Shadows Of the Night
part 2
"Alexandra?" Mrs. Kellerman called out. "Alexandra, would you like to come to the front of the room, and introduce your guest to us, please?"
Shyly, the small girl lifted herself up from the soft carpet, making her way to the blackboard. Cole was reluctantly trailing directly behind her, an uneasy expression plaguing his handsome face. Clearing her throat, she craned her neck to look up at her father, a secret smile finally spilling over her profile. She held out a tiny hand. "This is my daddy...Cole."
"Class?" the middle-aged woman beckoned. "Can we welcome Mr. Turner to the classroom?"
The remaining five-year-olds sat fidgeting, toying with their worn shoelaces, biting their nails, or having disclosed their attention altogether from what was going on before them. "Hello, Mr. Turner," they replied distractedly in unison.
Cole clasped his hands together briefly, before nervously rolling up each sleeve of his gray sweater, his gaze finally focusing itself on the group that was waiting in the wings. "Good morning. Glad to be here. Ummmm....as you may or may not know, I am a lawyer. I work for a well known firm not too far from here. I basically help defend people that have been accused of bad things, or even small disputes....problems, if you will. I'm not exactly the best public speaker in the world though, so you guys are going to have to bear with me."
That caused a few laughs among the crowd, as a few of the students already began to warm up to him, their faces aglow with a newfound happiness. A girl in the first row gently propped her hands below her chin, slowly leaning forward.
"Now, I know you guys probably aren't all that crazy about it either, seeing as Mrs. Kellerman makes you come up here and share for show and tell all the time, hmmm? But in a way, what you all do is no different from my job. You are learning from one another, and I do that everyday at work, in everything I do."
"Are you rich?" a tall blonde-haired boy asked, his eyebrows rising in anticipation.
Cole tried hard not to smile. "I make a reasonable salary, and it's enough to get me by," he explained.
"David," the teacher advised. "I really don't think those are the kinds of questions we should be asking Mr. Turner."
"Then what kinds of questions are we supposed to be asking him?" David returned, slightly puzzled. "My daddy says having money means you're important."
Cole's eyes widened out of shock, as he immediately turned his head, averting the boy's persistent gaze.
"My Daddy and I do lots of things together," Alex cut in, saving him the embarassment of having to counter the inquisitive young man in the debate. "Sometimes he even takes me to work, and I listen to his cases."
"Is that right?" Mrs. Kellerman beamed. "Do you...do you want to be a lawyer when you grow up, Alexandra?"
"No, I want to be a witch," the little girl admitted, a smile covering her whole face.
Cole slowly shut his eyes, as he felt the blood rush to his cheeks. His hands perched upon his daughter's shoulders, he absentmindedly shook his head.
"A...I'm sorry?" Mrs. Kellerman returned.
"A witch," Alex said, a bit more loudly.
"There's no such thing!" a girl cried out. "That's stupid."
"I...I think it would be best if we get back to the matter at hand," Cole tried. "I mean-"
"But it's true Daddy, isn't it?" she pressed.
"So! Does anyone want to know what kind of attire I wear to work everyday?" Cole interrupted once again, laughing out of complete humiliation.
Mrs. Kellerman forced a half smile. "Well....yes...I suppose that would be interesting."
"Have you ever actually won any of your cases?" David came in with.
"Quite a few," Cole added.
"Then you should have lots of money, right?"
"Okay, I think that will be enough for today, children. I thank you for stopping by, Mr. Turner. And I sincerely hope we haven't....inconvenienced you in any way-"
"No...no, not at all," he insisted. "It was....short."
"Yes. Short indeed. Well. That concludes show and tell for today."
"But I haven't even gotten to show my new Barbie," a brunette in the back row whined, her eyes beginning to brim with tears.
"I know, Brittany, but we'll save that for tomorrow, okay?"
"But I want to show it today," she continued.
Cole crinkled his eyes at the noise, half wishing he were as far away as possible at that point. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, feeling all the more uncomfortable just then. He'd tried to warn Phoebe of the possibilities of an unexpected slip up, but she'd been so quick to doubt him. In the midst of her excitement, Alex had nearly revealed the exact secret which their family still protected dearly. Had she said anymore, it may just have been enough to start a revolution in a place like this, especially with what information was provided for Phoebe's kind in the old days. They certainly didn't need anymore witches burned at the stake.
"And Mr. Turner? I'll need to speak with you after school."
He just sighed, slumping down into a nearby chair, only half realizing that it was much too small for him.
**********
"Okay, you know what? Don't think I am doing this out of the goodness of my heart. Because I'm not, alright? I am doing this for Phoebe, and Phoebe only."
Paige Matthews pushed the large suitcase towards him. "Well then, get moving. Because I have plenty more where that came from."
Piper Halliwell-Wyatt stood admiring the struggle, hands against her hips. "You know, Paige, we would've taken you in and all, except there just wasn't enough-"
"Well, with another one on the way, what did I expect?" her sister mumbled. "In all honesty, I would have thought it would have been Phoebe and Cole with the next little bundle of joy, while Paige forever lives her life undeniably dateless."
"Don't say that."
"But it's true, isn't it? I mean, if I would have had a boyfriend right now? I could have moved in with him."
"There's only so much a guy can take," Cole quipped. "And what have you got in these things? Rocks?"
"Clothes," she emphasized, rolling her eyes at him.
"Well, look on the bright side," her sister assured her. "At least you and Phoebe can spend more quality time together now."
"Oh, and that will just be the highlight of my evening," Cole continued. "Giggling, painting their nails, giving themselves facials. Yep, my life is now complete."
"We could give you one too," Paige started. "But then again? I really don't think it would have any affect on what you can never hope to change."
"Alright, that's enough you two. All of these years, and you still act like you both belong in grade school yet."
"Hey, speaking of which," Cole offered, halting in step. "Mrs. Kellerman took me aside to discuss Ally's progress this afternoon."
"And?" Piper asked, impatiently awaiting a response.
"And it appears that Phoebe and I once again may have to do something about her powers."
"Oh no," Paige whispered.
"Well, what happened?" Piper continued.
"She brought me in for show and tell, and-"
"And you can just skip that part," Paige told him. "Because we don't want to hear it."
He frowned at her, letting go of the suitcase handle, as he narrowed his eyes. "The teacher asked her what she wanted to be when she got older, right? And that would have been absolutely fine, if Ally hadn't said a witch."
"Ooooh."
"And then I had someone questioning my paycheck nonstop. And boy wasn't that fun. But...that's obviously not the point here. The point is, she's starting to grow all the more curious about where she comes from. And I think it's beginning to touch base with the real world again."
"Touch base? Wait...wait. By that, do you mean the kids actually took her seriously?" Piper inquired.
"They made fun of her later on," he whispered. "But the thing of it is, she didn't even appear to notice. She just believes so strongly in who she is now, and-"
"And that's not all that bad," Paige noted carefully. "She's fully giving into her destiny."
"Which we know all too well can be altered," Piper interrupted.
"Either way, I have to go over this with Phoebe, because-"
"But look what went down last time you bound all of those abilities? The Dark took her, and we were left hanging there for a time," she went on softly.
"Listen, what I'm trying to say is, you guys are witches, and you've juggled that with another occupation."
"True," Paige admitted. "Though I can't really say that now, can I?"
"Oh, but it also means you now get to take part in the work that needs to be done around the house," Cole said smuggly, a grin appearing on his face. "So you're obviously not off the hook yet."
"Hey everybody!" a cheerful suddenly voice rang out, as Phoebe's petite frame graced the porch steps, heels in hand.
"Hi Pheebs," Piper mouthed, glancing over at her sister. "Any luck?"
"I was just getting to that," she offered excitedly.
"You got it, right?" Paige asked, her hand abandoning the last suitcase, as she roughly shoved it in Cole's direction.
"Well....not the one I originally applied for-"
"Oh."
"But I got something better. I'm a receptionist."
"A receptionist?" Paige sounded out, scrunching up her nose. "Does it pay good?"
"It's at that therapy place down the road. And actually, given what they've already seen of my past work experience, I'd say the pay is pretty good. Or at least....it will be," she then added.
"Wait. So what exactly were you proud of before the advice column?" Piper questioned.
"Aren't you going to be happy for me?" her sister responded.
Cole dragged Paige's last piece of luggage into the house, as Paige slowly entered behind him. "I'd be happy, if your sister wasn't temporarily moving in with us," he told his wife, frowning.
"Paige, what's going on?"
"What do you mean?" she returned innocently, avoiding her sister's glance.
"What is all of that?"
"Oh, those few harmless bags of stuff?"
"Yes, those."
"Listen, it won't be for long. And I promise you will never catch me intruding on your behalf. I will never unexpectedly open bathroom doors, and I will knock before entering a bedroom."
"That's not the point," Phoebe objected. "The point is, you never told me how bad it was getting."
"Well, sure I did. But I figured since Cole was a lawyer to begin with, maybe he'd actually do something about it. I didn't want to pester you, knowing you've been looking for work and all lately."
"And some of us should take time and read the Cole Turner office memo," the ex demon quipped. "Because I happen to have a very important case I am dealing with at the moment. And-"
"And deep down inside you can't stand me, and don't want to help me," she finished. "You can say it, you know."
"Okay then. See? You just solved your own problem."
"Cole, you know I'm sure it wouldn't hurt you to devote a small part of your time to her," his wife pleaded. "I thought you cared about tenants who needed-"
"Phoebe, do you even see who I am talking to? This is the woman who hates me, just as much, if not more, than I hate her."
"Ugh. You are so cruel, you know that?"
"Well, what I can say? It comes with my past."
"So...anyway, I hope leaving Melinda here is okay then," Piper spoke up. "Because Leo and I will be very-"
"Wait. Hold it. What do you mean?" Phoebe questioned her, eyeing her sister up suspiciously.
"I mean, we have a little something with The Elders to tend to, and my daughter is not invited."
"Are they mad because you went and had another one?" she joked, smiling.
"Oh, that's funny," her sister returned, rolling her eyes. "Either way, you have to take her. Because I don't know of anyone else who can babysit over a certain amount of time. And seeing as Paige will be here with you guys..."
"Get out of here," Paige assured her. "Everything will be fine."
"She's got a few changes of clothes, a toothbrush, pj's, the works. If there's anything else you'll need, let me know. We're leaving tonight, so the call needs to be before eight. Got it?"
"We got it," Phoebe nodded, bringing her sister in close for a hug. "Have fun, and send us some postcards."
"Again, I really can't even see the point in laughing." Fishing her car keys from her pocket, Piper began to head out to her vehicle parked on the side of the road, offering one last wave at the three of them before she departed.
"Oh, and honey?" Cole pleaded, glancing over at Phoebe, as he brought Paige's items to a halt at the foot of the stairwell. "We need to talk."
"About what? Can't it wait until dinner? I've got this great place all picked out, and-"
"It's about Ally."
"Okay. Well....let me change my clothes, and I'll be right down."
He nodded. Focusing his attention back to his sister in law, he frowned. "You know what? I really don't see any problem with you orbing your bags upstairs."
"Mmmm...how about you just shimmer them? I mean, you are the big strong man, afterall."
He didn't even crack a hint of a smile at her jab. "Paige, you won't even have to lift them."
"Oh, alright." Sighing from the apparent effort on her part, she vanished in a pile of blue sparkles.
Cole closed his eyes, the sofa catching him, as he flung himself down upon it. "Women," he muttered.
**********
"....so needless to say....that was my very last show and tell with her. Ever. And don't tell me I'm not justified in refusing. She almost gave us away, Phoebe."
"The teacher obviously knew-"
"No. She really is worried. Not only is Ally not respecting our wishes, but she's also been missing a lot of the homework. Mrs. Kellerman says she gives the kids simple things to do. Like....like coming in with five things they like to do as hobbies....stuff like that. Ally wasn't even prepared."
"What?"
"I mean, this isn't difficult material."
"Are you sure she isn't mixing her up with someone else?"
"Oh. I'm positive," he added.
"Okay. So, how do you think we should handle it?"
"You're her mother."
"Yes, but she's always listened to you a lot more than she has me, Cole."
He cleared his throat. "Well, consider the source." He stopped a moment, his expression clouded. "You know, no pun intended, of course."
"Okay. You know, as if I don't have enough to deal with right now. I mean, I finally get myself employed today, and then I find I have something new on the agenda that needs to be taken care of. One right after the other."
"Welcome to life. How long do you plan on staying?"
She rolled her eyes at him. "Funny."
"Look, do you think I planned on this either? She's usually been so good about it."
"Great. Now all I need is for a demon to come out of nowhere....and try to kill me."
"Phoebe-"
"Don't Phoebe me. I said I didn't want to hide before...and...and maybe we really don't. Maybe this will all blow over. Kids do say the darndest things. Hardly something to cut off access to her powers again, right?"
He mindlessly shifted through the pile of papers that had since accumulated on the table, his brow creased with worry. Pushing aside a few torn envelopes, his hands brushed against a very familiar sheet of crisp white paper then. Smooth and void of dents, it bore a striking resemblance to the very one he'd tossed earlier. As Phoebe's rant slowly faded to a mere whisper, his eyes grazed the print, his mouth forming a silent "O" of surprise. Calmly, he folded it back up, allowing his gaze to travel back to his wife's, who was positively livid.
"Okay. Not only do you just put off everything I say, you're completely out of touch with reality," she said, raising her voice.
He nodded. "Maybe so."
"Cole?"
"Look, maybe you are right. Maybe it doesn't matter. But I just thought I'd....you know....mention it. We definitely don't need the exposure."
"What is that?"
"What is what?" he returned innocently.
"That...in your hand."
"Oh, it's nothing."
"Well, it certainly can't be from a case you're working on, otherwise you wouldn't be compulsively folding."
"It's just....I thought I threw it away."
"Maybe you forgot," she offered, shrugging, as she made her way over to the cabinet perched directly above the stove. "Hey. You know, since we're not going to be out and about anymore for dinner-"
"Phoebe I put this in the trash. I know I did. I saw myself do it."
"Uh huh. So maybe Paige-"
"Look, it was wrinkled. Very wrinkled."
"Maybe you tossed something else-"
He softly placed his head down on the table, gently throwing up his hands. "Or maybe it's a sign."
She slowly turned around, hands against her hips. "A sign?"
"Paige moving in, Ally's problems at school- your job searches."
"But I-"
"I don't know. But....what I do know? Is that this is actually sounding awfully good to me right now. Boat, train, bus...whatever. We're not dealing with any evil at the moment, so it could just benefit us."
"I cannot believe I am hearing this. No. You know what your problem is, Cole? You could never stay around long enough to take the bad as it came to-"
"Look, are we going to fight? Because that was what I wanted to avoid by suggesting this."
"Did you?"
"Yes. I did."
She bit her lower lip thoughtfully, running a hand through her long brown hair. Taking a deep breath, she calmly walked over to him, until they were but inches apart. He carefully placed both hands around her waist, looking up at her. A smile slowly revealed itself across her face then, as she met his gaze. "Think we'd have some time to ourselves? I mean, Paige can watch the girls, and-"
"That was my intention," he whispered.
"Mmmm...I think you have good intentions."
"Really?"
"Yep." She pressed her lips to his, as she fell into him, her hands cupping either side of his handsome face.
"Where are we going? Can I still go too, Mommy?" a small voice then echoed, as it offered a brief giggle in response.