was holding something back from. Something she wanted to reveal but couldn't. This happy go lucky lifestyle would not last long, unfortunately as things were about to make a dreadful change, and not necessarily a good one.
*****
One afternoon, the four sisters found themselves together at home without any of their male companions. "Seems like a girls' night to me," Prue commented. "Sounds good to me," Piper agreed with a smile. "Why? Is Leo tiring you out?" Phoebe teased, unable to resist the opportunity. "Hey!" Piper said, smacking Phoebe's arm as her sisters cracked up laughing. "So, what shall we do?" she said, changing the subject. "I was planning on a work out at the gym. Care to join me?" Phoebe suggested. Prue and Piper both pulled a face and Price smiled. "Actually, I wouldn't mind, but it seems like some of us are a bit too lazy for that. Is there a riding club in the area?" she asked, exchanging smirks with Phoebe. "I'm not lazy, but some of us aren't fitness freaks either. The stables sound good to me," Prue said. "Same here," Piper agreed. "Horses, here we come!" Phoebe said with a grin.
A little over a half-hour later, the sisters pulled up at the stables in Phoebe's car. One of the stable men came up to them. "Hi Phoebe. Saddle up Chestnut for you?" he said, with a friendly grin. "Thanks Joey. How about three more as well?" Phoebe responded. He nodded. "Sure, just choose your stead," he said, leading the way to the stables. "You come here often," Price commented to Phoebe as they entered the stables. Phoebe just nodded with a smile, before stopping at one of the stables. "Hey there girl!" she said patting the chestnut colored horse on the nose. It neighed and nuzzled closer. "She's pretty!" Price said stroking her mane. "Yup! And she's mine, so get your own!" Phoebe responded with a smirk. "Fine!" Price retorted with a mock pout. Prue and Piper chuckled lightly.
While Prue, Piper and Price were getting their horses saddled up, Phoebe had taken hers for a gallop round the track. Price watched her twin race round the track gracefully and smiled admirably. "She's good, huh?" Joey said, casting a glance towards Phoebe. "She's great!" Prue admitted. "I remember her coming here ever since her legs were long enough," the old man said with a smile. "The horses loved her." "She loves the horses, still does," Piper said with a smile. Phoebe came trotting back to them. "All ready to go!" Joey announced. "Good, now show off, let's see you race against me!" Prue challenged lightly as they mounted their horses. "Am I being challenged?" Phoebe responded in the same tone. "You're on!" Prue told her. "Hey, count me in too!" Price announced. They turned to Piper. "No thank you! I'll start you off!" she said. "One of you is going to have a severely wounded pride," she added. Piper started them off, and watched as the three horses galloped round the track. Phoebe and Price looked amazingly graceful, as they slowly pulled slightly ahead. As they rounded the final corner, Prue lost her balance and fell forward, even though her opponents didn't notice. Piper gasped. Phoebe finished the race first drawing well ahead of Price. Slowing to a halt, she galloped back towards Prue, who was just beginning to pick herself off the ground. "Prue! Are you okay?" Piper demanded as Phoebe helped her sister up. Prue grinned sheepishly, as she shrugged off the dirt. "Apart from a sore butt and a wounded pride, yeah!" Price came up having caught Prue's horse. "That's the last time I accept a challenge!" she told her baby sisters. "You learn from your mistakes!" Phoebe and Price said at the exact same time. Prue and Piper looked amused. "Great minds think alike!" Phoebe offered, smiling cheekily at Piper, who turned back to Prue. "Are you sure you're okay?" "Yeah, I'm sure. Come on, we just started!" Prue said, mounting her horse again. Phoebe and Price exchanged glances, and Piper shrugged with a slight shake of her head. "Let's go over the trail," Phoebe suggested as she mounted her horse as well. The worn path was only wide enough for two horses to travel side by side, so Phoebe and Price rode together in front while Prue and Piper brought up the rear. After a peaceful trot they reached a clearing that looked like a meadow. Price shot Phoebe a smiling glance, but was surprised when she felt sadness coming from her sister. Phoebe was staring ahead, her eyes unfocussed as her thoughts took her to another time, the time she met Jamie at the very same place. She smiled sadly. Kevin was a great guy, and she loved him with all her heart, but Jamie was the first man to show her the meaning of love, and it was with that love, he sacrificed himself for her. She felt a pang of guilt run through her. Was this being unfaithful? She shook her head. They'd been through this before. She would always love Jamie, no matter how long she spent with Kevin. She loved them both just as much, but Jamie was her past, Kevin her present, but what about her future. Did she even have one? Phoebe's thoughts turned to her counterpart, who was intentionally trapped in a distant place. As she slowly floated back to reality, she was aware of the curious glances her sisters sent her way. She caught her twin with a surprised statement, and realized that Price must have read her emotions. She didn't want to talk about it, so she said simply. "A trip down memory lane." With that, Phoebe trotted a little distance away.
Piper closed her eyes as she realized what her sister meant. Phoebe had told her a long time ago the significance of the stables, and she knew what Phoebe was thinking, but Piper said nothing to Prue or Price. This was to be the last sisterly bonding session the four share forever.
*****
That night at dinner, only Kevin, Bane and Leo joined them. It was a cheerful meal, but they were only halfway done when a dull thud reached their ears. "Attic!" The sisters hurriedly stood up, and their male companions followed. "Uh, do we have a plan?" Piper asked, as they climbed the stairs. "I'll teleport in and see what's up," Phoebe offered. "No!" Prue and Piper said firmly. "Piper freeze him, and I'll throw him around till we check the Book." Price saw the frown and worried statement that crossed Phoebe's face, but decided that it was just natural in a situation like that. Prue threw the attic door open, but there was no one there. The four sisters entered cautiously, but did not look behind the door. They hurried to the Book, just as the attic door slammed shut, and there stood a somewhat human figure, with a disgustingly twisted face. He was in shining attire, and his hands looked more like talons of flesh. He laughed evilly, sending shudders down Price's spine. She was less used to this than her sisters. "So, it is true. Now, there is a substitute for one third of the Power of Three," he said cockily. "Got it!" Prue announced as Piper froze him. They all turned their attention to the Book, and did not see the demon break out of the freeze. "Not for long!" he gloated as he raised his arm towards Price. In that split second, Phoebe saw her world reel in slow motion as she remembered a vision from long ago. As the claw-like arm rushed forward, Phoebe dived in front of her twin, feeling the sharp nails cut through the flesh of her stomach. Prue, Piper and Price saw Phoebe dive, they stared in numbed horror as his hand penetrated Phoebe's stomach and saw their sister's statement twist into one of excruciating pain, as she let out a painful scream. At that moment, Kevin, Leo and Bane, burst through the door, despite being told to stay away. "Phoebe!" Kevin cried out in horror. Mercilessly, the demon pushed his claws in deeper, and then slowly and deliberately drew them out, having closed them, pulling out a chunk of Phoebe's insides with it. "The spell," Phoebe commanded weakly, just before she lost consciousness. Prue snapped from her daze, as she grabbed the Book and recited the spell.
"Demon of Pain,
You shall know no gain,
Be banished now for eternity,
Hear my plea,
Let it end."
(I know. Really lousy spell but I'm a bit too sleepy to be creative rite now! Its 1 in the morning!)
The demon made his departure just like all other vanquished demons, except he left no mucky residue behind. Kevin raced over to Phoebe, gently placing her head against his knee. As her sisters and everyone cowered over her, Phoebe's eyes fluttered open. "I love you. I promise you'll understand some day," she whispered, before she smiled a final sad smile and closed her eyes forever. "Leo, heal her," Kevin said desperately. Leo placed his hands over Phoebe's gushing wound, but nothing happened. "I can't heal the dead," he said hanging his head. "No. No. Not again! Phoebe, please. Wake up, please!" Piper said hysterically, shaking her sister's lifeless body vigorously. Prue pulled Piper closer as they both cried over the loss of their sister. Price felt the tears well up in her eyes, and she glanced at Kevin, who was on his knees crying openly.
*****
Only days later, Prue, Piper, Price, Kevin, Bane, Leo and Kevin's parents sat in the front row listening to a priest bestowing Phoebe's final rites.
Piper glanced around at the people gathered there. There were so many, so much more than the number of people that had attended her sister's wedding, and yet, the wedding had been by invitation. All these people here were Phoebe's patients, friends and colleagues at work from a cleaning lady to the Chairman of San Francisco Memorial. They were all here.
A phrase from the priest's eulogy reached her ears. "Only so few of us were fortunate enough to experience her presence in our life?quot; Piper felt more tears well up in her eyes. Piper knew then that, she and Prue were the luckiest people on the planet, for they had been with Phoebe for most of theirs and all of her life, but now, she was gone forever.
Prue bit back the sob as she struggled to listen to the eulogy. Phoebe had more inner strength and courage inside of her, than Prue thought ever possible in one person. She had a deeper insight and understanding of life itself, partly through experience and partly through intuition. Prue could never understand where it all came from and how it was there. She had always thought that she and Phoebe were too stubborn and indifferent to ever get along, but it was Phoebe who had finally got her to say 'I love you'. It was Phoebe who'd got through to her after Andy died. Prue knew that this world had just lost a wonderful person, a loss, which only too few people feel and she had lost her baby sister.
As the coffin was being lowered into the ground they all stood, all three remaining sisters crying hard. Kevin tossed a rose tearfully over it, as he buried the other half of his soul.
Soon after, people began filing out, offering condolences as they did. Some of the faces were only vaguely familiar, but most of them were complete strangers. Nearly everyone, who passed by them, had a forlorn, and lost look in their eyes. They were the few who had been lucky enough to have their hearts warmed by Phoebe and blessed enough to realize the great loss. (This didn't come out how I wanted it to.)
The family waited for the diggers to finish their work and leave, before one by one, they approached the tombstone. On it were carved these words: An angel returning home to heaven. It was Kevin who had asked those words to be engraved, and her sisters couldn't have agreed more. The sun was setting, lighting the sky up in a dazzling display of colors as if the heavens were offering tribute and welcoming the person who had died in their honor.
Prue glanced up at Bane and he gently stepped back, allowing her some privacy. "I know you up there somewhere listening Pheebs…I hope you are…You know, the first time Mum let me carry you, there wasn't a happier person alive…You just opened your big beautiful brown eyes and smiled. It was your first smile, and you smiled at me. I was so proud Pheebs…I thought then, that you'd always be my baby, my little girl, but I was wrong. You grew up so fast, rushing into everything in life without looking back and that got you into trouble. Instead of bailing you out, I chose to chew you out?quot; Prue sniffed, before continuing. "Then you went away…how I wish I hadn't forced you to go. I wish now that I had opened my eyes then…You were my baby, but there was so much I could have learnt from you…if only I wasn't too proud to admit it. You have this thing about you that makes friends in an instant…You know how to get through to people…You taught me so much Pheebs. I just…I wish we had more time together…and I wish I could say thank you for everything. I love you…I've heard those words come from your mouth a million times over the years and I never get tired of hearing it…I don't want to accept that I'm never going to hear it again from you. Maybe now, you can finally meet mum…I love you, my baby girl," Prue whispered as she dropped to her knees. She kissed the white rose in her hand before placing it on the dirt that now covered the ground where her sister lay. She stood up shakily, walking straight into Bane's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Piper left Leo's embrace and approached the tombstone for her own private moment. "Pheebs…I don't know where to start. Prue's always been the protector…and you…you're so much like her. But I could always turn to you when I just needed a hug, a smile…you knew when I needed what…sometimes when I was feeling lousy…you'd just come and sit in my lap and ask me to sing to you, just to show me how much I mattered. I used to love doing that…but you were growing up so fast…and before I knew it you were in high school. You made so many friends so fast and I was afraid…I thought things would change between us…but you proved me wrong again…it didn't matter to you what other kids used to say…you stuck up for me anyway Pheebs. You've always been there when I needed you…you know what to say or do and when…I can't imagine what my life would be without you…I don't even want to find out. You always told me that me and Prue taught you how to love, but you taught us how to live…how to really open our eyes to the world…to see with our hearts and not just our eyes…it was you, Pheebs. If it weren't for you?Leo and I would never be together. If it weren't for you…we'd never have discovered who we really were…but if it hadn't happened, I can't help thinking that you'd be here today…You always told me that playing what ifs was a dangerous game…but I can't stop, Pheebs. I don't know how…I miss you so much, baby." Piper's tears were flowing freely and she took a moment to collect herself. "I can't imagine never hearing your voice, or seeing you smile or even looking at your eyes…so full of love. You'd never want us to keep on doing this…but its so hard…when you were gone…we promised you to keep going, but every minute we were all thinking of you…and now that you're gone forever…I don't even want to live, Pheebs. I love you, baby girl…I love you, Pheebs. You're finally the angel I always knew you were…I just hope you're watching us. Goodbye?quot; With a trembling hand, she brought the rose to her lips and kissed it tenderly. She placed it beside the one Prue had left, and slowly got to her feet and walked away.
Kevin stepped forward, holding a single red rose in his hand. "Oh Phoebe…I can't believe you're gone…forever. I feel so empty inside…You were everything to me…my reason for living. I thought I had everything…a good job, money, looks…but once you came into my life…you completed me…made me the happiest man on the face of the earth…yet today, with everything…I'm the saddest. You're a part of me, Phoebe…and now a part of my soul has died with you…I don't think I can even live without you…yet alone move on, which is what I know you want me to do. I fell in love with you in college…and even then I admired you strength, you courage and your compassion for everything…You threw yourself whole-heartedly into everything you did…even your job. That made you a damn good doctor…because you treat people not just because you get paid for it, but because you want them to feel better…you give them more than medicine. That's just you…Your sisters mean so much to you, that you'd do anything for them without a second thought…How can anyone love so much? I'm blessed beyond measure…to be your husband even for such a short time…and yet, I wish God didn't call his angel back so soon. You've left a gaping hole in my heart…one I know will never close. I love you…And I miss you so much…I'd give anything away…even my life…just to hold you again. The only thing that keeps me from giving up is…you never gave up on anything in life…no matter how hard…you refused to surrender, and you taught me that. I want to show you that…but I don't know how much longer I can hold on like that…I love you…I can't say goodbye…we'll meet again, somehow, somewhere?" Kevin pressed the soft rose petals to his lips, remembering the softness of her lips and the tenderness of her kiss, and that he'd never feel it again. He put the rose down, and walked away to his car. Resting his head on the roof, he cried hard, aching for the loss and the pain he knew his heart would forever carry. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to meet his mother's eyes. He hugged her tight and continued to cry, but for the first time in his life, his mother couldn't take away the pain he felt.
Price was next. She sniffed back the tears as she walked up to her twin's grave. She had hardly known her family for a month and yet, her heart felt very heavy. Life was so unfair. "Phoebe, if you're listening somewhere, I want…need you to know that I love you. I wish I said it before…I can't believe you're gone. I just found you. I can't help but feel guilty…it was me who's supposed to be gone, not you. You saved my life…and yet, you hardly know me…I don't even know what to say except I wish I could make things right…but I can't. I guess I'm lucky…luckier than Prue and Piper who have lost more…but why don't I feel that way? You're my twin…my other half…and you died to save my life…maybe I shouldn't have come back…then maybe you'd be alive…but its too late now…I miss you?quot; Price said softly placing a rose on the grave.
Leo kept his distance, but spoke softly towards the heavens. "This wasn't right…There are far too few wonderful people like you in this world…you shouldn't have left so soon. You know, the first time I met you…even though you were hitting on me big time, something told me that you weren't serious…and I was right. You were only doing it to pull Piper out of her shell?quot; Leo smiled ever so slightly at the memory. "Then, when you found out the truth…even the forbidden rule, and yet, you still encouraged me…I don't know how, but you seemed to know that somehow, we'd make it…and we did…because of you. You broke the news to Piper…you made her see past everything…you made sure I hung on even when Dan was in the picture…you made Piper realize her true feelings. I don't think we've ever thanked you for it…and now I hope its not too late…You had this amazing wisdom to know the fine difference between right and wrong…and you never failed to point it out. You're the strongest, most caring and compassionate person I've ever known in all my life, and that's a good hundred years. If they ever offer you a position as a whitelighter…I hope you take it…while most of our kind can only heal physical pain…you can do so much more with your heart…I love you Phoebe…as a friend, a sister and a person. There's so much more that you would've done for us and the world if only you had more time…Goodbye my friend…I miss you." Leo walked away as tears streamed down his face.
Bane looked around. He was the only one left. It was ironic, really. He had never seriously considered Phoebe as a friend, but today he found himself in tears. "You know, we never really got along…You didn't trust me…I don't blame you since I tried to kill you. But you had so much trust and faith in Prue, that you gave me a chance…You challenged me, and made me realize that I had a shot to prove myself. Even though I tried, I blew it a couple of times when I kidnapped Prue…something made you see that I was being honest…I never made an effort to tell you how much of a friend you are. You can see the good in people…I don't know how, but however small, you give it a chance…and I want to thank you for giving me a chance. We never really got along, but you trust me, and I trust you…You'd do anything for your sisters, even die for them, and you wouldn't even think about your safety…I admire that in you…anyone would. You deserve to be in a good place…Thank you, Phoebe." With one final glance at the grave, they family walked away with heavy hearts as the sun finally sunk below the horizon, leaving darkness before the sun would rise again the next morning. But for the group that was leaving the cemetery, each one of them knew that the sun would never again shine as brightly. There was darkness in their hearts and souls that would never lift, ever.