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  I knocked on the door, nervous.  It was my job to watch the Charmed Ones, the Elders told me.  I couldn't reveal my true identity to them though.  Today I would be meeting them for the first time, pretending to be a handyman.  I waited.
  The door slowly opened to reveal a girl probably around twenty-three.
  ìHi,î I said.  ìI'm Leo Wyatt, I'm the handyman.î
  ìOh,î she said as a look of realization crossed her face.  ìCome on in.î  She led me into a Victorian Manor.  ìI'm Phoebe Halliwell.  Pipe! The handyman's here!î  A beautiful woman rushed down the steps.
  ìThis is the hall, this is the foyer, and this is my sister, Piper Halliwell.î
  Piper walked a few steps towards me and held out her hand.  I shook it and muttered in awe. ìBeautiful.î
  ìThanks,î she said lightly. ìBut it's kinda falling apart.î  I realized she was talking about the house, while I was talking about her.
  Phoebe laughed.  ìI think he meant you, Pipe.î
  ìOh, don't be silly.î  She whirled around to face her sister. ìNow Pheebs, you have class at ten; don't forget, because you have that guest speaker today.  I just got a call from Quake-î
  ìAnother broken pipe,î they finished together.
  ìPlus they have a ton more paperwork for me.  Now Prue's at her shoot now, but she'll be there to pick you up after class.  If she forgets, or is too busy, call me on my cell phone, and Ill pick you up.î  She whirled back to face me.  ìMr. Wyatt, this is the list of things we need fixed.  If you have any questions, or need anything at all, don't hesitate to call me-Iíd welcome the break.  Now I gotta run, I'm going to be late!î  with that she rushed to the back door, Phoebe close on her heels.
  As I turned to my list, I flipped the light switch and noticed that the bulb had burnt out.  I went to go ask Piper if she wanted me to replace it- I knew she was still here because I hadn't heard a door slam yet. As I got closer to the kitchen, though, I suddenly stopped short as I heard voices.
  ìSo, Pipe, why are you dressed up?  And you're wearing lipstick!  You hardly ever wear makeup!î
  ìHey, I wouldn't complain, Pheebs, I've got the best makeup drawer and it's hardly used!  And we all know you wear it!î
  ìWell, yeah, but-hey wait!  You didn't answer my question.  Got a date with the hottie next door?î  My heart sank.  For some reason, I didn't even think she was seeing anybody.
  ìWhat!  You mean someone finally moved in there?î  Just as quickly as my heart had sunk, it rose again with those words.
  ìOkay, enough dodging, date or no date?î
  ìNone, I've got another job interview to do, we've lost another bartender.î
  ìThey're working you into the ground, sis!î
  ìI don't have a choice, Phoebe!  What am I supposed to do?î  I noticed concern in her voice, along with stress, and noted that she looked worn out.
  ìQuit!î
  ìPhoebe!  Tell me you're not serious!  What with Prue trying out photography, not even having a real job, and you in college!  Someone had to pay the bills, here.î  I felt sorry for her, being in a job she seemingly disliked, just for the money.
  ìI'm sorry, Pipe, don't be mad, I just want you to be happy, and you're not happy at Quake.î
  ìPhoebe, it's my job to worry about you, not vice versa.î  She had a playful note in her voice.
  ìThank you so much for everything, Piper.î
  ìI love you, honey.î
  ìLove you, big sis.î
  ìOkay, now I'm really late for work!  See you for dinner!î
  ìíKay!î
  I rushed back to the living room so Phoebe wouldn't know Iíd eavesdropped.  She soon came in to check on me.
  ìHey, Leo, how's it doing?î
  ìGreat,î I answered.
  ìHey, Leo, can I ask you something?î
  ìUh-huh.î
  ìYou like Piper, don't you?î
  Oh, no!  ìUh..î
  ìI knew it!  Oh, but Leo?î
  ìYeah?î
  ìBe careful, okay?  She's had, like, the worst love life ever, of all times, yadah, yadah.î
  ìWhat?î  I couldn't imagine anyone not holding on to her once they'd found her.
  ìYeah.î
  ìPhoebe?î
  ìYeah?î
  ìIs that why she didn't think I thought she was beautiful?î
  ìOh, yeah, lately she's kinda been closed off to all guys.  Don't take it personally, but she won't be ready to just strike up a relationship.î

  ìPhoebe, how is it that you knew I liked Piper?î
  ìPipeís always been one to fall for the wrong guys, and I've always kept an eye on her, so now it's almost like a sixth sense.î
  ìWrong guys?î
  ìIn High School she dated this guy for two years before she found out he was dating four other girls on the side.î
  ìOh, no.î  I couldn't imagine anyone who would willing break a girl like Piper's heart.
  ìYeah, it took her, like, forever to get over it.î
  ìI'm so sorry.î
  ìListen, I gotta run, school, you have everything you need, don't you?î
   ìWell, one of the bulbs burnt out, do you want me to replace it?î
  ìYeah, Iíll tell Piper to pick one up on her way home.î
  ìThank you Phoebe,î I didn't just mean about the light bulb, but I think she knew.

 *****

  It was around seven oíclock that night when she finally came home.  I was still working.  It was pouring outside, and she came into the sun room dripping.
  ìMr. Wyatt, I'm sorry, you could've gone home!î
  ìNo, no, it's all right, I'm just finishing up.  And it's Leo.î
  ìWhat?î  She was confused.
  ìCall me Leo,î I clarified.
  ìOh! I'm sorry.  Haven't my sisters been home?î
  ìYes, they told me to tell you they have dates and will see you tomorrow.î
  ìThanks.  Oh, and which light burned out?î she asked, producing a light bulb from her purse.
  ìIíll get it, really,î I reached out to take the bulb from her.  She handed it to me and our hands brushed.  She was burning up!
  ìThanks,î she said brusquely.
  ìAre you okay?  You're running a temperature, I think.î
  ìI'm fine,î she said a little too quickly.  She swiftly added, ìBut thank you.î
  ìYou should be in bed, resting if you're sick.î  I was worried; I knew she had been working too hard, and now this.
  ìI'm fine, really, but please, promise not to tell my sisters.î  Her eyes were pleading with me.
  Oh, geez!  ìI won't tell, I promise.î
  She smiled.  ìDouble extra promise?î
  ìDouble extra promise.î  Why didn't she want to tell her sisters?
  ìSorry you felt like you had to stay, just to give me a message.  You really didn't have to, if the house is empty I can usually figure they're out on dates.î
  ìWhat about you?  Do you have a boyfriend?î  Please say no, please say no.
  ìOh, no!î
  ìWhy?î  Thank God!
  ìUh, I just don't have time.î  I knew she was lying, and I think she knew I knew.  ìSo, Iíll see you tomorrow?î
  I smiled. ìOf course.î

 *****

  The next morning, I came to the Manor a little early.  I was greeted by a flustered Piper.
  ìOh, Leo!  Thank God you're here!  I'm late for work, and I have no idea where Phoebe is!  She's probably still out on her date,î she paused to smile, ìBut she has class in an hour.  So, I hate to make you our messenger, but would you care to remind Pheebs about it?î
  ìSure, of course.  By the way, are you feeling any better?î
  ìBetween you and me?î  I nodded.  ìNo, I feel worse.î
  ìDid you take an aspirin?  That will bring down your fever.î
  ìYeah, I did, thank you for being such a good friend.  I only met you yesterday, and I'm already weighing you down with secrets.  Well, I gotta run.  See you tonight?î  I could only nod.  She had told me I was her friend, she already trusted me with secrets.  I could've flown!
  I started to get to work.  About forty-five minutes after Piper left, Phoebe entered the Manor.
  ìPhoebe!î I called.  She entered in a few moments.
  ìHuh?î
  ìPiper told me to tell you that you had class in an hour which was,î I checked my watch.  ìforty-five minutes ago.î
  ìOh my God!  I completely forgot!  Thank you Leo!î
  ìI owed you one.î
  A few minutes later Phoebe called out a hurried good-bye and rushed out the door.  I got back to work.
  Prue came in for her lunch hour.  I think I freaked her out when she first saw me, because she got on all-defense mode.
  ìWhat are you doing here?  Who are you?î  Before I could answer she yelled outside.  ìPiper, stay out there!î  Piper didn't obey, however, and rushed into the kitchen where we were.  Luckily she also came in for lunch, and saved me.
  ìPrue, what's going on?  You scared me.î
  ìWho are you?î Prue was throwing another question at me.
  ìPrue, sweetie, that's Leo Wyatt, he's here to fix a few things.  It's okay, reallyî
  ìOh, oh, I'm so sorry!î
  ìIt's fine.î I croaked.  I couldn't believe how protective Prue was of Piper, or how quickly Piper had calm Prue down with only a few simple words.  Piper's cell phone started to ring.  She sifted through her purse before she found it.
  ìGotcha!î  she said triumphantly.  ìHello?  Yes, uh-huh.  NO!  No, itís fine, I will.  Okay, see you in ten minutes.  Bye.î  She turned to Prue.  ìHey, I'm sorry, but I have to bail.  Quake called and another waitress quit, so I have to find on as soon as possible.î
  ìBut, we haven't seen each other for weeks, lately!î Prue complained. Just then her beeper went off.
ìLooks like I'm not the only one who's skipping lunch break.î  Piper smiled.
  ìYeah, hey, Iíll see you tonight, right?î
  ìI hope so.î
  ìBye, Leo, sorry I was so overprotective-î
  ìIt's fine.î
  ìIíll see you both tonight!î  Piper yelled as she rushed out the door. I couldn't believe that restaurant was taking her lunch hour, too.  It wasn't enough they made her sick, and tired but now they weren't letting her eat.  Ugh!  Only one day and I care so much!
  Around seven Piper returned to an empty house, well, empty except for me.  She came into the kitchen and sighed.  From where I was I could see her but she couldn't see me.
  ìOh, sometimes, Pheebs I wonder if I should take your advice and quit. Prue!  Phoebe!  I guess I'm home alone!î  I walked into the kitchen.
  ìPiper, Prue called and said she wouldn't be home until after midnight, and Phoebe is bar-hopping with some of her friends.î
  ìOh.î  I could tell she was disappointed.
  ìUm, if you don't need anything else...î
  ìOh! I'm sorry, Iíll see you tomorrow.î
  ìPiper?  You'll get some rest won't you?î
  Piper smiled, obviously happy I cared.  ìDon't worry about me really.î
 Her tone had a hint of playfulness, but I also detected strength, like she really didn't want me to worry.
  ìIíll see you tomorrow, same time?î
  ìYep,î she confirmed.  ìOh, was Pheebs glad you told her about class?î
  ìYeah, she had forgotten completely.î
  ìI knew she would.î

 *****
  The next few days were best described as bliss.  I was falling harder and harder for Piper Halliwell, and we had gotten really close.  One day when she opened the door, though, she looked as if she had been run over by a truck.  The night before, the girls had battle a demon, Warrui, and add that to not sleeping and not eating and that's what I saw right in front of me.
  ìPiper, are you okay?î
  ìI'm fine, and besides, I told you not to worry about me, remember? Now, same as usual, Phoebe's at class, Prue's at a shoot, and my cell number is on the fridge.  Do you need anything else?î
  ìNope,î I answered.
  ìGreat!  Uh, I haven't had a lunch hour in about a month, so I possibly will be back around noon.î
  ìOkay,î I answered.  She quickly walked out the front door to drive to Quake.  Now that I think about it, I had never seen her slowly walk anywhere.  She was always in a hurry.
  As promised, she returned around noon.
  ìHey, Leo!  Howíre things going?î
  ìGreat.î  No lie here!
  ìListen, if you want to go early, seeing as it is Friday night and you probably have a date,î she grinned mischievously, ìyou're free and clear to go at any time.î
  ìThanks, Piper, but I'm free all weekend, I could even come over tomorrow if you like.î
  ìReally?  Great!  Thanks, Leo.î  Her cell phone rang.  ìNot again!î she muttered as she dug through her purse in search of the phone.  When she had successfully retrieved and answered it, her face fell instantly as she listened to no doubt her boss.
  ìHey, Leo, sorry to bail but my boss..î she trailed off.
  ìI understand.î  I said as I smiled. ìSee you tonight then.î
  ìIt's a date.î  She smiled and walked out the door.

 *****

  Then next morning as I stood on the front porch waiting for someone to open the door, I wondered if I should ask Piper out.  My thought quickly subsided when Prue greeted me at the door.
  ìHey Leo, Iíll get Piper, she's the only one around here who really knows what you're to do.î  She called up the stairs to her sister.  The woman who rushed down the stairs was hardly recognizable to the one I knew to be Piper.  She had her hair loose and it hung down to mid-back, where she usually pulled in in a French twist or a tight bun.  She was wearing jeans and a sweater, as opposed to her regular skirt and shirt. Plus she had on no makeup what-so-ever, and she didn't need any.
  ìHey Leo, follow me,î  she led me to my jobs, and explained each of them.  When she was finished, I thought she would leave as normal, but when I turned around she was still there!  She had her back to me and was dusting around the room.  It took me a while to get out of my stupor at seeing her there, but eventually I did.
  ìPiper, no work today?î
  ìNope,î she said intricately dusting the chandelier.  ìSaturday's my one day off.î
  ìCool,î I said pretending not to care much while inside I was bursting with joy.  A whole day with Piper!
  ìSo, Leo, what's your life like?  I mean, besides being our handyman. Girlfriend?  Brothers and sisters?î
  ìBoring, no, and yes, one sister.î  Or had one fifty years ago at least!
  ìShort and sweet,î Piper laughed.
  ìWhat about you?î  All I knew was that their mother and grandmother had died.
  ìWell, there's Prue and Pheebs.  No boyfriend.  My mother died when I was six.  My grandmother just died six months ago.î
  ìOh, I'm so sorry.î
  ìThanks.î
  ìFrom what I've seen, though, it looks like Prue and Phoebe couldn't live without you.î  A sad look crossed her face.
  ìThey'd be fine without me.  So why no girlfriend?î  She changed subjects so quickly I was amazed.
  ìUh, I don't know.  Why no boyfriend?î I threw back at her.
  ìDon't want one.î she said evenly.
  ìWhy?î  This I already knew the answer to.
  ìI've had a bad past with guys.î
  Suddenly we heard yelling shouts coming from the hall.  ìHere we go again,î  Piper muttered.  She walked into the hall.  I stayed where I was, but I could still hear the voices.
  ìPhoebe!  You are so irresponsible itís not even funny!î  Prue shouted.
 ìPrue, please, just try to calm down.î  I heard an anxious note in Piper's voice.
  ìPrue, you're the one who's always out!  Heck, I haven't seen you around in weeks.  Oh, Prue's the strong one, always looking out for her sisters!  Yeah, right!  Did you even notice that Piper's sick?î
  ìPhoebe, she has a job, she can't always be around.  If you need someone to talk to I'm here.î  Piper was starting to sound desperate.
  ìPiper, you're sick?î
  ìNo, I had a fever...î
  ìPiper, your the worst liar on the face of the earth.î
  ìDon't make fun of her Phoebe!î
  ìShe's not, Prue, she just means-î  By now Piper was refereeing two different arguments.
  ìOh, yeah, Prue, itís my fault you're too self-absorbed to notice your own sister's not well.î
  ìNo, but a lot of other stuff is!î
  ìCan we all please just take a break?î
  ìI'm out of here!î
  ìYeah, Phoebe, just run when you have a problem, or when you can't win!î
  ìYeah, Prue, just keep telling yourself you have won!î  With that the front door slammed, shaking the whole house.
  ìIíll be back late, Piper, don't wait up!î  With that the door slammed for a second time.
  Piper slowly entered the room.  I noticed her shaking a bit as she went to sit on the sofa.  For the first time I noticed how much weight she seemed to have lost after only just the few days we've know each other. I stopped what I was doing to walk over to where she was.
  ìAre you okay?î  I asked with concern in my voice.
  ìHey,î she joked.  ìWhat have I told you about no worrying when it comes to me?î
  ìWhat was all that about?î
  ìOh, that?  If you're going to be here often, you are going to have to get used to that!î
  ìAre you always the peacemaker?î
  ìOh, I'm not...î
  ìYes, Piper, you are.  And someone has to worry about you.  I don't think you've been getting enough sleep or food.î
  ìPlease, Leo, I'm not used to people worrying about me.  It doesn't make me comfortable.î
  ìI'm sorry.î
  ìThank you for caring so much, though.  I don't think I could've gotten through another one alone.î
  ìIs it always like this?î
  ìYes, they start out on something like Phoebe not refilling Prue's gas tank, or Prue not trusting Phoebe enough.  Then I try to make them stop and they bring me in, trying to make the other feel guilty, like, ëDid you even care that Piper's gone to the doctorí or ëPiperís been worried sick waiting up for youí when I had just returned from my own date. Most times they aren't even true.  Pheebs didn't know I was sick. Listen, I'm sorry, you shouldn't be consoling me.  Let's get back to
 work.î
  ìHey, do you mind if I play the radio?î
  ìNot at all.î she was back to the Piper I knew.  I put on the radio, and turned back to my work.  When I moved to face her, she had a sad look other face.
  ìAre you okay, you don't look very well?î
  ìI'm just tired,î she said lightly.
  ìMaybe you should get some rest?î
  ìNo, Iíll survive.î  Wow, she's strong!
  ìOkay.î

 *****

  Over the next few weeks, I was over at the Manor often.  The girls still didn't know who I was, well, except Phoebe.  Yes, Phoebe.  She caught me one day levitating and made me explain.  I'm pretty sure she hasn't told anyone yet.  The Elders orbed me up today and told me I could reveal my identity to them.  However, I was nervous.  I didn't want Piper mad.  I had fallen so deeply in love with her I couldn't stand it if she was mad or upset with me.  I cautiously knocked on the door.  Phoebe opened the door and ran right out.
  ìOh, hi Leo!  Uh, I've got class, Piper's left for work and Prue's gone, But Piper's number's on the fridge.  And I haven't told anyone about you-know-what yet.î
  ìThanks, Pheebs, will you all be back later tonight?  The Elders told me I could tell you.î
  ìYeah, actually, good timing,î Phoebe said as she stepped into Piper's car.
  I got to work, nervously anticipating Prue and Piper's reaction to the information I had kept from them for so long.  Before I knew it, six oíclock rolled around.  Prue was the first home, then Phoebe.  By seven Piper had arrived and I entered the kitchen where they all were, talking.
  ìHey, Leo, is there something you need, maybe something you want to tell us?î  Phoebe asked pointedly.  I gave her a look, then proceeded on.
  ìUm, there is something I have to tell you.  Uh, I know you're witches, and I know that  your mother died from a demon.  I'm, um, I'm your whitelighter and-î
  ìWhite what?î Prue interrupted.  ìWhy the heck did you lie to us?  We trusted you, I trusted you!î
  ìI couldn't tell you, ëtheyí wouldn't let me.î
  ìExcuse me, ëtheyí?î  Phoebe gave me an encouraging smile.
  ìThe Elders.  They are in charge of all whitelighters, and whitelighters protect and watch over witches.  I am your whitelighter.î
  ìSo, you're supposed to watch over us, but you couldn't tell us until now who you are?î  I saw a hurt look in Piper's eyes as she said this, and I couldn't bear to think I had caused her this pain.
  ìI'm sorry, ëtheyí told me not to...î
  ìUh, I have to get back to work, I left something.  Iíll see you tonight.î  Piper practically ran out the front door.
  ìI'm so sorry.î  What could I do?
  ìWe understand.î  Prue said considerately.  ìDon't mind Piper, we'll talk to her.  It's just, she sorta likes you, and itís just a shock, that's all.î
  Her words shocked me.  I had liked Piper since I first saw her, but to know she felt the same.
  ìOh, I'm sorry,î Prue apologized.  ìI wasn't supposed to say anything. Don't, like, feel any pressure, here.î
  ìNo, itís just I've liked Piper for so long,î I explained.
  ìReally?î  Prue's protective side came out.
  ìYes, Prue, I saw it when they first met.  I confronted him about it, and he confessed!î
  ìYeah!î
  ìI know!î
  ìUh, girls, I've gotta go.î  The Elders were calling.
  ìOh, okay.î  They were totally absorbed in their excitement to notice my orbs.
  ìLeo, you've done well,î  the head Elder told me.  ìHowever, you know the rule: No witch/whitelighter relationships.î
  ìBut why not?î  I pleaded.  ìPlease, just give us a chance to make it work.  We won't let it interfere with our jobs.î
  ìYou have one chance, Wyatt,î  a council member said.  ìBoy, do you know how to kiss up!  Now, get out of here before I change my mind!î  I orbed out, thrilled beyond extent.
  I orbed into the Manor the next day, eager to ask Piper out now that we had a chance.  I orbed in the living room to find Piper sitting on the couch alone, sobbing.  The sight broke my heart in two.
  ìPiper, what's the matter, what's wrong?î  I immediately went to her side.  She looked up at me, shocked to see me because she thought she was alone, but also embarrassed to be seen crying.
  ìPiper,î I repeated, louder this time.  ìTell me.î
  ìIt's nothing.î  she walked into the kitchen.  I followed.  She reached up into the cupboard and withdrew a mug.  She filled a kettle with water and sat down.
  ìPlease, I want to help.î
  ìMy father,î was all she got out before the kettle whistled.  I silently cursed it for choosing such a bad time.  She walked up to the kettle and began preparing tea.  She quickly finished and set the mug in front of me before repositioning her position on the chair.
  ìHow did you-î
  ìBecause I know you like tea more than coffee, but not in the morning. In the morning you like cold drinks, like milk and orange juice,î she said absentmindedly while she toyed with her fingernails.  I was personally shocked at how much she knew about me.
  ìWhat about your father?î
  ìHe, uh, well, when I was about five my father left us.  Just smack, dab ran out of our lives.  Prue's always hated him for what he's done to us, to our family, and Phoebe never really knew him and never really cared.  But, I guess, deep down I always thought he would come back.î
  ìBut,î I prodded.
  ìNo buts, he did.  He just walked into the Manor this morning, wanting a hug, like he didn't leave us twenty years ago, like he'd never been gone.î  I was shocked at how much she was opening up to me.  She had always kept her feelings a secret to me, and told me never to worry about her, and now, all of a sudden, she was opening up about a part of her life I didn't even know existed.  ìAlmost like we were still the little baby girls he had left.î she continued.
  ìWhat happened?î I asked gently.
  ìPrue threw him out.  Literally.  She has telekinesis, but you probably knew that.î
  ìDid he try to come back?î
  ìYeah, a few hours ago, he came back in, thought Prue was gone, but it was just Phoebe in Prue's car.  He begged with me, told me he had changed.  I asked him why he left, why he never visited.  He gave me answers.  I yelled at him.  Yes, me, I yelled,î she said looking at my shocked expression.  ìPrue came down and saw him and asked me what he was doing here.  She didn't wait for an answer.  She's so protective over us.  The worst part, though, just about twenty minutes ago he called.î  Tears started to run down her face.  ìHe told me I reminded him so much of Mom.  She didn't want to forgive him, but she did.  I hung up.î  She started to cry again.
  ìOh, I'm so sorry.î I whispered.  I stood up and walked over to her. Without hesitating, I went up to hug her.  She held on to my like she would never, ever let go, and it felt so good.  Eventually, though, she did pull away, and looked abashed.
  ìI'm sorry, I shouldn't have bothered you.î
  ìPiper, you could never bother me.î
  ìWhat do you think I should do?î
  ìWhat do you want to do?î
  ìGive him a second chance.  But I'm not ready to set myself up for heartbreak.  I've done that so many times.î
  Is she talking about us?  Or about her father?  ìIíll be here with you every step of the way.î  I promised.
  ìDon't tell my sisters, please.î  Her pleading eyes reminded me of when we first met.
  ìI won't tell, I promise.î
  ìDouble ex-î
  ìDouble extra promise.î  She practically threw her self into my arms and hugged my long and tight.

 *****

  Then next day, Monday, when I knocked on the door Prue answered.  I had hardly ever seen Prue in the morning.
  ìLeo,î she pulled me in.  ìWe have to talk.î
  ìSure, Prue, uh, about what?î
  ìPiper, she's gone to find our father.î  I noticed she said father with a look of disgust.
  ìAnd,î I prodded.
  ìAnd I can't stand for him to hurt her again.  She was hardly five when he left.  But last year he came back, stayed for a while, tried to make us give up being witches.  When we wouldn't, he left.  Tore her apart. She's been sending him birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day cards, since she could write.  I think you could talk to her; she'll listen to you.î
  ìWhy me?î
  ìLike I said, Leo, she'll listen to you.î
  ìShe won't listen to you?  Piper would listen to anyone.î
  ìI think she thinks, well she knows I don't have a very good handle on my feelings, or lack there of, for our father.î
  ìSo, I would be better to talk to?î
  ìExactly.î
  ìHey, Prue, I'm home.î came a melancholy voice.
  ìPipe, how did it go?î
  ìIt didn't.î
  ìHuh?î
  ìHe left, skipped town, whatever.î
  ìYou're not serious.î
  ìI am.î  She looked up, noticing me for the first time. ìHey, Leo.î
 She stood up walking towards the kitchen.
  ìPiper, where are you going?î
  ìPrue, calm down.î  She walked back over to hug her sister.  ìI'm going to make lunch, you both look hungry.  Please, don't get jumpy like last time.î  I realized she was probably talking about last time her father skipped out on them and Prue had maybe been upset her sisters would leave her.  Piper walked back to the kitchen.
  ìHey, Leo?î  She turned and faced me.  ìWould you like to stay over for dinner tonight?  Prue and Phoebe will be a little late, but they'll still be here.î
  ìIíd love to,î I answered without hesitation.
  ìGreat,î she smiled, then returned to her cooking.  I marveled at her beauty.  She expertly set out two plates and piled her delicious cooking on them.  She then turned to bid us good-bye.
  ìYou're not staying?  How come?î
  ìPrue, I have to get back into work, you know how much I need this job and I've already missed nearly the whole morning.  Now, Iíll see you two tonight.î  She reached over to hug Prue, who held on tightly.  Piper pulled away and grabbed Prue's hand, squeezing it three times.  I was confused, but all that went away as Piper hugged me, too.
  ìThank you,î  she whispered in my ear.  Then she turned and left.
  I eagerly anticipated dinner that night.  I couldn't wait to actually have a real chat with Piper.
  The hours ticked by, the slowest of my life.  Phoebe was the first to arrive home, followed by Prue.  Two hours after Prue came home, they started to worry about Piper.
  ìShe's just caught up in her job.î  They kept telling themselves.  ìShe missed this morning, so the boss is probably grilling her.î
  I however, was quite worried.  What if a demon attacked her on the way home.  What if her boss was...
  Before I got a chance to finish my train of thought, Piper rushed in the back door.
  ìSorry I'm late, but I brought Chinese.î
  ìThen all is forgiven.î
  ìThanks Pheebs,î Piper says sarcastically as she hugs Phoebe.  Then she moves on to setting the table and putting everything out.  Soon, we all sat at the table.
  ìSo, did you guys see the hot new guy next door?î  Phoebe asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
  ìOh, Pheebs!  Is that all you ever think about?î Prue reprimanded.
  ìUh, no, not me!î  Phoebe laughed.  I had to laugh at the banter between the youngest and oldest Charmed Ones.  I turned to Piper to see if she was laughing also, but she had a blank look on her face and was just pushing the food on her plate around in circles.
  ìPiper, is anything wrong?î I asked quietly.  She seemed to move out of a trance, but then shook her head.  ìAre you sure?î I was unconvinced. She gave me a reassuring smile and went back to turning her food around on her plate.
  ìI think I should get him, since I haven't had a date in, like a year.î
   ìNah, that's your own fault: you're picky.î
  ìAm not!  Piper, am I picky?î
  ìHuh?  Oh, yeah, Prue, a little.î
  ìYou okay, sweetie?î
  ìYeah, I'm sorry.  I just, uh, I'm just tired, that's all.î
  ìOkay, so did you see the new neighbor?î
  ìNope, not yet.  So, Leo,î she changed the subject in my direction.
 ìSince you are our whitelighter, does that mean you're not our handyman anymore?î she teased.  Before I could answer, the doorbell rang.  Piper got up to answer it.  I followed, still a little concerned about her seeming distant at dinner.  I lagged behind, and she was obstructed from my view, but I could hear her voice.
  ìHi,î she welcomed.
  ìHi, I'm Dan, and this is my niece, Jenny.î  I heard a man's voice.
  ìHi, Jenny.î
  ìListen, I'm sorry to bother you-î
  ìNo bother, really.î  That was my Piper, always making sure everyone was at ease.
  ìUm, I was wondering if I could borrow a rake, Jenny and I are raking leaves but I only have one.î
  ìOh, sure.  Here, Iíll show you, let me just tell my sisters so they don't worry.î
  ìYou've got sisters?î
  ìOh, yes, here come in and you can meet everybody.î  I walked back into the kitchen and Piper, Dan, and Jenny were just moments behind.
  ìPrue, Phoebe, this is our new neighbor, Dan and his niece, Jenny. Dan, Jenny, these are my sisters, Prue and Phoebe, and this is Leo.  He fixes a few things around here.  Okay, the rake is-î
  ìIíll show him!î  Prue and Phoebe simultaneously jumped from their seats and ran to the door, with the new neighbors close behind.
  ìGeez, I think they liked Dan, how about you, Leo?î
  ìYeah.  Hey, Piper, now that we're alone, do you think-î
  ìPiper, guess what!  We were kind enough to show him around, and all he talked about was you!î
  ìHuh?î  Piper was confused, but I wasn't.  This guy was interested in Piper, and instead of waiting like stupid me, he jumped at the chance of dating Piper.
  ìDate, Piper, he wants a date!î
  ìYeah, right,î she muttered as she started to clear the dishes.  That's right, I thought, you're too good for him, yeah right he's going to get a date with you.
  ìWhy would he want to go out with me?î
  ìAre you kidding, Piper,î I blurted out.  ìAnyone with half a brain
 would want to go out with you.î  OMG, what did I just say?
  ìWhat did you just say?î  My thoughts exactly!
  ìUh, we'll leave you two alone.î Prue and Phoebe made a quick escape.
  ìWell, itís just, I don't know...î
  ìLeo, calm down okay?  I know, sometimes things just pop out!î
  ìPiper, I meant them.  Do you maybe want to go to a movie sometime?î
  ìWhat?  You've got to be joking!î she said, looking at the sky.  ìTwo in one day?î
  I waited.  She turned, looked me in her big, brown, eyes and said,
 ìI've been waiting for you to ask!î  That was all I needed.  I drew her up into my arms and she held on to me tightly.  I heard a slight squeal from behind me and turned to see Prue and Phoebe watching us.
  ìYou spies!î Piper jokingly accused.
  ìWe surrender, we surrender!î
  Piper started to run after them and they took off, obviously expecting Piper to follow.  However, she did just he opposite, walking back into my arms.  Wow, I thought, this is too good to be true!

 *****

  Tonight was the night.  I was at my wit's end.  What was going to happen?  What was she going to wear?  Would she think I was boring? Phoebe opened the door.
  ìHey, Leo, tonight's the big night, huh?  Iím so happy for you!î  She gave me a hug then called for her sister.  It reminded me so much of when we first met.  Piper came quickly down the stairs, gave me a warm smile, and walked toward me.  Her hair hung loose around her shining face.  As I looked at her, my heart skipped a beat.  Or two.  She smiled again, and took my hand.
  ìBye, Pheebs.î
  ìOoh, Iím so jealous!  Don't stay out too late, you lovebirds.î  Piper visibly blushed at this last comment, and I was probably doing the exact same thing.
  The night was best described as bliss.  I had the best time of my life.  Piper made me so comfortable, and I wasn't nervous at all ( as opposed to a few hours ago!).  We walked up the door to the Manor and she invited me in.
  ìI had a great time tonight,î she continued as she walked into the kitchen.
  ìThe best,î I readily agreed.  We talked a while longer, then she stood up and walked over to me.  She closed the distance between us, and we kissed, drawn-out and glorious.

 *****

  I orbed into the Manor one day two weeks later.  I saw Piper and Phoebe looking over a picture album together.  They looked like they were laughing and crying at the same time.  I cleared my throat to get their attention.  They both glimpsed up, wiping their eyes simultaneously. Piper stood up and kissed me and then looked up at me with her chocolate eyes.
  ìNew demon?î she questioned.
  ìNope, just saying hello.  Are you guys okay?î
  Piper sniffed. ìYeah, just looking through old pictures.î  Suddenly her cell phone started to ring.  She picked it up.  ìPiper Halliwell.  Oh, hi.  Yes I do.  Uh-huh, they did.  Well actually Iím already seeing someone, Iím sorry.  Yeah.  Okay, bye.î  She put the phone down and turned with questioning eyes.  ìPhoebe, how did Dan get my cell number?î  Dan!  No!
  ìDon't be mad, Piper, just all those times you made me tell him you were out, he finally asked for you cell number and, well, I couldn't say no!î  He'd called before?  And Piper wouldn't speak with him?
  ìI wouldn't be mad over that!  Phoebe you worry too much!î
  ìPrue is never going to forgive me.î
  ìThat's what you say every time you two have a fight and itís always resolved soon.î
  ìDid you really call the police when I wasn't home last night?î
  ìYou know I didn't, I trust you.î  Phoebe turned to go upstairs after giving her sister a hug.
  ìAnother fight?î  I assumed.
  ìYou bet.  Phoebe wasn't home on time.î
  ìSo Prue said you called the cops, huh?î
  She laughed, a sound that warmed my heart.  ìYeah.î
  ìSo, tell me about Dan.î  Did those words just come out of my mouth?
  ìWhat about him?î  Now Piper was uncomfortable!
  ìDid he really keep calling here?î
  ìYeah, once in a while.î
  ìBut you didn't want to talk?î
  ìNo, Iím dating you, why would I want to talk with Dan?  So, did you know Prue got a job?î
  ìNo, where?î
  ì415 Magazine.î
  ìThat's great.î  Suddenly I heard ëThemí calling me.  ëTheyí said it was urgent.  ìPiper, sweetie?î
  She turned around to face me and immediately her face fell like a ton of bricks.  ìYou have to go.î
  ìíThey say itís-î
  ìI understand.î  She stood on her tip toes and kissed me.  Phoebe came bounding in the room.
  ìPiper, premonition!  You!  Ground, bleeding!î
  ìPhoebe, calm down, Iím going to be fine, don't worry.î  Her famous words were spoken in her soothing voice.  ìNow tell me what the premonition was about.î
  ìUh, I saw a demon and, uh, you tried to freeze and it deflected it and you lay on the ground, bleeding, and Prue and I said a spell and it worked.î
  ìWell, at least you got the demon.î
  ìBut we lost you, Piper!î
  ìIt's okay,î I broke in. ìIf you guys ever need me, just call my name, Iíll orb in, and Iíll heal Piper.î
  ìHeal?î asked Phoebe uncertainly.  ìWhat are you talking about?î
  ìIf any of you are hurt, by a demon, I can make all you're injuries go away.î
  ìAnd you didn't tell me this before I had a mental breakdown because...?î
  ìSorry,î I said apologetically.  ìBut it just slipped my mind.î
  ìSlipped your-î
  ìWe should look up the demon in the Book,î  Piper broke in and I gave her a grateful smile.  She returned it and Phoebe followed us up the stairs.
  ìHere he is, Shandri.  He has the power of deflection so we can't use our powers against him.  But we already knew that!î
  ìYep,î  Phoebe muttered, glaring at me.  I smiled sheepishly.
  ìHere's a vanquishing spell.  Pheebs, can you hand me that pencil, Iím going to copy it down.î

 *****

  I was bored.  Phoebe had the vanquishing spell.  Prue was still at work.  And Piper was called into work on this, her day off.
  ìIím sorry,î she had said.  ìI really want to stay, but I have to go.î
  ìI understand.î I said, mimicking her very words from earlier today.  I realized I never went when the Elders called, we were all caught up in Phoebe's premonition.  Suddenly I got a calling from ëthemí, telling me ëtheyí just wanted to warn me about the demon.
  ìDo you think I should call Piper?î
  ìNope!î  Piper yelled as she shut the door behind her.  ìPiper's here.î
  ìWhat about-î
  ìPrue, too!î  Prue added as she followed Piper into the living room.
 ìWhat's up, guys.î
  ìA new demon,î Phoebe muttered and then continued to tell Prue all about the premonition and the demon.
  ìSounds simple.  Just make sure you don't freeze him, Piper.î
  ìíKay.î She stood up.  Suddenly a demon appeared out of no where.
  ìGet the spell, get the spell.î  Prue was saying.  The demon laughed and blew hard.  Piper was thrown against the wall.  Hard.
  ìSay the spell,î I yelled.  Prue and Phoebe listened.
  ìShandri, demon of fire and wind,
  Give the Halliwell sisters revenge.
  The power which you use against others,
  Will now be destroyed as you surrender.î  Shandri screamed in agony and burst into flames.
  ìYea!î
  ìPhoebe, get off you're ëwe've beat a demoní high, and help me here!î Prue screamed at her youngest sister as she walked over to Piper.
  ìLeo, can you heal her?î  I immediately obeyed.
  Piper opened her eyes and instantly tried to get up.  This was followed by three sets of arms pushing her back down.
  She smiled.  ìDid you get him?î
  ìYeah, hon, we did.  Howíre you feeling?î
  ìFine.  Wasn't I hit?î
  ìYeah, Piper, you were,î I answered.
  She turned and smiled at me.  ìHi,î she handed me her outstretched hand. ìIím Piper Halliwell.î  She looked confused when I didn't accept it.
  ìI know, Piper, itís me, Leo.î
  ìIím sorry, do I know you?î  Phoebe and Prue exchanged looks of concern.

 *****

  Well, I orbed up to the Elders, who had no idea what was going on. Phoebe was looking through the Book of Shadows, while Prue was with Piper, who, it seemed, remembered everything but me.  Which presented a problem as I thought we were going somewhere.  I orbed back to the Manor and into the living room where Piper and Prue were.
  ìWhat did ëTheyí say?î Prue asked softly.  Piper turned her head to listen.
  ìNothing,î I answered, depressed.
  ìWell, Iíd better get back to work,î Piper said as she climbed off the couch.
  ìIíll see you later?î She looked questioningly at me.
  ìYeah, sweetie, Iíll explain it all later,î Prue saved.  Piper looked reassured and walked out the door.  I fell disheartened into the chair.
  ìDon't worry, Leo, she'll remember.î
  ìIíd better go.î I stood up and orbed away.
 

 ******

  I realized that I had no other choice than to re-meet Piper.  I stood nervously in my room, and finally decided to orb to the Manor.
  ìHey, Leo!î  Phoebe got up and smiled.  ìIíll get Piper.î  Before I could tell her that it might not be such a great idea, she was yelling for her sister.  ìPipe, there's someone here for you!î  She walked quickly down the steps as if she was in a hurry for something.
  ìOh, hi, Leo.î  She gave me her amazing smile and I almost forget she forgot.  She turned to Phoebe.  ìPheebs, class at eleven.  Then meet me at Quake for lunch, okay?  They might give me a break if they see you!î She laughed.  ìCan I get you anything?î she asked me.
  ìNo, no Iím fine.î  It scared me how similar this was to the first time we met: her telling Phoebe about class, or asking me if I needed anything.
  She gave us one last smile before she headed out the door.

 *****

  The next few days, Piper and I got to know each other, again.  One Saturday, I was in the middle of telling the girls about a new demon, when suddenly she jumped up.
  ìLeo?î she asked incredulously.
  ìYeah,î I said, shocked by her reaction and confused.
  ìLeo, I can't believe it!î
  ìWait, Piper, do you remember Leo?î Phoebe asked.
  She answered by saying, ìYou were here, I was mad about my dad, I got you something to drink, you asked how I knew.  We sit and talk for hours, but it seems like seconds.î  I smiled broadly, and she ran to hug me.  After holding each other for long moments, she brought my head down for a long, gentle kiss.
  ìYea!î  Phoebe said in her baby voice.  Suddenly I heard ëThemí calling.  I looked into her glistening brown eyes, and in them she told me to go, she'll be waiting.  I smiled, and orbed out to see what the Elders wanted.
  ìLeo,î said the Head Elder.  ìYou've done well.î
  ìWhat?î I asked.
  ìThis was a test, to see if you two were truly meant to be together, or if it was just a fluke.î
  ìYou're telling me you made Piper lose all memory of me to see if she still fell in love with me again?î
  ìWell, we cast a powerful spell.  If Piper could overcome the memory spell, then she truly loves you.î
  I was shocked at what I heard.  First, that Piper and I were allowed to be together, then that the Elders had something to do with it.  I was so happy with the news that Piper loved me that I was too preoccupied to be mad at the Elders for making her forget in the first place.  I joyfully orbed back to the Manor and to Piper's waiting arms.