CHARMED
"The Pookah"
By J. B. Tilton
Email: K
Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
(Authors note: This story takes place between season 2 episodes "Murphy's Luck " and "How To Make A Quilt Out Of Americans".)
Phoebe starts seeing a young boy invading the manor who is apparently trying to learn about the Charmed Ones.
ONE
Phoebe locked the door to the car and looked around the neighborhood. It was becoming something of a habit with her. In the last year and a half she had learned that many things she once thought of as only myths or legends actually existed. Demons, shape changers, warlocks, and many other creatures she once believed were nothing more than someone's imagination actually were real. One of the aspects of being a Charmed One.
The street seemed to be as quiet as usual. It really wasn't so surprising to her. The demons that assailed them rarely attacked in broad daylight. Still, she felt it was best if she didn't take any chances. And her time in New York had taught her to always be aware of her surroundings.
Mrs. Rooney was busy tending to her garden as usual. That's where she spent the biggest part of her day. Her husband was retired and their children all lived in other parts of the country. And she had the most beautiful yard on the block. Phoebe just smiled to herself and headed into the house. It was a nice, quiet, peaceful afternoon with no demons in sight.
As Phoebe entered the manor a small boy stepped out from behind a tree in the next yard. He appeared to be about eight years old and was wearing blue jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers. He all but ignored Mrs. Rooney across the street. He stood looking at the Halliwell manor.
After a moment the young boy turned and headed toward the manor. When he came to the hedges that surrounded the property he didn't stop. He kept walking straight towards them. Then, as if they didn't exist, he simply passed through the hedges. He walked around the back of the house and disappeared behind it.
"I filled the tank for you," Phoebe said, handing the car keys to Piper. "Thanks for letting me borrow it. And just as I promised, tomorrow I'll do the shopping for you."
"Great," said Piper, handing her a piece of paper. "Here's a list of the things we need. I really appreciate it, Pheebs. The club is taking up a lot more of my time than I thought it would."
"No problem, sis," said Phoebe. "You really are enjoying being your own boss, aren't you?"
"Sure," said Piper. "No one to answer to, I can work when I want, and I get to have things the way I want them. I don't have to listen to some moron who has no idea what he's doing decide how things should be."
"Work when you want?" Phoebe questioned. "It seems to me you're working more now than when you were working at Quake."
"There's a lot to do to running a club," said Piper. "Leo's been a big help. The building needed a lot more work than I first realized. He's been helping get it fixed up for me."
"So," said Phoebe, "how are things going between the two of you?"
"On hold for the moment," said Piper. "I need to deal with Dan first. I don't want to hurt him but it's not fair to keep stringing him along. And if I'm going to break up with him I need to do that face to face. I just haven't found the right moment, that's all."
"You will," said Phoebe. "I didn't mean to stir up anything. Anyway, anything special I need to get at the store tomorrow?'
"Just make sure you get some fresh spices, not those canned ones," said Piper. "Those may be fine for Mary Homemaker but I need mine to be as fresh as possible."
"Aye, aye, captain," said Phoebe, giving Piper an exaggerated salute. "Well, I think I'll go upstairs and change. Will dinner be ready soon?"
"Yeah," said Piper. "Prue will be home in a bit and we can all sit down and have a nice quiet dinner for a change."
"Great," said Phoebe. "I'll see you in a bit then."
As Piper went back to preparing dinner, Phoebe headed for her room on the second story.