By J. B. Tilton email: Rating: K
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 1 episodes "Is There A Woogy In The House?" and "Which Prue Is It, Anyway?".)
When Phoebe goes to the doctor with a bout of the flu, she soon learns that her magical powers aren't the only thing she had in common with Grams.
ONE
Phoebe stood at the head of the stairs that led to the cellar. She had been standing there for five minutes when Prue came into the kitchen to get her usually morning cup of coffee.
"You're up early," said Prue, pouring herself a cup from the pot Piper had already made.
"Yeah," said Phoebe. "I had trouble sleeping last night. I think I'm coming down with something."
"Better take it easy, then," said Prue. "And standing in that drafty doorway isn't helping matters. You'll catch your death of cold that way."
"I was just thinking," said Phoebe. "All those years I thought it was my imagination about the monster in the basement. I knew it was all imaginary but I still couldn't shake the foreboding every time I went near the cellar. Now I find out it wasn't my imagination. There really is a demon in the basement."
"Well if it makes you feel any better," said Prue, "Piper and I both thought you were crazy, too."
"Thanks a lot," said Phoebe smiling.
"Where is Piper anyway?" Prue asked.
"She said something about having to go in early to Quake," said Phoebe, wiping her nose with a tissue. "Inventory or something."
"Oh," said Prue. "You sure you're okay? You look a little peakid."
"Probably just the flu," said Phoebe. "It's been going around I hear. And since we got our powers I've been kind of preoccupied. Guess I just let myself get rundown some."
"Well," said Prue, "drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. And see if Piper will make you some of Grams famous chicken soup. Grams always said there was nothing better for the flu than chicken soup."
"You think she ever put a healing potion in that soup?" Phoebe asked. "It did seem to make me feel better when I was out of sorts."
"Who knows," said Prue. "I did read something somewhere where they did a study and found out that soup is really a very good medicinal aid for being sick. Maybe chicken soup is a mortal equivalent to a healing potion."
"Yeah, maybe," said Phoebe, coughing.
"You really sound bad," said Prue. "Maybe you should go see a doctor."
"I'll be okay," said Phoebe. "Like you said, I just need to get some rest and drink plenty of fluids. About the laundry."
"Don't worry about it for now," said Prue. "After our encounter with the Woogie I think you can use a rest. Piper and I can fill in with the housework until you're feeling better."
"Thanks," said Phoebe. "I know we made a deal when I came home. I just feel like I'm letting you guys down, that's all."
"Phoebe Halliwell worried about what others think?" questioned Prue. "That's a first. But you just concentrate on getting better. These things don't last more than a few days. I'm sure Piper and I can manage until you're up and about again."
"Thanks," said Phoebe. "I think I will go lie down. I'm still tired."
Prue poured herself another cup of coffee as Phoebe headed for her bedroom.