The Stowaway

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

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

“Poooooooo”

Prue Halliwell cringed her baby sister was bawling for her she rolled her eyes the whole city could probably hear her.

“Poooooooo, me come”

Prue could hear the pitiful plea as the sobs began to subside.

“Pease Poo?”

Prue took a deep breath turning round she looked at the baby of the family, Phoebe was just turned two, she was standing in the middle of Prue’s playground sniffing back the tears.

“She’s not coming Grams! No way!”

“Prue don’t be so nasty, obviously she’s not it’s your school trip, she’s not allowed”

“Poo?”

Prue shook her head in exasperation her baby sister was holding her arms up waiting to be held.

“Grams, why don’t you just go, I’ll be alright, this is embarrassing” Prue was doing her best to ignore the pitiful baby.

“Poo up?”

Prue felt the tug on her jeans, she looked into the huge brown eyes and felt her resolve melting, leaning down she hauled her baby sister into her arms.

“Stop crying Pheebes” Prue dabbed at her little sisters wet face “I’ll be back later, I’ll bring you something nice”

Little Phoebe Halliwell tightened her grip around her big sisters neck “Me come?”

“You can’t baby you have to stay with Grams this is for big girls”

“Noooooooo!”

“Phoebe stop!” Prue rocked her little sister trying her best to calm her down some of her friends were looking across at her “Stop it you’re being naughty”

“I sorry” Phoebe hated it when her big sister was cross with her she landed a sloppy kiss on the side of Prue’s face.

“Ok” Prue couldn’t help herself in spite of her irritation she found herself smiling at her youngest sister, Phoebe was so cute. Her hair was thick and curly her brown eyes were huge and whilst there was no evidence of it at that moment, her smile filled her face. Prue kissed her back and placed her on the floor.

“Grams I need to go now, look their getting on the bus”

Penny Halliwell smiled at her oldest granddaughter, she knew Prue was anxious to escape; the eleven year old had been excited about the field trip for weeks. Penny knew Prue was looking forward to being with her friends away from the bother of her two little sisters.

“Ok, but don’t let her see you”

Prue rolled her eyes, wondering how the hell she would achieve that.

“I’ll put her in her stroller just hold on a minute”

Penny turned around and plucked her youngest granddaughter off the floor.

“Gams!” Phoebe sounded delighted she beamed at her Grandmother hoping she was going to toss her into the air and catch her “Up Gams” the baby girl pointed to the sky her eyes hopeful.

Penny laughed “It doesn’t take much to make you happy does it honey bunch!” with that Penny gently tossed her granddaughter into the air.

Phoebe gurgled in delight “Gain!”

“Grams!” Prue was getting impatient

“One more my darling then you go back in the stroller ok”

“Kay” Phoebe didn’t really know what she was agreeing to she just knew some sort of deal had just been struck.

“Finally!” Prue shook her head at her Grandmother who had at last managed to strap Phoebe into her stroller she’d turned it away from the view of the bus which was waiting to take Prue on her trip.

Penny laughed “Off you go, enjoy yourself honey, and I’ll be here to pick you up when you get back”

“Ok, love you Grams, see you later”

Meanwhile little Phoebe was tugging at the straps which were holding her in, her little fingers quickly found the spot she was looking for and in next to no time she was once again liberated. She wriggled out of the stroller and looked around just in time to see her big sister climbing onto the yellow bus.

“Bus” Phoebe grinned she liked buses she picked up her dolly and ran in the direction she’d seen her big sister take.

“Penny hi!”

Penny Halliwell smiled at her friend “I take it Jake is going on the same trip as Prue”

“Yes, he’s been talking about it for days”

Penny let out a laugh “Prue can beat that, she’s been going on for weeks!”

The two adults were so engrossed in their conversation they failed to notice Penny’s youngest charge hauling herself onto the back of the bus.


The small tot was an excellent climber the bag stacked behind the bus had made it all too easy, little Phoebe climbed on top then grabbed hold of the bus and before she knew it she tumbled head first into a stack of jackets. The infant sat up, she couldn’t see anything she was effectively in the trunk of the bus the back seat blocking her line of vision, she didn’t mind she was happy where she was the stack of jackets was nice and soft and it was round about nap time. Curling up she stuck her thumb in her mouth and clutched her dolly tightly.

Prue sat back in her seat; she’d been so worried something would happen to stop her going on the school trip to Winstanton Woods. Her year was going on a nature trail, but it was more than that to the young girl. Prue’s mother had died earlier that year and since then life had changed drastically for Prue, she had far more responsibility than was natural for a girl her age. Prue had two little sisters and without being told she knew it was her job to look out for them, she loved them to bits but sometimes they could both be so clingy. Grams said it was because they were scared that Prue would somehow disappear too. Prue frowned as she thought about the seven year old Piper; she had become more and more withdrawn the previously mischievous sister was now quiet and well behaved. That was ok but Prue knew that deep inside it wasn’t natural, she knew her kid sister inside out, she knew that like her Piper was blaming herself for their Mums death. Piper thought is she’d been better behaved, had done as she’d been told on that fateful day that their Mother would still be there, it didn’t matter how many times Prue and their Grams had told her it wasn’t anyone’s fault if was merely a dreadful accident she knew Piper wouldn’t believe them. So out of fear Piper was the good girl, a slight smile spread across Prue’s face as she thought about her other little sister. Phoebe! God that baby was a handful, just as Piper was intent on being good their baby sister seemed to take the opposite road. Still Prue loved them both to bits, it was just that sometimes it was so good to get away, she felt a slight twinge of guilt when she remembered how she’d sneaked away from the baby of the family, she hadn’t even kissed her goodbye, resolving to make a huge fuss of her when she got home Prue began to relax and enjoy the journey.

No, no, no, Prue closed her eyes and held her head in her hands, it couldn’t be! It just couldn’t be! Prue just wanted the ground to open.

“Bahhhhhhhhhh!!!! Bahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

Prue would recognise that cry anywhere.

“Gammy! Gammy! Bahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

“Oh god!” Prue slowly looked around the teacher in charge was leaning across the back seat trying to get hold of the tiny girl with the huge lungs.

Phoebe stared back her big brown eyes overflowing with tears.

She’d woken up totally disorientated she could remember nothing about her little adventure; she scrambled back clutching her dolly close to her chest.

Prue felt the bus come to a stop, the crying was getting louder and louder, Prue could hear all her class mates chattering “There’s a baby on board!” Everyone apart from Prue seemed delighted at the news. Prue knew she couldn’t ignore it with a heavy heart she stood up ready to claim her sister.

“Come on sweetie it’s alright” Mrs Johnson had managed to pick Phoebe up, she was doing her best to calm the child but the baby was having none of it.

Prue ran her hand threw her hair “Phoebe!?”

Little Phoebe immediately stopped crying a big grin spread across her face as she started to remember “Poo!”

Prue shook her head as she held her arms out “Don’t you Poo me!”

Phoebe’s smile faltered slightly, her big sister didn’t look to pleased Phoebe held her own little arms out and leaned towards her sister.

“Wuv Poo!”

Prue lifted the baby into her arms she squirmed as she felt the wet sloppy kiss land on her cheek.

“I take it she’s yours” Mrs Johnson was somewhat relieved, at least she now knew who the stowaway was.

“Unfortunately” Prue scowled at the baby who was now looking at her big sister with some concern.

“Poo mad?”

“Yes Prue’s mad!” Prue’s voice was a low growl as she spoke to the baby she now found herself holding, Prue turned her attention to the teacher “She’s my sister”

“Ok, so how on earth did she”

Prue cut her off “I’ve no idea, it seems to be her speciality, finding bother! Can we take her back?”

Mrs Johnson shook her head, “We’re too far out, if we go back now we’ll never make it to the woods”

“Great! Just great! So what’s going to happen? Do I have to take her home?”

“No Prue, we wouldn’t expect you to do that you’re far too young to be travelling around the city on your own. I’ll ring your Mother see what she can suggest”

Prue felt her little sister squirming restlessly in her arms, she was bored now she needed to get down and investigate. All was right in little Phoebes world she now knew she was safe - Prue was there.

“It’s our Grandmother” Prue didn’t bother explaining she recited the number to the teacher as she made the call on her cell.

“No, no she’s fine. Would you like a word with Prue?”

Prue held her baby sister in one arm the phone in the other “Stop it! Stay still!” she glared at her sister daring her to make a fuss.

“Kay, still” Phoebe nodded solemnly as she stared into the angry eyes of her big sister.

“Grams! No!”

“I’m sorry Prue but the cars in the body shop there’s no option you’ll have to keep her with you” Penny had been frantic, she’d even called the police, of all the options that had been running through her mind this was by far the best outcome.

Prue let out a sigh of resignation “Fine!”

“Prue I’m just glad she’s safe, look after her honey try not to be too upset”

“Me talk!” Phoebe was grabbing for the phone

“No!” Prue kept the phone out of the baby’s reach; the trip had been disrupted enough now she just wanted to get on. Turning the phone off she handed it back to its owner.

“Me talk!!!!” Phoebe was frowning at her sister.

“No you shush!” Prue held her finger to her lips.

“No you shush!” Phoebe leaned forward and pushed her tiny finger onto Prue’s mouth.

Prue heard the sniggers of her classmates even Mrs Johnson was smiling.

Inwardly she groaned she knew this was just the start, trying to save face as much as possible Prue smiled at her friends “Entertaining isn’t she?” adding a very low “Not” as she returned to her seat, her baby sister firmly held in her arms.

Prue found herself looking into the big brown eyes of her baby sister, Phoebe was staring up at her a slight frown evident on the tiny brow.

“Pider?”

“No, no pider”

“Ittle pider?

Phoebes head was slightly to one side her eyebrows hiked up as she looked questioningly at her sister.

“Ok little pider” Prue let out a sigh of resignation, at least she wouldn’t have to sing! Lifting her hand up she spread the fingers “Quietly” Prue prodded her sister before she began.

“choirly” Her baby sister smiled as she lifted her tiny hand and placed the little fingers on Prue’s larger ones.

“Issy, bissy pider, kimbe up spout” Phoebes smile got even wider as she serenaded her sister with her favourite song “Dow wain, pider out!” The small baby clapped her hands in delight.

“Gain Poo! Gain!”

Prue rolled her eyes, slightly relieved that for at least the moment she was getting off so lightly, at least with little pider she only had to provide the additional hand! The big version involved them both doing the actions and singing along!

“What’s she doing?” Prue’s class mate leaned over the seat in front to get a good look.

“Her favourite song!” Prue grinned at her friend.

“Oh! Cute! Can I have a go?” Michelle Rogers leaned towards Prue’s little sister and smiled at her.

Phoebe stopped what she was doing for a moment and stared at the new face.

“Phoebe this is Michelle, can you say Michelle?”

Phoebe stared at her big sister as though she’d grown another head; she slowly shook her head “No”

“Can I play?” Michelle loved babies and she was intrigued by Prue’s little sister.

Phoebe stared back from under her hair her face was now serious, she felt Prue give her a slight nudge “Go on Phoebes, show Michelle how to do little pider”

“No”

Prue shook her head at Michelle “Sorry”

“Gardin”

“Oh ok!” Prue smiled at the little girl sat on her lap “Michelle hold your hand out palm up”

Michelle did as she was told, she watched as Phoebe carefully put her tiny index finger on the centre of her hand.

“Wound and wound a gardin! Like Teddy Bear!” Phoebe let out a little giggle getting excited at what was to come next “One tep! Two tep!” Phoebe moved her fingers up Michelle’s arm “Tiggy under THERE!”

Prue smiled as she listened to the big belly laugh coming from her baby sister she gave her a slight hug “Your turn!”

Phoebe giggled as she held her tiny hand out her eyes were wide as Prue played her fingers in a circle on the palm “Round and round the garden like a teddy bear! One step! Two Steps! Tickly under there!” Phoebe squealed in delight as her big sister tickled her under the arm.

“She’s so cute Prue!” Some of the other kids had begun to gather around the sisters.

“She’s adorable!”

“How old is she?”

“Oh look! She’s gone all shy!”

Prue smirked at the last comment – no chance!

“Phoebe! Come and sit with me!” One of Prue’s friends who had met Phoebe before held her arms out.

“Kay!” Phoebe beamed at her new friend and held her arms up “Bye” Phoebe opened and closed her fist in the general direction of her sister.

Prue shook her head “Unbelievable!”

Mrs Johnson raised her voice as she spoke to the group of excited children who had just scrambled off the bus.

“Alright children! Before we start on the trail anyone who needs the bathroom go now. Prue we can hire a stroller from the shop” The teacher smiled as she turned her attention to the eleven year old who was doing her best to keep her baby sister still “Do you need to get her anything? Diapers, special food?”

Phoebe stopped fidgeting suddenly aware that the conversation was about her.

“No she’s fine; she’s out of diapers now”

Phoebe stared intently at the teacher “Me big girl” she began fiddling with her shorts managing to pull the waistband of her panties into view “See!” Prue froze wandering what would come next “Like Poo!” Prue felt herself go hot “anties like Poo!”

Prue felt like she would die as she listened to the laughter of her classmates, even Mrs Johnson was laughing “That’s very good Phoebe”

Phoebe beamed as she looked around at all the smiling faces; she was having a great time totally oblivious to her big sisters embarrassment.

Prue shook it off, grabbing her sister she picked her up and glared at her “I’ll just take her to the bathroom, be right back”

“Poo mad?” Phoebe clumsily stroked her big sisters hair as she landed a kiss on the tip of her nose.

Prue growled, her baby sister knew just how to get her to melt “No”

Phoebe beamed “I good girl?”

“Yes, you’re a good girl. Are you going to be good in the bathroom for me?”

Phoebe grabbed her sister round the neck and held tight “Yes”

Prue led the little girl into the stall, when Phoebe finished Prue readjusted her clothing and praised her “That’s a good girl, now stand there and don’t touch anything”

Phoebe gave her big sister a huge smile as she poked herself in the chest “Good girl”

“Yes you are, that was a very good girl” Prue rolled her eyes all this fuss!

Phoebe did as she was told she stood still while Prue took her turn, “Good girl! Thas a good girl!!!” Phoebe clapped her hands at her sister “Sush good girl Poo!”

Prue wanted to die! She knew some of the other girls had followed them in; there was no way they wouldn’t have heard!

Prue led her little sister to the wash basin three of her friends were there laughing “Such a good girl Prue”

Prue felt the blush creeping up her face – god! Could this day get any worse! She watched as Phoebe beamed back at them “And me!”

The three girls laughed even louder “Yes! Especially you!” one of them poked the baby in the stomach and made her laugh.

“Oh chill out Prue!” One of the other girls was laughing at her friend’s discomfort “She’s funny!”

Prue smiled back she knew her friends meant no harm, they were enjoying the novelty of having a baby around, she wondered how funny they’d think she was if they had her all the time!

Prue led her little sister back to the group; she frowned when she saw the stroller, dam! This is what she hated, why for once couldn’t she have a normal day out like the rest of her friends! Once again she would be set apart, forced to play the adult.

Mrs Johnson noticed the frown on the young girls face, Prue looked visibly upset “Everything ok Prue?”

Prue nodded “Yeah just great”

Detecting the resignation in the oldest Halliwells voice Mrs Johnson called her over.

“Prue what’s wrong? I know this isn’t what you expected but nobody minds”

“It’s not that” Prue looked down at the floor she felt close to tears, tears of guilt and disappointment.

“So what is it?”

“I, its just, I mean I love her and all it’s just that she’s always there.”

The young teacher looked confused “I don’t understand”

Prue felt her bottom lip tremble “Since Mum died” her voice was a whisper “I’ve always got one of them with me. I just wanted today, I” Prue faltered this was stuff she would never normally talk about “I wanted to be like everyone else, now I’ve got a baby and a stroller”

“Oh Prue! I didn’t realise I am sorry!” Mrs Johnson wrapped a gentle arm around the young girl’s shoulders, “Look we are where we are, I’m sorry about your day but look at her”

Prue followed the direction of her teachers gaze, Phoebe was surrounded by the other kids clearly delighted to have such a big audience, bouncing up and down from her knees she was giggling loudly “Mals! Amemals!” Phoebe clapped her hands “AMEMALS!”

“I’ve never had anyone so excited about one of my trips before!” Mrs Johnson laughed at the antics of the baby girl.

“Someone told her there were animals she could feed” Prue gave her teacher a slight smile.

“Look Prue why don’t I take the stroller, she looks happy enough running along, I’ll put the bag with lunch in it I don’t mind it’ll save me carrying it and then when she’s tired we’ll pop her in and she can have a sleep”

Prue wasn’t going to pass up on this kind offer “You sure you don’t mind?”

Mrs Johnson gave the worried girl a big smile “Not at all. From what I’ve seen you’ll need both hands free to keep up with the little one. She’s quite a handful!”

Prue let out a laugh “You’ve no idea!”

“Dolly!! Look dolly!” Phoebe held her doll up as she stood on tip toe “Birdie!” Phoebe looked around frantically through the sea of faces searching for the one she wanted to share this wonderful adventure with “POOOOO!”

Prue smiled as she saw the excited face of her baby sister “Poo look” Phoebe was pointing to the wire enclosure she could see the brightly coloured pelicans, “Birdie Poo!”

Prue reached down and picked the little girl up “Yes, big birdie say pelican”

“Pel - can”

Prue smiled at her sister, it was close enough “Very good, do you want to go inside and see some more birdies”

Phoebe practically bounced out of her arms “Yes! More birdies! More birdies! Like birdies!”

“I know you do!” Prue laughed at her little sister’s excitement.

“In Poo! Now Poo! Go Poo!” Phoebe was pointing to the door the pelicans already forgotten she was ready to move on to her next adventure.

“Ok, but you need to be quiet”

“Why?”

“Some of the birdies might be sleeping”

“Kay” Phoebe put her index finger first to her own lips then to her big sisters “Shhhhh”

Prue smiled “Yes shhhh!”

Phoebe turned her attention to her dolly “Shhh dolly, no wake birdies!”

“Good girl, you ready then?”

Phoebe nodded her head as her big sister carried her through.

“Poo look!” Phoebe’s voice was a whisper, she had one arm around her sisters neck while she pointed to the parrots in the corner; the handlers had brought them out allowing the visiting children to hold them on their arms.

“Me have?” Phoebe was still whispering into Prue’s ear.

Prue let out a quiet laugh “I think they’re a bit big for you honey. Why don’t we just get a bit closer?”

“Kay” Phoebe nodded her head in agreement her eyes shining with excitement as her sister carried her towards the brightly coloured birds.

“Birdie!” Phoebe gave the bird handler her best smile.

“Hello sweetie!” The young man smiled first at Phoebe then her young guardian.

“Me hold?” Phoebe’s smile filled her little face.

“I think they might be a bit heavy for you honey, is this your sister?”

“Poo”

Prue smiled “Prue”

“Well hello Prue, would you like to hold one?”

Prue nodded shyly “Phoebes can I put you down for a minute while I hold the big birdie?”

Phoebe looked uncertain, she wasn’t sure if this was a good idea.

“Kay” Phoebe felt herself being placed on the floor.

Prue stepped forward and allowed the bird trainer to put the blue and red parrot on her arm.

“Wow! He’s heavy!” Prue’s face lit up “Look Phoebes isn’t he lovely?”

Little Phoebe nodded her head “Me stoke?”

Prue looked uncertain but the trainer was nodding “As long as you’re gentle”

Prue cringed – this could go either way!

“Very gentle Phoebes, look just use the back of your finger as gentle as you can” Prue ran her finger over the parrot’s chest “Ok baby very gentle you don’t want to scare him do you?”

“No” Phoebe shook her head in agreement, Prue very carefully knelt down to her baby sisters height, leaning forward very slowly little Phoebe copied her big sister, she was being so careful she’d stopped breathing, her mouth was wide open she was totally focused.

This was a true Kodak moment! Mrs Johnson raised her camera and snapped the two sisters. It was the perfect picture.

“Bye bye pawett”

Phoebe back in her big sisters arms waved at the big bird.

Prue smiled as she kissed the little girl, it was at times like this that Prue just knew she wouldn’t swop her for anything.


“Where now? Where now?” Phoebe’s brow was furrowed as she questioned her sister.

“I don’t know Phoebes just wait and see!” Prue rolled her eyes.

“Down!”

Prue took a deep breath and set Phoebe down; her feet had hardly touched the ground when she went scampering off.

“Phoebe! Not too far!” Prue growled at her friend Kim “Might as well talk to that tree!”

Kim laughed at the expression on Prue’s face “She’s lovely Prue”

Prue gave her friend a lop sided grin “Maybe” Prue paused for a moment “Yes you’re right especially when she’s asleep!”

Kim smiled at her friend “she is quite lively thought isn’t she?”

Prue nodded “Never stops, she even has little power naps. Most babies have a couple of hours in the afternoon, not her! Twenty minutes tops then she’s off again. Grams reckons she’s scared of missing out”

Prue’s friend let out a little giggle “No chance of that – look at her!”

“PHOEBE!” Prue raised her voice as she realised what her little sister was up to “PHOEBE – get your hand out of there right NOW!”

Prue watched in exasperation as her tiny sister stared back at her a look of defiance stamped right across her face “No! Mnm’s”

“Phoebe! Goats don’t eat M’n’M’s! Now get your hand out right now!”

Phoebes face darkened as she glared at her big sister “No!”

“Phoebe I won’t tell you again!”

Phoebe hesitated slightly, she could tell by the tone Prue wasn’t messing, still she was two years old it was her job to push the boundaries.

Prue narrowed her eyes “Phoebe he’ll bite you! Now move those fingers!”

Phoebe bit on the inside of her lip a characteristic she’d picked up off Piper.

“Right!”

Phoebe jumped as she realised Prue was making a bee line for her; she quickly snatched her fingers away from the mesh fence.

“God! She looks so like you!” Kim was laughing now at the expression on the baby’s face, her mouth was set in a straight line her little brow was furrowed.

“Don’t you dare!” Prue watched as Phoebe very slowly, yet deliberately put her fingers closer to the fence.

Phoebe didn’t break her gaze her eyes locked with those of her sister as she pushed her hand through the wire.

“I warned you!” Prue grabbed her little sister’s wrist and slapped her hand hard.

Little Phoebe’s bottom lip began to tremble, the big brown eyes filled with tears.

“Oh god!” Prue knew what was coming she watched as the mouth opened wide and the bawling began.

“Pooooooo!” Phoebe sounded pitiful she held her arms up as the tears streamed down her face.

“Come here” Prue leaned down and hauled her crying sister into her arms “It’s alright, stop now” Prue dabbed at the wet cheeks “See it’s alright now”

Phoebe put both of her chubby little arms around her big sisters neck and snuggled in “Poooooo”

Prue rocked her little sister “It’s a wonder you’ve got any fingers left, some of the places you stick them!”

“Aww Prue!” Kim was watching as the tiny girl started to calm, apart from the odd sniffle Phoebe didn’t made a sound “Aww look!”

Little Phoebe Halliwell lay her head on Prue’s shoulder and lifted her stinging hand to her big sisters mouth, the tears trickled silently down her tiny face.

Prue held the small hand to her lips and kissed it “There all better?”

She heard her baby sister sniff “Gain”

Prue dutifully kissed the offered hand yet again.

“That better?”

“Yes” Phoebe sniffed a bit more “Poo wuv Beebee?”

“Yes” Prue gave her little sister a cuddle “Very much”

Prue felt Phoebes other hand push against her mouth it took her a second to realise Phoebe was feeding her the M’n’M’s she’d been trying to give to the goat.

Prue let out a little laugh as she grabbed Phoebes hand and pretended to eat the fingers the small baby was soon squealing in delight the earlier upset completely forgotten.

“What will I do with you?” Prue held her little sister high in the air then brought her down for a kiss.

“Gain Poo! Gain!”

Prue laughed as she listened to the baby’s distinctive giggle it was always one extreme or the other with her little sister, she was either good or bad, happy or sad!

“Come on then trouble its time for lunch”

“I no tuble I Beebee”

Prue wrinkled her nose at the puzzled looking child “Same thing”

“Oh”

Prue let out a little giggle – as she picked her sister up and headed for the picnic area, she headed for the table where Kim and Michelle were sitting they’d saved a space for the Halliwell sisters.

“Just sit on my knee while you eat your sandwich”

“No! There!” Phoebe pointed to the space between Prue and Kim

“No on my knee! You’ll only make a mess!”

“No! I there!” Phoebes face clouded over as she stared at her sister her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

Prue let out a long growl, not wanting a scene she picked the toddler up and dumped her into the space she was pointing to “There! Now you better be good!”

Phoebe ignored her sister and turned her attention and best smile to Kim “I good girl”

Prue shook her head she had a bad feeling about this whole thing, she broke up a sandwich and gave a piece to her little sister.

“No! Big sam itch!”

Prue took a deep breath thrusting her own sandwich into her little sisters hand she took the small piece back and ate it herself, she watched as the tiny child struggled to push it into her mouth.

“Phoebe, let me break it up”

“I kay!”

Kim let out a low laugh “Determined isn’t she?”

“Oh yes!”

The older girls watched as Phoebe stuck the sandwich into her mouth.

“Not too much Phoebe you’ll choke”

Prue ran her hand through her hair; she was quickly becoming agitated watching her baby sister’s antics.

“Chill Prue! Look she’s ok” Michelle indicated with her eyes as Phoebe chewed happily on the corner of the sandwich.

“I…………………big girl”

“Don’t speak with your mouth full!”

Once again Prue found herself being ignored as Phoebe played to her audience, she watched nervously as Phoebe made a clumsy grab for the orange juice carton “Careful!”

Prue beat her baby sister to it and snatched it out of her way.

“Mine!” Phoebe stared indignantly at her big sister.

“Just let me hold it other wise you’ll get juice everywhere!”

“No! Mine!”

“Phoebe look, just put the straw in your mouth and suck, I’ll hold it for you”

“MINE!”

“Aghhh!” Prue gave up “Here then have it” Phoebe grabbed at it with both hands and squeezed Prue watched in horror as the orange juice shot straight up the straw and out. Phoebe managed to miss herself completely the juice went all over her big sisters new white t-shirt.

“PHOEBE!”

“Poo, make mess” Little Phoebe stared at her sister her big brown eyes wide her face serious as she pointed to the mess that was Prue’s shirt.

“No! You little sod! You make mess!”

“Sod”

This couldn’t be happening! Prue was flustered, her shirt was soaked and stained, she’d sworn at her little sister and now it was the clearest word she could say.

Prue’s friends started giggling, it was the last straw for Prue she stood up and made a dash for the bathroom, locking herself into a stall Prue tried desperately to get her emotions under control. Taking a deep breath Prue counted very slowly to ten, she felt near to tears, her t-shirt was ruined and so was her day. Prue knew there wasn’t a lot she could do, she unbolted the door and took a handful of paper towels desperately trying to blot the huge stain, she threw them in the bin in disgust – it was useless.

“You ok Prue?” Mrs Johnson had seen what had happened and followed the youngster to the restroom.

“Yeah, fine”

“Lets see” Sue Johnson could tell by Prue’s voice she was battling, once more trying to suppress her feelings.

Prue turned around so the teacher could see the full extent of the damage.

“Not a lot we can do with that honey, luckily I’ve brought a couple of spare t-shirts in case of accidents”

“What? From the charity pile?”

“They’re just plain t-shirts Prue, unless you want to wear your orange flavoured one?”

Prue rubbed at her face, her day was nothing like she’d planned, she’d started off this morning so excited, she’d taken a lot of time to pick out her clothes and now this, she shook her head not trusting herself to speak.

The young teacher smiled at her distraught pupil “There’s worse things Prue”

Prue felt the lump in her throat as she nodded her head in agreement “I know” Prue’s voice was thick with emotion she knew only too well, “I do know”

“Come on honey, it was an accident she’s just a baby”

Prue gave her teacher a half smile “So I keep getting told”

Prue took the offered t-shirt and quickly changed her top “Is she ok? Who’s got her?”

“Oh don’t worry about your sister, she’s fine last I saw of her she was having the time of her life, Kim and Michelle were clucking over her”

Prue let out a small laugh “Oh! She’ll like that; you may have noticed she likes a bit of attention”

Sue Johnson inwardly felt sad, this was so much for such a young girls shoulders, the eleven year old couldn’t even stay mad at her baby sister, she immediately had to go back into protective mode, outwardly she smiled as she put her arm around Prue’s shoulders and led her back to the group.

Prue heard her baby sister before she saw her, the babies screams of delight couldn’t help but make her smile, Prue felt herself calm down as she sat at the bench and observed the baby of the family.

Bored with her normal view of the world little Phoebe decided to take a look through her legs. Prue laughed as she watched Phoebe’s head appear between her knees the next second the baby was flat on her back after conducting an impromptu forward roll.

“I over! I over!”

Mrs Johnson joined in Prue’s laughter “Quite the entertainer isn’t she”

Prue nodded.

“She must wear you out”

Prue paused for a moment “She keeps me going”

The young teacher detected the sadness in the young girl’s voice; she stayed silent as the youngster continued.

“Her and Piper………..my other little sister……………everything was so sad” Prue felt the tears threatening the heavy lump in her throat “You know at first…………after Mum”

“It must have been awful Prue I, I can’t begin to imagine”

“It was, still is sometimes. But its getting better…………………….she was only one at the time, she didn’t know what had happened she kept crying” Prue bit on her lip “For her mamma…………………….still does now and then if she wakes up. I hate that, I don’t think its right, I wish I could stop it………………. a baby shouldn’t have such horrible dreams.”

Sue Johnson let the young girl continue, she had become fond of Prue over the last few months she knew this was unusual, Prue never let her feelings show she was only now beginning to appreciate just how much the young girl had gone through.

“She drives me mad but she makes me laugh, she makes the bad times better”

The conversation was cut short when Phoebe spotted Prue, the toddler hurled herself at her big sister who just about got her arms out in time to catch her.

“Kiss Poo!” Phoebe was kneeling on her big sisters knee her arms around her neck.

Prue smiled and kissed her baby sisters neck she knew that was one of Phoebes tickle points Phoebe didn’t let her down she squealed in delight.

“I Firsty” Phoebe pointed at herself and frowned “Me!”

Prue let out a little laugh “You are are you? I’m not surprised I ended up wearing most of it! Are you still hungry?”

Phoebe beamed proudly at her sister “big pit”

“Yes you are! A big bottomless pit!” Prue tickled her sister it made her laugh to hear the baby’s hearty chuckle eventually she stopped as Phoebe leaned in to kiss her.

“Wuv Poo!”

Prue’s face broke out into a big smile her baby sister could be so sweet.

“Wuv pawett!”

Prue and Sue Johnson couldn’t help themselves they both let out a little laugh, Prue smiled at her teacher “I won’t ask her who she loves the most!”

Prue put the toddler on the floor and held her hand out “Shall we go and get you a drink then? And maybe a little present for Piper”

Little Phoebe clapped her hands in delight she’d just heard two of her favourite words in one sentence ‘present and Piper’.

“Eyeper! Wuv Eyeper!”

Prue laughed “as much as you love the parrot?”

Phoebe held her hand out and gave her big sister a huge smile “Now?”

“Present now, Piper later”

Phoebe nodded in agreement “Kay”

On reaching the shop Phoebe’s eyes went wide “Pawetts! Poo! Pawetts!”

Prue looked in the direction her little sister was pointing – sure enough there was a huge display of cuddly parrots. Phoebe squirmed in her desperation to get to them “My Pawetts!”

Prue shook her head “Not everything is yours!”

Phoebe looked solemn as she stared at her sister “Mine? I see?”

“Not yours, but you can see” Prue couldn’t help but smile at the delighted expression on her baby sisters face.

“Awwww….baby pawett!” Phoebe picked a red and blue toy parrot up and rocked it in her arms. “Shhh birdie! Go seep!” Phoebe put the toy back down on its back.

Prue smiled at the cuteness of her sister, Phoebe held her hand out “Eyeper?”

“Yes, a present for Piper, what shall we get?”

“Well that was easy!” Kim smiled at her friend “My little cousin would have had a fit by now, he’d have been having a right old temper tantrum if he couldn’t have the parrot” Kim laughed.

Prue grinned at her friend “She has her moments but not about stuff like that, she’s pretty good really”

“Awww, can’t you get her one?”

Prue frowned “I’d love to but if I did I wouldn’t have much to spend on Piper, and she’s been a bit down lately I wanted to surprise her and cheer her up” Prue felt guilty as she looked down into the huge brown eyes that were staring up at her “You don’t mind do you baby?” Prue hoisted the little girl into her arms.

“Eyeper?”

Prue kissed the little girl “Yes honey, something for Piper”

“Ice?”

“Yes something very nice”

“Ted bear?”

Prue smiled at her baby sister “That sounds like a plan, will you help me pick one?”

Prue carried her little sister over to the teddy bear stand “Which one Pheebes?”

“Dat” Phoebe pointed at a medium sized bear it was wearing a hat and scarf.

“Aww! That’s cute honey! Well picked!” Prue picked the bear up, it was soft and floppy she knew Piper would love it.

“Eyeper?”

“Yes baby for Piper” Prue led her sister over to the counter to pay when she felt the slight tug on her hand.

“Poo!”

Prue smiled there was a display of finger puppets, the bear was going to take up most of Prue’s money but she reckoned she’d just about have enough to get Phoebe a small gift too.

“Would you like one Pheebes?”

Phoebes face lit up “Me?”

“Yes you! Pick one out”

It was no surprise to Prue when Phoebe made a beeline for the red and blue parrot as the girls stood in line to pay Prue slipped it onto her finger.

“Hello! Hello!”

“Pawett! Talk!” Phoebe stared intently at Prue’s finger.

“My names Paddy!”

Kim burst out laughing “I thought parrots were all called Polly”

“We like to be different” Prue smiled at her friend as she turned her attention back to her little sister “What’s your name?” Prue moved the finger puppet in her little sister’s direction.

“Beebee!” Phoebe’s smile filled her face.

“Can you say hello to Paddy the Parrott Pheebes?”

“Lo Addy Pawett!”

Prue laughed – this would keep her little sister entertained for hours!

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

Piper Halliwell watched as her big sister stepped off the bus she had a sleepy looking Phoebe on one arm and a back pack slung over her shoulder.

“Hey Pipe! This is a nice surprise! I thought you were going to your friends”

“No”

Prue raised her eyebrows and looked at her Grandmother

“Piper’s been a bit naughty today so she’s had to stay at home with me”

“Oh!” Prue couldn’t help but sound surprised out of the three sisters Piper was the one that gave the least bother “What have you been up to then?”

“Nothing”

“Okaaaaaayyy!” Prue rolled her eyes.

“Take no notice Prue” Penny leaned forward and took her youngest granddaughter into her arms “Did you have a good time despite the unexpected guest?”

Prue let out a little laugh “Eventful!”

“And how about you my darling? Did you enjoy yourself with Prue?”

Phoebe yawned as she buried her head into her grandmothers neck “I’ll take that as a yes!”

Now that Prue’s hands were free she put an arm around her other little sister’s shoulder “What’s with the face?”

Prue was more than a little surprised when she felt Piper shrug her off.

“Pipe?”

“Leave me alone!”

“I think she’s feeling a bit left out Prue”

“What?! Why? It’s not like I planned it” Prue looked at the retreating back of her middle sister.

Prue frowned at her Grandmother “There’s always something!”

Penny couldn’t help but smile Prue sounded so much older than her eleven years!

“Piper! Come on stop being such a brat!”

The seven year old was sat on the sofa arms crossed clearly at odds with the world.

“Piper! It’s not like I wanted Phoebe along!”

“Still went though didn’t she” Pipers mouth was twisted as she glared at her big sister.

“Yes! But only because there was no other choice! Come on Pipe! I’d much rather it had been you, you know what she’s like…………….it was embarrassing!”

“Eyeper sad?” a sleepy looking Phoebe toddled over to the sofa “Eyeper sad?”

“Just go away Phoebe!” Piper glared at her baby sister she was in no mood to humour her

“Addy Pawett” Phoebe continued with her clumsy attempt to cheer her big sister up.

“I said GO AWAY!”

“Piper! Don’t shout at her like that!”

Little Phoebes bottom lip was trembling she had no idea what she’d done she just knew that her sister was angry.

“Pawett?” Phoebe offered her sister her most treasured possession her eyes were wide as she waited for Piper to accept the peace offering.

It was too much for Piper she snatched the parrot from her little sister’s hand and threw it across the room.

Little Phoebe was stunned, her big brown eyes brimmed with tears, once again her little lip began to tremble.

“PIPER!” Prue was furious “She’s only a baby! She was trying to cheer you up!”

“Bahhhhhhhh! Bahhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

“It’s ok Pheebes, look he’s alright” Prue had picked the parrot up “Look he flew! Its what birdies do….he’s ok”

Phoebes sobs began to subside as she reached out for her new friend, she held him carefully in the palm of her left hand while she gently stroked him with her right index finger.

Piper jumped up off the sofa still not done “It’s just a dumb puppet!”

“Piper! Stop it! It’s not Phoebes fault!”

“I know that! I know it’s not her fault! How can it be? She’s just a stupid, dumb, baby!” Piper’s voice was dripping with sarcasm; she’d been bottling this in all day the seven year old was now ready to explode.

Prue watched in amazement as Piper practically bounced up the stairs the slamming of her bedroom door could be heard all around the Manor. Looking down she was met by the steady gaze of her baby sister.

“Eyeper mad?”

Prue felt the slight tug around her mouth; she leaned down and picked her baby sister up “Yes honey, you could say that”

“Addy sore”

Prue frowned as she looked at the toy lying across Phoebes hand “Where?”

“Is sore” Phoebe pointed to the broken beak.

“Aww baby! He’ll be alright I promise! I’ll make him better”

Phoebe shook her head “No sore?”

“Not when I’ve fixed him”

Prue smiled at the puzzled expression on the toddlers face “You put Paddy to bed, and by the morning he’ll be all better again”

Phoebe nodded her head “Or better?”

Prue planted a kiss on her baby sister’s cheek “Yes…………all better”

Little Phoebe had every faith in her big sister “Kay”

“Okay baby girl!” Prue raised her sister above her head and gently shook her “How about you go and see Grams while I have words with that sister of ours!”

Prue smiled at the babies giggles “Gams!”

“Yes Grams!” Prue brought her back down and gave her a kiss putting her on the floor she pointed her in the right direction and gave the toddler a playful pat on her bottom “Go on!”

“GAMS! GAMMY!!!”

Prue smiled as she listened to the excited two year old.

“Right! One down one to go!” Prue quickly ran up to the middle sister’s bedroom “Piper! Can I come in?”

“No go away!”

Prue rolled her eyes – she was only being polite!! “I’m coming in”

Piper glared at her sister as she entered the room “Why ask then?”

“Piper don’t start! I’ve just come up to talk to you. That was really mean what you did to Phoebe”

Piper rolled over, her back to her sister.

“Piper! Look at me when I’m talking to you!”

“It was just a dumb puppet!”

“That’s not the point and you know it!” Prue was getting annoyed now her little sister wasn’t even sorry, “And do you know why she got a dumb puppet?” Prue was still talking to her sisters back “Because I spent most of my money on a present for you! I didn’t have enough money to get her the big cuddly parrot she fell in love with!” Prue took a deep breath “That’s why she ended up with a dumb puppet!”

“Just leave me alone, go back to Phoebe it’s where you’ve been all day”

Prue sat down on the side of the bed “Piper! I’ve already explained! I didn’t take her she sneaked onto the bus!”

Prue rolled her eyes Piper refused to respond “Piper! Come on I was looking forward to this trip – you know just me and my friends no way I wanted to look after a baby all day!.......................................................Piper?”

Prue was at a loss, this was so out of character “Pipe?”

Prue felt the bed shake slightly, then she heard the sob “Oh Piper! Don’t!” Prue rubbed the back of her crying sister “Please don’t get upset!”

Piper buried her head in her pillow as the sobbing took hold.

“Piper come here” Prue easily pulled her little sister into her arms.

“I was scared!”

“Why? What were you scared about?” Prue brushed the hair back from her sister’s wet face.

“That you wouldn’t come …….” Piper gulped some air in “Back”

“Why would you think that?!” Prue could see that the seven year old was clearly distraught from the looks of things she’d been like this all day.

“I was nauht…………..naughty”

It was starting to make sense now.

“Piper you can be naughty, it doesn’t mean that people don’t come back, I’ll always come back”

“Mum didn’t” Pipers big brown eyes stared into her older sisters blue ones.

“But that wasn’t because you were naughty. It was an accident babe, nothing to do with you”

“But if I’d been good”

Prue shook her head “It wouldn’t have made any difference”

“I didn’t mean to, I was upset because you and Phoebe went on a trip without me. I don’t know why I did it Prue………………………..honest I don’t”

Prue held her sister as she continued

“I was mad….I ripped up some of my books”

“And you thought something bad would happen?”

Piper nodded her head “I thought something would happen to you and Pheebes”

“No” Prue smiled “Nothing……………………only the usual……………….. your little sister making a show of your big sister. Piper you’re seven years old it’s normal you will do things you’re not supposed to do its part of growing up”

Piper wiped at her face, she was starting to feel better “So it’s ok to get mad and be naughty?”

Prue smiled “Yes, sometimes its fun…………….just now and again though, not all the time eh?”

Piper grinned at her big sister she felt so much better “So? What did she do?”

Prue let out a laugh “What didn’t she do?!”

Penny Halliwell was standing outside the bedroom door she’d heard the last part of the girls’ exchange, she smiled at the baby in her arms she’d spoken to Sue Johnson and was well aware of the day Prue had had.

“You my little angel have got a lot to answer for”

Little Phoebe beamed proudly at her grandma.

“Go on honey, I think they’re ready for you now” Penny set the youngster down and pushed her towards the bedroom door.

“Eyeper! Poo!”

Penny smiled at the surprise and joy evident in Phoebe’s voice.

“Phoebe!!!” Piper sounded pleased to see her baby sister, she was anxious to make amends and make a fuss of the baby girl.

Prue smiled as she watched Phoebe run to the middle sister “Eyeper sad?”

“No” Piper lifted the tiny child onto the bed “Piper happy”

“Ted bear!” Phoebe was clutching Pipers present close to her chest.

“Are you going to give Piper her present?” Prue poked her baby sister in the tummy.

“Ted bear! Eyeper!” Phoebe looked delighted as she clumsily thrust the teddy into the middle sister’s hands.

“Oh! I love him!” Piper kissed both of her sisters “Thank you! Thank you so much! He’s perfect!”

“Addy?” Phoebe looked sad as she held the broken parrot in her hand.

“Oh Pheebes! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! Addy’s lovely too!”

Prue smirked “It’s Paddy”

“Did I do that?” Piper pointed at the broken beak.

“Poo fix!”

Prue smiled at her sisters “Don’t worry Piper, she won’t know the difference”

Prue laughed as Phoebe held the broken parrot to Pipers lips, Piper smiled as she kissed its beak “That better?”

“Gain!”

Prue leaned across and grabbed the baby, pulling up the tiny t-shirt Prue blew a huge raspberry on the exposed belly.

The older Halliwells laughed as their baby sisters gurgles got louder and louder.

“Gain!”

Prue held the little girl high in the air “Don’t you ever stop?!”


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

“Come here my darling come and have a cuddle with your Grams!”

Prue grinned as she slid onto the sofa next to her Grandmother; she felt the arms around her and basked in the safety and love that her Grandmother gave her.

“Was it really that bad?”

Prue let out a little giggle “No”

“So you didn’t really mind?”

“I did, at first” Prue pulled a face “Its Phoebe isn’t it? She can be so annoying one minute and then the next she’s well” Prue laughed again “She’s just Phoebe!”

“I know its hard on you honey, I know you do a lot for your sisters, and I’m sorry about that” Penny kissed the top of her oldest granddaughters head “I’m sorry you had to grow up so fast”

Penny felt Prue push closer “Its ok, I don’t mind………………..at least not most of the time. I love them Grams it’s just sometimes…………..” Prue paused

“You just want to be you? You just want to play like your friends and not worry?”

Penny felt the tear land on the back of her hand, she turned Prue around and pulled her onto her lap “I know honey………..I know…………………are they friends again now?”

Prue let out a laugh “They were! Right up until I gave them a bath and Phoebe poured a container of water over Pipers head!”

Penny smiled at her granddaughter “I dread to think what she’ll be like when she gets older!”

“Same as she is now, just bigger” Prue paused “and hopefully easier to understand”

Penny cuddled her granddaughter “I love you Prue”

“I love you Grams………… goodnight” Prue kissed her grandmothers cheek and stood up.

“Night honey”

The eleven year old sneaked into the bedroom her kid sisters shared, Phoebes cot was empty the tiny tot had climbed out and was laying with her sister, she was sprawled diagonally across the bed while Piper was pushed into a tiny space on the edge.

“How can something so small take up so much space?” Prue whispered as she leaned down and picked the sleeping baby up; taking a minute to cuddle the baby girl, she ran a hand over the soft curls and savoured the smell of baby powder and shampoo, Prue smiled as the tiny mouth opened and closed searching for a pacifier.

“Not such a big girl now are you baby?” Prue retrieved the treasured possession and popped it into her sisters mouth, reaching down Prue managed to reposition Piper without waking her, she put Phoebe back to bed and smiled as she watched Piper reach out in her sleep and wrap a protective arm around their baby sister. Prue let out a low sigh; she still had that dam parrot to fix before she could go to bed!

Penny watched from the doorway a slight smile on her face, she felt more content than she’d been for months. Her granddaughters were beginning to mend. Today had been a breakthrough, for the first time since their Mothers death the oldest two had confronted their inner thoughts and feelings, the youngest inadvertently helping them to find their way. There was no doubt that the three young girls had a hard path in front of them but Penny knew with absolute certainty that their love and overwhelming protectiveness for each other would see them through


THE END