𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 || 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥

Epilogue

Was it a coward's way out to leave? I couldn't answer that question if I tried. But judging from the sympathetic look on my step-mom's face as tears gathered in her eyes, I knew she understood perfectly the heartbreak I was going through.

After all, it wasn't goodbye for good. It was only goodbye for now. And I needed the time away. Seeing baby Chris day in and day out was just too much for me, he brought back bittersweet memories of the man I'd fallen in love with - memories I couldn't deal with at the moment.

Paige, Piper, and Phoebe hugged me tightly before letting me go, before my steps took me away from the Manor I had called home for so long.

Admittedly, I learned a lot in my travels over the next five years. I went to the clerical offices downtown and discovered more on my father's past, about who he was before. Apparently, my great-grandmother's name had been Grace, hence my own moniker. I even was able to track down some very distantly-related Turner family members. Surprisingly enough, it seemed as if a family of witches had married in some decades ago. That was how I met my second cousin (albeit 3 times removed) and best friend, Tinka.

Tinka made me forget everything for a time, she helped me to feel alive again - to not dwell on the loss of Chris in my life. And I truly did live as we traveled all over the globe. Every now and then, a Whitelighter would even orb in to check up on us (as per Leo's request, of course).

Keeping my mind busy, my thoughts off of my own heartbreak and pain, I was finally able to free myself. Through the following ten years, I learned different languages, tried new hobbies, and put more time and effort into a career to better myself. Through a great recommendation by my loving mama and a lot of perseverance on my own part, before I knew it I had become the editor at a well-known magazine in New York. It was exactly what I'd always wanted. Even if I did have to use a few spells to make people forget that at 46, I had stopped aging long, long ago. In fact, I still looked the same age as I did when I left home. But truly, I loved my job.

Or at least...I thought I did.

"I just...I don't know. I can't put it into words, mom. Its just...I feel like I should be home again," I sighed through the line, the cool touch-screen from my cell-phone resting against my cheek.

"Well, honey, why don't you do that then? Just take some time off, take a vacation - focus on you for once. Stress gets to us all, sweetie. Working the advice column years back, I had to deal with stress on a daily basis. And not just because of all the witchy stuff we used to have going on but the job itself," she assured me through her end.

"No, mom, not this home. I mean home home," I explained, hoping she would understand.

Phoebe was silent a moment, clearly stunned by my bombshell. She quickly recovered though, clearing her throat before speaking. I could practically see that familiar surprised look on her face. It had been a long time since I'd been back to San Francisco.

"Mattie, you know you're always welcome here. I've always wanted you back here, honey, but...are you sure you're ready for that?"

Her words were apprehensive, a motherly worry bleeding into her tone. I knew, of course, the reasons why she was so worried about me. I had nearly spiraled when I lost him. It had been 15 years since I'd left the Manor that day. Was I really ready to see the Halliwells again? But as the thought rolled around in my mind, I couldn't help but be brought back to happier, simpler times - laughing with the girls, teasing Leo, all of the adventures we'd had as the Charmed Ones + Plus One. And I couldn't help but believe that it was time. It was time to go home.

"Yeah...yeah, I think so, mom. It just...it feels like I should come back now. It's time,"

I could almost see her smiling through the phone at my words and it made my heart happy at the next words that left her lips.