Unwell: Part IV by Dylan Shelby

Part IV

"After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressable is music." – Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) Music at Night, 1931

Leo waved to Prue as he stepped out of his limo. He felt Prue deserved the best and picking her up in a limo was the best. She was wearing dark jeans and a light pink sweater. Her hair had grown longer and she seemed shorter for some reason, but it was good to see her all the same. "Hey stranger!" she greeted giving Leo a hug. Leo hugged her back with as much enthusiasm. "It's good to see you. Have you eaten anything?" he asked as the driver took Prue's bag. Then with the door opened Prue got in first then Leo and the driver shut the door. "Not since lunch actually." Prue replied. Leo smiled, "Then we shall have an early dinner." Leo rolled down the window between himself and the driver, "We would like to go to Lions." The driver nodded his head and Leo rolled the window back up.

"Wow, a girl could get used to this you know. First a limo and now Lions." Prue quipped. "Nothing but the best for my guest." Leo told her smiling. Prue took a good look at her brother-in-law. He looked good. Better than he had in a long time. He was still wearing black suits, but she wasn't going to comment. She did a lot of mourning after Bane had died and Piper disappeared. When Sheila called her to invite her to the party she wasn't sure if she wanted to come, but the thought of seeing Sheila, Darryl, and Leo again really appealed to her. She had forgotten how much they had been a part of her life. Especially Leo. Piper and her were always close and once Leo had entered the picture you didn't have Piper without Leo.

Leo looked at her and she smiled, "You're looking good Leo. You really are." Prue told him honestly. He blushed, "Thanks. And I will same the same for you. I like you're hair long." She laughed, "I know." Leo laughed too. He couldn't believe how much he had missed her.

When Prue walked into Leo's apartment pleasantly stuffed she was stunned at what she saw. The door on the outside would have never prepared a person for what was inside. The floor was made of beautiful marble with pale pink veins running through it. The wall in the entry way was a beautiful soft cream. What would be considered the living room was also made up of the marble but with a beautiful Persian rug sitting under the cream couch, love seat, and chair. The kitchen protruded into the living room with a rounded edge white separator. The separator was made of wood as were the white columns that led into the open kitchen. The counters were beautifully pale and the refrigerator and cabinets were all made of the beautiful pale wood as the columns.

"I should have known you would have an apartment this gorgeous." she told him. He let out a small laugh, "I was originally thinking of buying a house, but with just me it didn't seem right." Leo told her taking her luggage past where she was standing. "If you will please follow me I'll show you to your room." he said and she followed him looking at some of the familiar paintings and pictures that had hung in his and Piper's home years before.

She suddenly knew what it felt like to be a princess when she entered her room. Her room was beautifully light with pale yellow painted walls and dark wooden floors. The floor was also covered with beautiful rugs that lay beside the huge canopy bed and in front of it. The windows were facing the bed which had a beautiful cream/gold comforter on it with big, wide, fluffy pillows on it. There was an oak night stand with a crystal lamp on it. Next to the entrance of the bathroom was a matching dresser with a picture of Piper and Prue on it. "I hope you enjoy it. I made sure the maid got this one clean. I want you to relax and have fun while you're here." Leo told her. "I believe I will." she told him. "Well I leave you to un-pack. Then I can give you the grand tour." Leo told her and then left.

When the door closed she walked over to the dresser and looked at the picture of her and her sister. They were sitting on her old couch in New York and Piper was sitting on her sister's lap with her arms around Prue's neck and they were smiling. Prue suddenly missed Piper very much. They were only a year and a half apart and so she had never known a time without her there. She couldn't imagine what Leo must be going through. Bane's death was easier to get over than Piper's. Because although they never figured out who killed Bane (though that did weigh on her mind from time to time) he was dead. There was no hope there. There was hope with Piper. After a year and a half of not finding Piper, Prue gave up. She couldn't take it anymore and moved to Texas. The last place she thought she would ever be. However, it seemed to suit her just fine. She was enjoying her life as much as possible and she was happy. She only hoped that for Leo.

It was sometime after midnight when Leo gave up the fight. He couldn't get to sleep. Memories of when Piper was around were haunting him. As much as he loved Prue she always brought with her memories of Piper. He assumed he did the same for her. His bed had become a heater and his sheets were scratchy. He needed to get out of the apartment.

He made sure the door was locked and a small note on the door in case Prue woke up and needed him for something. He called a cab not wanting to take his chances with the San Francisco night life. In no time at all he was standing in front of North Pointe Baptist Church. It seemed much more ominous without the brilliant light of day. Still the big mahogany doors opened and allowed him entrance. It was darker, but beautifully lit with the chandeliers hanging above.

He walked down the center aisle and made it to the altar. He stepped past the pulpit to the left side and sat down on the crimson steps. He sat there for some time looking out at the pews that held no one but the air around them. He felt lost and confused and the soulless pews offered him no support. The first time he had stepped foot in a church in over fourteen years was when Piper had disappeared. His parents, Natalie and Rick Wyatt, and his younger brother, Nathan, were all killed in a car accident four days after he graduated from high school. He was so angry with God for leaving him and Phoebe alone that he never entered a church until Piper disappeared.

Slowly but surely over the course he had been making his peace with God. It had been out of his love for Piper that had caused him to do so. Piper who had lost her mother, Patty, and her Grams, Penny, in a boating incident. Penny had been suffering from cancer and wanted to see the ocean for the last time. So, Patty, an extremely wonderful sailor took her out on the water. A freak storm had blown up on the coast and the two were lost at sea. Piper and Prue had gotten through it. Prue turned her grief into anger and Piper turned it into acceptance. She had finally come to the conclusion that everything happened for a reason. She had even proposed that the reason her mother and grandmother died was so that she would be there for him.

Although he dismissed it when she first said it he gave it more merit now. He sometimes held out hope that the reason God had allowed Piper to be taken was so that Leo would come back to him. Most of the time he just thought of it as fanciful thinking in the middle of the night where the harsh light of day couldn't expose all the holes.

Leo sat there for a few more moments. He then stood up and left the church. He wasn't sure how much it helped to come there, but he felt better. Even though Piper was still hounding his memory at least it was helping him.

Prue woke up Saturday morning to the smell of waffles. She had heard about Saturday mornings in the Wyatt household. Piper had told her it was the only thing Leo would cook. It was one of their special things that they did. Leo would get up early cook her waffles and then wake her up with breakfast in bed. Prue had always wondered what the waffles tasted like since Leo refused to cook them for anyone else. Never mind that it had taken Piper well over a year to convince him to make them for her. Prue got up and slipped on a robe and walked out.

"Good morning." she said. Leo jumped, "Morning. I'm not used to anyone being here. I thought you might like some breakfast." Leo told her. Prue laughed, "Are these the famous Leo Wyatt waffles?" she teased. "Yes, they are. Tell no one." Prue laughed again, "Well I feel really honored now." "So did you have a nice sleep?" he asked as he placed a plate in front of her with other condiments for her waffles. "I slept wonderfully actually." she exclaimed while helping herself to peanut butter, syrup, and the fresh strawberries. "I'm glad. I thought maybe we could do some sight-seeing today before the party." Prue nodded while chewing her breakfast. When she had swallowed she answered, "Sounds good. Sheila wanted me to come by a little early to catch up." Leo nodded his head.

"So how's working going?" Leo asked as he put in some waffles into his mouth. "It's going pretty well. I have taken up forensic photography." Prue told him around the waffles. "What brought that on?" Prue smiled, "Well it wasn't something I was looking to do. On a case the guy that was suppose to come out got in a minor car accident and so I volunteered. Next thing I know I'm being called out on many cases." Prue enlightened. "Impressive." Leo observed. "So what are you up to?" Prue threw back at him. Leo laughed, "Same old same old. We might be going into business with Jason Dean, but nothing conclusive." reported. "Jason Dean? As in Phoebe's ex?" "One in the same." Leo answered. "Does she know?" Leo nodded, "She does, and as I reminded her that even if she broke up with him that I was still going to do business with him. He's a good guy and a great person to have in your corner financially speaking." Leo declared. "Well there you go." Prue stated.

After breakfast the two parted to get ready for the day. Almost an hour later they met up in the living room, "You ready?" he asked over his shoulders, "Yeah. All set." she replied. "I forgot my watch, hold on a sec." he explained while walking back to his bedroom. The door knocked and Leo called out for Prue to get it. Prue opened the door and took in the beautiful blonde standing in front of her. She was dressed in black pants and a cream shirt. "Hi? This is Leo Wyatt's apartment correct?" she asked. Prue looked at her for a moment and then answered, "Yes it is. Please come in." she told her. The blonde followed Prue into the apartment, shutting the door behind her. "I'm Lillian Bennett by the way." Lillian said introducing herself. "Prue Halliwell." Prue replied and held out her hand. Lillian shook her hand, but before she could say anything Leo walked back into the living room, "Lillian?" he squawked.

"Hello Leo. Sorry to interrupt, but I came by on my way to my father's office to let you know I wouldn't make it tonight. My father has asked me to accompany him to Washington for the week." she explained. "You didn't interrupt. Lillian this is Piper's sister, Prue Halliwell. Prue this is Lillian." he looked between the two women as they shook hands. "It's nice to meet you. I forgot that Leo was having company this weekend." "It's nice to meet you too. I was actually looking forward to meeting you." Prue told her. Lillian laughed, "Well perhaps some other time. I really do need to get going." Lillian moved to the front door and Leo followed her out.

"So that's Prue?" Lillian asked when Leo shut the door. Leo nodded his head, "So you're father's taking you to Washington? That's wonderful." He was trying to get off the subject of Prue. Lillian smiled, "Yes it is. I was just so excited that he decided to finally take me that I wanted to tell you in person." her voice was filling with excitement and it was catching Leo in it's grasp. "No, that's wonderful. I know how much this means to you. I'm very happy for you." Leo assured her. Lillian leaned in and gave Leo a hug, Leo held her tight, "I've really got to get going. Tell Sheila I'm sorry." Leo nodded his head, "Have a wonderful time." he commanded her. She laughed, "You too. I'll miss you." she kissed him and then punched the button for the elevator. "I'll miss you too." Leo told her. The elevator opened up and Lillian got in. They waved to each other once more and then the elevator doors shut and Leo walked back to his apartment.

"So that's Lillian?" Prue asked when Leo walked in. "Yeah." Leo clipped. "She's beautiful. She seems smart and nice." Prue told him. Leo looked at her not sure what she really thought. "She is wonderful." Leo disclosed. "Are you happy with her?" Prue quizzed. Leo cocked his head, "I'm as happy as can be expected." Prue nodded her head. Leo led her out of his apartment and locked the door behind him. "Prue. She won't take Piper's place you know that right? I will never love anyone as much as I love your sister." Leo promised. Prue sighed for a moment, "I know that. I guess I wasn't prepared for it. I'm sorry. She really does seem like a good match for you." "Don't apologize. I really do understand. Now, let's get out there and have some fun." Prue laughed thinking how wonderful and dorky Leo could be.

Heather stepped out of Bennett Hospital. It had been a long day starting at six am. She had come early to help Dr. Edwards out. She had thought about taking a cab, but with the night so beautiful and calm she decided to take advantage of it. Evenings had always been her favorite time of day. The blues of the sky with the mixing of pink and orange always appealed to her. She made her way through the city and was getting ready to head home when she saw Leo Wyatt walking with a beautiful woman. They were passing North Pointe Baptist Church and seemed very comfortable with each other.

She had to laugh at what Leo was wearing, but the black haired raven was very beautiful and stylish. She wondered if Lillian knew who the woman was. They weren't holding hands, but that didn't mean anything. She shook her head then, what did it matter? This was probably just an old friend of his. Leo had never appeared as the cheating type. She watched them as he opened to door of the church and the two slipped inside. Then Heather continued her walk back to the apartment.

When she did get home she noticed that Haley was no where to be found. It irked her to no end not to know where her sister was. She knew she had a job as a receptionist at Harold Morton Industries, but beyond that her sister was elusive. She went and checked the messages. "Hi Heather it's me. I'm going to be out all evening. We need to get together soon." Haley said and then there was a beep signaling next message, "Heather it's me Dan. I'm taking Lillian to the airport today. I won't be at the hospital until tonight. Call me so we can do something." Dan told her. She nodded her head then it beeped again, "Phoenix it's Mason. Call me." a male voice said. Then there was double beep which signaled the end of the messages.

It wasn't the first time that the last message had appeared, but neither her nor Haley could ever figure out who the guy was. They just shook it off as weird occurrences and went on with their lives. She decided to call Dan and found that he hadn't turned on his cell phone. She looked around her apartment and wondered what everyone else was doing on a Saturday night. It annoyed her sometimes that she didn't have many friends. She decided that she would take a long bath and relax tonight. Perhaps even read a book. She was willing to try anything to get the vision of Leo Wyatt with the other woman out of her mind.

"Oh Prue!!!" Sheila exclaimed. Prue smiled and laughed hugging her dear friend. "You look wonderful!" Prue exclaimed when she got the chance to look at her friend. "So do you!" Sheila declared. Sheila herself was in a wrap around skirt with warm colors and a red sleeveless shirt. Prue was wearing an ankle length black skirt with an emerald green camisole shirt. "Come on in here. Darryl's in the kitchen I know he would love to see you." Sheila directed Prue and then turned to greet Prue's companion. "Leo! Wonderful to have you here." she greeted smiling and laughing. Leo gave her a hug. "It's always good to see you Sheila. Thank-you for inviting me." he told her and gave her a bouquet of mixed flowers. "Get on in here." Sheila commanded laughing and shut the door.

When everyone had become wonderfully stuffed on Sheila's wonderful cooking Darryl stood up. He tapped his knife on the glass. "Everyone we, Sheila and I, have an announcement. We would like all of you to know that Sheila is pregnant." Darryl announced with a smile that wouldn't stop. Everyone clapped and hugged the couple. Leo was extremely glad for his friends. They deserved it. Darryl even promised that Leo would be called, "Uncle Leo".

The party was in full swing and Prue and Sheila had found a small quiet corner to talk. "He what?" Sheila exclaimed. "He took me to see North Pointe Baptist Church. Some church that he had found while walking one day." Prue repeated. She couldn't believe it that Leo had shown her the church. She knew how he felt about God and religion in general since she held such same beliefs, but something was changing in him. Sheila who had expressed concern numerous times over Leo was filling with hope. "That's wonderful. I was hoping he would find a refuge." she expressed to Prue truly happy at the piece of news. Prue nodded her head in agreement, "It makes me wonder if I'll ever step foot in one. I mean of my own free will." Prue confessed. Sheila cocked her head with sympathy and then took Prue into her arms. "You will someday sweetie. I know that this is terrible for you, but someday, when you're ready you will. I have complete faith that you will." Sheila whispered into her ear.

Prue, who hadn't cried in a long time, could feel the lump in her throat. She tried to swallow it, but when that didn't help she took solace in her friend's arms. She really did miss these people. However, they were playing havoc with the emotions that she had worked so very hard to conceal.

A long time later the party ended and Leo and Prue were on their way back to Leo's apartment. "So have you talked to Phoebe lately?" Prue asked. Leo turned to her and remembering last Saturday answered, "Yes I did. Woke me up at seven am last Saturday because someone had told her about Lillian." Leo told her. Prue laughed, "I forgot I told her that. I had called to get a recipe for some dish that Piper used to make and we got talking about everything that was going on." "I didn't think it was very funny at seven am." Leo deadpanned. Prue laughed again, "I was just wondering how she was doing since Cole was gone?" Leo shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I talked to her for a few minutes to get Paige's number, but she seemed fine."

The cab stopped at the apartment and Leo paid while Prue got out. "Paige? How's she doing?" Prue asked when they were in the elevator. "She seemed fine when I talked to her. She'll be up here in a couple of weeks to help me with that hospital I plan on investing in." Leo told her. "Why don't you invite Phoebe? I mean if Cole still isn't back. I know that she would really like to see you." Prue urged. Leo gave her a quizzical look, "Okay?" Prue just smiled. "Just do it." Leo shook his head wondering what Prue was up to. Scratch that what Prue and Phoebe were up to. She had a conspiratorial look in her eye and Leo suddenly didn't feel very safe. "I'll call her in the morning." Leo told her. Prue perked up and then stepped into the unlocked door, "I'll see you in the morning." Prue then walked off leaving Leo even more suspicious.

Finally he locked his door and walked back to his bedroom. He had no idea what Prue was up to.

End of Part IV