Disc. I don’t own any of them
Phoebe Halliwell sat alone in her room, flipping through an old photo album. The afternoon sun shone brightly through her window as she came across pictures of her and Piper, Piper and Prue, and then she came across a particular of her and Prue. It was a picture that Piper had taken of her and Prue sleeping in Prue's bed. Phoebe remembered that day when she saw the date on the back of the photo. 1985: She was 10. She had a nightmare the night before and ran into Prue's room and fell asleep there. She laughed at herself because she looked so funny in the picture sprawled all over the bed not leaving Prue any room.
*Flashback*
A ten-year-old Phoebe tossed and turned in her bed in the middle of the night. Her clock read 1:50 A.M. She finally jolted awake, panting and doused in perspiration. She threw her covers off her and jumped out of bed. The cold wood floor met her feet as she made her way out of the room.
She went to the only person who could take away the horrible images in her head. She opened the door to Prue's room and jumped on the bed shaking her.
"Prue! Prue! Wake up!"
Prue slowly came to as she tried to find the source of that voice. She rubbed her eyes as Phoebe's features became clear to her. "Phoebe? What's wrong?" She asked sitting up.
"I had a nightmare."
Prue reached over to her nightstand and turned on her lamp. It took awhile for her eyes to adjust. "You had a nightmare?" She said disbelieving. "Phoebe, you're 10. Nightmares shouldn't scare you anymore."
"I know but it seem so real. It was so scary."
"What happened?"
"Well it started out fine. You and me were just in the living room talking, then all of the sudden this guy comes in and grabbed you. He held a knife against your throat and killed you right in front of me."
"Wow what a graphic dream." Prue said mostly to herself.
"Prue!"
"Sorry. Look I'm fine. It was just a dream, it wasn’t real."
"Ok." she said not trusting her voice.
"Do you think you can go back to bed?"
"Yeah." Prue was about to turn off the light when she noticed Phoebe wasnt moving.
"What's wrong?"
"Can I sleep here tonight?" She asked timidly.
Prue looked into her sister's eyes and saw the fear in them. "That dream really scared you, didn’t it?" Phoebe just nodded. Prue held her arms out for Phoebe. "Come here." Phoebe crawled into Prue's arms and put her arms around her neck. "I'm right here, Phoebe. I'm not going anywhere." She said as she rubbed her back. She helped Phoebe get settled in next to her as she put the blanket around the both of them. "You're not going to kick me are you?" She asked knowing full well that Phoebe kicked when she slept. Phoebe giggled.
"No I wont."
"Good." Prue reached over and turned off the light. She was about to fall asleep when Phoebe said something.
"Prue?"
"Yeah?"
"Will you be here when I wake up?"
"I'm always going to be here, Phoebe." She stated as simply as possible. "Whether you like it or not. I'll always be here..."
*Present*
"But you're not." Phoebe closed the album as a single tear fell on the photo. She stared out the window and let the brillance of the warm sun take over her.
"Why aren't you here now?"
Phoebe got herself together after she heard a knock on her door. "Who is it?"
"It's me." Piper's voice came in from outside the door. Phoebe took a quick glance in the mirror to see if it looked like she was crying.
"Come in." Piper opened the door and walked in. She could tell that Phoebe was crying.
"Hey, what are you doing in here? It's a nice day."
"Oh I was just...reading." She lied. Piper looked around and notice that there was no book but the photo album that Phoebe was trying desperately to hide, but it way too obvious.
"Oh, um Paige's outside in the backyard. She has her easel and paints out, painting the garden. Why dont you join her."
"Ok." Piper eyed her suspiciously.
"Ok, I'm gonna go make lunch." Piper left utterly confused trying to figure out Phoebe.
Phoebe picked herself up and made her way outside to the backyard. She found Paige, smock on, doing a great job painting the garden.
"Hey Phoebs," Paige greeted. Phoebe smiled at her.
"That's really good." She complimented.
"Thanks. Would you do me a favor and put clean water in this?" Paige handed Phoebe a cup with paint water in it. She took it and made her way to where the hose was. She was about to turn on the faucet when she started giggling.
"What's so funny?" Paige asked confused.
"Oh I was just remembering a time when I was 10. We came home from school and I got a crazy idea and grabbed the hose. I started spraying Prue. She got so mad but it was hilarious." She started laughing but all the sudden started crying. "I'm sorry." Phoebe ran back inside the house just as Piper was about to go outside.
Piper, really confused at this point, asked Paige what was going on. "What happened?"
Paige herself was even more confused. "I have no clue. One minute I was asking her to get me some water then she started telling a story when she was ten, then she just started crying. I dont know whats wrong with her."
"I saw her crying when I went to her room. I wonder if that fits in."
"Well I for one want to figure out." She took off her smock and followed Piper inside the house looking for Phoebe.
Phoebe went into the attic and took the Book of Shadows. She sat on one of the old chairs and started flipping. She had no idea what she was looking for but she had to find something. She stopped at a spell entitled:
Nostalgia.
To long for something in the past. To seek what you want say these words.
Phoebe started saying the spell out of pure instinct. Just as she said the last word, Piper and Paige came in the attic. They were about to say something when golden lights enveloped all three of them. They disappeared and reappeared again. They were still in the attic but this time there was a woman there with them. The woman gasped as she saw them. Then she realized who they were.
"What are you doing here, again?"
"Uh oh." Was all Phoebe said.
Piper and Paige looked at the surroundings and at the woman.
"Phoebe?" Piper said angrily. "What the hell are we doing back in the past?!?!"
"We're in the past?" Paige asked confused.
"Well it's nice to see you again also." The woman said from her spot in the attic.
"Oh we're sorry Grams, it's just we have no idea why we're here." Piper glared at Phoebe who hasnt said anything at this point. Grams also looked at her too.
Phoebe just realized that everyone was staring at her except Paige because she was too stunned that she was in the past. "I accidently said a spell a boom we were here. And by the way it was suppose to only work on me but you guys came in the attic."
"What spell did you cast?" Grams asked.
"Um I dont remember." Phoebe lied. She didnt want to go back just yet.
"YOU DONT REMEMBER?!?!" Piper screamed.
"We're in the past?" Paige still asked trying to grasp the concept.
"Yes Paige we're in the past!" Piper said annoyed.
"Paige?" Grams said confused. "Paige." She walked over to her and gave her a hug. Paige was surprised by the hug.
"Um ok Grams."
"You called me Grams."
"Well you told me to remember." Grams just had confused look on her face. Piper elbowed Paige. "Ow! Piper what was that for?" Piper gave her a warning look.
"Oh where's Prue?" The sound of her name made Phoebe remember why she was there in the first place.
"Oh Grams she's um..." Phoebe started
"Out of town!" Piper interupted. Everyone looked at her. "She was out of town for a trip and she wasnt here when we cast the spell." Piper lied through teeth. She couldnt tell Grams anything about the future. She knew it would alter it.
"Oh ok. So you guys finally found out that you had another sister. It must have been really overwhelming."
"You could say that."
"Ok so since you guys are going to be staying here for a while, why dont we go downstairs and wait for your younger selves to come home from school." They made there way downstairs and into the kitchen.
Piper walked beside Phoebe and started to question her. "Phoebe, why did you cast that spell?"
Phoebe looked down. She didnt want to tell Piper that shes been really missing Prue lately and she cast that spell to see her again. "I dont know Piper." They sat at the kitchen table as they waited for the younger them to return from school.
"Oh first, you guys need new names, probably except Paige."
"Oh ok um, I'll be....Jenny." Piper said.
"Jenny?" Paige laughed but only received a slap on the arm from Piper.
"Ok then I'll be...hmm...Eve."
"Eve? Thats a pretty name. Ok so you girls are friends of mine from LA who need a place to stay but dont know for how long."
{YEAH THEY'LL BE CALLED BY THOSE NAMES FROM NOW ON}
"Ok." They agreed. "Grams by the way what year is this?" Jenny asked.
"1985." Eve's eyes were about to fill with tears again when she heard yelling outside.
"Phoebe! You little brat come here!" Ten-year-old Phoebe ran inside the house only to be stopped Grams. She realized there was company in the house.
"Oh sorry Grams, I didnt know we had guests."
"You shouldnt be running in the first place." Paige almost 'AWed' when she saw little Phoebe. Just then, a soaked to the bone 15 year old Prue came inside, followed by a 13 year old laughing Piper.
"Phoebe!" Prue stop short when she saw the strangers. "Oh sorry." Piper also stopped laughing and got shy when she saw the strangers too.
"Prudence, why are you all wet?"
Prue glared at Phoebe who was smiling. "Well your little angel though it would be funny to spray me with the hose."
"Phoebe." Grams said sternly.
"What? It was a joke." Eve almost laughed when she saw her younger self and Prue.
"Nevermind, Girls I would like you to meet a few friends of mine." Paige, Jenny, and Eve stood up. "This is Jenny, Eve, and Paige. They will be staying with us for a little while so behave."
Prue was the first to introduce herself. She took a towel and wiped her wet hands. "Hi I'm Prue." She extended her hand to Paige, then Jenny, then Eve. When she shook Eve's, she couldnt help looking in her eyes. She didnt know why did this woman reminded her so of Phoebe.
"Nice to meet you." Eve said. She too looked into her eyes. How she missed those blue eyes. Jenny noticed this, then hit her.
Was this the reason she cast that spell?
Music Note: Billy Joel
Eve finally let go Prue's hand as she introduced the rest of her sisters.
"These are my younger sisters. Piper." She pointed to Piper who waved timidly. "And Phoebe." Phoebe gave them a huge smile.
"This is Jenny and Paige." Eve pointed out. "They're my sisters too.
"Thats so cool!" Phoebe commented. "3 sisters just like us. So what are you guys doing here in the first place?"
"Phoebe!" Prue scolded. "Don't be rude."
That's Prue for you, Jenny thought.
"No it's ok." Jenny said. "We in flew in from LA for vaction and we needed a place to stay. We're really good friends with your Grams."
"Ohhh."
"Why dont you girls get cleaned up especially you Prue and we'll have something to eat." Grams suggested.
Phoebe made a run for her room bur Prue was close behind. Piper followed and smiled at the sisters as she felt more comfortable when Jenny was standing there. She didnt know why but she did.
Eve could here running and yelling from the other room and slipped out of the kitchen to see what was going on. Paige and Jenny didnt notice.
"Awww 'Jenny' you were so cute when you were young. So was 'Eve' she's sooo adorable." Paige commented.
"She was also a pain. By the way where is she?"
Eve saw Prue chasing Phoebe around the living room when Prue finally got a hold of her and lifted her up. She brought her to the couch pinning her down and tickling her.
"Prue stop!" She said between laughs. "I'm sorry I sprayed you!" Prue smiled as she held her sister down.
"I will if you agree to do all my chores for the next week."
"Ok Ok!" Prue stopped tickling Phoebe and just lifted her up. "AH Prue you're getting me wet!"
"That's your fault." She put her over her shoulder and ran upstairs. Eve was near breakdown at this point. She missed Prue sooo much and it hurt to see the memories that she will never relive with Prue in the present since Prue was dead. Jenny and Paige found her in the living room staring at the spot where Prue and Phoebe were.
"There you are. We were wondering where you went. Eve we have to figure out a way to get home." Eve didnt say anything. "Eve?"
"Yeah we do." She got up and walked away.
"We have to figure out what's wrong with her." Paige said.
"Isnt it obvious by now? Paige she misses Prue."
A realization hit Paige finally. "Oh. I knew that."
"Well we have to figure out spell she cast so we can reverse it. But in the mean time we have to stay here. You'll get to see what it was like for us to grow up."
"I always wanted to. Meeting Prue was pretty overwhelming for me too." Jenny looked at her sister and realize this must be hard for her too. She put her arm around her.
***
At dinner, there was much conversation. Piper who was usually quiet talked so much with Jenny. Phoebe kept on asking Paige how she got her hair to turn red. Prue was just making sure Phoebe didnt say anything rude, and Eve was quiet. She watched Prue the whole time savoring the moments she had with her. When dinner was over, everyone retired to their rooms. The three of them go the guest room. Eve couldnt sleep so she went downstairs in the kitchen and made herself some tea. She was in a deep thought that she didnt even notice Prue come in.
"Oh hey Eve." Eve looked up and smiled at Prue.
"Hey. Couldnt sleep?"
"No." She took a seat across from her.
"You look exhausted. I'd imagine you'd be asleep right now."
"That's just my Phoebe exhaustion. That girl always keeps me on my heals." Eve laughed.
"She's quite a handfull isnt she?"
"Yeah but she's my baby so I can handle it. I'm just happy that she's still 10. When she turns 13 it's gonna be hell."
"You do a great job in taking care of her."
"You think so?" Prue looked at Eve. "I feel like sometimes I cant give her what she wants. I know she needs a mom but I'm her sister."
"I think she'll understand that." Knowing full well what will happen between their relationship.
"Maybe but right now I'm just happy she's still young."
"Prue?" A small voice said. Prue turned around to see a half awake/half asleep Pheobe.
"Pheobe what are you doing out of bed?" Phoebe climbed on Prue's lap and laid her head on her shoulder.
"I had another nightmare and I woke up and went to your room and you werent there."
"Oh I'm sorry, I'm right here." Eve was about to cry again seeing her younger self and Prue. "I'm gonna take her back to bed. I'll see you tomorrow." She told Eve. Prue carried Phoebe upstairs to her room and tucked her in. She didnt know it but Eve followed her and stood outside the doorway watching the scene.
"Promise that you'll always be here."
"I promise Phoebe."
"Prue will you sing me a song so I'll fall asleep?" Phoebe asked quietly. Prue was a little hesitant at first but she knew it was the only way to get her to go to sleep.
"Ok." She cleared her throat and started singing softly. She didnt have the greatest voice but to Phoebe it sounded like heaven. "Goodnight my angel time to close your eyes. And save these questions for another day. I think I know what you've been asking me. I think you know what I've been trying to say. I promise I will never leave you and you should always know wherever you may go no matter where you are I never will be far away. Goodnight my angel now it's time to sleep and still so many things I want to say. Remember all the songs you sang for me. When we went sailing on an emrald bay. And like a boat out on the ocean, I'm rocking you to sleep. The waters dark and deep inside this ancient heart you'll always be a part of me. Goodnight my angel now it's time to dream and dream how wonderful your life will be. Someday your child may cry and if you sing this lullaby then in your heart there will always be a part of me. Someday we'll all be gone but lullabys go on and on. They never die that's how you and I will be."
Phoebe was fast asleep when Prue finished her song. She stood up and kissed her on the forehead and walked towards the door. She noticed Eve standing there who looked really sad as if that song brought back memories.
"Hey, I didnt know you were standing there."
"Yeah um, sorry I didnt mean to eavesdrop or anything." She tried her best to hold her tears in.
"No No it's ok." She looked at Eve who looked like she was about to cry. "Hey, are you ok?" She asked cautiously.
"Yeah I'm fine. It's just that song...that was really beautiful."
"Oh yeah. I always sing that song to Phoebe when she can't sleep. She's been having these nightmares lately that I'm gonna leave her because for some reason, I seem to always be dying in her dreams. I just want her to know that I'm not going anywhere and I'll never leave her and I think that song just sums it up."
Eve remembered that song like it was yesterday. Hearing Prue sing it almost drove her to the edge. She was about to
breakdown right in front of her. "I'm going to bed so I'll see you tomorrow."
"Ok." Prue didnt know why but she had this strong urge to hug Eve. Eve took it by surprise when Prue wrapped her arms around her neck pulling her into a hug. She laid her chin on Prue's shoulder and closed her eyes. That's when her tears escaped. She quickly wiped them away and headed for the guest room.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Eve walked into the room and saw her two sister fast asleep on the bed. She sat on the window seat and stared out into the sky. The stars were out and the waning moon shone bright. She took a deep breath trying to think of what will tomorrow hold.
Will my sisters find out what spell I cast and then we'll be sent back home?
***
Jenny woke up and saw Eve at the window seat. It look like she fell asleep there. She slowly walked up to her and shook her awake. Eve opened her eyes and was met by the warm brown eyes of her sister.
"Hey." She said sleepily.
"Hey. Eve we need to talk."
Eve knew it what was coming and she tried her best to avoid it. "Where's Paige?" She asked trying to change the subject.
"She's downstairs eating breakfast. We have to talk, Phoebe so stop trying to change the subject."
"Piper! What if someone hears you call me that?"
"Everyone's downstairs and I don't really care right now. So do you want to tell me what's been bothering you?"
Phoebe looked down trying to avoid her sister's stare.
"Phoebe?"
"Nothings bothering me." She said quietly.
"Really? Because we're back in the past from the result of the spell you casted. I may not be the smartest person in the world but that kinda tells me that somethings wrong. So please tell me, Phoebe. What's wrong?"
She looked in Piper's eyes and saw the worry in them. She remained silent.
"Do you miss, Prue?" She broke eye contact with her when she mentioned her name. "I knew it Phoebe. Why didnt you tell me? We could have dealt with it together, instead of ending up here."
"You don't understand."
"I don't understand?" She said a bit hurt.
"No. You can never understand what I'm feeling right now, Piper. I hurt so much and being here is making the pain ease a little." Her tears started up again. They seem to never go away. "I want to stay."
"What?"
"I want to stay. I don't want to go back."
"Phoebe you can't. You cannot alter history."
"Watch me. You don't understand what I'm feeling in my heart."
"Of course I understand." Piper said her voice starting to rise.
"How would you know?! You don't know what I'm feeling right now. How could you possibly understand?"
"BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO LOST HER!!" Piper screamed. She too, had tears running down her face. "I lost her too. How dare you say I don't understand?" She said in an angry whisper. "If you stay here, it will be the most selfish thing you'll ever do. And I will NEVER forgive you."
Piper left the room leaving a very taken back Phoebe. She knew she was being selfish but right now she didn't really care. Her feelings were getting the best of her and she didn't care if she hurt Piper. All she wanted was Prue back.
Jenny went downstairs and entered the kitchen. The sound of laughter greeted her as she saw Piper and Phoebe laughing with Paige. "Good morning." She announced though her morning wasnt so good.
"Good morning Jenny!" Phoebe said cheerfully. Jenny looked at Phoebe and remembered growing up that she could never could stay mad at her. This time is was different. Eve was going to change history by staying here.
"Grams I'm going to the fair with Andy today." Prue said.
"Can I come?" Phoebe asked eagerly.
"No."
"Why not?" She whined.
"Because I dont want my annoying little sister tagging along."
"I'm not annoying! Grams!" Grams winced at the sound of her voice.
"Phoebe sweetie you can't go with Prue." Prue gave her a "thank you" look.
"Why?"
"Don't worry Phoebs, you can go with me." Piper suggested.
Phoebe smiled widely. "I always knew you were my favorite sister."
"Whatever."
Eve came in the kitchen and Jenny avoided her.
"Eve, we're going to the fair you wanna come?" Phoebe asked.
"No it's ok I think I'll just stay here."
"Oh by all means go." Jenny interceded. Paige saw the tension between her two sisters and wondered what was going on.
"Ok." She hesitantly agreed.
"Yay! See Prue, Eve's going with us and we're going to have a lot more fun than you and Andy."
"Ok Phoebe." She said as she headed for the door. "I'll see you guys later!" She met Andy at the end of the driveway.
"We are!" Phoebe called out.
"Girls why don't you get ready." Grams said. Piper and Phoebe bounded for the stairs.
"I think I'll get ready too."
"Wait Ph- Eve, I think I figured out my spell you casted. I can reverse by the time you guys get back from the fair and you'll be home in no time."
"Ok." Was all she said as she went back upstairs. Jenny had an angry look on her face as she she watched Eve ascend the stairs.
"What's wrong?" Grams asked.
"Yeah what is wrong?" Paige also said.
"It's nothing." Paige looked at her skeptically but Grams dimissed it.
"Well I better get working on that spell. You two can help if you're not doing anything today."
"We'll be right there Grams." Grams nodded and went to the attic.
"Ok so do you really want to tell me what's wrong?"
Jenny was too busy thinking that she didnt hear Paige.
"Piper?" Her head shot up.
"Jenny." She corrected.
"Whatever Jenny, what's wrong?"
Jenny avoided Paige's eyes. How can she tell Paige that Eve wanted to stay and in doing so, Paige not be with them in the present?
Eve was dragged around everywhere by Piper and Phoebe. They pulled her to all the rides from the Zipper to the Tilt a Whirl. The last ride she almost lost her breakfast. Phoebe just pulled her to the Fun House Maze when she stopped her.
"Whoa, Phoebe. Can we take a little break? I don't have as much energy as a 10 year old."
"Come on, just this one then we'll take a break."
"Phoebe, let her sit down. We can go later." Piper said. Phoebe began to pout and stomped her foot.
"I want to go now!"
"Phoebe! Don't act like so rude. Eve is our guest. You should know better than this."
Eve watched as the two sisters conversed. She always listened to Piper no matter what. She would never listen to Prue but she always did what Piper said. This time she wasn't listening to her and she decided to re-think her decision. What would happen if I stayed? She thought.
"I'm sorry, Eve. I was being selfish." Phoebe apologized. Eve smiled at her. She looked so cute.
"Don't worry about it. I was 10 once." Phoebe smiled at her as Eve ruffled her hair. "Why don't you go ahead in the maze and Piper and I will catch up."
"Ok!" Phoebe dashed into the maze leaving Eve laughing.
"Hey I'm sorry about her behavior. She doesnt usually act that way." Piper apologized.
"No it's ok. I was exactly like her when I was her age." Piper smiled and she suddenly became uncomfortable. She has always been the shy one and now she was alone with a person she barely knew. "You don't talk much, do you?"
"What?" She asked confused.
"I mean you're very quiet compared to Prue and Phoebe."
"I get that a lot. I dont know it's just I've never been that comfortable meeting new people. No offense or anything"
"Oh none taken. You remind me a lot like Jenny. She was like that too."
"Really?"
"Yeah and that's why I think you two hit it off so well. You two have so much in common."
"I like Jenny. She seems so cool. She's so nice too. She seems so understanding."
"Yeah she is." She had a moment of realization. Piper has always been understanding. She was right, I am being selfish, she thought. She couldn't stay here. Not at the expense of the ruining the present or her relationship with her sister.
***
"Piper please tell me what's wrong?" Paige asked with concern.
"It's Jenny, Paige."
"Whatever, no one's here. Would you please stop changing the subject and tell me what's wrong?" She said frustrated.
"It's nothing. I'm just worried about Phoebe." It wasnt a complete lie.
"Oh. Do you think she can handle all this. I mean being back here and everything?"
"I dont know. She won't talk to me." She didnt want to tell Paige what Phoebe told her. Grams walked in spell in hand.
"I got it!" She announced. "Phoebe must have cast the Nostalgia spell. I just wrote a revearsal. We'll just wait for Phoebe to return from the fair and you girls can leave tonight." Grams looked at Piper and Paige to see their reactions. They seemed almost sad about going home. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Piper said immediately. "We're ready, it's just what will we tell the girls. I mean we're going to literally disappear."
"I'll just tell them that you found another place to stay and you'll be gone before the morning." They both just nodded. "I was just wondering. Why did Phoebe cast the Nostalgia spell?"
Both sisters heads shot up. Piper was the first one to speak. "Um, I think she did by accident. You know Phoebe, always messing something up."
"But earlier she told me that the spell was only suppose to work on her. She intended to cast that spell on her."
"Who knows?" She fibbed. "Phoebe is so unpredictable."
"Grams we're home!" Prue announced from the foyer. Prue, Piper, and Eve walked into the room. Phoebe was asleep in Prue's arms.
"Prue I thought for sure Andy was going to take you home."
"He had to leave early, so I went home with Eve."
"I see Phoebe had a busy day." She noticed Phoebe sleeping.
"She fell asleep on the way home. You should have seen her at the fair. Piper and I could barely keep up with her." Eve said.
"Why don't you two put her to bed and come back downstairs. I need to talk to you girls." Grams said to Piper and Prue. They both went upstairs. Eve had a confused look on her face. She joined her two sisters on the couch. She sat next to Paige because she knew Jenny was still mad at her.
"What's up Grams?" She asked.
"Well as I told Piper and Paige, I wrote a spell to send you home. We can cast it tonight."
Piper looked at Phoebe to watch her reaction. She was surprised when she saw she didn't even blink.
Phoebe took in the information very slowly. It's now or never, she thought. She saw Piper take a quick glance over her. She wanted to see my reaction. Should I stay or should I go?
"Phoebe?" Grams interupted her thoughts.
"Yeah?"
"Did you hear what I said?"
"I did. It's just what are we going to tell the little us?"
Great she's stalling, Piper thought.
"Well as I told Piper and Paige, when they come back down we're going to tell them that you found a new place to stay and you'll be leaving tonight. We'll wait for them to go to bed and we'll cast the spell in the attic." She explained.
"Ok." Grams gave her a confused look. I thought they would be thrilled going back home. What's going on with these three?
Ptue and Piper walked back downstairs and entered the living room. "Phoebe's out cold. She had one hell of a day. So what did you want to talk about?"
"Well the girls found a new place to stay and they will be leaving tonight."
"So soon?" Piper said. Jenny stood up and went to Piper.
"Yeah, we're sorry. We wish we could stay but we have to get going."
"Ok." She was obviously sadden by the thought. She made a new friend and now she was leaving. She hugged her. "Will you visit?" Jenny looked at her sisters.
"Um, we'll try." They said their good-byes and told them to tell little Phoebe. When Eve went up to hug Prue, she didnt know what her decision was.
"Well it was fun meeting you." Prue hugged Eve and Eve didnt want to let go. She savored the last second she had. They finally pulled away and Prue went upstairs along with Piper.
She was having an inner battle with herself. She didnt know what to do. She watched Prue and Piper ascend the stairs probably to tell Phoebe they we're leaving. She could feel the stares of Jenny and Paige as her back was faced to them. She turned around and looked at Jenny. She had an unreadable face. She didnt know if she was mad or sad. Then she looked at Paige. She had an innocent look like the first time she met her. Wait, if I stay that means I might have never met Paige. What the hell was I thinking?! I cant just stay and mess up history. It was meant to be this way and I cant cheat it or change it. What kind of person am I?
"Maybe we should get the spell ready." They all followed Grams to the attic. Eve was the last one to enter. She closed the door and took a stand by the Book of Shadows. "Oh I'll be right back I need some more herbs from the kitchen. Paige will you please help me?"
"Sure." Knowing full well Piper and Phoebe needed to talk. They exited the attic leaving Piper and Phoebe to talk. At first both of them avoided each other. Then Phoebe decided to take a leap of faith. "Piper I know you're angry with me but you have to understand-"
"Understand?" She almost screamed. "Phoebe, you tell me you want to stay in the past and screw up history and you want me to 'understand' that."
"I know I was being selfish, but it took me a while to realize it. I know I cant change the past and I was an idiot thinking I could. I'm not staying. I just have to learn to let go of Prue." She looked down trying to stop the tears that threatened to escape.
"I'm not asking you to let go of Prue." Her voice was more sympathtic. "I just dont know why you didnt go to me in the first place. We could have avoided this whole mess."
"I dont know why I didnt. I just didnt feel like weighing all of this on you. You have so much to worry about right now, with the baby and everything."
"Yeah but I still have time for my sister. You have to know that, I'm here for you no matter what." She went over to hug Phoebe. "Are you ready to go home now?" Phoebe nodded. Grams and Paige walked back in with everything they needed.
"You girls ready?" She was still confused of what was going on, but she decided to leave it alone. She didnt want to know the real reason they were back in the past. They put the spell together and Grams gave them the spell to recite.
We've seen what we wanted to see
We've done what we wanted to do
Now bring us back to our home so true
With these words and with this rhyme
Bring us back to our rightful time
Golden light surrounded them once more and they were gone. They reappeared back in the attic.
"Home Sweet Home!" Paige said. Phoebe looked around. They were back. Back to the present, back to the demons and warlocks and back home with no Prue.
"Yeah, home sweet home."
Phoebe lay in her bed later that night. The sun had just set and the first stars were appearing. Piper and Paige went on with their original routines acting like nothing ever happened. They both went to the club leaving her alone to get some closure. Phoebe listened to the cars outside as they passed by the house. She was trying to indulge in the peace that nature had given her but she couldn’t. She couldn’t stop thinking about the past. She had Prue back for those brief 2 days and then she lost her again. She knew she couldn’t stay but she wanted to so much. She picked up the photo album that she was looking at before they went back to the past and started flipping through it again.
“This is useless.” She said to the photo album as she slammed it shut. “This isnt going to make me feel better. It’s just gonna make me wish that I never came back.” She put the album under her bed and laid back down. She stared at her ceiling almost willing it to give her some answers, but exhaustion consumed her and she drifted off to sleep.
“Do you think Phoebe is going to be ok?” Paige asked Piper.
“Yeah she will. She just needs some time to sort all this out. She was having a hard time, you know seeing Prue again and everything. She’ll be ok. Just give her some time.”
“If you’re sure.” Piper handed her some drinks to serve to the customers. “Aw Piper I came here to have fun not to work.”
“No, you told me you would help me, now go and serve.” She shooed Paige away receiving a dirty look from her. Piper laughed. She hoped that Phoebe would be ok and that she won’t have anymore ideas of going back.
***
Phoebe felt a hand caress her cheek and she slowly opened her eyes. She was expecting to see the brown eyes of Piper, instead she saw the bright, ocean blue eyes of her oldest sister.
“Prue?”
“Yeah it’s me.” Phoebe immediately pulled her into a hug making sure she was real.
“Am I dreaming?” She asked through tears still not letting go.
“No you’re not dreaming. I cheated and I sneaked away from ‘them’ so I can see you.” Phoebe pulled away and looked at Prue.
“You sneaked out?” She almost laughed.
“Yeah I snuck out so I cant stay long because they will eventually find out.” Phoebe hugged her again.
“I miss you so much.”
“Yeah I saw that little stunt you pulled going back to the past.” She looked into Phoebe’s eyes. “You have to know that I meant what I said back then.”
“What?” She asked slightly confused.
“That I’ll always be here for you. That never changed and I never broke my promise. I’m always here Phoebe, even if you don’t see me.”
“It’s not good enough. I want you here. With me.”
Prue didn’t know what to say. She looked at her heartbroken little sister and took her in her arms. Then she came up with something. “Phoebe close your eyes.” Phoebe looked at her stangely. “Trust me.” She closed her eyes. “Do you feel me?” Phoebe didn’t know how to answer that question.
“Yes.” She answered trying to figure out where Prue was getting at.
“Everytime you feel scared or alone, close your eyes and I’ll be there.” Phoebe opened her eyes and looked into Prues.
“Promise?”
“Always. And remember you also have Piper and Paige.” She smiled at her. “I have to go now.” She said as she stood up.
“Prue wait.” Prue sat back down. “Will you sing to me until I fall asleep?” Prue let out a tear as she answered Phoebe’s request.
“Sure.” Phoebe laid back down as Prue tucked her in. She closed her eyes as Prue sang her the lullaby she sang to her so many years ago.
Goodnight my angel time to close your eyes. And save these questions for another day. I think I know what you've been asking me. I think you know what I've been trying to say. I promise I will never leave you and you should always know wherever you may go no matter where you are I never will be far away. Goodnight my angel now it's time to sleep and still so many things I want to say. Remember all the songs you sang for me. When we went sailing on an emrald bay. And like a boat out on the ocean, I'm rocking you to sleep. The waters dark and deep inside this ancient heart you'll always be a part of me. Goodnight my angel now it's time to dream and dream how wonderful your life will be. Someday your child may cry and if you sing this lullaby then in your heart there will always be a part of me. Someday we'll all be gone but lullabys go on and on. They never die that's how you and I will be.
“I love you.” Prue said as she kissed the sleeping Phoebe on the forehead. She stood up and golden lights surrounded her. Then she was gone.
“I love you, too.”
THE END
Mucic Note: Billy Joel