DISCLAIMER: None of the characters that appear in the series 'Charmed' belong to me. This is my 5th fan fiction. Any feedback, good or bad is most welcome. Please do not reproduce this text anywhere without my permission. Hopefully, any reader will be able to catch on to this story without having to ready my earlier fan fictions. This story takes place several months after my previous story, 'Mistaken Identity'. Note that Andy's partner, Darryl Morris knows their secret. "Every Time It Rains' is an Ace of Base hit and none of the lyrics have anything to do with me.

The two older Charmed Ones were on the living room couch on a lazy Sunday afternoon, while the youngest Phoebe was upstairs in her room, studying.

"Okay, so Prue what or rather, who would you suggest?" Piper asks of her older sister. Prue shrugs her shoulders in an indecisive manner. "I've no idea, Piper. All I can say is, it must be a pretty tough choice between two wonderful guys, one of whom gave up immortality for you." "Tell me about it," Piper says, rolling her eyes. At that moment, Phoebe comes down the stairs, a psychology textbook in one hand and a fresh carrot in the other. Prue gives Piper a sly smile before saying, "Why don't we ask our psychologist?" Phoebe looks up in annoyance. "Funny, Prue," she says, heading towards the kitchen. Grinning widely, Prue and Piper wait for a while, before following Phoebe into the kitchen. They find her perched comfortably on a chair with her book spread out in front of her. Prue and Piper sit down on each side of her. Phoebe purposely pretends not to notice. Exchanging glances again, Prue leans over and pries Phoebe's glasses off her nose, while Piper pulls Phoebe's book and closes it shut. Phoebe throws her hands up in surrender as she gives her sisters a dirty look. "Okay, okay! I give up! What do you guys want?" "You to relax, maybe," Piper says, growing serious. Phoebe sighs. "Easy for you to say. The final's on Wednesday!" "We know, Pheebs, but you've been at it all weekend. Take a break," Prue tells her. Phoebe holds up her hands with a shrug. "Do I have a choice?" "No!" Prue and Piper chorus. "How about using your psych class lessons to help Piper out here?" Prue suggests with a smile. "I don't think they have a course on choosing over an ex-whitelighter and a mortal, or else I'd take it myself," Piper says sarcastically. "Maybe not, but you don't need a class to know where your heart is," Phoebe points out quietly. "Really? How come I feel torn into two?" Piper asks. "Because you want to," Phoebe responds. "Meaning?" Prue asks. Phoebe shakes her head with a smile. "You might get mad when I tell you, but someone ought to anyway," she tells Piper. "You love both of them, but you know you love one of them more.." "No, I don't," Piper protests. Phoebe looks at her evenly. "Yes you do, sweetie. But you're afraid to accept that, because you don't want to hurt the other." Piper's gaze falters for a moment, and Phoebe knows that she's struck a nerve. "Follow your heart, honey. You know who your true love is. Don't think about it too much or you'll end up hurting yourself even more," she continues. A tense silence follows. "Wow! Where did that come from!" Prue exclaims. Phoebe just smiles her eyes on Piper. Piper smiles slightly, easing the tension. "You sound almost as if you know where my heart is. I wonder if a premonition kicked in," she tells Phoebe. "I don't need a premonition to have a pretty good idea," Phoebe says.

The next evening Phoebe walks home to what seems like an empty house. "Hello! Anyone home?" she calls. "Attic!" Prue shouts. Phoebe shakes her head as she makes her way up to the attic. 'Wonder what Prue fancies in the BoS?' she thinks. She opens the attic door to find Prue with a huge sheet of paper stretched out across the floor. "Where's Piper? What are you doing?" she asks. Prue looks up with a smile. "Piper's at the club. I was doing some cleaning when I came across this old family tree." "What's so interesting about the family tree?" Phoebe asks, coming over and squatting beside her sister. "Nothing at first, but check it out. In every generation, one witch from every coven dies quite young. It's weird," Prue says. "And freaky. Who knows who's next?" Phoebe adds with a shudder. Prue gives her a reassuring smile. "Nothing's gotten us yet. Besides we're the Charmed Ones, right?" Phoebe nods eyes on the diagram. "There's no definite pattern, though," she comments thoughtfully. Prue shakes her head at her younger sister's seriousness. "Come on, Pheebs. I should never have shown it to you." Phoebe finally tears her attention away from the family tree and looks at her older sister. "Is Piper mad at me for what I told her yesterday?" she asks. Prue shakes her head. "No way. She can't deny it. It was the truth. Do you really have an idea on who Piper really loves?" Phoebe stands up with a sigh. "I know who it is, Prue. But I can't influence her choice. It's a decision she's going to have to make on her own." Prue also stands up. "I know, Pheebs. All we can do is back her up. Who do you think it is?" she asks curiously. "As long as you don't tell Piper." "I won't. Promise," Prue says. Phoebe sighs again. "Don't ask me how I know, but it's Leo whom Piper really loves."

"Hey, Pheebs! How was your exam?" Piper asks as Phoebe comes in through the back door. Phoebe shrugs. "Okay, I guess," she says solemnly. Piper looks at her with slight concern. "Everything alright, honey?" Phoebe breaks out into a wide grin. "Yippee! I got an A+!" she cries out exuberantly. "That's great!" Piper exclaims, giving her sister a hug. Phoebe, finally over the excitement of her marks turns to her older sister, her eyebrows raised in a silent question. Piper knows exactly what her sister was referring to. She sighs tiredly. "You were right, Pheebs." "Right about what?" Prue asks, coming in from the doorway. Piper sits down as Phoebe goes over to the refrigerator to get her fruit punch. Prue sits down across from her and exchanges curious glances with Phoebe. Phoebe retrieves the drink and three glasses, before coming to sit next to Piper. "No, thank you," Piper says, pointing at the drink. "That goes double for me," says Prue. Phoebe rolls her eyes. "Suit yourselves. After all, I'm the only vegetarian here." Piper clenched, then unclenched her fist in irritation. "Could someone just listen to me?" she asks. Phoebe squeezes her hand. "Relax sweetie. We're listening." Piper takes a deep breath and looks at Phoebe. "You were right. I was running away from how I really felt. I know who I really love…" "Piper could you please get to the point?" Prue asks impatiently, causing Piper's eyes to darken with annoyance. "You're not helping," Phoebe tells Prue telepathically. Phoebe gives Piper a patient smile. "Go on." Piper opens her mouth to continue, but is stopped again by the doorbell ringing. "I'll get it," Prue says, standing up quickly. She throws a look over her shoulder at Phoebe. They both know that Piper was at the limit of her patience, and would explode at any moment. Phoebe looks to Piper with a sympathetic smile. "Sorry, honey," she says, brushing a strand of hair from her sister's face. "Piper, Phoebe," Prue calls from the living room. Phoebe and Piper stand up and goes to the living room, where they find a very serious - looking Darryl showing Prue some photographs. Prue hands them several photographs. The moment Phoebe touches them, she is overcome with a premonition and is taken to a different world altogether. She sees the young man in the picture walking in the park. The next minute, a huge black coil like thing from nowhere strikes him in the abdomen. Phoebe cries out since she too experiences the pain. A moment later, a long golden arm reaches into the young man's abdomen and draws out his liver. Phoebe screams again when she feels it being torn away. The image disappears and Phoebe comes back to reality. As she does, she staggers against Piper, breathing heavily. Piper steadies her and steers her towards the couch. "Phoebe, are you okay?" Darryl asks in alarm. Prue and Piper, though used to it, seem slightly concerned as well. It takes Phoebe a little while to catch her breath. Piper gets her a glass of water. "Thanks," she says gratefully. "Can someone explain to me what just happened?" Darryl asks, concern and confusion mixed with his voice. Phoebe gives him a weak smile. "That was a premonition that just explained your murders." Darryl shakes his head. "Why do I ask?" he mutters to himself. Out loud he asks, "Okay. So how and who?" They all gaze expectantly at Phoebe, who struggles to find words to describe what she had just seen. "I can't exactly explain it, but I can show you provided you can handle it," she tells them, mostly Darryl. He nods uncertainly. Phoebe looks at her sisters questioningly. "Count us in on it," Prue says. "I can only manage two people at a time," Phoebe tells them. Prue and Piper sit on either side of her. Phoebe places her hands on her sisters' chests and closes her eyes. Prue and Piper close their eyes as well. Phoebe uses her powers to link minds with her sisters and lets them see what she saw in her premonition. Almost a minute later, all three open their eyes with Prue and Piper looking aghast. Phoebe removes her hands and smiles wryly at her sisters. "That's with the pain and feeling being censored. Unfortunately, I can't do that for myself." "Ouch!" Piper says. Darryl clears his throat, reminding the sisters of his presence. "Uh, Darryl. I think you'd be better off not seeing this," Prue tells him quietly. "Fine by me. As long as you get to the bottom of it. You can have a look at the autopsy reports.." "Missing livers," Phoebe puts in. Darryl nods with surprise. "I guess you won't be needing them in that case." Prue smiles. "We have our means. Anything else?" Darryl shakes his head tiredly. "Nothing. Well, I'd better get going," he says, picking up his briefcase. Phoebe glances at the clock in the hall. "Oh, my gosh! It's almost 7, Jamie's picking me up in half an hour and I haven't even showered yet!" she exclaims, before dashing up the stairs. Prue looks at Piper. "Looks like whatever you were going to say is going to have to wait." Piper just nods.

Phoebe opens the front door expectantly and walks right into Jamie's arms. He places his hand under her chin and tilts it upward for a long kiss. Phoebe returns it eagerly, wrapping her arms around his neck, enjoying the fresh smell of his after shave. "I missed you," he murmurs into her ear. "Me too," she replies. Finally, they pull apart, and Jamie hands her a bouquet of red roses. "Where're your sisters?" he asks, stepping inside. Phoebe leads him into the kitchen, where Prue and Piper are getting dinner ready. Jamie hands them each a bouquet of roses. They both look pleasantly surprised. "Special occasion?" Piper asks, eyeing them both. Phoebe shakes her head in puzzlement. Jamie's brown eyes sparkle. "Hopefully, yes," he tells them mysteriously.

"This is one of my favorite spots. I used to come here all the time with Jason," Jamie says softly, looking out to sea over the cliffs. He and Phoebe had finished dinner, and were now walking over the cliffs overlooking the bay. They had come here quite often before, but not to this very spot. Phoebe turned to look at him. "You still miss them, don't you?" Jamie nodded, grimacing painfully at the memory. "Yes. A part of me wishes I was with them, but after meeting you I've learned to accept it and get on with my life," he tells her. Phoebe smiles. "What did I have to do with anything?" Jamie looks at her, his eyes filled with emotion. "Everything. If I hadn't met you, I would have ended up jumping over this very cliff. I almost did. I owe you my life. I don't think I could live without you in my life." Phoebe squeezes his hand. "Neither can I," she tells him softly. Jamie pulls out a small box from his pocket and gets down on one knee. "Phoebe Halliwell, will you marry me?" he asks, gazing deep into her eyes. Phoebe looks slightly surprised, but without any hesitation, she holds out her hand. "Yes." Jamie slips a beautifully carved heart-shaped diamond ring onto her finger. Cut into the smooth face of the stone was the engraving of a 'P' and a "J'. He stands up and envelops her in a deep, passionate kiss.

Prue and Piper are sitting at the bar at P3, while Leo is busily serving the drinks. He finally serves the last customer before coming over for some small talk with the sisters. "It was awfully nice of Jamie to bring us flowers too," Prue comments, feeling slightly jealous of her youngest sister. "He sure is one great guy, but I wonder what the occasion is," Piper says, thoughtfully. Leo smiles knowingly. "You'll find out soon enough," he tells them. "Talking about the lovebirds, there they are," Piper says looking towards the entrance. Phoebe and Jamie walk up to them, staring into each other's eyes all the time. Jamie gives Phoebe a wink as she drags her sisters to a side while he goes over to talk to Leo. "Ouch, Pheebs. Don't pinch me!" Piper protests. Phoebe ignores her sister's remarks and holds up her hand for them to see. "Wow!" Prue exclaims in wonder. "Wow!" echoes Piper. Phoebe just smiles happily. The next moment, Prue and Piper pull Phoebe into a bone-crushing group hug. At the bar, Leo gives Jamie a congratulatory handshake. "You don't know how lucky you are!" he says. In the short while they had known each other, Jamie and Leo had become firm friends and Jamie had told Leo of his intentions earlier that afternoon. Just then, the three sisters walk over, hand in hand with Phoebe in the middle. Prue and Piper each give Jamie a hug, while Leo leans over the counter to give Phoebe a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Congratulations, Phoebe!" he tells her, as she reaches over for an exuberant hug. "This calls for celebration!" Prue says. Jamie agrees. "I'm buying!" he volunteers. Piper shakes her head. "This is our club, remember. It's on the house!" "Fine by me!" "May I join?" asks a new voice. Prue turns around to meet Jack's soft kiss as he bends over slightly. "Hi, Jack." "Hey Prue, what's the special occasion?" "Phoebe's engaged," Prue tells him. Jack smiles as he shakes Phoebe and Jamie's hands. "I hope I'm invited," he says, looking at Phoebe. Phoebe casts a sideways glance at Jamie, a bright smile on her face. "Lets leave that for one of the bridesmaids to decide, shall we?" Jamie answers, smiling back at his future wife. "We'd love to," Prue and Piper say, sounding very pleased. Jack turns to Prue. "I can't stay long. I have to work tomorrow. You've got the day off, remember?" Prue nods. "How about a dance?" he asks, taking her hand. The two head on to the dance floor. Meanwhile, Phoebe has pulled Jamie aside. "Do me a favor?" she asks. "Anything, princess." "Piper could do with some cheering up. Help me out." Jamie smiles. "I think I know just how," he tells her. Jamie goes over to Piper and taps her on the shoulder. "May I have this dance, please?" he asks with a polite bow. Phoebe giggles, as Piper looks at him in slight surprise. "What about your fiance?" she asks. Jamie looks at Leo. "I'm hoping my best man would entertain her." Leo smiles. "With pleasure," he says taking Phoebe's hand and leading her towards the dance floor. Several songs later, they all return to the bar, Phoebe and Jamie grinning widely. Prue kisses Jack goodnight before turning back to her sisters. "Why do I get the feeling that this was one of your conniving plots?" she asks her youngest sister pointedly. "Me?" Phoebe asks innocently, before both she and Jamie dissolve into laughter, followed by her sisters and Leo. When they finally recover, Piper leads them to a private table in a corner. Once their drinks have been served, Leo asks, "Does this mean I'll be looking for somewhere else to stay?" Phoebe shakes her head. "Not if you promise to keep out of my bedroom," Jamie says grinning. Prue and Piper turn to the newly engaged couple. "So, when's the wedding? Have you made any arrangements?" Prue asks, always one for planning. Jamie tears his eyes away from Phoebe. "Actually, we want to have a long engagement, say about a month, so at the end of May possibly the 30th, right?" she asks looking back at Jamie. He nods. The two lean closer for another kiss. "And the arrangements?" Piper interrupts. "I don't really care how much it costs. Maybe we could hire someone to organize it all," he says distractedly, locking his lips with Phoebe's. Prue rolls her eyes. "Well, I could to do it," she volunteers. "The reception could be at P3 and I could get Quake to do the catering," Piper adds. Phoebe and Jamie break away with grateful smiles. "Thanks guys," Phoebe tells them. Jamie echoes her gratitude, before turning back to Phoebe. "Why don't we leave the organizing to them and have a dance. They're playing one of my favorite songs." Phoebe stands up eagerly, and they move out onto the dance floor. Prue rolls her eyes again. "Talk about love being blind," she comments. "And deaf. They hardly heard us," Piper adds. Leo chuckles. "You two are going to have to get used to it."

"Morning sister witches," Phoebe sings out cheerfully as she comes downstairs for breakfast the next morning. "Someone's in a good mood today," Prue comments, smiling. "Why should I not be? I'm in love. I got an A+ for my final. I'm engaged to the most gorgeous guy on the planet. I'm engaged to the nicest guy in the whole world. I'm going to marry the most romantic man alive!" Phoebe rambles happily. "Okay, Okay! Point taken," Prue says, throwing her hands up. Piper just smiles, feeling slightly jealous. Phoebe certainly had every reason to be on top of the world. Getting serious, Phoebe asks, "Did you guys check out Darryl's case?" Piper nods. "I checked, but I couldn't find anything. You're the expert, Pheebs." Phoebe sighs and teleports out of the kitchen. She reappears with the BoS. "Here we go," she says, putting the book on the table and opening it. "Liver-stealing demons," Phoebe mutters thoughtfully. "I think I saw something in here. Something to do with a Scarab." "A what?" Prue and Piper ask at the same time. "Scarab. It's some kind of Egyptian symbol," Phoebe replies. "Aha!' she says, triumphantly. Prue and Piper come and read over her shoulder. "A Scarab is an Egyptian ornament carved in the shape of a beetle," Prue reads out. Phoebe runs a hand through her hair thoughtfully. "Come to think of it, the golden thing that actually ripped out the liver of that guy was shaped like a beetle." "The demon, Scarabula, is a golden form of the beetle. It has the power of invisibility. It's fatal power is something like lightening, but more disastrous. One strike kills its victims instantly after a split second of excruciating pain. Scarabula survives by feeding on the livers of 6 victims, 5 male and 1 female, every 5 years," Prue continues. Phoebe makes a face. "Gross!" "How are we supposed to do eliminate him?" Piper asks. "We have to attract him first," Prue answers. "How?" "Same way you attract a cute guy. Get his attention." "You mean, pop in and catch him in the act." "Exactly," Prue says. "Prue, how many murders have there been?" Phoebe asks suddenly. "Four. All men." "Okay, so that leaves two more." Phoebe picks up the Book and runs through the ingredients of the potion. A minute later, she looks up. "We don't have Scarlet's Tongue and Italian Violet Scuff," she tells her sisters. "I think I can get some. Can I take your car, Prue?" "Sure thing, Pheebs," Prue says, handing over the keys. "Don't you have classes today?" Piper asks. "It's Friday, remember," Phoebe says, shaking her head. She grabs her jacket and leaves.

Phoebe comes into the kitchen carrying two glass jars. "Got the stuff?" Prue asks, as Phoebe tosses her the car keys. "Yup. One Scarabula potion coming up." "Phew! I take it that's our demon repellant," Piper says, wrinkling her nose. Phoebe nods, looking equally distasteful. "Tell me about it. They always have to stink!" She pours the thick bluish-green liquid out into two large jars. She seals both jars and chucks them into the refrigerator. Piper frowns in disgust. "Do they have to go in there?" "Not if we've got another one specifically for demon muck." Prue comes into the room carrying her laptop. "Are we all ready?" she asks. "Yes. Except that we have no idea where he'll strike," Piper informs her. Prue looks at Phoebe. "Okay. I can take a hint," Phoebe says, realizing that her sisters were hoping she would summon a premonition. "I'll say one thing. Having my liver torn off is not one experience I want, premonition or reality," she tells her sisters, closing her eyes. Phoebe concentrates on the image of the demon she saw in her earlier premonition. Eventually a black and white image enters her mind. She sees a blond young man walking down a deserted road Phoebe recognizes as being a couple of blocks from her college. She realizes that the man is one who attends classes at the same college. Out of nowhere a blinding flash appears, and shoots towards the man. Phoebe forces herself out of the premonition. It was one experience she didn't plan on reliving. When she finally catches up to reality, she finds her sisters looking at her calmly. Phoebe doesn't need a premonition to know what her sisters were going to ask. "What did you see?" "Some guy from college. Attacked by Scarabula on York Street. I don't know exactly when, but it wasn't the past," Phoebe says briefly. "Let's go," Prue orders. Phoebe hurries into the kitchen to fetch the potion.

"I hope we're not late," Phoebe says fervently. Piper revs the jeep onto the street as Prue and Phoebe scans the roadside. "There he is!" Phoebe cries out, pointing. As the jeep rears to a stop, a blinding flash materializes and heads straight towards the young man. "No!" Piper screams, throwing up hands to freeze the area. Unfortunately, it doesn't work. The young man screams in pain as he falls to the ground, dead. Prue raises her hand and sends the demon flying. "Curse you, witch!" Scarabula curses, before vanishing. The sisters stare in horror at the still form of the young man. They watch as his spirit rises and stands before them. "Thank you for saving my body, whoever you are!" he tells them, before disappearing.

A grief-stricken trio of Charmed Ones make their way home that night. "We had everything we needed, if only we had arrived a minute earlier," Phoebe fumes. Prue lets out a long, tired sigh. "We can't change that. Let's just make sure no one else gets killed," she says with determination. "I guess that leaves a female victim. Someway or the other Scarabula will get the liver of that guy," Piper says quietly. Phoebe bites her lip. "Now that he knows about us, he's bound to come after us and the fact that we're all women is another straw. To be on the safe side, lets make sure we carry some of the potion everywhere we go and make sure we stick together, right?" Phoebe asks, her brow furrowed. Prue and Piper nod in agreement.

"Here's the jar that should stay here," Phoebe says handing Piper a small container with the potion. It was Sunday, and the sisters were at the club with Leo. Since P3 was closed, the sisters had decided to help Piper and Leo with the inventory. "Good thing Leo's the bartender, or else someone might end up serving this to a customer," Prue says smiling. 'We're closed," Piper reminds her. A shadow falls down the stairs and they all tense. "Hey, anyone here!" Jamie calls out, causing them to heave sighs of relief. Phoebe goes over to meet him. "Hey! Whatcha doing here?" she asks, tilting her chin upward to meet his welcome kiss. "Don't you want me around?" Jamie asks sounding hurt. Phoebe smiles. "That's not what I meant. Aren't you supposed to be working?" "I am tonight, so I have the day off. And how else would I spend it without my future bride," Jamie says, bending down for another long sizzling kiss. Piper sighs in annoyance. "Could you two cut us some slack? I'm going to end up losing my breakfast." Piper's comment only made matters worse. Phoebe wraps her arms around Jamie's neck and he wraps his arms around her waist. Finally, they tear themselves away from each other and turn to their not so amused audience. Jamie's pager beeps forcing them to break away. He takes one glance at it and turns to Piper. "There it is," she says indicating the phone, guessing what his request would be. Jamie smiles gratefully before picking it up and punching in a number. The others resume their conversation about Scarabula. Unknown to all in the premises, a figure materializes in the shadows. Jamie looks up while speaking into the phone. He gasps in surprise when he catches sight of the demon. Before he can alert the others, the demon holds out his hand and unleashes a flash of lightening directly at Phoebe. Jamie freezes with horror for a second. He feels a surge of adrenaline flow through him. "Phoebe, look out!" he yells, as he dives forward in an attempt to knock his fiance away from the lethal blow. Phoebe and Jamie collapse onto the floor in a heap, Phoebe not getting the full impact of the flash.

Prue immediately sends the potion flying across the room and causes the jar to spill its contents onto Scarabula's face. He screams in pain as he melts into a liquid that looks like molten gold, which gets absorbed into the concrete floor.

"Phoebe!" Prue and Piper rush to their sister's side. Prue grabs Phoebe's wrist and checks for a pulse. She is only slightly relieved when a faint and erratic one beats against her fingers. They turn to Leo who was examining Jamie. Leo hangs his head sadly. "He's gone," he tells them softly. Prue pulls out her cell phone and dials 911. Piper looks from her younger sister to her fiance in horrified shock. The telephone hangs dangling from its cord as Jamie had left it in his haste.

"It's like whatever happened, partially paralyzed all her organs," the doctor says, shaking his head in perplexity. "What do you mean Doctor?" Prue asks, trying to make sense of what she was being told. "Something's struck your sister. My theory is that it wasn't strong enough to shut down all her organs, but it did about halfway. Your sister is possibly the only survivor of the latest murders," the doctor answers, as simply as he can put it. "Will she make it?" Leo asks quietly. The doctor looks at Leo with some amusement. Of the three, he was the calmest and most composed. "She's got a good chance, but for now she's in a coma. All we can do is wait and see." The doctor's pager beeps and he excuses himself to leave. The sisters and Leo turn to Phoebe as the doctor leaves, closing the door behind him. Phoebe's hand was still wearing her engagement ring. Piper shakes her head. "Even when she wakes up she's going to go through a lot," she says softly. Leo sighs. "For the first time since becoming a mortal, I feel totally helpless."

For the next couple of weeks, life went on as usual. Phoebe remained in the coma, even though doctors claimed that she was making a steady recovery. It turned out that Jamie had already left arrangements in his will for his funeral. Within the first week, all his final actions were carried out and his body was laid to rest. The sisters and Leo, apart from Phoebe, attended his funeral, but they all knew that the hardest time was yet to come when Phoebe regained consciousness. That is, if she ever did. Prue and Piper were fast losing hope. The Theakstons' family lawyer was handling everything in Jamie's will. Prue had also quit her job at Bucklands. Worrying about Phoebe and putting in extra hours at the same time wasn't easy. This had caused her to break up with Jack.

Prue and Piper are sitting and having dinner. None of them had much of an appetite. They both look up in surprise when Leo orbs in. "They gave me back my powers. Since you'd need protection as you don't have the Power of Three anymore," he tells them quietly. "Are you going to heal Phoebe? Or is it against the Rules?" Piper asks. Leo sighs hesitantly. "There's a lot you don't know. Can we go up to the Attic?" Prue and Piper nod. They climb up the stairs to the attic. Leo gestures with his hands and the Book flips open. Prue and Piper go over to read. "In 1765, Melinda Warren defeated an exceptionally powerful warlock. However, before she could vanquish him he placed a curse on all future generations of Warren witches. That's it," Piper says reading aloud. Leo nods. "I know. The curse was that the strongest witch of every Warren coven would take her own life for some reason." "There's nothing like that in here," Prue points out. "That's because each coven is told only after it happens. There's no stopping it." "But you're telling us," Piper says. "Melinda Warren couldn't eliminate the curse, but she was able to change it. She got as far as reversing it so that the Charmed Ones and the Power of Three could break it, provided none of them took their own lives." Prue shakes her head and waves her hand. A huge sheet of paper flies across the room. It was the same family tree she and Phoebe had pondered over almost a month ago. "I guess that explains these dates," she says, pointing at some entries. "They sure do," Leo says. Piper frowns in confusion. "Hang on a sec., what's this got to do with us? Phoebe hasn't tried to kill herself, and I thought Prue was the strongest?" she says. Leo looks out the window, struggling to find a way to speak. "Prue's got the strongest power, she's the most powerful witch, not necessarily the strongest." "What are trying to say, Leo?" Prue asks. "To be the strongest witch, you don't really need an active power. The strength comes from within. Phoebe can write spells for anything anytime. She can handle all these warlock problems a lot better than either of you can. The two of you having active powers depend on them a lot. Phoebe's powers aren't active, so she's learnt to get by without them. In other words, she's got the strongest character. Without her, the Power of Three is crippled." Prue and Piper ponder this statement in silence. Finally, Prue speaks. "Phoebe was hurt by a warlock. She didn't try to kill herself." "That's true. But it's been three weeks and she hasn't come out of the coma yet. Her body is mending itself like the doctor said. Prue Piper, Phoebe doesn't want to wake up. She knows that Jamie's dead. She doesn't want to face it. She doesn't want to live anymore. I can heal her physically, but I can't force her out of the coma. It's something she has to do, something she must want to do," Leo tells them earnestly. Clearly, this was hard for him as well. Prue and Piper shake their heads in disbelief. "That's just not like Phoebe. She's never so dependent on anyone. She's so tough," Piper says. "If Phoebe's so strong, why can't she? I got over Andy," Prue says in confusion. Leo takes a deep breath. This incident was forcing him to indulge into the sisters' past and he didn't like it one bit. "Uh, Prue. Losing your soul mate is the hardest thing anyone can go through and Andy wasn't your soul mate. The pain Phoebe's going to suffer is almost a hundred times worse that what you did and it's not going to go away. Phoebe and Jamie are soul mates. They have been, for the past 150 years." Prue and Piper exchange concerned glances. "Can Phoebe handle it?" Piper asks softly, worry spreading across her face. "She has to. If not for her sake, for the Power of Three," Prue says. "And for future generations of the Warren witches," Leo adds. "But what are we supposed to do as witches when you can't do anything as a whitelighter?" Piper asks. "Nothing as witches. But you are her sisters. The two people Phoebe loves more than she loves Jamie. Nothing a doctor or anyone else does will get through to her. Only the two of you, especially you," he tells them, directing his last comment at Piper, "If neither of you can give her reason to live, no one can." "But how do we do anything? She's is a coma!" Prue says in frustration. "The Charmed Ones are the strongest coven of witches that ever existed and the strongest that will ever exist. The three of you are sisters, which makes your bond even closer. They say that a person in a coma can hear what goes on around them. Talk to her. If that doesn't work, use your powers. Phoebe's powers give her a telepathic way of communicating with you. Use it the other way round to communicate with her. Where there's a will, there's a way, " Leo says as he orbs out.

An hour later, Piper and Prue are at the hospital at Phoebe's bedside. As they look down at their sister, she looks almost as if in a peaceful sleep, but it is one she might never wake from. Prue takes one of Phoebe's hands while Piper takes the other. Piper feels sadness wash over her as she looks at the beautiful diamond ring still on her sister's finger. As soon as Piper and Prue link hands with Phoebe, Phoebe is taken to the entrance of a beautiful garden separated by a large golden gate. She finds herself standing next to Jamie. He takes her hands in his. "Phoebe, I must go now." "No, I want to go with you," Phoebe protests. Jamie shakes his head slowly. "Not yet, angel. It's not your time." "Please? I can't live without you. Don't you love me?" "Of course I do, but I can't do this to you. Your sisters need you. The world needs you. You have to go back. I've loved you from the first day I saw you and I always will." Jamie pulls away from her as he goes through the gate. He gives her one glance as he walks away, tears in his eyes. Phoebe feels the world spin around her. She hears her sisters calling to her.

Prue and Piper feel slight pressure on their hands. Then they hear Phoebe suck in extra oxygen from the tank that has kept her alive for the past month, as she slowly opens her eyes. Prue and Piper lean over her hugging her tightly, tears of relief and joy running down their faces. Phoebe's face shows no emotion at all. "He's dead, isn't he?" she asks quietly. Prue and Piper exchange glances but says nothing. "You haven't answered my question," Phoebe says flatly. "Yes, Pheebs. I'm so sorry," Prue says softly, trying to be as gentle as she could. Prue and Piper eye Phoebe with concern, fearful of what her reaction would be. To their surprise, Phoebe just leans back against the pillow and closes her eyes.

Phoebe was released from the hospital two days later. Prue and Piper were very surprised when Phoebe didn't even shed a tear for Jamie. 'She's still in shock' was what they had thought at first. But as the days progressed, Phoebe didn't even mention him. She threw herself into her studying, driving herself away from her friends and isolating herself from even her sisters. She hardly came down for dinner with them. She never went to the club. She even avoided Leo. All this became increasingly worrying to Prue and Piper. They hadn't realized how cold and distant Phoebe was until one evening.

Prue and Piper were sitting on the living room couch one evening when the doorbell rang. Piper got up to answer it. A minute later she came back leading an elderly gentleman in a suit with a briefcase. "Richard Ferguson, the Theakstons' lawyer," he introduces himself. "You mean Jamie's," Prue says. The old man nods. "Jamie left instructions in his will for me to personally make sure that this item reaches a Phoebe Halliwell. I take it, one of you is her?" he asks. Prue shakes her head. "No. Phoebe's our youngest sister. She and Jamie were engaged before he was killed," she says quietly. "Oh, I'm sorry. I've known Jamie since he was wearing diapers. I also handled his father's things when they died." "Phoebe's not home right now," Piper tells him. "I am now," Phoebe announces as she comes in from the hallway. The lawyer turns round. He smiles as he reaches to shake her hand. "You're even more beautiful than Jamie described," he tells her. Phoebe smiles politely. Getting down to business, he opens his briefcase and pulls out a velvet case obviously containing jewelry. The lawyer places them in Phoebe's hands. "It was Jamie's final wish for me to give this to you personally." Phoebe just nods. Her eyes are on the familiar handwriting on the front of the case. Mr. Ferguson shuts his briefcase, picks it up and with a gracious smile stands up and leaves.

The sisters are left alone. Phoebe traces her finger along her name on the soft velvet. Without a word, she starts up the stairs to her room leaving her sisters in stunned silence.

"What's with her?" Prue asks in puzzlement. "I never understood her when we were growing up and I certainly don't understand her now!" Prue and Piper were having lunch the next day and Phoebe was at a class. They were both confused and concerned about their younger sister. Piper sighs, equally confused. "I thought she loved Jamie! She's hardly mentioned him." "She never cried for him either," Prue states. Piper looks up. "Maybe that's it! Let's talk to her, a sisterly chat like the old days should do some good," Piper suggests. "It's not like the old days. She won't listen," Prue points out. "We have to do something! We can't let her go on like this," Piper says.

That evening, Phoebe makes her way into the house and up the stairs to her room. She has barely opened the door to her room when Prue and Piper stop her. "Phoebe, wait! We need to talk," Piper tells her. "I don't want to talk," Phoebe tells them pointedly. "Tough! We insist," Prue says, slamming the door in her sister's face. Phoebe turns around, her face a mask of anger. "A door won't stop me, Prue," Phoebe states in a controlled voice, reminding her sisters that she could just as easily teleport into her room. "Pheebs, what's happened to you? We all know you loved Jamie, but you act like you don't care anymore. What happened to the happy, cheerful Phoebe we know and love?" Piper asks. Phoebe just stands there with a blank stare. "Phoebe, just what do you want?" Prue asks in frustration. "You want to know what I want? I am sick and tired of being a witch. I want it to end right now and right here. I want nothing to do with the Power of Three or the Charmed Ones. I just don't care anymore!" Phoebe bursts out. Prue and Piper are stunned. "But Pheebs, I thought you liked being a witch?" Piper says. "I did. But not anymore. We've done so much to save and help people we don't even know, but when it comes to people we love it doesn't work. Being a witch has only got the people we care about killed. What about Andy? If we weren't witches, he wouldn't have been framed nor killed! If we weren't witches Jamie would still be here. No, but I had to recite that stupid spell from that stupid book and get us all into this! To be honest, I'm scared! Scared of showing my feelings to anyone. I'm afraid of admitting that I love someone, because if I do he gets killed. If we're supposed to protect the innocent, why can't we protect our friends? Just because we know them, does that change the fact that they are innocents, huh? I don't want that." Prue and Piper had never realized that this was how Phoebe really felt. "Phoebe, when Andy died you told me that just because we do a lot of good things, it doesn't mean bad things don't happen," Prue reminds her. "Yeah Prue, but if we never did any of those good things to begin with, none of the bad things would have ever happened." "And the three of you would never be who you have become. Strong, caring, loving and understanding towards each other," says an all too familiar voice. The sisters look up as Grams' spirit appears before them. Grams turns to Phoebe, a serious look on her face. "You really mean what you said, don't you?" Phoebe just nods. "In that case, I'm hoping someone else can change your mind," Grams says as Jamie appears beside her. "Hey princess," he says softly, looking at Phoebe. He reaches out and takes her hand. Phoebe steps forward and into his arms. He hugs her tightly never wanting to let go. They stay like that for a long moment, Jamie with his arms wrapped securely round her, with her sisters and Grams watching. Grams smiles sympathetically. She really didn't blame her youngest granddaughter for feeling the way she did. Grams turns to her older granddaughters. "Leave them alone for a while," she tells them silently, before disappearing. Prue and Piper exchange glances before going down the stairs. Jamie takes Phoebe's hand again as they go into her room. He sits her down on the bed and sits down next to her. "Phoebe, please don't do this. Seeing you do this to yourself is killing me a second time and it hurts a million times more than the first." "Just why did this have to happen? It should have been me, not you." "Phoebe listen to me," Jamie says, tilting her chin to make her look at him, "Nobody forced me or pushed me to do what I did. I did it coz I wanted to. I didn't want to see you get hurt." "You had such a promising career. A life! Being with me made you lose all that. If we'd never met, if we'd never started seeing each other, you'd still be alive," Phoebe says guiltily. "The months of my life that I spent with you were the best I ever had. I'd rather die, cherishing those memories than live my life without you," he says softly. "Phoebe, you and your sisters have done a lot of good, though not many people know about it. I don't want you to stop because of me. I know it hurts, but think about how many people you can protect from getting hurt." For the first time in a long time, Phoebe felt real emotion other than guilt and anger well up inside her. "Phoebe, you've got to accept what has happened. You can't shut yourself away from the people who care about you. That's what you've been doing. You've cut yourself off from your sisters and friends. You've bottled up your grief, refusing to let it out because you think it's going to hurt more if you do. If you don't let go, you're going to end up destroying yourself. I don't want to be the reason." Tears spring into Phoebe's eyes. Jamie gently strokes her cheek. "I love you because of who you are inside. You're loving, caring, compassionate and understanding. Don't ever lose that, Phoebe. I've loved you since the day I first set eyes on you, and nothing and no one will ever change that. We'll be together someday somewhere. But until then, that doesn't mean you shouldn't fall in love again. We can't be together on this plane, but I promise I'll be waiting. Till then, I want you to be happy. I order you to be happy. Seeing you happy here makes me happy too. I'll always live in your heart, as long as you love me. Love cannot be destroyed by death. Only by the heart. The hearts of two people can make love or break it." Jamie's own eyes fill with tears as he knows that it will soon be time to bid farewell. He wanted with all his heart to be with her, this beautiful person who meant the world to him, yet he knew he couldn't. Phoebe began to cry uncontrollably. Jamie pulled her close and held her as she cried for him. He couldn't stop his own tears from flowing either. He was going to miss her, miss holding her, miss looking into the gentle brown eyes that were so much like his own, but mostly he was going to miss what they had, the love they shared. They stayed that way for a long time, Phoebe sobbing softly, her head buried into his chest. Finally, Phoebe stops and dries her eyes. Jamie took the opportunity to go over to her desk and pick up the jewelry box he had left for her, one which she had never bothered to even open. He opened it and pulled out a white gold (platinum) bracelet studded with tiny sparkling diamonds. In the very center was a clear flat slate on which were engraved a 'P' on one end and a 'J' on the other. In between was the word 'forever' tangled with a heart. He sat down again and took her hand. Jamie delicately hooked the bracelet onto Phoebe's wrist and kissed her hand one last time. It was time to leave. He stands up, Phoebe with him. "If I come back as a whitelighter, will you still see me?" he asks. Phoebe nods in earnest. "Always." Unable to resist, Jamie pulls her in for one final kiss. Hesitantly, he steps away. He blows her one final kiss. "I love you," he says as he disappears. "I love you too," Phoebe whispers back.

Downstairs, at about the same time, Prue and Piper are having a serious conversation of their own. "I sure hope Phoebe's going to be alright," Prue tells Piper, sympathy in her voice. She knew how devastated she was when Andy died and she couldn't possibly imagine how Phoebe felt. Piper nods distractedly, her mind on her younger sister. "I hate myself so much for feeling jealous," she confesses. "That goes double for me," Prue responds. Piper looks up. "Phoebe's always known when something bothers us. It's like she knows exactly how we feel, and she always knows just what to say to make me feel better. I wish more than anything that I could do the same for her," Piper says wistfully. Prue nods.

They turn around as Phoebe comes into the kitchen. It was obvious that she had been crying. Her face was flushed and her eyes red. "Are you okay, Pheebs?" Piper asks with concern. Phoebe nods. "I think so," she says with a sniffle. Phoebe's words sounded fairly confident, but the look in their younger sister's eyes told Prue and Piper that she was still hurting. They both come forward to surround her in a warm comforting hug, Phoebe reluctantly pulls away. "Prue Piper, I know I've been acting like a freak lately. It's just that the whole world was closing in on me." Phoebe shrugs, forcing herself to continue. "I'm sorry for blowing up at you the way I did. I know I shouldn't have.." Phoebe was about to continue, but Prue stopped her. "It's okay, Pheebs. We're not mad," she tells her as she and Piper envelop her in another hug. This time Phoebe accepts her sisters' comfort gratefully. As they pull apart, Piper catches sight of the bracelet on her younger sister's wrist. Phoebe sees this and holds out her hand. "It's beautiful," says Prue. Phoebe just shrugs and runs a finger over the inscription.

Several days later…

All three sisters are sitting at Quake on a gloomy Sunday afternoon. It had been a long time since they had all been out together. The outing was Prue's idea, hoping to cheer Phoebe up though the weather wasn't being much help. Also, Phoebe hadn't been at the club for a long time. Leo was there too. He had no idea where his relationship with Piper was, but Phoebe was still his friend no matter what happened with Piper. Phoebe leaned over casually to retrieve a magazine off the counter and began to flip through it. Piper took the opportunity to study her sister's face. All the deep scratches and bruises on her face had healed. Thankfully, there'd be no scars. Looking closer, Piper realized that there'd be one scar - almost invisibly hidden in those soft brown eyes that would never disappear. Jamie's death had left a scar that would never fully heal, and it had probably changed her sister forever.

Phoebe glanced up as they heard the rain splashing against the windows and smiled slightly. "Great song," she says sarcastically, her face clouding over. "I might as well be singing it myself." Prue and Piper turn their attention to the soft music coming out of the speakers.

'So many memories the rain releases,
Every time it rains,
I fall to pieces,
I feel you,
I taste you,
I cannot forget you'

They recognize it as the chorus to a not very recent song, 'Every time it Rains' sung by Ace of Base.

'Darling, I am still in love with you,
As time passes by, it just intensifies,
I know that I can never be with you again,
They'll never be another like you,
With that kindness in his eyes'

On sunny days I'm all right,
I walk in the light,
I try not to think about the love I live without,
Coz every time it rains…

Phoebe closes her eyes feeling the tears she never thought she had left come again. That song was describing exactly how she felt. She knew that a part of her will always belong to Jamie, but unlike the song said, she knew that she would be with him again someday but it didn't make things any easier. Phoebe feels the tears sting her eyes and wipes at them, hoping her sisters wouldn't notice.

Piper casts a sympathetic glance at Phoebe, wishing there was something she could say or do to make her sister feel better. Looking at Prue, she sees her own helplessness reflected in her older sister's face. Leo sighs wistfully. In all his years as a whitelighter, he had never felt so helpless. He'd helped so many people yet when it came to one of the people he really cared for he could do nothing. He looks at Piper, who at the same moment happens to glance at him. Their eyes meet for a moment before she turns away, guilt flooding her face. She remembers that she needed to come to a decision soon. She had wanted to go for Dan at first since it reduced complications, but after everything that had happened, Leo had been more of a brother to them all, especially Phoebe and she wasn't sure anymore. She absently wished she could talk things over with Phoebe. She would always make things a lot easier and offer the encouragement and reassurance Piper could really do with. Piper felt guilt overcome her. 'How can I ask Phoebe to help me out! She's going through a lot more than I am. Just why am I so selfish?' she chastised herself silently. Piper cast another glance in Phoebe's direction. Compared to her own problems, what Phoebe had to live with was a lot harder and painful.

"Hey, doc," a new voice called from the entrance. Phoebe turns around with recognition. Three college students come down the steps and up to Phoebe. "Uh, hi Stacy, Jackie, Karen," she greets them with surprise. "How about helping us out with our Psych 2 finals?" Phoebe smiles slightly. "What am I supposed to do?" "C'm on ace. Let us in on it. What's your secret?" Phoebe shakes her head. 'I don't have secrets." "You're the professor's star pupil. 5 straight As in all the tests! You don't fool us," her friends tease, while Prue and Piper exchange amused glances. With all this, Phoebe had still maintained her grades. Phoebe sighs as she leads them over to another table. They sit down and take their books out. Phoebe goes on to explain everything to her friends, helping them out with their work.

"Will she ever be the same Phoebe we knew?" Piper asks aloud. Leo shakes his head. "She's still the same person she was a month ago, but between then and now she's been to the highest of happiness and the deepest depths of pain and sorrow. It's taken its toll on her and made her stronger than she ever was. Underneath all that, she's the same Phoebe; her feelings for you or anyone else haven't changed, just the way she shows them," he tells them both, his eyes on Phoebe at the other end of the club. "Does this mean that the curse is broken?" Prue asks. Leo looks at them evenly. "That's how it looks, but that doesn't change anything. Charmed One or not, nobody should have to go through any of that. Phoebe will always love Jamie and because of that not all the pain will ever go away. All you can do is be there for her. She's been there for you, it's your turn now."