C.C. McKenna

Chapter Seven A New Friend.

Phoebe quickly stood up and searched for Leslie; it was easy, she was guided by Alexia's whimpers. "Let her go bitch!" She grabbed Leslie's shoulder and squeezed it tightly. Leslie released Alexia and turned angrily to Phoebe. "How dare you?" She raised her arm getting ready to hit Phoebe.

"Touch her and I'll make you pick up your teeth from the floor one by one" Piper was quick on her sister's side. "And it wont be pretty"

"It's ok Piper; I can handle it" Phoebe took a deep breath and blew out a rather large amount of air.

"No, it's not ok, in fact, it's over! You both have to start acting like adults" Piper scooped her arms on her hips and stood in front of her sister. There was absolutely no way she was going to allow her baby sister to be pushed around. "Leslie, this is College, for God's sake; not junior high!" Piper shook her head and looked around to see the a bunch of embarrassed girls dropping their heads. "You are being way out of line here"

"Ok, we'll drop it for now" Leslie rubbed her shoulder and glared back at Alexia. "I'll deal with you later"

"You certainly will not" Phoebe replied angrily. "I want you to leave her alone; and I mean it!"

"I'm not talking to you Halliwell, and if you knew what's best for you and for her" she turned to Alexia and shoved her finger on her shoulder. "You might think twice about wanting to get involved in this issue; and... it's not of your bloody business anyway."

"Newsflash... from now on, she is my "bloody" business!" Phoebe snapped back. "Where's Lexie Piper?"

"You heard my sister!" Piper held Leslie's gaze for a moment not showing any signs of intimidation, grabbed Alexia's arm and pulled her close to Phoebe.

"This is not over Halliwell" Leslie breathed deeply and left in a hurry. She stopped and glared back at the mute, static cheerleaders and desperately shook her head. "Are you coming with me or are you planning to stay there? Stupid bunch of pea brains!" A bundle of red uniforms ran clumsily after the fuming captain of the pea brains.

"What the hell was that?" Piper released the air in her chest and placed her hand on her mouth to cover it. "Are you out of your mind Phoebe? She could have hurt you! You could have been injured!; What the hell were you thinking Phoebe Halliwell? Are you insane?"

"No, I'm pissed off; that's what I am" She hissed. Alexia tried to calm her down by gently rubbing her back. "I've had it with her!" Phoebe's respiration was uneven.

"Ok, ok, take it easy" Piper saw the desperation on her sister's face, handed her the cane and slowly shook her head. "You just can't go on fighting around like a teenager; and ....and...you.."

"And I'm blind, I know, but that doesn't make me insensible or cold hearted" She placed her arm around Alexia's shoulders. "Are you ok Alexia?"

"Yes, thank you...but I still think you shouldn't have..."

"Yes I should have; and don't worry about me, I'll be fine" Phoebe smiled widely; her white teeth sparkled, transmitting her sincerity and openness to her newly acquired friend.

"SIX LAPS FOR YOU ALEXIA!" Coach Roberts shouted; Causing Alexia and Phoebe to break up the still thin layer of ice remaining between them. They laughed loudly; enjoying each other's company for a change. Piper shrugged an eyebrow, not knowing for sure what was going on; but she felt relieved to see her sister finally smiling.

Tbc