Disclaimer: The Charmed Characters are the property of Aaron Spelling and Constance Burge. I just borrow them for your enjoyment and my writing addiction.

The Fight

“Phoebe that was careless and stupid.” Prue yelled
“Well I’m sorry Prue but at the time it was all I could come up with.” Phoebe yelled back, “What’s the big deal anyway? We vanquished his ass, now we can get on with our lives. Or is it that you didn’t get a chance to play hero and use your powers. Are you jealous that the one thing that really killed him was not magical at all, or was it he fact that I did it and not you.”
Prue looked at her sister shocked, “That is not the case and you know it Phoebe. What you did could have gotten you killed. Or all of us killed. You never learn do you.”
“That’s right. Phoebe the irresponsible baby sister, the untrust worthy one. When are you ever going to trust me Prue?”
Prue had no answer she was slightly stung by the words. Thinking that they had moved passed that years ago. Unfortunately she waited to long.
“I thought so.” Phoebe said. She turned and headed to her room. Running up the stairs slamming her door in the process.

Piper was just walking up the stairs to the Manor when she heard the fireworks exploding in the house. She knew what was going to happen and had lagged behind on purpose. She didn’t want to deal with another sister fight. Not right now. Right now she just wanted to soak in a nice warm bubble bath with candles all around and just forget about the whole day. It had been the pits from the time she got up it seemed. She walked through the front door to see Prue standing there seething mad. Ok here we go she thought. She started past her big sister but she didn’t get very far.

“Piper.”
“Prue. Please not right now. I just want to relax in a nice warm bubble bath.”
“Pipe I just wanted to see if you were ok?”
“I’m fine Prue. Thanx.”
“Look go run your bath maybe I’ll find a bottle of wine that we can crack open. I’ll bring you a glass.”
“Thanx Prue that sounds great.” As she headed for the stairs. I wonder how Phoebe is? She thought as she passed her sisters door. She didn’t stop though she couldn’t. She was also a little mad at Phoebe for what happened and just didn’t want to get into it with her then. So she went into the bathroom and started her bath. Then heading down the hall to her room she grabbed her sweats and a top and returned to the bathroom. Stopping briefly outside of Phoebe room, thinking that she heard something. She paused and slowly opened the door. She did hear what she thought she had. Phoebe was on her bed crying. Oh man Pheebs you had to do that didn’t you? She thought. Ok. Closing the door she went across to the bathroom and shut off the water. Then she returned to Phoebes room.

“Pheebs? Are you ok?”
“I’ll be fine Piper just leave me alone.” Phoebe replied a bit harsher then she had intended
“Hey Phoebe don’t get all mad at me. You are the one that has to realize what happened out there tonight.”
Turning, Phoebe looked at Piper. Never expecting Piper to turn on her too. “Ok you know what I admit it I screwed up. So are the two of you going keep harping on this forever now. Can’t I ever make a little mistake now and then or do I always have to be perfect like you two apparently are.”
“Phoebe that was not little. You almost got killed.”
“Yeah well maybe you two would have been better off if I had.”
The words stung Piper like nothing before. “Phoebe.”
“Just leave me alone Piper. I just need some time to think right now.” She had regretted what she said the minute it was out of her mouth. Only once it was said she couldn’t take it back.
“Ok. But don’t think this is over. And Phoebe for the record I’m not mad at you and we would never be better off with out you here.” She turned and headed back to the bathroom.

As Piper was relaxing in her hot bubbles Prue knocked softly on the door.
“Pipe?”
“Yeah Prue come on in, but only if you have a glass of Chardonnay for me.”
“Well in that case I think the coast is clear.” She said as she opened the door and put her hand around the doorframe carrying a glass of wine.
“Ok you can come in.” Piper told her
“I thought this would make you feel better.” Prue said with a slight smile.
“Yeah partially.” Piper replied quietly. She was still thinking about what Phoebe had said about them being better off if she had been killed tonight.
“What’s on your mind little sis?” Prue asked carefully. She knew that Piper had talked to Phoebe and she didn’t want Piper stuck in the middle as per usual.
“Nothing I want to get into right now Prue. I just want to lay here and enjoy these bubbles and let the aches get out of my body.”
“Ok. Look I’ll be in the basement developing a roll of film if you want to talk.”
“Thanx Prue.”
“You’re welcome.” Prue closed the bathroom door behind her and starred at the door in front of her. Phoebe was still in her room, she was sure of that. She couldn’t face her yet. Not now, she thought. She headed to the basement to develop her film.

Phoebe sat on her bed after Piper left. She still couldn’t believe that she had said that her sisters would be better off if she had died. She knew that she had hurt Piper by those words. Sometimes though it felt like it was true. They’ve always been there for me. Going out of their way most of the time to get me out of a jam. Ever since we were kids. I just wish that they would let me go sometimes. Now that I actually can take care of myself and that I do not have to rely on them to help me out. Augh I need some space. She reached over and picked up the phone. After a few rings it was answered
“Hello?”
“Steve. It’s Phoebe.”
“Phoebe, we were just talking about you.”
Laughing, “All good I hope.”
“Some yes, some no. So whatcha up to?”
“That’s what I called you for. I thought that maybe you guys might all be heading out tonight. And if so I would love to tag a long.”
“Tag along? Phoebe what are you kidding me. We’d love to have you join us.”
“Cool so where are you off to? Maybe I could just meet you there.”
“Actually we were going to start at P3. Is that cool?”
Phoebe hesitated a moment then she realized that Piper was in the bath and with that she knew that she would not be going to the club. “Yeah that would be perfect.”
“Ok well we were just about to head out so let’s say we meet you out front in about a half hour?”
“Sounds perfect. I’ll see you there.” She hung up the phone and started for her closet to change.

After about 15 minutes Phoebe was ready to go out. She hadn’t intended to tell her sister where she was going but something seemed to get the better of her. She stuck her head in the bathroom where she knew Piper still was.
“Hey Piper?”
“Yeah Pheebs?”
“Look I’m going out for a bit with some friends. I’ll see you in the morning ok?”
“Phoebe, I would really like to talk to you about earlier.”
“I know Pipe. But right now I just need sometime to myself. Look I’ll be at P3 most of the night anyway.” She walked into the bathroom and crouched beside the tub. “I’m sorry.” She stood back up and kissed Piper on the forehead. “Let’s all talk about it in the morning ok. When we’ve all had some time to think about it”
“Ok Phoebe but I’ll be banging on your door at 10am sharp.”
“Deal.” She walked out of the bathroom and headed down the stairs, hoping that Prue would be out of site and she could just walk out the front door. Luck unfortunately was not on her side that night. As she was about 3ft. from the front door Prue came around the corner.
“Phoebe.”
Oh great, Phoebe thought as she stopped, I was so close. Taking in a deep breath she turned and faced her oldest sister.
“Prue.”
“Where are you going? Don’t even think that our conversation is over young lady.”
“Oh was that a conversation Prue? I thought it was more of an argument. Or better yet. More like a fight. Just like the old days huh?”
“Phoebe what is your point. You have to face the fact that you screwed up tonight.”
“Oh well as I said to Piper. I’m sorry for not being perfect like you two. Am I not aloud to make a mistake now and then or is that to much to ask.”
“Phoebe that mistake almost cost you your LIFE! Does that mean nothing to you?”
“Yeah well maybe it should have. God knows that the two of you would obviously be better off if it did.”
“You are so selfish. How can you even say that?”
“Easy Prue when I know that I’m not wanted. This isn’t just about tonight though is it? It’s everything. From the first time that you had to come and bail me out of some kind of trouble. What was it? Oh yeah the fight in grade school. Even then you didn’t believe me when I said that it wasn’t me that started it. No you believed some stranger. It’s all the little things that finally exploded with Roger.”
“Whoa.”
“No Prue admit it. You believed Roger over me. It’s not that hard. I mean what, he was your boyfriend and then fiancée within what a year maybe a year and a half. I was your SISTER for 21 years. And who did you believe? Roger. That doesn’t exactly give you much credibility when it comes to sisterhood now does it?”
Prue was stunned to say the least. “Well maybe if you started to give me some reason to believe you then I would. Face it Phoebe you’ve always counted on Piper or I to bail you out of trouble. What the hell did you do when you were in New York? You can’t tell me that you went six months without getting into something.”
“Yeah well I guess that’s something that you’re just going to have to keep wondering about isn’t it.” she turned for the door. She had had about enough of Prue for one night and she knew that what they really needed was just some time apart. If she stayed any longer there would be words said that would cause even more damage. She herself had not meant to bring up the whole Roger thing again it just kind of happened. That was usually what happened when her and Prue really got into a fight. Old axes came out. “I’m outta here.”
“That’s right Phoebe run. That was something that you were always good at wasn’t it. Just run away from the problem, that way it will just go away.”

Phoebe never answered her sister, she just kept walking out the door. Neither Prue nor Phoebe realized that the words spoken in anger could be the last things they ever said to each other. And if they were it would tear one of them apart.

Piper was still in the bath when she heard here sisters arguing again down stairs. Augh what do I have to do to get some peace in this house? She thought. She slowly got herself out of the tub thinking that she may have to mediate another round between her sisters. As she was heading out the bathroom door though she heard the front door slam shut. Sighing she headed down the stairs anyway only to find her oldest sister standing looking at the back of the door with her hands on her hips.
“Prue?”
“Not now Piper.” She turned and walked back towards the kitchen. Piper heard the basement door shut. Ok so she has gone to her neutral zone. Now to make sure Phoebe is ok. She found the phone and called the club.
“P3 Darren speaking.”
“Darren it’s Piper.”
“Hey Piper. I thought you were taking the night off?”
“I am but I need you to do me a small favour.”
“Sure what is it?”
“Phoebe is on her way down there with some friends. Can you just keep an eye out on her? Prue and her got into something and I just want to make sure she’s ok.”
“She won’t even know that were watching her Piper. Don’t worry.”
“Thanx Darren I owe you one.”
“It’s no problem Piper. Have a good night.”
“You too.”

Piper went up the stairs to change into her sweats. She was a bit worried about Phoebe but she was also worried about Prue. They hadn’t had a fight like that since Phoebe left for NY. She sat in her room reading a book when she heard a knock on the door.
“Piper?”
“Yeah Prue.”
Prue came in Pipers room looking a bit beat.
“Prue are you ok?”
“Yeah it’s just this whole thing with Phoebe.”
Piper knew what was about to happen but she let her big sister keep going.
“Do you think I was to hard on her?”
“Prue. You are the only one that can really answer that. I can tell you though, I think that whenever you two get into it like that, that things are said that neither one of you wanted to say. I know that you both love each other and sometimes it’s that love that makes you two blind to the other. She knows that what she did was stupid and careless. We just have to trust her that she won’t do it again. We all learn from our mistakes Prue. Even you and me.”
“I know Pipe. It’s always been tough for me to let her go though you know. She’s always been my baby. I can’t just stop caring.”
“Nobody is asking you to stop caring Prue. Just to cut her some slack. She try’s so hard to please you that it kills her as much as you when you two go at it like that. Look why don’t you go get some sleep? She’s out for the night now but I told her that we would sit down tomorrow and discuss this. And I mean discuss Prue. No yelling.”
“Ok I’ll try Piper.”
“Good.”
“Ok. So I’m going to bed now. And then we can discuss this in the AM right?”
“Right. Good night Prue.”
“Good Night Piper. Love you.”
“Love you too.”

Prue headed out of Piper room and made her way downstairs. She sat on the couch for awhile before getting up to get a drink. I wonder if I should stay up waiting for her or if I should wait until morning as Piper suggested. These thoughts ran through Prues mind as the clock kept ticking. By three am she couldn’t wait any longer as she started upstairs. She was half way up when the phone rang. God Phoebe if you’re going to be late at least have the decency to call us earlier the three in the morning. She started back down the stairs and picked up the phone just before the machine kicked in.
“Phoebe this had better be good at this hour!” Prue practically yelled into the phone.
“Prue. Its Darryl.”
Prues heart almost stopped
“Darryl what is it?”
“It’s Phoebe Prue. I’m sorry to do this over the phone.”
“Oh God Darryl no.”
“No Prue she’s not. Sorry to scare you like that.”
“What is it then?” As she breathed a sigh of relief.
“There was a bit of an altercation at one of the night clubs in town and Phoebe was involved. I just wanted to give you the heads up. She’s ok. Though she may have a small black eye in the morning. I let her and her friends go home as I knew that it was not their fault.”
Letting out the breath the she was unaware that she was holding, Prue thanked Darryl
“Anytime Prue. You guys are practically family to me too.”
“And you to us Darryl. Thanx again for the heads up.”

Prue hung up the phone and was unsure if she should be angry at Phoebe or to feel sorry for her. Well it’s something that we will have to deal with tomorrow. Prue placed the phone back on its charger and headed up the stairs.

When Phoebe had left the Manor that night she had full intentions of forgetting everything that had happened between her and Prue. She arrived at P3 right in time to meet up with Steve and the rest of her friends from school.
“Hey Mike. How’s it been?”
“Not bad Phoebe. How many have you got?”
“Five counting me.”
“No problem. You’ve beat most of the rush anyway.”
“Thanx Mike.”

They made their way through the crowd over to the alcove that the sisters’ usually had to themselves. After several hours at P3 they decided that they would go and check out the new club in town. As they were there some guy had tried to hit on Julia. She tried to brush him off and let him know that she wasn’t interested but he was not taking no for answer. Finally Phoebe stepped in and told him to just back off. That was when things got out of control. The guy took a swing at Phoebe that she easily blocked. She didn’t see however his friend standing next to her that decided to also get involved. The next thing they all knew was the police had arrived and Phoebe was sitting in the ground holding the side of her head.
“So Phoebe. About those martial arts classes.” Steve had joked.
“Yeah well it could be worse. I could be on my way to the hospital.”
They laughed at the comment and started to head out of the bar.
“Phoebe.”
Phoebe stopped in her tracks as she had recognized the voice. Turning around she spotted him. “Darryl. What are you doing here? This isn’t exactly a homicide.”
“True but I was in the area when the call came through. So why aren’t you over at P3? At least there you get free drink.”
“Yeah but I just had this feeling that I was being watched over there. Besides the free drinks only come in handy when you’re drinking.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah Darryl contrary to popular belief I can go out and not get plastered. And if I were, today would be the perfect day to do it. But I decided that that would be the easy way out.”
“Good call Phoebe. Hey I gotta run. I’ll see ya.”
“Yeah Darryl thanx.”
“Anytime Phoebe.”

The guys that had started the fight had not been arrested and they were watching with interest as Phoebe talked to Darryl.
“I’m telling you Rob it’s not worth it. She is obviously friendly with the cops. You don’t wanna mess with that when you’re on parole.”
“Look man that bitch embarrassed me in front of a bar full of people. She’s gonna pay.”
“Fine just keep me out of this.”
“Whatever. If you don’t want the action then that’s fine by me. I don’t need you for what I have in mind.”
With that said he walked away. Though never taking his eyes off of Phoebe and her friends.

“Come on Phoebe I’ll take you home.” Steve told her.
“Thanx Steve but I think I’ll just grab a cab.”
“Phoebe don’t be stupid it’s on my way. Besides why spend money if you don’t have to.”

Truth be known, Phoebe wanted Steve to take her home. She had a special spot for him in her heart. And she was hoping that maybe tonight they would go that extra step.

“Ok Steve but straight home. No detours.”
Steve raised his hands in defeat. “Ok you got me. No side trip to look out hill.”
They laughed, as they looked each other in the eye, knowing that that was exactly where they would end up.

They had been driving towards Phoebes house when suddenly Steve took a detour.
“Steve where are you going?” Phoebe asked but already knowing the answer.
“Well I figured after the night that you had with Prue and then at the bar that maybe you just weren’t ready to go home yet.”
“Oh you did, did you? And what makes you think that I want to go up here.” She told him as they pulled into a parking spot at look out hill.
“Oh I don’t know. Something in your eyes back at the club.”
“Yeah which one. The one that I can see out of or the one that is starting to swell?”
“Hey I think it looks great. A war wound so to speak.”
“Yeah well that’s easy for you to say. It’s not your eye.”
Steve reached over and pulled Phoebe towards him. “Here let me see what I can do about that.” As he kissed her eye ever so gently. Slowly making his way with butterfly kisses towards her mouth, he kissed her until she returned them with a kiss of passion.

Another car pulled up to the hill but they were lost in each other’s passion to realize who it was. He parked the car and got out. He could see them in the car kissing each other. Oh man this is going to be to easy, he thought. He walked over to the car and pulled out his gun. Taking the handle he suddenly smashed the glass to the driver’s window then pointed the gun inside: he emptied the barrel into the occupants of the car. He then turned around got back in his car and drove away.

As the glass started to shatter around him Steve grabbed Phoebe and tried to pull her close to him. Unfortunately she still had her seatbelt on so he could only protector so much. Then the bullets started to fly.

20 minutes after the incident there was no one on top of look out hill; there was only silence. It was then that another car pulled up. A high school couple looking to make out after their prom. They had seen the other car and at first didn’t think anything of it. Until they got closer.
“John is that a little strange that the window of that car is shattered like that?”
“I don’t know Kath. Maybe he had it broken into recently. Come on I didn’t come up here to look at another guys broken window.”
“John I love you but I think there is something strange there.”
“Ok. Look I’ll go check it out if it will make you feel any better.”
“It will thank you.”

John got out of his car and headed over to the Steve’s car. As John got closer he could see that what Kath was talking about may be true. He could see a couple slumped over each other in the car and neither one seemed to be moving. When he got to the side of the car he could see why. There was blood everywhere.
“Oh my god. Kath call 911 NOW!” he yelled to his girlfriend
Kathy could tell by the tone in his voice that it was serious and she didn’t hesitate.
“911 operator can I help you?”
“Yeah we’re on the top of lookout hill. There is this couple here that is injured.”
“Injured how.”
“I don’t know. Let me pass you to my boyfriend.” She handed John the phone.
“I have a couple in there early 20’s. It looks like they have been shot multiple times. I can’t tell if anyone’s alive. Oh god there’s blood everywhere.”
“Ok sir just stay there until the arrive police with the paramedics. Don’t touch anything and stay away from the car.”

It was 10 minutes before John and Kathy heard the sirens. The whole time John had been comforting Kathy. They had come up there for a romantic getaway of sorts and it had turned into a nightmare. Neither teen knew if they would ever forget the site, they had seen any time soon.

The first car to the scene was a marked police vehicle. One officer went to the car and the other went to talk to the kids. The next car was an unmarked car followed directly by the ambulance. As the paramedics ran to the car the other officer also went to talk to the kids. He could tell they were pretty shaken and wanted to get it over as quickly as possible for them. They explained to him that they had arrived to the hill at about 345 when they noticed the car window all smashed. That John had gone over to investigate and that was when they had called 911.

“Morris I think you better get over here.” One of the paramedics called out.
Darryl walked around to the passenger side of the car where the paramedic that called him was.
“What’s up Kim?” then he saw why she had called him over. “Oh God no.” He said it almost in a whisper
“It is her isn’t it?”
“Yeah.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of Phoebe. She had so much blood on her that he couldn’t tell if it was hers or the other persons that was in the car.
“This guys is gone Kim. How are you doing there?”
“I got a very weak pulse. A few bullet... her. Looks like he was trying to protect her when the shooting started. Most of her hits are in her lower abdomen and hip area.”

They removed Steve’s body from the car as Darryl called the coroners’ office and the paramedic worked on Phoebe. They got her to the back of the bus and took off into town.

Prue had made her way upstairs and got ready for bed. Checking in on Piper before she turned in for the night. She knew she wouldn’t really sleep until she heard the front door letting her know that Phoebe was home. She dozed lightly when she heard the doorbell ring. Oh God Phoebe, are you that drunk that you can’t even open the door. She thought angrily, as she got out of bed and headed to the front door. She opened the door.
“God Phoebe you have no.” She stopped when she saw that it wasn’t Phoebe but Darryl at their door.
“Darryl sorry I thought you were Phoebe. What brings you by? Nothing supernatural I hope.”
“No Prue nothing like that.”
Prue detected something in his voice that scared her.
“Oh man Prue this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.” Then he spotted Piper on the stair landing. “Hey why don’t we go sit in the living room.”

Piper had heard Prue check in on her. She too could not fall asleep fully until she knew that Phoebe was home safe. When the doorbell went she knew that Prue would get it. She thought for a split second. Oh god what if it’s Phoebe to drunk to get the door open. I so do not want WW3 right now. So she did the only thing she could, she got up and followed a few seconds behind Prue. She waited at the middle landing just watching the door, and was a bit taking back when she saw Darryl standing there. Then she heard his words. Oh god something happened to Phoebe. She followed them to he living room and sat next to Prue just holding her hand knowing that what ever Darryl was about to say was very bad.

“This is really hard for me but I think the best way is to tell you two straight.” He looked at each sister with a million emotions running through him. Taking a deep breath. “Phoebe was shot tonight. They’ve taken her to SF Memorial Hospital.”

Prue was to shocked to say anything; she just starred at Darryl. Piper just sat there with a blank expression on her face. Then came the denial.
“No Darryl there must some mistake.” Prue said
“Yeah Darryl, She going to walk through that door any second now and you’ll see this is all misunderstanding.” Piper added
“Look guys I wish I was believe me. I was there I saw her. Look come on I’ll take you to the hospital. I don’t’ want either one of you driving like this.” He reached his hand forward to take them to his car.

They slowly got off the couch just holding each other and made there way to Darryl’s' car. The ride to the hospital was the longest that either sister had taken in their lives. When they arrived at the hospital they ran in the emergency entrance. Running up to the front desk the asked all the questions that they needed answers to immediately.

“Phoebe Halliwell. Where is she?” Prue demanded.
The nurse looked up at them with sympathy. She was familiar with the girl that had been brought in only minutes before. They had rushed her into the ER. She had thought at the time that she did not want to be there what the family arrived. She knew that the girls chances where about 20%. She knew that the two girls in front of her were family. And she guessed sisters. They looked alike she thought. But she still had to do her job.
“Are you family?”
“We’re her sisters. Is she ok?”
“She’s in surgery right now. When the doctors come out they came give you the details. I’m sorry.”

Prue turned to Piper and wrapped her arms around her middle sister. The two just stood there and held each other. Darryl had finally managed to get them into a private room. It was the room that the hospital set aside for families that had a family member that was terminal. They sat there just comforting each other. As the night was late they eventually fell asleep in each other’s arms. Crying over the sister that was fighting for her life.

Three hours later a Nurse came in and woke them.
“Prue, Piper the Doctor is out of surgery. He’ll be here shortly to tell you about your sister.”
Prue and Piper sat up just as the Dr. was coming through the door.
Oh man this is the part about my job I really hate, he thought.
“Doctor. How is our sister?” Prue asked as soon as she saw the Dr. walk through the door.
“I’m not going to lie to you Miss. Halliwell. Right now it does not look good. Your sister took several bullets to her abdomen and she lost a great deal of blood. If she survives that, there were also a few bullets that hit her in the hip area. Now normally that would not concern me. However, the angle that the bullets entered her is cause for concern. They were at such an angle that they may have caused damage to her spinal cord.”

“Oh my God.” Piper said as she placed her hand over her mouth.
Prue once again wrapped her arms around Pipers shoulders, as she to was trying to grasp what the Dr. had just said.
“S..So you’re saying that she could be paralyzed?” Prue asked quietly
“I’m sorry. We did all that we could. Now it’s just a matter of her getting through the night. After that we’ll have to wait for the swelling to go down. She has two bullets that are resting against her spinal cord. Until the swelling goes down there is nothing that we can do.”
“Thank you Dr. for everything.”
“You’re welcome. If there is anything that you two need just let the nurses know. I know what it is like to wait like this for the unknown. The paramedics told me when they brought her in that they lost her twice. But she came back each time. And we also lost her on the table once. I got this feeling from that that she’s a fighter.”
“You don’t know that half of it.” Prue told her sisters Dr. “Thank you again.”
“No problem. I’ll have the nurses come and get you when she is settled in the ICU.” She told them and then turned and walked away

Prue and Piper just stood there for a brief moment before they both could not contain it anymore. The tears flowed freely as each sister recalled memories that flashed quickly through their heads.
“Prue she can’t die. I’ll die if she does.”
“I know Piper, I know.” Prue said as she thought of the last words that her and Phoebe had shared. Words of rage. Oh God please let her live. I have to tell her that I do love her. I was just worried. Please do not let those be the last words spoken. She thought to herself.

They stayed that way for the next half-hour until the nurse came and got them.
“Prue, Piper? If you come with me I can take you to your sister.”
Piper had fallen asleep again on Prues lap. “Piper come on.”
“Prue?”
“Yeah sweetie come on we have to go to Phoebe.”

They got off the couch and followed the nurse to the ICU.
“You can stay as long as you need. If there is anything that you need please just let us know.”
“We will. Thank you.” Prue replied.
They entered into the room where their sister lay. Tubes and wires everywhere.
“Oh God Prue.” Piper said as her legs began to give from under her.

Prue held her tight and she led her to one of the chairs that was near the bed that Phoebe occupied. Sitting Piper in the one chair Prue took the other chair and moved it to the other side of Phoebe’s bed. Each sister taking a hand and waited. Each saying a silent prayer for their baby sister.

The sisters stayed what was left in the night which was now actually morning. By the time that Phoebe had got out of surgery it was 830AM. Piper was sleeping with her head resting by Phoebe and Her hand still holding tight to her baby sisters.

Prue on he other hand had not slept a wink. She couldn’t. The only thing that she could think of was the fight that she and Phoebe had had that night. Still holding Phoebes hand and running her other hand through Phoebes hair absently. Oh baby girl, if only I had not fought with you. You would not had the need to go out. And this would not be happening. I love you Pheebs. Please stay with us. After several hours Prue too finally succumbed to the lack of sleep.

Suddenly they were both startled awake by the loud screeching that came from the hospital equipment.
“Get them out of here.” Yelled a Doctor.
A couple of nurses came up to the sisters and escorted them out of Phoebes room
“Wh..What’s going on?” Piper asked urgently
“Your sister is going into cardiac arrest. The Doctors will do everything that they can.”
Turning to Prue again for support Piper cried in her big sisters embrace.

When the alarms started to go off Prue was scarred and confused. She looked up at her baby sister, yet she seemed to be just sleeping. Suddenly Doctors and Nurses came flying through the door all yelling at each other. She and Piper were ushered out of their sisters’ room with even more confusion. And once again Prue was praying that her sister would be ok.

After 20 minutes the Dr. came out of the room shaking their heads. Both Prue and Piper saw this and feared the worst. They saw the Dr. that had original spoken to them after Phoebes surgery.

“Dr. what happened?” Prue asked
“Your sister went into Cardiac Arrest.”
“That sounds serious.” Piper asked
“It can be, especially with someone in Phoebes condition. But as I mentioned before she seems like a fighter. We pulled her through this time.”
Prue caught the subtle meaning in the Dr. words. “What do you mean this time?”
“Look I’m not going to lie to either one of you. This time we managed to save her. I don’t know how many more times we can do that.”
Prue and Piper were shocked, yet they seemed to understand. “Thank you for your honesty Dr.”
“Please. Call me Doug.”
“Doug. Thank you.” Prue said. She Paused a moment before she continued “Do you mind if ask you a question?”
“No go ahead.”
“You mentioned that you understood what Piper and I were going through. If you don’t mind me asking.”
“No it’s ok really. My younger sister was also shot. It was a random drive by shooting. She was in a very similar situation that Phoebe is now.”
“What happened?” Prue asked gently
“She eventually lost her fight. Her injuries were very similar to what your sister has.”
Prue just sat there stunned.
“Prue. Let me tell you that Phoebe is much more of a fighter then my sister ever was. She is fighting to survive. My sister didn’t: she gave up hope.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now may I suggest that you two go home? It could be another long day.”
“Thanx Doug but the only place that I am going is to my sisters bedside.”
“It’s your call Prue but just remember that you also need sleep.”
“I will thanx.”

As the Dr. turned and walked down the hall the older Halliwells just watched him.
“He’s right you know Prue.” Piper said as she wrapped an arm around Prues waist resting her head on her big sisters’ shoulder.
“About what?”
“Phoebe. She is a fighter.”
“I know Piper. I’m scared though. I keep thinking about what she said last night. About us being better off without her. What if she gives up that fight?”
“She won’t Prue. We won’t let her. Come on lets go see her.”

They returned to Phoebes room and each to a chair as they had before. After several hours of waiting sleeping and a few tears the girls decided that one of them should go home and get a change of clothes. They had both been ready for, or in bed when Darryl came by and neither one had changed. They called Darryl and he took Piper home. It was not her decision but Prue had basically said it would take more then a pack of wild wolves to move her from Phoebes bed.

Piper entered the Manor and closed the door behind her. As soon as she did the silence of the old Victorian house that she shared with her sisters’ was too much. She slid down the back of the door and cried tears that she thought she didn’t have in her anymore.

At this time Leo orbed in front of her and just bent down and wrapped his arms around her. He had no idea what was wrong ‘they’ had just told him that the girls needed him. That he was to go before they lost all hope.

After a 20minute cry Piper composed herself enough to tell Leo what had happened.
“Oh Piper I’m sorry. But Phoebe is a fighter. I’m sure that this is one that she’ll win.”
“Leo you don’t understand. She had a huge fight with Prue. And I mean huge. She said that we would be better off if she had died by that demon. What if she sees this as her chance? What if she gives up?”
“She won’t Piper. Deep down she knows that you two love her so much. And I know that she loves you just as much.”
“I’m scarred Leo.”
“I know you are. But you’ll see. She’ll be bouncing down those stairs sooner then you think.”

Prue sat at Phoebes bed just holding her hand. Thinking that as long as she was holding on to her baby sister then she couldn’t leave her. She pushed Phoebes hair off her face.
“Oh God Phoebe I love you so much. Please hang in there baby girl.”

Prue was resting her head near Phoebe when one of the nurses came in. It was the same one that they had met at the desk when they arrived at the hospital. Prue looked up at her and gave her a weak smile.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” Prue answered back
“I was just getting off shift and wanted to see how your sister was doing; and you. I’m Lesley by the way. We met earlier. I was the nurse on the desk.”
Prue turned to Phoebe. “She’s the same. I’m Prue.
“Wasn’t there another sister with you last night?”
“Yeah Piper. I sent her home to get us a change of clothes and to bring some for me.”
Lesley noticed then that Prue was ready for bed. “Look I’ll be back again tonight. I can keep an eye on her if you like.” Hoping that she could get Prue to go home and get some sleep. However she had a feeling that Prue would not leave her sisters bedside until she was sure that she was ok.
“Thanx but I’m not leaving her anytime soon.”
“Hey I had to try right?”
Prue smiled at Lesley again but this time it was a bit more genuine. “Yeah I guess you did. Thanx for stopping in Lesley. I guess I’ll see you tonight.”
“Hey you know where to find me.” she turned and started out the door. Stopping she turned back to Prue,
“She’ll make it Prue, you have to believe.” She closed the door behind her as she left for the day.

Prue looked back at Phoebe and prayed that what Lesley said was true. Placing her head back down on the bed she slowly drifted off to sleep.
“This is all your fault Prue. You should never have let her leave the house last night. If you hadn’t gotten into that fight she would be home safe and sound right now”
“Yeah Prue. Why are you always so hard on her? What did she ever do to deserve that from you?”
“She’s just a baby Prue, what were you thinking?”

Prue turned in all direction. She heard voices but there was nobody there. “Who are you?” she called out. Only she got no answer.
“You believed your boyfriend over your own sister Prue. What would make you do that?”
“How many times Prue are you two going to come to blows before something serious happens?”
“Yeah Prue. First it was the fight in grade school then Roger and now this. This could be your final battle Prue. And it will be all your fault.”
“And what about all the stuff in between the big ones Prue? Are you sure that they were all Phoebes fault?”

Prue couldn’t take it. They kept yelling at her. Telling her it was all her fault.

“What about the car accident Prue? That was your fault to. Once again you and Phoebe were fighting.”
“Yes Prue. If you hadn’t been fighting you would have seen that truck.”

“No stop it wasn’t my fault. Who are you?”

Silence

“We go by many names Prue. Some you know some you don’t”
“Why are you doing this to me?” These voices were different then before. Some how Prue knew that these were not the same voices that she heard before: The voices that were taunting her.
“We’re here to show you your life with Phoebe. The truth.”
Prue shock her head. “No. I can’t. I can’t leave her.”
“You’re not leaving her Prue. If anything you will be finding her.”
Prue looked towards the sound of the voice as it came out of the darkness. He was not alone. There were another with him. He held his hand to her as he approached closer.
“Take my hand Prue. It’s ok.”
She looked at him stunned. In front of her stood one of the last people that she thought she would ever see again. “Andy?”
“Yeah Prue. And…” he never finished
“Grams?”
“Hello my darling. Take Andy’s hand and we’ll explain everything.”
Prue reluctantly took Andy’s hand. Suddenly she was in a shower of white light. Re-appearing in a field surrounded by blooming trees and flowers growing throughout the grass.
“Where are we?” Prue asked
“Everywhere and nowhere.” Grams told her.
“Where’s Phoebe?”
“She’s safe for now Prue. She has her own guide. Right now you have to concentrate on you.”
Prue looked at Andy stunned. “How can you even say that Andy? My baby sister just got shot and it was all my fault. I need to know where she is. I need to be there for her. You know what she means to me.

All Phoebe could see were trees. She seemed to be surrounded by them. It was like a forest but then the more she looked it was more like an orchard. The fruit was out and she could detect the faint smell of Apricots. “Oh my favorite.” She said to no one. At least she thought she was alone.
“You must have got that from me.”
Phoebe turned at the sound of another voice. She thought she recognized it but was unsure. As she turned and saw the person, then she knew that she must have been dreaming.
“Mom?”
“Yes my baby girl.” Patty told her as she reached out her arms for Phoebe. That Phoebe more then happily ran to.
“Oh Mom I missed you.”
“I know you did baby. You had it so hard with me not being around. Sometimes the youngest just needs her Mother.”
“I had Piper.”
Patty noticed that Phoebe did not mention Prue. “And Prue.” She tried.
Phoebe never said anything.
“Phoebe you know that your sister loves you with her very soul right?”
Phoebe again was silent. Deep in her heart she knew that what her Mother was saying was true. But right now Phoebe could only remember the last fight they had.
“Mom?”
“Yes Phoebe?”
“Can I come with you?”
“Oh Phoebe. It’s your decision to come with me or stay with your sisters. This is your battle. But before you decide you have to see a few thing first.”
“Why? Why can’t I just come with you now? They don’t need me. Do you know how they reacted the other day?”
“That was last night Phoebe after you vanquished the demon. And yes I did see. But you must know it was only because they love and care for you. You and Prue said some pretty nasty things to each other before you left the Manor.”
Phoebe looked down to her feet. “That always happens when we have a huge fight. We tend to bring up old wounds.”
“I know you do Phoebe. Look I want to show you a few things first ok? After that you decide. But know this. You started this journey. The moment that you said that they would be better off without you. That it would be better if that demon had killed you.”
Phoebe looked up to her Mother. “I understand.” She replied quietly.
“Hold my hand.”
Phoebe looked up to her Mother and slowly took her hand. She was also suddenly in a glow of white light. Then she saw a field in front of her.
“Where are we Mom?”
“In time baby. You will find out everything. Look.” Patty pointed down towards a field.
“Who is that?” In the distance Phoebe could make out three figures but could not tell who they were.
“Who are they?” she asked her Mother.
“That you will also find out in time Phoebe.”
“Why are we here then Mom?”
“You and Prue said some pretty nasty things last night. You in particular said the worst of it.”
Phoebe couldn’t look at her Mother. She knew what she meant. “When I said they would be better off with out me?” It was more of a confession then anything.
“Yes Phoebe. You three are the Charmed Ones. In some ways that brings you to each other that nobody really understands. But first and foremost you three are sisters. Your sisters love you Phoebe and it’s time that you really saw the love that they hold for you.”
“I know they do Mom. I just get so frustrated sometimes when they don’t realize that I’m 24 years of age. And Prue is the worst.”
“Phoebe don’t worry about Prue. She has her own demons to battle right now.”
Phoebe was a bit confused by this comment, but she trusted her mother.

Prue followed Andy and Grams across the field. I trust them she said to herself. There are very few people that I would trust. Darryl, Mom and my sisters.
“That’s right Prue you trust your sisters. Both of them.” Andy said
“How.”
“Did I know? I can sense your thoughts Prue. And you trust both of your sisters don’t you? Even Phoebe. Why is it so hard for you to believe that?”
“I don’t know Andy. I guess I’ve always looked at her as my baby sister. The one that I’m suppose to protect. But she has always done things that make me doubt her trust.”
“Like Roger?”
Prue looked at Grams with a steady gaze.
“Yes Prue. I remember the Roger incident. It was that that caused Phoebe to leave for New York.”
“Grams I..”
“You what Prue? You wanted to believe her? She is your sister Prue. You should have never doubted her word.” Grams pointed just past Prue where a scene was taking place.
Prue turned and saw what Grams was pointing at. Roger inviting Phoebe into his apartment. What she saw next made her angry and sick at the same time. Roger had Phoebe pinned against the door. He was trying to kiss her but Phoebe just pushed him away. “No Roger get away from me.” Then he backhanded Phoebe and half carried her to the couch. It was then that Prue had walked in on them. Roger had made it look like Phoebe was coming on to him. When now Prue could see the truth. If she hadn’t come in when she did, Roger could have very easily raped her baby sister.
“Oh god Phoebe. I’m sorry.”
“You see Prue. Phoebe was telling you the truth all along. But you choose to see the worst.” Grams told her.

They continued like that for what Prue thought was hours. Reliving all the things that Prue had gotten after Phoebe for. The fight in school, and not just the one all of them. She even had a glimpse of the time that Phoebe was in New York. When Phoebe had called home and she had accused her of running out of money. She saw that that was not the case. The last fight was the final straw. Prue could see everything through Phoebes eyes. Suddenly in hit her as to why Phoebe had done what she had. She had a premonition.

“Oh God Grams what have I done?” she cried
Grams just came to her granddaughter and hugged her. “You didn’t do anything Prue. You just have to trust Phoebe on the inside as much as you do on the outside.”
“I’ll try Grams. But this now, it’s all my fault. She wouldn’t be here if we hadn’t fought.”
“This is destiny Prue. It would have happened one way or another. You and your sisters may be the most powerful witches ever but you can not change destiny.”
“I know Grams it just that I love her so much and I’ve always protected her. That when things like this happen I fee