EIGHT
"Don't worry, Phoebe," said Piper after Leo had orbed her home and they had explained what was going on, "what Prue said goes for me, too. We're both going to be here for you. Whatever it takes, we'll get rid of this Snake."
"It doesn't work that way," said Phoebe. "At least, not according to Jack. I have to deal with this myself if it's going to go away. Only I have no idea how to do that. Whenever Snake's around I just sort of loose my will. I just could never stand up to him."
"Jack said that's a normal reaction in situations like these," said Leo. "He also said you have the strength in you to stand up to him. You just have to find that strength."
"Maybe a spell," suggested Prue.
"We can't use our powers against Snake, you know that," said Piper.
"Not for Snake," said Prue. "For Phoebe. A spell that will help her find the strength she needs to stand up to him."
"I wouldn't suggest that," said Leo. "That would be considered personal gain. And you know that's not allowed."
"Leo's right," said Phoebe. "I have to do this myself. Until I do I'll never be free of Snake."
"Do you think he'll be back?" Piper asked.
"I'd count on it," said Phoebe. "Snake doesn't like to take no for an answer. He's used to getting what he wants no matter what it takes."
"Well, innocent or not," said Prue, "we won't let him hurt you. You can count on that."
"Thanks," said Phoebe. "I appreciate it."
Snake didn't make an appearance the rest of the day. Phoebe was very nervous all afternoon. Every sound had her jumping. By dinner, however, she had seemed to calm down some.
"Maybe he got the hint," suggested Prue as they cleared the dinner dishes from the table. "Jack can be pretty intimidating. Maybe Snake figured Jack was more than he bargained for and decided to go back to New York."
"Maybe," said Phoebe. "I just wish I could be sure."
"I wouldn't worry about him," said Piper. "Remember, you aren't here alone. He has to know we aren't going to let him just take you away."
"I have an idea," said Prue. "Why don't we just forget about Snake for a while. He obviously isn't coming back tonight. What say we have some coffee in the living room and watch a movie? Just the four of us."
"That sounds like a good idea," said Leo.
"Just let me get the coffee and I'll be right in," said Piper.
"I'll make some popcorn," said Prue. "Can't watch a movie without popcorn."
"After that meal we just had?" questioned Leo. "How can you eat popcorn after that?"
"It's easy," said Prue smiling. "It's just popcorn."
"I'll go pick out a movie," said Phoebe, heading for the living room.
"Oh no you don't," said Leo following Phoebe. "I remember the last three movies you picked out. I'd rather watch something other than a romantic comedy for a change."
With Phoebe giggling Leo followed her into the living room. He was determined not to watch another "girlie" movie if he could help it. Leo nearly stumbled over Phoebe as she suddenly stopped short. Leo looked in the living room and saw Snake sitting in the same chair he had been sitting in the other day smoking a cigarette.