A Kind of Magic
part 7
"You have to get out there and help him," Paige Matthews urged frantically.
"And do what? You know I haven't brushed up on my skills-" Phoebe winced. "What makes you think I'd stand even the slightest chance?"
"Yeah, well, putting me in the ring is a very bad idea, too."
"Is Daddy going to die?" Alex spoke up.
"Um...need I elaborate on the fact that he already has?" Paige replied, a tad too sarcastically.
Phoebe reached over and quickly hit her. "Don't be filling my daughter's head with that nonsense."
"Oh, but it's not nonsense," she continued.
"Honey, Daddy's just trying to do his best to save and protect us," Phoebe explained, giving her a tiny hug.
"Oh, well, he sure saves us a lot then, Mommy."
"Mmm hmm. It's sort of part of his job."
"But I thought he works in a place where they make bad people go to jail? Why can't he send these people to jail, too?" she objected.
"Because I'm afraid it's a little bit more complicated than that," she answered, sighing.
"And before everything was sunshine and roses, he was a total bad ass," Paige put in.
"The girl," the twin demanded. "Or you may just have to watch your wife die."
"But...it could very well get him to finally agree to our bargain," the other filled in, nodding eagerly.
"One, there's no bargain," Cole countered. "This is obviously one-sided on your part. Two, I'm drawing the line, because now you've invaded my territory. I'm tired of negotiating. In fact, I think it's always been one of my biggest flaws."
"Yes, but as we stated before, it is still good to avoid the prospect of a fight. I’m sure, after all of this, you would be well inclined to agree."
"Oh, but we're so close," Cole protested.
"You could run," the first demon suggested. "Though...I guess you'll always know we'll still be out there. And that's never good. It always did hurt me to see such nice families all split up."
"And dead," the other emphasized once again. "But it's part of who we are. Part of who you should've been."
"Just so we're clear, you two really do have your own personalities, don't you?" He shook his head. "That's...really something."
"Okay. Cut the crap, Cole, and vanquish him already."
"Phoebe?"
"See, my husband's a little behind, in that he insists upon toying with his victims. Me? Well, I'm rather direct and to the point."
"Phoebe, what the hell are you doing?"
"You want the little girl? Here she is." To her right, she revealed Alex, taking her hand, as she gently pulled her forward.
"Oh my God, she's gone evil again," Paige whispered to herself.
"Why did I ever think I could trust-" Cole started.
"So what are you waiting for?" she taunted. "She's all yours."
"You clearly jest," the twin carefully remarked. "Why, if it were that easy-"
"You wouldn't have fled with her," the other added, nodding. "It's a trick."
"Oh, but that tends to require a fair amount of cleverness on my part," she told them, breaking her daughter's hold, as her arms casually went over her chest. "And unfortunately I'm all out of options."
"Phoebe, so help me-"
"Shut up," she hissed. "And yes. For your information, you do need help. More than you know."
"Dammit," Cole muttered under his breath, as he narrowed his eyes at her.
Alex took another step forward, smiling. Cautiously, she held out a petite hand. The first demon wasted no time in securing her clasp on it, yanking her to them.
"Shadow of dark, spreading your light, bury them beneath, the foresight of night." In an instant, the identical evil creatures ceased to become no more than a mere pile of dust, exploding quickly and efficiently, the remaining pieces blowing about silently on the layers of the wind. Phoebe briefly glanced behind her, catching her sister out of the corner of her eye. Piper Halliwell crumpled and absentmindedly threw down the slip of paper she'd been grasping, her feet treading through the remains. "Messy cleanup, easy vanquish," she joked. "Took us forever, but we found one."
"Didn't think you were going to show."
"Hey, what are sisters for, right?" She paused, laughing. "I mean, we may as well jump back into the game. I might even have the urge to say I really missed it, which actually wouldn't be much of a lie."
"I cannot believe you would put her life on the line like that to prove your so called point!" a voice growled in response.
Phoebe whipped around, nearly colliding nose to nose with Cole. His soft blue eyes bore into hers, a great determination set in them. "But Piper-"
"And what if she hadn't?! Hmm? You willingly presented our own flesh and blood as a sacrifice."
"You know what, Cole? Maybe it would've been better if I had just let them beat you up. At least it would knock some sense into your sorry ass."
"What gives you the right to take risks like that?"
"Just-"
"We are in this together! Why is that so difficult for you to contemplate? Or...or even accept, for that matter?"
"I can't accept it," she told him roughly. "Because lately? I always feel like I'm on the opposite end of everything you do!"
"Oh really?"
"Here we go," Paige whispered, shrugging.
"Yes, Cole. Because every time I have a plan, I have to discuss it and get it approved by you first!"
"We're only taking precautions. And you know that’s not true. You're always putting words in my mouth."
"Because you are incapable of thinking for yourself," came her quick response.
"And what makes you such an authority?"
"You know, there's more than petty problems between us," she brought forth, her voice surprisingly calm.
"Then let's just have it out right here. Because on this? I honestly couldn't agree more."
"You are a mess to live with," she accused. "The only thing you can seem to do all on your own, is coordinate your dress habits."
"And you always leaving your cosmetics in the bathroom was a dream come true? Which, mind you, I've knocked over countless times."
"Oh get real. When you actually shave, the same goes for you."
Piper couldn't help but laugh, placing a hand quickly over her mouth, just as both of them angrily shot her a fairly unpleasant glare.
"The bottom lime? Your judgment must have been clouded when you did finally stay married to me!"
She stopped, and broke her hard gaze. Her hands clenched into tight, unrelenting fists at her sides. She carefully took a deep breath. "I loved you," she whispered.
"Loved?" he whispered back, after a slight pause. Clearly pained, he winced slightly.
"Love," she emphasized. "And I know that we easily went our separate ways, no questions asked. And I was...I was so wrong, all right? I was just- I wasn't myself that day, Cole. I wasn't saying what was really on my mind. I've been such a terrible mother- I've been...mixed up. I still am. But I should have never denied myself the right to put my faith in you entirely. And dammit I want you back. For good this time, okay? I never wanted you to leave. I guess I've just been so stubborn, and- I'm still learning, you know? I mean I don't exactly qualify for-"
"Phoebe."
"No. Let me finish. I've been the worst to you...Cole. I've...you above anybody else deserves the truth on that."
He pulled her close, tightly embracing her. She slowly collapsed to the ground, as she gently sobbed in his arms, his jacket stained with fresh tears.
"I'm sorry," she told him. "And I mean that. I am so sorry, Cole."
"Listen, you don't have to be sorry for anything. We're all guilty of making mistakes. If we didn't, we wouldn't be human." He stopped himself, hiding a smile. "Well, okay, so maybe that sounded a little off. But you've been a wonderful mother, and you were only-"
"No, I haven't."
"Phoebe, just-"
"We should get moving," she interrupted. "We can't stay here any longer. More...more of them could be on the way."
"Amen to that," Paige agreed, sighing. "I think I've seen enough reality TV to last me an entire lifetime."
"Maybe you should rest for a little while," he suggested softly.
"There's no time," she reminded him. "Piper, where's Leo?"
"At your place yet, with Dad and Melinda," she told her.
"But it's not safe there anymore. They could-"
"Yeah, and I wouldn't exactly call the manor home either at this point," she reminded her sister.
"Mommy, what's gonna happen?"
The voice startled Phoebe, as she remembered her little girl. The same little girl who'd probably just witnessed the entire argument between her and Cole firsthand. She broke out of her husband's comforting hold, reaching for the four-year-old. "Come here, sweetie."
"Are you and Daddy still mad?" she asked quietly. "Because I hate to see you mad at each other. I want you to be happy."
"Your Daddy and I will be fine," she assured her.
"More than fine," Cole added. "Our first intention has always been to keep you safe, sweetheart, and I think we almost lost one another that way."
"But you said you'd never get back together," she protested. "Did you tell a lie then?"
"Here it comes," Paige quipped.
"Not per se," he tried. "Because I honestly didn't know at the time. Your mother and I have been through a lot before you were born. Nothing we can tell you now, but it's actually been really hard for both of us. Someday, when you’re old enough, we’ll sit down and talk about it."
"But you really love Mommy, don't you? You told me so before."
Cole picked his daughter up, smiling. "To death," he replied, entirely serious. "Just as much as I love you."
"A whole big lot?" she asked, returning his smile.
He laughed. "Yes. A whole big lot, Ally."
Phoebe gave him a half smile. "And seeing as we're on good terms again, Mr. Turner?"
"Hmm?"
She stood on tip-toe, and kissed him, as Alex quietly giggled, covering her eyes. "I think I'm going to need to see you alone for a minute or two later."
"Oh really?" he responded, his voice just above a whisper, as he calmly met her gaze.
"And I think I'm going to need therapy forever," Paige offered, shifting the Explorer into drive.
"Wait a minute. Where do you think you're going?" Piper questioned, clearly confused.
"Just got an idea," she brought forth. "It's a long shot, but I'd be willing to bet it might work."
"Care to share?" her sister pressed.
"Care to let me drive?" Cole threw in. "That is my vehicle you're sitting in. Which, by the way, I do not remember giving you permission to operate."
"Oh, so what, I need you to issue me a license now?"
"How about you move over, and let me take the wheel?"
"But you don't know the way there," she objected.
"You can't give me directions?"
"Okay, children. Both of you can move over. Because I'm driving," Piper interrupted.
"Is Aunt Piper always that bossy?" Alex asked.
"Only when something bothers her," Phoebe answered.
"Is that all the time?"
Phoebe laughed. "A good majority, why?"
Cole miserably got in the backseat, followed by Phoebe and Alex. Paige stayed up front with Piper, nervously tapping her fingers lightly against the dashboard.
"So I have a friend, not a close friend, but a friend nonetheless, who owns this place- it's more of a vacation spot, really. Nice little cottage by the lake. Anyway, she gave me a key to it, says I'm free to use it if ever need be, right? As I'm still getting over the very shock of her offer, I figure it may just come in handy."
"What are you suggesting, exactly?" Cole asked, raising his eyebrows, as he impatiently awaited her response.
"I've seen it. It's gorgeous, secluded, probably not even on the map. You guys could room there for a bit, you know? Keep a low profile?"
"And you're crazy," he returned.
"We have no change of clothes-" Phoebe started.
"Leo and I could always orb you some," Piper pointed out.
"They could follow you though."
"Don't tell me you're saying what I think you're saying," Cole sided, looking at his wife. "We shouldn't be separated from each other. Any of us."
"But The Dark isn't after me, Leo, or Paige," Piper filled in. "And if we try-"
"It's best if all of us just try and carry out as much of a life as possible though. Meaning I'll go to work, check in at the office, and run through the course of a normal day."
"But that's just what she wants," Phoebe told him.
"Who?"
"The Dark. And like this, we'll at least be okay for awhile."
"And how long is awhile?"
"Just take my word for it. Paige has a great idea. It's perfect."
"And Paige's mind is not thinking clearly."
"Either is Cole's," Paige snapped back. "I was only trying to look out for Alex's best interest."
"So where to?" Piper responded.
"You can keep going straight and make a left at the next light," she added.
"It's because I'm the only guy in the car, isn't it?" Cole offered, his head falling back against the soft cushion of the seat.
"I still like you, Daddy," Alex threw in brightly.
"Oh, thank you, sweetheart. That's good to know," he concluded, defeated.
"You can shimmer, you know," Phoebe reminded him. "You don't have to stay-"
"Yes. I do." He shrugged. "Maybe you're right. I mean I imagine she's already going to be pretty upset to begin with when she learns that another one of her demons failed her. I'd say she doesn't exactly have a lot of choices left anymore. Then again, what creature of evil really does? In the long run, you’re screwed either way."
"Better for us," Phoebe agreed, placing her head upon his shoulder.