Post by StoryGirl83 on Jan 16, 2009 23:56:07 GMT -5
Chapter One – Phoebe
Phoebe sat in front of the TV, her legs folded under her as she watched the images on the screen. She pushed “Pause” on the remote then stared at the scene. Her hand reached out to touch the face of the woman on the screen.
I miss you, Mom. Why did you have to die? I needed you, need you still.
She pressed “Rewind” and watched, mesmerized, the images reversed. A smile spread across her lips as she watched a younger version of her older sister Prue dance backward through the room with her new doll.
Prue had you; Mom; she remembers you. Even Piper was old enough to have some memories of you.
She pushed “Play” and again watched her family laughing, enjoying Christmas.
Just wish I had some memories of you. I don't even remember that Christmas.
She punched “Pause” again. Apparently, the remote didn’t appreciate her punching, because nothing happened. So she gently pushed “Rewind” before letting the video play again. When she saw the image she wanted, she pushed “Pause.” Staring at the screen, she noticed something she hadn’t noticed before. Standing, she walked over to the screen and examined the image, her eyes growing wide.
Looking around the room, she walked over to where the tree had been in the video then walked to the corner of the room. There she moved the chair that was in her way and pulled up the corner of the carpet to reveal a hole in the floor just big enough to fit her index finger. Surrounding it was a small board cut out like a door.
Reaching down and, putting her finger in the hole, she reached down and pulled up, smiling when the wood gave way. Pulling up the door and setting it aside, she reached into the hole to find a small metal box.
Setting it aside, she put everything back to where it was before bringing the box over to the couch. She sat down, staring at the box in her hands. It was a plain brick red, about two inches deep, three inches wide, and five inches long. It had a small metal hinge and a tiny metal latch.
What did you put in here, Mom? Did you mean for me to find it?
Taking a deep breath, she pushed up the latch and opened the lid. At the bottom of the box in stark contrast to the brick-red lining was a small white envelope. Phoebe gasped. On the envelope were two words in the writing she knew well from reading and re-reading her mother's message on the back of the spirit board. Those two words read: “For Phoebe".
Grabbing the envelope, Phoebe tore it open, anxious to see what her mother had left for her. Pulling out the single sheet of rose-colored paper, she unfolded it and could hear her mother's voice saying:
“My Sweet Little Surprise, my dearest Phoebe,
“Never has a surprise been more welcomed than when I learned I was expecting you. I had been told that I couldn’t have any more children, then I found out that I was going to have you.
“I wish I could tell you how I found out about you; someday you’ll find out on your own. Just know that it was the most magical of moments, one of the most special moments of my life. And when I saw you for the first time, oh, my darling baby girl, you are so beautiful! If you are reading this then you have grown to become an amazing young woman, one who I wish I could get to know, because I know how very proud of you I’d be. You may think that as I write this that I do not know, but believe me, I do.
By now you know that you have the power of premonitions; well, you shared that power with me while you were in my womb, so I know how beautiful and wonderful and good you and your sisters are--that my daughters are the prophesied Charmed Ones! I also know that I’m not going to be around for you as you grow up. But know that no matter what happens, your mother’s love will always surround you.
“I love you, my beautiful baby. I will always love you. I do not know what the future holds, but whatever happens, always remember that I do.(Signed)“All my love,
Mom”
Tears flowed down Phoebe’s cheeks.
Oh, Mom, I love you, too. I just miss not having had the chance to get to know you.
Holding the letter close to her heart, she leaned back against the back of the couch, her eyes fluttering closed.
I miss you so much, Mom.
After several minutes Phoebe rose from the couch. Still clutching her letter tightly, she walked over to the TV and ejected the tape before turning off the TV.
With a smile on her face Phoebe headed for her own room, feeling like she was bringing the mother she had never known with her. In her hands were both a video of her mother and a letter from her mother to her, both that she had received all within a few days span. This gift from the past was a treasure beyond words.