Disclaimer: the Charmed Characters are the creation of Aaron Spelling and Constance Burge.. I've just borrowed them for your enjoyment


“Prue who the hell is that calling at his time of night?” Piper Halliwell stumbled out of her bedroom, running a hand threw her dishevelled hair she called downstairs to her older sister who had just gotten off the phone.

She made her way towards her sister sensing at once that she was thoroughly pissed.

“Stacy’s Dad”

“What?!”

“Apparantly little Stacy had a party while Mummy and Daddy were away and guess who’s over there?”

“Phoebe?!!”

“Got it in one!”

“But she can’t be she’s in her room you grounded her!”

“Yeah right – let’s just check shall we?”

Both sisters made their way to their youngest sisters bedroom they opened the door and looked in – it appeared that Phoebe was sleeping peacefully in her bed. Prue cast Piper a suspicious look and walked over to the bed she pulled the sheets off only to find a pillow and some old clothes masquerading as their sister.

“I’ll kill her! Of all the ….urghh!” Prue left what she was going to say mid sentence.

“What did Stacy’s Dad say?”

“Phoebes drunk, they found her with some boy in one of the bedrooms”

“No! Prue! She’s only just fifteen!”

“Well lets just say she’ll be lucky to make sixteen!”

“Are we going to get her?”

“Oh yes! – But I’ll go Pipe its late and you’re up early tomorrow”

“So are you, anyway you might need some help”

“Oh I assure you Piper I won’t need any help!”

“Prue calm down – if she’s in that sort of state she won’t be able to take anything in anyway”

“No difference there then. Go back to bed Piper I’ll go and get the little brat”

Piper knew it was useless arguing, she made her way back to her room as she heard Prue throwing some clothes on in preparation for the short journey to her sisters friends house.

Prue was livid – that girl was so out of control – fifteen and partying!

She slammed the car door shut and made her way towards Stacy’s house, Stacy’s dad was looking out for her.

“Prue – she’s in the front room”

“I’m really sorry” Prue looked around the normally immaculate house and noticed the mess – cans of beer were strewn everywhere Prue caught a whiff of pot.

“I’ll tell you now Prue I’ll be telling Stacy to keep away from your sister – she’s bad news.”

Prue didn’t know what to say – part of her still wanted to defend her sister after all she hadn’t done this on her own but truth be told she knew that what Stacy’s dad was saying was true.

“I’m sorry I had no idea”

“Your responsible for her if you had any sense of responsibility you would know exactly what the girl was up to”

Prue bristled “So you knew that Stacy was having a party then?”

“No” Stacy’s dad was defensive now “Stacy isn’t the one I found in the bedroom passed out with two boys”

Prue paled she knew her sister was wild but this!

“What do you mean with two boys?” Prue could hardly ask the question but she needed to know exactly what her sister had been up to.

“What it sounded like Prue” Stacy’s dad sounded embarrassed “She was half naked one of them was kissing her the other one was touching her”

“Where is she?”

Geoff Simonds led Prue threw to the front room where a number of teenagers were waiting to be picked up by their parents. Phoebe was sat on the floor a sullen look on her face she refused to look up when she heard her sister come in.

Prue was already livid – seeing her fifteen year old sister looking so defiant while so blatantly being in the wrong got her blood to boiling point.

“Get up!”

Phoebe still didn’t look up, she slowly made an effort to stand – Prue grabbed her by the arm and yanked her to her feet. Pushing her in front of her she shoved her towards the door.




The two sisters sat in the car in silence – Prue had so much to say she just didn’t know where to start, Phoebe knew that once she did their was going to be a huge explosion.

They had just pulled into the drive when Phoebe was sick – that was the final touch for Prue she slammed the brakes on and dragged her sister out of the car. Phoebe was small for her age and Prue was furious it was no problem for her to throw Phoebe into the house. Phoebe landed with a thud on the hall floor.

“Look at you! You’re an absolute disgrace! – I can’t even stand the sight of you”

Phoebe looked up at her big sister.

“Are you proud of yourself Phoebe? Are you? Just look at yourself you little slut” Prues anger took over when she heard Phoebe giggle lifting her hand she hit her sister. Phoebe screamed at Prue yelling at her to stop but this just made Prue even madder.

Piper came down the stairs to see what the racket was – Prue was really laying in to Phoebe. Normally Piper would step in but this time she felt inclined to leave her to it. Finally Prue stopped more through exhaustion than anything else. She looked down at Phoebe Prue noticed the look of defiance still evident in her face

Phoebe lay on the floor for a few minutes trying to calm down, she still felt sick her whole body was aching her big sister didn’t mess around, she slowly got up and made her way towards the bathroom. After cleaning herself up she went to bed.

Phoebe groaned someone had opened her bedroom curtains letting the daylight in – she burrowed quickly under the covers trying to block the light, a moment later she felt cold air hit her body as they were roughly pulled away.

“You’d better get up if you don’t want to put Prue in an even worse mood” Piper looked down at her younger sister.

Phoebe looked terrible her hair was wild her eyes looked watery.

“Ohhh! Leave me alone! Just go away!”

“Phoebe I’m warning you if Prue comes in here she’ll drag you out of that bed”

“Tell her to go stuff herself”

Piper slapped her sister hard across the legs “Don’t you dare! Now get up or I’ll drag you out myself”

Phoebe was shocked – Piper never got angry or rarely – she rubbed her leg as she quickly jumped out of bed.

“There happy now!”

“Oh no Phoebe I’m not happy in fact I’m far from happy!”
Piper turned on her heel and made her way to the kitchen where she knew Prue was waiting.

“She up?”

“Yeah she’s on her way. What are we going to do Prue?”

“I don’t know Pipe I’m all out of ideas I’ve tried everything I can think of I just don’t know anymore”

Phoebe dragged herself into the kitchen, she pulled a chair out and sullenly sat down, resisting the urge to wince she looked straight into the eyes of her oldest sister.

“So?”

Prue felt the urge to hit her again but managed to resist.

“Don’t push me Phoebe I’m warning you” Prues tone was low and threatening as she looked back at her kid sister.

“Warning me! What about? Oh right – kicking my ass” Phoebe practically spat the words at her sister.

“Your lucky that’s all you got!”

“Why did you do it Phoebe? Why did you deliberately disobey Prue you knew you were grounded”

“Oh I don’t know Piper – maybe I wanted to have some fun!” Phoebes voice was dripping with sarcasm.

“Fun is that what you call it? Getting drunk acting like a slut, throwing up and god knows what else that we don’t know about – that’s fun is it?” Prue glared at her sister.

Phoebe glared back neither of them breaking the stare.

“You know what Phoebe? Do you know something you’re not even worth it” Prue shot Phoebe a disgusted look, picking up her purse she left the kitchen.

Phoebe sat at the table her head in her hands she’d done it this time she’d really pushed it.

Piper had followed Prue through to the Lounge “What are you going to do to her Prue?”

“Nothing, nothing at all I’ve had it, its finished she’s won”

“What do you mean”

“What I said – I’ve tried everything Piper – I’ve talked to her, yelled at her, threatened her, grounded her, battered her – what’s left? – I give up, she’s totally out of control”

“Prue you can’t mean that!”

“I do”

Phoebe followed her sisters into the lounge.

“Come on what’s my punishment? Lets get it over with”

“None”

“What?!”

“You heard, I can’t be bothered any more Phoebe. From now on you can do as you dam well please just leave me out of it. I’ve had enough”. Prues voice was even as she looked at her youngest sister. “You’ve won Phoebe – congratulations you can go and screw around as much as you like I’m not going to try and stop you. But I promise you this little sister if this is how you want it I won’t be bailing you out in future.”

Phoebe was shocked – this she was not expecting, she didn’t know why but suddenly she didn’t feel like she was a winner. She watched as Prue put her arm around Pipers shoulders and gave her a hug “See you later Piper, love you”

“Bye Prue” Prue didn’t even look back at her.

++++++++++

“Phoebe what’s going on? What’s this all about? Things never used to be like this” Piper looked across at her sister who had sat down on a chair. She walked over and perched on the arm. “Won’t you talk to me?”

“Nothing to talk about – now if you’ll excuse me I’ve got to get ready – places to go, people to see.”

Piper rolled her eyes “At school I hope”

“Of course”

Piper felt like hitting Phoebe herself when she heard her give a little giggle.

Phoebe did what she did pretty much everyday, she put on her skimpiest outfit sneaked some money from the household account and headed off to Liam’s house. She had been seeing Liam for two weeks now, he was a high school drop out. Phoebe found him exciting he had a motorbike and a constant supply of beer and occasionally drugs.

She let herself into Liams flat disappointed to find he had company, three of his friends, she’d met before at a couple of parties they’d been too.

“Hey look who it is!” One of the men Moggy immediately pounced on her as she walked through the door – Phoebe felt uncomfortable as he pawed at her one of his hands was on her right breast she felt him give it a squeeze.

“Hey” Phoebe smiled as she tried to squirm away from his grasp.

“Not suddenly shy are we sweetcakes!”

Phoebe could smell the beer on Moggy’s breath she looked across at Liam his eyes looked glassy as he smirked at her.

“No, I’m cool – just a bit early in the day that’s all”

“Ohh baby you need to loosen up – here have a drag on this” Gaz, Liams other friend lurched over offering Phoebe a spiff.

She smiled as she took it from his dirty hand, as she reached for it Gaz spanked her bottom. She gasped with the pain and shock. She felt him squeeze her ass cheek as she took a puff on the spiff.

“Nice, very nice – nice piece of ass you’ve found yourself Liam!” Gaz was still squeezing her bottom Phoebe wriggled trying to get away from him.

“Help yourself man – she won’t mind”

“Hey I saw her first do I get a go?” Phoebe couldn’t believe this conversation was going on around her.

“Sure – get in the queue” Liam laughed as he looked at Phoebes shocked expression.

“Come here slut!” Liam held his hand out wanting to get away from his friends Phoebe took it. Liam pulled her to him and picked her up lifting her over his shoulders he delivered a hard smack to her buttocks. The skirt she was wearing was short in the position she was in it barely covered her ass.

“Lets have a look Liam!” Moggy was still leering at Phoebes butt.

Phoebe was shocked when she felt Liam move her skirt displaying her thong clad buttocks, he smacked her backside leaving a bright red handmark and headed to the room he used as a bedroom. Tossing her roughly on the bed he told her to get undressed.

The spiff was starting to take effect now Phoebe looked at him and smiled “I’m not sure I want too” She was joking seeing what he’d say.

“Do you think I care what you want?”

Phoebe was shocked he’d never spoken to her like this before – he moved towards her and backhanded her hard across her face she sucked her breath in at the pain she could taste the blood.

Before she realized what was happening he’d pushed her skirt up and ripped her underwear. Phoebe could do nothing she lay under him accepting his abuse, eventually Liam finished leaving her on the bed he pulled his zipper up and walked out.

Phoebe adjusted her skirt and followed him into the next room. Relieved to see his friends had gone Phoebe helped herself to a beer.

“Are you alright baby? Sorry if I was a little rough with you”

“That’s ok” Phoebe smiled at Liam

“Come here”

Phoebe went across and sat on Liams knee he wasted no time in releasing her breasts from the confines of her top.

“Here baby puff on that” Liam passed Phoebe another joint.

She felt herself relax as she inhaled the drug – mesmerisd by the touch of Liams gentle hands kneeding her breasts, she gasped when she felt him suck her nipple he bit down on it then gently licked it easing her pain. He moved his hand down to her knee slowly making his way up her thighs.

“There’s a good girl” Liam’s voice was soothing, Phoebe was still naked under the skirt “There’s a good girl, who’s Liam’s girl?”

“I am” Phoebe could barely get the words out.

“There’s a girl spread them honey”

Phoebe automatically opened her legs – the things Liam was doing to her made her feel so good. He pushed his fingers into her opening.

“Nice baby,” Liam pushed his fingers in and out of her vagina at the same time he rubbed her clitoris with his thumb.

Phoebe gasped she knew she was going to come soon, she shuddered as Liam bit down on her nipple and at the same time pinched her clit, the pain pushed her over the edge as she reached her climax.

“Good girl”

Phoebe cuddled into Liam the effects of her orgasm and the drugs taking effect she didn’t even bother trying to cover herself when she heard Liams friends return.

“Oh man!”

Phoebe vaguely heard the buzzing of voices she felt strange hands roughly groping her breasts.

“You weren’t joking man – they are some tits!”

Phoebe started to come round she sat up seeing her top on the floor she quickly reached and put it on.

“Suddenly the shy one Phoebe” Liam laughed as Phoebe started to come to her senses.

“I have to go”

“Ok same time tomorrow doll”

********

Phoebe leaned against the wall letting the air in to her lungs – she felt so confused. She needed to get home she needed to have a bath. She rode home on her bike the cool evening air sobering her up. Not wanting to set Prue off she put the bike away in the shed and quietly made her way inside the house.

She was halfway up the stairs when she heard Pipers voice “Is that you Pheebes?”

“Yeah – just going to have a quick bath”

“Ok – dinners nearly ready you’ve got 10 minutes”

Phoebe lowered herself into the warm bubble bath – she felt - she didn’t know how she felt, part of her didn’t like the way she was heading but another part found it exciting. She loved partying she loved her new friends, she enjoyed the drink and the drugs she loved feeling wanted, what she didn’t like was that empty feeling afterwards.

She got out of the bath and dried off – putting on some clean sweats she made her way downstairs.

“Hey Pheebes”

Piper was making an effort to be normal to try and break the icy atmosphere that had developed in the Manor. Prue didn’t bother to look up.

“Hey Pipe” she hesitated “Prue?”

Prue ignored her.

“What’s happened to your mouth honey?” Pipers voice was one of concern as she leant forward and gently touched Phoebes cut lip.

Phoebe pulled back and winced.

“Oh got hit by a ball that’s all”

“IT looks sore is it still bleeding maybe you need a couple of stiches”

“No its fine honest it looks worse”

Phoebe noticed that through the entire exchange Prue didn’t once look up.

The three sisters continued to eat their meal in silence.

“What you up to tonight?” Piper was still trying to make normal conversation.

“Nothing – thought I’d stay in, erm seeing as I’m still grounded”

Pipers eyes shot up – was Phoebe making an effort?

“Oh fancy watching videos with your sisters then?”

Phoebe knew Piper was holding out the olive branch she smiled at her sister and nodded.

“Count me out – I’ll have an early night” Prue directed her comment at Piper.

Phoebe flinched “It’s ok Pipe I’m not in the mood anyway – I’ll just stay in my room”

Piper was in-between a rock and a hard place.

“Suit yourselves I’ll be in the lounge”

Phoebe looked across at Prue “It’s ok I’ll stay out of the way”

Without looking at her sister Prue pushed her chair back and walked out of the room.

Phoebe watched as her sister walked away – she knew she’d taken things too far but she didn’t know how to get back – her eldest sister was so strong willed. Phoebe knew that once Prue made her mind up it was very difficult if not impossible to change it, Prue had said she’d washed her hands of her and it looked as though she meant it. For the first time in her life Phoebe felt insecure – she’d always had Prue to run to. Phoebe took a deep breath and followed her sister to her room. Phoebe knocked gently on the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me Phoebe, can I come in please?”

“No”

“Please just for a minute”

On receiving no answer Phoebe decided to take that as an affirmitave she cautiously opened her oldest sisters bedroom door and went in.

Prue stared at her “what?”

“I, erm I just wanted to say sorry”

“Ok”

“Prue I don’t know what else to say”

“Fine”

“Prue you can’t not talk to me forever”

“Watch me”

“Please Prue”

“Can it Phoebe. I’ve heard it all before I’m sorry Prue I won’t do it again Prue I’ll do whatever you say Prue – well guess what? I’ve heard it too many times I’ve heard too many lies I can’t do this anymore, I don’t want to hear it so just get out”

Phoebe looked at her oldest sister and could see the resolve and bitterness in her eyes she didn’t know what to say she stood there for a moment.

“But that’s not fair Prue I really am sorry”

“Fair! Fair! I’ll tell you what’s not fair! What’s not fair is me and Piper having to clear up your mess time and time again, what’s not fair is getting woken up at all hours of the night to go and get your sorry ass. Do you have any idea how I feel when I see you out of your head high as a kite covered in your own vomit? Half naked after doing god know what with god knows who? You’ve no respect Phoebe, not for me, not for Piper not even for yourself. Do you know something?…For the first time ever I’m glad Mums dead”

Phoebe sucked her breath in shocked at what she was hearing she felt like a heavy weight was pressing on her chest making it hard for her to breathe.

“Yes Phoebe I’m glad, at least she doesn’t have to see what you’ve become”

Phoebe stood in front of her eldest sister speechless she couldn’t move she was so stunned.

Prue took a step towards her – raising her hand she slapped her hard across the face “Now get out!”
Phoebe practically staggered to her room she lay down on her bed fighting back the tears. This wasn’t how it was meant to be this isn’t how she wanted her life to be. Phoebe could still hear her sisters harsh words and voice playing over and over in her mind.

Piper had heard most of the exchange she didn’t know what to do part of her agreed with what Prue had said but the other part the part that still cared for her little sister was upset, Piper was the peacemaker problem was she didn’t think she could sort this. She decided to go to the eldest.

“Prue” she knocked gently as Phoebe had only minutes earlier, Piper carefully pushed open the door.

“You ok” Piper could tell Prue was still upset.

“I’m fine Piper – I’d like to be alone”

“Prue I heard – I don’t know what to say I mean I understand why you said what you did, but it was so harsh – is she ok?”

“I don’t know and quiet frankly I don’t care”

“Prue I know that’s not true” Piper knew her eldest sister well she had a terrible temper and Piper knew Phoebe had pushed her to the limit it would take some time for Prue to calm down.

“Piper just leave me please”

“Ok but you know where I am if you want to talk”

Prue nodded at her as she shut the door.

Piper hesitated should she go to the youngest or should she leave her to sort her thoughts out, Piper knew Phoebe would be devastated at some of the things Prue said she wasn’t as hard as she appeared. On reflection Piper decided to leave her she knew Phoebe well enough to know she would come to her when she was ready.

Piper was sitting in the lounge contemplating what would happen next with her sisters when she heard a shuffle she looked up to see Phoebe dressed in her PJ’s. Piper looked at her for a moment she looked so young and innocent so different from the rebellious teen that was causing all this trouble. Her hair was freshly brushed, her big brown beautiful eyes free of the heavy make-up were swollen from crying, her lip was swollen and in addition she had Prues handmark on the side of her face.

“Pipe?” Phoebe was shuffling unsure of the reception she would get from her other sister, she was still on the verge of tears uncertain if she could handle another rejection.

Piper looked at her for a moment, and in that moment felt her resolve disappear she let out a deep sigh as she held one arm out to her little sister.

Phoebe was on her like a shot she put her arms around her sisters shoulders and snuggled in, neither sister spoke for a while Piper gently ran a soothing hand over her sisters back. She almost laughed at the absurdity of it – this was the bad ass! - she hugged her sister close and kissed the top of her head.

“I’ve got some hot chocolate – want to share?”

Phoebe nodded accepting the offered mug she took a slow sip then smiled at her sister.

Piper smiled back even with all that had gone on Phoebe could still make her melt, she brushed some hair back from her forehead and pulled her closer to her chest, laying her head on the top of her little sisters she sat quietly for a moment thinking of something to say.

“That better?”

Phoebe nodded.

“Are you going to talk to me now tell me what’s going on in that twisted head of yours?”

Phoebe didn’t answer.

“Come on Pheebes talk to me, what’s going on? We’re just worried”

“Don’t I’m ok”

“Yeah you look it! And you certainly don’t act it”

Piper was gaining no response from her youngest sister but at least she hadn’t pulled away.

“What’s the deal?”

Phoebe still didn’t respond.

“I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you honey – I love you, you know that”

Phoebe nodded.

“You know some of the things you’re doing are so dangerous you scare me, you’re still a child you shouldn’t be drinking and taking drugs you could kill yourself, how do you think me and Prue would feel then”

“Prue wouldn’t care”

“You know that’s not true – she’s just very angry at the moment and I can’t say I blame her, she’s done a lot for you Pheebes, she’s practically raised you, she just feels like you’re throwing it back in her face”

“Not everything is about Prue”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing”

“Well tell me, what is it about? I've heard things at school, but I'd much rather hear from you, just talk to me honey." Piper paused not sure how far to push "Are you" Piper paused again not quite sure how to phrase it "Are you sexually active? I won't get annoyed I promise, I'd just feel happier if you talked things through"
Piper kissed the top of Phoebes head she wanted her to know that she cared.

Piper felt Phoebe squirm a little.

“I’m on the pill” Phoebes voice was low.

“Oh god Pheebes! – Your’re too young you’re not ready for that type of relationship you’ll get hurt”

“Pipe I’m not exactly in a relationship”

“What so you’re just slutting around” As the words came out Piper could have kicked herself this was the sort of comment that made Phoebe clam up.

To Pipers surprise she felt tears dripping on to her neck, she reached down and turned Phoebes face towards her.

“Tell me” Pipers voice was gentle.

“You just said it” Phoebe choked a bit her voice was barely audible "I just want to be liked"

“Pheebes, you should have more respect for yourself your worth more than this honey. You know this isn't the way. Besides the pill will stop you from getting pregnant but you could pick up all sorts of STD’s you know that right? Phoebe at least tell me you get these guys to wear a condom”

Phoebe shook her head “They won’t Piper”

“You must stop acting like this Pheebes this isn’t right, you’re better than this”

“I’m not and I can’t” Phoebe was crying hard now.

“You are and you can – just stop seeing them, keep away go back to your old friends”

Piper felt Phoebe pull back she watched as Phoebe brushed away all trace of her tears and stood up “Night Pipe”

Piper shook her head “Night Pheebes” Piper knew it was useless trying to talk to her any longer – this was the closest she’d been to her in weeks. She watched as her youngest sister walked up the stairs to her room.

Phoebe lay down on her bed – she didn’t know where the emotion had come from, she took a deep breath and reached into the back of her closet taking a bottle she relaxed as the alcohol began to take effect she put the bottle back and lay down on her bed within minutes she was fast asleep.

Piper had been worried before now she felt even worse, she knew she wouldn't sleep that night she couldn't stop thinking about her little sister. The kid was really screwed up Piper hadn't realised just how low Phoebes self esteem was she couldn't get the conversation out of her head six words in particular 'I just want to be liked'.

++++++++++++++++++++

Piper was up in the attic. Two weeks had passed since the last row between Prue and Phoebe they both avoided each other and things had been relatively calm. Piper was looking through some old photos when Prue found her.

“Hey what’s that you’ve got”

“Oh some old photos of Grams look do you remember this? - My eighth birthday”

Prue looked across at a picture of a young Piper dressed in a party frock blowing out the candles a big beaming smile on her face.

“Yeah you always were the girlie!”

Piper laughed – “look at this”

Piper handed a photo to Prue it was the same day but this picture featured a four year old Phoebe whereas Piper had chosen a floaty party dress Phoebe had opted for a red Indian outfit complete with feather headdress. She had war paint on her face and a smile that seemed to fill her face she had her arms wrapped around the neighbours Great Dane, the Great Dane also sported a feather and had bright red stripes drawn crookedly on his fur.

Prue smiled, she paused for a moment as she remembered the day. “Yeah pictures can be so deceiving I seem to remember shortly after this was taken she ruined your party”

“Not exactly ruined”

“What! You didn’t think that at the time! She rode the dam dog like a small pony straight through your birthday buffet the cake was a gonner!”

“I know I cried my eyes out”

“So did Phoebe - Grams gave her such a walloping”

“I remember. She came over to me afterwards all teary eyed, I was still crying and so was she, but as little as she was she was more upset because I was crying, she tried to comfort me!”

“Umm”

“I yelled at her because she’d ruined the cake and nobody had had the chance to have any. Then she gave me a big sloppy kiss and a hug, and told me that wasn't right Bruno had had some!" Piper laughed "How could I stay mad with that? She looked so serious”

“Look I know what you’re trying to do Piper – I’m still not interested save it”

Piper watched as Prue left the room she looked down at the picture in her hand the four year old Phoebe grinning back at her, her arms around a dog more than three times her size – everyone else had been scared of Bruno but not Phoebe like Prue said she’d even ridden him like a horse! Piper took a deep sigh “Oh Pheebes whats happened to you honey?”

Phoebe was not feeling great – she’d been with Liam and his friends all day – she was on a high but not a good high she felt weird – tearful and light headed – she had a buzzing in her ears and she couldn’t walk straight. She looked across the room at her friend Marion, Marion looked completely out of it she was lying on the floor near a pool of her own vomit. Even in Phoebe’s state she could see Marion was in trouble, she crawled over to her friend.

Phoebe shook her trying to wake the girl but got no response.

“Marion! Marion! Wake up dam it! Open your eyes!”

“Liam! Liam! Help me!”

Liam smirked at her as he ambled across.

“What’s your problem?”

“I think Marion needs to get to hospital”

“Yeah right – why don’t you call the cops while you’re at it”

“Liam, I’m serious she needs help”

“Tough”

“I’m going to call”

“Like hell” With that Liam raised his fist and smashed it into the side of Phoebes face Liam hadn’t finished with her he brought his fist back and hit her in the mouth as she lay on the floor Liam gave her a good kicking.

Liam was out of his head on a cocktail of drugs and booze he laughed at the sight of Phoebe sprawled across the floor giving her a final kick he left the deserted building with his friends.

Phoebe groaned in agony she didn’t know how long she’s been laying on the concrete floor she was shaking with shock and cold, her head was banging as though someone was taking a sledge hammer to it. She suddenly remembered Marion – she crawled over to her feeling for a pulse she found one but it was weak.

Phoebe reached for her friend’s jacket locating her phone she dialed 911 and waited for help to arrive.

Phoebe had been cleaned up and was left waiting in the hospital waiting area. She had some nasty cuts and bruises and a couple of cracked ribs but overall no major damage, the hospital had found evidence of alcohol and drug consumption. Nobody would tell her how her friend was doing, she waited head in her hands on the hard wooden seat she’d just been questioned by the police and was waiting to see what would happen next.

“Phoebe we need to contact your parents or guardian – can you give me a name and a contact number please?”

Phoebe looked at the young policewoman.

“She won’t come”

“Can you just give me a name and number please?”

“Prue Halliwell same number as mine – she won’t come”

“Would you like to call her?”

Phoebe shook her head in despair “No”

The policewoman returned after making the call.

“Well?” Despite what she’d said Phoebe held out some hope.

“She didn’t say a lot she just asked what had happened and if she had to come down by law”

“Does she?”

“No – and I'm sorry it didn't sound like she will. I’m afraid under the circumstances we need to take you to the station and wait for the Juvenile Authorities, but they won't be available until the morning”

Phoebe nodded her head she painfully stood and slowly followed the policewoman to the car.

Phoebe had been at the station for 4 hours now – she knew Prue wasn’t coming – but then she didn’t think she would - Prue always kept her word! Phoebe suddenly felt very small and afraid she wrapped the blanket round her and tried to sleep on the narrow bunk, she had never felt so alone in her entire life.

*******************
Prue hadn't been able to sleep - ever since that dam phone call, her mind was reeling.

Phoebe! Dam it Phoebe! Prue's thoughts would follow no rational pattern one minute she would be furious thinking about how far off the rails her little sister had gone, then she tried to work out why, just what had happened to make her sweet baby sister change so drastically. Then she'd be back to furious thinking of all the times she'd bailed her out. No way could she back down not this time. Hadn't she warned her?

As much as Prue tried to stop it she couldn't stop her mind from drifting back in time, she could still feel the little girl in her arms, the chubby arms around her neck, the sloppy kisses the declarations of love. She could hear the distinctive giggle. That had been Phoebes gift, her humour, her ability to make light of a situation Prue no longer saw it that way. All she saw now was her sister’s manipulation, it had probably always been that way right from a toddler - her ability to make light of a situation! More like her ability to take nothing serious! Prue knew she was being irrational, deep down she knew her sister wasn't manipulative she just saw things differently and she was kind and caring. Stop it! Stop it! Prue didn't want to soften she didn't want to think well of her little sister she didn't deserve it!

After all she'd said - ok so she'd told her she could do what she liked - she hadn't really thought it through but she had thought Phoebe might just for once calm down and start behaving herself, Prue had hoped to scare her. But no! Typical Phoebe! She'd taken Prue at her word. So was it her fault? No don't be ridiculous - Phoebe had done what she always did - exactly what she wanted when she wanted!

The phone call kept replaying in her mind.

"Can I speak to Prue Halliwell please?"

"Speaking"

"Are you the legal guardian of Phoebe Halliwell"

Prue’s stomach had flipped, she hadn't realised so many thoughts could run through her mind all in the space of 30 seconds, she had known as soon as the words legal guardian had been said that Phoebe was involved in something serious.

She's dead, she's dead, she's been killed, please tell me she's ok, please tell me she's alright. Prue couldn't speak, her mouth was dry, she couldn't ask the question.

"Are you the legal guardian of Phoebe Halliwell?

"Yes" Prue had finally managed to croak.

"I'm Officer Wilson, you're sister has been taken to SF Memorial"

God no! No! No! No! She can't be dead! Please don't let her be dead.

"She has had her stomach pumped - she's taken drugs and alcohol, she's also been beaten up"

She's not dead! She's not dead! Thank you god! Thank you!

"Will she be ok?"

"Yes, we can release her into your custody but we need you to come down and sign some papers"

"Do I have to?"

"I'm sorry?" The Officer didn't quite understand the situation, she knew from Prue’s voice on the phone that she'd been worried sick, now she didn't want to know.

"Legally - do I have to come down and get her?"

"No - we can keep her overnight and take her to Juvenile in the morning"

"Do that"

The Officer was stunned as she head the click of the phone.

Agghhhh Phoebe!

Prue threw the bedclothes back and went downstairs to make a coffee - it was useless even trying to sleep. Piper was away she had no one to talk to.
Prue's hand was shaking as she filled the kettle. She sat down and put her head in her hands, for the first time in months Prue Halliwell cried.

Prue couldn't help thinking how she'd felt when she thought Phoebe was dead. The panic, the overwhelming ache. As bad as things were between them Prue couldn't imagine her life without Phoebe. Since the first moment she'd felt her kick in their Mothers stomach she'd been smitten. Prue thought back to the first time she held her, when the big brown eyes locked with hers, in that instant Prue had felt a bond like no other, a bond that until the last 12 months she thought nothing could shatter. The pain she had felt when their Mother had died, knowing that Phoebe would grow up never knowing or remembering a Mothers touch, the pain she felt when she held her baby sister when she came home from school crying her little heart out because she'd realised she was different, she was the only one in her class without a Mummy or Daddy - she'd even had to ask Prue what they were.

Prue could remember the pride she felt when she watched her 8 year old sister take part in the school play - she was the best in it by far. Prue smiled she wasn't biased!

Where had it all gone wrong! Was it her fault? Should she have eased up on her a bit, Piper said she was to hard on her, Prue hadn't meant to be she just wanted her to be the best she could be. Prue stopped for a moment - was that true? Or did she want her to be the best Prue could make her? Prue remembered Phoebes face when she'd given her her report card, she'd looked pleased until Prue started on her. Phoebe had been proud of the B she'd earned in Math, Prue closed her eyes - what had she done? No well done Pheobe!...... Oh no, it wasn't good enough for Prue, no all Phoebe got was - Why didn't you get an A? If you'd studied properly you'd have got an A. It was a though it had happened yesterday Phoebes face had fallen, Prue had watched as she'd battled not to cry her voice had been low "I did Prue, I did, I tried really hard" Prue had just looked back at her her mouth in a straight line "I thought you'd be pleased" Phoebe had looked Prue in the eye her lip trembling "I got some A's," Prue had scoffed "What for - oh yes! Sport and Martial Arts, very useful!" Even that hadn't been enough "If you put half as much effort into doing something worthwhile like Math and English then I'd be proud of you!"

Phoebe had bitten on her lip, she'd scrunched her nose up in a bid to stop the tears. Piper had been furious "Prue! What the hell!! Just because she's better at something than you! That's right that's all it is!" Piper had turned her attention to Phoebe "Take no notice honey! You did great- and here's one big sister who's more than proud of you" Piper had hugged the 11 year old Phoebe and wiped away the tears.

"Go on honey, go clean up - I'm taking you for ice cream" Once Phoebe had left the room Piper had turned on Prue. "For crying out loud she's 11 years old, she was really pleased with herself and what do you do?"

Prue had tried to interupt but Piper was on a roll "You piss on her parade!"

"I didn't, I didn't mean it like that"

"No!" Piper had glared at her big sister.

"No! I didn't I'm just thinking about her - she's got to find what she's good at, I'm thinking of her future"

"Oh get real! She's 11 years old, leave her alone Prue let her find her way, stop pushing her in directions she doesn't want to go!" Piper was still furious "Just because she's good at stuff we can't do, and not as good at others doesn't make it right or wrong! She's Phoebe! She's not me and she certainly isn't you!"

Piper had stormed up the stairs to collect their little sister and taken her for ice cream.

Prue had been just as angry - how dare Piper turn it round on her.

The tears fell once again - Piper had been right, she had pushed her in the wrong direction, she had tried to make her something she wasn't, Prue had never let her know when she was proud only when she was disappointed hoping it would make her try harder.

Prue groaned! No that wasn't true! Or was it, was it her fault? Had she put too much pressure on? Prue thought back to the night she'd slapped her little sister hard across the face, so hard Phoebe nearly lost her balance. What had she said? God it was like a tape recording it was so clear "For the first time ever I'm glad Mum's dead!" Prue started crying again - that was unforgivable. Prue could still see Phoebes face, her eyes had given her away, shown her for the scared little girl she was. Her eyes had filled with tears Prue didn't know if it was from upset at what she'd said or the pain of the slap she'd given her - probably both, Prue could see it all now the teary eyes, the red hand mark on her face and the split lip. She had pushed her away, for the first time in her life she had turned her back on Phoebe.

But what else could she do? Prue had tried everything she really didn't know what else to do - but the very thing she had been trying to stop had happened - Phoebe was in it big time. Prue knew she was doing drink and drugs, she suspected she was sleeping around and now she'd been arrested - 15 years old! There was nothing else she could do, her sister needed help and for the first time in 15 years Prue couldn't give it.

Prue slammed her fist on the table "DAM IT PHOEBE!!!"


Phoebe heard her door open she slowly opened her eyes it took a little while for her to focus but when she did she could make out the unmistakable silloute of her sister.

Prue looked down at the battered mess that was Phoebe, she felt a mixture of sadness and anger. How the hell had she come to this? Was this her fault? She gazed at her fifteen year old sister – she had a black eye a split lip and a tear stained face.

Phoebe struggled to sit up.

“I, I didn’t think you’d come”

“Neither did I” Prue watched as Phoebe winced in pain her ribs were really starting to ache. Prue felt tears prick in the back of her eyes.

Prue reached out and gently touched Phoebes swollen eye “Oh Phoebe!” Prue sounded sad “How did it come to this?”

Phoebe couldn’t speak tears were falling down her face.

“I don’t know what to do any more Phoebe – what do you want from me? What do you want me to do?”

“Love me”

There was a long pause.....

“I do” The words were almost a whisper Phoebe could bearly hear them, “Do you know how many nights I’ve lay in bed unable to sleep worrying about you? Worrying about where you were, who you were with, what you were doing, what state you were in. DO you know how many times I’ve gone to your room to check on you to tuck you in just relieved that you were there? Do you think your new friends care for you even a fraction of what me and Piper do? Do you?”

Phoebe shook her head “Nooo” her answer came out a sob.

“Then why do you treat us like this Phoebe? Why do you do these things? How can you let us worry like this? Phoebe I love you with all my heart, but I can’t cope with you anymore its not fair to either of us”

“What, wha, what do you mean?”

“I’m not sure Phoebe but something’s got to give”

“Are you going to let them take me? Are you going to put me in care?”

“I don’t know I honestly don’t know, but this can’t go on.”

Prue held her little sister as she sobbed in her arms. Eventually Phoebe calmed, Prue moved so she could see her face, “Come on lets go home – we’ll need to come back tomorrow or rather later today” Prue smiled weakly at her sister.

“Prue how’s Marion they wouldn’t tell me anything”

“I don’t know properly all they’d say is that she was serious I’ll find out more tomorrow”

“Promise?”

Prue smiled at her little sister she suddenly sounded and looked so young “Promise"
*************

Prue watched as her sister struggled up the steps of the manor – she was obviously in pain and was having difficulty walking, she followed her into the hall.

“Phoebe go and have a bath it will help your aches then get to bed – we’ll talk in the morning – and this time I want some answers – understand?” Prue sounded harsher than she intended.

Phoebe nodded and turned to do as she’d been told.

Prue made her way to the kitchen with the intention of making herself a hot drink. She poured enough milk into the pan for two and sat down with her head in her hands waiting for the milk to boil. Of all the nights it had to be when Piper was away, Piper would have looked after Phoebe she was always her bolt hole Prue made the drinks and took them up stairs Phoebe was still in the bath.

“Pheebes can I come in I’ve got you a hot drink and some tablets”

Prue waited for a reply but none was forthcoming she was about to get annoyed when she heard the sobbing, balancing the two mugs in one hand she opened the bathroom door.

Phoebe was in the bath breaking her heart. Prue looked at her and felt like her own heart would break, Phoebe was sobbing like a four year old, Prue quickly put the mugs down.

“Oh Pheebes!” She was over by her sisters side in a flash she sat on the floor by the edge of the bath gently stroking her sisters hair.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry” Phoebe looked at Prue tears streaming down her face.

“Ok we’ll talk when you calm down” Prue hated this Piper always knew how to calm her as well as how to open her up.

Prue reached for a big towel and held it up for her sister she wrapped it round her and helped her get out of the bath, for the first time she noticed the bruises covering Phoebes ribs and stomach not all of them looked fresh.

Prue sat down on the chair in the bathroom and pulled her little sister onto her knee.

“Shh, Shh come on you’ll make yourself sick, calm down come on deep breaths”

Phoebe was still sobbing in her sisters arms.

“She could die Prue, she could die nodody cared they were going to leave her she could die”

“Shh, you didn’t, you did something you cared”

“But they didn’t it could have been either of us Prue it could have been me,”

Prue sucked in her breath she didn’t even want to think about it.

“No use worrying now you did all you could. Is that why you got beaten?”

Phoebe nodded her head. “I thought they were my friends”

“Will you tell me who did it? Who hurt you Phoebe?”

Phoebe had stopped sobbing she took a deep breath “Liam”

“Liam? Do I know this Liam?”

“No I mean yea kind of”

“Tell me”

“Liam Johnson”

Prue knew exactly who Liam Johnson was or rather who his family were they were all trouble,

“Go to bed, go on put your PJ’s on and I’ll bring your drink through you’ll feel better when you’ve had some sleep”.

Prue followed her sister to her room, when Phoebe was sitting up in bed she passed her her drink and the tablets and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Phoebe I meant what I said before somehtings got to give we can’t go on like this it isn’t fair to any of us”

“What do you mean Prue” Phoebe sounded worried when she looked at her big sister.

“Piper and I can’t go on like this and neither can you – I’m obviously doing something wrong maybe someone else can straighten you out”

“You want me to go away?” Phoebes voice faltered.

“No I don’t but what other option is there?”

“What if I promised you to do whatever you say to do whatever you want would you change your mind?”

“No Phoebe we’ve moved beyond that, its going to take more than promises”

“But what? Prue please you can’t do this please say you’ll let me try please I’ll do anything Please!” Phoebe was getting visibly distressed.

“Phoebe I’ll talk to Pi