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Piper:: She sits on the table bench and looks around the crowded campus:: She looks around for her best friend Gwen to show up:: She looks down to see her cell phone vibrating:: She looks at the number:: Always on my ass mom... :: She puts the phone in her pocket:: She notices Gwen walking towards her:: Hey, what's up? Gwen:: Chillen...Momma Dukes gave me a two week punishment, because I failed my report card. Piper:: Wow...sucks to be you. :: She looks through her bag and takes out a black comb and starts to comb her long dark brown hair:: Gwen:: Tell me about it...what did your sexy father do? Piper:: Okay, Gwen he is not sexy...that's my father you're talking about. Another thing, I didn't show him. I told him they got lost in the mail. Gwen:: He believed you? Piper:: Yeah, I am his baby girl...his only daughter. Gwen:: Whatever. :: She looks around the crowded campus:: Piper:: She looks to Gwen and looks behind her:: She notices a girl about her height, long black curly hair, tanned skin complexion, bright green eyes, and had the same body tone as Piper:: She watches the girl look around nervous:: Who's the new girl? Gwen:: She looks to Piper:: Huh? :: She looks over:: Oh...her name is Jade. She was in the same kindergarten class as I. Her mother's a doctor and her father is one of those people that study different types of culture. All I know is that one day she's here and the next she moved to Africa. She moved back to San Fran. three years ago. My mom told me that she was attacked in Africa and that is why she doesn't talk...to anyone. Piper:: Damn...she looks nice though. Gwen:: Piper, she's crazy...she talks to herself, she says that she saw things in Africa and at night she sees black shadows and she hears voices. Piper:: So...she just needs a friend. She's so cute with her Carebear shirt. Aww...I wanna be her friend. Gwen:: Whatever, you're crazy. Piper:: She takes off her black sunglasses and places them in her back along with her comb:: She jumps off the table and stands besides Gwen:: She watches Jade walk their direction:: Jade:: She looks at Piper and notices that she's looking at her:: She looks the other way and walks in a different direction:: Piper:: HEY! Jade:: She stops and turns around slowly:: She looks down at her books and looks up slowly to Piper:: Piper:: She grabs her back and walks towards Jade:: My name's Piper...Piper Halliwell. I have program A through F... Jade:: She nods and looks away:: Piper:: What's your name? Jade:: She looks to this girl whom she doesn't know:: J-Jade...I'm new. Piper:: Cool, well this is my friend Gwen. We have lunch period F and since you're new you should basically have lunch last. See us, come and sit with us. Is that cool? Jade:: She smiles slightly and looks back down to her books:: Piper:: Cool...I'll see you at lunch. Jade:: She smiles again and nods:: Piper:: She looks to Gwen:: Lets go. Gwen:: She watches Piper walk away:: She looks to Jade and shakes her head:: You need a big make over. :: She walks in the direction of Piper:: Alex: ::She bangs on Pierce's Office door and stands back:: PIERCE HALLIWELL OPEN THIS DOOR! There is no way you'll stick me with Adam all day and then stand me up after we get back from the zoo! Carly: ::She walks down the hallway, stirring her coffee, and quickly looks up, rushing over:: Alex: ::She pounds on his door again, flipping her short blonde hair back:: Open this door Mister! Carly: Hey! ::She rushes to her desk and sets her coffee down, then folds her arms:: Just what do you think you're doing? Alex: ::She looks over, smiling as if everything was quaint:: Well...I need to speak with him. Carly: And...pounding on the door will help? Maybe he has...head...phones on or something. Maybe that's why he isn't coming to the door. Either way, this is a place of business--not a playground or... ::She looks down to Adam who is playing around the indoor fountain by the lobby; he wears a elephant hat:: The Zoo. Alex: ::She nods, readjusting her tote bag's strap around her pink top:: Sorry, you're right. Well can you get his attention? I'm due at the bookstore in a half hour and as fun as Adam is, I just can't stay with him while I work. Carly: Definitely... ::She turns to his door, then slowly turns back:: You...two have been dating for...what is it now? A month? Alex: Yep, I know--it seems like we met just yesterday. Carly: Heh... ::She nods and walks to her telephone behind her desk, picking up the receiver and calling Pierce's number; her eyes look down to a picture of her, Ethan, Pierce, and Rachel at Pace's 30th birthday party:: Alex: ::She smiles and turns back, looking down the hallway:: Adam sweetie, come over here please. Carly: Hey Pierce--::She looks down to her computer screen then up to Alex who has walked over to Adam in the lobby:: Alexandra is outside your office, and she has been pounding on your door for who knows how long--where did you go? What happened to actually working? ::In about ten seconds Pierce's door unlocks and opens:: Pierce: ::He steps out, putting away his cordless headphones into his pocket:: Sorry...I was actually listening to music... Carly: ::She nods and places the receiver back down onto its station:: Well she's over there... Pierce: Thanks... ::He fixes his tie and walks forward, then stops, turning back to Carly:: ...You don't like her very much, do you? Carly: ::She picks up her coffee to sip it but sets it back down:: It's not that I don't like her...she's a nice girl... ::She looks around, hoping for a distraction:: Pierce: ...But she's not Rachel. Carly: Yes... ::She sits down at her chair and quickly shuffles through papers:: Pierce: Thanks Carly... ::He turns and walks down the hallway:: Carly: ::She watches him walk up to her and kiss her, then look back down to her work:: You'd think after the hesitance he had after those first seven dates he would've stayed hard headed about it all...but nope...he isn't hard headed in that way anymore... Price:: He walks down the stairs with a small bin of dirty clothes:: He talks into the phone while it stays between his ear and shoulder:: Listen, I'm working at home for a week or two. --No they won't care because I own the company! --Cherry, just have Mr. Popindrea give you the papers and all you have to do is fill them out. Isaac:: He walks behind his father while playing with his model airplane:: Zroom! Zroom! Zroom! Price:: Hold on Cher--:: He turns and looks down to his son:: Airplanes don't make a Zroom sound...they make a AHHH!!OH MY GOD!! sound. Isaac:: He laughs and smiles at his father:: Okay dad-- Price:: He smiles and turns and walks through the kitchen and into the back where the laundry machines are:: Look Cherry, just fill the papers out and send them out. That's it, it's very easy. Isaac:: He sits on the floor and lifts his hands up:: He watches the plane levitate in the air:: He laughs to himself:: Price:: Alright Cherry--you'll be fine. --Okay, talk to you later. :: He grabs the phone and ends the call:: He places the phone on the window sil:: He begins to put the clothes in the laundry and looks down to his son:: Why didn't you go to school today? Isaac:: He looks up:: Because, why do I have to waste my time in school to learn when I can just learn here? Price:: Good answer...so why don't you run into the living room and learn from the T.V.? Isaac:: I'm learning to wash my clothes? Price:: Why? You got a few more years until you start doing chores. Isaac:: I think I'm too old for a few things now. Price:: He places a shirt in the wash and looks down to his son:: What? Isaac:: He looks into his fathers eyes and grabs the plane:: They say you won't be around in a few more years... ::He stands up and walks out:: Price:: Isaac! Don't walk away from me! Isaac:: I'm going to watch the colorful screen. Price:: He turns and follows his son into the living room:: What did you mean by that? Isaac:: He flops onto the couch and grabs the remote:: I can't speak about it. Price:: Isaac, you said I won't be here in a few years. You wouldn't of said that if someone didn't tell you that. Explain, now! Isaac:: He looks up to his father:: They said you won't be here in a few more years. I don't know why, they just said that. Price:: Who is they? Isaac:: He looks around the room and looks back to his father:: We shouldn't talk about this. Price:: He stands up straight:: Fine...we won't. :: He turns and walks out of the living room:: Pace:: He walks into the Manor with Nina:: He catches Price walking out of the living room:: BRO! Price:: He stops and turns around:: He walks towards his brother and sister-in-law:: Hey, what are you guys doing here? Pace:: Well...we have news. Nina:: Big news. Price:: What--what is it? Nina:: Well... Pace:: I'm pregnant! Nina:: He means we're pregnant. Price:: ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Nina:: Yes, almost a month. I'm very excited and happy and...well...I'm very happy. Price:: Congrats... :: He looks to Pace:: Now, you need to be good. :: He turns to the living room--smiling to Isaac as he turns back to the T.V.:: Pace:: Yeah, whatever... :: He walks into the living room and walks to the couch:: He sits next to his nephew and watches T.V. with him:: Price:: He rubs Nina's stomach and smiles:: Nina:: In two months I should be showing...I started showing in a month and half when I was pregnant with Piper. Price:: Yeah--sorry we missed that birth. Nina:: Yeah --me too. Anything to eat? Price:: There should be food in the kitchen. Nina:: Cool. Price:: He sighs and looks around:: He closes the door:: Alex: ::She puts the last book onto the shelf and turns, seeing Pierce standing across the Café by the bar, she turns and walks down the few steps and towards him:: Alex: Hey--::She gasps, falling forward a little bit as everything jumbles around to her, she grabs onto a bookshelf and catches her balance:: Pierce: ::He turns around and sees her and walks towards her, sensing something:: ...Hey Alex: ::She looks up, everything coming back to normal, and catches her breath, looking into his eyes:: Um...hey... ::She holds her head, blinking a few times:: Pierce: ...Are you all right? You look a little dazed. Alex: I...just...had a little...funny feeling just now...that's all... Pierce: A funny feeling? ...Do...you need some tylenol? Have...you felt it before? Alex: No--no, I just...began...uh... ::She holds her head, quickly unwrapping her hair from the twist she had it in:: It...was like a headache...but with a lot more sudden umph and...like déjà vu... Pierce: ::He looks into her eyes, trying to look for something:: Well...lets...get back to my place, maybe I can help...actually... ::He looks down and gets out his cell phone:: Pace probably can... Alex: ::She looks at him, her hands still on his arms:: Pace--Pace...how can he help? ::She tries to catch her breath but just can't seem to:: ...Lets...just...go... Pierce: ::He nods, helping her towards the door:: Great...just...the way I wanted you to meet them. Pierce: ::He opens the front door and helps her in as he closes the door behind him:: Pace--we're here, did you find that...medicine you were looking for? Alex: ::She looks around, still feeling the after effects of her headache; she looks around, taking a few steps inwards and suddenly stops, touching her stomach with a slight smile:: Pierce: Alex--are you all right? ::He stands next to her, his arms around her:: Lets...sit down... ::He helps her to the couch and sits down next to her:: Alex: Yeah...I just...had a...warm feeling just now, that's all... ::She laughs:: I don't know what came over me? It was just like...whoomph! ::She looks over to him and lays against him:: Pierce: ::He smiles and brushes some hair out of her face:: That's okay... ::He looks around for his brothers then rests his head against hers:: Déjà vu you said? Alex: Yes...like...when I was in the bookstore and I turned and saw you...and I came towards you it just hit...like as if I...had already talked to you but...didn't yet...and I don't even know what the conversation would be about...but... ::She rubs her eyes:: Ugh... Pierce: ::He rubs her back as he thinks about what she might mean:: Pace:: He walks downstairs and into the sitting room:: He looks at Alex and smiles:: How you feeling? Alex: ::She sits up but lays back against Pierce:: My head is foggy...and it definitely isn't getting any better--talk about a sudden headache... Pace:: Well, it isn't chilly outside. You probably got the sudden headache from the weather. Work, plus stress, plus hot weather...it equals a migraine. Alex: Uh...huh... ::She nods slowly but it turns into shaking her head:: ...Yeah no. I was completely fine until I Pierce came to see me. Plus, I love the shop--books, coffee, warm thoughts; it's a great place to be not to have a migraine. Pierce: ::He looks up to Pace concerned then replaces himself with a pillow as he scoots aside and stands up:: Maybe it's me then... Alex: Oh don't be silly...that was just a coincidence. Pierce: Well...let me get you some tea or something and we'll see if your headache suddenly clears up. ::He turns, quickly heading to the kitchen:: Pace:: He looks to Alex then at Pierce:: You need what? --Oh, help? I'm coming... :: He turns and follows Pierce:: Pierce: ::He walks past the kitchen island and reaches into a shelf, pulling out a pack of tea and turns, taking a cup, filling it with water, and placing it in the microwave; setting it, then turning to Pace:: ...What...do you think of...all of this? Pace:: I think--nothing. She probably just has a headache due to the weather. It's common...I get it. Pierce: Uh...I don't know...when she was describing it she said she got a strong sense of a déjà vu...could that be psychic or something? Pace:: Everyone gets a strong sense of déjà vu. She could have prophetic dreams or daydreamed about something and it happened. Nothing weird bro, maybe she's an alien? Pierce: ...Prophetic dreams...daydreamed and it happened? It doesn't occur to you, Mr. Psychic, that perhaps there's something more to that? Am I just overreacting? ::The Microwave beeps, and he takes the cup from it and takes a packet of tea and sets it in it, taking a spoon from a drawer and stirring the cup:: Pierce: ::He turns and walks back to the sitting room, handing the cup to Alex:: I'll be right back... Alex: ::She takes it and sips:: Thanks... Pierce: ::He turns and walks back into the kitchen:: Do we have any aspirin or anything? Pace:: He walks out of the kitchen with a mug and hands it to Alex:: You should take a few sips of this...it'll help get rid of those headaches. Pierce: ::He follows, sighing:: Alex: ::She sets the cup down and takes it, staring into it:: Hmm...smells funky... ::She takes it, taking a sip of it, then drinking it down:: Pierce: ::He leans in:: So...what's in it? Pace:: It'll get rid of the headaches and déjà vu-ness. Pierce: Right... ::He nods, watching Alex finally set the cup down:: Alex: ::She shakes her head a little, smiling as the pain finally goes away:: Oh...much better. What was in it? Pierce: Yes...what was in it? Alex: ::She stands up, putting her arm around Pierce:: I know we were planning on doing more...but I think I'm just gonna go back home and lay down. Pierce: I understand...lets get you back then ::He walks with her towards the door, looking back to Pace:: C-ya Pace. Pace:: Call me in the morning Alex! Pierce: ::He squints his eyes at Pace as he opens the door for Alex and closes it behind them:: Price:: He walks into the Condo building that Pace lives in:: He walks down the hall and up the stairs:: He looks at each door and stops at 3P:: Hmm...3P, how ironic. ::He knocks on the door:: Piper:: I got it! :: She walks to the door and opens it:: She looks up to her Uncle and quickly hugs him:: She steps back and lets him in:: What's up Uncle P? Price:: How you doing Piper? :: He looks down to his 13 year old niece:: Piper:: Relaxing...I have a report to do about Human Behavior. It's a drag but whatever. Pace:: He walks into the living room from the kitchen:: Piper, go in your room and finish your report. Piper:: She looks back:: Dad, I need a break. Pace:: You only started like 10 minutes ago! Piper:: UGH! :: She looks to her father and hugs her Uncle one more time:: Goodnight. Price:: He smiles and kisses his niece on the forehead:: Pace:: PIPER! Piper:: She turns around quickly and looks to her father:: Chill. Pace:: No, you chill and go in your room and finish your report. Piper:: She mimics her father while she walks down the hall and into her bedroom:: Pace:: He hears the door shut and sighs:: He looks over to Price:: What's up? Price:: He looks at Pace and shakes his head slowly:: He sits down on the couch and looks down at the floor:: He looks up slowly:: I'm not going to be here in a few more years. Pace:: What? Who said that? Price:: Isaac...he said that I won't be here in a few more years. Pace:: Maybe he ment that you won't be in the Manor. Price:: Pace - get real... Pace:: He sits next to his brother and puts his arm around Price:: Look, he had to have said it for a reason. He just gave you a heads up, so now you just need to be careful. Price:: He turns his head slowly and looks to his brother:: Careful? How? Three weeks ago we were attacked by four brothers. They almost killed us...how am I suppose to be careful? We don't even know if we are truly Demon-free. Pace:: Price...sometimes you just need to have faith. Price:: He stands up and walks to the door:: He places his hand on the knob and turns slowly to Pace:: Sometimes... :: He turns and opens the door and walks out:: He closes the door behind him:: Pace:: He looks at the door and stands up:: He walks to the light switch and turns the lights off:: He walks down the hall and knocks on Piper's bedroom door:: Piper:: Come in... Pace:: He opens the door and looks at Piper:: Need help? Piper:: Nope. Pace:: You sure? Piper:: Yes. Pace:: Positive? Piper:: Mmhmm. :: She nods her head:: Pace:: Sorry for yelling at you. Piper:: She turns her head:: It's all good. Thanks to our wonderful family, I'm bound to get an A...or B. Pace::He laughs:: Night sweety. Piper:: Night Pops. Pace:: He smiles and closes the door:: :: The door opens slowly:: Price:: He looks at the door and squints his eyes:: He looks in the attic and walks inside:: He walks slowly to the Book Of Shadows as he looks around the attic:: He opens the book and flips the pages:: Price:: He opens the door and walks inside:: He closes the door behind him and locks it:: He walks to the staircase and walks upstairs:: He walks down the hall and opens his sons bedroom door:: He checks on Isaac and closes the door slightly:: He walks down the hall and up the stairs to the attic:: Natalie:: What are you looking for? Price:: He looks up quickly to see his deceased wife:: Nothing. Natalie:: Price...? Price:: Don't you watch our son from up there? Natalie:: If this is about what he said... Price:: Natalie...that's my little boy...my only child. I'm his father, the only parent he has left. I can't leave him in this world alone...not at a young age. Natalie:: Just because he said what he said doesn't mean you're going to die. Price:: What does it mean? Tell me, so that I can feel at ease. It's not good to hear from a child that you're going to die. Natalie:: Price... Price:: Why are you by the door? Why can't you come any closer? Natalie:: She looks away:: Price:: Natalie...why can't you come any closer? Natalie:: Just listen to what our son has to say... :: She looks to her husband:: He'll give hints, clues, he'll show you the way. When your lost call on him. Price:: What are you trying to say? Natalie:: I love you both. Price:: Natalie...? Natalie:: She closes her eyes and disappears in orbs:: Price:: He closes the book and walks out the attic:: Gwen:: Shut up...she'll be here. Derrick:: If she's not, we're going in without her. Gwen:: Whatever. Vinny:: What's taking her so long? Piper:: She clears her throat and watches her friends turn around to face her:: I'm here...lets get this over with. Gwen:: She walks to Piper:: Thank God, I was getting worried. Piper:: I'm cool...you guys cool? Vinny:: Yeah, we're cool. Piper:: So, what's the plan D? Derrick:: He smiles and looks to Gwen then Vinny:: Piper:: What? Derrick:: He looks to Piper and takes out ten bottles filled with blood:: He shows them to Piper:: We're going to drop this on Jade. Piper:: WHAT?! Vinny:: Shh... :: He looks around then back to Piper:: Keep it down. Gwen:: It's just a prank...nothing more. Piper:: Did you guys see Carrie? Vinny:: The first one I seen like, three times...the second one like two. I didn't like the ending. Piper:: Okay, then you won't like this ending. I'm not going to get suspended for something so stupid. Derrick:: What are you being a punk for? Piper:: I'm not being a punk, D. I have a heart and a conscience. I'm not going to sneak in school to put up a trap for the new girl. Vinny:: Fine. :: He looks to Derrick and Gwen:: Lets go. Gwen:: Piper...come on, it'll be fine. Piper:: She takes a step back:: No, it won't. Derrick:: He puts the bottles back in his bookbag and zippers it:: Whatever Piper... Gwen:: She presses her lips together and looks to Piper:: She looks to Derrick and Vinny as they begin to walk:: Piper:: Don't do this...she's an innocent. Gwen:: Innocent...innocent what? :: She turns and begins to follow Derrick and Vinny:: Piper:: She looks around to see if anyone is around:: She looks to her friends:: She looks to the building and closes her eyes:: Let these words come from my mind as the lights within turn on bright? Piper:: She opens her eyes as the lights in and around the school turn on:: Derrick:: He looks around:: CRAP! :: The alarm goes off:: Vinny:: RUN!! Piper:: She turns around and begins to run:: She runs around the back of the school and bumps into Jade:: She falls onto the ground:: She looks up to Jade as she sees a tear roll down her cheek:: She gets up quickly:: She hears sirens and quickly grabs Jade's hand:: Jade:: She looks to Piper as she wipes the tear off:: What do we do? Piper:: We run. Jade:: She begins to run along with Piper:: Pierce: ::He sits at his desk, his laptop to one side, a few books to the other:: It's just that this could be anything, and I'm just worried, that's all. Ethan: ::He walks into the room, rubbing his eyes:: Pierce, it's late--I can't help you anymore with this, can I go home now? You know...to my wife? Pierce: ::He closes the laptop and looks over to Ethan:: It could be some form of precognition though, clairvoyance, some type of time-seeing power, maybe empathy? Sensing? Maybe she's a Witch! Ethan: Pierce, give it a rest. I know this is important to you, but give it a rest, okay? Pierce: Eth... Ethan: Pierce, I'm going home. I only came over here to help you out, you have to figure it out on your own. Maybe...she's just normal and that's all. Maybe it was just a headache or migraine--ever think of that? Pierce: I suppose. Ethan: I suppose is right. Now go to bed, and don't be so worried. Whether or not your pick in girls is quirky is besides the point. If you have anymore questions...go ask Carly, she's been doing some heavy studying on the whole magic-thing. Pierce: ...You're right. ::He nods, placing his laptop in its case and walking to the door for Ethan:: Thanks Ethan... Ethan: Pierce--you called me at 11:30. I teleported over, remember? Pierce: Yeah, oh yeah--sorry... Ethan: ::He walks over to Pierce, placing his hand on his shoulder:: And...sorry for being so dodgey these past few...weeks. Pierce: ...I know you have your secrets and your own travels, I won't be bothering you about those anymore. Ethan: Thanks...that's a huge load off of me. Pierce: I can tell... Ethan: ::He takes his wand out of the belt and raises it upward, it glows and he disappears a burst of light:: Pierce: ::He sighs and walks over to his book, looking down at it, as if it'll suddenly say something else:: ::The wind blows, and the book's pages fly, landing on a page labeled "Mystics":: Pierce: ::He pulls his chair over and sits down, pulling himself closer to the book:: Mystics have conscious awareness of the divine--spiritual truth through direct experience, intuition, or insight...the belief that such experience is an important source of knowledge or understanding. It may involve a belief in the existence of realities beyond immediate perceptual apprehension, or a belief that true perception of the world goes beyond intellectual apprehension. Pierce: ::He reads further:: Mystical experiences may happen to anyone, regardless of religious training or inclinations. Such experiences can occur unbidden and without preparation at any time, and might not be understood as religious experiences at all. The term Mysticism, is best used to point to conscious and systematic attempts to gain Mystical experiences through studies and practice. Pierce: ::He sits back, looking back to the window across the room, realizing that the leaves on the tree outside isn't blowing--that the book must have blown by some other force:: Pierce: Natalie was a Mystic...though we never did really know all that much about what made her so supernatural. ::He stands up, thinking, and walks away into his bedroom:: Alexandra: ::She walks up to the front door and knocks on the door, looking around for a doorbell:: ...Who doesn't have a doorbell nowadays? ::She leans back on the door and knocks again, taking a few steps back:: Pace:: He opens the door and looks to Alexandra:: Good Morning...come in. :: He opens the door and begins to walk into the sun room:: He notices the book on the table and teleports it to the attic:: Alex: ::She follows, allowing the front door to close behind her:: I'm glad you're here--I didn't know where you lived, and Pierce wouldn't answer his phone--which is odd because normally he always does...but anyway, I'm here--as requested. Pace:: Cool, so how did that tea work for you? :: He sits down across from Alex:: Alex: ::She sits down at the table, looking around the room:: Oh it...was very relaxing--nulling really, I still have an impression of the pain going on, but I'm sure it'll go away--do you grow any of your teas here? I know that wasn't Lipton brand or something. Pace:: Uhh...I'm a specialist in herbal tea. Alex: Well there's something Pierce never talks about. Whenever it comes to this family, all he talks about is the bond, and fights and struggles, and of course he's proud of you and Price, but never quite specific when it comes to some things. Pace:: What can I say? We're secretive... :: He looks around then back to Alex:: Have you seen the garden? It's nice, has every herb...do you need some herbs? I'll give you a couple of bags...? Alex: Emm--I'm fine. I have a question for you...Pierce was mentioning something on my machine this morning...of course I can't reach him to ask him about it...but perhaps you'll know. Pace:: Uhh...okay, what happened? Alex: Well he was rambling--as he does, you know--and all I really caught that I can remember is him saying something about "Mystics" Alex: --Which I really don't know anything about...he went into this huge session of explanation--Something about someone in his family... Pace:: Mystics...uh...he's clearly going insane. Alex: What? Pace:: A couple of months ago he got into a really bad car accident. Alex: What? When? Why didn't he mention anything to me? Pace:: Ever since then...he hasn't been the same. Guess he didn't want you to worry...have you ever seen Lord Of The Rings? It came out about two decades ago? Once in a blue moon he'll say that he's Froto. Alex: It's "Frodo..." and it wasn't two decades ago...and I think you're lying to me Pace, are you lying to me Pace? Pace:: Frodo...I knew that. Why would I be lying? I don't lie, I'm against lying, are you lying to me? Alex: ::She looks past his hair and into his eyes, then stands up and walks over to a picture frame on a case in the corner, seeing a picture of Pierce and Rachel on their wedding day, next to a picture of Isaac with cake over his face:: Alex: ::She turns to Pace:: I guess lying runs a lot in this family, like secrecy I suppose. I guess I should've known I wouldn't get an honest response from you Mister. Pace:: He stands up and walks to Alex:: Honestly, I don't know what a Mystic is. I never heard of a Mystic until now. Sorry, maybe Price can help you. He knows a lot about supernatural beings. Alex: ::She nods, and walks through the sitting room and traces her hand around the sofa:: He's at work, right? I guess I'll just meet him later--::She turns, facing the staircase, squinting at it as if she's remembering something::--I'm getting that feeling again. Pace:: Oh...feeling? Good feeling or bad? Alex: Eh...I know we thought this was just a headache, but it's feeling more like déjà vu than anything... ::She focuses:: I'm getting an bad feeling more than a good feeling at the moment...did something bad happen in here? Pace:: Besides being born in the basement? Nope, nothing. Alex: What? ::She turns to him:: What's with all the backwards responses today Pace? Pace:: Your mind is just too tired to have you stay awake. You're feeling pretty tired, go home and call it a day. Alex: Pace, It's not even noon yet... ::She turns and makes her way towards the front door:: Alex: ::She yawns, then turns to Pace and waves her hand:: See ya Pace,...thanks...for the...talk. ::She opens the door and closes it behind her:: Pace:: Later. :: He turns around and sighs relief:: He walks into the kitchen and presses TALK on the phone screen:: Call Pierce. Pace:: He walks to the fridge and opens it:: He takes out a bottle of water as he hears the number being dialed:: Pace:: He places the bottle on the island and ends the call:: He looks around and disappears in a bright blue flames:: Pace:: He appears out of the blue flames behind Pierce:: YO! Pierce: ::He flinches from his seat and the book he was reading phases through his hands and drops on the floor:: Adam: ::He laughs from across the room, playing with his playset:: Pierce: ::He picks up his book and turns to Pace, patting him on the head with the book:: What. Pace:: He looks to Adam and smiles:: He looks back to Pierce:: What's up with you telling Alexandra about Mystics and such? Pierce: Sorry...I got into a fury with my books and all... ::He walks over and sits down at the couch:: I guess I can lay off the books for now... Pace:: You said that we had a Mystic in the family. I don't think books tell people that. What's going on Pierce? Pierce: I...did? Oh... ::He quickly picks up the book and just begins reading in any random location:: Pace:: PIERCE! What's going on? Pierce: ::He sets the book down and looks to Pace:: I'm worried about Alex's...whatever it is she's having. I'd...rather not experience the Rachel-Psychic thing again. Pace:: So...stay away from her. Pierce: What? Pace:: Stay away from her...if you don't want to go through it again or fear of having to go through with it...just be friends with her, or stay away from her. Pierce: Pace... ::He blinks a few times:: ...I...don't...want to stay away from her. I enjoy being around her...besides this thing, I love being around her. I haven't felt that way in a long time. Pace:: Well--if you're happy then I'm happy. Pierce: ...I'm not...fishing around for reasons, you know? It's...just hard to ignore. Especially knowing the dating track record in our history as 'eligible bachelors'. Pace:: He looks around:: I'll clean up the place...go take a shower and we'll go out for breakfast. Adam: ::He looks up from his playset:: Breakfast!? Pierce: ::He smiles and nods, walking over to his brother:: Thanks Pace ::He gives him a quick hug and turns, walking to the bathroom, closing the door behind him:: Pace:: He smiles and begins to clean up:: Piper:: She walks out of the kitchen with two cups and a bag of chips:: She walks down the hallway and into her bedroom:: She walks inside and shuts the door with her foot:: She looks over to her bed and smiles at Jade:: She walks over and hands Jade a cup and places the bag down:: She turns around and places her cup on her nightstand:: Sorry...sorry about last night, I had no idea what their intentions were. Jade:: She smells the liquid inside the cup:: What is this? It doesn't smell too kosher. Piper:: Oh, I'm sorry, it's a tea that my father makes. It relaxes the body and nervous system. It's healthy, and it's edible. :: She smiles and looks at Jade's wrist:: Hmm... :: She slowly places her hand on Jade's wrist and looks at the cut marks:: Why? Jade:: She slowly pulls away and looks down:: It makes me feel better...about my--self... Piper:: She looks at Jade and examines her:: You know, you shouldn't hide behind your hair all the time. You should also wear brighter clothes instead of just dark colors. Jade:: She looks up at Piper:: You wear dark colored clothes... Piper:: Not all the time. :: She gets up from the bed and walks to her dresser:: She grabs a box and walks behind Jade:: Just...drink the tea and relax. :: She stands behind Jade and pulls her hair back:: Jade:: She flinches from Piper's touch and sighs:: Sorry. Piper:: It's cool. :: She opens the box and takes out a brush:: She begins to brush her new friends hair:: She stops and places the box in front of Jade:: Pick out what colors you like. I'm going to give you a makeover. Tomorrow at school, you'll have all the boys howling for your number. Jade:: She blushes and lets Piper continue to brush her hair:: Carly: No, No--here, I'll take those... ::She walks over to a delivery man and takes his electronic clipboard, signing for it, and looks down to the bunches of boxes by the loading dock door:: Geez...technological progress and I still have to deal with this crap ::She looks over across the loading area, seeing Ethan:: Hey Baby... Ethan: ::He makes his way across the empty room and towards his wife:: Hey Honey--why are you over here? Carly: Oh...Pierce didn't come in today, and I have to sign for these boxes because normally he does, you know how he likes to stay connected at EVERY level. Well...since he isn't here, I'm forced to do these little things. Ethan: Honey--the boxes are bigger than you are ::He leans in laughing and kisses her lightly, before looking back to the boxes, laughing even more:: Carly: Ethan--geez. Look, do you want to help me move these? Ethan: You'll need some guys to do that...or however you want to go about that. Luckily, Bayside's dinnerware is newer so we don't have to get new dinnerware. Carly: Your point? Ethan: Oh nothing...nothing. Carly: Can't you just...you know...twinkle your wand around? Ethan: Honey--you know I only like to use my wand when I absolutely have to. Ever since I've made it up a stage in Wizardry--joining the bigger leagues--I'm not toying around, come on now you knew that. Carly: Yeah yeah... ::She puts her arms around him, leaning against him:: Maybe Pierce could if he ever gets in... Ethan: ::He turns and walks with her towards the doors leading to the corporate area:: So do you know where Pierce is? Last time I saw him he was cramming in on the books trying to see if there's anything magical with Alex. Carly: Nah--but she keeps calling, asking and trying to talk to me. I swear--that girl gets on my nerves, it's like she wants me to be her best friend and that's definitely not happening. Ethan: ::He pushes the doors open, entering another room, then walking with her towards a hallway and to the atrium area of the building:: You know, you are allowed to like her. If you want I can see what Pierce is up to for you. I'm done for the day--see, lots of overtime does pay off. Carly: Well you can...but I just can't stand her and if she doesn't stop trying to be--::She turns and just begins to walk the other way:: Ethan: Carly--::He catches up with her:: Honey, come on. Look, she isn't trying to replace Rachel. Rachel died four years ago; you can't expect Pierce to be lonely and a widower his entire life--Adam's still a toddler. Carly: I know...I know. Look, you can go call Pierce. I guess...I'll get back to my work, call people, occupy myself. Ethan: ::He stops walking once they reach the area where the offices are:: Occupy yourself? Work? Call people? Wow, you get frustrated and work even harder. Carly: Shut up... Ethan: ::He smiles, placing his arm around her:: Who'd you call anyway? ::He looks around the area, seeing the restaurant section down the hallway:: Carly: Oh I don't know--Brent maybe? I'm sure he'd have some good Pierce advice, he loved Pierce. Ethan: Oh God I can't stand your brother--I'll catch you later Carly. ::He kisses her:: Carly: ::She kisses him and smiles:: I know what you mean. See ya babe. Pace:: He walks into the Manor with several grocery bags:: He walks straight into the kitchen and places the bags on the island:: He looks at the clock before he walks out of the kitchen and to Pierce:: He grabs three bags from Pierce:: You got the rest? Pierce: Yes... ::He turns back and to the car, taking more groceries, turning back to walk up the steps to the Manor:: Ethan: ::He steps out from behind a bush and folds his arms:: Pierce--you really can't be leaving me or Carly up and dry--leaving your phone somewhere, not coming to work... Pierce: Hey Ethan... ::He walks into the entry room with the groceries:: Look Ethan, I'm okay--you can relay the message. Ethan: I think I'll need more proof than that ::He follows:: Pace:: He walks into the kitchen and places the groceries next to the others on the island:: He walks to the sink and turns the faucet on:: He washes his hands and turns the faucet off:: He dries his hands and walks outside:: He looks down and runs his fingers through Adam's hair:: Go play in the Sun Room, okay? Pierce: Get groceries then, maybe you'll get your proof then ::He sets the groceries down on the dining room table, then turns to Ethan:: Adam: ::He nods, and runs into the other room:: Ethan: I'm not getting your groceries--you already left Carly to signing for the dinnerware... Pierce: Oh...yeah...she's pissed at me isn't she? Ethan: Pierce--snap out of it--work--you know, that thing you created? Pierce: I'm...not going today, okay? Ethan: ::He sighs and nods:: Okay then. Discover anything out about Alex? Pierce: ::He sighs and picks up the groceries, then takes them into the kitchen:: I don't know. Ethan: ::He follows:: What do you mean? You haven't talked to her yet? Pierce: ::He sets the groceries down in the kitchen and glances over to Pace then back to Ethan:: I left my cell phone at home, remember? Pace:: He watches Ethan walk pass him:: Well HI to you too. :: He turns and follows:: He listens for the door to close:: Ethan: ::He waves to Pace after the fact and turns back to Pierce:: You need your phone then. Pierce: ::He holds out his hand and looks down to his hand, his telephone appearing gradually:: Happy? Ethan: Hey--no lights? Pierce: I've been working on merging my invisibility, that's all. ::He looks down to the phone:: Hey...14 missed calls. People care about me. Pace:: He looks to Pierce then to Ethan:: If you came here to bag on my bro, leave. Ethan: ::He tilts his head slightly:: Sorry I didn't say Hi earlier? Pierce: Pace, it's okay... Pace:: He glares at Ethan then looks to Pierce:: I'll be up in the attic. :: He turns and walks out the kitchen:: Ethan: ::He turns back to Pierce:: Did...I do something to offend him? Pierce: I think he's mad you helped me figure out my research. Ethan: ...But I really didn't though. You leaving a 10-second ranting message on my machine doesn't count really... Pierce: Yeah...I sort of left a 10-minute one on Alex's machine. Anyway, I'm sure Pace will be fine. Ethan: ::He nods slowly:: Your brother just loves distrusting people I guess. After all these years and he still looks at me funny. Pierce: Don't know what to tell ya. Ethan: Well anyway, I'm going to go. Oh--and if you see Carly, please reassure her that Alex isn't replacing Rachel. Pierce: ...Will do. Ethan: ::He smiles and waves, taking out his wand and disappearing in a sudden light:: Pierce: ::He turns, looking back to the grocery bags, and looks down to his cell phone:: ...14 missed calls, geez. Price:: He walks into the Manor and closes the door behind him:: Who's here?! Pierce: Your younger brothers! Price:: Oh, how nice. :: He walks into the kitchen and looks at all bags:: What's this? Pierce: For some reason Pace got inspired to go shopping. Even though...he doesn't live here. I don't know, I guess we always will...eitherway, the shopping bug hit him after our breakfast. Price:: You guys went for breakfast...without me? Pierce: Uh...someone works for a living...then again, what is Pace doing nowadays? Price:: You work also! Why aren't you at work? What does Pace do? Pierce: The club I think...though he doesn't talk about it much...and I took the day off. I had my own problem to deal with, care to hear? Price:: Oh...yeah, sure, why not? Pierce: Well...you weren't here, Pace was. But the other day Alex and I had a date, but she got hit with some déjà vu...headache thing. And Pace didn't seem to want to tell me about what his thoughts were...but I think she may be some version of a Mystic. And that got me to thinking...do you know much about Natalie's Mysticism? Price:: Maybe Rachel is just giving her some visions. Making it easier for her to understand when or if you tell her about us. The only thing I know about Mysticism is that its higher then an average Witch. For the really powerful other-creature Mystics, their realm was destroyed and they settled here. They can see other realms...and control anything that has to do with nature...like how the Phoenix is a Mystical creature. Pierce: ...You really think Rachel's playing in this? ...Well I guess four years plus up there time does give enough time to watch and master control of selentéing. Hmm...from what I read about Mysticism...it's like reaching another plane of awareness...at least in this sense...study and holiness it seems...maybe I should ask Alex how religious she is... Price:: Alex...VICTORIA! Pierce: What? Price:: I was suppose to call her...ugh, I'm just lost today. Pierce: Oh...her...we haven't heard much about her...what's that about? Price: Who? Pierce: Victoria...the Victoria? Price:: Victoria, her father's a millionaire-almost-billionaire? He has over three dozen books that explain the supernatural world? He wrote a passage about the Charmed Ones. Pierce: Whoa...so you're playing with Fire Jr. ? Pierce: Wait...remember how there used to be a book on us called 'The Charmed Ones' that we destroyed? Could...he have perhaps read it or something? Price:: He looks down then looks to Pierce:: I guess so. I interviewed him last month for the magazine. Pace:: He walks into the kitchen:: Interviewed who? Price:: Whoa, this is weird. Pace:: What is? Price:: All three of us in the kitchen...at the same time. Pace:: Yeah...this is weird. Pierce: That's just awful, the fact that we haven't met up together in a while. Price:: No, we just haven't been in this kitchen together since the brothers. Pace:: Which was three weeks ago. Price:: Right. Pace:: Yeah. Pierce: I know...I know. Pace:: Demons. Price:: No. Pace:: No, what? Price:: Don't say that word. Pace:: Why not? Price:: Because. Pace:: Waiting... Price:: Whenever someone says that word a--De--comes up. Pace:: Well, I was just wondering. Price:: Stop wondering. Pace:: Okay, stopped. Pace:: You and your sentence fragments. Pierce: Focus your mental energy on helping out the poor--or helping out those fairies you were helping out a week ago--not thinking up -de- peoples. Price:: He looks to Pace:: You do the same... :: He looks to Pierce:: He looks back to Pace:: You helped fairies? Pace:: Yeah--don't wanna talk about it. Price:: Cool, how are you Pierce? Pierce: Well besides Alex's headache thing...I'm fine, Adam's doing great, the new daycare he's going to loves him. It's all going well...I guess. Price:: Awesome. Pace:: What time is it? Pierce: ::He looks down to his cell phone:: Uh--3:23, why do you have somewhere to be? And here I was enjoying our bonding time. Pace:: Piper gets out at 2:30, she always calls me when she gets out. Price:: He looks at Pierce then to Pace:: She's probably with Nina... :: He turns around and begins to put the groceries away:: Pace:: I guess... :: He begins to help Price out with the groceries:: Pierce: Well I'm gonna go call Alex--I'll be...in the other room. ::He turns and walks out of the room:: Pace:: Okay... :: He continues to help Price:: Piper:: She sits on top of a table bench while listening to her iPod:: Derrick:: He walks over to Piper quickly and grabs her iPod:: He hands it to Vinny:: We saw you run with the freak last night! Piper:: She jumps down and walks closer to Derrick:: Her name is Jade, dick. Vinny:: Whoa, she called you a dick man, what are you going to do? Derrick:: You're lucky you're a girl. Piper:: Lets put genders aside, if that's what you'd like. Derrick:: I don't hit girls. Piper:: Why? Is it because you know that a girl would lay your ass flat on the ground? Derrick:: Do it V. :: He looks to Vinny:: Vinny:: He throws the iPod down on the ground and stomps on it:: He moves his foot and looks at the broken iPod:: He looks to Piper:: Oops. Piper:: That's okay... :: She turns around:: Derrick:: Aw, did I make the little girl cry? Piper:: She turns around quickly and punches Derrick in the mouth:: She quickly turns to Vinny and hits his nose with her palm:: Derrick:: He falls to the ground and touches his mouth with his fingers:: Vinny:: He stumbles back and quickly grabs his nose:: He looks to his hands to see blood:: Piper:: She smiles as she notices Derrick and Vinny cry:: Aw, did I make the little girls cry? Gwen:: She runs over to Piper holding her bookbag:: She turns around and looks to Vinny and Derrick:: She bends down and ask if they are alright:: She stands up quickly and looks to Piper:: WHAT THE HELL HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU?! Piper:: She points to Derrick then to Vinny:: They broke my iPod...well Vinny did, Derrick was just rude. Gwen:: She turns her head to watch Derrick and Vinny stand up:: Are you two alright? Vinny:: He nods his head slowly and glares at Piper:: Derrick:: YOU'RE DEAD! Gwen:: She puts her hand out to stop Derrick:: NO! She did this for the lesbian... :: She turns slowly and looks at Piper:: So what? Are you a flaming lesbo? Is that why you turned your back on us? Is that the reason why you betrayed our friendship? Piper:: Excuse me? First of all, you shouldn't even be talking about homosexuality because your Uncle Craig is gay and so is your older sister! Second of all, you don't know one thing about Jade. She's really sweet, really kind, but you're so blind you can't even see a good thing when it's in front of you! Also...you three were beginning to bore me. Gwen:: You better watch your back and your girlfriends... Piper:: She gets close to Gwens face:: Is that a threat? Gwen:: Damn right it is...I mean it, watch your backs. Piper:: She leans over and whispers in Gwens ear:: No, you watch your backs... :: She taps her head against Gwens and takes a step back:: All three of you...you think you know, but you have no idea. You just opened the cage and set it free...see you three around. :: She smiles and walks passed Gwen bumping into her really hard and pushing both Derrick and Vinny at the same time:: Gwen:: She turns around and watches Piper walk away:: She looks to Derrick:: She's bluffing... :: She looks to Vinny:: Tomorrow, after school... :: She looks back to Piper:: She and the Freak will get it... Pierce: Alexandra, I was just...looking too much into things, I'm sorry--it won't happen again. Alex: ::She continues to pour coffee into the two mugs in front of her and looks over to a man on the other side of the counter, handing them to him:: $8. 77 please. Pierce: ::He moves around the busy counter and leans inwards again:: So... ::He looks around:: Well? Alex: ::She takes the man's cash and puts it into the register, turning back to Pierce:: I went back to see Pace this morning, after I couldn't reach you ALL DAY at your house, cell, or work. He of course, lied with expertise, and didn't tell me a thing about any of your nonsensical babbling or anything. He even said you got into an accident. Pierce: An accident? ::He stands up:: Nope, perfectly fine--but that Pace does have quite the imagination. Alex: ::She nods as the telephone rings--she picks it up and listens for a moment:: Nope, I'll pick it up around 8 o'clock or so at my apartment--yeah, that's Lennox off of Sterling off of Park's Run and about two miles down from Rose--Yes, it's near Madison but that's a little while. Yep, no problem--thanks! ::She looks to the phone and turns it off, setting it down then turning to Pierce:: Alex: ::She walks around the counter, snapping her fingers to another man wearing an apron across the Café and walks to a table, sitting down across from Pierce:: As your girlfriend, I am entitled to know whatever it is you are thinking--and why it is such a big deal to you. Pierce: ::He sits down, biting his bottom lip:: ...I was just worried about your headache, that's all. What are you picking up? Alex: ::She crosses her legs and leans in, holding her hands together:: Somehow I don't believe you. I get a very strong vibe from your brother, almost an equally strong vibe from you...but it's of a different variety. Eitherway...you two are too good at lying. And it's a cookbook--I'm trying to not burn my kitchen up. Pierce: ...And how did you acquire such a vibe-sense? ...Tele...pathic or something? Empathic maybe? Alex: ::She studies him and sits back:: Wouldn't you like to know. Pierce: ::He smiles in anxiety and sits back as well, looking over, seeing the man set two mugs in front of them:: Thanks... Alex: ::She glances over and smiles, then turns back to Pierce:: He's new...trying to impress. Pierce: I'm...glad you're so in charge of everything. Cooking's great you know--I can give you some tips you know. Alex: Maybe when I get more into it. And I need to be in charge of pretty much everything here. There's a lot going on out there I don't know about, but just about everything in here I know about. There's a reason why I work at a bookstore, and not just for the social gossip. Pierce: Are you going to brag about your degrees and all that again? Alex: I'll save you the effort of listening. But seriously Pierce, I think I'm falling in love with you, but if you want this to go any further, you need to be straight up. Pierce: ::He sips his coffee but almost chokes, quickly setting it back down:: Alexandra...there's a reason why there's a lot of secrecy in my family. Alex: I can see that. So Mysticism...I looked into it. I know I don't know much about your family, haven't even met your nephew, niece, or other brother yet...but it's obvious you guys are into something of a similar variety. Pierce: ::He nods:: Snooping around the Manor? ...If you look around my place, you'll find there isn't as much of that. Alex: Out maybe. I know you still have it all, and still call that dusty, rusty, "traditional" old victorian your home still. Pierce: It'll always be my home... Alex: Well of course... ::She turns around slightly:: You and your wife's... ::She looks down, trying to shrug it off:: Pierce: Excuse me? Alex: ::She flips her hair back and looks him directly in the eyes:: You are worried my headache is something more. That's called somatomatic Pierce Victor, get over yourself. I won't be leaving you like your wife. Pierce: ...Rachel didn't "leave" me like that. ...I'd rather not talk about it. Alex: A lot has gone down in that home of yours, I can tell just by stepping foot in there. But listen up mister, I won't be leaving you. And I'll guess that's why you have never brought her up seriously even when I volunteer openly to watch your only son. Pierce: ::He sips his coffee, setting it down:: She was murdered...Alex. Rachel and I were planning our lives together...there was a lot of complication, argument, and fighting...but we loved each other...we loved Adam...and now...I'm moving on. Now we always lock the front door and keep it locked. Alex: ::She smiles, leaning in:: I won't be leaving you, you don't have to worry. I'm sorry if I've caused you any worry. Pierce: It's okay...you're...like a fresh breath of air to me. Alex: ::She leans in and kisses him lightly on the lips, then more, and more, until they both stand up together:: Pierce: ::He puts his arms around her and embraces her:: ::The sound of a crash smashes through the air:: Alex: ::She interrupts her kiss and looks over to seeing coffee pouring all over the tile floor, glass everywhere:: MATTHEW! ::She rushes over to the mess:: Uh--quickly, get the map and formula...and please, hurry...it's okay ::He rushes off in a panic--she turns back to Pierce:: I'll...catch you later. ::She whispers:: Sorry... Pierce: ::He smiles, and nods, taking his time to make his way back towards the door:: Piper:: She walks into her home and closes the door:: MA?! PA?! WHO'S HERE? :: She walks down the two steps and turns the corner and walks down the hall:: She opens her bedroom door and throws her bookbag on her bed without looking in the room:: She closes the door and walks down the hall and turns the corner:: She walks into the living room and flops on the couch:: She grabs the remote and turns the T.V. on:: Nina:: She opens the door and walks inside their home:: She closes the door and glares at Piper:: Piper... Nina:: Don't give me that... :: She walks down the steps and into the living room:: She walks over to Piper and stands in front of her:: What happened at school today? Why did I get a call from Mrs. Rotez? Piper:: She leans over to look at the T.V.:: Mom... :: She looks up :: You're in the way... Nina:: PIPER! :: She grabs the remote and turns around:: She turns the T.V. off and looks back to Piper:: What's wrong with you? Piper:: She looks up:: Nothing...well, the T.V. isn't on so I'm about to flip in like five minutes...so yeah. Nina:: Okay, you weren't in school today, Jade's mother came here to ask for her daughter. I had no idea that you had a friend sleep over? ALSO, Mr. Jackson spotted you at the school last night. Piper:: I didn't go to school because I got my...you know, on my way there. So I came back, you weren't here and Daddy wasn't neither. Jade was gone, so I figured she either went home to change for school. She wasn't at school, I figured she went home. I thought you knew about Jade because I told Daddy and he said it was fine with him. I accidently faded to school last night, that's why Mr. Jackson saw me...I don't know how to control it ma, seriously. Nina:: Why did you attack Gwen? Piper:: She sits up and looks to her mother:: What did you just say? Piper:: She stands up slowly and looks out the window:: No... :: She turns and looks to her mother:: I need a lawyer, a really good one. Nina:: Why is that? Piper:: Because I'm going to be convicted for murder... Nina:: PIPER! Piper:: Fine, I won't kill her...I think I'm going to go and do homework. :: She walks out of the living room and turns the corner:: She walks down the hall:: Nina:: She turns around:: Piper? :: She hears the door slam and flinches:: Damn...PACE! Piper:: She opens her bedroom door quickly:: DON'T YOU DARE TELL DAD! :: She slams the door shut:: Nina:: YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN! :: She turns around to see bright blue flames appear:: Pace... Pace:: What? What happened? My brothers and I were in the middle of something BIG. Nina:: Demon? Pace:: No...Monopoly and I need to go back before Pierce takes the property that I want. Nina:: Oh, I bet you're the dog. Pace:: Yeah, I always am, but what's up? Nina:: You're daughter. You knew that her friend Jade slept over? Why didn't you tell me? The girl is missing now. Pace:: I thought you knew, she said that you knew about it. So now the girl is missing and Piper is where? Nina:: She's in her room. She's mad at me, probably won't talk to me for about three hours. Nina:: I don't know, you'd need to ask Piper...that's a good idea though. Pace:: Good. :: He leans in and rubs her belly:: He kisses her on the cheek and walks pass her:: He turns the corner and walks down the hallway:: He knocks on Pipers door and opens it:: Do you have anything that belongs to Jade? Piper:: She gets up from her desk and grabs a denim jacket:: She walks over to her father and hands it to him:: Here... Pace:: He takes it from her:: Also, you need to relax on your mother. She's pregnant Piper, and your mother deserves much more respect. Piper:: She presses her lips down and rolls her eyes:: Whatever. :: She turns around and jumps on her bed:: She lays down towards the television and turns it on:: Pace:: Right... :: He turns around and shuts the door:: He walks down the hallway and turns the corner:: He walks into the living room but doesn't see Nina:: He walks through the living room and turns the corner:: He walks into the kitchen:: Hey, I'm going now, okay? Nina:: She turns around and walks to Pace:: Alright... Pace:: Just call me if you need anything, okay? Nina:: Mm hmm... Pace:: He kisses her on the cheek:: I love you. Nina:: I love you too. Pace:: He smiles and disappears in bright blue flames:: Nina:: She nods her head and sighs:: She turns around and continues to clean the kitchen:: Price:: He counts the money and places it under the board:: So, Pierce...thinking about buying any property? Pace:: He appears once the flames fade away:: He looks to his brothers and holds up the denim jacket:: Sorry to interrupt the game but...we have a missing girl to worry about. Pierce: ::He nods to Pace and looks back to Price:: Eh...you've stolen most of my money as it is...you...maybe next time. ::He looks back to Pace:: A missing girl? Price:: He laughs to himself and leans back in the seat:: He takes the money from the board and begins to count it again:: Pace:: Well, she's new to Bayside Junior High. She's friends with Piper and she slept over the house last night. She didn't go to school and her mother hasn't seen her since...yesterday morning. Price:: He leans forward and places the money down:: So, how is this our problem? Pace:: He looks at Price confused:: What did you say? Pierce: Price...we help out where we're needed. Price:: But how are we needed? Call the police, that's why they're around. Pierce: ...I'm assuming it's magical Pace? Need me to try and sense for her? Price:: Great, back to using magic again. Pace:: Okay, Price what the hell is wrong with you? Pierce: ::He turns to Price, siding more with Pace:: Price:: Nothing, absolutely nothing...I'll go and contact her mother, try to get some info. :: He looks to Pierce:: Try to sense if she's okay or in trouble. :: He looks to Pace:: You have the jacket? Force a premonition out... :: He stands up:: I would like to end this quickly so that I can get back to my son. :: He walks out of the sitting room:: Pace:: He looks to Pierce:: He walks over and sits where Price was:: He got some issues... Pierce: ::He turns to Pace:: Ever since that Nick Demon...we've known we'll be dealing more and more with the magical world. ...But he just doesn't want to accept that we are still Charmed...and hopefully will always be. ::He reaches over and takes some of Price's monopoly money and adds it to his pile:: Pierce: ::He looks up, looking into the conservatory, hearing the sound of blocks and things:: ADAM--Do you want anything to eat? ::Adam yells out a murmur mostly sounding like "No":: Pierce: ::He nods, then looks back to the Monopoly game, then back to Pace:: I want just as much as anyone for the Demons to be gone...and gone forever and ever...and we're having that...but we still are always going to be involved with magic...Price should know that. Pace:: If I tell you something, you can't say a word to Price. Pierce: ...Fine...but it better be a good secret and not something creepy or annoying. ::He smiles, looking up to Pace:: Pace:: He shakes his head:: Well...Isaac told Price that he wouldn't be around...in a few more years, he'll be...gone. Pierce: ...Dead gone? How'd Isaac know that? Pierce: ::He stands up, taking the denim jacket on a chair and sits back down:: Pace:: Don't really know...Price said it was just random. Pace:: He looks over to jacket and reaches out:: I was going to use that to get a--:: He gasps as he quickly shuts his eyes:: He opens them and looks to Pierce:: Pierce: A premonition? What'd you see? ::He looks down to the denim jacket and focuses his energy on it--his breath quickening:: Pace:: I saw Piper's friend Gwen, getting hit by a car...by Alexandra's car. Pierce: ::He looks up quickly:: Alexandra's car? You're sure? Price:: He walks back into the sitting room:: He looks at Pace then to Pierce:: Anything? Pierce: Yeah... ::He looks back down to the jacket and gets begins to feel the images of the busy streets...the echoes of her running...he searches around as he starts feeling stronger about the girl's location:: I'm...getting closer...but if she isn't settling anywhere, I can only get so rough of a location. Price:: He looks to Pace:: What happened? Pace:: Well, I just had a premonition of Gwen getting hit by Alex's car. Price:: Pierce's Alex? Pace:: Yea, so I'm going... ::He disappears in bright blue flames:: Price:: PACE! :: He turns and looks back to Pierce:: Pierce: ::He takes out his cell phone and walks out of the room and into the conservatory:: Pierce: ::He presses a button on his phone and calls Alexandra...but receives no response, he tries again, still no response, and quickly puts his phone away. He looks down to Adam, still playing with his blocks:: Let me know when you'd like something to eat...be safe. ::He turns and disappears in lights:: Price:: Why did everyone just leave me? :: He looks around and walks to Adam:: Hey... :: He turns to the side:: Let these words come from my heart as I call on a sitter to take my spot. :: A woman appears out of green light:: Vivien:: Hello, my name is Vivien and I'll be your babysitter for the night. Price:: Good, great...umm...this is the first time I've ever called on a magical being to watch the children. Price:: Well...yeah. I'm Price, my brothers went out...to find someone. Vivien:: My mother had problems here...she wasn't too keen for Piper. Price:: What? Vivien:: Oh, sorry... :: She puts her hand out as a chicken leg appears:: She takes a bite:: Price:: Wha-HELLO?! NO! BAD LITTLE LADY! No magic will be used in my house. Vivien:: Aren't you a Witch? Price:: What does that have to do with anything? Vivien:: You were chosen along with your brothers to have magic. You're blessed with it's wonderful ways and miracles. Magic chose you for the greater good...don't be ashamed of it, explore it, embrace it. Price:: He slightly smiles and nods his head:: You're right. Vivien:: I know I am...you have three hours before I leave, I suggest you leave now. Price:: Right... :: He smiles and orbs away:: Pierce: ::He appears from thin air behind a dumpster and walks out into the street, looking around, then walks into the street, looking around, seeing a woman at the end of the empty street:: Pierce: ::He walks towards her, gesturing his hand in the air as the streetlights become brighter, allowing him to see her--realizing it's Alexandra:: Alex! ::He runs towards her, as she begins to take out her keys and turn into an apartment complex:: Alex: ::She turns around, finding Pierce running towards her:: Pierce? What are you doing here? Pierce: ::He catches up to her and smiles:: I had to find you. Alex: How? Pierce: --I...have my ways...you're in the Rainy Days database, remember? Alex: That was my old address. Pierce: Well...look that isn't what matters right now. I'm not being paranoid or anything, but I have good reason to believe that if you drive your car within...well hopefully just tonight, you'll be involved in an accident. Alex: ::She folds her arms, nodding her head slowly, then shaking her head:: Pierce Victor Halliwell--there is a reason why I fought to get that garage three complexes over. There is a reason why I bought the car to begin with, so you'll have to excuse me if I'm hesitant towards you. Pierce: I do...I do. But please...be careful? My neice's friend is missing...and I have reason to believe that another-- Alex: Reason to believe what? Say what you're really thinking. Pierce: ::He thinks for a moment, then looks down to her:: Pace is...very intuitive. Please...I just worry that you'll be involved in an accident with a pedestrian...I know that sounds crazy but-- Alex: You're right, that does sound crazy. Just as crazy as your finding me and-- Pierce: Alexandra, please? Alex: Fine...but only for tonight then... Pierce: You know...I tried calling your cell phone, I couldn't reach you. Alex: ::She smacks her forehead:: Shoot...I left it at work...if not in the car. I better go get it--::She turns and quickly runs down the street towards the garage:: Pierce: Alex--no driving okay? Alex: ::She waves her hand in the air as she turns the corner, going down another street towards the garage:: Pierce: ::He smiles and turns, walking down the street to another alley, before disappearing into thin air:: Gwen:: She walks down the street with her bookbag:: She looks around:: Wow, got dark quick. :: She continues to walk and looks to her cellphone:: She puts it back in her pocket:: She stops at the corner as the cars pass by:: Pace:: He appears behind large bushes and walks out from behind them:: Hey Gwen. Gwen:: She turns and looks up startled:: Oh, Mr. H. you scared the shit out of me. Pace:: Whoa...you're French isn't so good is it? Gwen:: Sorry...what are you doing here? Where's Piper? Pace:: She's home, why are you still out? Gwen:: Well...I was just at my boyfriend's house. Pace:: Oh, you have a boyfriend...at thirteen...how...nice...? Gwen:: I'm turning fourteen in a week. Pace:: That's good for you, how old is he? Gwen:: Oh, he's seventeen. He goes to Bayside High...he's the captain on the football team. Pace:: He coughs:: QUICKIE! :: coughs:: Gwen:: Excuse me? Pace:: You don't have any bruises, Gwen... Gwen:: Uh...what? Pace:: You told my wife that you had bruises. That Piper attacked you, why'd you lie? Gwen:: I heal quick...very quick. Pace:: Well, you must have a fast healing ability... Gwen:: Yeah. Pace:: I'll walk with you home. Gwen:: Okay... Pace:: Then I'll have a talk with your parents about you lying and seeing a seventeen year old. Gwen:: Please, please don't do that. Pace:: He smiles:: I won't. Gwen:: She sighs in relief and looks down:: Thank God. Pace:: You are. Gwen:: She quickly looks up:: What?! Pace:: You're going to tell them what you've done and what you are doing. I don't like getting people in trouble, but I do enjoy watching them tell on themselves. :: He smiles and walks with her across the street:: Price:: He orbs a few feet away from the playground:: He looks around and notices a young girl:: He walks over and approaches her:: Hey, are you Jade? Jade:: She looks up from the swings and gets up quickly:: Who are you? Price:: Oh, I'm Piper's Uncle...my name is Price. Jade:: Hi...sorry but I got a little scared. Price:: It's not a problem... :: He watches her sit back on the swing:: He looks around and sits on the swing next to her:: So...your mother is worried...she hasn't seen you since yesterday... Jade:: She's faking it...she's just showing that she's concerned. Price:: Why is that? Jade:: Because, she's fake...she wants to be looked at as a good mother. Price:: Well isn't she a good mother? Jade:: No. If she was she would let me stay with my father. Price:: He begins to rock himself gently:: Well...what's wrong with your mother? Jade:: She...she doesn't care, all she cares about is her new boyfriend, her job, money, and sucking my fathers pockets dry. Jade:: She looks up to Price:: Really? Price:: Well...my brothers and I... Jade:: Oh. :: She looks back down:: Price:: But thats a good thing, even Piper and Nina are looking for you. I talked to your father and he said that he's coming this weekend. Jade:: He always says that but my mother won't let him. She hates him for some reason, I don't know why. Price:: Well...Jade...you're a smart young woman. Life wasn't given to you, it chose you, for the greater good. Jade:: She looks up slowly to Price confused:: Price:: Okay, umm--look--life chose you because you have something bigger to do. You have a destiny that's waiting for you. All you have to do is keep your head up and walk proud, confident, and fill yourself up with love and courage. I can tell that when you get older, you'll discover why you were brought to this earth. Jade:: She smiles:: Why were you brought here? Price:: He looks up and smiles:: He looks down to Jade:: To help people like you. To show people that they aren't alone, you have my family to go to if you have anything to talk about. We'll always be here...no need to run, no need to hide. Face your problems, face your fears, you'll become so much stronger. If you need someone to stand by your side as you battle a problem, you have us. Jade:: The kids at school... Price:: Will get use to you, they'll beg to hang with you. Trust me, I was like you in Junior High also. I broke out of it in high school...once I got a girlfriend, that is. Jade:: Really? Price:: He nods:: This is just a test that they--:: He points up:: Are giving you, they want to see if you can pass it. If you can, then you'll be rewarded. Jade:: She presses her lips together and gets up from the swing:: I'm ready... Price:: He turns around and hands her the denim jacket:: This is yours, it's pretty cold out tonight. Jade:: Thanks. :: She puts it on:: Price:: He stands up and begins to walk out of the playground with Jade:: Jade:: You guys are so cool. Price:: Thanks. Jade:: She smiles:: Piper:: She sits on the table bench as she waits for Jade:: She looks around and looks to her watch:: Come on... Piper:: Jade...where are you? :: She looks over and notices Jade walk up the ramp:: She jumps off the bench and runs over to her:: Dude, what took you so long? Jade:: Hey, I had to talk to my mother...she's still flipping about yesterday. :: She explains:: She puts her hair back and holds her books close:: Piper:: Oh, okay. --Coming over after school? Jade:: No, I have something to do... Piper:: Oh, are you sure? I mean, my parents want you to come over for dinner. :: She opens the door to the school and lets Jade walk in:: Jade:: Yes, I'm sure and thank you. I really have to take care of this--thing before it gets worse. :: She continues to walk:: Piper:: Can I help out? :: She walks besides Jade:: Jade:: No...why are you trying to get me to come over your house so bad? Piper:: No reason, I just don't want you walking around by yourself. ::They both stop by the girls bathroom:: Jade:: Piper, I'm cool. I'm safe, I'm happy, I finally feel free...I'm at ease. :: She smiles to Piper:: Jade:: She falls hard and looks up to Gwen:: Gwen:: She pushes Piper back and turns around:: She bends down and looks into Jade's eyes:: What are you going to do, freak? Jade:: She swallows and looks away:: She crawls back and gets up to her feet:: Why don't you just leave me alone?! Jade:: She looks behind Gwen to Piper:: Let her go! Gwen:: She looks over to Piper then to Jade:: Why? Because you said so? :: She pushes Jade back:: Jade:: She stumbles into a wall:: Gwen:: We're going to rip you two apart. Vinny:: That's gross. Derrick:: Yeah, that's really gross...what's a tampon? Vinny:: He looks over to Derrick:: Just shut up. Gwen:: She turns around and looks to Derrick and Vinny:: Yeah, shut up. Jade:: No...all three of you shut up. Gwen:: She turns around slowly:: What did you sa-- :: She looks to gun that's pointed at her:: What are you doing? Jade:: She puts her finger on the trigger:: Getting rid of people like you. People like you, Derrick, and Vinny drove me to do this. I'm in power now! Vinny:: He lets go of Piper and steps back along with Derrick:: Derrick:: Whoa J, just put the gun down. Jade:: She points it to Derrick:: SHUT UP!! Piper:: Jade...Jade, what are you doing? Jade:: I'm standing up for myself...for us. Piper:: No, this will only cause bigger problems. Jade, you have a gun in your hand. Violence never solves anything...unless your Charmed. Piper:: Don't let losers like these three get to you. You're stronger then them...you know why they start with you? Jade:: Why? :: She glares at Gwen and keeps the gun pointed at her:: Piper:: Because they know that deep down you're strong. Stronger then them put together, you're above them...a gun will only make you lower then them. Don't do this to yourself. Jade:: I can't deal with the hurt! I can't, it's too much. Piper:: Let me help you, let my family help you. Jade:: She begins to cry and points the gun at Piper:: You're on their side! You've always been! Piper:: JADE, I'm your friend, the only friend you have and you're the only friend I have. :: She looks to Gwen then back to Piper:: Don't be confused, it may seem dark right now, but real soon it'll become bright. Jade:: I'm scared... Piper:: She walks slowly to Jade and places her hand on the gun:: She pushes the gun down slowly and takes a step closer to Jade:: Jade:: Please don't let them take me... Piper:: She quickly hugs Jade:: I won't...I promise, I'll protect you. Jade:: She hugs Piper back and drops the gun:: She begins to cry hysterically:: Gwen: ::She looks down at her cell phone as she walks around a beam sitting in the rubble, making her way through the construction site as a shortcut home; the lights behind her only casting vague shadows on where she walks:: Gwen: ::She sighs as she brushes her hair out of her face and makes her way towards the street; her thoughts on Piper and Jade:: ::A car drives down an unlit street, the street colored with trees and buildings dispersed on both sides:: Alex: ::She drives forward, her cell phone sitting on its pedestal on her dashboard:: No Matthew-you're the one that spilled the coffee all over the floor-and yes of course it was a mistake-but I'd appreciate it if you come in early tomorrow and use the Rug Doctor to get it out of the carpet... Alex: Look, I'm not going to argue this with you ::She drives down the road, her soft jazz music playing in the background:: --If you don't want to do it or can't, just tell me now, but I need to know that my employees are committed and understanding... ::She continues driving-Matthew doesn't respond:: Alex: That's what I thought...see you tomorrow at nine Matthew. ::She hears Matthew sigh and the connection end as Matthew hangs up:: Alex: ::She reaches forward to press a button on it but instead it falls onto the floor as the car hits a bump:: ::The car drives forward down the road as the pavement begins to get bumpy-a construction sign reading 'Road Closed' laying on its front behind a bush, other road blocks and cones sitting on the side of the road, toppled over:: Alex: ::She sighs as she begins to slow down as she reaches down, trying to feel her phone on the floor:: Alex: ::She looks down and spots it, grabbing it and placing it on the passenger's seat just as the car jumbles from a crack in the road--she grasps the wheel as the car hits another bump and loses control--the car shifting suddenly to the right--:: Gwen: ::Her eyes open wide as she looks to her left to see two bright headlights directly in front of her:: Alex: ::She gasps as a figure flashes against her headlights-She presses on her brake and swerves to her left:: |