Chapter Six- Instincts

The Next Day

"How do you think last night went?" Phoebe asked Piper as the two of them were grocery shopping.

"Well it was certainly interesting." Piper answered, then she smiled. "I don't know if it counts for much, but I liked him, Phoebe. Cole, I mean, he was very nice."

And he was. Piper had been trying to keep an open mind, but it had been hard since to Prue's instant dislike and Gram's disapproval were warring with Phoebe's adoration.

Yet, now she was convinced that Grams and Prue were wrong. She was sure that Cole was just what he seemed. A smart, charming, nice guy who seemed crazy about Phoebe.

That reminded her of something.

"What happened between him and Roger?" Piper asked. "I mean I saw them go out in the hall together, then Cole came back first. When Roger came back, he made it a point to avoid the two of yous, then he left as soon you guys were gone. What happened?"

Phoebe grinned. "I'm not sure. But what I do know is that Roger decided that Prue wasn't the only one to whom he'd tell lies about me. Cole didn't believe him and, from what he told me, gave him a warning."

Piper smiled. Cole had just earned a gold star in her book.

She had never been overly fond of Roger and she knew how unhappy he made Phoebe, especially since Prue always took his side.

So, she wasn't exactly upset to see him get his. And she also liked that Cole seemed to have protective instincts. It just added to the fact that he honestly seemed to be as crazy about Phoebe as she was about him.
* * * * *

"There's something about him that bothers me." Penny confided to her daughter's spirit.

"Mom," Patty said with a smile, "are you ever going to like anyone that they bring home?"

Penny frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you're very over-protective." Patty told her. "I know that you worry about Phoebe, I do to, but I think you should trust her instincts."

Penny sighed. "I know. But, Patty, she just always seem to get herself into trouble."

"You said yourself that she was changing." Patty pointed out. "That over-night she seemed more responsible and mature. Maybe it's because of this Cole fellow, and if that's the case, don't you think you should give him a chance?"

Penny was quiet for a long moment.

"I know." She said finally. "I've been trying to tell myself the same thing. And last night he seemed like a perfectly nice, normal young man. I guess you're right, I'm grasping at draws."

Yet, it felt like more. She was almost convinced that there was more to Cole then met the eye, but...

But what was it? What was it about him that disturbed her?
* * * * *

Prue found Phoebe and Piper talking in the living room when she came. Though she would never admit it, she felt slightly hurt by the warm conversation it was obvious that they were sharing.

She and Piper had a good relationship, but they were rarely as close as Phoebe and Piper, and she and Phoebe... Well, close was certainly not a word that could be used to describe their relationship.

"Phoebe, Grams is going to freak." She heard Piper say. "Not to mention what Prue's going to say."

Prue paused, wanting to hear what it was they were talking about and knowing that they'd stop talking if they were aware of her presence.

"Piper, it's none of their business." Phoebe told her. "And it's only one weekend. It's not like I'm moving in with him."

Prue realized that they were talking about Cole and was now really interested in hearing what it was they were saying.

"Still..." Piper said, then she smiled. "I have to admit, it is kind of sweet."

Phoebe beamed. "Isn't it?"

Prue had no idea what they were talking about, but whatever it was, she was sure that she wouldn't like it.

"I mean I was surprised, too." Phoebe continued. "But, then Cole explained his reasons."

Prue didn't bother to listen to anymore. Whatever it was they were talking about, she was positive that she wouldn't like it.

Especially if she it had to do with Cole.

She tried to be objective, but she couldn't. He bugged her. There was something about him... She didn't know what it was, but she knew that he was up to no good.

If only she could tell Phoebe, but she knew that her sister would never listen to her. After all, she never had before.
* * * * *