Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters used in this story, those belong to the WB. I do however, own the story and it should not be recreated without my permission. Thanks.


“Piper, do you have my yellow makeup case?” Phoebe asked, peaking her head into her older sister’s room.

“No, it’s in the bathroom cabinet under the sink where you left it,” Piper responded, shoving down on her suitcase.

“Need a hand?” Phoebe asked, amused as she watched the comical scene.

“Yeah, actually I do,” Piper said as she held down the suitcase. Phoebe hopped up on her bed and sat down on the suitcase. The locks fell into place and Piper snapped them shut. She smiled at her thirteen year old baby sister.

“Thanks Pheebs,” she smiled.

“No problem...when will Grams get home?” Phoebe asked, her excitment glowing from her face.

“Around 5:00,” Piper said, watching her sister smile she continued, “we’ll get there Phoebe. Chill,”

“I know, I just can’t wait. We haven’t seen her in two months!” Phoebe exclaimed, “and....” her grin turned mischevious.

“There’ll be college guys there,” she giggled.

Piper laughed and tackled her little sister back onto the bed. Phoebe laughed as Piper tickled her relentlessly. Finally they rolled away from each other, both red faced and giggling.

“You know something Piper?” Phoebe said, propping her head onto her hands.

“What’s that Pheebs?” Piper asked, facing her sister.

“I was thinking that maybe Prue only wanted you to go. I mean, when she called I answered and she had to leave a message so I think she kind of pity invited me,” Phoebe said, staring at her hands.

Piper sighed. Ever since Phoebe had been attacked two months she’d been more aware of her sisters. She’d been walking home from school and taken a shortcut through an alley when a man had jumped out of a car and tried to push her in it. Phoebe had enough wits to manage to kick him and bite him. While he groaned she dropped her bookbag and sprinted home. Once she’d gotten there she’d ran straight to her room and refused to talk until Prue had come home later that night. But instead of comfort Prue had given Phoebe a long lecture about taking the alley on her way home.

Phoebe hadn’t shown how much it upset her, but Piper could tell Phoebe had thought she would get a little less of a lecture and a little more comfort. But she also knew Prue had known that she would be leaving soon and that she needed to warn Phoebe before she left. Piper knew that Prue had just wanted her sister to know that she couldn’t be there every minute anymore.

Now they were going to spend the weekend at Prue’s dorm while her roomate took a trip. It would be the first time they visited their sister since she’d left for college less than two months before.

“Phoebe, I think she wants you there just as much as you want to be there,” Piper assured.

“Oh that’s reassuring,” Phoebe teased. Piper smiled.

“She wants to spend the weekend with her sisters Pheebs, both of us. Now you better finish packing if you ever want to get there.”

“You’re right, call me when Grams gets home,” Phoebe said, sliding off the bed and trotting out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Okay now girls, remember, this is a college you’re visiting. I want you to be careful, there are older adults there that will try to take advantage of your naivity,” Grams lectured. Phoebe rolled her eyes.

“Prue’s going to be there Grams, like she’s going to let anything happen to us,” Phoebe pointed out.

“I know...but...this is your first time you’ve gone so far away without me,” Grams said.

“Grams we all went to Florida last summer,” Piper pointed out gently.

“Well yes I know, but Prue was with you and...” Grams started.

“We are going to visit HER, she’ll probably be there,” Phoebe said impatiently, Piper poked her. Phoebe frowned and rubbed her side.

“I know, you girls can handle this. Go on, have lots of fun,” Grams said with a smile.

Piper smiled back and stepped forward, giving her Grams a kiss on the cheek. Pulling back she gave a supportive smile.

“We’ll be fine. We’ll call when we get there,” Piper assured. Grams nodded.

“Okay then,” she said.

“Love you Grams...bye,” Phoebe said as she gave her Grams a hug and trotted out the door. Pulling impatiently at the door handle of Piper’s car. Piper laughed and turned back to Grams.

“Love you,” she called as she picked up her bags.

“Love you too girls, tell Prue I say hi,” she instructed.

Grams smiled as Piper and Phoebe waved from the car. She watched, leaning against the doorframe as they back out from the driveway. She stayed until the car had long ago disappeared from sight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Piper took a long sigh as her tired eyes stared at the huge campus before her. It was late, the darkness of night had already crept in and swallowed the motion from campus. Lights flickered here and there but other than that everything was eerily quiet.

Piper glanced over at Phoebe who had her head leaning against the window and was out like a log. Her legs curled up to her chest and her arms pillowing her head. Piper smiled, Phoebe could be so adorable. Gently she nudged her sleeping sister, kind of sad at having to wake her. She wasn’t used to Phoebe sleeping soundly. Ever since the attack her younger sister had been having horrible nightmares that woke her almost every night.

“Pheebs, sweetie we’re here,” Piper urged softly.

Phoebe stirred and rubbed her eyes. She glanced around groggily and then turned to Piper. Piper was getting out of the car.

“We’re here.” Phoebe stated.

“You’re an observant one,” Piper teased.

Phoebe laughed and wiggled out of the car. She walked around to the back of the car and helped Piper unload the bags. Then they locked the car and began trudging toward the dorm room doors. As they were walking a figure could be seen walking toward them. Piper stopped but Phoebe kept walking.

“Phoebe...” Piper hissed.

“Piper get over yourself, it’s Prue,” Phoebe laughed as Prue’s figure slowly became more visble.

Piper scoweled and hurried to catch up to her sister. Soon she was running because the figure was also running. Piper threw down her bags and practically lept into her older sister’s arms. Prue laughed as she swung her sister around.

“Piper!” Prue squeeled in happiness as she kissed her sister on the cheek. Piper laughed and wrapped her arms tighter around her sister’s neck.

Phoebe stood back, waiting. Finally Piper gently pulled away. It was then that Prue saw her youngest sister standing shyly in the background. Prue smiled and held out her arms. A huge smile erupted on Phoebe’s face and she ran into her sister’s arms. Prue laughed and kissed her sister on the forehead. Phoebe smiled.

“Gosh it’s seems like so long,” Prue gushed as she broke the embrace and helped her sister’s with their bags.

“I know, two months. That’s long for us,” Piper commented.

“Yeah,” Prue replied, her eyes focused ahead, where another figure was approaching. Again Piper stopped.

“It’s okay, it’s only Connor,” Prue assured.

Somewhat comforted by her sister’s assurance Piper continued, but grabbed Phoebe’s hand to keep her younger sister close. Phoebe laughed but let her sister lead her.

“Little late for a walk isn’t it Prue?” the boy teased.

“I was just meeting my sisters. They’re visiting for the weekend,” Prue explained.

“Ouh, new meat,” Connor said, his eyes flickering over to the girls. He stopped on Phoebe, and Prue noticed. Punching him hard in the arm she spoke.

“They’re too young for you,” Prue warned.

“Oh loosen up. I’m not going to hurt your precious sisters,” Connor laughed as he rubbed his arms. He walked over to Piper and stuck out his hand.

“Connor O’Brien,” he introduced. Piper timidely shook his hand.

“Piper....Piper Halliwell,” Piper replied. Connor smiled and turned to Phoebe. She started to speak but he held up his hand.

“Wait, don’t tell me. You must be the infamous Phoebe,” Connor said, adding a charming smile. Phoebe raised her eyebrows and turned to Prue.

“Talk about me a lot?” she teased.

Prue frowned, she didn’t like how Connor was getting so comfy. But she couldn’t say anything in front of her sisters. She’d certainly warn him later though, he had a reputation for using young girls and Prue wasn’t about to let Phoebe be his next target, especially since Phoebe was wary of strangers since the attack.

“Can I help you with those?” Connor asked gesturing to the two suitcases and a bag Phoebe was lugging.

Phoebe hesitated while she looked him over. She wasn’t sure if she trusted him but her sisters were right there and she handed over the two suitcases. Connor flashed her a brilliant smile and started walking. Up ahead Piper and Prue were talking low so their sister wouldn’t hear.

“So who is this guy?” Piper asked suspiciously, she didn’t like a college guy hitting on her baby sister.

“He’s just some jerk from the floor below mine. He used to date my roomate so he thinks he has a permanent invitation in our room even though she’s dating someone else now,” Prue explained.

“I don’t like him hanging on Phoebe,” Piper said as she glanced over her shoulder and saw the two laughing. Prue sighed.

“Me neither. I’ll warn him to stay away from her tomorrow. Maybe you could talk to Phoebe...she doesn’t take it well from me,” Prue suggested. Piper nodded.

“No problem,” Piper agreed.

The finally got inside and to the door of Prue’s dorm. Prue stopped before she put the key into the lock. She looked pointedly toward Connor, who was setting his load down.

“Goodnight Connor,” she said firmly. He gave her a sly smile.

“Goodnight Prue,” he replied.

Then he turned and smiled at Piper and Phoebe.

“It was nice meeting you both,” he said politely, his eyes lingering on Phoebe. Phoebe smiled.

“Goodnight,” she said.

Connor waved as he disappeared down the hallway and descended the steps. Piper glanced over at Phoebe and watched as her eyes lingered on the steps, watching him disappear. Then she glanced at Prue and knew Prue had seen it too. Taking a deep breath Prue led her sisters into her dorm room.

“I know it’s small but my roomate is gone for the weekend so at least we’ll have it to ourselves,” Prue said apologetically.

“What are you talking about? It’s awesome!” Phoebe explained as she danced in the room decorated with hip art and trendy furniture. Prue smiled as she watched her sister sparkle.

“Well I’ll give you a tour in the morning. For now all you need to know is that’s my bedroom and that’s my roomates,” Prue said, pointing to two doors on opposite walls.

“So which one of you beautiful people want to sleep on the couch in here?” Prue asked as she glanced at her sisters.

“I will,” Phoebe volunteered. Prue raised a suspicious eyebrow, Phoebe usually never voulnteered for something like that.

“I kick,” Phoebe weakly defended, seeing her sister’s suspicion. But really she didn’t want Prue to hear her whimpering in her sleep. She’d done it since the attack because of the nightmares that haunted her.

“Okay,” Prue hesitantly agreed, wondering if her sister had some kind of hidden motive behind her sudden cooperation.

Piper and Prue headed off to their rooms. Prue brought Phoebe a pillow and some blankets and helped her get settled on the floor and then she left again. Phoebe slipped under the covers and glanced around the dorm room. It was silent and darkness surrounded her. Suddenly Phoebe heard a noise at the door, she froze instantly. Then a figure appeared as the door swung open, sihlotted in the night. Phoebe didn’t wait any longer, she let out a terrified scream and sprinted into her oldest sister’s room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebe dove into her sister’s bed, her scared body shaking and trembling. Prue was awake immedietly and before she knew what she was doing she cuddeled Phoebe in her arms. Phoebe snuggled in close to her sister, shaking uncontrolably.

“What? What’s wrong?” Prue asked.

“Somebody..in...house,” Phoebe stumbled.

“What?” Prue asked, her senses immedietly picking up as she looked around the room. Phoebe was near tears now she was so scared.

“Stay here,” Prue said, starting to wiggle out of her sister’s hold.

“No, don’t,” Phoebe insisted, hanging on tightly to her sister.

“Phoebe don’t be ridiculous, let go,” Prue said, jerking out of Phoebe’s grasp and swinging her door open.

The living room lights were on and Andy was standing in the room, looking around very confused. Piper’s head was peaking timidely out of the other door. Prue burst into laugher. Phoebe came up behind her sister and peaked around her. She let out a loud sigh of relief when she saw it was only Andy.

“That you’re robber Pheebs?” Prue teased. Phoebe frowned.

“Hey, you would have been scared to,” Phoebe defended.

“Chill out,” Prue said, draping an arm around Phoebe’s shoulder, “let’s go say hi to our masked maniac.”

Phoebe shook her head as she laughed at her sister’s corny joke. Piper slipped out of her own room, relieved that it was only Andy. Piper seated herself at the table that served as a kitchen table, next to Andy. Phoebe slid out from under Prue’s arm and into Piper’s lap. Piper wrapped an arm around her sister’s waist protectively as Phoebe sat down.

“Sorry I scared you there kiddo,” Andy apologised. Phoebe grinned.

“No problemo,” she replied lightly.

“So what do you need Andy?” Prue asked, as she sat on the kitchen counter.

“I was actually hoping for a place to crash, Jake brought a girl back to the room and they’re being well...not very hospitable,” Andy said, throwing an apprehensive glance at Phoebe who laughed.

“I am thirteen Andy, I have heard of sex,” Phoebe giggled. Prue threw her a teasingly glare.

“Not much I hope,” Prue warned. Phoebe dropped her glance and Prue looked over at Piper, who just shrugged.

“Well anyway, can I have the couch?” Andy asked with hopeful eyes.

“Well um...Phoebe was going to sleep there but...” Prue started hesitantly.
“I can bunk with Piper,” Phoebe volunteered. Piper shook her head.

“You kick!” she exclaimed, “you can bunk with Prue.”

Prue’s frowned unconciously at the prospect of having Phoebe in her room. Phoebe saw this and sighed. She knew Piper was trying to push them together and she appreciated the effort but she knew Prue didn’t want to sleep in the same room, let alone share a bed, with her.

“It’s okay, I’ll just sleep on the floor,” Phoebe suggested meekly.

“Don’t be ridiculous Phoebe, if anybody should sleep on the floor it’s me,” Andy argued. Prue sighed.

“Nobody is sleeping on the floor, Phoebe you can sleep with me,” Prue decided. Phoebe stared up at her older sister, amazed. Prue bit her lip, trying not to show her frustration at the situation.

“Now come on, it’s late,” Prue said, tugging at Phoebe’s shirt, “time for EVERYBODY to go to bed.”

Phoebe got up obediently and followed her sister into her room. Piper returned to her room and Andy practically dove under the covers on the couch and was immedietly snoring. Prue shut the door gently behind them so as not to wake him.

“What side do you want?” Prue asked, bitterness easily detectable in her voice.

Phoebe shrank back a little bit. Anywhere else Phoebe was outspoken and confident but she wanted to please her older sister so bad she became passive when she was around her.

“Umm how about this side?” Phoebe asked, pointing to the right side of the bed. Prue shrugged.

“Go on then!” she remarked.

Phoebe climbed onto the bed and slipped under the covers. She rolled over to face the wall so she wouldn’t disturb her sister. Prue climbed under her own covers and faced the opposite wall, all the while grumbling to herself about having to share her own room. Soon Prue heard the soft rhythem of Phoebe’s sleeping breathing. Prue was about to let herself drift off to sleep when she heard her little sister whimper in her sleep.

At first she ignored it, but then she heard it again and turned over. Phoebe was turning restlessly in her sleep, her face contorted in fear. Prue sighed, what was she supposed to do? She debated whether or not to wake her little sister but then Phoebe spoke out from her sleep.

“Mama,” Phoebe whimpered, her eyes firmly closed as she shivered suddenly.

Prue’s insticts took over when she heard Phoebe call for their mom. She sat up and swifly pulled Phoebe into her arms. Phoebe cuddeled up closely but stirred when she felt Prue’s arms around her. Phoebe’s eyes snapped open and she flailed wildly, forgetting where she was.

“Mom!” she practically shouted.

“Phoebe it’s okay, I’m here,” Prue comforted her still partially sleeping sister.

“Mom?” Phoebe groggily asked, calming a little but still trying to wake up.

“No Phoebe, it’s me, Prue,” Prue comforted, wrapping her arms protectively closer around her younger sister’s small body.

“Prue?” Phoebe asked uncertainly. Her big brown eyes filling up with tears as she began to wake up and realise what was going on.

“It’s me sweety, it’s okay. I’m here now,” Prue comforted, rocking Phoebe gently back and forth. Phoebe shivered and snuggled closer to her sister, lying her head on Prue’s chest and letting her tears trickle down her cheeks. Prue’s heart was breaking seeing her baby so upset.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Prue asked gently, after Phoebe had calmed down a little.

“Ever since the...er...attack,” Phoebe started uncertainly, “I’ve had this nightmare of what would have happened if he’d put me in that car.”

Phoebe shivered at the thought and her bottom lips quivered again in fear. Prue sighed and tightened her embarce on her scared baby sister.

“And mom was in this dream?” Prue asked.

“No...why?” Phoebe asked curiously.

“You were calling her name,” Prue explained. Phoebe blushed, she hated being a baby in front of her sister.

“Oh,” she said quietly. Prue saw her sister’s discomfort.

“You should really get some rest Pheebs, I’ll be right here and I’m not letting anything happen to you,” Prue assured as she let go of Phoebe and Phoebe craweled back over to her side of the bed.

“Thanks,” Phoebe said softly and then she rolled over. Prue waited until she heard Phoebe’s rhythemic breathing again before she let herself fall asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebe awoke the next morning to light streaming in the window. She looked around groggily before she remembered where she was. Then last night came flooding back to her and her stomach gave a nervous twist. Would Prue tell Piper about her dream? Phoebe knew Piper would freak if she knew and get all worried and at that point it was the last thing she wanted.

Phoebe made her body move. She swung her legs around the bed and stood up. She saw that Prue was already gone. Phoebe slipped on a pair of jeans and a loose T shirt before she went into the living room in case Andy was still around.

“Hey Pheebs,” Piper greeted when she saw her younger sister emerge from Prue’s room. Phoebe smiled. Andy and Prue were chatting at the table while Piper hovered over the stove. Phoebe sniffed and immedietly identified pancakes. Phoebe shook her head as she laughed and sat down next to Prue at the table.

“You’re on VACATION Piper, that means you’re supposed to rest,” Phoebe teased.

“I couldn’t resist,” Piper admitted with a laugh. Prue smiled too and waited to catch Phoebe’s eyes. Eventually her younger sister turned her gaze toward Prue. Prue sent Phoebe a look and Phoebe gave her a soft smile. She knew that meant that Phoebe was okay, that she hadn’t had any more dreams.

“So what do you guys want to do today?” Prue asked as she leaned back in the chair and addressed her sisters.

“What is there to do?” Phoebe asked curiously. Andy smiled.

“What isn’t there to do,” he corrected, “we have a pool, a track, tennis courts, a gamehouse, a resturant. You name it,” Andy described. Phoebe’s eyes lit up at the mention of the pool.

“Can we swim?” Phoebe asked hopefully, turning to Prue for approval.

“No,” Prue said sternly. Phoebe immedietly frowned and turned to Piper for an appeal. But Piper gave Phoebe a ‘not now’ look and Phoebe turned back to her plate, pouting.

“We’ll go take a tour of the campus or something. Piper needs to get used to it anyway,” Prue said with a smile. Piper smiled too. But Phoebe frowned.

“Don’t remind me,” she mumbled, she hated to think of the day both her sisters would be out of the house for good.

“What?” Prue asked, glancing at her sister. Phoebe shook her head and gave a wry smile.

“Nothing.”

“Okay then it’s decided...a tour and maybe a movie tonight?” Prue offered.

“Whatever,” Phoebe said.

“Don’t worry Pheebs, we’re going to have a lot of fun. You’ll see, it’ll be good,” Prue said, rubbing her hands together in excitment.

Phoebe suddenly stood up from the table, her chair screeching against her floor as she jumped up and ran toward Prue’s room. Prue and Piper exchanged glances and Piper started towards the door but Prue held up her hand.

“I got it, you keep cooking,” Prue said.

She went into her room and was surprised to hear gagging noises from the bathroom. Prue raised her eyebrows in suspicion and pushed open the door, not bothering to knock. Phoebe was hunched over the toilet, her hands grasping the rim as she lifted her head up and wiped her mouth, breathing heavy. She glanced up when Prue walked in and flushed the toilet, slamming the lid down. Prue frowned as she took a step toward her sister. Phoebe curled up on the ground and wiped quickly at her eyes before rolling away so Prue couldn’t see her face.

“Phoebe....are you sick?” Prue asked, taking another step toward her sister but stepped back again when Phoebe groaned.

“No, go away,” she replied.

“Phoebe get real I’m not leaving after you spilled your guts in the toilet,” Prue said bluntly. Phoebe rolled back around to face her sister and sighed.

“It’s nothing important, I’m fine,” she said sternly as she leaned on the sink counter and raised herself to her feet, “let’s eat.”

“Phoebe, you aren’t going anywhere,” Prue said, jogging ahead of her sister and slamming her bedroom door shut and turning, her back against it, to face her sister.

“Prue it’s stupid okay?” Phoebe admitted.

“Phoebe you were sick, that’s not stupid.”

“It’s not that I got sick, it’s WHY I got sick that’s stupid,” Phoebe informed, trying to wiggle her way around her sister and to the door, but Prue was stubborn and unmoving.

“Phoebe you aren’t leaving until you tell me what is wrong,” Prue said with a light tone of arrogance in her voice. Phoebe rolled her eyes angrily.

“You want to know? Well what you said about having fun is what that guy said when he dragged me into that car okay?” Phoebe shouted, “you happy now?”

Prue was shocked. She knew that the attack had upset her baby sister, that was aparent from last night, but she had no idea it was this bad. Phoebe couldn’t stop imagining what could have happened if they had pulled her into that car. Prue took a deep breath.

“Phoebe...” she started.

“No, you were right, I should have never taken the alley. If I wasn’t so stupid I would have never even been anywhere near that car,” Phoebe admitted, sinking to her knees and wrapping her knees around them and buring her head into her arms. Prue sighed and kneeled next to her sister.

“Phoebe, it’s not your fault,” Prue comforted, feeling guilty that she’d lectured her sister instead of comforting her after the attack.

“Yes it was, you were right. I should have listened to you,” Phoebe argued, “I’m sorry,” she whispered. A few years stubbornly escaping her eyes. Prue sighed, her heart aching.

“Phoebe I should be the one that is apologising,” Prue said softly, running her hand through Phoebe’s hair. Her heart broke when her sister flinched and back away from her.

Phoebe kept scooting back until she was backed up against the table next to Prue’s bed. She sat in the corner, her head in her hands and crying. Prue just watched her, stuck in a shocked trance. Suddenly the door flew open and Piper’s unhappy face appeared.

“I’ve been calling for...” she started, but stopped when she saw Phoebe huddeled in the corner. Piper glanced at Prue who motioned her outside. Piper stepped forward toward Phoebe, but Prue grabbed her arm and pulled her into the room. Andy was at the door.

“I better get going,” he said, “sister stuff?” he guessed.

Prue smiled, he was such a great guy. She nodded and he slipped out the door without another word. Piper turned to Prue impatiently.

“What the hell is going on?” Piper finally burst.

“She’s upset about the attack still. I’m worried Piper, she had a dream last night and I don’t think it was the first time. It seems like she’s not dealing with it as well as we thought,” Prue explained. Piper sighed and clutched her head.

“I was worried it was that. She’s been so distant lately Prue, at first I just shrugged it off. I wanted to give her time, but maybe I should have...” Piper started but Prue smiled and gently touched her sister’s arm to stop her.

“Piper there’s nothing you could have done,” Prue insisted, “nobody is to blame. We just have to figure out what to do.”

“Let’s talk to her, we can’t exactly force her to do anything until she calms down,” Piper said, anxious to get to her sister. Prue nodded as she and Piper turned back toward the door.

Piper pushed it open but then her mouth fell open in shock. Behind her she heard Prue curse and rush forward. The window was wide open as the curtains swang in the breeze. Piper panicked, sinking onto the bed and mumbling. But Prue went to Phoebe’s suitcase and found most of her stuff still there, then she checked the bathroom and found a towel missing. She sighed.

“She went swimming,” Prue announced.

“What?” Piper snapped, then she sighed, “sorry...how do you know?”

“Her suit is missing from her bag and she took a towel. It’s always been an outlet for her,” Prue remembered, Piper nodded.

“So where’s the pool?” Piper asked, standing, more confident now that they knew where their sister was heading.

“Other side of campus, we’ll beat her there if we take the car. And we can look for her on the way,” Prue suggested. Piper nodded as they rushed out into the living room. Piper shook her head at the food getting cold on the counter as Prue grabbed her keys and they left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Phoebe walked blindly down the campus sidewalk. The tears pouring down her face disabled her vision and she stumbled around the students packed into the tight sidewalk. She had her towel and suit thrown over her suit and had asked a student where the pool was. Swimming had always been more than a sport for her, it was an outlet, something she could do to let off steam and frustrated. Which is exactly what she was...frustrated, frustrated at herself for letting her attack get to her so much, frustrated that it had happened at all. Phoebe was too busy wiping her tears away to notice the guy come up behind her and drape his arm over her shoulders.

Phoebe jerked back, and the guy stopped. Phoebe looked up and let a relieved sigh, holding her hand to her chest she smiled, “Geez Connor, you scared the crap out of me,” she said. Connor smiled.

“Sorry,” he said, “where are you headed and why isn’t Mama Bear close behind?” Connor asked, glancing around.

“I left,” Phoebe admitted, “I wanted to swim.”

“I see that,” Connor said, nodding toward the suit and towel on her shoulders, “but why didn’t Prue tag along? I can’t see her letting her little sister loose on the campus without protection.”

Phoebe laughed, “No, she wouldn’t. I snuck out.”

“Fight?” Connor guessed.

“No,” Phoebe shook her head, “I just needed some fresh air, and Prue doesn’t like to swim.”

“I heard that about her,” Connor said, “they asked her to take pictures of the swim team for the school newspaper and she freaked out and refused.”

Phoebe nodded, “Long story.”

“How about you tell me in the car,” Connor said, “there’s no way I’m letting you walk all the way to the other side of the campus alone. That’s almost a mile,” Connor said. Phoebe smiled.

“I appreciate the big brotherness,” Phoebe replied, “but why don’t we walk?”

“Quicker to drive,” Connor explained, “besides my car is right over there.”

Phoebe hesitated a moment. She wasn’t sure what to do. It would be quicker to drive with Connor and he seemed like a really nice guy. And besides, her sisters would be looking for her now, and she’d be easy to spot on foot. Phoebe smiled.

“Okay,” she agreed.

“Great,” Connor said, “come on.”

Connor led Phoebe over to a red Camero. Phoebe raised her eyebrows at the leather interior and shiny new paint job. Connor unlocked the doors and gestured for Phoebe to get in. Phoebe’s hand trembled as she grasped the doorhandle, her heart thumping as she remembered her attack. Phoebe took a deep breath, reminding her that she knew the guy this time. Phoebe got into the car and stared out the window. Connor started the car and backed up. They drove for awhile, but after ten minutes Phoebe was getting suspicious. Things didn’t look farmiliar anymore and they should have been at the pool a few minutes ago. Phoebe sat up straighter in her seat.

“Where’s the pool?” she asked quietly. Connor laughed.

“We’re not going to the pool.”

“What! Where are you taking me?” Phoebe yelled. Connor glared at her.

“Shut up you stupid little kid,” he hissed, “besides,” he continued in a voice light with a smile, “we’re going to have lots of fun.”

Phoebe felt her stomach churn as she remembered the words the other man had used. Pheobe realised it then, if she didn’t do something Connor was going to finish what the other man never got to start. Phoebe’s heart was thumping so loud she was sure her chest would shatter from the pressure. She cursed herself for being stupid enough to get into the car with him. Phoebe glanced at the door, it was unlocked. Luckily she hadn’t put her seatbelt on either. She glanced at the spedominater and saw they were going around 35 miles per hour. It was risky, but she didn’t know what else to do if she sat in the car there was no telling what would happen to her. So in one swift motion Phoebe grabbed the handle, leaned heavily against the door and curled her body up as she rolled out of the car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebe felt like she was in slow motion; the whistle of the wind through her ears, the gray of the cement blocking out everything else from her vision. Vaguely Phoebe heard a scream and somewhere in her logical mind she knew she was listening to herself.

Then...impact.

Phoebe felt everything as if her whole body was raw nerves. She felt her side slam against the pavement as she tucked like they’d taught her in soccer practice to avoid getting injured. As she rolled, the skin on her arms burned as she scraped it against the hard cement. Her legs hit last, making a dull thud as her body came to a stop against the curb. Her breath came out in gasps and the last thing she heard before she passed out was the screech of brakes in the distance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prue was getting nervous now. They’d been to the pool to find that no one had seen a girl around 13 anywhere near the it. Prue and Piper had jumped back in the car and circled the campus, but Phoebe was nowhere. Piper was next to her, tears puddeled on her cheeks. Prue was driving through a street near the campus, preparing to circle again when she turned the corner.

Prue’s heart stopped when she saw the scene before her. Connor’s red car was stopped not more than twenty feet ahead. Both doors were open and Prue saw the huddeled figured of her sister on the ground. Connor was leaned over her, trying to pull her toward the car. Phoebe was kicking and screaming, flailing her arms wildly. Piper saw this and was out of the car in a flash. Prue pulled herself into action and ran after Piper, who was covering the distance to her scared little sister fast than she’d ever run before.

Phoebe felt relief wash over her battered body as she saw her sisters and she stopped fighting long enough for Connor to grab her by the waist and yank her to her feet, but that was as far as he got. Phoebe watched an arm break into his hold and send him tumbling backwards, Phoebe broke from his grasp and fell to the ground, screaming in pain as her body seared like red coals. Phoebe looked up at the figure of her oldest sister, standing stock still, her blue eyes flaming with anger. Connor scrambled to his feet and cursed at Prue.

“What the hell are you doing?” he screamed, clutching the spot on his arm where she had jammed down her elbow.

Prue looked down at Phoebe then, her blue eyes softening, but still angry. Piper immedietly dropped to her knees and carefully inspected Phoebe, her hands running gently up and down Phoebe’s limbs, checking for broken bones. Phoebe just laid against the hard ground, concentrating on each breath.

“What happened Phoebe?” Prue asked stiffly, still standing and glaring at Connor, as Piper inspected her little sister.

“H...he...said he’d take...me to the pool...but he....he didn’t take me there....he said we weren’t going there....I got scared...I pushed the door open and jumped out,” Phoebe explained, her voice in bursts between her sniffles and deep breaths. Prue’s eyes hardened as she turned back to Connor who was edging toward his door.

“You fucking bastard!” Prue screamed, running toward Connor. But he jumped in his car and peeled off, “The Dean will hear this,” Prue threatened at the retreating car. Once Connor had disappeared around the corner Prue turned back to Phoebe, her eyes still blazing. She glanced at Piper who just sighed.

“She got lucky, really lucky, no broken bones, she’s just scratched up,” Piper informed, “can you walk sweetie?” Piper asked gently, turning to Phoebe. Phoebe shrugged and carefully stood. Her body ached but she could walk with the help of Piper. They followed Prue back to the car.

“Get in,” Prue said gruffly, opening her door and waiting for Phoebe to arrange herself. Phoebe snuck a glance at Piper. Her sister’s eyes were red from crying and she kept silent, not even trying to stick up for Phoebe. Once Prue got in the car Phoebe knew what was coming. Prue swiveled around in her seat and glared at her youngest sister, huddeled in the corner of the jeep.

“What the hell were you thinking Phoebe? First you run off without telling us, then you get into a car with a guy you barely knew. Are you out of your mind? Did you WANT something to happen to you, because I want to think that you’re smart enough to know what could have happened,” Prue yelled, her voice rising and falling with anger. Phoebe knew Prue was right, she should have never been so stupid.

“I’m sorry,” Phoebe mumbled, her voice was tight and she couldn’t muster enough energy to say anything more.

“You should be,” Prue snapped, “think about what could have happened if we hadn’t drove by.”

Phoebe’s mind immedietly flashed back on the events. She saw herself get into the car, then get scared. Then she watched herself jump out, she felt the impact as severly as the first time. Phoebe knew that if her sisters hadn’t been there to stop Connor from putting her back into that car she might not even be alive right then. Phoebe sighed and leaned her head against the cool glass of the jeep window and closed her eyes. Prue glanced back at her sister who was sleeping in the backseat. Prue noticed a few small tears slide out from under her closed eyes. Prue sighed as she pulled the car into the parking spot. She reached back and gently touched Phoebe’s knee.

“We’re here,” she informed, her voice coming out harder than she’d meant it to.

The three entered the dorm silently. There wasn’t anything to say. They were all still trying to digest the day’s events. Prue glanced at the clock, it was almost 3:00. They’d been gone since 12:00. Prue watched as Phoebe went immedietly to the bathroom to wash off the blood and nurse her scrapes and bruises. Piper went silently into the kitchen to clean up the uneaten breakfast. Prue went to her room to work on her paper. The three sisters stayed that way, nochalantly avoiding each other and only talking when they had to, for the rest of the night. But then bed time arrived and they stared akwardly at each other as they tried to figure out what to do. Phoebe was the first to speak.

“I’ll sleep on the couch,” she said flatly.

“Are you sure?” Prue asked, feeling suddenly protective of her sister. Phoebe glanced at her.

“Yeah,” she replied, “I’m fine.”

Prue shrugged and went to her room. She knew Piper would stay with Phoebe so she slipped into her room and shut the door. She changed silently into the living room and waited for her sister’s whispering voices to fade. Outside in the living room Phoebe had climbed under the covers and Piper had sat down at her feet. They just stared at each other for awhile, not knowing what to say.

“I’m sorry I scared you,” Phoebe finally said, she wanted to sleep, her body hurt all over and she just wanted to shut her eyes.

“I know,” Piper said, seeing her sister’s exaustion she smiled gently, “you sure you’ll be okay in here?”

Phoebe nodded, “Yeah, thanks.”

“I love you Phoebe,” Piper said, giving her sister a light kiss on the forehead. Phoebe smiled.

“I love you too,” she said as she shut her eyes. Piper stood and quietly crossed the room and went into her room.

Phoebe laid awake for some time, waiting for her tired body to let sleep take over. Finally she felt her eyes get heavy under the lids and time faded away to sleep. But sleep faded away to dreams...bad dreams. Phoebe watched it all play in her head. She watched Connor yank her back into the car and speed off. She watched him hit her and spit at her. She watched him rip her shirt off and brutalise her. Then she woke up.

Phoebe looked around desperatley, her hands reaching for something, anytime to tell her that it was real, that she awake now. Phoebe’s breath came out jagged and rough and the bruises on her side ached from where she’d hit the ground. The days true events came back to her, her sisters coming in the nick of time. Prue scaring Connor off. She was safe, nothing had happened, but for Phoebe that wasn’t enough. She kept thinking of what could have happened. Phoebe felt a sting in her eyes and realised she was crying. Phoebe slid off the couch and tiptoed to Prue’s door. She hadn’t even realised it was where she was going until she opened the door, but when she saw her older sister lying there she was calm. She felt safe. Phoebe craweled into the bed next to Prue, trying not to wake her.

“Phoebe?” Prue said groggily, sitting up quickly. Phoebe sighed.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, “I didn’t want to wake you up.”

“It’s okay,” Prue assured, “what’s wrong?”

“Bad dream...again,” Phoebe said, identifing how childish she sounded Phoebe shook her head, “I’m sorry Prue,” she whispered.

“For what honey?” Prue asked curiously.

“For being so dumb, for getting into that car,” Phoebe’s voice wavered and tears fell steadily from her dowcast brown eyes, “I’m so sorry.”

Finally Phoebe broke. She’d been holding together so well after the accident some months ago, keeping her pain and the dreams to herself, but she couldn’t do it anymore, not after the days terrifying events. Phoebe crumbled onto the bed, sinking her hands on her arms, her legs curled up under her. Her body trembled and she let her sobs out, ones that she’d been holding in for so long. Prue was shocked at first, but quickly pulled pulled Phoebe close to her, Phoebe winced violently as Prue’s arms wrapped around her waist.

“Phoebe..what’s wrong?” Prue asked suspicously, tugging at Phoebe’s shirt. Phoebe sighed, she’d wanted to hide the bruises from her sisters, but she was busted. Prue jerked up her shirt to just above Phoebe’s stomach, but that was enough to reveal the huge purplish bruise that covered Phoebe’s right side. Prue sighed as she gently touched the bruise and Phoebe moaned in pain.

“Oh Phoebe,” Prue muttered, softly pulling Phoebe’s shirt back down and let her sister settle herself in her lap so she wouldn’t be hurting. Phoebe nesteled her head close to Prue’s chest and Prue held her sister as Phoebe’s little body shook in her arms. Prue sighed as Phoebe sniffeled in her arms, Prue’s hands felt the scratches running all over her little sister’s body and her heart broke.

“I’m sorry....sorry. Prue I’m sorry,” Phoebe repeated over and over through her hiccups and sobs.

“Phoebe,” she comforted, “it’s okay honey. It’s not your fault. You didn’t know. It’s okay.”

“No it’s not,” Phoebe sobbed, “why do I have to be so stupid?”

“Phoebe Halliwell you listen to me,” Prue said firmly, “you are NOT stupid understand? An older guy took advantage of you and it is not your fault.”

“I should have never gotten into that car,” Phoebe argued, “you would never had done something like that.”

Prue sighed and kissed her sister gently on the forehead, “Phoebe we’re not talking about me here...”

“But you still wouldn’t have done something like that.”

“Maybe not,” Prue said softly, “but that doesn’t mean that I’m mad that you did. You made a mistake, you’re young it happens. And I shouldn’t have yelled at you in the car like I did. I didn’t even ask if you were okay.”

“I’m fine,” Phoebe muttered.

“No you’re not,” Prue said stubbornly, mad at herself, “you’re hurt and I should have been more sensitive to that. I’m sorry.”

Phoebe laughed a little, “Prue this is in no way your fault.”

“And it’s not yours either,” Prue said firmly, “understand?”

“Yes,” Phoebe gave in, wiping her tears away as she blushed and started to squirm in her sister’s arms, realising how much of a kid she was being, but Prue just pulled her sister closer and shook her head.

“No Phoebe,” she said gently, “let it out. You can’t hold stuff like that in. You got hurt and it’s okay to feel that. You always feel everything Phoebe, and that amazes me about you. You love everything and everybody so much, always looking for the good in people. And I’m sorry he took advantage of your trust. I’m sorry you had to see reality so young.”

Phoebe smiled up at Prue and buried her head farther into Prue’s hair, wrapping her arms around Prue’s neck and tensing her body so her shaking would stop. Eventually Phoebe calmed down and her body was calm and still and the tears quit. She laid in Prue’s arms, letting the warmth and protection she took for granted nestle her.

“Thank you Prue,” Phoebe said softly. Prue smiled.

“No thanks needed Phoebe,” Prue laughed gently, “it’s in the job description.”

“It shouldn’t have to be,” Phoebe replied, staring deeply into Prue’s blue eyes. Prue felt so vulnerable, readable in that moment as Phoebe seemed to see inside her, “it should have never been your job, but it is. And you always do a good job. So thank you.”

Prue smiled, “You’re welcome.”

“Do you mind if I....” Phoebe started, but Prue cut her off.

“Phoebe you never have to ask,” Prue assured, “but it is time to sleep.”

Phoebe snuggeled into her pillow and sighed contently as she felt Prue’s arm wrap carefully around her, avoiding the bruises Prue knew were there. Phoebe closed her eyes and again she felt time fade to sleep but this time the dreams never came. Prue waited until she was sure Phoebe was asleep until she let her own thoughts drift away and sleep overcome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I can’t believe the weekend’s already over!” Piper exclaimed as she set down the suitcases in front of the dorm’s door and turned back to her sisters. Prue and Phoebe were snuggeled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around them. They’d been almost inseperable since that day Phoebe had been abducted by Connor but Piper didn’t mind. In fact, she was quite relieved that Prue and Phoebe were getting along.

“I don’t want to go back yet,” Phoebe complained, leaning her head on Prue’s shoulder. Prue laughed.

“Well I want you too,” she teased. Phoebe pretended to be hurt.

“Hey!”

“I’m just kidding,” Prue smiled, “I wish you guys didn’t have to go either, we need to do this again.”

“For sure,” Piper agreed, “but for now it’s time to go. I hate to break the two of you up because you look so cute,” Piper added, watching her sisters cuddle on the couch, “but I have to steal Phoebe and head home.”

“Piiipppeeerrr,” Phoebe whined. Prue punched Phoebe gently on the shoulder.

“Quit whinning you baby,” Prue teased, “Piper is right you guys need to get going if you want to be back before dinner tonight.”

“Oh...alright!” Phoebe mumbled, “but I’m so comfortable!” she complained, snuggeling deeper against Prue and lying her head in her sister’s lap she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.

“Quit playing Pheebs, we have to go,” Piper said firmly. Phoebe simply pretended to snore in response. Prue tried to keep her amused laughter in and Piper threw her a glare.

“I’m sorry,” Prue giggled, “she’s just so cute.”

“She’s going to be WALKING if she doesn’t hurry up,” Piper said impatiently, “I parked the car right outside the door and if we don’t get out of there we might get a ticket.”

“Come on Phoebe!” Prue said, getting serious and shaking her sister gently. Phoebe rolled lifelessly in her sister’s arms and groaned.

“Carry me,” Phoebe mumbled. Prue laughed.

“Yeah right,” Prue scoffed, “you’re 13 years old!” Phoebe was silent, her eyes closed and her chest rising and falling with each breath. Piper had her hands on her hips by the door. Prue let out an aggrivated groan as she stood up and lifted Phoebe into her arms. Phoebe was small for her age and Prue could carry her well enough. Prue turned toward the door where Piper had a shocked expression on her face.

“You’re really going to carry her?” Piper asked, trying not to smile.

“Do you have a better way of getting her to the car willingly,” Prue deflected. Piper rolled her eyes and let her amused smile get the best of her as it slid across her face.

“She has you wrapped around her little finger,” Piper laughed.

“What do you mean?” Prue asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Look at you,” Piper teased lovingly, “you big softie.”

Prue just rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but let her own smile creep across her lips and light up her face. Phoebe shifted in her arms to lie her head on Prue’s shoulder. Prue smiled and shook her head.

“Let’s go,” she said.

Prue and Piper managed to get to the car, Piper dragging all the bags, and Prue lugging Phoebe in her arms. After Piper had loaded the trunk she opened the passenger door and Prue set Phoebe gently inside. Prue softly tucked her sister’s hair behind her ears and watched as Phoebe’s eyes flitted open.

“Thanks,” she said seriously. Prue laughed.

“No problem, I love being a taxi,” Prue said sarcastically.

“That’s not what I mean,” Phoebe shook her head, “thank you for everything. I had a great time this weekend.”

Prue smiled, understanding what her sister meant, “I’ll always take care of you Phoebe,” she said quietly, kissing her sister on the forehead. Phoebe’s brown eyes sparkeled as she smiled up at her sister.

“I love you Prue,” she said. Prue smiled.

“Same here,” she smiled, taking Phoebe’s small hand in her own and giving it a squeeze, “I’ll call you guys soon,” Prue said, glancing over at Piper who was getting setteled in the driver’s seat. Piper smiled and nodded. Prue jogged over to Piper’s window and leaned in, giving her sister a kiss on the cheek.

“See you soon honey,” she said with a smile, “hold down the fort for me.”

“Okay,” Piper said, biting back the tears that threatened to spill as she said farewell to her oldest sister. Piper slowly pulled away from the curb. She glanced over at Phoebe, who was waving to Prue as they disappeared. Phoebe watched until Prue faded out of sight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Piper’s jeep had rounded the corner and disappeared from her veiw a long time before Prue finally turned back to the doors of her dorm. Once she had, she drew in a deep breath as anger lept to her throat as she saw a boy walking toward the entry of her dorm. He had black hair and Prue didn’t need to see his face to know who it was...Connor. She was about to run to him when she thought of Phoebe and how content she was. For now she would let it be, but she promised herself but she would watch him carefully.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Connor tugged on the door to his dorm and swung it open, walking through quickly. He wanted to get out of there before he saw Prue Halliwell. He didn’t want her to know that he’d been watching. Couldn’t stop watching her younger sister, what was her name? Phoebe. Yes, that was it, Phoebe. He smiled to himself and rounded a corner, wondering how he could manage to run into her again without Prue getting in the way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“That was fun Piper,” Phoebe said as they pulled off the campus and onto the highway. Piper smiled back at her adorable younger sister, thinking how much she’d been through over such a short weekend and how she’d managed to still think the trip was fun.

“Are you okay Pheebs?” Piper asked seriously. Phoebe smiled thoughtfully.

“Yes,” she said confidently, “thanks to my sisters.” Piper smiled.

“Like Prue said,” Piper replied with a light smile, “we’ll always take care of you.”