“Nooooooo” the screams rang out loud and clear…..the gut wrenching, heart breaking sobs echoed throughout the hollow walls.

“Don’t let themmmmmmmmmm………please NO! NO! Prueeeeeeeeeeee”

Prue Halliwell sat on the bench, unable to speak, unable to move, unable to think. All she could hear was the unmistakable screams of her baby sister.

“Prueeeeee…………..help me!!! Help Me……Please Prue!!! Noooooooooo”

She felt the arm around her shoulder, she felt herself being hauled to her feet.

“Prue come on…it’ll be alright. Everything will be ok”

Prue could hear the voice, she could make out the words but she couldn’t make any sense.

Her legs felt weak, unable to stand, unable to support her own weight, her eyes darted round the room, hoping it wasn’t true, hoping she was wrong.

“No! Get off me! Leave me! Give me some time!” Prue pushed at the hand, she slipped back down sitting on the bench she wrapped her arms around herself. She could feel the bruises her little sister had left, she could feel the void in her heart, the void in her arms where she’d held her baby sister before they’d wrenched her away.

The words hadn’t registered with Prue, not at the time “I have no alternative but to order an investigation. In the meantime by order of this court Phoebe and Piper Halliwell will be placed in the care of the State, Prue Halliwell to reside with her Aunt – Jean Appleton.

The words may not have registered with Prue Halliwell but they registered immediately with the youngest – eight year old Phoebe Hallliwells worst nightmare had come true.

She had grabbed hold of her oldest sister as tight as she could. Fear had strengthened her grip. She had wrapped her hand as tight as she could around her oldest sisters t-shirt. She had felt the automatic response – Prue had embraced her refusing to let go. It had taken three officers of the court to separate the sisters. Prue had felt the loosing of the hand around her t-shirt; she had felt someone loosening the fingers that had dug into her arm, the grip so strong it had left bruises.

Prue brought her hand up and rubbed – relishing in the pain – the pain she felt from the struggle that had ensued.

Piper had stood watching – unable to move – unable to comprehend. She had felt the arms moving her away almost before the judgement was made.


“Prueee!” Pipers cry had been plaintive. Prue had looked into the deep brown eyes – identical to the ones that belonged to the little girl who refused to let her go.

“Look after her!”

Piper had looked at her oldest sister tears streaming down her face; she had never felt so scared in the whole of her life. Never in her thirteen years had she felt so frightened. Piper’s vision blurred – she felt herself being pushed, she struggled to form some words, some words that could make sense of the nightmare that she had so recently been plummeted into.

“Piper! Look after her!”

Prue felt the little girl clinging on desperately. She knew it was only a question of time before they were separated. There were too many forces so desperate to keep them apart.
She tightened her grip and held on as tight and as long as she could.

“I love you! I’ll get help! I promise!”

Phoebe had been unable to speak – the tears were streaming down her face.

“Nooooo!! Prueeeee! Noooooo!”

“I’m sorry baby! I’m sorry! Mind Piper!”

Prue felt the emptiness as the small child was plucked from her arms; she felt the void from the top of her throat to the pit of her stomach.

“I love you both!............Piper! Look out for her! Keep her safe!”

The tears fell unchecked down the faces of the three sisters – the three girls who had been through so much, the three girls who had suffered so badly, the three girls who thought they had been through the worst, the three girls who were not to know their nightmare had just begun….

Piper felt the tiny hand grip tight, Phoebe pushed herself into her sisters side, lifting her hand without breaking the contact Piper managed to wrap her arm around her little sisters shoulder, she pulled her tight against her.

“It’s ok Pheebes, it’ll be ok, this is just for a while” Piper looked into the chocolate brown eyes of her baby sister, tears were brimming threatening to fall. “Come on Pheebes…..please…..hold it together honey, just hang in”

Phoebe looked back into the eyes that were duplicates of her own, she nodded, unable to trust herself to speak.

Piper leaned back into the hard seat of the black sedan. Everything had happened in such a hurry. They had been bustled out of the room, not even given the chance to say a proper goodbye to their big sister. Piper could still see Prues face, the emotion for once was raw and open.

Piper closed her eyes, trying to take in the events of the past hour, they were on their way to Juvenile Hall – Piper could hardly believe it. Phoebe wasn’t even old enough to be there but everything had been in such a rush, no preparations had been made. From what Piper understood they were to stay there for a day or two until more permanent arrangements could be made.

Even the name of the place struck fear into Pipers heart. What was she going to? Did Prue know? God! Prue would go ballistic – she’d go mad if it had just been Piper but Phoebe! Phoebe was little more than a baby – she had only just turned eight a couple of weeks ago. Piper opened her eyes and focused on her little sister, she pulled her onto her lap and gave her a cuddle.

“It’ll be ok honey, you’ll see, we’ll be alright” Piper spoke the words automatically – as much for her own benefit as her little sisters. Piper felt Phoebe push herself into her, she felt the small arms tighten round her neck, the small head snuggle into her shoulder.

“I’m scared Pipe” the voice was barely a whisper.

Piper forced herself to smile at the little girl in her arms “I know baby, I know, its ok its just strange”

“Piper….I want Prue” Piper watched as a lone tear trickled slowly down Phoebes face, she automatically brushed it away with her thumb “I want to go home” Phoebe sobbed no longer able to control her emotions.

Piper gathered her tight – she couldn’t tell her she felt the same. She was just as scared, she wanted Prue just as much, she wanted to go home just as badly.

“It’ll be like a holiday Pheebes. Come on you’re always wanting to go away, lets pretend we’re going to camp”

Phoebe raised her eyebrows her expression solemn as she looked directly into her big sisters eyes “Holidays one thing Pipe but this is Juvvie Hall!”

Under any other circumstances Piper would have laughed – her little sister looked so serious, she looked as though she was explaining one of the wonders of the world to her older sibling.

Mr Warner the officer who was escorting them turned around – Piper hadn’t liked him right from the word go.

“You’d better keep her under control if you know what’s good for you!” his voice was rough as he glared at Piper.

“She’s upset”

“Yeah! Well wait until she’s got something to be upset about” Warner sneered at his charges as he turned to face the front of the car.

Phoebe didn’t say anything she looked at her sister with questioning eyes, Piper stroked her back “It’s alright baby – we haven’t done anything wrong. They’re just making sure that we’ll be properly looked after when we go home. That’s all.”

Phoebe nodded – she wanted with all her heart to believe Piper.

The sisters were led into the main office – the whole building smelt of disinfectant – the walls were painted cream, Piper looked around the place was so clinical.

“Ok – welcome to Alcatraz!” the young woman who was taking their details cackled at her own joke.

Piper had picked Phoebe up hoping to bring her a little comfort, Piper stared back at the woman who called herself Jenny – Piper didn’t find her funny, she felt a slight nudge off Phoebe.

“What’s Alcataz?”

“Traz, Alcatraz” Piper instinctively corrected her young sister, she felt another nudge.

“So what it it?”

Piper paused, before she could answer Jenny cackled again “Prison honey, prison!”

Piper watched Phoebes small brow knit into a frown “But we’ve done nothing wrong”

Piper ignored Jenny’s renewed amuzement “Take no notice Pheebes – it’s just a joke, we’re not in prison”

“Ha, might as well be! Same rules apply”

Piper’s scowl now matched her little sisters, Jenny carried on oblivious to the rising tension.

“Yeah might as well be – same curfew, same restrictions, no phone, no visitors, same crummy meals, same crummy beds!”

Piper shifted Phoebe in her arms as she did she narrowed her eyes and looked directly into Jenny’s.

“Enough!” Pipers voice strong surprising even herself.

Jenny stared back at her for a second then let out a little laugh “Sorry honey – didn’t mean to scare ya!”

Piper didn’t break her stare – she knew Phoebe was already freaked she really didn’t need the welcome committee. Jenny had been introduced as someone ‘with privileges’ as Piper stared at her she wondered what she’d done to end up in here – whatever it was she was obviously in good books – in a position of trust.

Jenny slammed the registration book shut – standing up she went to reach for the phone.

“First things first – you’ll need to have baths”

“Why? We’re not dirty we had one this morning” Phoebe was scowling again.

“Rules is rules! I’ll just ring one of the helpers to give the little one her bath”

“The little one has a name - Phoebe – and like hell you will! If anyone needs to give her a bath it will be me!” Piper stepped forward invading Jenny’s space.

Piper saw Jenny take a step back, then she watched as the laughing expression was replaced with a sneer.

“Listen sweetie!” Jenny’s voice was dripping with sarcasm “I suggest you chill out and quick – carry on like this and you’ll get trouble, that’s trouble with a capital T”

Piper was in full protective mode – “Is that right?” Piper stepped forward again – Putting Phoebe on the floor Piper leaned in close “And you carry on like this and you’ll get pain, that’s pain with a capital P”.

Phoebe looked on in amazement – she had never seen Piper like this – normally it was Prue who was ready to take on the world. Phoebe half grinned – way to go sis!

Piper swallowed hard – she knew this was make or break time – she’d seen enough bullies in her time to know the next few minutes would be crucial.
“Don’t you dare tell me to calm down! This wasn’t supposed to happen!” Prue Halliwell was pacing back and forth “They’re just babies – they’ve done nothing wrong, we’ve done nothing wrong! How the hell can this happen”

Jean Appleton looked at her niece – she understood her frustration, she was still reeling herself. Prue turned to face her Aunt – Jean was shocked at the look of desperation on the young girls face, biting on her lip Prue battled with her emotions pushing her temper down she took a deep breath “Sorry….I’m sorry, I’m just worried about them”

“I know honey I know”

“This wasn’t what today was meant to be about – didn’t Linda tell us it was just a formality that the hearing was just to make sure we we’re alright to live on our own now that Grams has gone?”

“That’s what she said. I don’t think she expected this either”

“Ok, ok…” Jean watched Prue battling to stay calm “What next? How do I get to see them?”

“Linda’s on to it” Jean put a cautious arm around her nieces shoulder “It’ll be alright honey”

Prue shrugged the arm away “So everyone keeps saying!” Prue’s breathing was ragged, she gulped in some air “but its not! My little sisters have been taken away – I want answers, I want to know why? I want to know where they are, I want to hold them…..” the tears that had been threatening began to fall “Phoebe will be upset she’s never been away before, and Piper ……she’ll be so scared” Prue choked again thinking about her little sisters “Pipers so shy, she won’t know what’s hit her”.

Jean put her arm around her niece once again and hugged her to her “Give them some credit Prue – Phoebes a little firecracker and as for Piper she can hold her own when she has to – she just hides behind you because she can”

Prue gave in she put her arms around her Aunt and hugged her back, she gave her Aunt a weak smile she knew she was right – her sisters had been around her long enough to know how to look out for themselves and each other.

“I just don’t understand any of this – why would they send me to live with you and send the two little ones away?”

“I don’t know Prue, I offered to have all three of you while they did their so called investigation but nobody seemed to listen. It was almost as though they had their little book of rules and that was that”

Prue opened the chest of drawers containing her youngest sister’s clothes, she had been told to fill a holdall with some of their stuff – Linda their lawyer was coming over to pick it up later – Prue had been told she wouldn’t be allowed to visit.

Prue paused, she picked up Phoebes favourite sweater she felt the lump in her throat, her eyes started to itch, it was a pale blue fleece with a small zip at the neck, nothing fancy just comfortable. Prue held it to her face, unable to continue for the moment – the size of the sweater merely served to accentuate the vulnerability of her baby sister, although she was 8 her clothes were meant to fit a 6 year old. Phoebe was so tiny, born 2 months premature, she had never quite made up for the lost time in the womb – Prue couldn’t remember very well but she had a vague recollection of the worry her baby girl had caused. Prue smiled as she continued to hold the fleece, right from the word go! The Doctors had said she was lucky to survive, and all Phoebe could go on about was being unable to reach things!

Picking up the holdall Prue began to pack some of Phoebe’s things – Jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, sneakers, she looked at Jean with a frown on her face, still battling with her emotions “What else?”

“Underwear, and how about a couple of her toys?”

Prue couldn’t help it the tears trickled down her face, she stuffed the rest of the clothing in the holdall then made her way to her sister’s bed, she smiled through her tears – typical! Once again Phoebe hadn’t bothered making her bed, the duvet was a big lump in the middle of the mattress.

Prue hesitated reaching out she half expected Phoebe to jump out and try and scare her, pulling the duvet back she smiled again – nearly every cuddly toy and doll that Phoebe owned was in her bed.

Prue felt the huge wave of emotion spreading throughout her body; she sat down on the side of Phoebe’s bed and picked up her favourite teddy, holding it close to her chest she breathed deeply trying to re-gain control. She couldn’t help but think about all the nights she would put Phoebe to bed, her little sister insisted that her dolls and teddies were tucked up with her. Many a battle had ensued there was hardly any room for Phoebe! But she insisted that they slept with her – she didn’t want them getting cold. Prue had long given up trying to reason – she had bought her a dolls cot for Christmas, Prue would go through the nightly ritual – snuggle time then bed. Prue would tuck her sister in and kiss her goodnight, at least she’d grown out of the phase were Prue had to kiss all the teddies and dolls goodnight as well! An hour later when she went into check on Phoebe she’d find the cot empty and the toys tucked in with her sister. Phoebe would be squashed in amongst them all, there was always some dolls arm sticking in her side or digging into some part of her body. Prue would carefully remove some of the toys and reposition her sister.

She could remember the conversation “Pheebes how did Lily and all the others end up in your bed last night?”

Phoebe gave her sister a half smile “Don’t know, guess they just missed me and sneaked in”

Prue gave a knowing nod “Guess so. Then I guess they got a bit cramped and sneaked back”

Phoebe had grinned at her sister giving her a big hug – it was just another example of Phoebe’s big heart – she couldn’t settle if she thought one of her teddies or dollies wasn’t comfortable!

Prue wiped at her face – she picked up a rag doll and pushed it in the holdall, then she picked up George Phoebes favourite of all time. It was the monkey their Mum had given her on her 2nd Christmas, Prue scrunched up her nose still battling to stop the tears and pushed it in the holdall.

Jean watched as Prue went through a similar exercise with Pipers stuff.

“Mum?” Prue and Jean looked up to see Nic Jeans daughter hovering by the door “Mum, is Pheebes ok?”

Prue bit on her lip – unable to answer her cousin – Nic was a few months older than Phoebe the two had been best friends all their lives, they went to school together and played together every chance they got.

“The court decided to check a few things out honey, Phoebes gone to stay somewhere with Piper” Jean smiled at her daughter not wanting to cause the 8 year old any worry.

Prue interrupted her Aunt “Do you mind giving me a few minutes.”

Jean nodded “I think I heard Linda’s car – finish off up here then come down ok?”

Prue made her way downstairs – she had the holdall in her hand, making her way into the dining room she saw that Jean had made coffee.

Prue put the bag down and gratefully accepted a cup.

“What have you found out?”

“Not much more than you already know. The girls have been sent to Juvenile Hall whilst they find foster care for them. Then social services will do some investigation – they’ll interview the three of you, teachers, neighbours that sort of thing then come up with a recommendation”

“I still don’t understand – why couldn’t they do that while they were here with me, in their home?”

Linda shook her head – “I don’t know, sometimes its just people doing things by the book – you know the system, instead of using common sense, some people don’t realise everything’s not black and white. They just see an eighteen year old girl and find it hard to look beyond that – they don’t realise how you’ve looked after those girls all your life.”

Prue shook her head in frustration “How long will all this take?”

“I don’t know – weeks” Linda hesitated she had begun to get to know the girls quite well she felt for them and what they were being put through but she knew she had to be honest “Maybe months”.

“Get them the hell out of there! Whatever it takes – just do it! They don’t belong there you better fix this and dam fast” Prues frustration was evident “When can I see them?”

“You can’t”

“Why! I keep saying we’ve done nothing wrong, we’ve done everything by the book we have been totally honest and this is the result!”

“The good news is they’ll still be going to their normal schools”

Prue calmed down a bit on hearing that – no way could they keep her away from them there!

Prue stood up to see Linda out “Tell them I love them”.

Linda couldn’t speak, never had a case affected her like this one, she nodded her head at Prue “I will, don’t worry”.


Jenny Davies looked at the young girls standing before her – she knew from the details she had just taken that the girl gritting her teeth and clenching her fists was a couple of years younger than her.

Jenny continued to stare at Piper – waiting seeing what she’d do almost daring her to strike, she knew Piper was an innocent, she had no right in the place, Jenny almost let out a snigger – she probably wouldn’t last 5 minutes in this place. Not once the others realised she hadn’t done anything wrong. Jealousy would prevail. Jenny knew all too some of the others would relish in this girls downfall. Even her clothes were good quality – this kid just stood out, she would be such an easy target. Jenny looked to the side of Piper – and there was the key – little Phoebe Halliwell, Jenny knew from experience the girls looked for weaknesses it didn’t take a genius to work out Phoebe would be Pipers.

Jenny had had enough lifting her hand she pushed Piper in the shoulder.

Piper responded automatically, she lifted her arm back Jenny was ready her hand shot out and she held Pipers wrist, she twisted it sharply only satisfied when she heard the shriek of pain.

Jenny tightened her grip on Pipers wrist “Consider yourself lucky – I’m in a good mood, don’t even think about taking me on again”.

Piper grimaced the pain in her wrist was excruciating lifting her knee she slammed it into Jenny’s stomach.

Jenny automatically released Pipers wrist Piper grabbed Jenny by her hair “Yeah? You’re the one that should consider yourself lucky – I can’t be bothered!”

Piper released Jenny and stared her out the two girls faced off the tension in the room was rising neither girl able to back down.

“So who won?”

Piper couldn’t help it she felt her mouth twitch; she looked at Jenny she was having the same struggle.

Jenny stuck her hand out “Draw”.

Piper gave a half smirk as she did the same “Draw”.
Jenny could hear the laughter coming from the common room – she could tell by the tone of the comments being made that someone was getting a hard time, opening the door she found six or seven of the older girls in a circle, it took her a minute to see the small figure in the centre. Little Phoebe Halliwell had tears pouring down her face, running from one girl to another as they tossed her monkey between them, always just over the top of her head – they were teasing her without mercy, taunting her, Jenny watched as one of the ring leaders held the monkey just out of reach of the small girl,

“Aww, I’m sorry baby….is this what you want?” Shelly was wriggling the stuffed toy in the direction of the distressed Phoebe.

“Don’t cry little girl, come on ….come on…take him…..take your silly monkey” the voice was taunting – Jenny watched as Phoebe battled with her emotions – she knew it was some sort of a trick, but this was George she had to rescue George.

Phoebe very slowly reached towards the monkey, her fingers grazed the soft fur, almost in the same instant Shelly let out a loud laugh and flung it to a girl on the opposite side of the room.

Phoebe could do nothing to stop the tears, “Give it back…..give it back”

The girls were all laughing and jeering now – taking great pleasure from Phoebes distress. Jenny watched as Phoebe took a deep breath she strode towards the girl who currently had hold of George, without making any attempt to grab her toy, Jenny watched in amazement as the tiny girl launched an attack.

Phoebe was battling trying to push down her panic, she felt the anger overtake her distress. The fact that she didn’t come up to the waist of her bullies did nothing to her sense of injustice, Phoebe had given up trying to play nice – as she reached the girl holding George the stuffed monkey was once again tossed above her head to another girl. Phoebe took a deep breath, she brought her foot back and kicked as hard as she could at the girl’s ankles, the girl was incensed – automatically reaching for Phoebe she grabbed the little girl by the hair, just at that moment Piper entered the room.

Piper took no time to assess the scene – all she saw was a gang of girls surrounding her little sister, and Jade Smithson holding Phoebe by her hair, Phoebe was screaming and kicking, her hand lashing out unsuccessfully trying to make contact with Jades face.

Jade was fourteen years old, a veteran, in and out of Juvenile Hall for an assortment of offences she had been hardened by the system, the fact that Pheobe was so much younger than her and so tiny held no credence.

Jade tightened her grip pulling backwards she soon had the tiny child bending towards the floor her back arched. Piper flew across the room, her fist clenched tight she soccer punched Jade as hard as she could in the jaw.

Jade let go of the grip on Phoebes hair, she was heavier than Piper she took one step backwards managing to maintain her balance, as she went to lunge at Piper Piper pushed Phoebe as hard as she could out of the way of her attacker, standing tall Piper stared Jade in the eye ready for an all out battle.

The girls tightened their circle around the two who were ready for combat, a slow hand clap started, along with the customary chanting.

“Fight….fight…..fight…fight…”

“Get her Jade….show her!”

Piper swallowed hard, suddenly realising what she had gotten into, quickly deciding the best form of defence was attack she followed up her first punch with another, Jade caught her arm and twisted it behind her back, Piper could feel the other girls breath down her neck. With her back to Jade, Pipers options were limited, she brought her free arm back and slammed her elbow as hard as she could into Jades stomach. She felt some satisfaction when she heard the air leave Jades lungs, her satisfaction was short lived, Jade quickly recovered she kicked Pipers feet away from her, it was no effort for Jade to straddle Piper effectively pinning her down, Jade grabbed Piper by her ears and slammed her head into the stone floor.

Piper felt the pain shoot through her skull, she felt an overwhelming sickness as it registered just how hard she’d been hit, Piper struggled to open her eyes, only half aware of what was going on she felt the weight pulled off her she could vaguely hear Phoebes paniced voice.

“Piper! Piper! Oh god! Piper!” tears were streaming down Phoebes small face, she’d seen as well as heard the blow that Piper had taken.

Phoebe very gently stroked her big sisters hair back, Piper’s vision was slightly blurred she felt the tears land on her face the small arm protectively round her neck.

“I’mmm, mmm” Piper was struggling to form words “I’mm ok”

She felt a sloppy kiss land on her cheek “I’m sorry Piper” Phoebe was sobbing “I’m so sorry”.

Piper managed to lift an arm, covering her little sisters hand she gave it a gentle squeeze “Not your fault”

Jenny looked at the two young girls – having pulled Jade away the other girls had disappeared none of them wanting to take on Jenny. Jenny had quite a reputation – you didn’t mess with her.

Kneeling next to the sisters Jenny gently moved Phoebe out of the way.

“Can you see ok?”

Piper nodded, then stopped herself the pain shooting through her head “Yeah, just a headache”

“You’ll live, come on sit up” Jenny was not one for showing her emotions, she had been in and out of foster homes most of her life, she had learned at a very early age not to get involved, this was probably as far as she had ever gone to help anyone else.

Piper accepted the outstretched hand and managed to bring herself to a sitting position.

“Better?”

“Yeah no probs – just feel as though someone cracked my head on a stone floor”

Jenny smiled at Pipers weak attempt at humour, “Some advice. Keep your head down, these girls don’t mess about, their not like your little friends at Beverley High or wherever the hell it is you go”

Piper couldn’t help but smile “I wish – I love that programme”

Phoebe was still hovering her concern for Piper now replaced with fear, Jenny shot her a smile “Quite the little demon aren’t you”

Phoebe was starting to cry again, silent tears ran down her face, Jenny rolled her eyes “Oh come on! Don’t spoil it – you had a good thing going there, quite a kick on you for someone so small”

Phoebe didn’t take her gaze off Jenny, moving slowly she sat down next to Piper and took her hand, Jenny smirked “Here – hope it was worth it” Jenny threw George at Phoebe, catching him with her free arm she held him tight, as the tears continued to fall Phoebe buried her head in her big sisters shoulder. Piper put both arms round her baby girl and hugged her tight.

“Shh…come on honey…its ok…no real harm done. George is ok – see?”

Jenny laughed “And how about you?”

Piper couldn’t help but smile back “Yeah me too”.

“Must be pretty special this George?”

“Mum bought it for her”

Jenny nodded not understanding the significance. Piper continued, deciding she could do with a friend she opened up slightly “She died when Pheebes was a baby, she hasn’t got many things off her”

Jenny nodded again, this time she knelt down in front of Phoebe “Tell you what Phoebe Weebey….I’ll make you a promise….I promise you no one will mess with George again…if they do they’ll have me to answer to”

Phoebe smiled at their new found friend “Prue calls me that”

Piper smiled at Jenny, she could tell Phoebe was wheedling her way into the affections of this street wise girl.

“And who’s she?”

“Our big sister” Phoebes voice had gone quiet again.

“She as bolshie as you two?”

Phoebe grinned “More, she’d kick their ass if she was here – no one messes with me or Piper”

Jenny grinned back “Sounds like my type of girl”

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

“What you doing Pheebes?” Piper pushed the feeling of nausea down, she had felt sick since the blow to her head, a huge lump had formed on the crown, too painful to touch, her head had not stopped banging.

“Just thinking”

“Mmmm, that makes a change”

Phoebe turned from the window she had been gazing out of she frowned as she noticed how pale her sister looked.

“You ok Pipe?”

“Yeah Pheebes just a bit of a head – I’ll be fine once I get some sleep”

Phoebe swallowed hard, she still blamed herself for what happened “I’m sorry”

Piper sat next to her sister and pulled her on to her lap “No need babe, none of this is your fault”

“But if I hadn’t got into trouble you wouldn’t have got hurt”

“Yes – but if those bitc…..girls hadn’t picked on you, you wouldn’t have got into trouble”

Phoebe smiled at her sisters logic, she snuggled in taking comfort from the closeness.

“So what were you thinking”

Piper watched as Phoebe wrinkled her nose, and bit on her lip, talk about Mini Me! She had some of Prues mannerisms down to a tee! Piper nearly let out a laugh at the thought of Prue dressing Phoebe identical to herself and carrying her round.

Piper cuddled her sister tighter – she knew the facial twitching was to stop the tears, hell she’d seen Prue do it often enough.

“So go on…..tell me” Piper gently nudged her sister hoping to open her up.

“I was just looking at our star – you know Mum’s star, do you think Prues looking at it?”

Piper smiled at her kid sister “Yeah – its snuggle time”

Phoebe frowned, “I wish I could snuggle with her now”

“I know honey, and I bet Prue does too”

“She gives good cuddles”

Piper kissed the top of her little sisters head – she knew ‘snuggle time’ was important to Phoebe – it was special time – no matter what had gone on previous, no matter if Prue had bawled her little sister out, or told her off Prue would take Phoebe onto her lap and cuddle her. It had become especially important when their Grams became ill; the six months before she had died had been particularly stressful. Prue had been worried that with everything that was going on Phoebe might be neglected, it didn’t matter how tired Prue was she always gave Phoebe a cuddle before putting her to bed.

“Do you think she’s having snuggle time with Nic?”

Piper felt the tears brimming in her eyes – her baby sister sounded so insecure.

“No – it’s your time, yours and Prue’s”

Phoebe nodded, Piper watched as Phoebe bit on her lip, she was starting to lose the battle she couldn’t help it her big brown eyes began to pool.

“But you know, you’ve got another big sister right here with you, I know Prue wouldn’t mind you having snuggle time with me”

Phoebe gave Piper a tearful smile “I know, and you give good hugs too” Phoebe buried her head in Pipers chest; she closed her eyes as she listened to the comforting sound of Pipers heartbeat. The little girl shut everything out; concentrating on the steady rhythm she was soon fast asleep.

Piper sat for ages holding her sleeping sister, she took comfort knowing that her sister was safe in her arms, still feeling nauseas and slightly dizzy Piper stood up and carried her sister to bed, without breaking her hold she lay down with Phoebe and closed her eyes.


“Prue honey…come on its time you got some sleep”

Prue smiled at her Aunts concern – sleep!

“I was just thinking about them, it’s about the time I normally give Phoebe a cuddle and put her to bed” Prue paused “Her and about a hundred dolls”.

Jean smiled at her niece “Thought she’d grown out of that”

“Sort of – they still have to be covered up in their cot though. Then when I leave her she sneaks them all into her bed, then I go up and sneak them all back”

Jean let out a laugh “Likes her own way!”

“Don’t we all” Prue grinned back at her Aunt, for the first time she felt calm thinking about her baby sister. “I’ve just got a horrible feeling – I can’t put my finger on it but something just doesn’t feel right”

Jean Appleton looked at her niece, she loved all three girls dearly, she never could understand how her brother could walk out and abandon them, each of them was so very different. She looked at Prue, the eldest, so protective of her sisters. Jean couldn’t help but admire her, she knew how hard it was being responsible for a family, she couldn’t even begin to imagine what it must be like at such a young age.

“You’re just worried honey – they’ll be fine, you’ll get to see them tomorrow”

Prue nodded her head, taking a deep breath she stood up and kissed her Aunt goodnight, unable to shake off her uneasiness Prue tossed and turned most of the night wandering what was happening to her kid sisters and how they were feeling, taking comfort from the one consolation that they were together.

“Piper! Piper!” Phoebe’s voice was getting more and more urgent, Piper had been moaning in her sleep, Phoebe was worried, the moans had soon become groans now Phoebe was unable to wake her.

“Piper! Please wake up! Please Piper open your eyes” Phoebes whispered words were getting louder and louder.

Piper could hear her baby sister’s anxious voice, the banging in her head was getting worse and worse, she struggled to open her eyes, she knew it was pointless trying to speak, concentrating all her efforts Piper managed to open them. Phoebe watched in horror as her sister’s eyes rolled, Phoebe could see her sister’s eyes were unfocused and she was unable to speak.

“Help me! Someone help me! Please help me! My sisters sick!” Phoebe was oblivious to the moans coming from the girls who’s sleep she had disturbed, she ran into the corridor screaming at the top of her lungs.

Eventually the warder in charge appeared – quickly assessing the situation the paramedics were called.

Phoebe followed the stretcher down the hall, not willing to let her big sister out of her sight; she managed to reach the entrance to the Hall when a strong pair of arms pulled her back.

“Not you honey, you have to stay here”

“No!!!! NO!!! Lemme go, lemme go – I have to be with Piper!”

Phoebe kicked and struggled in a futile attempt to be with her sister, she watched in horror as the doors to the vehicle containing her sister were slammed shut and the van screeched away.

Phoebe crumbled to the floor – she was all cried out, the day had been too much, she curled into a ball, and began to rock too and fro, dry sobs wrecking her body, she felt the same strong arms that had pulled her back lift her up and carry her to an empty room. With the exception of a mattress on the floor the room was bare, annoyed at the interruption to her sleep and wanting to get back to her comfortable bed the warder shut the door on the tiny girl and turned the key……
The eight year old blinked at the light entering the room – huddled in the corner with just her pyjamas to keep her warm Phoebe raised her fear filled eyes to those of Vera Stanley – warder in charge.

“Come on now – out, get dressed then breakfast”

Phoebe was unable to move; stiff from the cold she slowly uncurled.

“Quick! We haven’t got all day! You learn to do what you’re told when you’re told and we’ll get on just fine!”

How's my sister?" Phoebe was overcome with exhaustion - she had worked herself up to fever pitch, her cries ignored eventually she had slumped into a corner, unable to get the vision of Piper laying unconscious on the stretcher out of her mind.

"No idea - now move!" Vera grabbed the small girl who wasn't moving fast enough for her satisfaction and pushed her through the door.

Phoebe made her way to the girl’s bathroom - relieved to find it empty she quickly washed, pulling on her jeans she grabbed a t-shirt of Pipers desperate for the familiarity the clothing would bring.

Phoebe stood in the doorway of the Dining room, she hesitated and took a deep breath trying to remember what Prue had told her - don't show your fear, take a deep breath, stand tall, walk proud.

As Phoebe entered the room she was deafened, by the silence - the chatter and clatter immediately stopped, all eyes focused on the young child.

'Walk tall, walk tall...' Phoebe recited over and over in her mind - her eyes darted quickly across the room relief spreading through her when she spotted Jenny.

Jenny took in the appearance of the little girl, it was obvious she had had a tough night, her eyes swollen and red rimmed were further accentuated by the paleness of her skin.

"Hey kid! How's your sister!" the comments which could have sounded sympathetic were jeering the tone teasing.

"Yeah kid - where's your shadow?"

Phoebe ignored them she quickly made her way over to Jenny and sat down - Jenny had to make a decision and quick - she knew whatever side she chose now would seal her fate, the decision was not hard. As much as she liked the youngster she knew Phoebe would not be there long, she would have to stay. Picking up her tray Jenny turned her back, stood up and walked away.

Phoebe immediately felt her bravery slipping, she had never felt so alone, too young and too little to fight back against the system she was being sucked into she felt the overwhelming emotion soak over her. Biting on her lip she concentrated on maintaining her composure-she stood tall and walked proud, Prue couldn't have done it better, she left the dining room and quickly made her way to the room she'd been allocated with Piper.

She slammed the door shut and threw herself face down on the bed - no longer able to hold it back the tears came thick and fast.


"Aunt Jean! Where are you?"

"Kitchen Prue -just getting Nic and Lori ready for school"

"I'll take them"

Jean looked at her niece she could tell by looking that Prue hadn't slept all night -she'd been up for hours, pacing around restless and wound up.

"You should go to school"

"I will - but I have to see them first. I'll drop the girls off then wait for Piper and Phoebe to arrive,"

Jean nodded knowing it was useless to argue and not really wanting to, she was just as anxious as Prue to find out that her nieces were all right.

Prue couldn't believe her luck - she had left early but now she was late - every light had been against her and the icing on the cake was when she had been diverted due to an earlier accident.

Prue screeched into a parking slot, she quickly got the girls out of the car, and sent them on their way -checking her watch Prue ran in the direction of the bus bay, she came to a sudden halt at the sight that met her sitting on the bench her head resting on her chest was her youngest sister. Prue didn't have time to register that Piper was missing she felt an overwhelming sadness as she looked at the normally vibrant child.

In the space of 36 hours Phoebe's whole demeanor had changed, always small she now looked tiny, tiny and heartbroken. Prue felt the tears prick in her eyes, swallowing hard Prue moved gently towards her sister, reaching out she carefully picked the small girl up and held her tight.

Phoebe didn't need to look to know who it was her head immediately buried itself in the long dark hair. Her senses on overdrive she breathed in hard she had waited for what seemed forever to be embraced by the secure arms of her oldest sister, to breathe in the familiar scent.

Prue moved a hand and gently cradled the back of her sisters head her other arm supporting her sisters weight – rocking slowly from side to side, she soothed the distraught girl.

"Piper...Piper.."

Prue could hear the panic in the small voice – it was hard to make out what her sister was saying but Prue had no difficulty picking up on her other sisters name.

"What about her? Where is she?" Prue’s voice had a sense of urgency to it -she knew that Piper would not be far from their baby sister – not if she could help it "Has something happened?"

Prue sat down on the bench and continued to rock her little sister - she knew she would get no sense from her until she had calmed down.

"Hospital, she's in hospital, she hurt her head”

Prue felt like she'd been hit by a ten ton truck - she felt sick to the pit of her stomach she stood up still holding Phoebe in her arms and headed for the school, Phoebe clung on unwilling to relinquish her hold, relieved that she had unloaded her burden – Prue would sort it- she always did.

Inside Prue was panicking – a million thoughts were running through her head, why hadn't she been told? How had she hurt her head? How bad was she? Where was she? How could she find out? Prue burst into the outer office of the principal of the lower school - the school secretary looked up -startled by the unceremonious entrance.

"I need to see Mr Daniel's – NOW!”

Sensing the urgency the secretary ignored protocol, recognizing the sisters she automatically assumed Phoebe was hurt.

Prue opened the door to the Principals office and immediately launched herself.

"I need your help - my sisters were taken into care two days ago until a placement was found - I'm with my Aunt, I’ve not seen them until now Phoebes in a bit of a state as you can see and apparently Piper is in hospital with a head injury.

Principal Daniel's was quick to grasp the situation – he knew the background and was well briefied on the outcome, he pulled a chair out and indicated for Prue to sit

Prue sat down, Phoebe straddling her knee her face still hidden, pushed into her sister's neck.

Sue Johnson hovered in the door to help "Can I do anything? Shall I take the little one?”

Prue felt the tiny arms lock around her neck the weight of her sister push into her body “No thanks, she can stay with me"

"Do you know which hospital?" Principal Daniels sat on the desk facing the sisters he saw Phoebe shake her head.

"Ok - then we need to make some calls – Susan can you help with that please?”

“Prue, who's your case worker – or the lawyer that must have been assigned"

“Linda Grey” - Prue fumbled trying to reach into her bag – “here that’s her card”

Sue smiled at Prue hoping to give her some reassurance “Don’t worry honey, I’m sure it will be something and nothing - we'll soon sort this out”.

Prue nodded absentmindedly rubbing her little sisters back – she could feel Phoebe trembling in her arms, she stared blankly at the wall for what seemed like eternity but in reality was just a few minutes.
.
"She's just found out herself Prue she’s quite annoyed she should have been told last night – Pipers at SF Memorial - that's all she has”

Prue stood and was making her way out of the door "Ring my Aunt - Phoebes with me we’ll see her there”

"Wait!" Principal Daniel's could understand Prue’s concern but she needed to know a few facts “Prue we can ring the hospital to see how she is”

"No –I need to see her - I've wasted enough time”

“Prue you can’t just take Phoebe – she’s not under your control, she’s under the control of the state, you could get into real trouble”

“One…she’s in no state to be in school, two….she’s scared stiff, she needs me, three – she’s Pipers sister too, she needs to see her, four – she shouldn’t be there in the first place and Five ……I don’t give a dam!”

Prue could hold her feelings in no longer, the injustice of the previous two days had taken its toll.

“Calm down Prue – I agree but you can’t just ride rough shod, they could make things even harder”

Prue took a deep breath her face tinged red with temper and anxiety for her younger sister, she heard the sharp gasp of breath from her baby sister still in her arms. “You’re the state! You give me permission!” Prues eyes flashed angrily as looked at the Principal, aware that he was trying to help she was frustrated at the lack of speed.

Principal Daniels quickly assessed the situation he knew nothing would stop her from going to her injured sister, and nothing would stop her taking her kid sister with her, finally he nodded his head in agreement “Ok, go, I’ll say I recommended it”

He was half way through the sentence, Prue was half way through the door……
Prue nervously put her hand on the door handle – not knowing what to expect she gently pushed her other hand gripped tightly to that of her baby sister pulling her forward the two entered the hospital room.

“Prue!” the panic was strong in her little sisters voice, Prue felt the grip of the hand tighten somehow out of proportion with the tiny body it belonged to.

Prue looked across the room at the reason for her sisters panic – long brown hair cascaded over the stark white pillow, the machines loud in the quiet room. Prue stepped closer, reaching down to pick up her little sister she stepped nearer to the bed – she could see the bandages the oxygen mask covering the small face.

“Hey!” The whispered word managed to convey its owners excitement – Prue spun round to find the middle sister entering the room.

“PIPER!” Prue embraced her sister with her free hand squashing Phoebe between them.

“Agghh – air! Guys!”

Piper let out a little giggle as she stepped back “Sorry Pheebes did we squash you?”

Phoebe couldn’t help it she felt the relief flood over her – her big brown eyes brimming with tears, her vision blurred she reached out both arms to her older sister – the sister who had been rushed away from her in the middle of the night.

Piper felt tears fill her own eyes – she could see the pain her little sister was in, reaching out she took the baby of the family from Prue and held her tight.

“I’m ok, it’s ok now – look I’m fine”

Piper felt the struggle for air – her sisters lungs could not push in enough oxygen – dry sobs heaved through her body “I thought you…..I thought” unable to speak the words little Phoebe burst into tears.

“No, honey….I’m ok, I’m ok” Piper did what her big sister had done earlier, instinctively rocking from side to side cradling Phoebe tightly in her grasp.

Prue couldn’t speak – she watched her little sisters, she could almost touch their pain, the emotion so raw, Prue felt the tears tricking down her face – she opened her arms and embraced her siblings.

“Are you sure you’re ok baby?” Prue had noticed how pale her sister looked, she reached out and took Phoebe from her not wanting Piper to overdo things.

“I’m fine honest” Piper took a deep breath “A bad concussion, a donkey derby in my head – apart from that I’m great!” Piper smiled, trying to re-assure herself as much as her sisters.

“Come on – lets go to the day room” Prue shifted Phoebe to her right arm and pulled her other sister into a hug with the left.

Piper felt the relief flood through her – she had missed her sister so much, this was what she needed, the pressure of looking out for herself and her little sister was too much. Piper knew she had made mistakes, but she also knew deep down that she couldn’t have done things much different.

Prue led her sisters to the relative comfort of the day room – sitting on the sofa Phoebe balanced on her knee she drew her other sister close to her – Pipers head immediately found its home – resting on Prues shoulder.

“What happened?”

“Oh I don’t know really – I vaguely remember Phoebe getting help then I woke up here.”

“Where you scared?” Phoebes voice was trembling as she looked into her sisters eyes, the eyes identical to her own, the softness and kindness mirroring her sisters soul.

“A bit – and I was worried about you”

Phoebe bit on her lip – she had managed to stop the tears from falling but her eyes still brimmed she leaned forward from her position on Prues lap and kissed her sister “Love you” the words were choked the pain evident.

Piper nodded she felt the tears in her own eyes as she kissed her little sister back “Love you to”

Prue held them both tight “You still haven’t told me what happened”

Piper dropped her gaze “We can’t”

“Why?” For once Prues voice was gentle she knew that her sisters weren’t keeping this from her through choice.

“They’ll get me” Phoebe looked directly into Pipers eyes – nothing had been said but in the last two days Phoebe had become street wise beyond her years.

Piper nodded slowly.

“Tell me I won’t tell – I need to know” Prue could feel her stomach doing flips, she meant it her sisters could trust her.

“They were picking on Pheebes – I got involved and their was a bit of a scuffle, no biggie Prue I just banged my head on the floor that’s all”

Prue let out a deep breath “banged your head as in fell, or as in someone pushed it?”

“You can’t do anything Prue….they’re…” Piper hesitated she didn’t want to worry Prue anymore than she was already but she had no choice she knew her sister would launch a national enquiry if she didn’t get her answers.

“They’re mean” Phoebe lifted her eyes and looked Prue full in the face.

Prue cuddled her little sister she’d sounded so young – far too young to be with scum like that.

“Yeah?”

Phoebe nodded slowly her face serious, Prue felt helpless.

“Meaner than me?”

Phoebe grinned – Prue smiled back it was the first smile she’s seen from her little sister.

“No, they’re not that bad”

Prue laughed as she poked Phoebe in the ribs “You’ll pay for that – you’ll see just how mean I can be”

Phoebe giggled as she put her arms round Prues neck and kissed her “I miss you Prue” her laughter changed to tears as she choked.

“I love you too honey, I love you both so much…..” Prue choked herself overcome with the emotion of the last few days “Don’t worry I’ll get you back……I don’t care what I have to do but I promise you I’ll do it”

Piper leaned in and put her arms around both her sisters they stayed that way for a while each finding comfort in the presence of the other two.
Jean Appleton couldn’t believe what she was hearing, she slumped back in her chair her body language a mixture of despair and desolation. How could he do it? She shook her head in disbelief, nobody had heard from her brother for years and now he pulls a stunt like this.

She looked across the room at her niece – she could not even begin to imagine how she must be feeling – Jean watched Prue closely, familiar with the signs. Prue closed her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose, she felt numb both physically and mentally, opening her eyes she stood up and made for the door.

“Prue?” Jean pushed her own emotions aside, she knew her nieces need was much greater than her own.

“I don’t want them to know – not yet – I’ve got some things to sort out with them then we’ll talk. But I’m telling you now – no way is that bastard going to get away with this”. Pushing the door closed behind her Prue leaned against the wall, the throbbing in her head had got remarkably louder, swallowing hard she did what she always did pushed her feelings to one side and concentrated on her sisters.

Cautiously opening the door to Pipers room Prue stepped inside, the tears she had so bravely been holding back filled her eyes her little sisters were fast asleep, clinging desperately to each other in Pipers narrow hospital bed; safe, unconscious, unaware of the next turn the hand of fate had dealt them.

Prue carefully ran a hand over her youngest sisters back, she had no choice she had to wake the little girl and prepare her for the path that lay before her.

“Shh..quiet honey…shh..wake up baby…its time to wake up”

Prue watched as Phoebe sleepily rubbed her eyes, taking a minute or two to come round she gave her big sister a slight smile.

“Come on babes I need to talk to you” Prue held her arms out ready to lift the sleepy youngster from the bed.

“What about Piper?”

“No, leave her for now honey she needs to sleep, we’ll come back in a little while, I promise”

Phoebe lifted her arms and Prue pulled her up holding the small body close to her chest Prue felt like her heart would break, she closed her eyes and lifted her head upwards, this was hard this was just too hard. Carrying her sister out of the room Prue gently gave her a kiss and set her down – holding the little girls hand she led her outside into the hospital grounds.

Phoebe stayed silent for once, she knew something was wrong, something major, for all her efforts Prue looked visibly upset. Sitting on a garden bench Prue pulled the tiny girl on to her lap.

“What is it Prue?” Phoebes big brown eyes locked with the deep blue ones.

“I…..I, erm I need to” Prue broke the stare, looking away she took a deep breath “I need you to be strong honey………I need you to be a big brave girl”

Phoebe had been scared before, Prues words weren’t helping, Phoebe snuggled in tighter to Prue, she knew whatever it was her big sister had to say was not going to be good.

“You can’t come home with me baby, you’ve got to go and stay somewhere for a few days”

“With Piper?”

Prue bit on her lip, her nose was itching her eyes were filling, Prue sniffed she had to get control she had to be strong, she had to help her little girl.

“No baby, Pipers got to stay in hospital for a few days”

“Is she ok?” Phoebe looked terrified as she looked intently at Prue looking for some sign of reassurance.

“Yeah, don’t worry she’s fine, but it was a hell of knock she got the doctors are going to keep an eye on her just to be safe”

Phoebe nodded she knew Prue wouldn’t lie to her, “So do I have to go back?”.

Prue looked at the tiny face looking up at her, her little sister so trusting, so innocent “Yes, just for another day or two, then they’ll find a family for you to live with for a little while”

Prue watched as the small lip trembled, the face crumbled “I wanna stay with you” Phoebe locked her arms around her sisters neck the tears tumbling freely down her face.

“I know….I know, and I want you to, but they won’t let you. I’m sorry honey, I’m so sorry” Prue rocked her little sister, rubbing her back, soothing her calming her down.

From a fifth floor window Jean Appleton looked down and watched her nieces – she felt like her heart would break, their love and devotion to each other was almost touchable.

“Look – come here, just look at this” Jean called Linda over and pointed to the garden “Just look at that and tell me how this can be right. How the hell this can happen, how some invisible body can tear them apart”

Linda looked at the angry woman, she could understand her frustration “I know, look I agree, I promise I’ll do whatever I can to help them, but it will take time”

Jean shook her head “I’m going to check on Piper, I don’t know what Prues told her yet, I’ll see you later”

Linda Grey turned back to watch the two sisters – sometimes life just sucked.

“Will you be brave for me?” Prue dabbed at Phoebes face with a handkerchief, doing what she’d done a thousand times drying her little sisters tears, but this time it wasn’t over a playground fight, or a cut knee this was so much more, so much deeper.

Phoebe bit on her lip and nodded, “Will you mind him?” Phoebe thrust George into her big sisters hand.

“Don’t you want him with you?” Prue frowned at the little girl, George was never far away from her.

Phoebe shook her head “No..they’ll….they’ll only take him off me”

Prue took a deep breath – what sort of low life scum would take a stuffed toy off a little girl, a little girl who had been taken away from everything that she knew.

“Are you sure?”

Phoebe nodded.

“Come on then – we’d better get to the hospital shop before it shuts”

Phoebe looked at her sister with a puzzled expression “Are we getting something for Piper?”

“Yes and something for you – come on”

The two sisters managed to get to the shop with ten minutes to spare Prue took her little sister by the hand and led her to the cuddly toy display, kneeling down Prue took her sisters hands and looked directly into her face “Pheebes I don’t like the idea of you being alone, how about we pick out a new toy – to keep you company till you come home?”

“I don’t know….they make fun of me” Phoebe scrunched up her face in an effort to stop the tears starting again.

“How about a little one that can stay in your pocket? They wouldn’t even know he was there – it would be your secret”

Phoebe brightened a little at that idea “Ok”

“How about this one – this ones cute look” Prue pulled a little bear down, it was about four inches tall with a tiny flat cap and scarf.

Phoebe smiled “Yeah I like that”

“Oh…sorry babe, I’ll just swap it theres another one there the same this ones only got one eye”

“No..no keep him, he’s the one I want”

“But sweetie he’s damaged”

“No one else will want him, I want him Prue”

Prue smiled at her little sister, the little sister with a massive heart “Ok then you shall have him! What’s his name?”

“Denzil”

Prue let out a laugh “Denzil! Where the hell did you get that from?”

“Don’t know – he just looks like one”

Prue picked the bear up and looked at it “You’re right – come on then lets go pay for Denzil, and we’ll get Piper some magazines eh?”

Prue paid for the stuff and held out her hand “Come on babe, we’ll go see Piper – Linda’s waiting to take you back” Prue looked down at her kid sister, she’d seemed to stop breathing Prue knew it was an attempt to control her emotions she lent down and picked the little girl up and carried her back to Piper.

Pipers tear stained face told Prue that Jean had broken the news to she smiled at her sister in an attempt to lighten the mood “Hey Piper, meet the newest member of our family”

Piper frowned at her sister until she saw Phoebe manoveur her hand in her jeans pocket and pull out a little bear “His names Denzil” Phoebes smile filled her face “Look he fits in my pocket nobody will even know he’s there”

Piper smiled at the innocence of her little sister “He’s cute – Pheebes he’s only got…..”

Prue rolled her eyes “We know, we know”

Piper let out a little laugh realizing that was probably why Phoebe had chosen him, always the nurturer.

“Prue, Linda’s waiting outside, she needs to take Phoebe back now”

Prue nodded at her Aunt, sitting on the bed she pulled Phoebe on to her lap and pulled Piper close.

“Remember what I said before Pheebes, just be strong – its just for a few days and I’ll see you everyday I promise, I’ll come over to your school before lessons and lunchtime ok?”

Phoebes face was having a battle, trying to do what Prue asked was easier said than done, not trusting herself to speak she nodded at her sister and put her arms around her neck, Prue could feel her shaking she held her tight and rocked her slightly “I love you so much, never forget that not for one second, there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for you. I love you baby” Prue choked on the last word she heard Piper sob and felt Pipers arm as she moved to embrace Phoebe “Just be careful honey, don’t speak to them and don’t get into any fights – walk away. If you need anything ask Jenny”

Phoebe took a deep breath digging deep into her soul the little girl found courage way beyond her years – Phoebe nodded again this time at Piper, she hadn’t told her sisters what had happened when Piper had gone; they had no idea that she’d been left in a room on her own or that Jenny had turned her back on her. As young as Phoebe was she knew it would only cause them more worry, something else they could do nothing about.

Phoebe slid off Prues knee and took Lindas hand, Linda was fighting back the tears herself, she had walked in and heard everything Prue had said, Linda gave the little hand a squeeze and led the tiny child away.

“Hey!” The two sisters jumped at the sound of the door banging against the wall and their little sister hurtling towards them “I forgot” Phoebe flung her arms around Prue “Promise me something”

Prue returned the hug “What”

“Promise me you won’t have snuggle time with Nic”

Prue smiled at the earnest expression etched on the little girls face “I promise, I wont that’s our time”

Phoebe nodded in agreement.

“But you don’t mind if I give her a hug now and again do you?”

Phoebe smiled “No – that’s ok, and I don’t mind if you have snuggle time with Pipe coz she’s sick and its different she’s our sister”

Prue nodded; inwardly amused at the logic of the little girl and the ground rules she was making so clear.

Realizing that Phoebe must have been feeling insecure for these things to even be on her mind Prue held her sister tight and kissed her “Nobody will ever take your place, that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about – I love you and Piper with all my heart”

Phoebe looked solemn as she looked at her sister “That’s alright then”

Prue smiled at the little girl – Nic was Phoebes best friend as well as her cousin normally she would share anything; it appeared this was the limit she wasn’t prepared to share her big sister.

Once again Linda took the small hand in hers and led the little girl away, Prue covered her face with her hands she could feel the tears falling and there was nothing she could do to stop them, she felt Pipers arms around her and for once the comforter allowed herself to be comforted.
Prue disentangled herself from her sister’s embrace; she pushed Pipers hair back from her forehead and gave her a kiss. Piper hadn’t been able to stay awake long, the drugs she was on seemed to wipe her out, Prue frowned her sister looked so pale she’d been in hospital a couple of days now and the headaches didn’t seem to be getting any better - leaning forward Prue gave her another kiss then crept quietly out of the room.

“How long are they keeping her in?” Linda looked across at Prue her face unreadable.

Prue shrugged “Who knows?” letting out a deep sigh she turned to face the woman who could help them get out of this mess.

“Where do we go from here? What are the options? Tell me everything you know”

Linda nodded “It’s not easy Prue but I’ll try and explain as best I can”

Prue nodded she felt weary, her emotions were raw she ran her fingers through her hair and gave the young woman her full attention.

“Seems that this enquiry could take months”

“MONTHS!” Prues agitation was evident “It can’t take months dam it! What about my sisters!”

“Let Linda explain Prue – there are a few options, just let her speak” Jean was doing her best to keep a lid on Prues anger.

Prue took a deep breath nodding her agreement.

“It would appear that this isn’t as straight forward as it appeared. At first this was going to be a formality – an investigation if you like to make sure you three could cope”

“What’s changed?” Prue couldn’t help herself.

“It’s your Dad Prue, he’s appeared on the scene – legally he still has parental responsibility for you three. The judge was ready to place a temporary order to put Piper and Phoebe back in your care”

Prue’s face was incredulous “What?! Why didn’t I know? Why didn’t it happen?”

“I put in a request for a temporary order due to concern for the girls safety – I think we’d have got it Prue especially as it means Phoebes on her own now but….” Linda Grey had to break the stare Prue’s blue eyes were blazing.

“Just tell me”

“Your father stopped it – he’s claiming that it’s in the best interests of the girls to remain in care while it is determined whether or not you can handle the responsibility”

Prue shook her head “Responsibility! Responsibility! I’m surprised he even knows the meaning of the word!”

“I’m just as angry as you Prue – I, well I” Jean was struggling to find the words in the end she gave up.

“So what are the options? Can we appeal? I mean Jesus Christ – he’s not even been around for how many years? He could fall over Phoebe in the street and he wouldn’t know her from Adam! Who the hell does he think he is?”

“He’s their father Prue – and that also makes him their legal guardian”

Prue fidgeted with her signet ring, trying to make sense of it all “Why? What’s he after? He must be after something – it’s the only time he raises his ugly head is when he’s after something – what’s in it for him? I don’t believe for one minute he wants to come back and play happy families”

“Money Prue….I’ve been tossing this around in my head since we heard….its the only explanation”

“What money?”

“Your Grandmothers estate – the house, the girl’s trust funds” Jean couldn’t bear to look at her nieces face, Prue looked stunned.

“It could be true Prue – if he gets custody he has the right to access all funds, he can spend the money as he sees fit, it will be hard to prove it’s not in the interests of the girls”

“Of all the low life scum! Money! This is about money! What about those little girls – Pipers in hospital and Phoebes in Juvenile Hall all due to his greed!”

“Looks that way” Linda still couldn’t bring herself to look Prue in the face; she found it hard to believe that a man could treat his kids like this she couldn’t even begin to imagine how Prue was feeling.

“So what do we do? What can we do?”

“I’ve spoken to your Fathers lawyer; he’s willing to do a deal”

“Go on” Prue couldn’t believe this was happening.

“He’ll let the girls come home if you let him move back into the Manor”

“What! Then what? He drops his case?” Prue almost spat the last word out.

“Quite the opposite – he strengthens his case, he’ll claim you can’t cope, he’ll have established a presence, probably claim that he’s doing his best to re-establish a relationship with his daughters”

“He’s won. The bastards won!”

Jean shook her head “Not necessarily Prue – you’ll still get your say, there’ll still be the reports from the investigation. No-one can doubt your love and devotion to those girls Prue…it has to count for something”

“Will it?” Prue directed her question at Linda.

“It should, it’s hard to say, to be honest Prue it could go either way. You’re young, he’s their father”

“He’s a money grabbing, drunken, wife beating low life!”

“Evidence?” Linda looked hopeful as she looked at Prue her look of hope soon changed to despondency as Prue shook her head.

“None – Mum and Grams dealt with it. So the only way I can get my little sisters home is to agree to his terms?”

“No – but otherwise it will be a long drawn out investigation – from the sounds of it your father won’t make this easy”

“But this way they get to come home while the investigation goes on then its me and him in a court of law?”

“That’s about it”

“Do it – I want Phoebe home tonight”

“It might not happen tonight Prue – these things take time”

“Tonight!”

Linda nodded “I’ll see what I can do – the temporary court order should still be valid – as long as your father agrees to it”

Prue let out a grunt “Oh don’t worry about him – he’ll sign it – he’s no fool he’ll see the benefit”

“Is he really that bad?”

Prue’s face was unreadable as she answered the young case worker “Worse…..in fact I don’t know where they’ll be better off – at home with him or taking there chances in Juvvie Hall” Prue let out a sarcastic laugh.

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

Prue sat in the bare painted office – so this was the place, Prue curled her nose in disgust, the smell of stale dinner and disinfectant were rank, the noise was like nothing she’d heard before – it was a din a low continual clatter.

Prues stomach was doing flips, she looked up as the door opened; a surly looking woman was leading her little sister into the room. Each time Prue saw her little sister her heart would do a dive, each time she looked worse this time was no exception. She was still insisting on wearing Pipers t-shirts, she was swamped her tiny frame hidden in the expanse of material, her hair looked dull and limp her face was pale and the dark circles under her eyes seemed to get bigger each time Prue saw her. Prue swallowed hard kneeling down she opened her arms she saw the hesitancy as Phoebe looked at the woman standing next to her – apparently the one that was in charge Prue couldn’t remember her full name, Vera someone Prue hadn’t liked her from the first.

“Hey” Prues voice was gentle “Come here, come on – where you belong”

Prue heard the sob then felt the force of the little body as Phoebe flung herself into her sisters arms.

“That’s it babe, that’s it …..right were you belong,…………in you big sisters arms” Prue stood up and lifted her little sister with her, she could feel the small body trembling, as had become the habit Prue rocked back and forth trying to calm the little girl down.

Linda Grey looked on her vision was blurred she’d never become so emotionally involved in one of her cases – she just couldn’t help it, each one of these three young girls was something special.

“We’ll wait outside” Prue directed her comment to Linda, she wanted to get Phoebe away from this place as soon as possible.

Sensing Prues anxiety Linda nodded “I’ll just be a couple of minutes – leave the bag I’ll bring it”

The last thing on Prues mind had been the holdall containing her sisters belongings shifting Phoebes weight Prue opened the door and made her way through the hall.

“Bye bye baby!”

“See you soon baby!”

“Watch out baby face!”

Prue felt Phoebe stiffen in her arms the open jibes hitting their mark – striking fear into the tiny girl in her arms. Prue could feel her little sister shaking, narrowing her eyes she looked into the small crowd that had gathered in the hall.

“Ohhhhh! Look out Shell – big sisters here!”

This remark was met with laughter the other girls egging their friends on.

“You know you’re really not worth my time or effort. I’ve trod in better things than you lot – smelt better to”

With that Prue turned on her heel and continued out the door – “Stuck up bitch!”

Prue smirked to herself – she would have loved nothing more than to wipe the smiles of their faces but she had more pressing concerns on her mind – her little sister seemed totally withdrawn she hadn’t uttered a single word.

“You ok honey?” Prue pulled her head back so she could see Phoebes face, the big brown eyes were full of tears, Prue kissed the wet cheek and rocked her sister gently “Its ok baby, its ok, you’re coming home with me, right now….we’re going home, you don’t have to stay any longer”

If Prue had had any doubts whether she had made the right decision they dissolved that instant, Phoebes arms tightened round her neck her grip was like a vice.

“Hey Powderpuff!….you off now?”

Prue eyed the owner of the voice suspiciously – a lad of about sixteen clad in denim, dark spikey hair and pierced eyebrow had walked up to them

“And you are?”

The lad grinned at Prue as he stuck his hand out “Well I know who you are”

Prue felt Phoebe shift in her arms for the first time she had a grin on her face

Prue was still eyeing the youth with suspision “You still haven’t told me who you are”

“Daz”

Prues eyebrows shot up “Daz?”

“Well – Powderpuff there likes to call me Eric”

Prue felt Phoebe’s little giggle before she heard it, she couldn’t help herself she smiled at Daz, Eric whoever the hell he was.

“Real names Darren, I like Daz”

Prue grinned at the lad as she extended her hand “Real names Prudence I like Prue”

“Ah ah I guessed right – big sister to Powderpuff and Denzil?”

“Well we like to call her Piper but yes”

Daz laughed, Prue couldn’t help but notice his smile it was like Phoebes it filled his face

“How’s she doing – didn’t get the chance to know her but Powderpuff keeps me informed”

“She should be out either tomorrow or the next day”

“Mmm so you’re all going home are you?”

“Yep – we’re all going home, Daddy’s in town and he wants to play happy families” Prue couldn’t help the sarcasm in her voice.

Daz nodded “Not so keen eh?”

“Could say that, anyway nice to meet you…..erm… Eric?”

“Ariels boyfriend – apparently if he had his eyebrow pierced he’d be as handsome as me” Daz’s deep blue eyes looked full of laughter.

Prue laughed “Phoebe?”

“Yeah – take care Powderpuff, see you round”

Prue watched in amazement as Phoebe leaned forward and gave the lad a hug, the tough looking street kid looked just as upset as Phoebe.

“Its Powerpuff not powder!” Phoebe smiled at her friend, Daz laughed and rolled his eyes at Prue”

Prue was smiling as she saw Linda came down the outside steps a big smile on her face “Well round one over Prue, lets get that little girl home where she belongs – away from scum like that” Linda jerked a thumb at the retreating form of Daz.

Prue shook her head “No – he’s not scum, seemed like a nice kid actually”

Linda gave Prue an apologetic smile “Sorry – just an expression”

“Can we see Piper?” Prue looked at Phoebes face she still looked upset she still hadn’t calmed down.

“Yes – we can, just for a few minutes then I’ll take you home ok?”

Phoebe nodded she pushed herself as deep as she could into her sister still not believing that she was really going home.
“Hey!” Pipers face lit up when she saw she had visitors, Prue had told her she was going for Phoebe but she hadn’t expected them to drop in.

“You look better” Prue eyed her younger sister, pleased to see a little more colour in her cheeks.

Piper nodded as she held her arms out ready to lift her little sister from Prue, Piper cradled her kid sister on her knee, rocking her gently she stroked the little girls hair, “You ok Pheebes? You’re very quiet”

Piper felt the little girl nod her head, Prue was looking across at her little sisters a worried expression on her face. Phoebe was exhausted she had hardly slept the past week, she had been terrified on her own, worried about her sisters and scared of the other kids at the Hall, in next to no time Phoebe was fast asleep in Pipers arms.

“I’d best get it over with” Prue looked at Piper she looked worried.

“Have you seen him yet?”

“No – he was supposed to move his stuff in while I got Pheebes – probably there now”

“You scared?” Piper looked into her big sisters eyes looking for some sign of emotion.

“I’m not sure to be honest Pipe – I mean until all this gets sorted I can’t relax”

“I meant of him…..I still remember the fights”

Prues eyebrows shot up “You do?”

Piper nodded her head “Be careful Prue – he had a terrible temper”

Prue nodded “Maybe he’s mellowed with age” Piper could tell from Prues voice she didn’t believe that – not for one minute. “Anyway babes – time to love you and leave you, our little sister looks worn out”

Piper nodded “Take care of her Prue, she’s..” Piper choked “She’s not had a good time lately”

Prue smiled even as her own eyes misted up “Don’t you worry Pipe – I’ve got her”

Piper nodded “Take care Prue I love you”

“Love you honey” Prue leaned forward and kissed Piper and carefully picked up Phoebe.

Prue pulled onto the drive, her heart sank as she noticed the beatup truck in front and the lights on, carefully lifting Phoebe she carried the sleeping child into their home.

Victor Halliwell looked up at the sound of the door closing – so this was Prue! He stared at his eldest daughter his face emotionless.

“Well, well – what’s this?” Victor had a sneer on his face.

Prue almost balked she could smell the stale beer from where she stood, almost in reflex she tightened her grip on her sleeping sister.

“Daddy’s home!” Victor Halliwell didn’t break the stare as his cold penetrating eyes locked with those of his eldest daughter.

Prue stared back into the eyes that were an identical colour to her own - it was there the similarity ended, Victors eyes contained no sign of love or compassion, his gaze was hard further accentuated by the grim set of his mouth.

"So.....no welcome hug.. ..no welcome home Daddy.. .no its good to see you?" Victor let out a laugh amused at his own humour.

Prue stared back at him trying to determine the best course of action, retaliate or ignore. Her dilemma was solved for her when she felt the small girl stir in her arms.

"Prue?"

Phoebe sounded sleepy she rubbed at her eyes trying her best to wake up.

"It's ok baby, you're home, you fell asleep for a bit" Prue broke away from the piercing blue eyes and looked at the soft brown ones of her baby sister.

"Hey! Aren't you going to introduce us!" Victor interrupted Prues train of thought. Shifting Phoebe slightly Prue took a deep breath "Phoebe - Victor, Victor - Phoebe"

Phoebe still looked out of it as she took in her first look of the father that had abandoned his family when she was little more than a baby, Prue felt the small body push closer, the legs tighten around her waist, the head pushed into her shoulder.

"Dad to you, you show me some respect or you'll be sorry"

The threatening tone was not lost on either of the sisters, Prue stared back at her father she felt Phoebes arm tighten around her neck.

"See look.. .you're scaring your little sister.. .come here honey.. ..come to daddy.. ..come on give me a kiss" Victors sneer was still evident, he held his arms out walking closer to his daughters.

"Prue!" Phoebes panic was evident Prue held on tight trying to reassure her kid sister that she'd be ok.

"She's tired, leave her alone I'm going to give her a bath then she's going to bed - you can introduce yourself tomorrow when she's awake" Prue was playing for time, the last thing she wanted was a scene on Phoebes first night home. She'd handle tomorrow when it came.

Victor reached out and touched Phoebes hair he moved closer the smell of his breath causing her to cringe "Until tomorrow".

Prue moved quickly she pushed past her father and carried her little sister towards the stairs, balancing Phoebe on her left arm she picked up the holdall with her right, she heard Victors laugh "I could help you with that.......but then again" ignoring him wanting nothing more than to put distance between them Prue started up the stairs.

"Oh yes - by the way I've put my stuff in my old room" Prue took a deep breath but didn’t break her stride.

"How about I run you a nice hot bath and then we can have a cuddle in bed?" Prue was concerned Phoebe had still hardly spoken, Phoebes head was resting wearily on her big sisters shoulders one arm was fastened tightly around Prues neck the other was twirling Prues hair.

"Pheebes?" Prue looked at the little girl closely she looked near to tears, "Aww baby" Prue felt upset her kid sister looked so insecure she'd never seen her like this before, Prue turned her face and gave the little girl a kiss "It'll be ok honey you'll see..... .one step at a time eh? You're home with me that's the main thing and tomorrow we'll have Piper back things are getting better I promise"

Phoebe nodded her head as two silent tears trickled down her face.. ...This wasn't how she'd imagined her homecoming, one of her sisters was missing and now there was a strange man living in her home. She knew instinctively that he was bad news, she couldn't stop the heart-wrenching sob, taking comfort from her sister's warm embrace she clung on tightly.

Prue carried Phoebe to the bathroom, setting the little girl down she turned on the taps then began to undress her - Prue could smell the stench of the Hall in Phoebes hair and clothes,

"Arms up" Prue tickled Phoebes ribs desperate to lighten the mood and see a glimmer of the little girl that had been so violently ripped away from her home and family.

Prue frowned when instead of the giggle that she expected she heard a slight intake of breath, Prue grasped the bottom of the t-shirt and pulled it over the small girls head. Prue was stunned Phoebes back and ribs were badly bruised. Prue pulled Phoebe towards her and gave her a cuddle "Honey how did this happen? Who hurt you?" Prue felt the tiny body shudder once again she felt the little face push into her shoulder Prue gently stroked her sisters back "Its ok honey.. .its ok .... you're safe now.. .you're ok, I've got you.....I've got you"

Prue bathed Phoebe then tucked her into bed - Phoebes face had lit up when she saw George waiting for her, Prue had tucked him in Phoebes bed his head on the pillow the quilt wrapped round him. Prue smiled as she watched her little sister scramble down with her treasured monkey in her arms, Prue lay down next to her and Phoebe crawled into the warm embrace of her sister.

"I've missed this baby have you?" Prue was disappointed Phoebe still didn't speak, the big brown eyes simply stared back at her, Prue took a deep breath and carried on.

"I've really missed our snuggle time baby girl" This time Prue was rewarded with a half smile "Shall I tell you a story?"

Phoebe snuggled in tighter, laying her head on her big sisters chest she clutched George tightly her other arm around Prues neck.

"Well.. ...once upon a time there were three sisters, Prue, Piper and the little one Phoebe. Prue was the prettiest, cleverest, funniest" Prue paused waiting for some reaction she was rewarded with a little giggle, Prue smiled as she continued "Piper was the kindest, gentlest, and most sensitive and little Phoebe was the cutest, cuddliest, most affectionate, loveable little girl in the whole of the world" Prue stroked her little sisters hair and kissed her on the forehead. "The three sisters loved each other very, very much, then one day the worst thing ever happened, little Phoebe was taken away from her big sisters" Prue felt Phoebe stiffen but she continued "Prue was devastated, she couldn't sleep, she couldn't eat, she couldn't think straight, she missed that little girl so much her heart ached. Prue worried night and day about her baby girl, she would go to bed at night and wonder what she was doing who she was with, if she was laughing or if she was crying... .you see up until then Prue knew everything there was to know about her baby sister now she felt nothing but a huge ache"

"Like toothache?"

Prue smiled — Phoebe had spoken.

"Worse.. .much worse"

"Did it go away?"

"Not for the longest time. Prue tried everything - Asprin, Paracetamol, chocolate, Coca-Cola, ice-cream, cheeseburgers...... do you know what finally got rid of it?"

Phoebe shook her head so Prue continued "Snuggle time"

Phoebe rewarded her sister with a big smile "Snuggle time?"

"Yeah, it was only when Prue held her little sister and gave her a big cuddle that the ache went away"

"I ache"

Prue held her sister tight and kissed the top of her head "I know" Prue held the little girl close she cuddled her for a while breathing in the fresh smell of the recently shampooed hair Prue gave her little sister a hug "Your turn"

"Phoebe was scared, she'd never been away from her sisters before she thought she would never go home. The other kids were mean. Phoebe was brave like her big sister showed her, she never let the others see how upset she was but she used to cry in bed at night"
Prue fought back the tears that had filled her eyes as Phoebe continued "Phoebe would get Denzil out of her jean pocket and hold him, Denzil was special coz her big sister bought him and nobody knew about him. Cept Daz. Then one day they told Phoebe she could go home but Phoebe was still scared, everything was different, somebody strange was in the house and she was scared that she'd be sent away again. The other kids said she must have been naughty but she couldn't remember and she was scared she'd be naughty again and someone would take her away" Phoebes tears had begun to fall "She didn't know .what she'd done"
Prue lifted her little sister on top of her and held her in her arms relieved that at last the dam had broken -Prue let the little girl cry herself out.

"Then Prue held her youngest sister in her arms and told her that none of it was her fault” Prue kissed her little sister “You didn't do anything baby - none of this is your fault, I promise"

"Honest" Phoebes tear stained face looked for confirmation from one of the two people she held most trust in.

"Honest, none of this is your fault baby girl" Prue pulled Phoebes head closer and kissed her, "How's the ache?"

"Getting better"

Prue smiled her little sister sounded sleepy obviously worn out from the emotions of the day. Phoebe closed her eyes, and listened to the rhythmic sound of her sister's heartbeat.

Prue lay there for a while taking comfort in the feel of her little sister resting in her arms, relieved that she'd finally got Phoebe to open up she was deeply aware that this was just the tip of the ice-berg. The only way to handle it was one small step at a time. Tomorrow was another day....a mixed bag....Piper would come home but their father was still there Prue knew this would be the biggest challenge of all kissing the little girl she closed her eyes dreading what the following day would bring.
Prue woke up early, her arm ached where Phoebe had been laying on top of her, very carefully Prue began to move her sister in the hope of letting her sleep in. She was almost there, holding her breath Prue rolled Phoebe over, just as Prue lay Phoebes head on the pillow the big brown eyes flew open.

“Hey! I was going to let you have a lay in”

Phoebe looked groggy, wiping at her face she wrinkled her nose “Do I have to go to school?”

Prue was about to say no when she realized it wasn’t her decision to make “I’m not sure, I suppose we should ask him”

Phoebe raised her eyebrows knowing full well who Prue was referring to “Why?”

“Well technically at least for now… he’s your guardian”

“Whats that mean?”

“It means he’s in charge”

Phoebes eyes went wide “Not you?”

Prue shook her head “No, well at least not officially” Prue let out a little laugh as she pulled Phoebe close “But you better do as I say or there will be big trouble Pheeby Weeby” Prue tickled Phoebe causing her to scream.

For the first time since she had come home Phoebe was laughing out loud “Stop! Prue STOP!!”

The sisters were so engrossed in their tickle fight they hadn’t heard the door open the first they realized that someone had entered the room was when a strong hand grabbed Prue and pulled her from the bed, Prue barely managed to get her foot down just about keeping her balance.

Phoebe immediately stopped laughing their Fathers face was like stone, frozen in place she watched as Victor shook Prue, she could see the grip he had on her arm his fingers digging in hard.

“Quiet! Do you hear me! Quiet I will not have this. Things have changed now and you better get used to it. Don’t you DARE wake me up with your racket ever again” to emphasize his words Victor backhanded Prue across the face, as his hand connected he threw her across the room.

Turning round he grabbed Phoebe, effortlessly he lifted her by the arm, in one fluid motion he brought his other arm back and cracked her hard across the legs, as he had with Prue he then threw her across the room.

Phoebe landed with a heavy thud, the light weight of her body did nothing to deter her flight, landing on her hip she lost her balance and banged her head on the side of the dresser.

Everything had happened so fast Prue had no time to react without another word he turned on his heel and walked out.

Prue quickly pulled herself together, Phoebe was laying on the floor in a ball not making a sound.

“Phoebe? Phoebe” Prues voice was low she didn’t want her father coming back in, reaching out she rolled Phoebe over and lifted her on to the bed, “Phoebe?”

Prue couldn’t hide the concern in her voice, Phoebe was staring as though in a trance, Prue quickly ran her hand over Phoebes head checking that she wasn’t hurt from the fall, “Phoebe say something……………..are you alright? Are you hurt?”

“Ok….I’m ok” Phoebe forced the words out as the tears slipped down her face, Prue pulled her close rocking her slowly, trying to keep her calm.

“Come on honey, it’s ok, look no harm done, we’re ok” Prue was inwardly furious but she knew there was little she could do, she couldn’t fight back he was to strong and on top of everything else she didn’t want Phoebe upset again. It took some time but eventually Prue had managed to get Phoebe dressed and in the car, Victor had gone back to bed.

“Pheebes how about we stop by at Aunt Jeans and have some breakfast with her and the girls? Then I can drop you off at school and go and get Piper”

“I want to stay with you”

Prue took a deep breath “I know you do, but you can’t I need you to go to school otherwise we’ll both be in big trouble”

“You didn’t even ask!”

“Phoebe stop being silly you know there was no point it just would have caused more trouble”

Phoebe turned away and looked out of the window – she was angry now, angry at the injustice, angry at the lack of control.

“Pheebes come on, be good don’t start” Prue could see the beginnings of a major temper tantrum.

“But I want to see Piper!”

“Well you can’t! Come on Phoebe don’t kick off, if Pipers feeling well enough we’ll come and watch your game after school”

Phoebe didn’t respond, Prue looked at her little sisters back for a moment trying to decide the best course of action. The tiny body was tense, Prue could see she was like a spring one shove and she’d be off on one, taking a deep breath Prue turned the key and headed for her Aunts.

Jean smiled at her nieces she’d half expected them to turn up she knew things wouldn’t be easy at the Manor not with her brother.

“Well this is a nice surprise! Come in girls there’s orange juice and waffles in the kitchen”

Prue smiled at her Aunt she felt a sense of calm, safe in the knowledge that she had someone to turn to.

Phoebe was scowling not happy with this turn of events she reluctantly followed Prue into the house.

“Phoebe why don’t you go find Nic – she’s dying to see you” Jean could feel the tension in the air, she gave Prue a half smile letting her know she was there for her.

“Don’t want to” Phoebe lowered her eyes avoiding both her sister and her Aunt.

Prue rolled her eyes “Come on Pheebes, stop being awkward go and find Nic”

“I don’t want to”

Prue was struggling to stay calm “Phoebe just do it!”

Phoebe continued to stare at her feet, struggling to control her emotions she chose not to speak.

“Go on!” Prue gave her little sister a nudge.

“I wanna stay with you” Phoebe slowly lifted her gaze Prue caught her breath, her little sister wasn’t sulking at all, she was upset. Prue dropped onto her knees so she was level with Phoebe, reaching out Prue gently wiped away the tears.

“Come here” Prue held her arms out as Phoebe practically threw herself into them, “Phoebe …look honey, I know its hard, I know its been horrible, but you’re back now, you’re home we’re you belong”.

“Its not where I belong”

Prue was puzzled Phoebe sounded really sad “Then where do you belong?”

“Here….like you said yesterday” Phoebe choked “In my big sisters arms”

“Oh baby!” Prue picked Phoebe up and held her close “That’s where you’ll always belong, but its not where you can always stay” Prue could feel Pheobes body shaking as she cried into Prues neck. “Sometimes we have to do stuff we don’t want, but you can always come back, you can always come back to my arms they’ll be waiting”

Prue stroked the back of Phoebes head, “Like now, honey you need to go to school and I need to go and get Piper, but I’ll see you later, I’ll come and get you after”

“Promise?”

“I promise. Now why don’t you go catch up with Nic?”

“Can I stay with you till school?”

Prue nodded her head, she exchanged another glance with Jean then carried Phoebe through to the kitchen.

Phoebe had hardly moved or spoken, even when Nic came in she showed little interest, Prue dropped the girls off at school and headed for the hospital ready to bring her other little sister home.

Prue could feel the wave of despair wash over her once again, she knew she had a long hard road ahead of her before the three sisters would be able to call the Manor home again.

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

“So what’s he like Prue?” Piper looked across the table at her older sister, Prue had picked her up a couple of hours ago but had been quiet ever since.

“You’ll see”

“Prue?!”

“He’s” Prue let out a sigh “He’s nasty”

“Nasty?” Piper sounded worried “How nasty? Has something happened?”

“Sort of” Prue raised her eyes and met the gaze of her sisters brown ones “He was drunk last night when we got back”

“He didn’t do anything did he?”

“No” Prue gave her sister a sardonic smile “No, he saved that for this morning”

“What happened?”

“Oh, I was tickling Pheebes, trying to cheer her up, well you know how noisy she can get, she was giggling and screaming at me to stop”

Piper could feel her stomach sink as she caught on to what her sister was trying to say.

“He came in, clocked me one then picked her up smacked her then threw her across the room.”

Piper had gone even paler “God Prue! Was she ok, I mean are you ok……..are you both alright?” Piper was shocked she knew this wasn’t going to be a picnic but then again he hadn’t been there for 24 hours she hadn’t expected things to spiral quite so quickly.

“Yeah, we’re fine. Pheebes is a bit quiet and clingy but I guess that’s to be expected”

“So, that’s why you didn’t want to go home”

Prue nodded her head “Yes, the longer we can keep out of his way the better”

Piper held her head in her hands, she felt tired, her head banged all she wanted was to lay in her own bed but instead she was sat in a coffee shop with her sister.

“We could go the library” Prue could see Piper was struggling, at least the library was quiet.

Piper shook her head “No, it’s ok you promised Phoebe”

“I didn’t exactly promise, I said we’d see how you felt”

“No, its ok, you just said she’s upset and clingy we need to be there for her.

Prue nodded, relieved that Piper was willing to go and watch Phoebes game, reaching out she pulled Piper into a hug.

“I’m sorry honey, I know you want to be at home”

“It’s ok lets go see Pheebes”

Prue smiled as she planted a kiss on the top of her sisters head “I do realize I have two little sisters you know? I don’t mean to push you to one side”

Piper hugged her sister back “You don’t. It’s fair, she’s only a baby lets go cheer the little sod on”

Prue laughed “Those where the days, I didn’t think I’d ever say it but I wish she was being a little sod at least then I’d know she was heading back to normal!”

Piper grinned “Yeah right – you’re relief would last all of ohhh say 30 seconds then you’d kick her ass”

“Probably”

The sisters rounded the corner of the field both stopped dead in their tracks, across the other side of the pitch was their father deep in conversation with Principal Daniels.

“Is that him?”

Prue nodded slowly “That’s him”

“What’s he doing?”

“No idea. We’ll stay over here out of his way” almost as the words left Prues mouth she say their father look their way, raising his hand he waved at the girls a big smile on his face.

“What do we do?” Piper sounded panicy this she wasn’t expecting.

“Nothing, ignore him, just concentrate on Pheebes”

Victor turned to the Principal a disappointed look on his face “Oh! Well I guess their still mad at me” Victor hung his head his whole body crying out his hurt, he took a deep breath as he continued “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, you know after all these years, heaven knows what their mother and grandmother told them about me” Victor paused for dramatic effect “Women can be so bitter”

The Principal didn’t respond merely nodding, Victor took that as a sign to continue “Yes its been so difficult but once I heard my girls were on their own I had to come back. But it just seems I can’t do right for doing wrong. Only this morning I had to tell Prue and Phoebe off for horsing around – one of them could have been hurt you know how these things can get out of control? Anyway they both got annoyed with me and left without even having breakfast! Seems Prue must have caught Piper up by the way she’s blanking me”

“These things take time, my only advice to you would be to be patient, you’ve got three good daughters there Mr Bennet – don’t let them slip through for a second time”

Victor smiled “Oh don’t worry, I intend to do whatever it takes to get those girls back” with that Victor turned to the field, Phoebe had just taken up her position ready to swing the bat.

“That’s it Phoebe! Good girl – give it a good crack!” Victors enthusiasm couldn’t be faulted Phoebe looked across and frowned.

Victor smiled at the Principal and shrugged his shoulders “Even the little one is still mad with me!”

Principal Daniels laughed “well that’s children for you – everythings great when its going their way lay down a few rules and well!”

Phoebe looked across trying to make out what was going on the last person she expected to see at the game was Victor, she turned around in panic searching for her sisters, relief spread through her when she spotted Prue and Piper.

“Go for it Pheebes! Go girl! Just concentrate!”

Phoebe grinned at her sisters taking her deep breath she positioned herself ready for the ball.

For the first time in nearly two weeks Phoebe felt relaxed, she had scored the most runs on her team she practically skipped across the field to her waiting sisters making a dive for Piper she threw herself into her arms.

Piper giggled, stepping back to keep her balance she lifted Phoebe and swung her round.

“You better?!” Phoebe sounded so excited.

“I am now I’ve seen the star player!”

Phoebe let out a giggle “I’m glad you came, I’ve missed you!”

Piper smiled as she gave her sister a hug “Missed you to!”

“Put her down Pipe don’t go over doing things” Prue was smiling at her sisters interaction, Piper grinned at Phoebe.

“She’s such a worry wort!” the younger Halliwells spoke together and burst into laughter as they saw Prues face.

Prue raised her eyebrows she was still smiling enjoying a small taste of normality it had been a while since her little sisters had ganged up on her.

Piper set Phoebe on the floor – she knew Prue was right, she still had a long way to go until she felt 100%.

“Phoebe! Well done! You were fantastic!”

All three girls reeled round at the sound of their fathers voice, he was striding towards them his arms high in the air a vision of the proud dad.

Phoebe’s face fell, unsure of herself and uneasy she grabbed hold of Pipers hand and pushed herself behind her.

Victor reached out and put a hand on Pipers shoulder “Piper! Shouldn’t you be resting?”
He smiled into his middle daughters face.

Piper looked in confusion at Prue – Prue looked stunned.

“Get off them!” quickly coming to her senses Prue automatically assumed her protective mode.

“Now now girls!” Victors voice was lower, still smiling his tone turned threatening, “I expect you to show me respect, else we’ll have to have a little lesson when we get home won’t we?”

Prue reached out and pulled Piper away, Phoebe who still held on tight to Pipers hand came with her.

“Well done Phoebe, excellent game” Principal Daniels voice joined the family group “Your father is a very proud man”

Victor beamed at his daughters “I certainly am! Now what do you say we all go and get Pizza?!”

Prue scowled at him “No thanks”

Victor smiled,………… inside he was jumping for joy …………. this couldn’t have gone any better – turning to the Principal he gave him a sad smile “You were right, this will take time”

“Ok girls – I’ll see you later”

Leaning forward he whispered in Prues ear “Later” nobody else caught the threatening tone as Victor turned on his heel and walked away.
Victor grinned to himself – things were working out just perfect, reaching forward he picked up a half empty beer can, lifting it to his mouth he tipped the contents, relishing in the cool taste of the amber liquid. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand he crushed the can and sent it hurling across the lounge, he gave a satisfied smirk at the sound of the metal connecting with metal as it landed on the rubbish heap he’d created.

The clunk of the front door closing got his attention, so at last they’d come home. With some effort Victor pulled himself out of his chair and made his way to the hall. His three daughters were standing at the bottom of the stairs obviously hoping to avoid him.

“Hi girls!” Victors voice was loud full of false cheerfulness.

He let out a belch and then laughed at the look of distaste on each of his daughters faces.

Prue was standing in the middle of her sisters a protective arm around each one, she felt Phoebes arm tighten around her waist at the same time Piper pushed in closer.

“What? You don’t want to sit with your dear old Daddy?” Victor put an expression of mock hurt on his face.

The three girls stared back at him uncertain as to what to do.

“Come on, come here Phoebe, wouldn’t you like to get to know your Daddy” Victor moved closer reaching an arm out ready to grab his youngest daughter.

Prue moved quickly, stepping in front of her sister she stared back into the cold blue eyes.

“Out of the way Prudence”

“Leave her alone”

Victor let out a chuckle “Maybe Piper then” before anyone could react Victor plunged forward and grabbed Piper by the arm.

“Upstairs!” Prue pushed at Phoebe wanting to get her out of the way, at the same time she grabbed hold of Piper and tried to pull her back.

Holding Piper with his left arm he raised his right and backhanded Prue across the face, the force of the blow knocked her backwards causing her to lose her balance. Piper was wriggling trying to break free.

“Oh you know! This is all getting a bit tiresome” Victor tightened his grip on Piper and pulled her closer she closed her eyes in an effort to blank out his twisted face, as he finished the sentence he pushed her away she too lost her balance, she fell down a couple of stairs and banged her head on the floor.

“Piper!” Phoebes voice rang out loud and panic striken memories of Piper getting her head smashed into the floor came flooding back, she went to help her sister but Prue pulled her back by her t-shirt.

“Upstairs NOW! I’m not messing GET!”

Phoebe stood frozen in place shocked at the tone of her big sister “MOVE!”

Prue was panicking uncertain as to Victors plans her main concern was to keep her sisters safe. As she screamed at Phoebe she raced forward to help Piper as she bent over Victor raised his foot and kicked her hard in the ribs. Prue reeled backwards the force of the kick lifting her into the air.

Victor sneered as he looked at his two eldest daughters narrowing his eyes he looked at Prue “Still think you can play superhero” he let out a laugh “Who was it, oh yes Wonderwoman”

Prue closed her eyes hurt and pain cascading through her body, how could he treat them like this? What motive could he possibly have? He had taken a childhood memory and ridiculed it. A six year old Prue loved playing Wonderwoman she would dress up in the red and blue suit and play for hours - rescuing Spiderman.

“Word of advice girls ……watch out” Victor turned on his heel and returned to the comfort of the sofa and his cans of beer.

Prue crawled over to Piper, Piper hadn’t moved she was laying on her side silent tears running down her face.

“Pipe? Piper? Come on honey” Prue carefully raised her sister into a sitting position, gently running her hands over Pipers head concerned that the blow could set Piper’s recovery back. “Piper speak to me, are you hurt, has he hurt you?”

Piper shook her head, “Well it really didn’t help”

Prue smiled at her sisters effort to lighten the mood, standing up she helped Piper to her feet, “Lean on me honey, lets get you upstairs, you’ll feel better once you’ve had a bath and get in bed”

Piper gave Prue a weary smile, both sisters knew it would take much more than a bath and bed for any of them to feel better.

Phoebe was half way up the stairs she looked at her sisters her eyes glistening with tears.

“Come on babe upstairs” Prue had her hands full supporting Piper and leaning on the banister trying to ease the pain in her ribs.

Phoebe still didn’t move.

“Phoebe, upstairs now” Prues tone was soft she could see her sister was traumatized by what she had witnessed.

Phoebes mouth was moving but no words were coming out Piper used her free hand to grab hold of Phoebes “Come on Pheebes lets get out the way, come on honey help us”

Pheobe allowed Piper to lead her upstairs, Prue instructed her to go to her room and wait for her there, she needed to sort Piper out. Piper was white, clearly shaken by the fall and the violence in her own home.

Piper sat in the wicker chair in the bathroom, staring at Prue as she ran a bath and poured in the oil.

“Welcome home Sis” Prue looked at her sister a slight grin on her face.

Piper smiled back “Thanks Prue, but you really shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble, I could have done without the welcoming committee”

Prue walked over to her sister and hugged her tight Prue felt Piper gulp in some air obviously trying to control her emotions.

“Is your headache worse?” Prue pulled back so she could see Pipers face.

“No its fine honest – a couple of painkillers I’ll be right as rain”

Prue nodded not totally convinced, Piper looked wiped out.

“Listen honey – have a bath, take as long as you want, when you’re ready come to my room we’ll all sleep there tonight”

“Ok” Piper was inwardly relieved she no longer felt safe in her own home.

“I’d better go and see to Phoebe she looked pretty upset”

“Yeah, she could do with a cuddle”

Prue smiled at her sister as she kissed her forehead “She’s not the only one. See you in a bit”

Prue walked into her room, Phoebe was exactly where she left her, sitting on the floor, knees bent her head resting on her legs.

“Hey!” Prue sucked her breath in as she felt the sharp pain in her ribs as she sat next to her sister.

Phoebe didn’t look up Prue put a gentle arm around her shoulders, still Phoebe didn’t react.

“Phoebe?” Prue let out a sigh, “Phoebe are you alright?” Prue paused she gave Phoebe a gentle hug, she felt Phoebe move away ever so slightly “Pheebes?”

“I…I….” Phoebe raised her face the tears were pouring freely “I….”

“Shhh…come on baby….shh you’re alright, we’re alright….we’re all together now”

“You sho….you shou”

“What? I what?”

“Shouted, you shouted at me”

“Are you mad at me?”

Phoebe nodded “Yes” then she paused “I mean I don’t know…..you were mean”

Prue shook her head “No I wasn’t, I was scared. I was worried but I wasn’t mean. I just wanted to keep you safe, that’s all I just wanted you out of the way”

“He hurt you”

Prue smiled at her little sister she was so confused her thoughts were racing, she just didn’t know what to feel, Prue hugged her tight hoping to give the little girl some comfort.

“I’m sorry” Phoebes voice was muffled her voice lost in Prues shoulder.

“Nothing to be sorry for angel” Prue kissed the top of her sisters head.

That was how Piper found them a few minutes later, Prue smiled up at her

“You look better”

“Feel better”

“Help me up” Prue gave Phoebe a nudge “Next time sit on a chair or the bed or somewhere sensible, this is a killer on the old ribs”

Piper grinned as she held her hand out “That’s just old age sis, Wonderwoman would have no trouble getting up off the floor”

Prue laughed, “No I’m sure you’re right – look after Pheebs I’m going to jump in the bath might help the old bones”

“Who’s Wonderwoman” Phoebe looked puzzled as she looked at her sisters.

“She’s a superhero – Prue used to dress up like her then spend all her time rescuing Spiderman”

“Spiderman needed rescuing?” Phoebes voice was incredulous.

“Oh yes!” Piper giggled “Spiderman was Andy”

Prue heard Pipers giggle as she started telling Phoebe of the childhood games they used to play, Prue smiled to herself as she lowered herself into the bath. As she had told Phoebe at least they were together, the next week or so would be tough but then once they’d been to court……..

Prue let her mind wander the next week or so seemed like a very long time…….

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

Prue rubbed her hands on her jeans – the palms were clammy, she had never felt so scared and nervous the next few hours would determine the sister’s fate.

“Prue? Prue?”

Prue shook her head trying to concentrate, doing her best to focus but all she could think about was her kid sisters sitting outside scared stiff waiting for the verdict.

“Prue?” It was Jeans voice she could hear, Prue turned and looked in the direction of her Aunt “Are you ok?”

Prue nodded, unable to speak she gave her Aunt a small smile as she felt Jean reach out and hold her hand.

“It’s going to be alright honey, it’ll be ok I’m sure. I mean all your teachers have given a good account – how you maintain your grades but still take responsibility for your sisters that has to count” Jean paused she could see Prue wasn’t really listening but still Jean felt the need to reassure her eldest niece, “and the girls are doing so well, or they were until all this kicked off, that’s got to count too”

Prue nodded “Phoebes a handful, will they blame me”

Jean shook her head “Phoebes just mischievous, she’s not done any real damage she just gets excited – she was the same when your Grandmother was here they can’t hold you responsible for your sisters personality” Jean smiled at Prue “She’s no worse than Nic”

Prue smiled back at her Aunt “I’m not so sure, she has a very active imagination she seems to be one that dreams up their little scams”

“Maybe but she’s harmless Prue. She’s only a baby she’s just having fun”

“But you heard the neighbors”

“Harmless pranks Prue…..beside you handled it fine. You don’t let her get away with things she’s just a normal 8 year old”

Prue laughed “Piper wasn’t like that………..thank god!”

Jean smiled at her niece, pulling her into a hug “Yeah I guess one mischievous kid sister is enough for anyone”

Prue looked up gazing across the room she looked at her father “What about him?”

“What about him? Look Prue he’s been away most of your life the judge has got to consider that, plus you’ve told how cruel he can be it’s all got to be taken into consideration. Look you did fine, just stay calm, you’ll be fine”

Almost as the words left Jeans mouth the panel turned towards Victor, Prue held her breath she hated this man with all her being, the last ten days had been hell. Victor was cruel, her sisters were terrified scared to come home Prue wasn’t much better but her big concern was keeping them safe.

He was like Jekyll and Hyde Prue looked at him the scruffy t-shirt and stained jeans were replaced with a dark wool suit, crisp white shirt and tie. His hair which had not seen a comb or shampoo in the entire time he’d been at the Manor was clean and slicked back, he looked the perfect gent.

“Yes sir”

Prue had missed the question concentrating once more she listened to her father explain his situation to the judge.

“Of course I knew it would be difficult, but I just had to come back and help my poor girls. I have to say it’s been much harder than I imagined. My daughters are just so suspicious I guess that’s to be expected though with all they’ve been through these past few weeks”

Prue felt sick – he was so smooth, she swallowed hard as he continued.

“I have tried so hard to be there for them. I’ve taken an interest I’ve been to the school, watched my youngest play softball, but they keep pushing me away. All I ask is a chance. Just one chance to prove to them I’m here for them, they don’t need to manage on their own anymore. I can’t tell you how guilty I feel knowing that my eldest has practically lost her own childhood; I just want to make it up to her”

“WHAT!” Prue couldn’t contain herself

“Quiet please you had your say”

Prue shook her head she felt Linda grasp her arm “Stay calm, don’t react, it’s what he wants just stay calm”

Prue nodded on autopilot she listened as Victor continued to spin his web of deceit.

“I don’t blame them for pushing me away, I really don’t but they need to understand I’m not going away. This time is for keeps I’m going to be there for my girls no matter what”

“Ok Mr Bennett we’ve heard from your sister, she opposes your application for custody of the girls what do you think about that?”

“It’s sad.” Victor bowed his head the master of drama “I made mistakes, I admit that, I got things wrong” Victor raised his head his eyes glistened with crocodile tears “I just hope one day she can forgive me, I’m just so sorry that she’s willing to put her own feelings before the needs of those poor girls”

Prue heard Jean gasp.

“And Mr Bennett we’ve heard your eldest daughter speak of how your daughters are scared of you that you’ve used physical violence to punish them – again can you explain”

Victor let out a painful sob “That’s the worst of all” taking his handkerchief from his pocket Victor dabbed at his eyes “None of that’s true, but I hold no ill feelings I understand why she’s said the things she said, why she made her sister support her in those lies. You see she simply wants things to stay as they are, whereas I want what’s best for my family” Victor blew into his handkerchief “You have to believe me”.

Prue held her head in her hands she couldn’t believe this was happening, covering her mouth with her hand she took in a deep breath, trying to stay calm trying to keep control – he was clever, she’d known that she’d seen him in action these last few weeks – but this! Nothing could have prepared her for this.

Prue was vaguely aware of people standing up around her she felt Jean pull her to her feet the hearing had been adjourned while a decision was made, Prue turned her head as she walked to the door, she looked straight into her father’s eyes, she could still see the cruelty the slight twist of his mouth. She sucked her breath in as a wide smile crept over his face, she felt a shiver run down her back, entering the waiting room Prue quickly pulled herself together she felt Phoebes head push into her stomach the arms tighten round her waist, Pipers arms grasped her shoulders.

“Hey! Hey! What’s up? Its ok, its ok” Prue could feel Phoebes shoulders moving she was obviously distraught the tears pouring down her face, Prue knelt down and lifted her little sister up.

“Shh….come on honey calm down” Prue looked at Piper she didn’t look much better “Piper?”

“We’re just worried Prue”

“I know, I know” Prue gently stroked Phoebes back; she sat down in a chair Piper pushed close to her.

“What happened?” It was the question Prue dreaded.

“Nothing yet, we’ve all spoken been asked questions – the panel is coming to a decision now”

“What do you think will happen?”

“I don’t know”

“But Prue you must think something”

“I just said I don’t know” Prue was agitated already on edge Pipers questioning wasn’t helping.

“Prue will he win?”

“Piper!” Prue could have kicked herself she watched as Pipers face crumbled, cradling Phoebe tight on her lap with her left arm she reached out and pulled Piper close “I’m sorry baby, don’t cry, I’m sorry”

Prue felt Piper sob, her own eyes filled with tears, they were all so on edge it didn’t take much to tip them over, Prue felt guilty, she sometimes forgot Piper was only thirteen she hadn’t meant to snap.

“I’m sorry Piper don’t get upset, I didn’t mean to shout”

Prue felt Pipers arms embrace her “its ok, I’m sorry”

Prue smiled as she kissed the top of Pipers head “You’ve done nothing wrong honey, don’t be sorry, you’re fine it was me”

The sisters sat there huddled in a corner waiting for the inevitable call that would mean a panel of strangers had decided their The sisters sat there huddled in a corner waiting for the inevitable call that would mean a panel of strangers had decided their fate.

“Halliwell, Bennett” The voice rang out loud and clear, Prue quickly hugged her sisters standing up she lifted Phoebe with her giving her a quick kiss she passed her to Piper, Prue gave them a weak smile as she watched Piper cuddle the youngest, Prue knew it was as much for Pipers comfort as it was Phoebes.

Prue sat down her heart was pounding fast, she could hear it in her ears she concentrated, eyes focused on the person who was delivering the verdict on hers and her sisters immediate future.

“We have listened to a number of statements; we have made extensive investigations into this case. Prue Halliwell” the well dressed man turned his gaze on the young girl.

“We have no doubt of your love and devotion to your younger sisters. It is clear to us that you are more than capable of providing them with a secure and loving environment”

Prue held her breath the blood continued rushing through her ears it was as if time stood still she watched the mouth that was delivering the speech.

“However”

However …………Prues mind began to panic, her stomach churned.

“However” The young man repeated himself he had observed the panic that flashed across Prues face.

“We have also heard how your Father has returned. How he is willing to take that responsibility from your shoulders, it is clear to us that he understands the extent of work involved in earning your trust. By granting guardianship to your father this would remove that burden from your shoulders, it is our duty to consider what is best for the three of you not just younger siblings. It is with this in mind that the decision has been made to grant custody and guardianship to Victor Bennett”

Prue’s whole body slumped – this was a nightmare another chapter in a nightmare that just got worse and worse.

Prue could hear a voice screaming it took a while for her to realize the sound was coming from her own mouth “Nooooo, noooooooo”

Prue was shaking her head shock beginning to set in “I don’t mind, I don’t care, I love them”

Jean held her niece and hugged her she couldn’t believe that her three precious nieces were now firmly in the clutches of her evil, vengeful brother.




Prue looked up with distaste at the man who had the cheek to call himself their father; she could sense his cruelty he was talking to her now his face caught up in a sneer.

"Well Prue, honey" the last word said with irony "it looks like it’s just us - me and your sisters, won’t that be cosy?"

Prue wouldn't give him the satisfaction of answering she had quickly learnt that that just made him worse. Since they’d come home from the hearing the sisters had managed to keep out of his way, Victor was celebrating – he’d hit the whiskey bottle as soon as he got back, plotting and scheming how he could get his hands on the girls inheritance.

"I'm in charge now, no question about it I’ve won” Victor shot his daughter a victorious smile, “There are going to be some changes - for one I am going to get a grip of the little brat of a sister of yours - she's got a few lessons coming her way"

"Don't you dare threaten my sisters!"

"Oh that got your attention didn't it - I know lets have a little family meeting shall we? Set the ground rules."

Prue sucked her breath in - this was so bad she watched as he strode to the bottom of the stairs - her sisters were in their bedroom doing their homework - at least she hoped they were - Piper would be but were Phoebe would be was really anyone’s guess - Prue closed her eyes and prayed that Phoebe hadn't pulled a disappearing act - this would give Victor the very excuse he was looking for.

Piper quickly came down the stairs aware of Victors tone of voice when he had shouted for her and Phoebe to get their butts down the stairs, Prue held her breath 'Pheebes were are you get your ass down now! For gods sake Phoebe just get down here' Prue was quietly praying over and over time seemed to slow down - she looked at Piper, Piper looked scared - Prue couldn't tell if it was due to Victor shouting her down or the fact that Phoebe was no where in sight.

Prue let her breath out in relief when she saw her youngest sister appear at the top of the stairs, she looked at the young girl, the little sister that drove her up the wall, this kid just knew by instinct what buttons to push she could wind Prue up so easy - yet Prue would do anything for her she loved her to bits. Prue felt a wave of sadness as she looked at her little sister she hadn’t wound her up in weeks Phoebe had become quiet and withdrawn almost afraid of her own shadow, so unsure of herself - the big smile that normally filled her face was not evident - her big brown eyes normally so wide and sparkly looked dull.

Prue was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Victors drunken drawl "Down here now lady"

Phoebe hesitated slightly before coming down the stairs - she had to pass Victor to reach her sisters not something she was totally comfortable about, she knew however that she had no choice - she slowly made her way downstairs three pairs of eyes on her. As she got level with her Father she tried to speed up - hoping to get past him to the relative safety of her big sisters - her luck was out. She gasped in horror as she felt him grab her by the shoulder and a hard smack land on her bottom.

Prue moved forward ready to pull Phoebe away but she was stopped in her tracks by Victor’s words.

"Don't even think about it Prue - one more step and I'll knock her senseless"

Prue hesitated she looked at Piper, Piper was almost in tears.

"When I tell you to do something you do it immediately not when you dam well feel like it understand?" each angry word was punctuated by a hard smack.

Phoebe was struggling trying not to cry

"I asked you a question!"

"I was in the bathroom" Phoebe was screaming back at him trying to control her breathing and her speech was too hard.

Prue could feel the bile rise in her throat she couldn't just stand there she moved forward at the same time Piper moved with her - "Let her go - she hasn't done anything just let her go!" Piper wasn't sure were she got the nerve to challenge this man Prue stood next to her shaking with temper.

"Oh no! Its time Miss Phoebe Halliwell learns that the world doesn't revolve around her - interfere Prue. and Piper will get the same - is that what you want? You do what I say, when I say it - all of you - anyone disobeys or gets in trouble I'll take it out on this little brat" As he finished talking he pushed Phoebe to the floor. Standing up he looked across at Prue "Kitchen now - I'm hungry fix me some food"

Prue didn't move her eyes were fixed on her baby, her little girl lying lifelessly on the floor.

"I see you haven't understood"

Before anyone realised what was happening Victor grabbed Phoebe by her hair and pulled her up almost in the same movement his other hand went back and smacked her so hard her feet left the floor. "Do I have to ask again?"

"You bastard!" Prue was furious

"Language Prudence! - I'm beginning to think you like seeing your little sister getting punished" As he spoke he raised his arm, Phoebe fell to the floor whimpering

"No! Leave her no more"

"Ok as this is early days - I'll let it go - kitchen now!"

Prue rushed to the kitchen upset at leaving her sisters behind - she quickly set to work.

She had to sit and watch Victor finish his meal - he could see she was desperate itching to get to her little sister; eventually Victor put his knife and fork down.

"That was good - did you enjoy the little show before?"

Prue didn't understand what he was getting at she scowled back at him.

"I bet there’s been many a time when you've wanted to give that little bitch a good hiding"

Prue didn't answer she just glared at him Victor laughed as picked his keys up and left the Manor.

Prue was up the stairs two at a time - she barged into her little sisters bedroom - Phoebe and Piper were curled up on Phoebe’s bed both girls visibly jumped when the door banged open.

"Sorry, I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you" Prue realised her sisters must have thought it was Victor.

Piper merely nodded both arms were round her little sister, Phoebe hadn't moved her face was swollen and tear stained Prue was by her side in an instant.

Prue lifted her baby sister and cradled her in her arms - Phoebe was still crying "Shh baby its ok, its ok he's gone out now, its alright" Prue could feel Phoebe sobbing, Prue carried her sister to the bathroom, "Pipe run her a bath please put my bath oil in"

Piper automatically did as Prue asked letting her big sister take charge.

Prue leaned forward and kissed the tiny girl in her arms "I'm sorry honey, I'm so sorry" As she was speaking Prue quickly inspected Victors handiwork Phoebe looked sore and bruised. Prue pushed her anger down and concentrated on calming her sister, taking a deep breath and a clean cloth she started with Phoebes tear stained face.

Prue smiled at her sister "There you go honey, does that feel better?" Phoebe was ready for bed now, once again Prue felt the overwhelming sadness – her little sister looked tiny, so vulnerable in her red pajamas with the Mickey Mouse motif.

"I'm ok" Phoebe sounded young and unsure of herself she put her arms around Prues neck, Prue automatically picked her up and carried her to her own room. Prue tucked Phoebe in leaning down she gave her a kiss "Pheebes I won't be long I'm just going to check on Piper ok?"

"Ok - can she sleep here too?"

Prue felt the tears fill her eyes, how times change Phoebes concern was no longer fo