𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 || 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥

Chapter 40 - Goodbye For Now?

Chris paced across the marble floor, getting more anxious by the minute as we waited on Leo and Piper to show up. My eyes followed his figure as he walked around the library at Magic School and I couldn't help but smile at the turn of events that had been transpiring over the past several months. So much had changed! And not just Chris' cute new haircut.

Leo had finally started making an effort after finding out Chris was his son and I had to say, things seemed to be getting better between the two. He'd even begun calling him 'dad' which I thought was a huge step in the right direction. And as for Leo? He was really trying. I could tell he really felt bad for what had happened in Chris' life while he wasn't there. And now he was determined that it wasn't going to happen the same way again - that this time, he was going to be a better father, be there for him.

"Chris, they're coming, okay?" I smiled over at him reassuringly as he glanced over to where I was perched on one of the tables.

"You know the headmaster dislikes you doing that - he's already told you," my half-Whitelighter boyfriend pointed out to me, arching an eyebrow at my casual manner.

I shrugged, not budging an inch, "Oh, please, what Gideon doesn't know won't hurt him,"

Chris made a face him at me, "Yeah, well, just be careful of that when I'm gone. I won't be here to get you out of all your scrapes next time,"

I only laughed in response to that, shaking my head. But my laughter quickly dissolved into sudden warm tears that made tracks down my face as the realization of what today marked came crashing down on me. I'd been trying to hold it together, I really had. But just the thought of Chris leaving left me with an empty hole in my chest. At least...that's how it felt.

His face softened then as he strode over to me, taking me in his arms as I tried hard to keep the rest of my tears at bay. I knew he had to go, I knew this but...but how was I supposed to wait 22 years for him to come back into my life? How could I wait that long to get him back?

Chris opened his mouth to speak then, most likely to comfort me when finally, the people we'd been waiting on arrived. Quickly, I wiped my tears away, sniffling as I tried to put on a happy face.

"Where are Phoebe and Paige?" he asked, changing the subject as they walked over to us.

"I'm sure they'll be here soon," Piper told him, her swollen belly very much on display in the tight, mauve maternity top she wore as she eyed me with sympathy.

Of all people, Piper knew exactly how I felt.

Chris made a face, gesturing at the chalk marks on the wall behind us, "Soon? Soon is when Dad and I have to go,"

"Dad? What do you mean-" Piper started in confusion before turning to Leo, "Wait, you're gonna go too?"

"Just long enough to make sure he gets where he needs to be," Leo assured her and I tried to bite back a smile at the family's playful bickering.

"And when exactly where you gonna tell me about this?"

"I told him he didn't have to come. I don't need him," Chris said, spreading his hands out in a casual gesture, meant to convince his parents.

Leo shook his head, "No. It's too dangerous. Remember the last time you went through a portal? You were almost dinosaur kibble. I have to go,"

"You're right, it is dangerous. But not as dangerous as leaving Wyatt alone while I'm in labor," Piper pointed out, shooting her husband a mock smile.

"I'll be back," Leo reassured her with a sweet smile of his own, "I promise."

Gideon rounded the corner then, dressed in his robes as per usual. I couldn't help but frown. To say he was one of my least favorite people would be an understatement. He just gave me bad vibes, I couldn't explain it. When I'd attempted telling this to Chris, though, he'd only waved me off as being too paranoid. And maybe I was. But still...there was something off about this guy...