Disclaimer: I lay no claim to any of the Charmed characters, quotes, or overt references that may appear in my stories. They are the sole property of Spelling Television. I write for my own satisfaction and for the enjoyment of those who choose to read them.


A Day in the Life - Juvenile Justice


Piper peered through the video camera’s lens. Recording the unscripted scene before her. As she does, she wonders why she gave Prue such a hard time about getting the video camera for her for Christmas. Piper was so not into photography of any kind. She always thought a Le Creuset sauté pan fit better in her hand than any kind of camera. But, to her surprise, she discovered the thrill of capturing life. The exhilaration of suspending time, those precious moments that would otherwise be only stored in our limited and fallible memories. Up until very recently, two weeks ago to be exact, Piper could only unappreciatively listen as Prue would come home from a photo shoot, oozing pure, unadulterated verve over that perfect picture or the once in a lifetime angle. Had she not known better, she would have thought her older sister was on a pharmaceutical high. But, now, now as she zoomed in on her two most precious gifts, she could feel the bubbling energy, as only cooking had given her up until now.

The actors were oblivious of her presence as she panned in to her oldest sister, cell phone glued to her ear and her hands flailing in the air.

“Halliwell, talk to me.” Prue’s authoritative voice spoke into the mouth piece. Her DKNY suit wasn’t the only thing that gave the eldest sibling her self assurance or her poise.

Piper softly giggled as she drew the lens back to capture her baby sister into the video lens.

There paced Phoebe Halliwell two or three steps off from her biggest sister. A miniature play mobile glued to her ear and her hands flailing.

“’Allwell, talk me.” Came the three-year-old, baby’s attempt at sounding like the oldest.

Piper’s mood turned instantly somber as she realized how close to loosing the little mimicker that was now in their charge. They had just finalized her custody with the courts and settled their parent’s estate. The car crash left them instantly rich, but emotionally bankrupt. Phoebe was just home from the hospital a little over a month, but the scar above her left eye and the nightmares were constant reminders to them all. The middle child was pulled from her thoughts as she heard her sisters’ voices raising.

“Corso, I told you I wanted those negatives on my desk by noon! You better have a good reason for them still being in your camera…”

“’Owso, me tolded ya, dem neggies gotted to me on my pwaytable afore naptime! Ya bet hava good weason for dem ta TILL be in da ‘amra…”

“WHAT?!?! I have had enough of your sh..”

“PRUE!!!” Piper shouted, as phoebe waited for her sister to finish her rant. Piper’s eyes darted toward Phoebe and said… “careful, we now have little ears in the house.

“…sh… shoddy excuses. If you still want a job by morning, you find a way to make the owner of 415 happy, got it? ” With one swift move, Prue flipped the phone shut and ran her hand through her shoulder length hair; falling onto the sofa in sheer discussed.

Piper let the camera fall to her side as she started to giggle as Prue’s tiny shadow. Phoebe, totally in control of the situation finisher “her” conversation with Prue’s assistant, Greg Corso.

“… soddy cuses. If you no wanna time out, ya find a way to make my sissy happy, gotted it!?!”

In near perfect fashion the mini me flipped her phone and dramatically ran her hand through her air too.

Prue and Piper we laughing so hard it was hard to see the questioning eyes of their baby sister staring back at them. Once both sisters managed to compose themselves they looked at Phoebe’s big brown eyes and the funny quirk of her eyebrow.

“What?” the youngster said, completely clueless at just how adorable she was.

Phoebe, thinking it was just a weird big sister thing, shrugged her shoulders and climbed into Prue’s lap.

“We tolded him, din’t we Pwue?”

“Told him.” Prue said, wiping at her laughter induced tears.

“Das what me said.” Phoebe replied, indignantly.

“Yes we did, Flash, yes we did.” Prue giggled out as she reached to tie Phoebe’s unlaced shoe. Phoebe adored her new nickname. And Prue loved showing her off at work. The little tyke actually helped to land accounts with her forthright charm. She’d flash them one of her stellar smiles, and before Prue knew it, the ink was drying on the contract.

“And, I got it all on film.” Piper said, as she plopped down beside her two little shutterbugs.

“YAY!” Phoebe shouted before landing a slopping kiss on her other sister’s cheek.

“Ok, EWW!!” Piper playfully shouted, before returning the favor, sending Phoebe into a fit of giggles.

“Well girls, I think this calls for a celebration, don’t you? We need to honor Pheeb’s first official reprimand as her role as one-third owner of the magazine. So, Pheebs, you know what that means, right?”

“YAY, Power Wunch!”

“That’s right, kiddo. A power lunch.” Prue said as she ruffled her new partner’s hair.

“Pwue?”

“What, sweetie?”

“Can, can, can… Pippy come too?” The little voice asked; her excitement causing her to stutter.

“Absolutely, Flash. What a great idea.” Prue answered, winking at the newly invited guest.

Piper was feeling so pleased that Phoebe would think to include her, since she was the ‘silent’ partner in this new venture of Prues. Pleased, that is until she heard what Phoebe said next…

“Cool, now we ducted it from our axes as a busy wunch, wight, Pwue?”

Thru fits of trying to hide her laughter, especially upon seeing the look on Piper’s face, attempted to answer her baby sister’s question.

“No, Pheebs, you can’t count sisters as a tax deduction. Sorry, babe.” Prue, then swung the little girl onto her hip and headed towards the front door.

“Well, dang! Dat no fair!!” Phoebe’s whine drawn out for dramatic effect.

“HEY!!” Piper shouted as she was really starting to feel more like a liability than a much loved sister. As soon as she reached the hallway, both sister’s shouted… “GOTCHA!” Causing Piper to good-naturedly slap both of them on their shoulders. As they all headed to the car, the older two knew that the road would be rough in the days ahead, but that the journey would be made together!




Piper opened the front door while Prue carried the little, worn out executive in from the car. Using her charm, Phoebe had wooed her guardians into taking her to the Hungry Hippo for dinner.

As Prue climbed the stairs, Piper saw that Phoebe’s head was tucked neatly into the crook of her big sister’s neck, but that was the only thing ‘neat’ about the sleeping toddler. Her hair was nearly standing on end, from the static created, while releasing her bridled energy in the inflatable moonwalk. Hot fudge circled her lips from her sundae bar creation. One of her tiny shoes was dangling from Prue’s free hand while the other was loosely clinging to her small foot. They had both given up on trying to find the socks Phoebe decided to feed the Merry Go Round horsie with. No, there was nothing neat about this bundle of love that Prue was toting up the Manor’s staircase. Yet, they had seen and more importantly ’heard’ their sister more alive than she had been in months. Worth every stain and every wrinkle, the wee tike managed to earn.

As Piper closed the door and Prue reached the first landing, they both heard the muffled snort coming from Prue’s arms. The eldest sister could feel the little one searching for where she was.

“It’s ok, baby, I’ve got you. Where do you wanna sleep tonight, with me or Piper?”

“Seep, Pippy. You hafta bing home da piggy.” The little girl grabbled half awake and half in dreamland.

“Bacon, baby, bacon.” Prue said, giggling at her sister. Phoebe, knew Prue had an early morning shoot and that it was the biggest account to date.

“Pippy it is then, kiddo.” The eldest confirmed as she turned into the door on the left.

“Big Gurl bed, k?” Phoebe mumbled as the pink nightgown fell over the top of her sagging shoulders.

“Does she ever NOT say anything?” Piper questioned as she pulled the covers back on the tiny bed with the Strawberry Shortcake bed sheets.

“Never, I bet she even babbled in Mom’s womb.” Prue added in agreement.

“Kicked too.” Piper said as she brushed a kiss across the forehead of their sleeping beauty.

“Definitely!” Prue agreed as she ran her hand over the static-ridden hair.

Both sisters quietly padded to the room’s exit.

“Me wove bof my sissys.” The soft voice nearly whispered as they turned off the lights and closed the bedroom door.


The moon was hanging low in the sky, but the clouds kept it hidden from view. The only thing illuminating the heavens were the grand flashes of lightning, that splintered the nighttime darkness.

The distant rumble was closer to one Halliwell than the other two realized.

The drizzling of memories came, interrupting her visit to Disney Land. The strobbing lights and the cracking voices pulled her out of the Haunted Mansion and into a nightmare that was real. Tiny beads of moisture covered her face as she remembers what she could never forget.

FLASHBACK

“Da izzy bizzy pider, cwald UP da wadda pout, DOWN camed da wain and washeded da pider OUT…”

Victor let out a low, but loving growl. This was the gazillionth encore from littlest angel.

“Are we almost there yet?” He whined as his wife merged on to the 405 heading the Jag and her TWO babies home.

“Yes, Victor, we are almost home.” She said as she patronizingly patted his salt and peppered head.

“… UP cameded da sun and dwyed up ALL da wain, da izzy, bizzy pider went UP da pout ’gin….”

That was the last any of them heard. The rain was pouring and Phoebe was trembling in Victor’s arms as she tried to distract herself from the rain and FUNDER.

Patti was taking the e-way with caution as they had already seen several accidents along the trip back from Phoebe’s birthday present: A much begged for trip to see Icky and Innie. They trio had a grand time and were heading home to spend the holidays with their other two daughters, who were heading to the Manor for Christmas.

BOOM, SCREECH, SCREAM, CRASH… SILENCE!!

“Mommy, wakeded up, pwease, wake up.” The toddler cried as the blood trickled down her face, landing on her mother’s chest.

“Daddy, Daddy, 'top petending, me no wike dis game.” She said as her eyes began to close.

“Mommy!!!! Daddy!!!!”

“Hush, baby, don’t cry. Piper has you.” She crooned as she lifted the panicked child from her bed and made her way over to the rocker.

“Pippy?”

“Yes, baby, it’s me.”

“Make it go way, pease! Ting, k?”

“Shh, my little love, shh.” Piper whispered as she traced her finger over the small child’s brow.

Hush, little baby, don’t say a word, Pippy’s gonna by you a mockingbird…”

Prue stood at the doorway, fresh tears in her eyes, wondering when the nightmares end?

The rain gave way to the morning’s sunshine; its rays awakening her to a new day. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked over at her sleeping sister. Gently brushing a kiss on her cheek, she disentangled herself and headed towards the kitchen; leaving her sibling to earn some extra sleep.

Her eyes opened with a start and her heart beat faster as she noticed her sister was not there. She panicked. After last night, she needed to know where both her sisters were. Then she smelled it, the aroma was coming from the kitchen, so that is where she let her feet take her.

Stopping at the kitchen doorway she was shocked at what she saw. There was little Phoebe, drowning in one of her aprons. Flour, everywhere that batter was not. The table was sloppily set with a juice glass filled with dandelions placed in the center of the table. Piper prided herself on the cleanliness of her domain and wondered if she’d EVER get the pancake mix off the ceiling. Her thoughts were interrupted by the tiny, sticky hand that slipped into hers, drawing her to sit down and be served.

“Fank you, Pippy.” Came from the junior, Betty Crocker, that was climbing into her lap.

“For what, love?” Piper said, melting at the sad eyes that met hers. All fury regarding the kicthen forgotten.

“For wast night, you made ow better. You tang, and made ow da monsters go bye-bye. You woved dem away, fank you!”

“You are so welcome, sweetheart, I got your back every time, kay?”

“kay. NOW, me fixed you bweakfast. YOU. SIT, no go no wheres.” Phoebe ordered as she went to retrieve her creative cooking for Piper’s early morning ‘enjoyment.’

Only love allowed Piper to down the watery eggs, the burnt toast and the WAY too strong muddy java. Phoebe was upset when she tried to convince Piper she could flip the pancakes, but lost the battle to the sister that said she had flipped too much already, as she scanned the room once more, inwardly rolling her eyes. Still, the earnestness of her sister’s efforts and the love behind them, was worth all the hours of clean up that she faced during Phoebe’s naptime.

Prue heard the giggling as she made her way down the steps she was concerned about Phoebe and the result of her nightmares and was anxious to see for herself how the little girl was doing. Hearing the sweet sound echoing off the walls of the manor, put her mind, some what at ease.

Rounding the corner, her vision was slammed with the condition of Piper’s precious cooking room.

“What the…”

“Oh, Prue!! Just in time for a delicious respite before you head into the city.” Piper said, cutting off her big sister’s flow of words.

Seeing the look in Phoebe’s expectant eyes, so willing to please, she hesitantly made her way over to the nook table. Her Jimmy Choo boots, carefully averting the blobs of sticky goo guiding her path.

The little girl stared at her biggest sister as she forced the messy meal down her throat, Piper smirking at Prue the whole time.

When Prue placed her napkin down, Phoebe scrambled into her lap. Looking so serious, so eager, so desparate for approval; the tiny voice asked.

“Sissy, you wike?”

Piper covered her mouth, stiffling the laugh that was coming. The look on Prue’s face was priceless.

Prue catching the look of amusement on her middle sisters face, indignantly refused the silent bait.

“It was delicious baby girl, absolutely delicious. AND the coffee, was perfect, I wish Piper would learn your trick.” The eldest Halliwell said, giving her sister an appreciative hug and kiss.

Phoebe giggled and said… “SHH, it’s a secwet. Me get you more.” Before Prue could protest, the little girl was off her lap and by the coffee maker in nothing flat. Only the sound of the doorbell keep the thick liquid from ever reaching Prue’s still full mug.

“I’ll get it.” Prue said as she beat Piper to the chance. Giving her middle sister a triumphant smile, she trotted to the manor’s entrance.

“Hey, babe. What brings you by?” Prue said as she wrapped her arms around the buff man at the door, pulling him into the hallway with her passionate kiss.

Clearing his throat and reluctantly pulling away, he interrupted what he wished he could continue.

“Business, actually.” He replied with a tone of disappointment and longing that Prue shared as well.

“Daywal!!” Came the loud voice form the tiny mouth of the youngest.

Scooping her up, he planted a kiss on each cheek and one for good measure on the tip of her nose. He returned the favor in like. “Where’s Widdle D?” She asked, hoping her best friend would be there to keep her company.

“Sorry, monkey, but he’s with the sitter. Maybe I’ll bring him by later tonight, after work. Whatdaya say?”

“YAY!!”

“Ooo! I’m gonna be late. I have to meet the Thortons at their estate regarding the use of their pool for a photo layout next month. Can this wait?” She inquired, piquing Piper’s curiosity as to what had to wait.

“I suppose. How ‘bout tonight, say around seven? The kids could play while I bring you both up to date.

“It’s fine with me. That work for you Pipe?” Prue asked as she went to grab her car keys off the table.

Piper never had a chance to answer as the hallway became filled with the loud screaming of their little sister.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”


That sound, that horrible noise instantly took her back into her recent past.

The tiny legs scrambled over the seat to wake her slumped mother, her efforts to no avail. The awful din of clanging metal filled the car with a jingle that would forever take Phoebe Halliwell back to this dreadful moment. The panicked brown eyes, brimming with ears, glanced at the ignition- that was where the eerie sound was coming from. Slowly, the death toll chimes of the keys, hitting the “I love Mommy” key chain, forever unlocked the beginning of the end.

“NOOOOOOOOO!!” The cries became more panicked as the sight and sounds of Prue’s keys drew the, still healing child, back into the smoke-filled car.

Phoebe literally hurled herself out of Daryl’s arms and into Prue’s chest, the elder Halliwell nearly dropping her from the unexpected launch.

“NOOOOOOOOO, YOU NO CAN GO!!! HAFTA TAY!!! YOU NO GO BYE-BYE!!” The sound of tiny fists beating into the shoulders of her big sister was still heard above the frightful wails. With each punch, the keys Prue was still holding only run louder and truer to the small mass of fear, Prue was trying to comfort.

“MAKE TOP, MAKE TOP, ME NO WIKE, MAKE TOP!!! PIIIPPPPYYY!!”

Both sisters were motionless, like deer caught in headlights. Neither had seen their baby sister in such a state and, if truth were told, they were just as frightened, if not more so, than she was. It was Daryl who finally put two and two together and took the keys from his girlfriend’s trembling hands.

“Prue?!!?” , came the chocked voice of her middle sister.

“I, I don’t know?” Her pain evident at not being able to know what to do.

“It was the keys.” Daryl spoke firmly, but softly- prying the little one out of Prue’s arms.

“Shah, monkey, you are ok and so are your sisters. Just open your eyes and look, everything is ok.” Daryl cooed into the softness of her hair dampened with sweat and tears.

“Mama?” Phoebe’s voice was raw and pitiful, but instantly drew her surrogates to her side.

“No baby, not Mama. Prue and Pippy, little one, we are here. Everything is ok; just open your eyes baby girl.” Prue pleaded, yet a tone of authority weaved its way around her gentle urging.

“Yeah, Pheebs, come on stinker, show me those chocolate drops of yours.” Piper added, tears falling from her own brown eyes.

Slowly, but surely, Phoebe turned lifting one lid and then the other. Once she found she was back in the manor, with her two guardian angels she softly let out a shuttered breathe.

“Pease, no go, you no comed back wike mommy and daddy. Pease, no go.” Her voice begged what was already being arranged.

Piper opened her arms and Phoebe climbed off of Daryl’s lap and into hers. Prue was on the phone with her secretary informing them she would not be in today. Phoebe was relieved to see everyone that she loved back in the same room.

The events of last night and this morning were too much and soon Phoebe fell into a restless sleep. Piper’s heartbeat reassuring her that she was safe.

Daryl’s cell rang, pulling all those awake in the room from their worried thoughts.

The inspector paced and the elder sisters listened. Only half of the conversation could be heard and they weren’t sure they wanted to know the other half.

“Yep, uh huh, are you sure. Ok, I see. How long? WHAT!!! Ok, ok, sorry, it’s just that. Look, stall for as long as you can and I’ll see what I can do. They are NOT going to be happy about this! Yeah, yeah, thanks Andy. Ok, keep me posted.” Daryl slowly hung up the phone and pulled his vision into the room. Two set of eyes anxiously waiting.

Prue swallowed the growing lump in her throat and forced herself to speak. Softly, yet with much emotions she said, but one word.

“What?”
“Absolutely NOT, Darryl! She has been through enough already.”

“I know, babe. But, honey listen. If she can ID the guy we have in custody as the drunk driver then…” Prue’s boyfriend was interrupted by the middle sister, the voice of reason, the calm he had hoped would sooth the ruffled sails of the oldest.

“And then what, Darryl? Look, I am with Prue on this one.” Piper shifted slightly, pulling the sleeping girl in her arms into a more protected position. “Phoebe has go through more in the last few months than anyone should, even as adult. I can’t… no, I won’t let her face this monster again!” Her tone final, her facial features backing up her words.

“Listen you two, honestly, I am in your court. But this creep’s blood-alcohol level was five times the legal amount. Can you really live with the fact that by not letting her, at least TRY, you are letting this monster back out on the streets to do it all over again. To KILL all over again? I’ve seen his record, Prue, it is long, very long and not at all a pretty sight.”

“I’m willing to take that chance. I’ll do or not do anything that is in her best interest!” Prue said, her verve for protection dripping around every word. “Piper and I have made our choice Darryl. She will not…”

“Me do.” Came the small voice they had awakened.

All three’s voices were so engrossed in their arguments that they forgot that their subject matter was still in the room, though supposedly asleep.

“No, baby! Let Prue and I handle this…” Piper said, saddened that they had disturbed the little girls sleep.

“Me no wanna, but me hafta.” Phoebe spoke, her voice tearing at the hearts of the adult trio. As she reached her arms up, her was of asking Prue to hold her, she continued.

“Me no wanna have odder kids wike me.”

Her words were tearing at Prue’s heart, but those eyes, those eyes with so much expression were nearly causing it to stop beating all together.

“Like you, how baby?”

“Wiff no mommy or daddy. Pease, you hafta wet me do. Pease!!” How could anyone deny this wisdom-filled child, her request.

“Ok, little one, ok. But, I come in there with you and if I say we go, you can’t argue, ok.”

The small nod from the courageous girl was all the answer she received.

“Prue!! Can I have a word with you in the KITCHEN!!” Came the controlled, yet very angry voice of Piper.

Handing Phoebe off to a very confused and pressed for time Darryl, Prue followed the agitated steps of her sister and best friend.

“Ok, what was that… A good cop/bad cop stunt gone wrong, very wrong? WE are supposed to be making sure she is not hurt and what do you do? You waltz her right into the lion’s den. Care to share your thoughts, because right at this moment I am lost.” Piper rarely became enraged, but when she did, it was pretty and was usually over or about someone she loved.


“I honestly don’t know. I was all for locking her in her room til age 30 so nothing or No ONE would ever make her have that sad face ever again. But, Pipe, did you see her eyes? Did you read what that little girl was telling us without saying a word? She NEEDS to do this. Though, she is too young to understand the dynamics of psychology, she is wise enough to now that some how by preventing this, this, this idiot from hurting anyone else, she will be easing her own pain. That and something the doctor told me in her last session with Phoebe…”


“What did Leo.. I mean Dr. Wyatt, have to say?” Piper nearly melting at the name of the man she had secretly fallen head over heels with.

Prue, grinned and had to hide the smirk as her sister’s angry face completely went to mush when she spoke of Phoebe’s PTS Psychologist.

“He said, that Phoebe would find a way to tangibly begin the emotional healing process. He couldn’t be specific, but that it would be profound enough that I would know it when it happened. Honey, you know I wouldn’t do anything to put her in jeopardy’s way, either of you. You two mean the world to me. But, Pipe, this is that profound moment and I have to go with it. I would like to go with it, with your blessing and support, though. Do I have it?” Prue ended. Lifting her sister’s chin so that their eyes met.

“Ok, Prue, I am still skeptical, but I trust you and your heart. Lets just, please, get this over with and bring her back home… safe.” Piper answered, her hand gripping her sister’s as they bolstered themselves for a task they didn’t want to do, but knew had to be done.


The room was pitch dark and the smell of stale coffee and cheap aftershave filled the one have of the line up room. Phoebe clinched her fingers around Prue’s blouse and pulled herself even tighter into her grip. She was petrified, but still resolved to do this. Both her sister’s tried to talk her out of it, tried to bribe her to change her mind. But one thing about Phoebe Halliwell she was stubborn.

Andy and Darryl entered the small room with the one-way glass after Trudeau brought his partner up to date. Prue instinctively moved over to Darryl’s side, a need for his presence was so strong as she felt fear crawling up her spine.

“Are you sure they won’t be able to see her?” She whispered as she scanned the plate glass window, separating them from the enemy.

“Yeah, they won’t see her. I promise.” He answered, wrapping his large hand around her waist and pulling them toward him. This was his ‘family’. Well, at least hoped it would soon be.

“Ok, honey, are you ready?” He asked the little girl who was braver than many adults, given the situation.

“Me’s weddy.” Phoebe spoke. Louder than she intended; her on voice echoing off the walls, scaring even the adults in the room.

“You remember what I said? Six men will come in and line up in that other room. They will all be dress alike and will have a colored number on their chest..”

“But me, no know my nummy’s yet.” Phoebe said, her honesty, showing her true innocence.

“I know, sweetheart, but you do know your colors, right?” You told them to me just last week when I was over. Just tell me what color ok?”

“Kay. Me’s weddy.”

Speaking into a intercom on the wall Darryl instructed the guard to bring out the suspects.

All were similar in looks and with the matching clothes were nearly hard to distinguish one from the other. But as soon as they all stepped forward and then back, Phoebe blurted out her answer… “ Gween!!” Her frame trembling in Prue’s secure hold.

“Are you sure, honey?” Inspector Trudeau asked. Wanting to ensure the girl was clear.

“Uh huh, GWEEN, wike a monster. He killeded my mommy and daddy dead.” That was it, she could take no more and buried her head in Prue’s shoulder, letting her big sister absorb her tears.

“I’ll kill ‘em!” Darryl boomed as he headed toward the room’s exit.


He felt the grip tighten and the pain forcing him back into the room. The anger was so raw and the willingness to do bodily harm so great, that it took all his self-control to return to his sworn oath to serve and protect.

“MORRIS!!” Came the sharp voice, cutting into his fury. “Take the girls home and I’ll deal with Biff Wellington. Go on, take the rest of the afternoon off. It looks like you are needed elsewhere.” Andy’s tone began to return to normal as he nodded his head in the direction of the three Halliwell sisters, huddled in the corner. The two older ones attempting to clam the youngest as she was covering her ears and repeating the petrified mantra, “No kill, no kill.”

Immediately Darryl felt the knife of guilt plunge into his heart. His outburst of anger only served to scare the brave little girl, he hoped would soon be his daughter.

“Uh yeah, I think I’ll heed your advice. Thanks Trudeau.” The repentant inspector said as he made his way over to his ‘family’.

Darryl asked if Piper would pick up Little D from preschool and bring him back to the house. Seeing as the Jeep had an extra car seat, she took Phoebe along with her. This allowed Prue and Darryl some time alone. Despite the add ional stop, the Jeep and the Jag pulled up at the same time. As Piper took off her sunglasses, she took a peek into the backseat and the sight was one she had to share. Quickly, yet quietly she exited the driver’s door and made her way over to her sister and her almost brother. She knew it, even if Prue didn’t.

“Hey you two, come over here, you got to see this. She said, her arm extended towards her car. The three adults peered into the tinted glass of the Cherokee, and two sleeping children… Little D had taken Phoebe out of her car seat and placed her in with him; wrapping a protective arm around his bestest friend. He didn’t need to be told that Phoebe had a rough day, he could sense it. Phoebe was so expressive that her eyes spoke to his heart.


“That’s my boy!” Darryl, grinned and puffed his chest out with pride. “We Morris’ take care of our women.” The sincerity in his voice and the goofy look on his face caused both women to burst out laughing, thus causing the sleeping children to wake up.

Slapping her boyfriend on the arm, she mockingly pushed him aside to open the door. “See what you did, and I wanted to get my camera, that was just too cute.”

“Yeah!” Piper echoed, followed by another playful punch in the other arm.

“WHAT?” Darryl asked, bewilderingly traipsing in their retreating shadows.

“Little D just giggled at his Daddy, as he sleepily looked over Piper’s departing shoulder.

That night Piper was finally asked out by Leo. So the task of getting the little ones ready for bed was left up to Darryl and Prue.

“It will be great practice for you.” Came the lilting word from Piper as she headed out the door with her Prince Charming.


“It’ll be great practice for you, my…” Came the irritated and mimicking voice of the oldest Halliwell as she chased after an escaping Phoebe. The girl hated bath time and, while Prue, too was not so fond of water herself, she knew that Piper would never let her live it down if she fail to get the girl into the tub.

Darryl was fairing no better with his son. Sheila always was able to make him eat his veggies. But since her death, Little D refused to let anything green or leafy reach his lips.

“NOOOOOOOOO” Came the sound out of the running child who attempted to hide behind Darryl and his chair.

“YESSSS!!” Came the voice from the dining room. But, as Prue entered the kitchen she stopped dead in her tracks. There sat Darryl with more of D’s dinner on him and his suit than in the little boy’s tummy. The three year old had his arms folded across his chest with a full-on attitude ready to let loose. She couldn’t help it, the spinach hanging from the side of Darryl’s face caused the soft rumble of laughter to begin brewing in her throat. The globs of carrots spotting his chest and favorite tie caused the rumble to escape. Soon she was giggling, then laughing, then howling hysterically at her young and helpless boyfriend.

Holding tightly to the overall straps of Phoebe, she handed Darryl a towel and placed a bowl of healthy finger foods in front of the now happy boy.

“I can’t believe you tried to feed him spinach and carrots at the same time.” She said, giggling and taking her free thumb and wiping the colorful goo off of his face.

Phoebe looked like she was on an endless treadmill as she tried once again to escape the clutches of the mean Ole Bath Lady.

“And I can’t believe you tried to get her to take a bath…”

“But..” Prue immediately came to her own defense.

“But nothing! Watch and learn... Say, monkey, how about after D finishes dinner you two go upstairs and get ready for a pool party.”

“YAY!!”

Soon both swim-suited children were splashing the wanna-be parents with water and making soap bubbles run down the side of the tub.

In spite of the mess, neither Prue nor Darryl felt anything but pure joy.

“I could get used to this," he said, as he leaned into place his lips welcomingly onto hers.

“EWWW!” Came a squeal from Phoebe “Boy germs!!”

“DOUBLE EWWW!!” Returned D. “Girl germs.!!”

“Great timing Morris. You wait until we have a hostile audience to make your move.” Prue teased as she quickly darted out to the way of the ammunition headed their way from the two water guns aimed at them.

Bursts of giggles were had by all, as the unsuspecting Darryl fell off the stool by the jets of water coming from the super soakers.

“Don’t you at me, honey. It was your idea to let them have a pool party... I'm just here to watch and learn.” Prue playfully mocked, as her began towel off the two sharp-shooters.

~:~:~:~

Two sets of eyes stared up at the two adults as they shared with them the bedtime story.

“ It happened, however, that the king gave orders for a festival which was to last three days, and to which all the beautiful young girls in the country were invited, in order that his son might choose himself a bride. When the two step-sisters heard that they too were to appear among the number, they were delighted, called Cinderella and said, "comb our hair for us, brush our shoes and fasten our buckles, for we are going to the wedding at the king's palace."

Cinderella obeyed, but wept, because she too would have liked to go with them to the dance, and begged her step-mother to allow her to do so. "You go, Cinderella," said she, "covered in dust and dirt as you are, and would go to the festival. You have no clothes and shoes, and yet would dance…"

“BOO, HISS.” Came the childish voices, as if on cue. Prue always did a marvelous job making the mean step-mother sound so evil.

Once the heckling settled down, the two pajama-clad angels resumed their enraptured stare, as Darryl continued on to, what they knew would be the best part.

“When the prince set eyes on Cinderella, he was struck by her beauty. Walking over to her, he bowed deeply and asked her to dance. And to the great disappointment of all the young ladies, he danced with Cinderella all evening. "Who are you, fair maiden?" the Prince kept asking her.

Cinderella had a wonderful time at the ball... But, all of a sudden, she heard the sound of a clock: the first stroke of midnight! She remembered what the fairy had said, and without a word of goodbye she slipped from the Prince's arms and ran down the steps. As she ran she lost one of her slippers, but not for a moment did she dream of stopping to pick it up! If the last stroke of midnight were to sound... oh... what a disaster that would be! Out she fled and vanished into the night…”

Darryl’s deep, rich voice made at least one woman in the room swoon. Prue grabbed the hand of her Prince Charming, both speaking secretly with their eyes. Their conversation was interrupted by the loud cries from the two children sitting Indian-style at the end of the bed.

“HUWWY PWUE, HUWWY. GETTED TO DA GOOD PAWT!! Came the anxious voice of her young sister.

“YEAH, DADDY, HUWWY UPPED!!” Came the excited voice of Little D.

Now it was their turn to have two sets of eyes of stern stare at them from over top of the book of fairy tales. “Ahem.” Came the silent order, on that both children immediately obeyed.

“PWEASE!” They said as sweetly as two impatient toddlers could.

“That’s better, much better.” The adult’s acknowledged before returning to the story's ending.

Wrapping his arms around his own Cinderella, Darryl listened, along with the kids as Prue continued on with the romantic tale.

“The next day, the step-mother said that the grand duke was coming to see them. He was searching for the girl who fits the glass slipper. And whoever she is would marry the prince! Cinderella was humming the very tune that was playing at the ball. The step-mother became suspicious and locked Cinderella in her room. But Gus and Jaq had a plan to help Cinderella. They got hold of the key, snuck up stairs and unlocked the door. Cinderella rushed down the stairs. “Your grace, may I try on the slipper?” she asked. And of course it was a perfect fit. Soon after the prince and Cinderella were married and…”

“WIVED HAPPIWEE EVA AFTA…. DEE END!!” The duo jumped into the laps of their respected family and an all out tickle war ensued.

Amid the joyous laughter came a hidden hope that they too, could live happily ever after.

The unexpected knock at the manor door awakened them from their dreams of a fairy tale ending.

The incessant knocking was the cause of the adults ceding the tickle war to the youngsters.

“I’ll get it, while you tuck Double and Trouble into bed, ok?” Darryl said. The night was rather late for unexpected company and he didn’t want Prue to be answering the door to strangers. Not that the woman couldn’t handle herself. She proved that time and again at the kickboxing gym…. Him staring up at her cheeky grin. No, this was more chivalry; something needed for his male ego and inwardly desired by the love of his life- the tough and edgy, heart full of mush, Prue Halliwell.

As he walked down the hall, to the stairs a smile crept onto his face as he heard the little ones arguing over which one was Trouble and which one was Double. Silently, he knew answering the door was the easier task.

Twenty minutes later, as she reached the second landing, she could hear the distinct sound of two strong voices in the sitting room. One she recognized, as Darryl’s, but the other was unfamiliar to her. For some reason she held back and listened from the foyer, hesitant to enter into their conversation. Darryl’s tone was one he didn’t use often, but one that sent a chill down the spine of her heart.

“You have got to be kidding me. Where’s he get off doing something like that?”

“Sorry Morris, but sadly, money talks and elected officials up for reelection listen. I wish there was another way, but there isn’t. You have to…”

“NO! I will not put her through that!” Darryl stated with finality. His voice instantly pulling a, now concerned, Prue into the room.

“Through what? … Darryl?” She was firm as she spok, only the trained observer could see the fear in her eyes.

“Prue, honey. This is San Francisco District Attorney, Cole Turner. Cole, Prue Halliwell.” The inspector extending the formalities of etiquette; stalling long enough to pull his thoughts together.

“Ms. Halliwell.” Cole attempted to break the tension in the room, holding out his hand towards her.

Prue ignored the friendly gesture, only offering a formidable glare; her piercing blue eyes causing their guest to be slightly intimidated. Steely she spoke, “I will ask again, Through what?”

With a deep sigh, Darryl finally spoke. “I think we better sit down.”, wrapping his arm around her waist he led a skeptical Prue over to the sofa.

~:~:~:~:~:~


“I had a lovely time tonight. Are you sure you’re not an angel?”

“Nope, I’m not a real angel, but I do play one on TV.” He teased as he escorted her to the front door.

“I would love if we could make this into a regular habit. You know, dinner, dancing, walking on the beach…”

“Oooh, a girl could sure get used to that kind of an arrangement. Yes, yes I think that could definitely be worked into my schedule.” Piper was actually flirting. She was even shocked at the body language she was using… well, shouting at the bronzed Adonis on the manor’s front stoop. Slowly, yet with desired determination she snaked her arms around his toned middle and, at first gently, placed her lips against his. She closed her eyes, as she felt him reciprocate her advances. Piper was being bold, Piper was being impulsive, Piper was falling in love. Then out of nowhere a comic scene entered her mind. An old Brady Bunch episode flashed on the screen of her shuttered lids…

Bobby's first kiss with Millicent… SKYROCKETS.

At first she lips just smiled, but then, then she remembered Mike Brady consoling his son, now sick son… "If you had to get the mumps you got 'em the best way you could get 'em." she could hold back no longer; now she started to giggle, and then finally pull back in full laughter. Instantly, Leo looked crushed… Assuming his kissing techniques were the result of the lovely woman’s merriment. Upon seeing this, Piper tried very hard to curb her amusement. While being able to successfully rein in sobriety, she still couldn’t resist asking, “You don’t happen to have the mumps by any chance, do you?

“The perplexed man, whose emotions were still reeling just grunted a, “Huh?”

“Oh never mind!” She grabbed his face and pulled him to her, engaging him in yet another passionate kiss; it was sheer and utter electricity. Time stood still, both Leo and Piper knew instantly they were forever soul-mates.

Reluctantly drawing back, Leo said what he didn’t feel. “I had better go. I don’t need your sister thinking me a cad.”

With sadness, all frivolity gone, Piper placed her hand on the large brass doorknob. “Yeah, there’s no telling what she’d do. Good night, Leo. Thanks for everything and I do mean EVERYTHING.”

“Ditto, Mon Cheri; until we meet again.” Leo brushed his lips against hers and then began his trek back down the stairs.

Piper turned the knob and was beginning her entrance into the manor when Leo stopped her with his words.

“I saw them too, Millicent.” - The moon catching his retreating silhouette.

“You saw what, Leo? And did you just call me Millicent?” Puzzled out of her euphoria, Piper was clueless as to what on earth he was talking about.

“The skyrockets, Millicent, the skyrockets.” Then, with a wink and a wave, he was gone.

His words were still ringing in her ears as she ‘floated’ the rest of the way into the house. Softly Piper closed the door, her palm, held to the beveled glass just a moment longer, she whispered: “Good night Bobby, I love you.” Light and giddy from these new and powerful feelings swelling in her heart she just stood there dazed and in love. Her wandering dreaming was yanked away, returning her back to the manor. She heard the angry and LOUD voice of her sister pierce through her peaceful thoughts.

“WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER, BUDDY!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!! NOW, GET OUT BEFORE I THROW YOU OUT!! GO!!!!”
All rise, the 39th district court in now in session, Judge Peniwell presiding. The bailiff’s words were drowned, in a monotone tenor voice.

“Please be seated.” The judge stated while peering over her half glasses at the documents. With a nod to the bailiff to proceed she sat back as looked out into the audience of young faces. It was cases like this that make her love and hate her job simultaneously.

“Case Number: 345V2a, the state of California v Wendell Wellington (AKA: Biff) Vehicular homicide, failure to remain at the scene…” And the humming of the man’s voice was filling the courtroom, unsettling the three Halliwells as they neared having to actually face the man who murdered their parents.

Phoebe was gripping Piper’s finger so hard that it was going numb. Prue was in full mother mode and was sensing each of her sister’s nervousness. This caused her to become angry all over again. She thought back two months:

“Prue, listen to me. You will be with her, we have lucked out and have gotten the most compassionate judge slotted for the case. You have to let her do this or the jerk will walk. Can you live with that? The woman I love values justice and would not allow this to happen to anyone else…” Darryl continued to plead his case but Prue heard nothing beyond ‘The woman I love’. Did he really love her, could it be true. He had never said it to her, this was the first time those words came from his wonderful lips. Or… was this sweet talk in an attempt for him to get his way in allowing Phoebe to take the stand. No, no, he wouldn’t do that, his eyes told her that plainly.

“…So? What do you say? Will you consent?”

The creaking of the door heralding the man who killed her mom and dad, pulled her back into the court room. Anger encompassed her frame and it had to be released. Balling her fist she nailed her boyfriend silently, yet painfully in the upper thigh. She leaned in and harshly whispered. “If this thing backfires, Darryl. I swear your ass is sooo mine, got it!”

“It won’t, but if it does I’ll serve it to you on a silver platter. Come on sweetie, you are scaring Phoebe. Relax, for her sake.” Darryl leaned in and wrapped a protective arm around Prue and with the same hand lovingly brushed his fingers across the brave baby’s face.

Phoebe’s eyes were glued to her protector’s face. The wave of emotions ebbing and flowing through Prue’s blue eyes were disconcerting and caused Phoebe to become frightened all over again. She thought that pointing the man out was enough, she didn’t want to tell anybody what she saw the night. Tears welled in her eyes as stared at her big sister. If she thought it was the right thing to do, she’d do it, but she didn’t have to like it and told her sisters so; both agreeing to the child’s statement- none of them had to like it.

Prue’s heart broke as she was the fear in the little one’s eyes. She opener her arms, letting Phoebe know she could come sit with her. Piper gave her a quick squeeze telling her silently that it was ok. The tiny dress was a blur as Phoebe awkwardly lunged into her other sisters lap.


The court proceedings lasted for a few days before Phoebe would be asked to take the stand. But today was the day and she had gotten sick every morning leading up to this one. Piper nearly insisted that they call this off and refuse to allow her to testify, but Phoebe herself said “Me not getting’ dis sick and fer nuttin’! dat scumbags going down!” Piper was about to ask where the little girl learned such a word, but only had to look at Prue’s reddening face for her answer.

Phoebe had loved to spend one on one time with each of her sisters. With Piper it was baking cookies with Prue is was watching her kick box at the gym and then a day at the mall. Even at three that girl could shop!

“All rise…” Piper was now the one drawn back into the court room. After the typical morning preliminaries the heard what they had all been dreading.

“Mr. Turner, call your next witness.” Judge Peniwell said this crisp, yet compassioned authority.

“Your honor, the state would like to call Phoebe Marie Halliwell to the stand.”


One of Phoebe’s sisters was allowed to sit in the witness box with the little girl so to make her feel safer and more willing to explain the dreadful events surrounding the accident that left her parents dead and the remainder of the family forever scarred.

Considering Prue’s volatile temper, it was decided the Piper would be the better sibling to support Phoebe during her examination and the defense attorney’s cross.

The courtroom was packed. The case against such a prominent family based solely on the eye witness testimony of a three -year-old, drew large crowds, both from the media and private sectors. As Piper carried her sister to the witness box and settled in for the first day of questioning, she would feel the little one tremble as she viewed the courtroom. Pulling the child a little closer, her sister gave her a quick squeeze and wink; reassuring Phoebe what she, herself, didn’t feel.



“Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?” The kind man asked.

Silence, not a sound could be heard in the courtroom. It was as if all were holding there breath waiting for the little girl to speak, allowing them all to exhale. A full thirty seconds and still the atmosphere held no sound.

“Pheebs, sweetie. Aren’t you gonna answer the nice man?” Piper asked, then making eye contact with the one the edge of her seat Prue.

“Shh!” Was all she got out of the child in her lap. Piper then peered around the child’s bowed head and noticed her hands were pressed together in a prayer-like position.

“Honey, it’s ok you can open your eyes and answer.” Piper said with a smile. The only time Phoebe had seen a man in a suit holding a Bible, talking about God, was the pastor that conducted the funeral of their parents. She remembered that Prue had shown her how to fold her hands when the held the prayer service several months back.

In a loud whisper that was easily picked up by the microphone in front of her, Phoebe told her sister, somewhat irritated that she was disturbing what she thought was a holy moment. “Not til him says amen, now shhh!” With that bailliff said around a huge smile and soft courtroom chuckles.

“Amen!”

With that Phoebe looked up and with a great confindence replied, “Then I does!”

James, wasn’t sure if an I does vs. an I do would suffice, but proceeded to step back to his post when Judge Peniwell slightly nodded her head, which was bobbing with silent laughter at the raw innocence of this child. She instantly took a liking to her.

Piper was amazed that her sister had lost all jitters and seemed to be in her element. But then again, Phoebe always shined when she was the center of attention.


The judge banged her gavel to restore order and bring the days deliberations to a start. “Phoebe, is it?”

“Uh huh.” But quickly amended her response when she caught sight of Prue’s disapproving look. “… I mean, yes Ma’am.”

“Mr. Turner and then Mr. Reynolds are going to ask you to tell what you saw when were in your car accident. If you need to stop at any time or need a potty break you just let me know, ok?”

‘kay. Ms. Judge Wady?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“You’re vewy pwetty.” Phoebe stated, mesmerized by the kindness and gentle features of the robed lady. She reminded her of her mommy, only older. She knew the nice judge wouldn’t let her get hurt, and she instantly liked her.

“Aw, my dear sweet child, bless you. You are very pretty too.”

“OBJECTION!” Bryan Reynolds shouted, assuming flattery as a motive to get onto the good side of the judge.

The gentle face of the woman turned to stone as she stared the fresh out of internship, though very, very good attorney down. In a cold voice, that would humble and man’s ego she said. “OVER RULED!”

Both Prue and Piper, for the first time began to relax. Each instantly respecting the woman behind the bench.

“Ok, Mr. Turner, you may proceed with your questioning.” Her tone was firm yet soft. Indicating to all that the focus was back on the case.

“Hello, sweetie. Could you please tell us your full name, so everyone know it.”

“Phoebe Mawie Hawiwell. I wike my name.” Phoebe could never just tell her full name without adding how much she liked it.

“I like it too, it suits you well.”

“Fank you.”

“You are welcome. Now Phoebe, I am going to ask you to tell me and the court what happened on December 12th of this year. The day you and your parents were in the car accident. Can you do that for me?”

She stared at the handsome man before her. He reminder her of Prince Charming in the story Prue and Darryl had read her nearly every night.

“Me can twy.”

“Good, that’s just want I wanted to hear.” He gave her a wink that made the little girl sit up a bit taller. This made both her sisters roll their eyes as her antics. Even at three, the girl was such a flirt.

“Ok, Phoebe, where were you coming from when the accident happened?”

“Disney Wand. I got to see Mickey Mouse and Cindewella, too.”

“I bet you had a fun time.”

“Uh huh.”

“What was going on in the car on your way home? Can you tell us what you, your daddy and mommy each were doing just before the other car hit yours?”

Phoebe hesitated, but swallowed hard and held back her fears. Prue and Piper had both told her how she had to be a brave little girl and tell both men what she knew. She didn’t want to disappoint them and she wanted the mean man to not hurt anyone else. So she closed her eyes and began to tell what happened.

“Mommy was driving da caw. Daddy was messin’ up da itsy bitsy spidew and I was learnin’ him the wite way…. Me no wike dat song no mow.” The big chocolate brown eyes turned instantly sad.

“Sweetie, I know this is hard, do you need a break?”

“No, me ok.” She said as she quickly wiped at her tears. She wasn’t the only one.

“Ok, if you are sure.”

“I sure, Mizzer T.”

“Ok, can you tell me when you first saw the car swerve into the lane your mommy was driving in?”

“Objection, calls for speculation.” James had to step in and do something quickly. The pity and cute factor were totally working against his client.

“Your Honor. The accident reports confirm, based on the skid marks and car damage to both cars that the car that was driven my the defendant clearly swerved into Ms. Halliwell’s line of passage.” Cole spoke with authority and calm, for two reasons. The continued outbursts by the defense attorney was scaring the little girl and second, because he had done his homework.

“Overruled again, Mr. Reynolds. Seems to me you had better read your ALL your material, before offering up such a weak protest. Now sit down.” Judge Peniwell was a perfectionist and didn’t take kindly to people who didn’t strive for the same.

“Ms. Judge Wady.”

“Yes, darling?”

“Whys dat man always shoutin’? In Kiddie Kamp we have to waise our hand if we wanna say somtin. He too woud!” Phoebe finished putting her hands over her ears to demonstrate.

“Why, my dear, what an excellent idea. Going forward all objections are to be pretexted by the raising of your right hand.”

“Next you’ll have them saying Mother may I? What kind of courtroom is this?” Biff’s arrogance at having power and privilege was always proven by the fact he just couldn’t keep quiet.

“Mr. Reynolds! I suggest you advise your client to zip his lip and loose the silver spoon in the mouth attitude, ASAP. I know of places that Mr. Wellington can be sent, where some people just don’t take kindly to new guests with the name Biff or Wendell for that matter. A new prison cell can be arranged.”

All of Biffs vibrato drained from his tone as well as the blood from his flushed cheeks. James, quickly leaned in, whispering reprimands into his client’s ear.

Once the court was settled back down Cole asked Phoebe his question again.

“Can you tell me when you first saw the car swerve into the lane your mommy was driving in?”

“Well I seen da caw before it camed into in fwont of mommy. I member telling daddy that dat caw was just wike da tilt a wirl that my sissys always wide at the summer fair.

“After the crash happened, what did you do next.”

“I twied to wake mommy and daddy up and I couldn’t I was scweaming and scweaming for someone to come wake dem up. Dat when da man came…”

“You mean the paramedics?” The prosecutor stated for clarification.

“Me no understand dat word, pwease ‘spwan me.”

“The people that came in the big truck with lights and sirens.” He responded gently to the girl’s request for clarification.

“You mean da owwie people?”

“Yes, sweetie, the owwie people.” He smiled at the simplicity of this adorably complex childe.

“No, no, not dem da odder, man.” Phoebe went on to explain.

This took Cole totally by surprise, as well as her sisters, the James Reynolds and the judge. No one knew that Phoebe had seen anyone before the EMS unit arrived.

“What man?”

“Him!” Phoebe said, pointing her small trembling finger directly at Biff Wellington.




Cole had concluded his questioning of Phoebe Halliwell. It was now the defense attorney’s turn to debunk all the evidence his colleague had presented against his client. As James approached the witness box he found two pairs of eyes staring at him- one set brown and expectant the other blue and piercing. Yes, that’s right, Prue Halliwell was the one seated with her little sister this time… at her persistent insistence. Phoebe was secretly relieved to have her biggest and in her humble opinion meanest sister to be at her side. Not that she didn’t love Piper with all her heart, because she did, it’s just that when it came to putting someone in their place Prue took far less time doing it and that was a what comforted her as the tall shadowy man approached them.

“Hello Phoebe. How are you today?” James asked, attempting to ease into his questioning.

“Okay sir, and you?”

“I’m fine, just fine. Thank you for asking.”

“Welcome.” Phoebe smiled slightly as she felt Prue give her an slight squeeze, letting her know she was pleased with the little girl’s manners.

“Ok, Phoebe. Now it is my turn to ask you some questions. Please take your time and if you don’t understand something just let me know, ok?”

“Ok.”

“Now then, lets start with about what time it was when you started back home from your trip to DisneyLand. Do you know about what time it was when you got on the highway?”

“Well, me no know how to tell time yet, but Daddy told Mommy that it would be a free hour trip and that we would be home in time for my bedtime.”

“And what time is your bedtime?”

“Eight-firty… but sometimes if I’m a good girl Prue lets me stay up a widdle bit more.”

“ I bet you get to stay up longer quite often then.”

“ Not as often as I’m tent to be earwy.” Phoebe pouted out. Folding her arms across her chest in an obvious show of displeasure. However a slight clear of her older sister’s throat and Phoebe instantly lost her impish attitude.

“Ok, please let the record reflect that, based on this information that the Halliwell family began their return trip at approximately 5:30 pm on the evening of December 12th. Now, can you tell me if their were any delays in your travels back to your house?”

“Well, I had to top for a couple of potty breaks, but me no remember anyting else… nope dats all the speed bumps we wan into… dats what Daddy called dem, but I called dem peed bumps… Daddy waughed… Mommy didn’t.”

Prue attempted to silently be firm, but the image she was sure was on her mother’s face drew her lips into a slight smile. No matter how hard her mom tried to break the three year old from saying that word and others; her dad’s amusement always egged the little girl on.

Clearing his throat James attempted to resume his serious questioning. “Ok, now Phoebe, can you tell me how long each of these potty breaks lasted?” Even James has to hide his grin behind the manila folder he was carrying when the tiny finger began to tap on her chin and her eyes furrowed in such deep concentration.

After several quiet moments Phoebe offered her answer. “ Da first top was half a Kooby Doo and da odder was one wasted a half a Mizzer Wogers.” Pleased with herself she sat back in Prue’s arms, distancing herself from the microphone. Prue rewarded the small bundle of energy with at gentle hug and Piper sent her a quick wink from the first row. A wink Phoebe tried to send back, but but her lid just wouldn’t cooperate; so, instead she blew kisses.

Both Phoebe’s older sister were very proud of her creativeness, seeing the child really had no concept at all of time…. Especially when it comes to getting ready for dinner. Just ask a very annoyed Piper.

“Ok, umm, I’m a little confused on how to tell that kind of time…”

“Oh for heaven sake, my dear boy. Scooby Doo runs a thirty minute cartoon and the Mr. Rogers is an hour. Therefore the first stop was 15 minutes and the second was a half hour. You really need to brush up on your cartoon knowledge, I’d say.” Judge Peniwell gave the awestruck girl a wink and a stern look at the dumbfounded attorney.

“See Pwue, I told you da Judge Wady was cool. She EVEN watches Kooby Doo, how cool is that?”

“Very cool, Phoebe, very cool, but you need to finish answering this nice man’s questions. Ok?”

“Ok, Ok, I was juss sayin’.”

“Alright then, please let the record reflect that, based on this new information the estimated time of arrival to their Prescott St. residence would be altered by approximately 45 minutes.”

“Now Phoebe, I need you to help me out, ok?”

“Sure. I wike to help, just ask Piper.”

“I’ll just have to do that.” James said, as he had taken a shining to the middle Halliwell, though her eyes seemed fixed on another.

“Focus Mr. Reynolds, focus.” The judge’s firm tone pulled him back to the matters at hand.

“I need to find out just how dark it was outside when you allegedly encountered Mr. Wellington at the scene of the accident.”

“I object!!…”

“Umm… Mr. T. You forgot to waise your wight hand.” Phoebe whispered causing the District Attorney to awkwardly abide by the court’s request.


“You Honor, this calls for speculation an uneducated guess at best.”

Phoebe then raise her hand. “I bject. I been to pweschool I been edjamacated.”

“Yes you have dear, your request is sustained.”

“Fank you Judge Wady.”

“You are welcome, my dear.”

“Now, as for you…” pointing the gavel in the direction of a pacing Cole. “Overruled! I’m sorry, but seeing as there were no other eye witnesses that you can present to this court, we must take the word of this young upstanding citizen. Don’t underestimate her, Mr. Turner, she may prove quite the observer.

“Proceed Mr. Reynolds.”

“Ok, Phoebe I am going to keep dimming the lights until you tell me that the room is as dark as it was outside the night Mr. Wellington supposedly approached your vehicle.”

“Ok.”

James walked over to the dimmer switch and slowly began dropping the lights intensity. “How about now, Phoebe, was it this dark?”

“Nnnoo.” Me no wike the dark. You till here Pwue?”

“I’m here, baby, don’t be afraid, I’ve got you. You just concentrate on the darkeness and we’ll soon be able to have the lights back on. Ok, sweetie?”

“Kay, but DON’T weave me, prowise?”

“I promise.”

Still James continued to dim the lights until the room was completely pitch black.

“Dat dawk! Wight back on pwease, wights back on!!”


James returned the lights to their original illumination and reproached the witness box.

“You mean to tell me that it was that dark and yet you were able to identify Mr. Wellington as the man who looked into your vehicle?”

“Das what I said! Me no wie Mizzer, me no wie!!” Phoebe promptly buried her head into Prue’s shoulder and burst into tears. The fear of the dark was intensified after her parent’s death and this was one of the only outbursts the young child had made the entire trial.

“This court will adjourn for a short recess and will resume at 1:30 pm sharp.” The gavel was rapped lighter than normal so as not to add to the distress of the fragile girl thrust into the middle of something too big for such a small child.

~:~:~:~:~:~

All three sat on a bench outside the courtroom doors. The older two attempting to calm the youngster so filled with so much fear.


“Pease no make me go back in dere…. Peaseeee!!” The pleas were ripping at both sister’s hearts. If it were up to them the would keep her safe at the manor and away from having to recall such hurtful things.

“Come one sweetie, just a little while more and this will be all over. You want to put the bad man away, right”

“PIPER!” Prue shouted in a hushed tone, knowing there was no garuntees that would truly happen.

“Can you cross your heart pwomise me he be sent bye-bye?” Phoebe said, through tears.

Prue, knowing this is exactly where the little girl’s thinking would head intercepted Piper’s well meaning, but realistic fumble.

“No honey, she can’t and neither can I. You have to be a big girl for a little bit more and answer the mans questions and then we can take you home. What do you say, huh?”

“Me no wanna be a big girl any more.” She said burying her head into her safety zone again.

Prue glanced at her watch and knew they had to be heading back to the court room. Lifting the little girls chin, so the dewy lashes were staring into her own misty blues, her big sister did what she did best. “Listen, flash. Sometimes we all have to do things we don’t want to, ‘cause we are scared. Remember when I went to officially adopt you?”

“YOU no wanted to adopteded me?” Panic filling her eyes and words.

“No, no, no… not that part. I so wanted to adopt you and make you mine, but I was scared.”

“YOU??”

“Yep, me. You see I had never taken care of a child before other than babysitting. I was afraid I would not be able to do a good job or worse that they wouldn’t let me have the chance. Still, I marched up the stairs of this very court house and did what I wished could just happen. So yeah, I was scared, just like you, but I knew I had to do it in order to have your with Piper and me forever, so I put aside my fear and did the right thing. Now sweetie, I’m asking you to do the same thing. Will you do it for me?”

“You were afraid? Pippy, did you hear that? Pwue as a fwaidy cat.”

Piper remembered how Prue battle with her emotions and insecurities in order to be legal guardian to their youngest sister. Through tears of her own she said. “Yeah, honey, I heard. Can you be a big girl just like Sissy was and go back in the courtroom?”

Awkwardly wiping her tears and planting a sloppy kiss on both sisters cheeks she stood up and pulled in both her sisters' hands, heading them toward the courtroom doors.

“Well, is you two comin' or not?” Phoebe asked, giggling at her sisters' goofy expressions the little one never failed to leave on their faces.




This time Phoebe Halliwell took the stand alone, save for the six telephone book hoisting her high enough to reach the microphone. She was nervous, but knew she had to be a big girl just like her biggest sister was. She so want to please them, but it was hard thinking back to the night she still had nightmares about. Gulping down her fear she sat perfectly straight and hoped it would all be over with soon.

“Are you feeling better now, Phoebe?” James sincerely asked as he approached the littlest witness he has ever questioned.

“Yes, fank you.”

“Ok, good. Can I ask you just a few more questions, then?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you…”

“Welcome.”

“Alright, Phoebe. When we last talked you indicated that it was pitch black outside, based on the light demonstration that I conducted. I just want to make sure that is accurate and that you didn’t misunderstand. So, I’ll ask you again, was really that dark outside the night of the accident when you claimed to have seen, Mr. Wellington?”

Phoebe was growing tired of being asked the same questions over and over. Her mommy and sisters taught her never to lie… and for the most part she didn’t, well sometimes, but they weren’t over anything serious. Still, she knew not to let her frustration get the better of her or they would never get to go home and cuddle and watch Scooby Doo. “Yes, it was weally dat dark, when I saw him.” She said, clearly, but kindly; pointing to the glowering man at the defense table.

“I have not further questions you honor, thank you and thank you, Ms Halliwell for being so helpful..” James said as he returned to his seat. A bit of smugness as he felt confident that his client would be walking, thought he himself knew he was guilty.

“Care to cross, Mr. Turner?” Judge Peniwell asked.

“Yes, Your Honor, I would.”

“Why, the stupid kid can’t see in the dark, you have nothing on me Turner, give it up.”

“ORDER!!!” The judge abhorred her courtroom being disrupted and didn’t take kindly to name calling either.

“Retrain you client Mr. Reynolds or I will do it for you.”

“Yes, your honor.” James was becoming just as annoyed at his clients arrogance.

“Hi, Phoebe, can I talk to you again, for just a little bit.”

“Will you use your inside voice, pwease? Me no wike when peoples shout.”

“Sure I will, that is the right thing to do and you are very smart in pointing that out.” Cole said as he wickedly glanced at Biff.

“Ok, honey. You said it was really, really dark outside, how can you be so sure that who you so was Mr. Wellington?”

“Cuz I can. And it weally was him. I could see him.”

“How could you see him Phoebe?”

“He shined a fwashwight into da car.”

“OBJECTION! Repressing information.” James said, wisely raising his right hand to avoid another lecture.

“What’s pessing formation mean, me no undertand.”

“It means you didn’t tell him about the flashlight.” Cole whispered to the little girl with growing circles under her eyes.

“Well, him didn’t ask about no fwashwight. I woulda telled him if himmed asked.” Phoebe was now on top of her soapbox, well, telephone books actually, arms crossed and glaring at the man who was trying to give her a hard time.

“She’s gotcha there, Mr. Reynolds, she’s gotcha there. OVERRULED! Now, sweetie, sit back down, please.”

“Yes Maam.” Phoebe said as she climbed back down.

“Ok, so you were able to see Mr. Wellington because he was carrying a flashlight. Did he say anything?”

“Yes.” Phoebe became instantly edgy, a look of apprehension covering her face.

“Can you tell me what he said?”

“No.”

“Why can’t you…”

“Cuz there ain’t nothing’ to tell. The brat is making the whole thing up.”

“Guard, return Mr. Can’t keep his mouth shut, back to his cell. I will NOT allow my courtroom to be disrupted again.”

Two burly men in standard issue uniforms escorted a verbally and physically irate Biff from the courtroom.

“Ok, Phoebe, can you now tell me what Mr. Wellington said?”

“NO!” The small girls voice raised a notch and the fear in her eyes nearly had both sisters at her side. Darryl even had to hold Piper back from going to the little girl.

“Why, can’t you tell me?”

“Cuz Prue would pank my butt… hard. Mes now ‘woud to use dem words.” Phoebes said, looking over at Prue to make sure she wasn’t mad. Prue’s smile let Phoebe know she had done good.

“I think you sister would understand if you, just this once told…”

“Noooo!! Pwease don’t make me. You never been panked by Prue, so you don’t know…”

“Mr. Turner! The court will recognize Ms. Halliwells comments to mean the Mr. Wellington used inappropriate language. There’s no need to make her repeat them.”

“Tank you, Judge Wady. Tank YOU vewy much!!”

“You are welcome my darling. Carry on, you are doing just fine.”

“Was there anything unusual about Mr. Wellington that night? Anything else that might tell us it was him?” Cole was hoping that the little girl would say what he knew would make Wellington go down. He knew Phoebe had to say it or the case only had a 50/50 chance. He was wise enough to know that, while Judge Peniwell was taken with the small child, she would in no way lose her objectivity toward the case. Cole was pulled back to the courtroom by the winesse’s answer.

“He smelled funny.”

“He smelled funny, how.”

“Just wike Daddy on New Year’s Eve when he had too much happy juice.”

“I see. Is there anything, anything at all that you can think of.”

“No, noffin else. Can I go be wiff my sissys now, pwease?” Phoebe was physically and emotionally spent. She needed a good cuddle and a LOT of spoiling.

“Sure, Phoebe. I have no further questions.” Cole said, resigned to the fact Phoebe would offer the vital information if she knew, and now it was all in Judge Peniwell’s hands. He just prayed that the rough road he made Phoebe Halliwell travel would not all be for naught.

“You can step down, honey. Thank you for being such a good witness.”

“ You are welcome. Judge Wady?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Can I give you a hug?”

“Oh my dear, sweet child of course you can, I would be delighted.”

“Fank you, fank you for bein’ such a nice Judge Wady to me.” Phoebe said. As her small hands wrapped around the judge’s neck, her mind went into black and white images. The woman felt the child go stiff in her arms, and both her sister’s saw it too. Before anyone could react Phoebe started talking…

“I memember, I memember tumtin’ can I tell Mr. T. what I memembered?” Almost as an after thought she added, “pwease?”

“Yes, you may. Mr. Turner.” The judge didn’t have to say anymore, Cole was already at the bench.

“I understand you have something to tell me, something you remember?”

“Yes, he had a cartoon on his arm.”

“You mean a tattoo?”


“Yeah, das it, a ‘too.”

“Can you tell me what it looked like?”

“Well, it was a wed dwagon wiff bwack eyes and…and well, he didn’t wook anyfinn wike Puff does, dough. Puff is WAY cuter. It had smoke comin’ from its nose and a tail dat spelled a word. I don’t know da word, but I know da wetters. Want for me at tell ya?”

“Yes, Phoebe, please tell us the letters.”

“S… T… U… D… M… U… F…F…I…N.” Phoebe said, extremely proud of herself for remembering such a long string of alphabets, that is until the whole courtroom burst out laughing and she thought that the were laughing at her. Tears began to roll; Judge Peniwell tried to reassure her that they weren’t laughing at her, but she was very tired and would only believe one of her sisters. With a small peck on the cheek, the judge set Phoebe down and told her to go sit with her sisters. She was already halfway there when, Cole said.

“I rest my case.”

THE NEXT DAY:

“All rise….” The bailiff’s words were lost on the nervous group as they mechanically stood as the judge made her way to the bench.

“Be seated.”

“ I have listed to both sides of this case and have read and reread all the associated documentation that have been submitted- I have now reached my verdict. Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Wellington, please rise.”

“In Case # 345V2a: The State v Wendell Wellington the Third. I find the defendant GUILTY as charged and it is by the authority of the state of California that I sentence you to the maximum penalty of 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

“This is a travesty of justice… I will appeal… you have no idea who you are messing with…” The shouts of Studmuffin Wellington could be heard echoing down the hall as he was escorted back to his holding cell to await transfer to a maximum security prison.


CASE CLOSED!


ONE WEEK LATER:

The room was filled with glowing candles and soft jazz played in the background. Strawberries, chocolate and a bottle of wine sat neatly on the coffee table. The couple staring adoringly into each others eyes. That was the view the two little sets of eyes had as they peered between the banister rails as Prue and Darryl leaned in simultaneously for a kiss. As their lips touched, both children looked at each other, rolled their eyes and stuck their finger in their mouth, making the universal sign of a gag. In what seemed like forever, at least to the peeking toms on the stairs, Darryl and Prue’s lips disengaged. Slowly and with skill, Darryl poured his lady love another glass of wine, this time the delicate crystal goblet had more than just fermentation in it. Gently floating to the bottom of the glass was a gorgeous three carat diamond ring. The gasp of her big sister could be heard all the way up the stairs. Phoebe was worried and ready to kick Big D in the shins, but Little D held her back. “Shh, wait. Daddy’s got a speech.”

“Prue, I know my life is not really conducive to marriage. My job as a cop is never predictable. But, I love you with every fiber of my being and would be honored if you would accept this ring and as yes to being my wife.”

Prue’s heart was beating so hard it was drowning out his words, but his eyes filled in the gaps, as love was pouring out of them.

“Yes, oh yes Darryl….” She would have said more but his lips on hers prevented anything further to be said, though words were totally unnecessary.

Instantly the kiss was torn apart by two squealling children running and jumping into their arms.

“Phoebe, were you eavesdropping… again?” Prue asked, knowing the answer and not at all caring as drew the child into her arms.

“Nuh huh, we wasn’t e’s popping, were we Widdle D?”

“Nope.” The junior Morris said as his father looked disbelieving down at him. “Nope, we was watching Pince Charmin’ get his Inderella, wight, Pheebs?”

“Wight, and it’s about time too.” Phoebe said, throwing her arms around her sister in her three year old way of congratulating her.

“Well, I guess the kids are ok, with it.” Darryl laughed as he tossed his little man in the air and each adult grabbed a child began to tickle without mercy.

“Mommy… stop… hehehe… pwease stopp… that…. Hehe tickles….” Prue instantly stopped her fingers from attacking the little boys ribs and just stared at him. Little D instantly became tentative… “ Is it alwight if I call you Mommy, you act wike how my mommy used to, and I weally, weally, wove you.” Darryl Morris Jr. was so scared of being rejected that his little mirrored eyes began to well with tears.

“Oh, D. It would be an honor if you called me Mommy, I love it and I love you too… sooooo much.”

“YAY!” The little boy was so happy and then an evil grin played on his lips as he figured turn about was fair play. Instantly, Prue was besieged with tickles and raspberries and sloppy kisses from her soon to be son.

Darryl on the other hand was fairing slightly differently. Phoebe had him on the ground sitting cross-legged on Darryl’s stomach, bombarding him with endless questions and his ‘tentions’ with her sister. After she seemed satisfied her sister wouldn’t get hurt and the Darryl love her big sister very much, she turned on him and the giggle battle was on. “Ok, ok, monkey…. UNCLE!!” Darryl shouted and Phoebe sat up, relishing in her victory. Darryl started to get up too, but his hand slipped and he fell back down. Phoebe was on him like a shot. Daddy, Daddy, are you hurted? Where’s da owwie? Pwue will make it better, pwease don’t die Daddy, pwease don’t die.”

Ignoring the pain in his shoulder and the concerned look that was coming from his finance, Darryl pulled the small and still vulnerable child to him and cooed softly into her ear that he would never leave her if he could help it. “Cwoss you heart pwomise?”

“Yes, little one, cross my heart promise. And hey, did you just call me daddy?” He asked, just now realizing what the child had referred to him as.

“Uh huh, is dat bad? Cuz, I wove you and I want you to be my new daddy forever.”

Scooping the girl up and heading towards his son and soon to be bride, Darryl said… “ I think that can be arranged, don’t you Prue?”

“ Oh yeah. One big happy family, right.”

“RIGHT! And we’ll wive ‘appily ever afta!” Shouted both children, just as they had rehearsed it upstairs, earlier that day.

The joyful couple readily agreed… “Happily ever after.”


~*~*~*~ Th ... th'-th'-th'-th'-th'-that's All, Folks! ~*~*~*~