Prue watched as Piper sat with some of the kids in her class. Everyone from the school was at the game, and even some like Prue who didn't go there any more, but had in the past and wanted to see their old alumni make it to the playoffs and beat the school that wins every year.
Prue smiled knowing Piper was getting along with the other kids in her grade and coming out of her shell a little. She had been trying to get her to go to more school activities and play with her classmates. But Piper always seemed to have her nose in a book of some sort. Or helping Grams with something.
Suddenly Piper stood up with her new friends as every one shouted as Phoebe drew a penalty card. She had made a legal slid kick to the same girl that hit her the day before. Or at least they though it was legal. The ref. saw otherwise, and as the crowd cheered her on she was in his face and argued with him.
Piper sat back down and watched her little sister finally get a red card and tossed from the game. Though she knew at that time it didn't matter. The game was already won and there was only a few more minutes left. Phoebe had done the needed damage to the other side and was nearly pulled off the field by her coach.
Prue laughed at her sister but was also ready to scold her for her dirty play. But like Piper she knew the game was over. And they would finish the season at the top of the school league, and the other team was out. That made everyone just as happy as the gun went off signalling the end of the game as the crowds rushed to the field.
Prue was walking towards Piper with her arm around Phoebe. "Piper we're heading for ice cream you coming?"
Piper looked at her sisters as they stopped in front of her but then turned slightly to Mark and his friends. "I'll pass this time Prue. Thanks though."
"Oh Piper." Phoebe whined as she looked up at her older sister.
"Phoebe I sad no. Good game though kiddo. Till you got tossed. "
"Legal kick." She smiled mischievously, though she knew full well, she was wrong in doing what she did.
"Sure" Piper replied as she looked up at Prue, "I'll see you at home later."
"Sure Pipe. Have fun." Prue said as she and Phoebe turned towards the parking lot.
Piper turned a round a few seconds later to see Andy lifting Phoebe up to his shoulders as the three of them laughed and carried on with each other.
Years past and life for the three sisters destined for something they didn't even know, let alone understand, continued, as it would for any set of siblings. Bickering here and there as Prue tried to protect her younger two sisters from anything and everything. Piper would remain always neutral in any battles between Prue and Phoebe. She constantly found herself defending both sisters to the other. Wish for that one-day it would all change, that a miracle that would bring them all together as one. But inside she knew it was a lot to wish for. Phoebe always the forever free spirit, getting into what she could find, and seemingly pushing both her older sisters to the limits, though especially Prue.
Piper walked hand in hand with Mark as they approached the Manor.
"I should let you go." Mark said as he pulled at Pipers hand stopping her from going any closer.
"Mark don't be silly. Prue doesn't even now about us, or care. She is always pushing me to get out more. And I have for the last five years." She stopped and turned towards him. And looked up into his blue eyes. "She can't stop us being together and even if she thought she could I wouldn't let her." She stepped closer as Mark leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, one that was followed with more feelings and passion.
"I should still let you go. No need to start something neither one of us want to get into or finish." He whispered as she pulled her close to him. He still remembered the day Prue found out about the two of them. She went ballistic. They agreed he wouldnt see Piper anymore, but when he told Piper she was more determined to make tehir relationship work, and not tell Prue
Piper watched as Mark made his way down the street. Her only wish was that Prue would truly let her be in her own life. But no, her big sister had seen it her mind that Mark was not good enough for her little sister. "Grams I'm home."
"She isn't here." Prue's voice came from the living room as Piper saw her sitting on the couch
"Oh well then, Prue I'm home."
"I see that. You're late." Prue had a feeling where her sister had been but didn't want to get into another sister fight. The one she had with Phoebe was enough to end her day.
Piper walked into the living room and sat across from Prue. "Sorry, I was studying for finals in the library."
"Just call next time." Prue spoke "Grams left us some chicken and she already made a salad and cooked up the potatoes."
"Great. So what you think a BBQ?"
"Sounds good. And when it's ready I'll get Phoebe."
"What happened?" Piper had noticed the absence of the youngest Halliwell as soon as she walked in the Manor
"Long story short or you want the whole story?"
"Short version please." Piper smiled knowing that when her sisters fought it was never anything small.
Prue sat back and told Piper what had happened with Phoebe at school and her attitude when she got home.
"Let her go for a bit Prue. She is just pushing for attention from you."
"It is so much more then that Piper. I can't let her out of my sight."
"Maybe you should try it." Piper said quietly, but enough for Prue to hear as she got up and started for the kitchen.
"Maybe." Prue responded quietly as she cast her eyes towards the stairs.
How long was it that they hid and covered for each other? It was the tell tale of sisterhood. A pact all of its own. A pact that no matter what happened they would defend and protect each other.
Piper leaned against Mark as they all sat on the beach, the bonfire sparking. "So you come here often?" Piper leaned back against him as she felt his arms wrap around her easily.
"Now and then with this girl I really like."
"I see. So maybe I should go and let you two alone."
Mark looked down at Piper, as he drew in closer to her, "Not tonight." He whispered as the light of the fire glowed around them as his lips met hers.
Piper felt content as she felt Marks arms around her as they lay on the blanket together.
"Piper I love you."
"I love you too Mark" she said as she rolled over and met his gaze, but as she did something caught her eye and forced her to jump back from Mark. "Mark look out!"
Her cries carried across the sand and the water as Mark spun around defending the one thing he had ever cared about.
Piper watched in shock as the creature she saw came from no where and Mark stood before it. She watched in horror as it slashed its talon like hand towards Mark before locking its eyes on her. As she turned and ran, it suddenly appeared in front of her again. Every step she took, there it was. She finally screamed as she felt its long talons strike her across the face and then nothing.
