CHARMED

"CLARENCE"

by J. B. Tilton

email: aramath@isot.com

Rating: G

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

"Prewitched" and "Sin Francisco".)

* * *

The sisters are surprised when a demon suddenly pops into the

manor. They're even more surprised when they learn why it's there.

* * *

ONE

"I'm glad you guys decided to stay in the manor," Prue said to

Piper and Leo. "We could have been in real trouble if you hadn't been

here when that demon attacked."

"I guess we're just not ready to be on our own, yet," said

Piper. "And thanks for giving up your room for us. You don't know

how much we appreciate it."

"It makes the most sense," said Prue. "Besides, it's worth it

if it keeps you here."

"We still appreciate it," said Leo.

"Hey, that's what sisters are for," said Phoebe, coming into the

living room.

"You should talk," said Prue. "I gave up my room and a private

bathroom. What did you give up?"

"I gave up Piper in the bathroom in the morning for you," said

Phoebe. "Believe me, that's a lot to give up."

"Oh, very funny," said Prue, smiling. "You're not exactly a

blue ribbon winner in that department yourself, either."

Leo and Piper just smiled at the two sisters. It was good they

could joke like that. It hadn't been so long ago that they couldn't

stand to be in the same room together. Now, they joked with each

other about things that only a few months ago would have had them at

each other's throats.

"Hey," said Piper in mock anger, "do I have to send you two to

your rooms?"

"She started it," giggled Phoebe.

"Did not," laughed Prue.

"Did, too," replied Phoebe.

Everyone just laughed.

"Remember how angry grams used to get when we were kids and did

that?" asked Phoebe.

"Oh man, do I," said Prue. "She used to threaten to take away

our voices if we didn't stop. If we knew hen what we know now, maybe

we might have taken her threats a bit more seriously."

"I know I would have," said Phoebe.

"Me, too," said Piper. "Just seeing one demon in the house

would have been enough to make me believe she could do it."

Suddenly, a small pillar of flame erupted in the entryway.

Everyone instinctively turned to look at it. When the flames died

out, a demon stood in the entryway.