A/N: As for the "was she really raped" debate, you're both right - she was raped, and the second time she had to let him or he'd force it again. However, she did lie to Prue a little, because she doesn't mention the second time. But don't worry, I'll sort it out. Well, I'll try to.

pp



Chapter Fifteen: Prue's Warning.



A few minutes had passed where Prue had lain in Piper's arms, letting her little sister run her hands through her hair and rock her gently, finally allowing someone to care for her, when the front door slammed and Grams' voice floated up the stairs.

"Girls, can you come here please?"

Taking in a shuddering breath, Prue raised herself and followed Piper down the stairs. Seconds later, Phoebe joined them, her face red and tear-streaked.

"What's wrong, Phoebe? You look as if you've been crying. In fact, all of you do!" Grams exclaimed.

"I, uh," Phoebe began, but Piper stepped in.

"It's nothing Grams, we were watching a movie and..."

"Honestly, girls," Grams smiled, "It's just a made-up story!" Piper was unsure whether Grams would've believed Piper's made-up story if she hadn't seemed so anxious about something. She also would've noticed that Prue was home, and not at the party like she should've been. "Anyway," she continued, "I will be staying at Aunt Claire's tonight, business as usual," she beamed at them, "so Prue, take care of your sisters."

She said this last sentence out of routine. Then, with a swift kiss on each of their foreheads, she left again. The three sisters stood in awkward silence for a while.

"I'm going to bed," Phoebe said.

"No," Prue cut her off.

Phoebe turned to face her. "Why? Cos you wanna yell at me some more?"

"I don't wanna yell, Phoebe," Prue's voice was beginning to crack, "I just..." she stopped. And realised she didn't know what to say. Except for one thing. "I'm sorry."

The hard look on Phoebe's face instantly softened. How often did Prue ever say something like that - had she ever said something like this?

Prue's face was a picture of grief and sorrow. She was truly miserable. It cut Phoebe up to see her sister this way - Prue wasn't supposed to be like this! She was supposed to be strong, and she was supposed to be their support.

But right now, she wasn't. Prue's body racked with her breathing, and for the first time, Phoebe saw Prue as a fragile human being, just like everybody else. Not the strong-hearted, hot-headed woman they knew her as, not their replacement mother after their real one had died; but as a human being with feelings to hurt and a heart to shatter.

And it seemed that all this emotion has come from something that had happened to Phoebe. Prue must genuinely care.

Phoebe quickly threw her arms around her, pulling her into a protective hug.

In the corner of her eye, Phoebe saw Piper watch, tear tracks lining her face, and she held out an arm for her other sister to join the protection of their big sister too.

Prue felt Piper's body press into her back and realised just how much this closeness affected her. Prue got a little of the motherly comfort she truly deserved.

"I love you guys," she whispered.

A feeling of gratitude swelled up in Phoebe's chest. "I love you too."

"I love you too," Piper echoed.

It was the first true "sister moment" they'd had in a long time.

* * *

Phoebe picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Phoebe?" came a male voice.

"Yeah," she replied.

"Hey baby," the voice floated down the line. It was Matt. Phoebe froze. She hadn't even thought about how she would react when she saw him or spoke to him again, but here he was. And she was totally rigid. "Shame you didnt make it to the party the other night. Thought I could take you out today? I've got a free house, we could..." he tailed off suggestively.

Phoebe felt absolutely disgusted. After her confrontation with Prue, she'd been forced to face her real feelings about Matt. And, she concluded, she hated him.

At that moment, Prue walked past and looked at her curiously.

"Is that him?" she said angrily, and reached for the phone, but Phoebe side-stepped her. She nodded her head, telling Prue that it was, but for some reason she didn't want Prue to yell at him.

"Phoebe? Are you there?" he said, his voice raising a little. He was already angry.

Phoebe wasn't really paying attention though, she was too busy looking at Prue's confused face and wondering why she was 'protecting' Matt.

"Phoebe!" Matt suddenly shouted, his voice full of rage.

Even though the receiver wasn't remotely close to her ear, Phoebe heard it. As did Prue. Phoebe's body went numb as Prue snatched the receiver and spoke angrily into it.

"Hello? This is Prue Halliwell - Phoebe's older sister." Her voice took on a warning tone. "I found out what you did to her and I want you to know I am gonna make sure you won't even be able to walk after my friends are through with you. You stay away from my sister, am I clear?" she paused, then shouted into the phone. "I said, am I clear?"

Then she slammed down the receiver and looked at Phoebe.

Phoebe realised why she hadn't wanted Prue to speak to him - she was scared. She was scared of what Matt would do to her now he knew she'd told Prue - even though she hadn't! But he'd think she did. Prue seemed to pick up on this fear though.

"There's no need to be scared of him. I've got a couple of friends who'd be more than happy to sort him out and he'll never touch you again."

"Thank you," Phoebe whispered, a single tear rolling down her cheek. She thought she should feel a lot more at ease than she did, so why didn't she?