Disclaimer: the Charmed Characters are the creation of Aaron Spelling and Constance Burge.. I've just borrowed them for your enjoyment
“Prue, this is important, the Auction House stands to loose a lot of money if we don’t secure this collection”
“I understand”
“Do you?” Helen raised her eyebrows “You are one of our best workers….”
“Thank you…”
“Let me finish……you may be one of our best workers but I sometimes wonder where you’re loyalties lay…….there’s too many interruptions….to many early nights….I work hard….I put the hours in I expect you to do the same”
Prue briefly closed her eyes as she tried to compose herself “I think that’s a bit harsh…Helen I…”
“Have responsibilities….yes I know that….everyone knows that, but to be perfectly frank I am not interested….I pay you to do a job I expect 110% commitment, if you can’t give me that then….”
“But Helen, no! I mean please I need this job…you know I do, besides even when I finish early I work at home, you know that….I put in the hours it may not be here but….”
“My point exactly….this is where you’re employed this is where you are expected to be….do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly”
“Good, now get back to your desk, I expect to see the completed catalogue before you leave tonight”
Prue’s mouth dropped open that had to be at least another six hours work and it was already 4 in the afternoon.
“No excuses” Helen snapped her notepad shut and dismissed her subordinate.
Making her way back to her office Prue felt her heart sink, she had planned on leaving at 5 having promised her younger sisters she would take them to the cinema and pizza it had been weeks since they’d spent any quality time together. Sitting down at her desk the feeling of despair swept over her, taking a deep breath she picked up the phone and did what she knew she had to do.
“Hi! Angela!”
“Prue, how’s it going? Everything on track?”
“No…not exactly that’s why I’m calling..”
“Oh Prue! The girls are going to be so disappointed….”
“Them and me both…..”
“They’ve talked about nothing else since I picked them up from school…..”
“Don’t…” Prue suddenly felt the tears brimming in her eyes.
“I’m sorry…..do you want to talk to them?”
“Yeah, just for a minute though I’ve got Helen on my back….personal calls? A big no no”
“Don’t worry I’ll give them a shout…..”
“Oh! Ange? Is it ok? I mean I haven’t even asked, can you keep them until I finish? Probably be about 10ish”
“No probs…lucky for you I haven’t got anything else on tonight”
Prue smiled into the phone; even if she had Prue suspected she’d have cancelled “You’re an angel…”
“Maybe….pity we can’t say the same about your youngest sister….”
Prue took a deep breath “What’s she done now?”
“Nothing major….slight skirmish in the playground, something about some boy taking her lunch….”
“Put her on…..”
Almost instantly the sound of her kid sister’s enthusiastic voice boomed into her ear “Hey! Prue! Shouldn’t you be on your way? I’ve got my new t-shirt on I’ve even washed my face….”
“Even washed your face?” Prue let out a slight laugh “I am honoured….but honey I’ve got some bad news…”
“Awww Prue! No!”
“I’m sorry baby; I haven’t got any choice….I need to work late”
“Oh”
Once again Prue felt the tears threatening the eight year olds disappointment could not be mistaken “I’m really sorry honey, I was looking forward to tonight as well”
“It’s ok….”
Prue knew it was far from ok, as she detected the tremble in her baby sisters voice “I really am sorry…...I’ll make it up to you…..I promise”
“Don’t worry…..see you later….love you”
“Wait….” Prue suddenly snapped back to reality “What happened in the playground?”
“Oh nothing….”
“Phoebe?”
“Nothing really, just some kid liked the look of my lunch better than his own….”
“So what happened?”
“I ate mine, he wore his….”
Prue felt her mouth twitch, struggling to compose herself she tried her best to sound stern “Phoebe! How many times have I told you?”
“What? You never said if some kid wanted my lunch I should give it him….”
“We’ll talk about this later…..where’s your sister?”
“Erm….”
“Ok” Prue guessed what was happening “Put Angela back on, be a good girl for her and I’ll see you later ok?”
“Kay….bye…love you”
“Love you too”
“Hey Prue….wasn’t too bad was it?”
“Bad enough….I’m guessing Pipers sulking….”
“You guess right…..”
“Sorry….you’ll be in for a fun filled night”
“Don’t worry I can handle it………”
“Alright…look I have to go…any problems……”
“Yeah I know …………. Call you right away….”
“Thanks…Ange I owe you…oh and tell Piper I’m sorry”
“I will but she does know….”
“Mmmm starting to have little effect though…..”
“Prue she’s thirteen, she’s pushing the boundaries…it’s her job…”
“I guess, doesn’t make me feel any better though, anyway see you later”
“Yes, don’t go working too hard now!”
Prue put the phone down and let out a sarcastic laugh, eyeing the stack of papers on her desk she got stuck in.
++++++++++++
“Sorry Ange…I’m so sorry….I thought I’d never get finished”
“You look beat…..want a coffee or something?”
“No..no thanks, it’s late enough as it is. Have they been good?”
“Yes, no problems…”
“Thanks again…” Prue walked through to the lounge Phoebe was asleep on the sofa Piper looked engrossed in the TV “Pipe, come on grab your stuff, time to go…”
“I’m watching this”
Prue took a deep breath Piper hadn’t even looked up when she walked in “Now…its late….get your stuff I won’t tell you again” Although Prue’s voice was low so not to wake Phoebe it still managed to convey her message.
“Fine! Everything fits in with you doesn’t it!” Piper spat the words at her big sister and slammed out of the room.
“Has she been like this all night?”
“No….bit sulky but no she’s been ok….”
“But?...” Prue had detected the hesitation in her friend’s voice.
“She had a bit of a go at Phoebe…….”
Prue shook her head “She’s getting worse as she gets older I thought things would get better…..”
“I guess it’s a lot for her to take onboard, you know your Grams dying last year hit her pretty hard….and now the hours you have to put in….”
Prue bit on her lip as she picked up her youngest sister, as if on autopilot Phoebe automatically snuggled in.
“I wish I could change things”
“I know Prue, I mean just out of college I’m sure this isn’t the life you thought you’d lead.”
Prue let out a sarcastic laugh “Far from it….never mind do me a favour and get Piper for me would you?”
“She’s in the car”
Prue rolled her eyes “Great”
Prue shifted Phoebe’s weight having said goodbye to Angela all that remained was to get her younger sisters home and in bed, she couldn’t help feel annoyed as she spotted Piper sitting in the back totally oblivious to Prue’s struggle to carry their younger sister, her bags and open the door.
“Piper open the dam door will you?”
Piper slowly turned around and eyed her sisters, taking her time she leaned across and opened the back door.
“Thanks” Prue was trying her best to stay calm, settling Phoebe in the back she was soon heading in the direction of the Manor.
“So how was school today?”
“Alright”
“So what did you do?”
“Nothing”
“What lessons did you have?”
“Usual”
“What about tomorrow?”
“Same”
Prue silently counted to ten “Do you need anything for tomorrow?”
“No”
“Fine”
“Fine”
Almost as soon as Prue parked in the drive Piper was out of the door.
Once again Prue found herself struggling as she held her youngest sister in her arms and tried to open doors, feeling Phoebe squirm slightly she couldn’t help but smile as she looked at the little girls innocent face. Planting a light kiss on the youngster’s forehead she couldn’t help but feel grateful that her sister was so small. She was rudely brought out of her thoughts by the sound of her other sisters impatient voice.
“Hurry up! Geez lets get in!”
“And when we do I want you to go straight to bed….”
Once again Prue found herself suppressing her annoyance as she watched the middle sister roll her eyes.
“Prue?”
“Hey sleepyhead….shut your eyes and go back to sleep” Prue found herself looking into the deep brown eyes of the youngest.
“Ok”
Prue smiled as the heavy head once again snuggled into her shoulder, carrying her sister upstairs she soon had her undressed and tucked into bed. Deciding to grasp the bull by the horns she cautiously made her way to her other sisters bedroom.
“Thought I told you to go to bed…..”
Piper glared at her sister “Thought I told you you should knock….”
“I’m not in the mood for this Piper! I’ve had a crap day I can do without your childish tantrums!”
“Then get out!”
“Piper! I will not put up with this! Change your attitude and quick!”
Piper threw herself onto her bed and continued to glare at her sister deciding to ignore it Prue tried again “Piper…look I’m sorry about tonight, it couldn’t be helped…I……”
“Had no choice?” Piper raised her eyebrows and smirked at her sister “Heard it all before Prue…..no need to go through it again….close the door on your way out”
“Piper…listen to me and you listen good” Prue had had enough “I will not tolerate this…I’ve got enough on my plate, you learn some manners young lady or you won’t know what hit you….understood?”
Piper continued to stare at her sister but the smirk had left her face, Prue could be formidable when angry and Piper could tell she was struggling to maintain control.
“I asked you a question? Do you understand?”
“Yes”
“Yes what?”
“Yes Prue” Piper practically spat her sisters name out.
“Good….but you needn’t think I’m letting tonight’s little performance go…..you can do the dishes for the rest of the week……”
“What!”
“Carry on Piper and I’ll make it until the end of the month”
The atmosphere was tense as the sisters stared at each other, each unwilling to give, finally Prue broke “Goodnight Piper, I expect you to be in bed within the next five minutes and the light out”
Piper nodded slightly she knew better than to push her luck.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“I was lonely……”
“You were? And I thought you were fast asleep…..” Prue shifted over as her youngest sister dove under her bed covers.
Prue smiled as she felt Phoebes little arms around her neck as the youngster cuddled in.
“I missed you……”
“I missed you too….” Prue couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness as she looked into the deep brown pools.
“I made you something….”
“You did?” Prue felt the smile spread across her face.
“Yep! But it’s a surprise…..you’ve got to wait until……”
Prue held her laughter back as Phoebe closed her eyes to think.
“A week on Sunday…..you have to wait till then….”
“Ahhh! So you made me something for Mothers Day?”
“Awww! Prue! You guessed!”
This time Prue couldn’t suppress her giggle “No baby…I don’t know what it is it’s still a surprise….”
“Do you want to guess?”
Prue kissed her little sisters check “No honey….surprise me….”
“Just a little guess?” Phoebe couldn’t hide her excitement she couldn’t wait to give her gift.
“Can I eat it?”
“No”
“Does it smell?”
“No”
“Is it alive?”
“No”
“Thank god!”
“Prueeeeee! You’re a rubbish guesser!”
“Then I’ll just have to wait and see won’t I?”
Phoebe grinned “Yeah….see I can keep a secret!”
Prue laughed “It looks like….”
“Prue?”
“Yes Pheebes……”
“Do you….erm…”
“What baby?” Prue opened her arms and pulled her little sister close.
“Do you think Mum would be mad?”
“About?”
“Me giving you something on Mothers Day……”
“No…..Mum wouldn’t mind……”
“Piper said……”
“What? Piper said what?”
“That I was stupid….she said I was dumb that you aren’t our Mum….”
Prue watched the little face fill with sadness as her sister continued “And that I …I mean we….don’t have one she’s dead and I should get used to it…..”
“Take no notice baby girl…….if you want to give me something on mothers day and enjoy doing it and I enjoy the thought where’s the harm?”
“She said Mum would be mad at me and wouldn’t love me no more”
“Oh baby!” Prue felt the anger surging through her body “Mum will always love you, she loves all of us no matter what. And although I’m not Mum I do love you, I’ll always look after you”
“That’s what I said….”
Prue felt the kiss on the side of her cheek “Love you Prue…..”
“Love you too”
“Prue?”
“Pheebes go to sleep honey we need to get up soon….”
“Just one thing….”
Prue let out a sigh “Go on….”
“I don’t remember Mum……is that bad? Does that make me a bad girl?”
“No sweetie! No it doesn’t you can’t help that you were only a baby……….”
“Sometimes I pretend you’re my Mum….is that bad?”
“No hun….Mum would just be glad you had someone…..that we all have each other”
“Night then Prue….”
Prue smiled in the darkness “Night then Phoebe……”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“PIPER! PIPER! For crying out loud! Help your sister get ready for school!”
“Why should I? Nobody helps me, about time she learnt to look after herself”
“Piper! She’s eight you’re thirteen there’s a bit of a difference!”
“So”
“Piper! I won’t ask you again, if you don’t move yourself we’ll all be late!”
“I’m ready….”
“Piper! Ughhh! Don’t bother! Sit there like you normally do! I’ll do it like I do everything else!”
Prue slammed up the stairs into her little sister’s bedroom Prue looked at her youngest sister and immediately felt her anger slipping away. Phoebe could always do that to her she looked so pitiful! Phoebe was really small for her age; she could easily pass for 6. Phoebe had snatched her hair back in an untidy ponytail, she looked like an orphan, her socks were round her ankles and her shirt wasn't even buttoned right.
Prue had a tight smile on her face, looked like an orphan! She practically was one! Prue felt the guilt kick in again - she knew the ponytail was rather than come down and bother one of her sisters to fix her hair.
"Come here - you look like a right scruff" Prue beckoned her sister over, when she was within touching distance she quickly reached out and unbuttoned and rebuttoned the shirt, then she knelt down and pulled up the socks. When she'd finished she held her hand out and led her sister to the bathroom. Prue took a wet cloth and cleaned up her sister’s face.
"That's better"
"Thanks"
Prue pulled Phoebes face up to look at her "Shall I fix your hair?"
Phoebe sniffed "It’s alright"
"It won't take a minute, here" Prue pulled her sister round and quickly undid the slide holding the hair back. Prue pulled the hairbrush through her sisters thick unruly hair then tied it back. Prue turned her sister round and smiled at her.
"Beautiful!"
Phoebe couldn't help it she gave Prue a half grin.
Prue grinned back "Come here"
Phoebe fell into the open arms and accepted the hug “I’m sorry Prue…”
“Why? You haven’t done anything”
“I’m sorry you have to do everything…..”
“That’s alright I didn’t mean it…I was just mad at Piper”
“Is that my fault?”
“No….no it’s not your fault don’t worry”
“But Pipers so mean lately…..”
“I know….I know but just try and ignore it, it’s just a phase don’t let her upset you ok?”
“Ok”
“So no more tears?”
Phoebe grinned “Take more than a moody Piper to make me cry!”
Prue laughed “Glad to hear it! Now come on, grab your bag or we’ll be late…..”
+++++++++++++=
“Not so fast! Piper….remember to pick up Phoebe take her to the library with you and I’ll meet you there”
“WHAT!”
“Piper! We’ve already discussed it! Angela rang this morning she isn’t feeling so good, so for once in your life stop thinking about yourself and help me out!”
“Fine!”
“Piper I mean it! Don’t be late I don’t want Phoebe hanging round on her own”
“No! Heaven forbid the little princess is inconvenienced!”
“Can it! I’ll see you at the library!”
“Bye Prue see you later!” Phoebe kissed her big sister and jumped out of the car.
“Wouldn’t count on it…..”
“PIPER!”
“PRUE!” Piper sounded equally pissed.
“We’ve already had one little discussion about your manners next time I won’t be so easy! Now just do as you’re told I’ll be at the library as soon as I can”
“Whatever”
Prue shook her head as Piper slammed the door putting the car into gear she headed for the Auction House.
Prue’s heart sank as she entered her office Helen was already there the catalogue from the day before grasped in her hand.
“Hi…Helen?”
“Prue…just wanted to say that I’m pleased our little chat got through…..this looks good”
Prue smiled recognition and praise was rare…….
“Yes, so much so that I want you to involved with the Bailey Collection that should be coming through early next week……”
The Bailey Collection was prestigious Prue knew it was a great achievement to be included in the project team, even so she felt a wave of panic. The project would be tough, the hours and effort extreme there was no doubt once again her home life would suffer.
“Er Helen…can we talk about this? It’s just well….the girls hardly see me as it is and …..”
“Don’t make me repeat myself Prue. I thought we’d straightened this out yesterday”
“It’s just that I am their guardian, I have a duty….”
“And you have a duty to the Auction House….and there lies the rub Prue, that’s the only duty I’m interested in. Now I either have your commitment that you’ll pull your weight on the Bailey collection or we review your contract…..”
“You mean you’d let me go?” Prue was stunned.
“If that’s what is necessary…..make no mistake Prue my only concern is for the Auction House, you and your private life have nothing to do with that…..is that understood?”
“Yes Helen”
“So I have your commitment?”
“110%”
“Good! So we do understand each other!” on that note Helen turned on her heel and marched out of the door.
“Give me strength” Prue threw her stress ball across the room narrowly missing Gary’s head.
“Hey! You know some people are actually pleased to see me!”
Prue let out a laugh “Sorry! You just got in the line of fire!”
“So I see! Was that Cruella I saw just leaving your office?”
“The one and only”
“Let me guess….110%, no life outside the Auction house?”
Prue laughed “How did you know? Were you listening outside?”
“Had the same speech, apparently leaving early on a Friday after a 65 hour week is not acceptable”
Prue smiled “Right”
“Anyway she can’t ban lunch….you up for it? My treat….just might cheer you up”
“Do I look miserable?....Scratch that! Actually Gaz I’d love to, only problem is I need to go out at lunch time and get Piper a new book bag and Phoebes destroyed yet another pair of trainers”
“Oh” Gary’s face fell “Rain check?”
“Definitely”
++++++++++++++++++++
Prue glanced at the clock in her car 6.30, she groaned, not too bad she had been known to be later but she hated leaving her sisters in the library. They’d be hungry probably snack on junk food and no doubt be cranky as hell, especially with the mood Piper had been in lately.
Running into the library Prue quickly spotted the youngest Halliwell, Phoebe was slumped across one of the tables in the corner, even from the distance Prue could tell the youngster was bored and agitated.
“Pheebes! Sorry honey! Where’s Piper?”
“I..erm..I don’t know…I mean I’m not sure…I…” Phoebe looked ready to burst into tears.
“What do you mean you don’t know?” Prue sounded sharper than she intended as she quickly gathered her sister’s things together “She’s supposed to be here with you!”
“She was…I mean…”
“Phoebe tell me!”
Phoebe looked awkward she knew if she said anything she’d get her sister into trouble but at the same time she knew Prue would make her talk.
“She’s at the pizza place with her friends”
“She’s WHAT!”
“Shhhhh!”
“Sorry” Prue held her hand up at the lady who was glaring at her from across the corridor. Grabbing Phoebe by the hand she propelled her out of the library and into the car, screeching to a halt outside the Pizza Palace she left instructions with Phoebe not to move and stormed into the restaurant.
“You! Car now!”
Piper Halliwell felt the colour rise to her face; her friends were staring at her as her big sister showed her up.
“I won’t tell you again!” Prue spoke through gritted teeth as Piper made no effort to move.
Piper took a deep breath “I’ll be home later, I’m having dinner with my friends”
Prue felt herself snap she yanked her younger sister out of her seat and pushed her towards the door “You mean you were! Now you’re going home and let’s just say you’ll be lucky if you see them this side of Christmas!”
Piper was furious, she was helpless against Prue’s strength feeling thoroughly humiliated she could do nothing as she was pushed into the car, Prue threw her books after her and slammed the door.
“Tell tale!” Piper had turned her wrath on the easy target.
“WHAT! DON’T YOU DARE!”
Piper had the grace to cower as Prue turned her angry eyes on her “One thing I ask! One dam thing and you can’t even do that! Have you any idea what could have happened to her! Anyone could have taken her! Besides which you know the rules you DO NOT go anywhere without clearing it with me first!”
“I….”
“DON’T!!! I do NOT want to hear another word!”
As soon as the sisters reached the Manor Piper made a dive for her room, having instructed Phoebe to watch TV Prue started to prepare dinner, she couldn’t concentrate her mind was in overdrive her anger at her sister in full flow. Finally unable to hold it in any longer Prue stormed up the stairs.
“Number one! You do not leave your eight year old sister unattended EVER! Number two you do not go anywhere without my permission. Number three if I ask you to do something you do it!” Prue took a deep breath “I’m sick and tired of this Piper! Its time you grew up and took some responsibility, I can not do this on my own!”
“That’s obvious”
“Right!” Prue had had enough she grabbed her sister and smacked her hard, unable to curb her anger Prue lashed out until she felt Piper had got the message.
“I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately Piper but get this straight! I will not put up with it!”
Piper looked at her sister her earlier defiance long since gone.
“You’re grounded! No TV, no phone, no computer, no friends over NOTHING!”
Prue was still shaking with temper as she looked at her sisters tear stained face, “If you think this is bad you just keep it up!”
“I HATE YOU! I just wanted some fun!”
“Fun! Fun! You think I have fun? You think this is fun? You think abandoning your little sister is fun?!”
Piper turned away and buried her head in the covers.
“You can stay in your room for the rest of the night, maybe that will give you the chance to think things through…….Piper what the hell is happening with you?”
“Nothing! Leave me alone!”
Prue shook her head “My pleasure” making her way to the sun room it wasn’t long before she was joined by her youngest sister.
“Prue? Prue? Simon Diaper said that….”
“Diaper?” Prue had been thinking about Piper when she felt Phoebe slip onto her knee.
“Daper his real names Daper but we all call him Diaper…..”
“Oh….” Prue frowned at her sister “That doesn’t sound very nice, doesn’t he get upset?”
Phoebe shrugged her little shoulders “Don’t know, don’t care he’s horrible…..”
“Phoebe!”
“Well he is….he wipes his nose on his sleeve and he never combs his hair and he spits and….”
“Ok! Ok! I get the picture!”
“Anyway!” Phoebe let out a deep sigh as she returned to the point of her story “Simon Diaper says that if you chop a worm in two you get two worms……is that right? That can’t be right can it Prue, coz if you chopped me up I’d die wouldn’t I there wouldn’t be two of me…..and besides wouldn’t it hurt?”
“Erm….a worms slightly different Pheebes; it can reproduce itself so yes you would get two…..”
“Oh! So if you kept chopping it up you’d end up with loads?”
Prue laughed “Yes, you’d end up with loads…..”
“But does it grow again? Or does it stay small….coz if it stayed small you’d have to reach a point where you couldn’t chop it up no more…..”
“It grows….”
“So really you’d only need one worm….you know like on the ark…..”
“What are you talking about?”
“Noah!” Phoebe looked at her sister in exasperation! “The teacher said that Noah put two of everything on the ark…..well he might not have done….he might have only put one worm on then chopped it up later…..”
“Does it matter?” Prue shook her head at her youngest sister.
“Yes! Of course it matters…….Miss might be wrong!”
“Phoebe! It doesn’t matter and don’t you go telling the teacher that she’s wrong!”
“But shouldn’t I explain?”
“No Phoebe! It’s not that important”
“..you know these people can’t know everything!”
“Phoebe, I don’t want you being cheeky……”
“I wasn’t going to be …I was just going to say .....but anyway, would it hurt?”
“What?”
“PRUE! The worm! Would it hurt when it was chopped in two?”
“I don’t know…I don’t think so….you’re not thinking of…”
“No…no I mean it still sounds cruel….”
Prue ruffled her sisters hair “Good! Now bed!”
“Awww Prue! Let me stay up! Please let me stay up…I haven’t seen you for ages!”
“Sorry baby, you’ll be tired tomorrow, its bedtime”
“Awww Prue….Please!!!!”
“No and stop whining, bed now and I’ll come and tuck you in…..”
“And a story?” Phoebe widened her eyes as she looked at her big sister
“And a story”
“Yay! Cinderella!!!”
“Again!”
“Yes! She’s my favorite!”
“Ok! Cinderella it is then!”
Prue quietly closed the storybook, Phoebe had taken a while but eventually her tiredness had taken over, pulling the covers up Prue gave her little sister a gentle kiss and turned off the lamp.
++++++++++++++++++++
“Prue…..sorry to interrupt but there’s a call for you…..it’s the school”
“Tell them I’ll ring them back” Prue stared intently at the young girl as she interrupted the team meeting.
“They said it’s urgent”
Prue could feel the embarrassment creeping up her face, trying her best to ignore the annoyed glares coming from her boss.
“Its alright they always say that…..I’ll ring them when the meetings finished”
“Sorry Prue but they said they needed you right away….”
Prue was immediately on her feet, her concern for her sisters outweighing the annoyance of her boss “Sorry Helen…I need to find out what the problem is………….one of them could be sick”
Helen narrowed her eyes at her employee and tightened her mouth as once again Prue’s personal life got in the way of her professional.
“What?..............No…….why?” Prue could feel the colour drain from her face as she listened to the school secretary. “No I dropped her off this morning…..no she wasn’t sick….”
Prue took a deep breath as the young woman on the end of the phone continued.
“No, that’s fine………….I’m glad you did……….yes I’ll come straight away”
“Trouble?” the meeting had finished and Gary had followed his friend.
“Could say that….” Prue sank into her chair her head in her hands “This is so hard…..”
“Hey! Come on! It can’t be that bad!” Gary drew up a chair and sat down “Come on tell Uncle Gary lets see”
Prue gave a weak smile “Thanks but it is……you know about my sisters? Ones eight the other ones thirteen, the younger ones a handful but generally she’s a good kid the thirteen year old is a mass of anger and hormones………..”
“Ohhhh! Bad combination!”
“Yep! Anyway she’s been giving me grief for months now…..you know the sort of thing, talking back, not doing as she’s told, sulking, fighting with the little one….”
“Sounds like a normal teenager to me….”
“Yeah….I know, I know you’re right and I’m probably too hard on her but….well…”
“There’s just you….not much more than a kid yourself and you’ve got a job to hold down and Cruella breathing down your neck….”
Prue laughed “Something like that…….”
“So the phone call?”
“It was about Piper….she’s been cutting school, her grades have dropped, when she is in school she’s awkward and uncooperative”
“So what’s happened now?”
“School welfare picked her up at the mall; she’s sitting in the school office….”
“And you need to go down there?”
“As much as I’d like to leave her there to stew yes…..the schools insisting they need to talk to me”
“Then go….”
“And get fired?”
“No…..you’re forgetting who you’re talking to! King of the Scams!”
Prue smiled “Even you’ll find this one hard….she knows about the call remember?”
“Yes….but she doesn’t know what’s happened…..how about a mystery illness and a frenzied dash to hospital?”
“Oh yeah…..and everything’s alright by tomorrow?” Prue shook her head “Try again…”
“No think about it…..kids have allergies….these things happen….deaths door one minute right as rain the next…..and how could she prove otherwise?”
“Gaz you’re an angel!” Prue picked her bag up and grabbed her coat.
“Want me to tell her?.....you know you being in such frenzy to get to the hospital and all….”
Prue leaned across and kissed her friend on the side of his face “I love you! I owe you big time”
Gaz watched as Prue ran out of the door “No probs….all I have to do now is enter the lions den……”
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Prue felt her stomach turn as she listened to the list of Pipers misdemeanors, far from being angry she felt ill, this was serious, she had no idea her sister had gotten so far out of control.
Piper sat next to her a look of total disinterest across her face, eventually the Principal asked to speak to Prue on her own. What Prue heard shook her to her core.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Just go to your room……” Prue slammed the door to the Manor behind her and headed for the kitchen.
“So what? That’s it? No screaming? No lecture? No ….”
“Piper I feel sick….I can’t deal with this right now….just get out of my way….”
“Fine! Suits me just fine!”
“Does it?” Prue fixed her sister with a steady gaze “That’s good because carry on the way you are and it’ll be permanent…..”
Piper crossed her arms and huffed.
“That’s right Piper keep it up……just keep going and you might just get what you want….”
“What’s that supposed to mean? And since when did you know or even care what I want?”
“Do you want to know what was said when you were sent out of the room? Scratch that I’m going to tell you anyway…….you could be taken away from me……they’re saying It’s my fault …I’ve not provided you with a stable environment…..I haven’t given you the support you obviously need……”
“Yeah right……”
“It’s true…carry on Piper and you’ll find yourself in care…..stuck in the system is that what you want?”
“Might be better than this!” Piper’s voice had risen “At least then I might have someone properly to look after me, someone there when they’re meant to be….someone that cares!”
“You know Piper you’re turning into one selfish, little cow! What about the rest of this family!” Prue’s worry was quickly turning to anger.
“Some family!” Piper practically spat at her sister “A control freak and a gobby brat!”
“At least she’s pleasant! At least when I’ve had a crap day she cheers me up! You know Piper I’ve given up a lot for you…the least you could do is help out now and again…..I know I’ve not been around much lately but…..”
“Much! Try not at all! You get in throw some food at us, send us to bed pack us of to school and that’s that! That’s our life! And you think you do hell and all!”
Prue glared at her sister “Maybe if you helped out more I’d have more time to talk to you, maybe then we could do things as a family…………………….I’m doing my best!””
“Well maybe it’s not good enough! Ever thought about that PRUE!”
Prue hadn’t moved for the past hour, she was still reeling from the row she had had with Piper, glancing at the clock she noticed it was nearly three in the afternoon picking the phone up she quickly dialed Angela’s number.
“Hey Ange!”
“Prue hi! I was just heading out to pick Phoebe up”
“That’s why I’m ringing I can get her today”
“Oh? Something happened?”
“Could say that….. I had to go and get Piper, she’s in a bit of bother at school, cliff notes they wanted to suspend her but I begged and pleaded and eventually they agreed to a month’s detention. There’s no way I could arrange for full time care for her and you know how things are at work. Anyway end result I’m at home for the rest of the day so I might as well take advantage and go get Phoebe”
“Sorry to hear the reason but Phoebe will be delighted”
Prue smiled down the phone she knew this was true “Thanks Ange, back to normal tomorrow?”
“Yeah, whatever normal is, one thing though Prue, don’t let your concern about Piper spoil tonight, evenings with your sisters are few and far between try and make the most of it eh?”
Prue paused for a moment and let her friends words sink in “You’re right…..thanks Ange you’re a good friend……”
“We make a fine pair then….see you tomorrow”
“Yes, and thanks again”
Prue ran up the stairs to Pipers room, pausing slightly she lifted her hand and knocked, as usual she received no answer, instead of barging in as she normally would Prue knocked again this time louder.
“Piper I need to come in I need to speak to you and I’m in a hurry” This time Prue opened the door, “Pipe, I’m going to pick Phoebe up, I thought it might be nice if we all spend some time together, maybe go for something to eat and then go bowling or ice-skating or something, what do you say?”
“I’m grounded”
“Come on…Piper I’m doing my best lets go out have some fun, like we used to….”
“Before Grams died….” Pipers voice had caught Prue could hear the involuntary crack.
“Piper I’m sorry….I didn’t mean…” Prue watched as two big tears slowly trickled down her little sisters face, walking over to her she pulled her into a hug “It’s not been much fun lately as it?”
Piper sniffed but pulled away “No”
“So how about it? Food then decide?”
“And you think that’ll fix it?”
“No….but that’s the best I can do for now…..”
Piper wiped at her face annoyed at the show of weakness.
“Come on Pipe grab a jacket we need to get going, Phoebe will be out soon ……………………Piper?”
“Fine! But this doesn’t change anything!”
Prue was relieved to arrive at the school, the atmosphere in the car had been icy, Piper had rebuked all effort at conversation. Prue saw Phoebe and immediately jumped out of the car her smile spread across her face as she listened to the excited eight year old.
“PRUEEEEEEE!”
Prue held her arms out and caught her sister as she launched herself, swinging her around she laughed as her little sister continued.
“Prue! This is great! I didn’t know you where coming! Come here!” Prue felt herself pulled in the general direction of a group of little girls.
“This is Prue!” Phoebe was practically jumping on the spot “This is my big sister Prue!”
Prue smiled at the inquisitive faces “Hi”
“Hi!” A chorus of eight year olds smiled back.
“Prue where’s Angela? Is she alright? Are you alright? Why aren’t you at work? Why didn’t you tell me you where coming?”
Prue laughed as she lifted her kid sister into her arms “Angela’s at home, she’s fine, I wanted to spend time with you and it’s a surprise”
Prue felt Phoebe tighten her grip “It’s a great surprise!”
++++++++++++++++
“Why do we have to have that dumb rail on?” Piper glared at her sisters as she picked the bowling ball out of the gully.
“Piper!” Prue was getting annoyed Piper had sulked all through dinner and now she was whining trying to spoil the game.