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


"Prue you can't just leave her up there like that"

"She's got to learn Piper, I'm sick and tired of her behaviour - she's out of control"

"I know Prue and to a point I agree - but you need to remember she's only 8 years old you can't just say stuff to her and think she'll work it out - she's hurting Prue"

Prue knew her younger sister had a point - it was always the same - Piper was her conscience especially where their youngest sister was concerned.

"I'm just too mad!"

"I know - but you've got to get over that Prue - for once push it aside, she's been up there ages now at least let her come down"

"I don't know - you know what she's like she'll just kick off again"

"Prue somehow I don't think she will - not this time you didn't see her face"

"How do you mean?"

"I think you know - you really laid into her"

Prue gave her sister a sardonic smile "I know"

"Prue she looked hurt - and I don't mean just physically"

"She can't behave the way she has been - Piper she's way over the line"

"I know but don't you think you made your point - you know she's not a bad kid she just, well she just gets carried away"

"You're too soft"

"And you're too hard"

Prue took a deep breath on some level she knew her sister had a point - she knew she could be harsh with her little sister it was just that it seemed the only way to control her lately was with discipline.

"Come on Prue - she's been punished you gave her a hiding now calm down try and make it up with her"

Prue ran her hands through her hair "ok"

"Yeah?"

Prue nodded her head.

"Shall I go and get her?"

"Yeah but warn her Piper any more lip and I'll kill her"

"Nice one Prue! Yeah really sounds like you're over this one"

"You know what I mean"

Piper shook her head and made her way to the youngest's bedroom Piper lightly tapped on the door then opened it. She took a few seconds to take in the sight of her baby sister.

Phoebe was laying on her side silent tears rolling down her face, she had her thumb in her mouth and her stuffed monkey clutched tight. Phoebe had always been small for her age - she had been born premature and never really seemed to catch up. .

"Hey babe" Piper's gentle voice broke the silence.

Phoebe just looked back at her with those big brown eyes. Piper smiled "You ok? Prue said you can come down now"

"I'm ok here"

Piper rolled her eyes - two stubborn sisters!

"Thought you could come down and watch MTV with me" Piper knew Phoebe loved watching the latest pop music she was a good dancer and could copy most of the moves.

Phoebe just stared back at her.

"Come on babe - you don't want to stay up here on your own do you?"

"Better than being down there with her"

"Phoebe!" Piper admonsihed her little sister.

"I'm just saying" Phoebe sounded less sure of herself - Piper rarely raised her voice.

Piper knew her little sister was upset she made her way over to her and sat on the edge of the bed.

"You know Pheebes you're not exactly the innocent in all this"

Phoebe scowled at her sister at the same time she chewed on her bottom lip.

"You know you're not allowed to go the park on your own"

"Wasn't on my own"

"Phoebe" Piper sounded annoyed

The sisters sat in silence for a while "You know Pheebes Prues got a lot on at the moment you getting brought back in a police car really doesn't help"

Phoebe continued to scowl.

"Phoebe you did wrong and you know it - now why don't you be a good girl and tell Prue you're sorry"

"She's the one that hit me"

"With reason!" Piper was getting exasparated.

"Just leave me Pipe"

Piper shook her head "Fine - come down when you're ready"

Piper went back downstairs to find Prue watching the TV.

"So?" Prue looked at Piper questioningly.

"Oh don't ask"

"What? - I did nothing wrong, Prues always picking on me?" Prue had adopted a whiney voice

Piper smirked.

Prue was smiling back at her younger sister "Is she ok?" Prue sounded concerned.

Piper sat next to her sister and gave her a hug "Yeah - hurt pride I think"

"Mmm and theres me thinking it was her ass I hurt"

"Don't" Piper was grinning at her sister "Oh well she'll come down when she's ready"

Prue let out a little laugh "And won't that be a treat - the room will be filled with darkness, gloom and despair"

Piper started laughing "Don't you're horrible - our baby sister is upstairs breaking her heart and all you can do is make fun of her"

Prue was laughing back "Well you know its true - little drama queen - maybe I should send her to drama school I bet she could act most of those kids off the stage"

The sisters settled back on the settee and watched a comedy that they'd seen at least three times before - they were both laughing when their little sister made an appearance - Phoebe didn't speak to either of her sisters she sat on the chair the furthest away from them.

Prue was in the corner of the sofa Piper sprawled against her Piper lifted her arm up and indicated for Phoebe to come and sit with her.

"I'm fine here"

The two eldest Halliwells rolled their eyes "Ok" Prue muttered under her breath - she felt Piper give her a slight dig in her ribs.

The sisters continued to watch TV in silence Piper looked across at Phoebe she looked in a world of her own. Piper suddenly felt sorry for her Phoebe looked so little and pitiful - her face was dirty and tear stained and she'd brought George her monkey down with her.

Piper gently poked at Prue indicating with her eyes to look at their little sister.

Prue pursed her lips - Phoebe looked lost deep in thought - It wasn't difficult to imagine what she would be thinking about, Prue knew she'd said some pretty harsh things to her little sister. Prue let out a deep breath - Phoebe could always do this! No matter how mad she'd been with her she only had to look at her and the guilt crept in.

"Who wants ice cream?" Piper was doing her best to break the atmosphere that had developed between her sisters.

"I'll have some" Prue smiled at Piper knowing what she was trying to do

"Pheebes?" Piper looked across at the youngest Phoebe merely shook her head.

"I've got your favourite" Phoebe looked at Piper and shook her head again.

Piper frowned at Prue - this was unusual for all her bravado her sisters knew that Phoebe hated it when there was a bad atmosphere she especially hated it when she thought one of them was mad at her - she could normally put on a front for a little while but her need for re-assurance and affection normally won through. Phoebe would generally come down in a flunk then gradually thaw. This time she seemed different she looked lost and sad and was making no effort to win round her sisters.

"Where's the real Phoebe Halliwell?" Prue looked across at her little sister doing her best to break the ice.

Phoebe just looked back at her - Prue noticed she looked a little teary.

"Sure you don't want any?" Piper was trying for the final time

"I said no! Jeezz!" Phoebe sounded angry.

"Hey! Now - Piper was just asking no need to be so cheeky - apologise to your sister"

"No" Phoebe still sounded angry

"I said apologise" Prue sounded equally angry

Piper rolled her eyes - here we go again!

"It's allright Prue - guess she didn't want any" Piper was trying to diffuse the situation before things got out of hand again.

"No need for her to be cheeky - apologise to Piper or go to your room" Prue hated bad manners especially in her sisters

Phoebe glared at Prue picking George up she flounced up the stairs.

Prue looked at Piper - "What the hell?"

Piper shook her head "Don't know Prue - but she seems upset"

"Yeah well she's lucky I'm so easy going!"

Piper smiled "Yeah she's so lucky"

"You know what I mean - there was no need for that"

"I know - but she does seem weird"

"Leave her I'll go check on her later ok?"

Piper nodded "Do you want that ice cream?"

"No - just trying to cheer the brat up"

Piper laughed "Me too - and look what happened"

Phoebe Halliwell lay on her bed - she didn't know why but she felt upset - she felt a little sick and overwhelmingly tired. She put her pajamas on and snuggled down in her bed. Phoebe felt the tears slip down her face she knew she'd been rude to Piper and she would have apologised if Prue had left her alone, cuddling George tight she closed her eyes.

Prue finished her drink and put her glass down "Oh well - best get it over with"

Piper smiled " She's our little sister - not some horrible chore!"

Prue raised her eyebrows and grinned.

Prue made her way over to her little sisters bed - this was really unusual - Phoebe would never willingly go to bed. Prue looked down at the little girl and felt a twinge of sadness - her little face was still dirty and tear stained her thumb was in her mouth one leg dangling over the edge of the bed she looked as though she was in a restless sleep.

Prue picked her leg up and gently tucked it back inside the covers, running a gentle hand over her sisters back she knelt down and kissed her sisters forehead.

"Night honey" Prue whispered to the sleeping girl then crept out of the room.

Prue practically bumped into Piper in the hall - "She ok?"

"Asleep"

"What! Its only 8 o'clock"

"She's flat out - must have been quite some day!"

Piper looked worried - "Its not like her Prue"

"I know - but lets make the most of it eh?"

Piper nodded "I'll just kiss her goodnight - see you downstairs"

Piper did just as her older sister had she ran a gently hand over her sisters back - bringing it to her forehead she brushed the stray hair out of the way and kissed the little girl on her forehead.

"Night baby" Piper left her sleeping sister and made her way to Prue.

"She seems worse than ever lately Piper - any ideas?"

Piper shook her head - she knew Prue was right - Phoebe had always been a handful but these last few weeks she'd been a real pain in the ass - she never did what she was told, she continually answered back and worst of all she'd started wondering off without telling either of her sisters where she was going.

"No I can't pin point anything - she just seems" Piper hesitated

"Go on"

"Angry?"

"Maybe - she just seems cheeky to me"

"I asked her to clear her plate the other night - she smashed it on the floor"

"What! - you didn't tell me!"

"You'd have battered her"

"Still might!"

"Don't worry I didn't let her get away with it"

"Yeah right" Both sisters knew Piper was the soft touch when it came to Phoebe.

"No I didn't - I agree with you Prue we've got to get a grip of her - she's turning into a right brat"

"Still haven't told me what you did"

Piper turned away "I smacked her legs and sent her to bed"

Prues eyes were wide, Piper had never smacked their sister.

"I know, I know - but you weren't there - it was so deliberate it was almost like a challenge"

Prue let out a sigh - "She hasn't always been like this - she used to be so affectionate - what's happened to her Piper ?"

Prue woke up in a good mood, today was her younger cousins birthday - the sisters were invited to a family party, Prue loved that sort of thing she loved the sense of belonging.

Prue could smell breakfast Piper was cooking waffles, Prue entered the kitchen a big smile on her face, as soon as she walked in she noticed her youngest sister - Phoebe's attitude was like a heavy blanket she was pushing a waffle around her plate, her chin resting on her hands.

"Morning"

"Morning" Piper sounded cheerful enough - Phoebe just scowled - here we go again!

"I said morning Phoebe"

"I heard you Prue"

Prue growled

Piper interrupted before her sister could react.

"Sit down Prue - nicely timed" As she spoke Piper put a plate of waffles in front of her sister.

"Thanks" Prue decided to let it go.

Prue was halfway through her breakfast Phoebe was still playing with hers.

"Stop playing with that food and eat it" Prue glared at her youngest sister.

"Not hungry"

"Then go and get a bath, get ready for Nics party"

"Don't want to go"

Prue rolled her eyes.

"Don't start Phoebe - we're all going now stop being such a pain in the ass and go and get ready"

Phoebe threw her fork down on her plate and folded her arms.

"I'm not messing Phoebe - don't push me today"

Phoebe just continued to stare at her sister, defiance written all over her face.

"I'll count to three" Prue held her sisters glare "One..two..three"

"Clever aren't you?"

"Right - enough!" Prue scraped her chair back and grabbed her little sister by the arm - yanking her out of her seat she dragged her out of the kitchen and in to the bathroom.

Piper looked on in resignation - another fun filled day in the lives of the Halliwells.

"Now get in that bath before I throw you in!" Prue had filled the bath all the time Phoebe had her arms crossed glowering in defiance, making no effort to move.

"Fine - if this is how you want it!" Prue grabbed her sister stripped her of her pajamas picked her up and dumped her in the bath - Phoebe was struggling refusing to sit down.

"Sit down Phoebe or I'll give you such a smack"

Phoebe could tell her sister was serious still glowering Phoebe sat in the bath.

"Now are you going to get washed or do I have to do it for you?"

Phoebe was just about to pick up the cloth when Prues patience ran out - picking up the loofah Prue soaped it up and began washing her little sister. Phoebe felt like her skin had been taken off Prue rubbed so hard. It was over in a few minutes Prue picked up a washcloth and shoved it in her sisters face washing her face none to gently Phoebe began to splutter soap had gone in her mouth and in her eyes. She threw her hands down in to the water causing a tidal wave to rise and drench Prue, It was as though time stood still - the air could be cut with a knife. Phoebe knew she was in for it... Prue was furious she yanked her sister out of the bath and smacked her hard, Prue didn't bother to speak to her sister she couldn't see the point, leaving the crying girl to get dry she made her way back to the kitchen.

Prue sat down at the kitchen table her hands were shaking.

"Prue?"

Prue shook her head "Everything is so hard - every dam thing! She's been looking forward to Nics party for weeks and now because I told her to get ready we have that performance!"

"It is getting a bit much - but Prue don't mind me saying but you are on a short fuse as well"

"I wonder why!"

"Well you know she's going to put somehting really crappy on now just to annoy you"

"Yeah"

"And"

"Wait and see"

Piper looked at her sister with dread in her eyes.

The older sisters were waiting in the lounge for their younger sister to make an appearance - eventually she strolled down the stairs as though nothing was wrong. Piper's eyes nearly popped out of her head - Phoebe had on a pair of Pipers combats with a tie around the waist to hold them up they were so long they'd been rolled up a few times, she's combined the yellow pants with a bright blue t-shirt which was ripped at the sleeve. Piper held her breath waiting for Prues reaction.

"You look nice - are you ready then?" Prue smiled at her youngest sister.

Phoebe looked shocked "Erm yes"

"Come on then lets get in the car"

Piper grabbed hold of Prue "You can't be serious"

"Can't I?!"

"But Prue she looks like a tramp"

Prue nodded her head "Yes and she probably thought I'd make her get changed into something nice, another fight - this way we don't have a fight, she looks a mess doesn't get to wear nice clothes all in all a result"

"What do you mean?"

"She's playing - you know as well as I do she likes to dress up especially if Nic's around, she thought I'd make her put something nice on something else for her to sulk about - its backfired"

"You mean she's looking for a ruck?"

Prue just raised her eyebrows.

"Erm Prue maybe I should put something else on"

"No honey we haven't got time now - besides you look lovely" Prue beamed at her little sister.

Phoebe didn't speak all the way to the party - when the girls arrived at their Aunty Jeans Phoebe seemed a little clingy - she held on to Pipers hand reluctant to let go.

"Go find Nic Pheebes - go on go and play"

"I don't want to - I want to stay with you"

"Don't be silly - go and play" Piper disentangled herself from her little sisters grip pushing her in front of her she gave her little sister a playful smack on her behind - "Go on we'll see you later"

The girls Aunty Jean walked over "Whats with the outfit?"

"Oh - don't ask - Phoebe was looking for a fight and I didn't give her one" Prue smiled at her Aunt as she gave her a kiss.

"Still being awkward?"

"Could say that"

Phoebe went off in search of Nic..... her cousin and best friend, it didn't take her long to spot Nic she was in the middle of her friends opening her gifts.

"Hey Pheebes get over here! Come see what I've got!" Nic was delighted to see her cousin.

Phoebe went over to her and the two girls hugged.

"Whats with the clothes?" Nic was grinning at Phoebe knowing she was up to something.

"Oh Prue"

"What! She made you come out in these!?"

"No" Phoebe laughed "She let me come out in these!"

Nic started laughing knowing that something had gone wrong with one of her cousins little schemes "Want to borrow something?"

"No I'm cool"

Nic laughed again "You think?"

Phoebe had begun to feel rough - her head was banging - she had been sitting on the floor now for the best part of an hour, she got up and went in search of her sisters - she could hear Prue laughing from across the room, Phoebe stood and watched her for a little while - she looked lovely - her hair was long and shiny she had really cool leather trousers on and a really pretty cashmere top.

Piper came up behind her little sister she put her hands over her eyes "Boo! Guess who"

Phoebe giggled "Piper!"

"Yeah - just admiring our big sis were you?" Piper was teasing

"No the opposite"

"Phoebe!" Piper admonished her sister.

Phoebe looked down she didn't know why she'd said that - seemed lately only bad things came out of her mouth - especially where Prue was involved.

"Anyway what you doing here - you should be playing with Nic"

"Just wanted to sit down for a bit thats all"

"You feeling ok honey?"

Phoebe nodded.

"Well go on stop being silly go play with Nic"

Phoebe let out a sigh and went back to her cousin.

She sat back down on the floor and watched the others play - Prue and Piper had come over, soon they were organising the kids for a game of statues.

"Come on Pheebes" Piper shouted over to her sister and waved her across.

Phoebe shook her head.

"Oh leave her Pipe she's just sulking - her loss"

Phoebe could hear Prues words to her sister and felt hurt she wasn't sulking she just didn't want to play. Soon her sisters had everyone screaming a boy called Ben came and sat next to Phoebe - "They your sisters?"

"Yeah"

"They are so cool - my sister would never play with me and my friends like that"

Phoebe looked across Prue had Nic by the waist and was swinging her round - Phoebe felt a tear come to her eye - she watched as Prue held Lori, Nics sister and tickled her Prue never played with her like that.

Prue sat down as Nic clambered onto her knee.

"Prue what's up with Pheebes?"

Prue gave her cousin a hug "Has she been mean to you honey"

"No - she's just a bit strange"

Prue smiled "She's always a bit strange"

"No - she's not played all day she's really quiet"

Prue looked concerned "Where is she sweetheart"

Nicole pointed across the room - Phoebe was sat on the floor - looking at her sister and her cousin.

Phoebe sniffed - her eyes were teary seeing her big sister with her cousin made her feel upset, she felt like a heavy weight was on her chest she bit her lip in an attempt to stop the tears

Prue lifted Nicole off her knee "Sorry sweetie - I need to go get Phoebe ok?"

Nicole nodded.

Prue walked over to her little sister and knelt down in front of her - silent tears were falling down her baby sisters face. Prue gently reached out and brushed them away with her thumb. Without a word Prue reached out to her and picked her up - Phoebe immediately buried her face in her sisters neck.

"What's wrong honey?" Prue was really concerned.

Phoebe sniffed and buried her head in her sisters shoulder "Nothing"

Prue sighed - she knew she wouldn't get any sense out of her sister Prue sat down with Phoebe on her knee. Phoebe was surprised Prue hadn't held her in ages.

"Tell me what's wrong"

"Nothing"

"Fine - I can't help if you don't talk to me"

"You won't help anyway"

Prue could feel her anger rising again.

"Stop acting the brat Phoebe!"

Phoebe looked angrily at her sister and got off her knee - she turned her back on her and stormed off in search of her cousins.

"What the hell was that about" Piper had seen the whole thing.

"No idea - she's upset about something but she won't talk to me"

"Shall I try?"

"No leave her for now - lets not spoil the party"

*************************

Prue and Piper were ready to leave Phoebe was no where to be found.

"Theres Nic" Piper pointed across the garden at her cousin

"Well Pheebes won't be far" Prue was scouring the grounds

"Can't see her Prue - NIC" Piper shouted her young cousin over "Have you seen Phoebe?"

"Not for a while - last time I saw her she was heading for my room"

"Ok sweetie" Piper bent down and gave her cousin a hug "Go and enjoy the rest of your day - we'll see you tomorrow at school ok"

Nicole hugged Piper back "Ok - tell Phoebe I hope she's feeling better"

Piper frowned "Prue did you hear that?"

"You think she's sick?"

"Could be she was a bit clingy I made her go and play"

"Not very successfully by the look of things!" Prue smiled at Piper hoping to ease her worry.

"Come on lets go find her - Nics room?"

Prue nodded.

The sisters opened Nicoles bedroom door - both girls were shocked to find their little sister fast asleep on top of their cousins bed.

"Prue?"

Prue looked at Piper - normally Phoebe was the life and soul of the party - they both suddenly realised they hadn't seen much of her all day.

Prue made her way over to the bed she gently placed her hand on her sisters forehead.

"She's not hot"

Piper looked relieved "Maybe she's just tired - it has all been a bit emotional lately - you know with Grams going away and all thats gone on"

Prue knew Piper was referring to the constant struggle between the oldest and the youngest sisters.

Prue picked her little sister up, carrying her downstairs she bumped into her Aunty Jean - giving her a quick peck on the cheek the girls thanked her for a lovely day.

"What's up with Phoebe?" Their aunt looked concerned.

"I'm not sure - don't think she's got a tempareture maybe she's coming down with something - I'll keep an eye on her tonight see how she gets on"

"Be careful with her Prue"

Priue looked surprised.

"I just mean she must feel a bit insecure lately - you know with your Grams leaving things always feel worse if you're under the weather"

Prue nodded "Don't worry I'll be kindness itself"

All three laughed - Auntie Jean leaned in and kissed her youngest niece on the forehead.

"She is a good kid you know Prue - she's always so polite"

Prue smiled "To you maybe"

"Well you've done a good job you should be proud of her, she's a lovely girl so thoughtful and kind"

Prue looked at Piper they both knew it was true althought it wasn't something they rarely focused on.

***********************************
Prue carried Phoebe upstairs and put her to bed, going back down she found Piper staring into her coffee mug.

"Penny for them"

"Oh the usual - Phoebe"

"Mmm"

"What we going to do Prue?"

"Don't know - I've tried everything I can think of"

"I know but do you think she's upset about something - I mean she's so different she used to be all over us now she won't come near - I saw her with you before she was obviously upset about something but she couldn't get away from you quick enough"

"I know - I don't know Piper I mean what can I do - I know I've been hard on her lately but she just makes everything so difficult what else can I do? I've tried reasoning nothing seems to work"

"Don't know Prue but somethings going to snap"

*********************

Phoebe Halliwell woke up she was a little disorientated for a while then she realised her sister must have put her to bed - probably didn't want to bother with her anymore.
Phoebe cuddled George she'd had a lousy day - first of all the fight with Prue then the bath - she didn't know how these things happened seemed lately all she got was tellings off and smacks.

Piper opened the door to her little sisters bedroom - surprised to see her awake and not moving.

"Hey lazy girl! You awake now?"

"Obviously" Phoebe could have bit her tounge - why had she said that Piper was just being nice.

Piper ignored her sisters cheek - " Coming down? Dinners ready"

Phoebe nodded and got off the bed - Piper noticed how pale and tired her sister looked. Piper knelt in front of her "You ok honey you look tired do you feel ok"

Phoebe nodded - for some reason she felt close to tears, Piper frowned holding her hand out, her sister looked first at her hand then at her face - Piper was confused.

"Whats up Pheebes have I upset you"

"No"

"Then why won't you take my hand?" Piper felt hurt

"I know the way" - there she went again smartass!

"Fine - I'll see you down there then"

Piper turned and left her sister Piper felt hurt Phoebe was being so distant any effort to get close to her was pushed back.

Prue was sitting at the table waiting for her little sisters.

"Where's Phoebe?"

"On her way - she knows how to get here - apparantly"

Prue frowned knowing some sort of exchange had taken place.

The three sisters ate their meal in complete silence Phoebe hadn't eaten much she pushed her plate away "Can I be excused?"

"Please?"

"Please"

"Go on"

Prue and Piper watched in amazement as their little sister made her way back to her room.

"its a bit early for bed isn't it Prue?"

Prue raised her eyebrows - "Did you ask her if she felt ok?"

"She said she was"

"Mmm I'll go and check"

Piper grinned "You're brave"

"You wouldn't believe!"

Prue pushed the door open her little sister was laying on her side on the bed - George held close.

"Hey Pheebes - why have you come up here? Why don't you come down and watch the film with me and Piper"

Phoebe shook her head.

"Its one of your favourites" Prue had sat on the edge of her sisters bed - she gently moved a stray piece of hair out of Phoebe's eyes.

She watched as Phoebe fought to control her face - her little sister bit her lip and her eyes teared.

"I'm ok I'm going to bed now"

"Pheebes! Its only early - come on honey lets have some nice time put your pj's on come and snuggle with your sisters if you fall asleep I'll bring you up"

Phoebe shook her head still biting her lip.

"Will you tell me why"

"Don't want to - just leave me"

"I don't like you being up here all on your own come on honey it will be nice"

"Now you want to do something nice! What about when I fell like doing something nice!" Phoebe sounded agitated

"What! Come on Pheebes don't start lets just have some nice sister time"

"Go away" Phoebe turned away from her sister and buried her head in the pillow.

"Fine! But if you change your mind you know where we are"

"I won't"

Prue felt exasparated she couldn't win.

"Prue! Phoebe! Phone - Its Grams!" Pipers excited voice drifted up the stairs Prue smiled ruffling her little sisters hair "Come on Pheebes come say hi to Grams!"

"No!" Phoebe rolled away again

Prue growled leaving her sister she went downstairs to talk to her Grandmother.


********


"I don't feel well" Phoebe stood in the doorway of her sisters bedroom door.

Prue looked up at her "Come here" Prue watched as her little sister hesitantly came towards her. Lifting her hand she went to put it on her sisters forehead, Phoebe flinched and moved back.

Prue narrowed her eyes "Let me feel I need to see if you're hot"

Phoebe stepped forward again and let Prue put her hand on her forehead.

"You don't feel hot, what's wrong?" Prue looked closely at the little girl in front of her, her eyes looked teary and she had dark circles under them she was biting on the corner of her mouth.

"I feel sick and my head hurts"

Prue took another look - her skin looked a normal colour, there was no sign of nausea and Prue knew she'd eaten her breakfast without any trouble.

"Ok I'll give you some tablets for the headache but you're going to school"

Prue watched as her sisters mouth began to tremble, Phoebe was fighting desparately to stop the tears. For some reason even though Prue knew her sister was lying she suddenly felt sorry for her, this was so out of character Phoebe loved school, she was 8 years old she was a popular kid and Prue knew she loved sports and music they were both on her timetable for today.

Phoebe suddenly did feel sick - the thought of going to school today filled her with dread, she had English and Math she knew she was going to have a lousy time, the kids would start again.

Prue could see the emotions in Phoebes eyes, she reached out and gently pulled her sister to her, "Would a hug help?"

Phoebe looked directly into her sisters face, she could see the love and concern but she also remembered she was the one that was sending her to school, Prue watched in amazement as her sisters face changed from upset to anger.

"Not off you it won't"

"FIne! - Go and get ready we leave in 5 minutes!"

Prue watched as Phoebe turned on her heel and stormed out of her room, - so much for her feeling sick!

Phoebe actually was beginning to feel ill she picked up her bookbag and stood by the door - she thought of making a run for it - maybe she could just run away and hide - even her fear of what Prue would do to her didn't quell the urge, she put her hand on the door handle ready to dart out when she heard the voice behind her.

"Good you're ready, Prue's just gone out the front she's waiting in the car for us" Piper smiled at her sister but received no response back.