The judge decided to take a 10-minute recess to calm everyone down. The girls, Cole and Darryl are outside the courtroom talking.

"I…I'm sorry girls, I didn't -"

"Oh Darryl, you have nothing to apologize for," said Phoebe as she placed her hand on his arm. "You did all you could."

Piper stands with her arms folded as she tries to go over things in her head. "How could he bring Prue up?" she says as she shakes her head.

Paige walks over to Piper and puts her arms around her. "Honey, we're gonna show them, it'll be fine don't worry," said Paige trying to think positively.

"Yeah?" replies Piper sarcastically. "Well if Clark keeps this up, it won't be fine. For one, I won't be fine. And for another, Serena is as good as gone!"

"Piper don't say that!" replied Phoebe immediately.

"Why not? It's true! How can we expect to live like normal people if," she pauses for a second, then lowers her head and starts to whisper, "if our magical life keeps biting us in the ass? I mean we can't just tell them that an evil demon broke into our house and killed Prue." The other two look back at each other with concerned looks. "They're trying to make us look like murderous people."

"Piper," Cole jumps in, "You have to calm down. Trust me, this isn't over!" Piper shakes her head and looks at the ground. Cole begins again. "I'm planning on putting all of you on the stand. We will convince them, don't worry!"

"We can't give up yet," insisted Phoebe.

"And Mr. Cowan agreed he'd testify if necessary," said Paige sweetly.

Piper still doesn't totally believe them, but lets in a little bit of hope.

Cole looks at his watch. "We better get back; the recess is almost over." The girls turn and they enter the courtroom once again.

Once they take their seats, the judge enters and Cole puts Paige on the stand.

"Ms. Matthews could you please tell the court your occupation?" begins Cole as he stands up.

"I work at South Bay Social Services" replies Paige.

"Now, you've met Serena haven't you?"

Paige nods. "Yes, actually I met her when she was yet again returned to us about 3 days ago. I became familiar with her case and also have witnessed her and the Halliwells interaction."

As Cole folds his arms within each other he asks, "In your professional opinion, do you think the Halliwells will make a good family for Serena?"

Instantly, Paige replies, "Absolutely! The way she responds to the girls is…it's amazing actually. For a child who has been placed in and out of foster homes, she seems quite content with them. It's…it's really indescribable how much the girls and Serena love each other. To be honest, it's not everyday the kids click with a certain family in such a short amount of time. They're normally reluctant, especially considering the psychology of it all. Children are very fragile…especially at Serena's age."

"So you would place Serena in the permanent care with the Halliwells?"

With a smile, Paige says, "Indefinitely!"

"No further questions," responds Cole with a smile.

Clark gets up and begins his cross-examination. "Ms. Matthews, tell me, you are related to the defendants?"

"Yes, I'm their sister."

"And family would do anything for each other, right?"

"Yes, of course," replied Paige.

"Therefore, you, as their sister, would take the stand and…and play up their defense wouldn't you? Being in the occupational position that you are in -"

"Objection, badgering the witness with implication!" Cole said as he took his pen and dropped it on the table.

"Sustained. Mr. Clark, please…stick to the facts!" scolded Judge Barker.

"I apologize Your Honor." Clark said as he put his hands up in surrender. He takes a breath. "Ms. Matthews, are you a social worker?"

"No…well not yet anyway," said Paige sadly.

"Therefore, you have no official business working with Serena's case file. You have no proof that you've even SEEN Serena with any of the foster families. You stated earlier that you met Serena a mere 3 days ago. So how on earth could your opinion hold as great a force?"

"Objection!" Cole said impatiently. "That is a question for the court to decide. Her testimony is not fair game for Mr. Clark to make judgements on!"

"Sustained," replied the judge.

"Your Honor, if I may?" asked Paige cautiously as she turned toward him. The judge bows his head in agreement. Paige begins again. "Look, I may not be an official Social Worker, but I do know this. The look in that little girl's eyes when she was with them…you don't need to be a Social Worker to SEE love. Believe me, I've been in this business for a decent amount of time. Just look at Serena when she's with them…they just…fit.

Clark and Paige share eye contact for a few moments. Phoebe smiles at Paige's words and glances at Piper. Her mouth angles to the left as she reflects a smile back. Clark, stumped on what to say next replies, "No more questions Your Honor," and goes back to his seat.

Paige steps down with the judge's consent and makes her way back to the girls with a smile. Her testimony should surely help their case. But the best was yet to come!