Charmed. Cole and Phoebe Guardian Series.How quaint the ways of paradox?

Charmed. How quaint the ways of Paradox Chapter 34

Part 3: The more things change

Chapter 34

"How quaint the ways of paradox; At common sense she gaily mocks" (Gilbert and Sullivan. Pirates of Penzance)

Cole shimmered into the kitchen of the manor, where the three girls and Leo were having a very quiet and polite Sunday brunch. Piper had just finished feeding Melinda. Cole stood there not quite knowing what to say. Melinda was the first one tor realise he was there. She let out a shriek.

Phoebe looked up from staring into her coffee cup and saw him. She dropped the coffee cup, stood up and flung herself at him. He caught her in a long deep kiss.

Phoebe finally pulled herself away from him "I hate you, you know" she said, conversationally, planting herself back at the bench as if the kiss had never happened "I really do hate you."

"I know" he said awkwardly. Piper and Paige just stared at him "I had to come back and say. I'm ..I"

"Don't you dare say you're sorry" Phoebe snapped "You'd do it again tomorrow if you had to."

"I know" Cole said. Melinda started to scream because he was ignoring her. Cole went to pick her up and stopped. Melinda's screamed louder. Piper picked her up and dumped the baby at him. "I don't get what they see in you" she said glaring at Phoebe.

"You're an idiot Cole" Paige said "When are you going to learn to talk about things out, not go rushing of without thinking what other people might do or they might be worried?".

"What" he said.

"You're an idiot Cole" Piper said.

He shook his head. "I guess I am" he agreed Then nervously he asked "What are you going to tell the Elders?"

Leo met Cole's eyes "That Tempus has the Grimoire and there is a new source."

Piper looked up "You know this time last year we met that new Elder, a 15 year old kid. I have trouble relating to the idea that a 15 year old kid is the wisest creature in the realm. Better they don't know. Stuff 'em" she said.

Cole a little confused said "Thanks."

Leo quietly said "You're going to have to learn to trust some one besides yourself sometime."

"I do sort of" Cole said" I'm just not very good at it. I'm so.. "he stopped as he saw Phoebe's face. " I never expected you to understand" he added lamely.

Phoebe looked at him "You told me once you needed to be able to trust my belief in you. When are you going to do that, when are you going to learn I love you for what you are?"

He shrugged "When I'm old and grey and a lot wiser than I am now" he said.

"I'll remind you." she said.

He smiled , a little sadly. He put Melinda back in her chair. She was not pleased at him putting her down and started grizzling and thumping her chair to get attention. Paige picked Melinda up "You missy are getting spoilt" she said and removed her from the kitchen.

Cole watched Paige go.

"I guess I'll leave. I, I'll let you decide" He said as Phoebe eyed him silently.

Leo and glanced at Piper who nodded.

Cole made to shimmer then stopped to add "Thanks" and turned away.

"Which beach are you going to?" Piper demanded.

Cole stopped surprised then answered "Why?"

"Well don't lose track of the time difference" Piper said "Suppers at 7. Make sure you're back in time."