I'm Dylan Shelby and I'm responsible for the story you are about to read.  I saw my two favorite writers (tango and indie) do this and I thought it was a cool idea.  I enjoyed reading what they were thinking when they wrote their story so I thought my readers might enjoy the same thing.   

All of my commenting is done in bold red

-- Headers --

I wanted to do a long story involving Prue, Piper, and Phoebe.  I wasn't really interested in Paige at the time that I started this story, however, I have grown to absolutely LOVE her, but that's okay.  I really wanted to write a story that focused on all three of the sisters. 

I was watching Season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I love the Prom episode.  Which plays, Wild Horses.  I started thinking about how to apply that to Charmed.  I came up with the Piper/Leo story, but since I wanted all three sisters a focus I couldn't make Piper the only famous one.  Which is how the premise of Life's Grace got started.

As for the title of the story, well, I LOVE the word GRACE.  There is just something about it and I love the thought of grace.  Which is really something you can see in all of my writings.  Anyway, we better get started... 

-- Chapter 1--

Chapter 1 - Premiere
Awe the naming of a chapter.  I decided this time I did want to name my chapter.  You'll find that this is the only name that doesn't come from the song used in the chapter.  That is because chapter one is more like a prologue than a chapter, but at the time I didn't like prologues.  So, I made it a chapter and gave it the name Premiere.  I thought it was clever at the time...

~*~*~*~

He didn't have to use the gun they put in his hand
But when the guy came at him, well he panicked and ran
And it's thirty long years before they give him another chance
And it's sad sad sad

~*~*~*~

Seven Days Magazine
If you only knew how long it took me to come up with the title of the magazine.  If it weren't for a bored day and I Love Manhattan on Lifetime who knows what the name of the magazine would be. I also needed a magazine that could have an article written within a month.

Headline: "Always Piper" by Aviva
Ah Aviva.  My favorite character for when I need a character.  I swear she only popped into my head because I had just watched the Fourth Sister.

Now, this article took FOREVER to write.  I wanted to sum up what was going on without actually writing it all.  So, I came up with the article idea.  However, I wrote it so many times that by the end I really didn't want to see it ever again.  

From where Piper Halliwell is sitting life is good.  She stars in one of TV's most popular shows [Always] (Yes I took Always from how Leo signed the Valentine Day card), is head of her own production company, P3 Productions, and shares her fame and fortune with her two sisters and niece.  What more could she want?

"Not much.  I have a great life.  I do eventually want to get married and have a kid, but I'm having fun right now and there will be time for that later."  Although her previous marriage to Leo Wyatt didn't work out Piper still remains hopeful.  "It wasn't the right time for us.  Leo's a great guy and I will always love him, but that just wasn't the time for us."  Which most people scoff at.

After all Leo stars opposite of her in Always and they've been seen together many times.  "We auditioned for the show at the same time and fought (this sounds slightly lame now, but at the time I didn't care).  That is why they cast us as enemies.  We've moved beyond on that and we're still good friends."   

(I feel like Paige in Paige from the Past and wanting to make sarcastic remarks at myself.)

Not that most people believe that either.  After all they spend a lot of time together and are seen everywhere.  They're even known to have parties at each other houses that are right next to one another.  "I know it looks and sounds odd, but it works for me and him.  I still love him, always will, but we make better friends." 

Content with her relationship with Leo, Piper is more in the mood to talk about her family.  "My sisters are my best friends.  There isn't one moment that I know of where I can't count on them and vice versa."

So does it make it easier that both Phoebe and Prue are in the same business?  "Yes and No.  We understand what the other is going through, but it doesn't give us a lot of time to hang out with each other.  I miss them and I especially miss my niece, Paige.  However since Prue started Charmed Entertainment it has been much easier to see my sisters and spend time with them."

Prue Halliwell started Charmed Entertainment three years ago after finishing her career as a photographer.  Not only does she manage her sister's lives, but Leo's as well.  "I don't have a problem with it.  Leo was never an enemy and my sister's love him too.  Not to mention Paige.  I don't think you could separate the two."

So with life as wonderful as it what is next for the star?  "I'm not sure.  I know that Phoebe will continue to model and run her company, Shadows Inc.  I know Prue will continue to take delight in being in charge over us and raising her daughter.  I know that I will continue to spend time with my family, but what is next I don't know.  All I do know is that I will always have my family."

~*~

~ One Month Later ~

"Great guy huh?"

"Well I couldn't say the horrible things that I was thinking at the time." Piper responded.  She was still angry with him.  Well not really angry, but she was upset.  Their world was about be to blown to pieces (Piper power reference ha ha ha) and who knew how the world was going to react.

"I'm sorry, but what do you want me to do?" Leo pleaded.  He had no idea what to do.  It was their fault that they had told the world that they were divorced.  Everyone knew that, they had the documents of when Piper filed for divorce.  What they hadn't bothered to tell anyone was that the night after the divorce was final they went to Vegas and eloped. (Don't ask me how any of this would work.  I just wanted people to know they were divorced, but didn't want them to know they were married now...Sort of the forbidden love thing, sort of)

"Be more worried." she confessed.  He tilted his head and smiled at her.  "I'm sorry."  She smiled at him, "No I'm sorry."  He leaned down and kissed her.  She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back.  And it would have gone further if it weren't for the fake cough coming from in front of them. (Let me make this clear now: THERE IS NOT ENOUGH ROMANCE BETWEEN PIPER AND LEO anymore.  I want more and since I can't get more I create it.)

"This is why I don't sit back there with you two." Prue commented from the passenger side of the limo. She had rolled down the window only to see Piper and Leo kissing.  It was amazing that the two had never been caught in the three years since their 'divorce'.   Piper rolled her eyes and Leo sat back still holding Piper's hand.  Prue watched them for a few more moments, "What is going on with you two?  Your fighting and acting more pathetically cute than normal."

When Piper and Leo looked at each other before answering, Prue knew the answer (smart Prue).  "Nothing." Leo said.  Prue scrunched her eyes and looked at the two.  She knew better, but until they told her she wasn't going to say anything.  "Anyway.  We're about to pull up to the theater.  Darryl is already there so he will escort you past the screaming fans.  I'll be in after you two." 

(This idea came after a dream I had involving Mulder and Scully)

It was the same routine every time.  After the first few times that the mob had attacked them they hired Darryl Morris permanently as the Wyatt's body guard (poor Darryl.  I so abused him in this fic).  And he would look after Prue too but she put a stop to that the first time he tried.  She told him in no uncertain terms that he was to protect her sister and her daughter.  And he respected that about her.  In fact he had gotten to know all of the Halliwell women and was now considered part of the family.

Five minutes and hundred's of screaming fans later the limo stopped.  It was a mad house, but then it always was.  Before the door opened Piper gave Leo a kiss and then turned to the door as it slowly opened.  Darryl took her hand and she slid out of the car and stood up waving to the fans as she walked the red carpet.

Leo was out next and he to waved to the crowds.  Photographers and their bulbs blinding the couple and everything was as it normally was.  Darryl went to the front of the limo and opened it up to let Prue out.  After he shut the door the noise seemed to turn to shrieking.  Something was wrong.  All of Darryl's instincts were warning him to look out.  He took Prue's hand and started to quickly move to Leo and Piper.

And then the shot rang out.  There was chaos everywhere and no one knew where it came from.  Darryl turned to see Leo holding Piper and he didn't see anything wrong with either of them.  Then he turned to Prue to see her lying on the ground.  He turned her over and blood covered his hands.  And suddenly Leo and Piper were standing next to him.  He tried calling to her, but he couldn't get her.  He talked into his mike, "I NEED AN AMBULANCE NOW!"

Hours it seemed like had passed, but the police finally had the crowd back.  Prue wasn't dead, but she was unconscious.  They saw the ambulance pull up.  "I'm going with!" Piper declared and every person there decided to let her.  "Leo you go and get Paige.  She is going to be wondering what is going on.  Darryl you go with him and make sure that nothing happens to my niece.  I'll see you both back at the hospital." (That's the Piper we now know and love.)

With all decisions made and everyone following Piper's commands she boarded the ambulance and drove off to the hospital praying that her sister would be all right.

~*~*~*~

End of Chapter 1

* "God Is A Bullet" by Concrete Blonde
(I love this song!  I knew I wanted to have Cole in this and this chapter gave me the opportunity...)

-- Chapter 2--

Chapter 2 - Back to Good?
(I love Back 2 Good by Matchbox 20.  And it had perfect lyrics for this chapter.  I revel at my cleverness some times. ;) )

~*~*~*~

And we're all grown now,
Yeah, but we don't know how
To get it back to good

~*~*~*~

~ Three Days Later ~

"Mommy!" Paige greeted from the door.  Prue looked up to see her daughter running toward her and smiled.  It had seemed like forever since she had seen her.  "Go to the other side honey." Leo directed Paige from the right side, where Prue had been shot in the shoulder, to the left. (I love the idea of Leo being an uncle.  Leo is my favorite character despite what they are doing to him in Season 7.  Anyway, I knew I wanted Prue in my story so I decided to make Paige Prue's daughter, but writing for Paige as a six year old was hard and I missed the real Paige so that is why in Unwell she is grown up.... don't you love run ons?)

Paige jumped up on the bed and into her mommy's arms.  Her chocolate hair bouncing in their pigtails with excitement at finally getting to see her mommy.  "Hello Precious.  How are you doing?"  Paige snuggled into Prue's one armed embrace, "Fine.  Uncle Leo and Aunt Piper have been playing with me.  Last night we got to eat ice cream and watch a movie." she tattled.  Prue looked up to the both of them, "Oh quit worrying.  She had a normal dinner.  This was a special treat for not being able to come and see you." Piper snapped.

Leo went in search of a couple of chairs and Piper went over to look at her sister.  So thankful that she was alive.  "So what has been going on since the premiere?" Prue asked when she noticed that Paige had fallen asleep.  "It's been a madhouse.  We had to sneak out last night just to get her ice cream.  All sorts of stories are flying."

"They haven't tried to talk to Paige have they?"  Piper shook her head, "They haven't found her.  We've been over at Leo's.  No one ever thinks to go over there."  "Over where?" Leo asked from the doorway.  "At your place."  "Oh."

He placed the chairs on Prue's right side so that they wouldn't disturb Paige.  "She's so beautiful." Prue whispered.  And both Leo and Piper smiled.  She had been wonderful.  Not truly understanding what was happening with her mom or why Piper and Leo were so nervous all the time.  "She was so excited about coming here.  Could barely sleep.  I guess it finally caught up to her." Leo commented and relaxed in the chair.  Piper sat down on Leo's lap foregoing the chair and cuddled up to him. (I hate that we never get to see Leo and Piper snuggle or act like a real couple.  Season Six aside I missed them as a real couple so I decided to overcompensate in this story.)

"So where is Phoebe in all this mess?" Prue asked as she watched her sister and brother-in-law. She was a little jealous.  Not that she didn't want Piper or Leo not to be happy, but she wanted one of her own.  However it was very hard to find a guy who didn't want her money, loved her just for her, and loved her daughter as well.

"I'm right here." Phoebe said from the doorway.  Piper looked up and Leo looked over, "Phoebe hey!" Piper called and got up and went to hug her sister.  "How are you doing?" Phoebe asked.  "I'm doing better now.  I'm glad you came."  "Yeah it took me three flights and a lot of demanding to get here this fast."

"Hello?  Am I not the one that is shot?" Prue protested from the bed.  The girls laughed and Phoebe walked over to where Paige was and gave her sister a hug.  "How are you?" she asked.  "I'm glad you are here." she replied honestly.  Phoebe looked down at Paige, "God she gets more beautiful each time I see her." she swore.  "Yes she does.  You better wake her before you leave otherwise she'll be crushed." Prue warned.

"Oh I'm staying here for awhile.  You guys need the help and I'm looking for new photographers." she announced.  Piper who had gone back to Leo was excited, "So this must be the first time in a long time that all of us are going to be here at the same time, same place."  "Yeah it's too bad Prue's shot though." Leo joked.  "Thanks Leo.  I'll remember this."  Everyone laughed. (Ah I gave Leo a sense of humor.  Not that he doesn't have one -- the Siren's song episode, but I like that side of him.  Have I mentioned Leo's my favorite character?)

Just then a knock came from the door, Piper got up to answer it.  "How many more people are going to be able to fit in here?" Prue joked.  And suddenly a calm came over everyone. Prue was back to her old self and it finally felt like things were going to get better.  Piper opened the door to reveal Darryl with a dozen red roses (Again Poor Darryl! I felt so sorry for him after this story. Which is why he has a bigger part in Unwell).  "Can I come in?" he asked hesitantly.  "Of course." Piper said and stepped back letting him in.

He walked over to the foot of the bed.  "Are those for me?" Prue asked.  "Yes.  I came by to apologize for not protecting you.  I'm so sorry Prue.  I knew something was wrong and in the chaos I couldn't protect you.  I'm very sorry."  Prue smiled at him, "Darryl you have nothing to apologize for, but if it will make you feel better I forgive you.  After all Piper and Leo are safe.  And as long as Paige stays safe everything will be fine."  Darryl looked relieved.  "I have no problems looking after my favorite Halliwell."  Pointing to Paige.

"Oh and on another note we're looking at the security tapes to see if we can find anything, but you know it's going to be like a needle in a haystack.  And in the meantime you'll have protection." 

"Don't worry about it Darryl.  I have total faith in your ability."

"You haven't told her yet?" Darryl directed to Piper and Leo.  "Tell me what?"

Leo started to say something, but Piper took over, "Well since Darryl is our body guard.  And he is looking into your case we thought you needed your own bodyguard.  And Darryl knows of a great guy that will really look out for you."

"I don't need a bodyguard." Prue protested.  Piper and Phoebe shook their heads at their sister.  Only Prue could get shot and deny needing a body guard.

"Yes you do Prue.  And if I, or Piper, or Phoebe, or Darryl can't be there then you need someone.  No one wants anything to happen to you or to Paige." Leo reasoned.  And knew he won the argument when he mentioned Paige.

Prue sighed with defeat, "Fine.  When do I get to meet him?"

"Now?" Phoebe asked having seen him and Darryl outside waiting to go in.

Piper went over to the door and let him in.  Prue's breath left her body when she saw her childhood sweetheart standing in front of her.  "Hello Andy." she greeted. (I sure do miss Andy.  Except for Bane Prue never really had anyone and I hated that.  Plus at the end Andy knew her secret and he was so cute about it...oh well)

"Hi Prue."

Just then the nurse came in and stumbled over her words as she saw six people in the room.  "You guys have to leave.  She can only have one visitor at a time."

Everyone looked at each other and nodded their heads.  "Okay Prue.  Phoebe, Leo, Paige and I are going back to Leo's house.  We'll come by again later." Piper said and Phoebe went over to Paige to pick her up.

She never woke up and everyone else left leaving Andy to face Prue.

Prue was going to kill her family for this.

"Long time no see." finally dribbled out of her mouth (I giggle every time I read that. I can just see the words literally dribbling...) after watching everyone leave.

"Well I see you in a magazine at least once a week." Andy contradicted.

"Oh so it is only on my part."  Prue had no idea where to go from here.   So much had happened since she had last seen him nearly six years ago.

"This is awkward." he commented.

"Yes it is."

~*~*~*~

End of Chapter 2

* "Back to Good" by Matchbox 20
(So far so good.  Nothing too bad... ;) )