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June 1, 2004
Paige took a deep breath and looked over at her mother lying in the hospital bed. They had only let the girls come in five minutes ago and Piper still had to go to the doctor. Paige looked up as Phoebe came in. Phoebe sighed, "Jason is going after Prue. I can't find Dad anywhere." Paige moved over to Piper and tried to stay close to her. Piper nodded. "That's fine; apparently he doesn't want to be found. The nurse kept asking me about him." Piper said. "Piper what's taking the doctor so long to come talk to us?" Paige asked in a shaky voice. "I don't know sweetie, he's coming though," Piper assured her. "Remember we are Halliwells, we are all very stubborn women," Piper said trying to break some of the tension. Paige nodded, "We have to find Pollux." Phoebe shook her head and rolled her eyes. Piper glared at her. "We will Paige, we're going to eventually, but we need Prue to do that," Piper tried to reason. Paige looked at her sister, "Why do we need Prue to find Pollux?" "Because Prue has Thomas's number and the way to contact Pollux is through Thomas and the way to contact him is through Prue," Piper explained. Paige sighed. "I wish you'd wake up, Mom," Paige whispered. Phoebe shook her head, "It's better she sleeps until we know what's wrong with her." Phoebe watched as a doctor came in. He smiled at the girls and indicated he would be with them in just a minute. He stood at the base of Patti's bed for a few minutes, doing something with her feet and making notations on his chart. Phoebe looked at Piper, "What is he doing?" she whispered. Piper shrugged and waited for the doctor to finish. "Ladies, I'm Dr. Oberman, I'm your mother's doctor for now. What I would like to do is talk with all of you. The touching of your mother's foot is to check for reflexes and any nerve damage," he explained. "Doctor, please just tell us flat out," Phoebe pressed. "I'm sorry to tell you this, girls, but your mother is paralyzed," he said solemnly. Paige put her face in Piper's shoulder. Phoebe could have been knocked over with a feather. Piper took a deep breath, "You're sure?" "Yes I am very sure," he explained. "I'm sorry to say it so bluntly to you, but over the years I've found flat out works best. Now; that being said. I need to know how many children there are and when you are all going to be here, because it is my recommendation that you all speak to a therapist," he offered kindly. Piper took a deep breath, "Five. The oldest is on her way here now . . . we have to find the youngest." Phoebe shook her head, "We're the middle ones," she supplied with a blank, disbelieving look on her face. Piper looked up, "Dr. Oberman is it from the neck down or . . . or . . ." Piper didn't seem to be able to finish her question. "No....no...it's from the waist down," he supplied. Piper took a deep breath and tried to think of the questions she should ask. Phoebe looked at him, "It's temporary, right? One day after lots of hard work, she'll be able to walk again?"
"I'm sorry miss, the answer is no, your mother is permanently paralyzed from the waist down," the doctor informed her. He saw the girls' faces fall and sighed. "Ladies, we really need to get you all to a therapist, someone to talk with and get your frustrations out with," he said. Piper held Paige close and looked up at the doctor. "When is she going to wake up?" Piper asked. "That's hard to predict, it could be any . . ." the doctor stopped as the door opened. "Piper? Piper, they said you three were in here." Prue saw her mother lying in the hospital bed surrounded by machines with tubes connected to her and she put a hand to her mouth, "Mom?" she whispered. Phoebe quickly moved to Prue. "It's not so bad if you pretend she's sleeping," Phoebe tried. She was very relieved that Prue was here now, because once she thought Prue was good, she could fall apart like she’d been wanting to do for a while now. She took her sister's hand and led her over to Piper and Paige. "Prue," Piper said as she hugged her sister. "This is Doctor Oberman," she said. "He's been very good with Mom," Piper stressed. Prue cleared her throat and went into overprotective, oldest child mode. It was how she coped. "How bad?" "She's paralyzed," Piper said gently. "From the waist down, permanently," she said softly, and every word caused Paige to swallow a sob. "We need to find Pollux," she said trying to remain calm. Prue closed her eyes, "Dr. Oberman, could you . . ." He nodded, "Of course, you four need time alone. I'll be back to check on her soon." Prue waited until he left, "Finding Pollux is not necessary." "Yes it is, she is just as much Mom's daughter as the rest of us!" Paige sobbed. She was trying to be angry and firm, but the news of her mother's paralysis was too much for her. "Prue now is not the time to argue about that," Piper said quickly. "We are all on edge, we do not need to argue right now."
Prue shrugged, "Fine. I have no idea where she is anyway. I guess we'll have to wait for her to resurface." Paige shook her head, "No. Piper, when is the last time you saw her? It's been awhile for me." "When Hemi died, Prue, you need to call Thomas, Pollux needs to be here," Piper pressed. Phoebe shook her head, "Why? So she can breeze through and leave again? No! Prue is right; we don't need to find her." "She is a daughter, just like the rest of us, at the very least she deserves to know!" Paige yelled, keeping her sobs under control long enough to say what she had to. Prue shook her head, "Paige, I have no idea how to find her. I haven't had Thomas's number in years. It's impossible." "Prue, you have cell phone bills that you keep, you keep everything, and if you for some reason don't have them, then you have your cop boyfriend get some records, but we need to find her and tell her," Piper said sternly. Prue shook her head, "You want to find her, you do this crusade on your own. I'll wait until she shows up and Mom is in a wheelchair and she can feel guilty." Paige turned and smacked her. "SHUT UP!" she yelled angrily as she punched her on the shoulder. "That is your sister, and if you say that and mean it you are just as bad as him!" Paige yelled as she hit her one more time and walked out of the room. Piper sighed and looked at Prue. "I know how you feel, we all know, but you honestly don't think Pollux deserves to know?" Piper glared at her. Prue sighed, "You want to find her, go ahead. I'm more interested in what Paige meant." Prue followed Paige out of the room.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Pollux sat up shaking in a cold sweat. She looked down at the small cub that had rolled from her chest to her lap when she sat up. Rangi looked up at her and meowed intently at her owner. Even she knew something was not right with the person that was she was coming to call mom. Pollux fought for breath, "Something isn't right." Ahora looked up from her cot. "Pepe?" she asked. Pollux shook her head, got up and began throwing things in her bag and changing her clothes. Within minutes, she had the pack on her shoulder, and was kneeling next to Rangi with the new bag she had bought on her layover in California from New Orleans. She had also picked up permits for Rangi then as well. Pollux looked at Rangi, "I know you don't like the bag, baby, but you gotta go in. I'll only zip the mesh part, can't have you smothering," Pollux gently picked up the cub and started putting her in the bag. She still hadn't answered Ahora. "Shall I call Matua?" Ahora asked her kindly. Rangi knew something was wrong, so she gave Pollux no trouble. Pollux zipped the mesh and knelt next to Ahora's cot. "Don't wake him. Tell him in the morning. I have to go. I . . . have . . . I guess now we know why I got those permits when I was in California, huh?" Ahora nodded and gave Pollux a quick kiss to her cheek. "Be safe Pepe," Ahora said kindly. Pollux nodded and picked up Rangi's bag. "I'll still visit, I promise. It just may be awhile before I make it back and I may not be able to stay as long. I love you, Ahora." Pollux headed out of the hut. "We all love you too," Ahora called after her and with that Pollux was on her way.
June 3, 2004 – 2:37pm
Phoebe threw her keys down on the counter and looked around. She was okay until she realized that nothing was ever going to be the same again. Her mother would never again walk down the staircase or through the kitchen. Phoebe leaned her head on the counter to collect her thoughts and that's when she saw the slip of paper lying on the counter. Phoebe picked up the note and began to read.
"Dearest Patti. I have left, I can no longer stay here. We will work on this. I'm giving you space to cool off and calm down from your ridiculous accusations. I'll be at my brother's house until this all blows over, Love, Sam," she read.
"He's gone?" she asked as she tried to read over the note again. Phoebe couldn't believe what she was reading. She must have read it ten times. She then rushed up the stairs, took the quickest shower of her life, ran back down, picked up the note, and bolted out the door and into the car. She drove as fast as she could and was even pulled over by the police. "Oh this is so not good," Phoebe grumbled as she leaned over and pulled out her registration and her license. "Well, if it isn't the speed demon," came the familiar voice. Phoebe looked up, "Andy," she sighed slightly. "I need to get to the hospital, it's very important." "Alright what happened?" he sighed. Phoebe held up the note, "Dad is gone - something about giving her time to cool off. Andy, I don't know what's going on, I need . . . need to get there." "You need to get there in one piece!" he stressed. "I'm escorting you, you will follow me," he said sternly. While he was nearly their brother-in-law, he was still an officer, and Phoebe knew that if push came to shove, he would have to write her a ticket so she nodded and obeyed. Once he pulled out, she drove behind him and they went all the way to the hospital.
June 3, 2004 – 3:29pm
Prue smiled into the phone, "I'll tell her, Uncle Victor. I'm sorry she is still too groggy to speak to you . . . Right . . . I love you, too . . . Bye," Prue put the phone back on the hook and smiled at Patti, "Uncle Victor will be here as soon as he can make it." "Good," Patti smiled weakly. The stitches in her face were starting to heal and she was better able to form her mouth the right way to pronounce the right word. It didn't take her long, she was definitely a Halliwell. Prue brushed back her hair, "You're getting better everyday," she encouraged. Paige squeezed Patti's hand to accent that statement and Piper fluffed her pillows. Phoebe burst through the door to Patti's room, "I found Dad - well, sort of." "Hi 'arlin'" Patti slurred. Phoebe sighed and walked over to Patti. "Hi Mom," she said as she leaned over and gave her a kiss. "You're sounding better and better everyday," she smiled. Patti just nodded. "Dad?" she asked Phoebe raising an eyebrow. Phoebe held up the note, "He's at his brother's. I'm about to call." Patti shook her head, "NO!" It was the clearest word she had said since she woke up. "What? Why?" Phoebe asked. "Mom don't you want him here?" Phoebe asked confused. Patti shook her head, and looked at her eldest, "Sen Annie to 'ell 'im. Don't brin' 'ere." Those two little sentences managed to exhaust Patti. "Andy's right outside actually," Phoebe said. "What did you do?" Prue accused right away. "HEY!" Patti managed to yell. Then she weakly raised her hand and shooed them both out of the room. "Babe," she said softly as she looked at Paige. Paige smiled and carefully crawled into bed next to Patti and snuggled in close. "Am I hurting you?" she asked. Patti shook her head, "No." Patti took a deep breath, "When Pollux . . . here . . . we 'ave lon' talk." June 3, 2004 – 3:33pm
Outside the room, Phoebe and Prue were talking with Andy. "God help you if you need bail money," she said on edge. "Woah! Prue calm down!" Andy said quickly. Prue sighed, "What did the juvenile delinquent do?" "Okay stop!" Andy said seriously. "She was speeding that's it, speeding to come here and tell you how your father has left a note saying he's gone, so before you go jumping down her throat, maybe give the girl some comfort!" Andy said quickly. He was in full protective mode now and that meant he acted like a cop. Stern and to the point! Prue shook her head, "Let me see this note." Phoebe handed it to her and Prue read it over a couple of times. "Well this makes no damn sense . . . it's written like she shouldn't be surprised he's gone." "Something's up Prue, something big," Phoebe said. Just as she finished, Piper came out. "Hey, Prue, do me a favor, go in and watch Mom and Paige, they are both sleeping." "Paige too?" Phoebe questioned. "She didn't sleep well last night; she kept waking up and demanding to see Pollux." "She should give up on seeing Pollux." "STOP IT!" Piper snapped we're under enough stress as it is. Andy can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked. Andy nodded, "Sure, Piper." He pulled her over to the waiting room and waited until Prue and Phoebe had went back into their mother's room. "What's going on, Piper?" "I need Prue's cell phone records, most specifically, every phone call she received on the day of Paige's graduation, do you think you can do that?" Andy shook his head, "Sorry. I would need a court order." Andy watched Piper's face fall. He put a hand gently on her chin and forced her to look at him, "I can tell you that a Pollux Halliwell got on a plane in Auckland early this morning and she's been plane hopping ever since. No final destination has been set, but she is landing, then jumping the first available plane that brings her closer to the United States, specifically closer to the West Coast. I know how important it is for her to be here too," he smiled at her. Piper sighed, "Thank you so much," she said as she hugged him. Andy rubbed Piper's back as he returned the hug, "She's like my little sister, too. I just hope I didn't overstep any bounds." "You didn't, because your girlfriend is very stubborn and she won't admit it and in the long run she will thank you for this," Piper confirmed. Andy nodded, "All the same, can we not tell her I did it until she's ready to thank me?" he laughed. "She'll be here soon, even if she is on smaller aircrafts. Although, it may take her a day or two, why don't you go be with your Mom." Piper nodded, "Want to come?" Andy smiled, "I'll see her later . . . after I talk to your Dad. She needs her daughters right now." Piper nodded, "Mom said he is NOT to come here you know that right?" she questioned. Andy nodded, "Got it. Why do I get the feeling you're not surprised by that statement?" "Secrets, Andy, too many secrets," Piper said cryptically. Andy nodded, "I see. Well, I don't want to alarm you, but I get the feeling all the secrets are about to surface. I'll see you later." Andy turned and walked down the hall. Piper walked into the room and saw Page resting with Patti and Phoebe and Prue watching over them.
June 6, 2004 – 2:24pm
Pollux almost fell asleep on the elevator as it made its way to the appropriate floor. It had taken her almost three days to get back to San Francisco. She had to wait at the airport for the vet to show up for Rangi's quarantine, and when she walked out of the airport; she had went straight where she felt she had to. It was of very little surprise to her that Patti was listed as a patient at the hospital. She slowly got off the elevator, consumed by the need to sleep. But she managed to get down the hall to the waiting room, where she sat down for a moment to rest. Piper saw her and ran to her. "Oh little one," she sighed as she hugged her tight. Pollux returned the hug, "What's wrong? I know something is, so tell me now." "It's mom, she was in a car accident," Piper said sadly. Pollux took a deep breath, "How bad, Piper?" "Bad, she's getting much better, much faster than anticipated," Piper said. "Mom's paralyzed little one, from the waist down, and I'm sorry to blurt it out like that, but there is no nice way to put it," Piper said calmly. Pollux nodded, "I knew it was something like that. I was actually a little prepared. Can I see . . ." Before Pollux could finish her sentence Prue came out of Patti's room, "Piper, Mom is sleeping. I'm going to . . . what are you doing here?" "Prue, don't you dare!" Piper growled at her. "Now where did you say you were going?" she asked calming down. "Nowhere. I'm not going anywhere. Pollux and I have a discussion to have first," Prue glared at Pollux over Piper's shoulder. "Before anyone discusses therapy, you need a shower," she said to Pollux, "and you need to go find Doctor Markson and tell him we are all here and set up an appointment for our therapy," Piper said seriously. Prue nodded, "Fine. Don't you wake her up," she threatened Pollux. Pollux shook her head, "I won't. I'll go get a shower, then I'll sit with her until she wakes up on her own."
June 6, 2004 – 4:08pm
Pollux took a deep breath and pushed open her mother's hospital door. She had known this day was coming, but it didn't make it any easier. Pollux dropped her bag just inside the door and walked over to the hospital bed where Patti was sleeping. Pollux quietly picked up a chair and moved it on one side of Patti. She gently took her mother's hand in both of hers. Pollux kissed her mother's hand, then closed her eyes and put her forehead so that is was touching her own top hand along with her mother's hand. "There you are, my darling," Patti said softly. "Give me a kiss," Patti said gently. Pollux looked up at her mother, "Mom, I didn't mean to wake you." Pollux leaned up and kissed her mother on the cheek. Pollux sat back down, "I'm not going anywhere, Mom. I'm staying right here. I'm finished with the rest of the world . . . with the exception of the occasional, short New Zealand trip. I won't leave, Mom. I promise." "Shhh," Patti said stopping her daughter. "Baby listen to me," Patti said softly. "It's okay, I don't mind, I love you, no matter what!" Patti said. She stretched a bit and then looked to Pollux. "Did you see your sisters?" she asked gently. Pollux nodded, "Oh yeah. Prue and Phoebe aren't happy with me." Pollux kissed her mother's hand again. "I'm staying . . . you can't get rid of me this time." "That's good to know," Patti smiled. She reached a hand up and ran it over her daughter's face. "You are forever my baby, and I will always love you, there is nothing you can't tell me, you know that right?" Patti asked. Pollux nodded, "Yeah, I know that." Patti was about to continue when the rest of the girls came in. "Oh good, I'm glad you are all here, we need to have a family meeting," Patti announced. "Mom, here?" Prue asked. "Are you sure?" "Oh yes I am very sure," Patti insisted. "Prue, Phoebe, on one side, please the rest of you over here please," Patti said firmly. Phoebe went and stood next to Prue. Paige came forward and sat on Pollux's lap. "What's the meeting about, Mom?"
"There is a secret floating around this family and it is time to come clean," Patti stated firmly. Pollux held Paige a little tighter and laughed lightly, "What are you talking about, Mom?" "Do not play innocent with me young lady," Patti said firmly. "Phoebe, sit with Prue please," Patti instructed. This had to be really bad; Patti was asking Phoebe to let Prue hold her. Phoebe did as requested. Pollux looked up at Paige, and the two seemed to have a conversation with their eyes. In the end Paige shook her head no. Pollux took a deep breath and looked at Piper the exact same way she had just looked at Paige. "No Pollux, enough is enough, they know, I know, they suspect now it is time to come clean," Patti said firmly. Pollux shook her head, "I don't know what you're talking about, Mom." "Pollux Keegan Halliwell, out with it now, or I will tell it!" Patti ordered her. Pollux lowered her head then looked back up at Patti. "It's not important. It's in the past." "Pollux I said NOW!" Patti yelled at her. "Enough is enough, now come on spill it before I do," Patti said. Pollux looked up at Paige, "Go to Piper." Paige shook her head, "Pollux . . ." Pollux shook her head, "No, Paige. I've had the secret the longest. I'll take the blame." Paige nodded and walked to Piper. Pollux turned and looked at her mother. She took a deep breath, "Mom, when I was eight . . . I . . . I didn't fall off a mountain bike on that camping trip." "Good girl. Keep going," Patti encouraged. "Here, hop up by me and lay down, it's okay," Patti offered. Piper had taken Paige into her arms and cuddled her. It was very stressful for Paige to hear. "Shhh, it's okay baby," Piper whispered in her ear as Pollux continued her story. Pollux sat on the bed next to her mother. She kept her head down and played with her mother's hand. "I, uh . . . I screwed up a few things . . . one of the last things I screwed up . . . I . . . I knocked the tent over. He was . . . so . . . so mad. I'm not even sure he knew . . ." Pollux's voice trailed off.
"It's okay, little one," Piper said softly. "You can do this, it's okay keep going," Piper encouraged. Patti reached up and stroked her daughter's face. "Come on, you can do this," Patti said. "What happened to you is not your fault!" Patti insisted. Pollux took a deep breath, "He started out spanking me and the next thing . . . next thing I knew . . . don't make me tell this, not while Prue and Phoebe are still here. He's their father, they love him." Prue took this moment to speak up. "Baby, it's okay, we are very mad at Dad, he left us, he is not coming back, Phoebe found the note, please go on," Prue said carefully. Pollux swallowed hard and closed her eyes, "He's the one who broke my collarbone and dislocated my shoulder. He did it all. I didn't even make it on the mountain bike." Prue helped Phoebe off her lap and sat her in the chair. She placed a hand on Phoebe's shoulder and gently pushed her into the chair. "Stay," she said softly. Prue walked over to Pollux looking very determined. "Prue," Patti warned her eldest daughter. No one could get a good read on Prue. Pollux turned around and saw Prue headed for her, "Prue . . .” Pollux jumped off the bed, "Come on, Prue . . . calm down." Pollux was certain her big sister was pissed beyond reason. Prue said nothing and picked Pollux up and hugged her as tight as she could still saying nothing. Pollux relaxed in her big sister's grip. Once Prue relaxed her grip, Pollux pulled back a bit, "You mad?" "I'm furious, but not at you, I'm glad Dad's gone!" Prue said firmly as she continued to hold Pollux. Piper had to laugh. "Prue you can put her down now," she smiled. "Not when someone hurt her as bad as they did, especially the man who gave her life," Prue said, choosing her words carefully. Pollux shook her head, "This is what I didn't want. He's never done anything to you." "Okay stop, listen to me baby. He hurt you, and you are my sister. No one hurts you and then escapes my wrath, understand?" Prue asked. "By hurting you he hurt all of us," Prue explained. Pollux narrowed her eyes, "I'm the one that makes him mad, not you." Paige stepped forward, "You're wasting your breath Prue, I've been telling her for thirteen years and Piper's been telling her for two." Prue sighed and then Patti cleared her throat. "Piper Kennedy and Paige Kaitlyn, you two have some explaining to do!" Patti said sternly. "What?" Piper asked. "No, don't what me, you have known and you've said nothing. Now I know there is some sacred bond between the five of you, but this is a major event by someone related to us, and I want to know why I was not told immediately!" Patti demanded. Pollux cleared her throat, "Mom, this is my fault . . . not theirs." "Quiet!" Patti hissed at her daughter. "Paige, start talking," Patti said sternly. "Injured or not, her daughters were in trouble, she was not going to let something this big slide by her, with no punishment. What that was she wasn't sure yet, but she knew they needed to be punished somehow. Paige shook her head, "I was . . . I was nine! My sister asked me to do something, I did it." "Paige Kaitlyn, that is NOT acceptable," Patti scolded. "He did something inexcusable, how long did this go on, what else don't I know about!" Patti demanded of her daughters. Pollux sighed, "Paige, go sit with Phoebe." Patti sighed. "Prue, Piper, take your sisters to the cafeteria for a snack please," Patti ordered kindly. "I need to have a private discussion with your sister." Prue and Piper slowly left and took Phoebe and Paige with them. Piper was actually quite concerned for Phoebe at the moment; she was the only one who had made no move or comment during the entire conversation so far. Once the girls were gone, Patti looked at Pollux. "Come lay next to me please," Patti said kindly. Pollux laid next to her mother on the bed, "You're mad." "I am annoyed with your actions and I'm furious at the man who did those terrible things to you!" Patti said, pulling Pollux close. "I am a mother, first and foremost, my children will always be more important than any man in my life, are we clear on that?" Pollux nodded, "Um . . . the way Piper found out . . . remember that Christmas I came home?" "I do," Patti said as she calmly ran her hand over Pollux's head. "When we . . . when we went for that walk after dinner, he hit me again. Just once. It was on the tattoo that signifies Amahua as my father." Pollux confessed. Patti said nothing and fought back her tears. "Listen to me, you are not leaving my side until I tell you understand?" Patti asked. Pollux nodded, "Yes, Mom" she said quietly. Pollux took a deep breath, "Do you . . . do you understand about Amahua now?" "Yes baby I do," Patti said trying not to cry. "I'm so sorry I could not protect you," Patti said softly as she kissed the top of her daughter's head. Pollux raised up and looked at her mother, "This isn't your fault." "No it is not my fault, I know that," Patti said. "It is still my job to protect you," Patti said as she pulled Pollux back down to her. "You are I are just going to stay here for a while. I know you don't like this, but this is something I feel I need to do, so humor me, alright?" Patti asked gently. Pollux nodded, "I will." She laid next to her mother for a few moments, then thought of something. "Did he . . . did he tell you? Is that how you found out?"
"No, Piper had called to talk, and somehow you came up as the subject. Piper was completely loyal to you, but she definitely got my wheels turning. So I called up my friend Maggie at the hospital, and she called the nurse at the hospital where you were treated. So I got in the car and I went to look at your records," Patti said. "I saw the pictures too," Patti said softly. Pollux dropped her head and silently put two and two together. "You wrecked. You were driving too fast to . . . you were mad." "Not at you! Pollux Keegan, I have never thought that anything that happened to you was your fault. You are NOT to blame!" Patti insisted. "But you were mad because you had just found out." Pollux pulled back and tried to get off the bed, "My fault . . . damn it, this is my fault. You're paralyzed and I may as well have done it to you myself." "Stop it!" Patti yelled at her quickly. "Sit! On that chair! You do not move!" Patti said sternly. Pollux sat down and held her head in her hands, "I caused the collision . . . I brought us back together with deadly force . . . oh, what he said makes so much sense now . . . I could have stopped this."
Meanwhile, in the cafeteria, Piper was helping Paige to calm down a bit and looked from Prue to Phoebe and back, catching Prue's attention. "Pheebs," Prue said softly. Phoebe raised her head and looked at the two sisters across the table, "You knew?" "Honey, I just found out, I couldn't betray Pollux like that, you know that, and I have been doing everything I could think of to get mom to put the pieces together herself." Phoebe glared at Paige, she was clearly the easier target. "How long have you known?" Paige sniffed "Two days after they came back from the trip." Phoebe closed her eyes and smacked her hand on the table. Prue quickly grabbed Phoebe. "Watch it," she warned. They were in a crowded area and Prue did not need the added hassle of a cat fight in the cafeteria. Phoebe glared at her eldest sister, "It's okay with you that they knew?" "No it is not, I tried to get them to tell, but none of us will betray the other, Pheebs, we all know that!" Prue said quietly. "There are a lot of people here who don't need to know about our lives," Prue reasoned.
Paige thought of something and looked up at Piper, "Piper, Mom was driving angry and she knows . . . I bet the two are related . . . and I bet Pollux has already figured that out." Piper sighed. "You are probably right, come on, we all need to be together come on," Piper said standing. She and Paige started walking away and Prue looked at Phoebe, "Do you want to join them, or do you want to sit here for a while longer?" Prue asked gently. Phoebe shrugged, "I want to hit them right now. Past that, I'm not sure." "Well this is your decision, besides wanting to hit them, you can either stay here on your own, with me, or come with me to mom's room." Phoebe took a deep breath, "Back to Mom's room I guess. We've already missed enough of this little soap opera." Prue sighed and stood up and the two followed after Paige and Piper. Getting to the room, Piper walked in and made a b-line for Pollux. "Little one?" she asked highly concerned. "Mom?" Piper asked looking for help. Patti motioned her hand for Piper to take care of her and then saw Phoebe. "Pheebs," she said gently as she held out her arms. Phoebe practically fell into her mother's arms, "They didn't tell us." "Shhh, my darling," Patti soothed. "We know now, we will work through this, just like we will work though my injuries – together, the six of us okay?" Patti said. Piper looked at Pollux. "Little one it's Piper. Talk to me Little one," Piper pressed. Pollux looked up into her big sister's eyes, "I could have prevented this. All I had to do was tell like you and Paige wanted me to." "Shhh, shhh, stop!" Piper said calmly as she put a finger to her lips. "Pollux listen to me, you did what you thought was right at the time," Piper said calmly. "Doesn't matter. I couldn't have been more wrong. I've paralyzed Mom." Pollux said way too calmly. "Pollux LOOK AT ME!" Piper said sternly. Pollux sighed and looked at her big sister. "Listen to me, you did what you thought was right at the time. NONE of what happened is your fault!" Piper said quickly. "I do not want to hear one more word for you saying this is your fault. You are GOOD daughter and GOOD sister, this was an accident!" Piper said. Pollux shook her head, "Doesn't matter. I could have prevented it. I have something I need to do. Paige, drive me?" Piper looked at her. "NO, you can not go unless you tell me what it is, because I am tired of you running. It is NOT time to run, it is time to deal with this and you are NOT to blame for any of this!" Pollux took a deep breath, "I'm not running. I have to . . . Hemi . . . you can take me if you must." "Fine, but not now, we will do it later, right now we sit here, all of us," Piper said. Phoebe was already with Patti, and Prue took hold of Paige and held her in a hug. That left Piper to hold Pollux.
Pollux grinned, "It really can't wait." "What is it? You need to tell me, now!" Piper said sternly. Pollux raised her eyebrows, "Let's step into the hall." "NO! No more secrets!" Pollux sighed and looked at Piper, "I need you to drive me to the vet's office downtown . . . I need to make sure Rangi made it out of the airport." "And Rangi would be what exactly?" Piper asked. Pollux sighed, "Do we really have to discuss this now?" "If you want to go, then yes we do," Piper said calmly. Pollux pulled Piper's face down to her and whispered in her ear, "She’s a clouded leopard." Pollux said as quietly as possible. "We are going LATER!" Piper said firmly. "Paige, baby what's wrong?" Piper asked looking at Paige. She just looked off and she had everyone she loved in that room, so she should be at least somewhat happy. Paige sighed and looked at Piper, "Mom's upset we kept Pollux's secret." Pollux took a deep breath, "Piper, Rangi really can't wait." "Okay that's enough!" Patti said. "Piper take your sister to do whatever the hell it is she needs to do, and WHEN you BOTH come back you will tell me what the hell is going on, I am tried of the secrets! And you, young lady," she said looking at Paige. "I am annoyed, I will get over it," Patti said. "That does not mean I am not going to find some kind of punishment for the three of you!" Pollux looked at Piper, "You heard Mom." Piper growled, grabbed her baby sister's hand and the two of them stormed out of the room. "I think she's officially pissed," Prue said out loud. Phoebe laughed, "Did anybody make out what Rangi was when she whispered?" Paige shook her head as she climbed on the bed next to her mother, "I didn't." "I did not either," Patti said as she pulled Paige close. "I will always love you baby, you know that," Patti said directing her comments at Paige and then something hit her. "That's why you cried when we were moving Piper in isn't it?" Patti asked calmly. Paige took a deep breath, "I was emotional about Hawaii . . . and Pollux threatening Dad brought the memories back to the forefront . . . and I couldn't tell Prue." Phoebe huffed, "Wouldn't . . . not couldn't little sister." "Don't start," Patti said eyeing Phoebe. "Did Prue badger you?" Patti asked Paige. Paige shrugged and looked at her big sister, "She was persistent, I'll give her that." "I was trying to protect all of you, there is no reason that you should have had to carry that burden on your own!" Prue insisted. Paige snuggled farther into Patti, "Well, that was the way we played it. Nothing to be done now." "Um excuse me I do recall mom mentioning a punishment of some sort!" Prue stated, glaring at Paige.
Paige popped up and looked at Patti, "Are you really going to punish us?" "Yes I am, there is no reason that you should have kept something this serious from me," Patti said gently. "Pollux asked me to!" Paige insisted. "Okay listen to me, I understand you all have sacred bond and I am very glad you have it!" Patti insisted. "But there are certain things that are outside of that bond," she continued. "You were a little girl and so was Pollux!" Patti said. "One of you should have told!" Patti insisted. Paige shrugged, "Scared Dad would hurt her again. It's not like that's the only . . ." Paige let her sentence trail off and snuggled back into Patti. "You may stay next to me, finish your sentence," Patti requested. Paige shook her head, "Not important now." "Paige Kaitlyn!"
Meanwhile Pollux looked over at Piper as she swerved through the streets of San Francisco. "Um, Piper . . . you upset about something?" "I am upset about a lot of things right now, Pollux," Piper said. "I'm upset that mom is hurt, I'm upset that I'm going to be punished, I'm upset that you have a lot of guilt and I'm upset that Paige has guilt as well," Piper babbled on. "It's just when it rains it pours, and this is cats and dogs." Pollux lowered her head, "Sorry. I know this is my fault." Piper swerved over to the side of the road and threw the car in park. "Stop it! Stop it right now!" Piper said. "None of this is your fault. The person that I am supposed to call Dad is the one responsible!" Pollux took a deep breath, "You're not going to call him Dad anymore? That's never what I wanted." "I don't think I should but I will!" Piper said. "He didn't do anything to me, but he hurt you, and that I can not forgive!" Piper said trying to stay calm. "Piper, you have to forgive him. He's your father." Pollux said simply. "I do not have to forgive him Pollux, he did something completely unjustifiable, there is no good reason for me to forgive him!" Piper said angrily. Pollux took Piper's hand, "Piper, you have to make peace with this." "It is not time!" Piper stated simply. "Listen to me, what he did is unforgivable! Would you forgive him had he hurt Paige or the rest of us, or mom?" Piper asked her seriously. Pollux shook her head, "I would kill him." Piper agreed and looked at Pollux. "The ONLY reason we have done NOTHING is because we didn't know, now we do and I can promise you that some way or another he will pay. We are your sisters and we love you, it works both ways. You do NOT get to sit there and say you can't be mad and you still have to call him dad, when you know for a fact you would act the same exact way we are acting." Pollux took a deep breath, "Can we just get to Rangi to check on her now, please?" "Fine," Piper said calmly as she carefully got back onto the road and continued on. She got out of the car and looked at Pollux. "Go on," she said as she ushered her to the door. i>June 6, 2004 4:53pm
Pollux went up to the receptionist desk. The receptionist looked at her, "Can I help you?" Pollux nodded, "My name is Pollux Halliwell . . . my kitten is in quarantine here." "Kitten hmm?" the receptionist asked. "Rangi as the name says here, has arrived and she is to stay here for another two weeks before we can release her. You can only retrieve her if you have the appropriate papers. If you would like to see her, she is right around the corner. First room on the left." Pollux nodded, "Do you want to see the papers now?" She looked at Piper and shrugged, "Knew something was going to happen." "Yes please," the receptionist stated. She took the papers and glanced over them. "Alright then Pollux, this is the key to her room. It is a small room, and because she is quarantined, you aren't really allowed to touch her, but you can see her and talk to her," she explained. Pollux nodded, "You're still bottle feeding her, right? She's not quite ready for anything else yet." "We did not receive that information," the receptionist stated, "However, we do have the protective gear if you want to feed her right now," she stated kindly. Pollux raised an eyebrow, "You want me to wear protective gear to feed my own kitten?" "I'm sorry, it's protocol, we know she is your kitten, and I understand that, but because we don't know if she actually is carrying anything yet, you just need to wear it so IN CASE anything happens you don't infect whoever you are with, make sense?" the receptionist said kindly. Pollux exhaled, "Fine." She turned to her sister, "Want to meet the newest member of the family?" "I guess so," Piper said. "Alright then," the receptionist said. "Pollux you come with me and miss you can just step around the corner, first room on the left," she said kindly.
Pollux followed the receptionist while Piper went into the room. Rangi was lying in the corner of the room behind the Plexiglas. She heard the door open and bounded over to the glass to investigate. Piper smiled at the baby leopard in front of her. "Now how can I stay upset looking at you?" Piper asked as she tapped the glass. Then she looked up as Pollux walked in a few moments later carrying a baby bottle of milk. "She's adorable little one," Piper smiled. Pollux smiled, "Hemi rescued her." Pollux put the mask on, "This is crazy" she commented as she slid the gloves on. "Rangi isn't contagious . . . she doesn't have anything." "I am sorry Pollux," the receptionist said. "Look, when we get her blood work back and it says she has nothing, I will let you bend the rules when you visit her, but for right now, if you don't I could lose my job," she said. "You have an hour left for visitation, we are closing soon," she said as she left the girls alone. Pollux sat down and picked the kitten up by the scruff of her neck. She looked face to face with Rangi. Rangi growled lightly and stuck her paw out and placed it on Pollux's nose. Pollux smiled at Rangi then looked at Piper and smiled. "This should be good, you with a baby bottle, feeding a kitten," Piper laughed. "Okay feed her, I want to see this," Piper teased. Pollux made a face at her. Within seconds she had Rangi flipped over like a baby and the bottle in her mouth. Rangi kept one front paw on the bottle and playfully batted at Pollux's face with the other one. Pollux looked at her sister, "Impressed?" "Highly!" Piper smiled. "So I guess I need to go shopping for baby stuff huh?" Piper smiled. Pollux took a deep breath, "Yeah. Of course, with Prue . . . this should get interesting. Next time, we get you gloves too." Piper nodded and smiled. "Is she drinking formula too?" Piper asked. Pollux nodded, "Yeah. About a week after she gets to come home, I should be able to give her a little raw meat." "You aren't going to domesticate her?" Piper asked surprised. Pollux shrugged, "Yeah, for the most part . . . but she still gets meat . . . unless you have a problem with it." "Well I really don't want raw meat around the kitchen, but we'll figure that out later," Piper said. She watched Rangi drink eagerly. "So Mama, how does it feel to be in charge of a life?" Piper teased. Pollux rolled her eyes, "You're cute."
"Okay seriously, you are now responsible for another life," Piper said. "You know what is going to happen if she tries to tear anything up, or actually succeeds in doing so," Piper said. Pollux grinned, "Aunt Prue will try and skin us both . . . not to mention Grandma" she baby talked to the leopard. Piper just laughed. "Grandma huh? Somehow I don't think mom is ready to be called Grandma, but she is your baby, so technically she is a Grandma. Oh my goodness I'm an Aunt!" Piper said putting her hands over her face. "That's right. Look, Rangi" She held the leopard up to the glass, "It's your Aunt Piper. That's your Aunt Piper, yes it is." Piper tapped her fingers on the glass and laughed. Rangi took her paw and slapped it at the glass following Piper's finger. "You are so cute, which means you are going to be so much trouble!" Piper sighed. Pollux smiled and turned the leopard back to look at her, "Okay, Rangi . . . I have to go back to Grandma so Aunt Piper can explain you. You be a good girl and we'll see you tomorrow." Rangi bounded after Pollux and started biting at her ankles, it was time to play. Piper stood and laughed as Pollux tried to deal with the playful kitten. Pollux sighed, "Sorry, baby . . . we'll play tomorrow, I promise." Pollux threw a ball that had been placed in the cage. Rangi chased it and Pollux managed to get out of the door. Piper met Pollux on the other side and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Next time, heat up the bottle, she'll go straight to sleep," Piper said sounding very much like and expert. Pollux grinned, "You best remember that too, Aunt Piper." Pollux and Piper headed back to the car, with Pollux stopping long enough to give instructions to the nurse.
Not too long later, they were walking through the hospital doors, "So, how are you going to tell her she's a grandmother?" Pollux scoffed. "Excuse me?" Piper asked. "No no no, I will back you up, you are telling her," Piper said. Pollux sighed, "Piper, she'll take it better from you." "Pollux you brought her into this family she is YOUR baby, I'm just the aunt remember?" Piper asked. "Don't worry we'll tell her together and everything will be fine," Piper said as she got in the elevator.
Pollux cleared her throat as they rode the elevator up, "Make you a deal. I'll tell Mom. You tell Prue." "We will tell them all together, I'm not telling this story more than once," Piper sighed. "Don't worry little one nothing bad will happen, we are still to be punished you know that right?" Piper said. Pollux sighed and got off the elevator as it came to a stop. "Yeah. Don't remind me." Together they walked down the hall and into their mother's room. "We're back" Pollux announced. Prue smiled at her baby sister and reached out to hug her, but Piper pulled her back. "No, this one is mine right now, you can have her later. In fact you can take her baby shopping," Piper said with a smile, effectively confusing everyone in the room. Prue's lip dropped, "Baby shopping? Do I have to track Michael down?" "Calm down!" Piper said. "No one is pregnant!" Piper said. "If that were the case I would have beaten her up already. Mom, how would you like being a Grandma?" Piper asked. Patti glared at her two daughters, "Somebody had better start talking fast." Pollux laughed and grabbed her backpack. She pulled out a drawing pad and flipped the pages. Pollux looked at Piper, "You want to brag you proud aunt you?" Pollux handed her the sketch pad. "No Mama, I'll leave that to you," Piper said wrapping Pollux in a protective hug. Pollux nodded. She walked over to Patti and handed her the sketch pad. "Meet your granddaughter." Patti looked at the picture, "Pollux, this is a drawing of a leopard." Pollux nodded and Prue headed towards her little sister, "A leopard?!?!" "Prue she really is cute," Piper said. "I just saw her and I know you think Pollux is young and all, but she has good maternal instincts....for a leopard," Piper said.
Phoebe stood up and took the sketch pad, "Pollux, this is a wild animal." Pollux exhaled deeply, "A baby, playful wild animal. I'm going to housebreak her and everything." Paige looked over Phoebe's shoulder, "I think she's cute." "Well then Aunty Paige, you can go see her with Pollux tomorrow," Piper supplied. "Mom she really is cute, easily distracted, and responds really well to what Pollux tells her, based on what I've seen. Prue shook her head, "Don't care!! You are not keeping a wild animal!! We do not need to be buying furniture every other week!! Tell her Mom!!" Pollux rolled her eyes, "She'll be fine! I promise! Piper believes me!!"
"I believe what I saw, there was no furniture in that room, I'm supporting you on this, but she is YOUR baby, YOU are the mother NOT US!" Piper said sternly, making sure Pollux caught her drift. If Pollux didn't convince the rest of them, that she would take care of Rangi and not dump responsibility on the rest of them. Pollux nodded, "Prue, you cannot take her from me. You can't ask me to do that." Prue went wide-eyed, "Who's asking?!?!? I'm telling you!!! No leopard!!" Patti took a deep breath, "Girls! Pollux, a wild animal . . . I'm sure you need papers and everything . . . she's a lot of responsibility." Pollux looked at her mother, "I know that. I have the papers. I can't take her back! Hemi left her to me." Piper put up her hand and stop the conversation. "Okay look, here's the deal. Pollux is now a mother, so to speak, whether we like it or not and she has a child, albeit a furry one, but a child to take care of. She is currently unemployed....sorry little one....but because of that fact alone she has the time to take care of a leopard, and it's still a baby, it doesn't understand wild yet," Piper reasoned. Prue threw up her hands, "You're supporting this?!?!" Phoebe twisted the drawing around a bit, "I don't know, Prue . . . she could . . ." Paige took the pad, "I want to see her." Pollux exhaled, at least Phoebe and Paige were being swayed, "Tomorrow. The vet is closed for the day." Pollux turned to her mother, "I can keep her, right Mom?" Patti sighed and looked at Piper, "How cute? How maternal?" "Mom, Pollux was feeding from a baby bottle and held her like she was a real baby. She knows when to tell her enough is enough and to my surprise, Rangi actually listened. She's got one of those faces you want to just eat up," Piper said as she raised her voice a little. She's so cute! We could get a better picture of her for you, I'll even record it to show you, Pollux really is the maternal type," Piper said trying not to sound like she was begging. Patti rolled her eyes, "Pollux, if she tears up anything . . ." "MOM!!!" Prue protested, "You can't be serious!!" Patti sighed, "Tell me where you got her again." Pollux nodded, "Hemi found her on his last trip to Nepal. She was only a few hours old and somebody had killed her mother. The other two cubs were already dead . . . he couldn't leave her. He got the papers, took her back to New Zealand. When he died, Matua gave her to me, said Hemi would want me to have her. She's no more than two and a half weeks old . . . Hemi died the day he brought her home." Patti sighed and looked at Prue, "Prue, we can't argue with that." Prue stormed over and fell back into a chair. "Prue, you have to watch her, you know how you get when one of us gets sick?" Piper asked. Prue rolled her eyes, "Mothering and overprotective? So?" "That's Pollux, all the time though, you have to watch her, and I think it'll be good for her," Piper stated.
Prue crossed her arms over her chest, "If she tears up something of mine . . ." Pollux held up her hand, "I'll replace it, I swear." Prue nodded, "Damn right, you will. Now Mom, didn't you say something about the three musketeers being punished?" "Yes I did, however, physical punishment will not happen and I can't really ground you, so I will think up an appropriate punishment for you three," Patti said. As for all of you, I would like you all to go back to the house and get a good nights sleep," Patti said kindly. Pollux looked at her mother, "You want one of us to stay here . . . in case you need something?" "Pollux I'm going to be okay baby," Patti said. "I'm in a hospital, there are lots of people here and the nurses are going to be in and out all night to check on me," Patti explained. Paige looked at her mother, "You're kicking us out?"' "You can come back in the morning silly, it's just for tonight, you are all very stressed, I can see it written on every one of your faces. Go home and sleep in your beds where you are comfortable, before one of you ends up with cramped muscles or something." Pollux looked to Prue, "Well, big sister?" "No!" Patti said firmly. "Prue does NOT out rank me!" Patti said. "All of you, kiss me goodnight and go home, and if I hear that any of you fought I will find a way to punish you quickly, are we clear?" Patti said sternly. Paige stepped forward and kissed her mother, "Night, Mom." Phoebe was next. She smiled at her mother and kissed her cheek, "Night, Grandma." "FRESH!" Patti snapped as she kissed her daughters goodnight. Pollux stepped forward next, "Thank you. Love you, Mom. Night." Piper moved over and hugged her mother and kissed her cheek. "I love you, we'll see you in the morning," Piper whispered. "Be good my darlings," Patti said. The girls stood in the hallway, leaving Patti and Prue alone. Patti reached out and pulled Prue onto the bed with her. "Tomorrow we'll find a way for it to be just us," she whispered. Prue nodded and hugged her mother tightly, "You really letting her keep the fur ball?" "Prue you have accepted that he is her father, so therefore you must have accepted Hemi as her brother. She is honoring a dying request," Patti said gently. "Maybe Piper is right, maybe it will be good for her. Give her someone to focus on," Patti reasoned. "No matter what happens, I need you and Piper to make sure that the guilt does not eat at her in the mean time or Paige either for that matter," Patti said. "You all need to go home and get some sleep and please don't kill each other," Patti said as she kissed the top of Prue's head. Prue took a deep breath, "No killing anybody, got it." Prue kissed her mother, "Love you, see you in the morning." Prue walked towards the door, then turned back to her mother, "She's gonna stay this time, isn't she?" "Yes Baby, she will," Patti smiled. Prue laughed slightly, "All the times I wanted her to stay . . . I never wanted it to be because of something like this." "We will play the hand we are dealt right?" Patti asked her. Prue nodded, "It should have been him in this bed, not you." "Go home and shower and go to bed, baby. ALL OF YOU!" Patti said louder. Prue nodded, "We'll be fine. You sleep. I'll see you first thing in the morning." Prue walked outside and looked at her sisters, "Let's go home." June 6, 2004 8:49pm
Pollux dropped her bag on the kitchen floor and stretched as she walked over to the refrigerator. She opened the door and grabbed a bottle of water. Phoebe came over and wrapped Pollux in a hug, "I could kick your ass right now." "Pheebs, let her up for air please, why are you kicking her ass?" Piper asked calmly. Phoebe turned around, "Oh, I'm pissed at you too. How could you three keep this secret?" "Sweetie, I really am tired of ths conversation, can we please let this go now?" she asked calmly. Piper knew this was not going to be easy. When something was wrong, Phoebe got just as overprotective as Prue. This was going to be an interesting day to say the least. Phoebe shook her head, and hugged her baby sister tighter, "Prue, say something please." "Phoebe, I am just as upset about this as you are, but we can't change it, we can only move on," Prue said. "That does not mean we can't be mad at them for what happened," Prue said as she hugged Paige, from behind, just as tight as Phoebe was hugging Pollux. "I am so not happy with you Missy," Prue said as she put her head on Paige's shoulder and kissed her cheek. Paige took a deep breath, "I was protecting Pollux." Pollux nodded, "Because I asked her to. This is all my fault. If anybody is going to get ... over this, it's me. Are we clear on that?" "Language!" Prue snapped at her. "I will give you that you were both little girls and scared, but we are your sisters!" Prue said as she sat down on the kitchen chair and pulled Paige down on her lap with her. Pollux threw up her hands, "I'm tired of fighting about this!" Phoebe held her tighter, "Is that the only time?" Pollux shook her head, "Not important." "Pollux, please answer the question," Prue said sternly. "Come on little one, let's get it all out now, was that it?" Piper asked her. Pollux and Paige exchanged a glance. Pollux shook her head, "I said it isn't important." "And I said it is!" Prue glared at her. "Now answer the question. If you don't, apparently Piper seems to know and so does Paige, don't you Missy?" Prue asked her. Paige tried to free herself from Prue's grip. "Stop," Prue warned her as she held tight. "Pollux I want an answer now!" Prue scolded. Pollux took a deep breath, "It's the only time he almost killed me . . . yes." "Thank you, now did he ever hit you any other time, that you have neglected to tell us about?" Prue asked kindly. Pollux lowered her head, "Yes, he hit me other times," she said quietly. Phoebe hugged her tighter and looked at Prue, "Prue, I think we have a right to know."
"Baby, this is a tough thing, we can't just force it out of her. We have to go slowly. She's told a lot already. Maybe we should let it go for now," Prue suggested. Paige sat very still in Prue's lap hoping she'd heard right. Phoebe shook her head, "No, Prue. I want to know now." She turned on her other older sister, "Piper, what do you know?" "Phoebe, calm down," Prue said as she let Paige go. Paige left Prue's lap and ran to Pollux, waiting for Phoebe to let her go. Phoebe glared at Prue, "Calm down?!?! How the hell am I supposed to calm down?!?!? My father beat my sister . . . apparently more than once . . . I need to know some more about this because right now, my brain is having a hard time with the concept." "Phoebe you need to let Pollux go and come with me please," Prue insisted as she walked over to her sisters and tried to convince Pollux that she would be okay. Phoebe was like a dog with a bone and the bone in this case was Pollux and she was not letting go. Pollux felt Phoebe's grip and how tight it was. She sighed, "It's okay, Prue. Phoebe, it happened . . . happened a lot. Usually it wasn't too bad, but sometimes . . . Look, here's an idea . . . you name an injury you remember me having and I'll tell you if he did it or not." "I don't like that idea, just start talking!" Phoebe hissed. "Phoebe," Prue warned her sister. "I don't mind if you have this discussion, but you must calm down," Prue insisted. "I know it's hard to wrap your head around, it's hard for me too, but we need to be calm and rational and right now you are not being that," Prue said calmly. Phoebe took a deep breath and looked at Prue pleadingly, "I need to know." "Okay, but we will not do it like ths, let your sister go and we'll go out and grab a bite and talk as sisters. In a public place, where we need to be civil to each other," Prue explained. Phoebe shook her head, "I can't promise I can keep my emotions in check." Piper sighed, "The last Christmas we were all home . . . when he took Pollux for a walk . . . that's when I found out because he hit her then." Prue turned on Paige. "That's why you were crying wasn't it. You had to relive it all over again?" she asked kindly.
Paige nodded, "We told Piper about the first instance. The second . . . the second was when she was nine, at Phoebe's birthday party . . . when he caught Pollux playing with Phoebe's new VCR." Pollux lowered her head again, "He didn't always hurt me bad . . . sometimes he was just doing it to remind me he could . . . to try and keep me from telling Mom and the rest of you guys . . . and to keep Paige in line too." Prue looked to Paige and offered her a hug. Paige walked over to her and let Prue hug her. "You could have told, there are five of us and one of him, and mom and we still had Grams, she would have kicked his ass to the moon and back again," Prue said. "Grams suspected" Pollux said quietly. "It brought about the biggest argument we ever had." "What happened?" Prue asked softly. "She had her first heart attack" Pollux admitted. Phoebe pulled Pollux in closer. "Is that when she suspected or she had it because she suspected?" Piper asked calmly. "She had it because she couldn't get me to admit it and I was stressing her out. It was before we knew how bad her heart was . . . I swear!" Pollux didn't want them to think she would cause it deliberately. "Phoebe let your sister go please. Come here little one," Piper said as she held out her hand to Pollux. Phoebe relinquished her death grip. Pollux stepped towards Piper, "I didn't mean to stress her out so bad, I promise." "I know," Piper said as she pulled Pollux close. "Little one, just give us a number, how many times, and how bad were they?" Piper asked as she held both of Pollux's hands and locked eyes with her. Phoebe was about to move to her, but Prue grabbed her and stopped her, so Pollux could give Piper the answer she wanted.
"Too many to count and some were really, really bad. If I got hurt when Mom wasn't home, you can almost guarantee it wasn't an accident" Pollux confessed. "Do you still have any scars that we need to tend to?" Piper asked kindly. "I still have scars, I . . . I don't know whether they need tended to or not" Pollux admitted. "Let me see Baby," Prue said gently. Pollux scratched the back of her head, "Can we at least get out of the kitchen for this?" "Yes, come on," Prue said as she and the rest of the girls moved to the downstairs bathroom. Pollux looked at her sister, "Wow, is anybody gonna tip me for this?" she tried to lighten the mood. Pollux then looked at Paige, "Help me remember here, please." "The back of your thighs," she said softly. "Oh yeah," Pollux stepped out of her pants and turned around so Prue could see. Prue looked to see a faint slash mark on the back of Pollux's leg. "I'm going to touch it okay baby?" she asked as she began to trace the scar. Pollux nodded. She flinched slightly as Prue's finger traced the scar. "It's nothing . . . really." "It's not nothing," Prue said. "Where else Paige?" Prue asked turning to her sister. Paige took a deep breath, "Her back is the worst. The tattoos on her biceps and thighs cover a lot though." Prue sighed. "Okay Baby, shirt off, let me see," Prue said calmly. Pollux shook her head, "Please no." Prue sighed and looked at her sister. "I'm sorry baby, I know you don't want to, but we are your sisters and we care about you, we need you to relax and let us help you," Prue reasoned. "We won't hurt you little one," Piper said kindly. Pollux sighed and pulled the shirt off slowly over her head. She just stood there with her arms crossed over her chest, waiting for her sisters' reactions. Prue gently put her hands on Pollux's shoulder and told her to breathe steady. She looked at Piper and made her get in front of Pollux. Piper sat on the tub's edge and had Pollux look at her. "It's Prue little one, can you tell me how you managed to keep this from mom for so long?" she asked. She saw the deep marks and angry welt scars that had formed over the years. Sam had hit her so hard so much that the bruises didn't really fade away as well as they would have had she only been hit once. There was also the long trial of stitches that went from her right shoulder all the way down to her waist. Pollux shrugged, "I had to. That's all I knew, I had to. So, somehow I managed." Paige took a breath, "I helped . . . I probably should have told, but I helped her hide it." "Missy I need the jar of aloe cream please," Prue said softly. Paige nodded and handed her the jar from the cabinet. Pollux sighed, "It's not going to help now. Oh, by the way, Phoebe, I'm sorry I missed your tenth grade play. I . . . uh, I didn't feel up to it."
"I don't care about the damn play Pollux," Phoebe said quickly. "Pollux you will let me treat your scar every day with aloe for a week, if I see no change then we will stop," Prue declared. Pollux nodded, "Okay. I just don't see where it will help. Medicine men and Shamans all over the world have tried. The one from my shoulder to waist is particularly stubborn." "Yeah well, none of them have been your big sister," Prue smiled. Pollux laughed, "That is a point." Pollux pulled away as Prue hit a particularly sensitive spot. "Woah, cold stuff!" Pollux lied, not wanting Prue to know it still hurt her. "Little one I am right here and I can read your face, that hurt didn't it?" Piper asked sternly. Pollux shook her head no. Paige was tired of hiding things, "Yes, it did. It always does." "Thank you, Paige. You need to be honest with us little one no more lying," Piper scolded her. Pollux sighed, "I didn't make up an excuse for that one. I just let it heal on its own. It didn't heal right." "Then we need to have you looked at so it can stop hurting," Piper said. "No!" Pollux said firmly. "You've seen them, my New Zealand family has seen them, Michael has seen them, ex-boyfriends have felt them, medicine men and shamans have seen them, Mom will insist on seeing them . . . nobody else. This circle has gotten too big already. "Pollux you could be seriously hurt," Piper started. Pollux shook her head, "If I were seriously hurt, I would have had no other choice but to be hospitalized by now. Prue, I need you to back me up on this one." "Aloe for the rest of the week - I am pretty sure that you are jumping because of the touch as well. Your muscles still recall memory, we will work on it okay," Prue said. Pollux nodded, "So long as we're clear - there will be no doctors." "Yes, because you are right. If there was a serious problem you would have been hospitalized by now. Prue knew she had to pick her battle carefully and this was not going to be one of them. Phoebe stared at her, "I think Piper is right. She needs to be checked out." "Phoebe, we will drop the conversation," Prue said sternly as she gently rubbed some more aloe on Pollux's back. Then she noticed the back of her neck and saw what looked like a burn mark, but she wasn't sure. "What's back here?" she asked.
Pollux clasped her hand over it, "Nothing." "Pollux, you will tell me what it is," Prue said kindly. Pollux went to grabbing for her shirt with her free hand, "It's a scar, that's all. One that a tattoo will soon cover." Piper stopped her. "I am tired of the secrets, I want an answer," she said seriously. Pollux sighed, "It's the scar from a belt buckle." "ON YOUR NECK!" Phoebe shouted angrily. "Yes, Phoebe. His aim was off that day, he was aiming for my shoulder blades" Pollux put her arms through her shirt and prepared to pull it back over her head. "I am not finished, now put it down," Prue ordered her. "Look, this is going badly. Phoebe is pissed, as is Piper . . . and I know you're not happy either. Let's just proclaim this over" Pollux brought the shirt up to her head. "Pollux I said NO!" Prue said sternly. "We are not done, now put your shirt back down so I can finish this," Prue said seriously. Pollux started to continue, but Paige stepped forward and brought the shirt down. "This ends now. They know . . . they all know. Let them take care of you." Prue smiled at Piper. Paige had finally learned that this was something that they could help with. "Okay sweetheart, I'm going to put some cream on your neck okay," Prue stated gently. "Well, I don't have a choice, do I?" Pollux grumbled. Paige went to touch Pollux's face and Pollux jerked away. At the moment, she was feeling pretty betrayed by Paige. "Pollux, don't you dare blame Paige for what he did to you. She has come to realize that we need to know this and while you may feel betrayed, she has done nothing wrong," Piper said quickly. "He did, you take all your anger out on him not us," Piper explained. "Whatever" Pollux said haughtily. Paige glared at her, and pushed Pollux's chin up so their eyes were locked. "You kept this secret a long time - a very long time. Both of us did. The time has come for us to put our heads down and rest and let someone else do the thinking and deciding on this problem."
Prue smiled at her. "Good girl," she praised. "Pheebs, grab the gauze pads in the cabinet for me please?" she asked. Phoebe nodded and did as asked. Pollux took a deep breath, "A whole week?" "If you keep pushing our buttons I'll make it a month," Prue said seriously. Pollux shook her head, "This is my problem, I should deal with it. I shouldn't be burdening you with it." "You are not a burden Pollux and one day you are going to get that through your thick skull," Prue insisted. Pollux sighed, "Okay . . . okay, but I'm really tired at the moment. And before you do this again, I'm showering." "You are not doing anything right now, except for letting put the gauze pads on you and then you can go lay down, but those pads are to stay on and let the aloe soak in for a minimum of three hours, are we clear?" Prue asked her sternly as she finished taping up the pads. Pollux nodded, "I know. But I'm getting one later. Okay, here's a question. Are we all moving back in to help Mom?" "Yes, we are," Prue said seriously. "Well, good, because she's going to need all the help she can get. But, Prue . . . this house only has four bedrooms and that's counting the guest room." "So some of us will bunk together, and we'll fix up what we need to," Prue stated. "Okay put your shirt back on and we'll finish this discussion a little later." Pollux shook her head, "We can't bunk together forever." Paige nodded, "She's right, Prue. If we went back to our old bunking arrangements . . . when Glenn came to visit, I'd have to clear Phoebe and Pollux out of their room." Pollux nodded, "And with Phoebe dating Jason . . . Paige and I would never be allowed in our room." "No not forever," Prue said. "We'll figure it out. Piper any ideas?" Prue asked her. Piper thought a moment, "Well, I suggest Mom stays in her room. Prue, you take our old room. I'll fix up the attic, move up there. Phoebe, you take the guest room." Paige rolled her eyes, "That still has Pollux and I sharing a room." "Not unless we fix up the basement," Piper said. "We'll call a contractor, set it up so that the attic and basement can be turned into bedrooms, this way we all have our own room," Piper said sounding confident.
"Well, we only need one more bedroom . . . and I have Rangi, she needs room to roam, so Paige can take our old room and I'll move into the basement" Pollux suggested. "Good then it's settled, we'll start calling contractors tomorrow, in the meantime, we will take the four rooms upstairs and until the extra rooms are finished we will rotate who has a single room, agreed?" Prue stated. Phoebe spoke up, "I don't think Pollux gets a single room for awhile." Pollux glared at her, "And why the hell not?" "Because you should be watched like a hawk that's why," Phoebe said seriously. "You were tortured and I don't think you are over that, so you can just learn to live with us and know that we are not going to hurt you and that you are not a burden," Phoebe sad forcing the issue. Pollux narrowed her eyes, "Well then, there are four bedrooms. Why don't you all just take one until the attic and basement are finished and I can keep rotating who I sleep with," Pollux said sarcastically. "Sounds like a good idea to me," Phoebe said smiling. She was dead set on this and was not going to back off. Pollux threw up her hands, "Prue!" "What?" Prue asked as she left the room and headed to the kitchen for a drink. Pollux followed her, "You're not seriously considering this as a good idea, are you?" "Well seeing as how I think that Phoebe has made a good point, yes I do think it's a good idea," Prue said. Pollux shook her head, "So . . . what? You guys keep swapping custody of me? Well, who gets the baby on the first night back?" Pollux spat. She just shook her head when four voices unanimously sounded off, "I do." Pollux rolled her eyes and sat on the barstool, "Well, go ahead and fight it out, I'm sure I don't get a say." "Alright Pollux you can have a small say, who would you rather bunk with first, me, Pheebs, or Piper?" she asked. "Um, aren't you forgetting a sister?" Paige asked. "No I have not, for the first few nights here, you are not bunking alone either," Prue stated seriously. "No way. What the hell are you thinking?" "I'm sorry maybe you missed your own little speech in the bathroom earlier," Prue stated. "It is time to stop thinking and let someone else take care of us, so for the next three nights you will be taken care of," Prue declared.
Paige crossed her arms over her chest and sulked. Pollux shook her head, "No way in hell I'm making this decision. Go for it." Phoebe spoke up, "Pollux sleeps with me." Piper sighed, "And why you?" "Because I said so," Phoebe said sounding very much like a small child who couldn't have her way and really didn't have a strong point to make. Piper shook her head, "Think of a better reason." Phoebe glared, "You've kept her secret for three years." "And you don't think I spent three years kicking myself for it. I have wanted to tell since the day I found out and on several occasions I came extremely close. And then I remembered something. A person who was supposed to love Pollux hurt her beyond belief and when I knew that telling would hurt Pollux I couldn't bring myself to do it," Piper said. Prue stepped forward, "Okay. Calm down, both of you. Pollux, you and I in my old room. Phoebe, take Paige. Piper, you can have one of them tomorrow night." "Fine I will take the guest room as it is small and I am the only one who's single tonight," Piper said calmly. "Fine we will rotate and I will get you the spare sheets and help you set it up," Prue said. Then she and Piper headed upstairs.
June 7, 2004 2:14am,/b>
Phoebe sat upright as she felt Paige thrashing in the bed next to her. She looked at Paige and realized her little sister was crying. "Paige. Paige, honey, wake up . . . Paige, you're dreaming." Paige had to run, that's all she knew, she had to run and get help fast. "MOMMY!" she screamed out in her sleep. She let out a squeal of terror as she felt Sam grab her arm and she started crying harder. Phoebe now started shaking her sister, "Paige!! Paige, wake up!!" "Get off! GET OFF!" she yelled. "MOMMY HELP!" she yelped. Sam was right on top of her. "You will be quiet!" he snapped at her as he slapped her hard across her face. "It's done, now shut up or your next!" he growled at her. Paige went rigid and Phoebe knew she needed help. It didn't take long, by the time Paige had screamed twice. Piper was standing in the doorway. "Pheebs, what happened?" Piper asked as she moved to the bed. "I don't know . . . she just . . ." Phoebe stuttered for an answer as Prue and Pollux came into the room. "Damn it" Pollux cursed to herself. She swiftly slid under Paige and cradled her, "Shhh . . . Paige, it's Pollux. Paige, calm down. Sweetie, he's not here. Pollux has you." "MOMMY HELP!" Paige screamed again. As far as she was concerned, Sam had her in his grip and he wasn't letting go. Piper got in her face. "Paige, Angel, come on missy, open your eyes," Piper said sternly. Pollux pushed Piper gently backwards. She then leaned over and began whispering in Paige's ear, making sure none of the older three could hear her. Paige began whimpering pitifully. Piper leaned in close and kissed her temples as she pushed Pollux back. "Come on Angel, open your eyes. Pollux has you you're safe now," she said. Paige's eyes popped open and for a moment she was very disoriented. "Piper," she wailed as she leapt into her sister's arms. "Pollux is dead," she wailed. "What?" Piper asked. "No angel, she's not look," Piper said as she pushed her back into Pollux's arms. Pollux held her close, "You know I'll never let him kill me," she whispered. "He had you....an'....an'....I saw him do it," she whimpered. Pollux hugged her tight, "Never . . . never . . . you know that," she kissed her sister's head. "P...pr...rue," Paige stammered. Prue stepped forward and sat on the bed, "I'm here, baby."
"I....I go.....gotta.....no......don'," Paige stammered. She was so shaken she couldn't form a sentence. Prue brushed her hand through Paige's hair, "Its okay. Pollux has you." "Shecan'tleaveme," Paige pushed out in one breath. Then she leaned into Pollux and tried hard not to hyperventillate. Pollux sighed and held her close, "I ...ed up, didn't I? I should have never left you." "NO!" Paige yelled at her. "No!" she said as she ran her hand over Pollux's face as the tears ran down her own. Paige looked at Pollux and then put her head on her shoulder and stayed still and tried to calm her breathing. Pollux hugged her tighter and looked at her other three sisters, "And you all share this opinion?" "Pollux, she hasn't made a point yet," Phoebe pointed out. "Pheebs, go get me a glass of water please," Prue said seriously. "Paige honey, take a breath," Prue coaxed. Paige fought to take a deep breath. Pollux looked at her sisters, "I had to leave, I swear."
"Pollux, stop beating yourself up, little one," Piper tried. "We didn't like it, but we know you needed it, right Paige?" Prue said gently. Paige nodded and held tighter still to Pollux. Phoebe brought back the water and helped Paige take a sip. "Better?" she asked as she took the glass away. Paige nodded and tried to take a breath but still fought to do so. She had gotten herself into such a state and she was using all her energy to hold onto Pollux as tight as she could. "Be right back angel," Prue said as she got up and left the room. Pollux held her tight, "Baby, I'm not going anywhere. Either to leave or by death's hand . . . you can let loose a bit." Paige didn't even realize what she was doing. Piper stepped in and took Paige's hands. "Come on Angel, relax, take a deep breath," Piper tried as Phoebe rubbed Paige's back with one and Pollux's with the other. Phoebe slid in and tried to loosen Paige's grip. Pollux sighed, "She's got a death grip . . . no pun intended." Prue came back with a wet wash cloth and looked at Paige. "Come on angel," she said. Paige let Prue put the cloth in her mouth. "Come on suck on it," Prue coaxed. Paige did and her mouth was flooded with water, which she had to swallow. After a few minutes, the sucking and swallowing helped Paige to get her breathing under control, but she didn't let go of Pollux. Prue took the cloth away. "Can you breathe better now?" she asked kindly. Paige nodded her head, "Yes." Pollux held up her hand, "I can't." "Paige, baby, let go," Prue said as she took Paige's hands and moved them slightly. "Come on angel," she coaxed.
Paige shook her head, "No, I can't let go. Something will happen or she'll leave again." "Paige," Prue said carefully. "Pollux isn't going anywhere and nothing will happen if you let go. You can stay with her, but you need to loosen your grip so you don't hurt her," Prue said gently. "Come on Missy, it's alright to let go a little," Piper coaxed as she moved Pollux's arms around Paige's waist so Paige could feel her presence. Paige sighed and let up a little. Pollux looked at Prue, "I think a bandage came undone" she said quietly. Prue nodded but focused on Paige. She ran her hand over the side of her face and talked softly to her. "Can you tell me where you are?" Prue asked her. Paige still looked to sleepy to really be aware of what was going on around her. Paige nodded, "Holding Pollux so nothing happens and she doesn't leave." "Do you know who is in this house right now?" she asked kindly. "You, Pollux, Piper, and Phoebe," Paige said as she sniffled a bit. "And no one else, just the five of us, and we are all together and safe in this house right?" she asked as she leaned over and kissed her sister's forehead. Phoebe leaned over and hugged Paige tight. "You're okay sweetheart," she said softly. "Paige, I need to fix Pollux's bandage, can you let go long enough for me to help her?" Prue asked. Paige nodded, "Just long enough for that. Then I get her back." Pollux rolled her eyes and Piper smacked her lightly. "Do you want to come with us?" Prue asked her gently. She was still clearly shaken and Prue didn't want to stress her out anymore. "If you want to come with us you can, or you can sit here with Piper and Phoebe and rest, what would you like?" she asked. Paige held Pollux tight, "Carry me." Pollux rolled her eyes, but stood up holding her. Together they headed towards the bathroom behind Prue.
Piper and Phoebe looked at each other. "This is bad isn't it?" Phoebe asked seriously. Piper nodded, "I'm thinking yeah. They held that secret for so long." Phoebe nodded and the two went off behind Pollux and Paige. "Paige baby, you have to go sit with Piper and Phoebe for a moment," Prue said kindly. Paige nodded and went to her sisters. Piper pulled her close, "It's okay, I promise." Pollux looked at Prue, "Shirt off, I'm guessing." "Just quickly," Prue said gently. "Turn around and put your feet in the tub," Prue said softly. Pollux did as requested. She braced herself, preparing not to flinch again. The bandage was off the sensitive one. Paige looked over, "Be careful, Prue." "I promise Angel, I won't hurt her," Prue said kindly. Paige nodded, "You better not." Pollux just lowered her head and braced herself.
"Okay baby, it's just a little aloe, it might be a little cold," Prue said gently. Pollux nodded, "Okay, whenever you're ready." Pollux felt the pain shoot through her body when Prue touched the wound, but she managed to keep the flinching minimal. Paige stood up and tried to rush to her. "You're hurting her!" she yelled tried to get out of Piper and Phoebe's grasp. Piper pulled her back and held her. Pollux locked eyes with her sister, "Paige . . . you know Prue would never hurt me." "You flinched she hurt you!" Paige yelled getting hysterical again. "Paige, sit down," Piper said as she pushed her so she could sit on the toilet. "Paige, you know that Prue would not hurt any of us, Pollux is fine," Piper insisted. Pollux took a deep breath and said one of the hardest things she ever had in her life, but she knew it was for the best, "Piper, take her back to bed. You too, Phoebe. All of you, get out." Piper was about to protest, but Prue knew Pollux was doing the right thing. "Yes, everyone go back to bed and we'll be right there. Go on, hurry!" Prue said as she shooed them all out of the bathroom. "Good call baby," Prue said kindly. She knew that one move was probably killing her sister. Piper and Phoebe managed to get a semi hysterical Paige back to bed. "You did the right thing Baby, you did, I’m really proud of you," Prue spoke as she finished up putting the bandage on. "Okay you're done," Prue said as she adjusted Pollux's night shirt. "Come on, everyone back to bed," Prue smiled. Pollux shook her head, "I'd like to be alone for a little while, please." "Can I ask why?" Prue asked her. "Because I'm going to the backyard to look at the stars" Pollux stood and headed towards the door. Prue nodded, whoever you speak to tell them I said hello and to please try and make sure something not so great happens to him okay?" Prue asked. Pollux nodded, "Mom isn't going to let him near you guys again. He's already punished himself far worse than I ever could." She then headed towards the backyard. Prue sighed and headed back to the bedroom. Walking in she saw Paige in Piper's arms and both girls were trying desperately to sooth her, and it didn't look like it was going all that well. "That must have been some dream angel," Prue said kindly as she moved to the bed and sat down. Paige looked at Prue, "Where's Pollux?" she asked panicked. "It's okay, she went into the backyard to think, she wants to be alone for a while, she'll be back shortly," Prue said as she took Paige in her arms and held her gently. "She's going to leave again" Paige said defeated.
"Oh Missy," Prue sighed. She shifted her so Paige was facing her and she guided her head over her should. Paige was so tired and defeated, she didn't need to be told twice to rest her head on Prue. "She's not leaving, she promised she wasn't. You had a very bad, scary dream and it freaked both of you out," Prue explained. "Prue's right sweetie," Phoebe smiled at her. "You two are practically connected at the hip, I am sure that Pollux is just outside looking at the stars, she'll come back," Phoebe tried to assure her sister. Paige sighed, "Go get her, Piper. Make her come back in." "Baby, I will go down and look, but I think she needs to be alone right now, we just need to let her figure this out okay?" Piper said as she stood up to leave. Paige shook her head, "Bring her back here," she insisted. "I will do my best," Piper said as she kissed the top of her head and left the room. "Paige, you and Phoebe and I are going to lay down now, and rest until Pollux comes back, understand me?" Prue said firmly. Paige sighed, "I will lay down, but I'm not sleeping until Pollux is next to me." Meanwhile in the backyard, Pollux was stretched out in a lounge chair, half-asleep, staring at the stars. "Can I join you little one?" Piper asked her. Pollux yawned and nodded, "Okay." "What's out here that has you so relaxed, or should I say what's up there?" Piper asked her as she sat down and joined Pollux in her star gazing. Pollux smiled, "That's a San Francisco sky and I don't remember the last time I've slept under one." "I see," Piper said. "Well you should know that Paige has insisted I drag you back to the bedroom," Piper said with a slight smile. Pollux sighed, "No." "Why not?" Piper asked her. "Because if you want me to sleep at all the rest of the night, I suggest you leave me right where I'm at. Besides, I really need to be alone right now" Pollux didn't want to hurt Paige, but this was something she needed. "We explained that to her," Piper said. "I think she just needs to be reassured you aren't leaving," Piper said kindly.
Pollux took a deep breath, "Any way she can come here instead of me going there?" "Okay," Piper said. "Be right back then," Piper smiled. Pollux nodded, "See you soon," she yawned, rolling over and verging on sleep as Piper walked away. Piper got upstairs and saw Paige laying between Prue and Phoebe, cuddled into her sister as if her life depended on it. She was very quiet as she walked in, she didn't know if Paige was sleeping or not. Paige looked up, "Where is she?" "Come with me," Piper said as she took the comforter off the bed. Paige got up and followed Piper from the room. Pollux was already sleeping again when they got to the backyard. "She is sleeping you will cuddle with me in the chair next to her, understand me?" Piper told her sternly. Paige shivered, "How the hell does she keep from freezing to death?" "She's a tough kid, as are you, but you did not roam the world for five years," Piper said. She sat down and pulled Paige down on top of her. Then she pulled the blanket over them and the two laid still. "Are you okay now?" Piper asked her softly. "He hurt her so bad," Paige said quietly. "I know sweetheart, I know now, but we are safe now. You know that Mom won't let him anywhere near us," Piper explained. "All that is in the past, we deal with now forward," Piper said gently. "Did you enjoy seeing Rangi earlier today?" Piper asked trying to get Paige to relax a bit. Paige nodded, "She was soooo cute. I never dreamed we'd live with a clouded leopard." "I think she's adorable too," Piper said with a smile. "She's going to be a handful though, just like her mother was as a baby," Piper laughed. Paige smiled, "She is going to be a handful . . . but I don't remember Pollux being a handful as a baby." "Ah and that would be because you were just as much of a handful as a child," Piper laughed. She was so happy that Paige was now more relaxed. "I was not a handful! Take that back!" Paige slapped Piper playfully. "Okay I take it back," Piper said. "You were more than a handful," Piper teased as she hugged Paige tight and kissed her cheek. "But we still love you, you know that," Piper smiled. Paige glared at Piper, "Not cute." She settled back against Piper's chest, "Did he ever love her?" "I think he did for a while and then he changed, how and when and why, I do not know, but I honestly think he did love her, now I don't think he loves any of us," Piper said. Paige sighed, "He says he still loves the four of us. He told me that once when I confronted him about Pollux." "Well," Piper sighed. "There is no reason that he should love us and not her," Piper said calmly. Paige sighed, "Said she asked for it." "Do you buy that?" Piper asked her calmly. Paige shook her head, "I never know of Pollux ever hurting him or bothering him. Remember how excited she was just to go on that trip with him?" "I do remember Angel which is why I cannot forgive what he's done. I'm not saying you should, you are your own person, but I will not forgive him for that. Now, maybe we should snuggle up and go to sleep what do you say?" Piper asked. Paige snuggled deeper into Piper, "Okay. I love you, Piper. Night." "I love you too angel," Piper said softly. "And I love you as well little one," Piper added in just before she fell asleep.
June 7, 2004 10:03am
Patti looked at her eldest daughter, "So, Piper is moving in the attic and Pollux is moving in the basement . . . and you have a contractor at the house right now to see what has to be done for the rooms?" Patti tried to adjust herself in the bed. "Yes," Prue said as she walked closer to her mother and helped her adjust. "They are all coming here in a little while, but I want to prepare you for something," Prue said calmly. Patti looked up at her daughter, "Why do I not like the sound of that." "Okay here's the deal. Pollux has a few injuries that need to be tended to for the next while. Injuries from thirteen years ago that have never been treated. They look awful, but she says they aren't that bad and I want to warn you and..." Prue started but Patti cut her off. "She has injuries? He hit her more than once, didn't he?" Patti demanded. "Yes he did," Prue said quietly. Patti took a deep breath, "I see. How many times, Prue?" "We couldn't get a direct number from her, she was vague and told us a lot, and also there is something I want to tell you as well," Prue tried, but Patti was too focused on Pollux at the moment. Patti looked at Prue, "How did I miss this? How horrible of a mother am I? And what do you want to tell me?" "You are not a horrible mother, you are a great mother," Prue said. "Pollux was trying to protect us so she says. I don't see how it was a good thing to do, but whatever, that is not the point, the point is it's done with. And the other thing I want to tell you is that Paige is more than a little clingy right now and Phoebe is like majorly over protective. Poor Pollux has had her ribs nearly crushed by both of them, from holding her so tight.” Patti sighed, "I'm not surprised. When they get here, we're sending Piper to the cafeteria with Phoebe and Paige and you are showing me the injuries. Am I clear?" Prue raised her hands and shook her head. "I have no problems, the one you are going to have to convince is Pollux," Prue stated. Patti nodded, "I am still the mother here. Pollux will have to . . ." Piper entered the room, the other girls behind her, "Mom!" she beamed. Phoebe was standing very close to Pollux as was Paige. "Hello my darlings," Patti smiled at them. "Come here," she said holding her arms out for a hug. Piper hugged her mother, and Paige did as well. Paige held tight for a very long time, and Phoebe and Pollux just let her have her moment. "You look very tired Missy, did you not sleep?" she asked calmly. Paige shrugged, "Hard to sleep in the lounge chairs in the backyard." "That's an interesting place to sleep," Patti said looking at Paige intently. "That is not true, you slept on me," Piper supplied. "You too?" Patti asked. "Anyone else sleep outside?" she asked curiously.
Pollux cleared her throat, "I think I started the trend . . . after Paige's nightmare." "Snitch," Paige snapped. "Stop it," Patti warned them. "Someone explain and start from the top," Patti said seriously. Piper sighed, "Paige had a nightmare, got clingy with Pollux, we went to the bathroom to fix Pollux's bandage, Pollux kicked us out, she went downstairs in the backyard to be alone where she fell asleep, and Paige and I went downstairs and fell asleep too." Paige nodded, "That's it, except for, it was freezing and while Piper and I had a blanket, Pollux didn't." Pollux rolled her eyes, "Tattletale." "Hey!" Patti scolded. "I said stop it." She closed her eyes a moment and looked at Piper. "Piper, Phoebe, would you two please go down to the cafeteria for me. I want drinks and crackers for all of us, talk to Mr. McKenna, he'll take care of you," Patti said. Phoebe stepped forward, "Mom, I would rather . . ." "Phoebe, not another word, go with your sister," Patti insisted. Phoebe lowered her head. She squeezed Pollux's hand, "I'll be back." Pollux watched them go. Once the door was closed she sighed, "Oh, I know you will - back to smother me." Prue gave her a light smack, "It's your own fault." Pollux stared at her, "How in the name of Zeus's asshole is it my fault?" "LANGUAGE!" Patti yelled at her. Pollux shrank back, "Okay. Okay. I'm going to go help Piper and Phoebe." "NO! Now get back here," Patti said seriously. Pollux cocked an eyebrow, "Why do you need me?" "Because you are going to show me what you showed your sisters, and I don't want to hear one word out of you the entire time unless I hurt you, now if you've understood please nod," Patti said seriously. Patti was more angry at Sam, but all that anger got redirected into control and a mother's love for her daughter and she put it to great use. Pollux glared at Prue, "You ...ing told." "HEY!" Patti yelled as she lunged forward at her daughter. "If you have any issues you will take them up with me later, now get over here!" Patti yelled at her daughter. Pollux pointed to Paige, "She had a nightmare, remember?" "Pollux Keegan Halliwell, I've had enough of you, now get over here!" Patti said growling at her daughter.
Pollux sighed, "Fine. If you have to see, then you have to see, but seeing this caused Paige to have a nightmare last night, so maybe you want her to help Piper and Phoebe." "What part of I do not want to hear a word out of you, do you not understand. Come here!" Patti said sternly. Pollux stepped over to the bed and stood there with her head down. "Do we have to do this?" she asked quietly. "Pollux!" Patti scolded. "Shirt off now!" Pollux turned and looked at her sister, "Prue, will you watch the door?" Prue closed the door and Patti pulled Pollux closer. Pollux pulled off her shirt and Patti began inspecting her bruises. "What are the gauze pads for Prue?" Patti asked her eldest daughter. Prue sighed, "I was trying to reduce the scarring and the old bruising that didn't heal right." "Okay," Patti nodded. "What's this one?" she asked as she pointed to the bandage on Pollux's neck. Pollux used her eyes to plead with Prue. Prue mouthed 'sorry', she motioned Paige over to watch the door, then walked over to the bed, she put Pollux's chin on her shoulder, and started removing the gauze pad, "Belt buckle scar," she said softly. Patti looked at it a moment. "Pollux, how old were you?" she asked as she made Prue cover the scar back up. "Eleven," Pollux said almost inaudibly. "Why?" Patti asked kindly as she adjusted Pollux's shirt and guided her to the bed to lay down with her. Pollux laid down, "You had gone to visit Aunt Gail. Prue was at the movies, Piper was at the library, Phoebe was at Grams's. He yelled at Paige . . . made her cry. I threatened to tell you the truth when you came home. He wanted to remind me that he could still hurt me and it was in my best interest not to tell you." "Missy, what did he yell at you for?" Patti asked as she invited Paige to join them on the bed. Paige sighed, "I wouldn't do my homework - tried to tell him it was Friday night." Patti simply nodded and leaned forward and kissed her daughter's head. "I love you both so much," she said as she leaned over and kissed Pollux in the same fashion. "I love all my girls," Patti said. "So now what do we do about this?" she asked them seriously. Pollux shrugged, "Nothing to do. It's over with now." "I don't agree with that statement," Patti said. "I have this nagging feeling that the two of you should be punished somehow," Patti said. Paige didn't really care she just cuddled into Patti and decided to let the chips fall where they may. Pollux closed her eyes, "I'm moving home. I'm letting Prue take care of my back and thighs. What else can I do here?" "That's not what I'm getting at baby, but we will discuss this later, right now we rest," Patti said as she held two of her five children. Prue sighed, "Be careful of the bottom of her ribcage on her right side." "Why what happened there?" Patti asked calmly.
Prue looked at Pollux, who just sat still. Prue sighed, "Don't know, but Pollux didn't bother inventing an excuse. It never healed right. Hurts to touch it. I can take the bandage off if you want to see it." "Pollux please tell me the truth about what happened to your rib cage please," Patti requested. Pollux just sat still with her arms crossed over her chest. "Fine then close your eyes and take a rest," Patti instructed. "I'm not tired. Can I please go home?" Pollux asked quietly. Paige sighed, "Just tell her what she wants to know." Pollux shook her head, "Home." "No the two of you are going to lye here with me and we are going to rest," Patti said sternly. "I don't care if you are not tired, you are staying here next to me for the next little while," Patti insisted. Pollux laid her head back, "Great." Paige exhaled, "Damn it, Pollux. Tell her." "Paige that is enough," Patti said seriously. Paige shook her head, "I'm tired of this. I want it over with. Just make her tell you." "Sweetheart it's a lot to ask of her at the moment. You can't pu... all out at once that can be dangerous. Now seeing as you seem to know what it is, and she doesn't want to tell me and you want to get it over with, perhaps you should tell me," Patti said. Pollux raised up, "Don't you ...ing dare, Paige." "HEY!" Patti growled at her. "I have warned you about the language twice now, don't pu...! You are going to tell me eventually, because I will know every bruise he gave you before we go to court, now if you don't tell me and Paige knows then she will, because I am not living with anymore secrets. Sam is going to be punished for everything he has done to you, now who is going to tell me?" Patti said seriously. "If she's telling you, I'm leaving. I will not witness this." "Then you tell me yourself," Patti insisted. Pollux shook her head fiercely. "Fine. Prue please take your sister out of the room for a while. You are not to leave this hospital, you are to wait fifteen minutes and then you are to come back, right here, where you were, because I am going to spend time with my children if it kills me," Patti said angrily. Prue nodded and grabbed Pollux by the arm. She led her baby sister out of the room and left Patti with Paige. "Okay Missy, you have fifteen minutes, tell me what you know," Patti said calmly. "What is the great mystery behind this bruise," Patti said kindly as she wrapped her daughter in a tight hug and let Paige lean against her. Paige took a deep breath, "He yelled at Phoebe for staying out too late with a boyfriend. You had went to work, and he gave Prue and Piper money to see a movie. After he knew I knew, he didn't bother getting rid of me. So he's yelling at Phoebe and she stormed out. So Pollux yells at him for yelling at Phoebe . . . she didn't even threaten to tell this time."
Patti felt Paige get tense in her arms. She gently ran a hand over the side of Paige's face to calm her. Once she was slightly calmer Patti spoke gently. "Go on baby, what did he do?" Patti asked softly. Paige sighed, "You know those wood clamps he has in the garage?" "He clamped her or he threw one at her?" Patti asked trying to remain calm. Paige sighed, "I'm talking about the big ones . . . the huge pipe ones, that are for like holding cabinets together . . . he dragged her to the garage, shoved her against the wall, put the clamp on her side, and started yelling at her how he was in control. For every time she yelled back at him, he tightened the clamp a little tighter. When he put it on, he made sure he had her bottom rib caught." "Sweetheart, Mommy needs to be alone for a while, go be with your sisters for a bit okay?" Patti said softly. Paige looked at her pitifully, "I upset you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I . . . I just . . ." Patti sighed at her choice of words. "No Baby, no," she said as she pulled Paige tighter and hugged her close. "What I mean, is that, what you said is a lot of information to swallow and I'm glad you told me, but I'm not sure how I feel about it and I don't want to take out any misdirected feelings on you. I take it back. You stay here with me angel and we will rest quietly alright?" Patti said. Paige nodded, "Okay. What are you going to do when Pollux and Prue get back? You haven't seen that one, you didn't take the bandage off." "I know angel, but I'm not ready to look at that yet, it's going to take me a while to work up to it," Patti explained. Paige snuggled into her mother's shoulder, "It's not as bad as you would think. I took care of it as best I could, but I was only fourteen." "I am very sure you did angel," Patti said. "I'm not happy about the not telling though," Patti said seriously. "And I can't really say what, right now, but you and Pollux will be punished for it, and possibly Piper as well, only because she didn't know as long," Patti explained. "But this is a serious matter and we need to treat it as one, which means it's going to take me a while to come up with a punishment for you," Patti said gently. "In the mean time you stay here with me and we'll rest till your sisters get back." Paige nodded, "I understand. I'm sorry I didn't tell, Mom." Paige held tight to Patti and laid quietly waiting for Prue and Pollux to return. Patti laid quietly in thought. She remembered when she came back from shopping with Phoebe once and Paige and Pollux were locked in the bathroom for hours. As she thought about that moment, many more popped into her head and it began to dawn on her how serious this was. She absentmindedly ran her hand through Paige's dark hair calming her nerves and the nerves of her daughter. "Sorry will just not cut it in this case," she thought to herself. Paige was almost asleep on her mother's chest, Patti's hands through her hair making her sleepy. She yawned and nestled closer to Patti. Prue and Pollux came back after a little while. Prue walked all the way into the room, but Pollux held back near the door, knowing what Paige had told their mother.
"Come in Pollux," Patti said. "I'm not mad baby, come on," Patti coaxed. Paige was very close to sleep so Prue quietly moved to a chair and sat down while Pollux debated on what to do. Pollux lowered her head, "You know though," she said quietly. "And that does not matter to me, come on in, it's okay," Patti said gently. Pollux shook her head, "How can you look at me? You'll never look at me the same again." "Baby, come here," Patti said sternly. "Come on, it's okay, I will explain, but you have to come here," Patti said gently. Pollux remained standing still. Prue walked quietly over and pulled her the rest of the way into the room. Once Pollux was standing next to their mother's bed, Prue returned to the chair. "I know what happened, and I still look at you as my daughter," Patti said. "My very brave, very intelligent daughter who has had many moments of stupidity throughout her life as we all have. Sorry for not telling does not cut it in this case, you and Paige will be punished for it, but I do not know how yet. That is yet to be determined. Now, I would like for you to cuddle with us for a little while, but if you do not want to I will understand," Patti said kindly. Pollux took a deep breath, "Did she tell you . . . tell you I never told him he was in charge? I never gave him the pleasure. I passed out first." "No she did not, but I'm glad you told me now," Patti smiled at her. "Pollux you have to understand that I love you," Patti explained. "I know you love me, Mom. I've never doubted you loved me - you or any of my sisters. And I've always loved you . . . fiercely, I promise," Pollux said softly, yet intensely. "Good, and I also want you to realize that you are going to be hearing that everyday for a very long time," Patti insisted. "And we all know how much you love us, now, will join me on the bed?" Patti asked her. Pollux nodded. "I'm sorry," she said as she climbed onto the bed. "I don't think it is you who needs to be apologizing, and that will not get you out of some sort of punishment," Patti said as she waited for Pollux to get comfortable.
Once Pollux was comfortable, Prue stood up next to the bed. She pushed Pollux's head onto Patti's shoulder and held her sister's hand. "Mom, can I at least know what I'm treating - what made the scar?" "Well....." Patti sighed. "I know my daughters all of you, so you will stay calm understood?" she said sternly. Prue held Pollux's hand tighter, "I promise." Pollux buried her head deeper into Patti's neck. To make matters worse for Pollux, the door opened and Phoebe stuck her head in, "Too soon? Do we need to be scarce longer?" "No come in, this story will be told only once," Patti said. "You will both stay calm and quiet, Paige is sleeping," Patti told them seriously. Piper nodded and both girls moved to the other side of the bed. "Now I mean it you all will listen and not speak, you will remain calm using every ounce of self control you have," Patti said seriously looking specifically at Prue. Prue began rubbing Pollux's back, "I promise," she said quietly. Piper switched sides and held her big sister from behind, "I got her, Mom." Patti took a deep breath. "Your father kept large clamps in the garage and decided that he should use one on Pollux and made sure it was by her ribs. Your sister did not cave though, she decided to just wait out the pain and passed out and because of that I am wondering if you have all your ribs," she said trying to look at Pollux. "Do you know my baby? Do you know if you have them all intact?" she asked quietly. Pollux shook her head no, keeping her face in Patti's neck. Piper felt Prue go stiff as a board in her arms. "Prue, stay calm. You have to," she whispered. "No you don't know? Or no you don't have them all intact?" Patti asked kindly then she looked at Prue. "Darling you and Piper need to go outside and deal with it, then come back, I know you need to," Patti said. Prue shook her head, "I'm not leaving her." She leaned down into Pollux's ear, "Do you know, baby?" Pollux stayed with her face buried in Patti's neck. Piper then leaned in, "Little one?" Piper had to strain to hear Pollux's reply, "Don't know. Don't think so." "Baby, do you know why I asked?" Patti said gently. She couldn't begin to imagine how hard this must have been for Pollux. "No," Pollux said softly. "The reason I asked is because there are twelve ribs on each side, and number eleven and twelve sort of float, they are much easier to break, now you've not had any serious breathing problems or any serious continual stabbing pains or hemorrhaging have you?" Patti asked.
Pollux remained silent. Piper could read her little sister's body language, "She has. Also, when she was in New Orleans from the snake, sometimes it was really hard for her to catch her breath . . . even towards the end of the month time span." "We need to get you to x-ray baby, they need to push your ribs back in place so that you don't start hemorrhaging," Patti said gently. Pollux shook her head, "No," she quietly protested. "Sweetheart, would you like to bleed internally and drop dead on the spot somewhere?" Patti asked her. "Eight years - nothing yet," Pollux countered. "When do you have trouble breathing?" Patti asked her. "Different times . . . usually, usually when I . . . um, overexert myself," Pollux tried to admit to her sex life tactfully. "Sometimes in a fight . . . once in a plane that was landing." "The first sign of trouble that I spot, you are having an x-ray, until that time, we will leave it alone, deal?" Patti asked her. Pollux sighed, leaned up, and whispered in her mother's ear, "Nothing to put back in place." "You had it taken care of then," Patti said calmly. Pollux took her mother's hand and ran it along her right ribcage. Pollux knew the first ten ribs could be felt without problem, that eleven could be felt with obvious cracks and misshapes, and twelve . . . well, there were bits of twelve there. Pollux stopped on the sixth rib and let her mother finish feeling the ribs for herself, Pollux holding her breath and preparing for the pain that was sure to come. Patti reached rib ten and stopped. Taking a breath she continued down them and felt Pollux flinch. Finally reaching twelve she pressed gently. She pulled her hand off the moment Pollux flinched. "Take one big deep breath for me," she said. "When I say three you will blow it out slow okay?" Patti said gently. Pollux nodded and took her deep breath. Prue looked at Patti, "Mom?" "Wait please," Patti said. "One...Two...Three," Patti said. Pollux let out the breath slow and controlled and Patti felt the twelfth rib. There was a huge chunk of it missing. Patti stopped touching when Pollux's breath was done. Then she looked at her daughters. "She only has twenty three ribs, it's been taken care of already," she said softly. Phoebe was standing on her side of the bed alone and looked ready to have a nervous breakdown. Piper let go of Prue and moved over to Phoebe wrapping her in a hug from behind. "Shhh, breathe baby," she whispered. Phoebe shook her head, "It's not right. How could he?" Phoebe's voice escalating roused Paige, who sat up groggily. "What's going on?" she looked around the room. Pollux never raised her face from her mother's neck. "Everyone knows about Sam sweetheart," Patti explained gently. "You can rest a little longer if you want," Patti said. "It's not mandatory, you had a decent nap," Patti said gently. Paige looked at Pollux's face in her mother's neck, then looked solemnly at Patti, "You know it's gone." "I do, Pollux told me herself and for that we are very proud of her," Patti explained. "Pollux didn't know . . . we couldn't think of a single accident she could have to explain it. We knew it should be treated, but . . . but . . ." Paige fought for the words. Phoebe glared at her, "How about the truth? Did either of you think of that?" Pollux let a tear roll down her face and onto her mother's neck - but only one. "Phoebe pull it back I meant it!" Patti said sternly. Patti moved one arm up to Pollux's face and began combing her fingers through her hair. "You can discuss it, but you pull it back right now!" Patti ordered her. "There will be no accusations and no screaming or yelling, or loud voices," Patti said seriously. Phoebe crossed her arms over her chest, "Mom, they hid this from us for thirteen years. And Pollux has obviously lost a rib. If she had lost her head, then would we have been told the truth?" "Phoebe....." Patti warned her. "Look they both know what they did was wrong and Piper knows what she did was wrong too. They will all be punished for it, but I am not sure how yet," Patti explained calming down a bit. Piper moved over to Pollux, "Come on, little one, let's go get an x-ray." Pollux shook her head, "It's gone." Piper sighed, "I know it's gone, but Mom is going to need the x-ray for court and I'm sure she would like to see exactly what it looks like. Please." Pollux raised up and looked at her mother, "You need it?" "To make sure that Sam is punished appropriately, yes," Patti said.
Pollux sighed, "Only because you need it." She crawled off the bed and stood next to Piper. Piper took her hand and looked at Patti, "I'll bring back a copy?" Patti nodded. "Yes please, and they are not to badger you with questions, you get it done and no one asks questions. When it is done you will come back here, pick up your sisters and you may all go about your day if you like," Patti said. Prue stood still, "You bring it back, take them to the car, I'll join you a few minutes later, and we'll go home." Pollux looked at her big sister, "Prue." Prue shook her head, "I will see it." Pollux nodded her head and Piper took her out of the hospital room. "Phoebe," Patti said. "Do you need to lay down with me for a while?" she asked calmly. Phoebe nodded and crawled into the spot previously occupied by Pollux. They all remained silent, lost in their own thoughts. Piper and Pollux returned forty minutes later. Piper handed her mother the envelope, "They took four different angles. The tech said he can't be sure, but based on what he saw, the wound appears to be somewhere between six and nine years old. He's going to sign a paper to that effect and send it to the lawyer. Phoebe, Paige, let's go." Phoebe and Paige obediently got up and followed Piper and Pollux out of the room, Phoebe staying close to Pollux. After they were gone, Prue looked at her mother, "Shall we?" "Come sit," Patti said as she opened her arms for Prue. Prue sat on the bed next to Patti and leaned her head on Patti's shoulder. Patti smiled leaned over and kissed the top of her head. She twisted the envelope in her hands a moment. "We can't treat her like she's broken glass now, you know that right?" Patti said. "Life has to move on as normal." "She is broken," Prue argued. "But her spirit has been recovering," Patti countered. "We have to be careful but we can't treat her like a piece of broken glass because she is going to run right back out the door if we do, and you know it," Patti said. "Life goes on as normal, and we take small precautions along the way," Patti stated. "Now, are you ready?" she asked Prue. Prue took a deep breath, "As ready as I'll ever be."
Patti pulled the x-rays out of the jacket and studied them carefully. You could clearly see in one how one side of the rib cage was uneven. There was simply just no bone coming off the vertebrae as it was in the others. "How can someone do this?" she asked, not expecting an answer. “How can the person who helped give her life do this? It’s insane. Her rib is gone! Completely gone, and look at the one above it!” Prue pointed to the x-ray. There were hairline fractures all across the bone. Patti sighed and put the pictures back in the jacket. "When you get home, call Mr. Grey and tell him what we have for the trial alright darling?" Patti asked holding back tears. "Please make sure Paige and Pollux both rest today, so that Paige catches up on her sleep and so that Pollux doesn't get sick from sleeping under the stars with no blanket, alright?" Patti requested. Prue nodded, “They’re going home and straight to bed . . . well, Pollux is going to make Piper take her to see the fur ball . . . but they will rest, I promise.” "Be nice about it, and watch Phoebe, she's worrying me a bit," Patti said honestly. "You're it now babe, you're the second in command now," Patti said kindly. "That's a whole rank, think you can handle it?" Patti smiled at her. Prue nodded, “Yeah, I can handle it. Um, do I have to do anything special for that wound?” "No darling, the aloe s fine," Patti said. "Hurry back to your sisters, and I would like you to remember that please. Your SISTERS not your daughters," Patti said kindly. Prue smiled, “Don’t worry, you have the franchise on that.” Prue kissed Patti and left the hospital room.
June 7, 2004 2:30pm
Piper came back in to the house will Pollux and Phoebe was on them like a shot. "How's the baby?" she asked as she gently hugged Pollux and didn't let go. Pollux gave Piper a ‘help’ look, “The baby is good. Wants to come with me, but good.” "Good, Prue says you have to rest, come with me and be quiet Paige is sleeping," Phoebe said. "Pheebs, honey," Piper said calmly. "You have to let Pollux up for air." Phoebe glared at Piper, “It’s my job to protect her.” She then drug Pollux through the house and to the couch. Piper groaned as the girls left and looked at Prue as she came in from doing the laundry. "You have GOT to do something about Phoebe." Prue looked confused, “Why?” "Because she restricting Pollux's breathing room," Piper said. "She's like a dog with a bone," Piper said. Prue sighed, “Can you blame her? I feel like locking baby sister in a padded room.” "Well while that is very true and I want to do the same thing, we need to give her a little breathing room," Piper explained. Prue thought back to what her mother had said before they left the hospital. She shook her head and walked to the living room. “Pheebs, give Pollux a break.” Phoebe shook her head, “I’m protecting her. Besides, I want to feel this missing rib thing. What happened to the part that’s missing? Does anybody know?” "That isn't important right now honey, come one, back off, give her some room, she doesn't need to me poked and prodded twenty four hours a day," Prue explained. Phoebe sighed, “I want to know.” Paige came down the stairs still rubbing her eyes. She walked straight to the couch and laid on top of Pollux. Pollux just sighed and rolled her eyes, “Okay, this is crazy.” "Missy how do you feel?" Piper asked her. “Like I have two tumors,” Pollux snapped. Phoebe glared at her, “I just want to know what it feels like!” Pollux raised Paige up and scooted her over, exposing her right side, “Fine, Phoebe! Have at it!”
"NO!" Prue snapped. "That is enough," Prue said as she pulled Phoebe off the couch. "Phoebe you can feel at a later date, this is not Harry Potter, Piper does not have bone growing medicine. Paige, Piper asked you how you felt," Prue said kindly. “Fine. Stay with Pollux,” Paige insisted. Pollux moved her, “Damn it, no!!” Pollux headed to the door and grabbed her jacket, “I’ll be back, later!” "No Baby, come back," Prue said. Piper is taking Phoebe and Paige with her to go grocery shopping," Prue said. "You can stay here and rest in peace. Paige, Phoebe, in the car, with Piper, off to the store, hurry up!" Prue ordered. Piper nodded her approval and got her purse and keys. Pollux held up her hands and stepped backwards, “Doesn’t matter. I’m going too. I will be back, I promise!” Prue sighed and walked over to her. "Where are you headed?" she asked kindly. Pollux shrugged, “Not here.” "Pollux," Prue warned. “I will be back before seven a.m. tomorrow morning.” Pollux bargained. "Wrong answer baby," Prue smiled at her. "Little one stay here and rest we are leaving," Piper said. Pollux grinned, “Who has two thumbs and is twenty-one years old?” Pollux pointed both thumbs back towards herself, “Me. I’ll be back. I promise, I’ll be back,” "Little one, I know you don't want to stay, but once we leave you will be alone to do as you like and Prue is not going to be down your throat about things. Tomorrow after you have rested yourself fully, you can go do whatever it is you wanted to do today, go lay down, I will stall grocery shopping as long as possible I swear," Piper said seriously. Pollux shook her head, “Don’t you get it, Piper? Phoebe is never going to treat me the same again. None of you, but Paige are. And the only reason Paige will, is because she’s known all along. There are going to be times I need to go off by myself. Maybe this is one of those times!!” "Well you can go off by yourself in this house, I will talk to Phoebe," Piper said. "Stay here in the house and rest you did not get alot of sleep the other night, I would like you to rest and catch up. It was a tough day, and I want you rest and take care of yourself, by staying in the house," Piper insisted. "I promise Baby I won't be after you to lay down and rest or watch a movie, you can move about the house as you like, but I would much prefer if you stayed in the house for today," Prue said. Pollux threw up her hands, “...ing fine!! And I dare any of you to say language!” She stormed off through the house. Phoebe looked at her big sister, “Prue, you have to watch her. I’ll be back in a short while to . . .”
"Phoebe Karen you will back off," Prue said seriously. "You will go shopping with Piper for as long as it takes and when you come back you will relax. Because while your intentions are good and understandable, you are driving Pollux insane," Prue said. “I’m keeping her safe!!” Phoebe shot. "Yes and you are doing a very good job, possibly too good of a job, there are no threats to her here in this house," Prue reasoned. “He could come back! What then!! I’m fairly certain she needs most of her bones!” Phoebe countered. Paige rolled her eyes, “It’s one little rib!” "Phoebe go shopping!" Prue said sternly. Piper grabbed Phoebe by the forearm, “We’re leaving. Prue, don’t bully or boss her, but please go check on her.” Meanwhile Pollux had grabbed a sleeping bag and hid herself amongst boxes and antiques in the attic, knowing Prue couldn’t see her there. Prue checked every room in the house twenty minutes later and then she went up to the attic. She saw the small end of a blanket sticking out from behind a box and smiled. She went back to her room and grabbed Pollux's stuffed bear. Then she went back upstairs and threw him in Pollux's direction. Once she heard the thump she smiled. "I'll be in the kitchen if you need me," she said as she turned and started to head back down the stairs. “Don’t you dare tell them where I’m at,” Pollux demanded sleepily. She grabbed the bear, rolled over, and went back to sleep. Several hours later, Piper came home with one very tired sister and one very grouchy sister. "Okay let me at her," Phoebe demanded when she saw Prue sitting on the couch reading a magazine. “Who?” Prue asked casually. "Don't give me that, you know who, where's Pollux!" she demanded as she scowled. Prue shrugged, “Haven’t seen her since she stormed out of the foyer. She’s hiding.” "What do you mean hiding, did you call Andy have him start looking for her?" Phoebe said. "Pheebs, you're going a bit too far!" Paige said yawning. Prue nodded, “Paige is right. She’s in this house, I guarantee that. Let her be. She’s been on her own for five years, Phoebe. She isn’t going to take kindly to being crowded.” "Okay maybe you all missed the part where we found out he used medieval torture on her. Am I the only one who heard that?" she demanded. Paige shook her head, “You just don’t get it, do you?” "Paige he nearly killed her, MANY TIMES!" Phoebe said. "And I am not ready to forgive you for not telling us that!" she said angrily.
“Then smother me and leave Pollux alone! God knows she took the bullet for us for years!” Paige insisted. "Ugh! If you two do not stop with the bickering I'm going to shoot both of you," Piper said. "Go argue elsewhere I'm getting a migraine!" she said as she ushered them out of the room. "Do you have any idea what those two were like in the store?" she asked Prue. Prue shook her head, “No, nor do I want to know.” Meanwhile Paige looked at Phoebe, “You think you’re so right. Why don’t you ask me why he used the clamp on Pollux?” "Okay smart mouth, why?" Phoebe asked, not really sure if she was ready for the answer. “Because she yelled at him for yelling at you for coming home late!! You remember the time, she was thirteen, Mom was at work, he sent Prue and Piper to the movies . . . think, Phoebe. You know this,” Paige smirked. "So it's my fault, you are accusing me of making him put a clamp on her ribcage?" Phoebe said getting defensive. “No, it isn’t your fault, but she did it for you. So return the favor, leave her alone now,” Paige demanded. "Okay maybe you don't get the guilt factor here," Phoebe insisted. "I am the reason she has a missing rib, I am the reason that she got battered by a man who I called dad for years after and during the torture process. Do you have any idea how much that weighs on my chest. No you couldn't possibly, because you knew the big bad secret and you didn't tell!" Phoebe yelled at her. "You went about your life as if nothing was wrong and you helped Pollux when you could. You don't know how much guilt I have for not being able to know what he did, for not knowing the truth, for feeling like my own sister doesn't trust me enough to come and tell me the truth about what some horrible person is doing to her!" Phoebe yelled as the tears started. Prue and Piper had had enough at that point. "Pheebs, baby, come on we need to get you in a bubble bath," Prue insisted. Paige rolled her eyes, “It’s not that she didn’t trust you - it’s that she loves you so much!!! She didn’t want to hurt you damn it!! Get that through your thick skull. She wouldn’t have told me, except she needed help and she knew she could convince me to stay quiet the easiest!!” Paige screamed. Pollux rolled over and listened to the yelling two flights down. Part of her wanted to intervene, part of her needed to stay away.
Prue jumped in quickly. "Girls that's enough, Phoebe, come with me, Paige go help Piper put the groceries away, NOW!" Prue growled at her sisters. Phoebe glared at Paige, but sulked out behind Prue. Once her big sister had come to a stop, Phoebe glared at her, "I suppose you think this is my fault too." "No the only person I blame for all of this is Sam, end of story, now come on," Prue said as she lead Phoebe into the bathroom. "Come on I'll draw you a bubble bath and you can relax, you need it more than you think!" Prue said. Phoebe shook her head, "I don't want a damn bubble bath!! I want to see Pollux!" "You can after you take the bath," Prue said. "Come on hurry up," Prue said rushing her along. "Pollux is resting comfortable, just let her rest and you rest too," Prue insisted. Phoebe shook her head, "No, I need to see her. I need to see that she's alright. I can' t let anybody hurt her ever again." Prue sighed and pulled Phoebe close. "Honey stop," Prue said as she held her tight. "What do you think happened to her since you've left, do you think I hurt her?" Phoebe sighed, "Of course you didn't hurt her. But, Prue . . . did you see the scars and old bruises?!?!? Am I the only one that thinks the missing rib is insane?!?! She has twenty-three ribs, she was born with twenty-four" Prue sighed. "Phoebe I realize that she only as twenty three ribs. I understand that, but that does not me you can smother her. It's been like that for a really long time, we just never knew it. We can't treat her like a piece of broken glass. Now I want you to get in the tub and let the bath do it's job, let it help you relax and I will even stay and we can talk this out as much as you want, but you need to back off of Pollux. You can't be on top of her twenty four hours a day." Phoebe sighed, but did indeed get in the tub. She had been there for a few minutes when she looked up at Prue, "We have to protect her." "Pheebs, I don't disagree with you," Prue said. "I want to protect her to, but we have to be tactful about it. You can't be in her face all the time, you have to give her some room to breathe." "Why? She's been gone for five years! And while I now understand why, I think I reserve certain big sister rights!" Phoebe argued. "Hey," Prue said as she splashed her with some water. "Yes you do, you are the big sister and you have certain rights, but as the baby, she has rights too, and one of those is not to feel smothered in her own house, or I promise you she will find away to still help mom and not be in the house," Prue said. She actually heard herself sound like Patti and smiled inwardly. Phoebe sulked a second, "I don't want her to leave again. I've missed her - really missed her." "I know you did, I did too," Prue said. "But that does not mean you can smother her all the time, or she will find a way to leave again. I'm not saying you can't be with her, I'm saying you can't be on top of her all the time," Prue said as she leaned over and put her face inches from Phoebe's. "This, is not the most fun thing in the world," she smiled. Phoebe rolled her eyes, "It wouldn't bother me if you stay there; I know you're doing it out of love," she tried to reason.
"Yes well that is why I am staying here with you now, because you and I understand that it's out of love, and Pollux understands that too, but she doesn't love like you and I do, and you know that, which means you can't smother her," Prue said firmly yet gently. Phoebe shook her head, "Mom can smother her," she grumbled. "Well when you go through that many hours of labor, you can smother your child that way too," Prue smiled at her. Phoebe sighed, "I didn't make her leave, did I? She's in this house somewhere?" "Aye, Pheebs," Prue sighed. "No you didn't make her leave, I promise you she is in this house and she is resting, well she was, but with you and Paige screaming at each other she may not be resting now." Phoebe lowered her head, the calming bath and the guilt catchin