CHARMED

"Old Flame"

By J. B. Tilton

email: K+ (for mild language)

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 3 episodes "Wrestling With Demons" and "Bride And Gloom".)

When an old friend arrives from New York to see Phoebe, the sisters learn the real reason Phoebe returned to San Francisco

ONE

Piper made one more check in the living room. She had looked for her keys everywhere she could think of. She was all ready half an hour late getting to the club. If she didn't find them soon she'd never get there in time to open the club on time. The new bartender was working out just fine but he wasn't ready to open by himself yet.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. It wasn't the normal type of knock Piper was used to. Most people knocked loudly but politely. Whoever this was seemed to be pounding on the door as hard as they could. Annoyed, Piper went to answer the door.

When she opened the door a young man stood leaning against the doorframe. He was in his mid twenties and was wearing blue jeans and a leather jacket. He was only an inch or two taller than Piper. His hair hung to his ears and he had several days' growth showing that he hadn't shaved. Sitting in the street in front of the manor was a large motorcycle.

"Can I help you?" Piper asked the young man.

"Whoa momma," said the man, looking Piper up and down, "you must be one of the sisters. I can see where Phoebe gets her looks from. I'll bet your mom was one foxy lady."

"Excuse me?" questioned Piper.

"Is Phoebe home?" asked the man.

"Not at the moment," said Piper. "I'm Piper. You're a friend of my sister?"

"Oh, I'm more than a friend if you know what I mean," said the man, winking at Piper. "Just call me Snake."

"Snake?" questioned Piper.

"Yeah," Snake said, trying to push his way into the manor. "I'll just wait inside for her."

Piper put her hand on the mans' chest keeping him from entering the house.

"I don't think so," said Piper. "Phoebe's not here. I'll tell her you stopped by though."

"Cool," said Snake. "I'll stop by later. She's going to love to see me. When she left New York I told her she'd be back within six months. Guess she got kinda tied up out here."

"You came all the way from New York just to see Phoebe?" Piper questioned.

"Sure," said Snake. "She's one hot babe. I figured she needed some time to herself. Now it's time we got back together. She can't do a thing without me."

"She might just surprise you," said Piper. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm late for work."

"Hey, a sweet looking babe like you shouldn't be working," said Snake moving up closer to Piper. "And there's enough Snake to go around."

"Okay, slow down there, Snake," said Piper. "I'm spoken for."

"That's a shame," said Snake. "What time will my Pheebs be home tonight?"

"Your Pheebs?" questioned Piper. "Frankly I don't know. But like I said, I'll be sure to tell her you stopped by."

"Great," said Snake. "Well, I need to gas up the old hog. I'll be back later to see Pheebs."

Piper just watched as Snake mounted his motorcycle and sped away from the manor. Shaking her head, Piper turned back into the manor. As she did she noticed her keys lying on the entryway table. Lying right next to her purse.

"That's right," she said to herself. "I put them next to my purse so I wouldn't loose them. I must be getting senile."

She picked up her purse and keys and went outside. Locking the front door behind her, she hurried down the walk to her car. Phoebe had been back from New York for over two years. And she had changed a great deal in those two years. Snake would not be the type of person she would want to associate with any longer.