Thank you everyone.
And Vananh, i'm glad you like Peek-a-Prue, it's starting to grow on me.
8
Saturday couldn’t come soon enough for Piper. She was thrilled to be seeing Prue again, and she couldn’t wait to see her sisters’ reactions, especially Paige’s. She woke up, showered, and dressed, and then began to clean up the house. She wanted everything to look perfect for Prue. By noon, the house was spotless, and Leo had taken the boys out to the park. She knew her sisters would be arriving at any moment, so she began preparing lunch. As she tossed salad ingredients into a bowl, Piper experimented with how to break the news to Phoebe and Paige.
“Hey guys,” Piper said to herself. “Prue came to see me the other day. Yeah, I didn’t tell you, but I’m telling you now.” She paused. “No…” She cleared her throat. “Guess what? Prue’s back! Well, not really, but she did finally come down…. Ugh no…” She sighed. Just then, Paige orbed into the kitchen, interrupting her conversation.
“Hey,” Paige said brightly. She took a deep breath in through her nose. “Something smells good.”
“I’ve got lasagna in the oven,” said Piper.
“Yum,” said Paige. “What can I do to help?”
“Well, everything’s pretty much ready. But you can start putting the food on the table.” Paige nodded and picked up the salad that Piper had just finished tossing, carrying it into the dining room. Piper followed her in with the tray of lasagna, fresh out of the oven. “Once Phoebe gets here, we can start. She is coming, right?”
“Yeah, she said she was,” answered Paige. “I guess she’s running late.”
Piper returned to the kitchen while Paige put out plates and silverware. Moments later, Phoebe entered through the front door.
“You’re late,” Paige teased, playfully making a face at her sister.
“I know,” Phoebe said apologetically. “But cut me a break, driving is way slower than orbing. And there’s more traffic too.”
“Phoebe, right on time,” said Piper as she came out of the kitchen. Phoebe made a face at Paige.
Take that. Paige just smirked and rolled her eyes.
“Let’s eat,” said Piper. “Then I’ll give you the news.”
“I’ve been dying to know what it is,” said Phoebe. “And, not to steal your thunder, but I’ve got some news to share too.” Paige grinned hopefully, having an idea as to what Phoebe’s news might be. The girls ate and chatted, catching each other up on their lives. When they had finished eating, they sat in silence, waiting for Piper to share.
“Phoebs, why don’t you go first,” Piper offered.
“Okay,” Phoebe said with a nod. She paused, trying to hide a smile, and then blurted out, “I’m pregnant!”
“Yay!” Paige cheered, squeezing Phoebe tightly. Piper’s eyes widened.
“Phoebe that’s great news!” said Piper with a grin. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks,” Phoebe said, beaming. “I’m so excited.”
“How did Coop take the news?” Paige asked.
“He’s thrilled,” said Phoebe. “I know he’ll make a great dad.”
“And you’ll make a great mom,” said Paige with a smile. For a few moments, the girls chatted about baby names, and Piper gave Phoebe some pregnancy tips. Then, it was time for Piper to share her news.
“So what is it?” Paige asked. Piper nodded, not sure where to start.
“Well…” she paused, then decided to just come right out and say it. “Prue came to see me.” Two jaws dropped simultaneously.
“What?” said Phoebe. “You mean you summoned her and it actually worked?”
“Not exactly,” said Piper. “I didn’t summon her, she just appeared behind me in the attic. I thought it was you, Paige, but when I turned around it was her.” Phoebe and Paige fell silent.
“When?” Phoebe asked shakily.
“A couple days ago. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you then, but she couldn’t stay long, and I wanted to tell you two together, in person.” Paige remained speechless.
“Are you sure it was her?” Phoebe asked.
“Yes,” said Piper. “She wasn’t a demon, I tested her. And no, I wasn’t dreaming.” Phoebe nodded. Then a huge grin spread across her face, the news finally sinking in.
“Can we see her?”
“Of course,” said Piper with a smile. “She told me to summon her whenever.” Then she looked to Paige. She couldn’t quite read her expression. “Paige, I know this must be strange for you.” Paige nodded, tears forming in her eyes.
“I don’t know what to say,” she said in a shaky voice. “I never thought I’d ever get to see her.” Phoebe put her arm around her sister. “I always felt jealous of you guys, that you got to know her and I didn’t. But thinking about actually meeting her makes my head spin.”
“We don’t have to do it now if you’re not ready,” said Phoebe sweetly. Paige looked at Phoebe and then Piper. Then she smiled.
“I’m ready.”