Detrimental Distractions

I rolled out of bed two days later and groggily made my way towards the bathroom. Just as I got there the door closed. I had just enough time to see it was Phoebe who had snagged it from me.

"Phoebe open up! I need the bathroom more than you do," I called, banging on the door.

"Not my fault you're too slow," she shouted back.

I groaned as I heard the shower start. I wasn't getting a shower that way. Phoebe took forever. With a sigh, I headed downstairs but found that one occupied as well. Great, this was just great. I felt like crap and all I wanted was a shower. I trudged back upstairs to my room and set about making my bed. As tossed my pillow back on the bed, my head started pounding. I sunk onto my bed and closed my eye, trying to make the pain go away. It didn't seem to work because in my mind's eye I saw him motioning for me to go over to him.

"Just leave me alone," I shouted at the image. It seemed to go away, only to be replaced by the feeling of someone shaking my arm. I opened my eyes to see Phoebe looking at me.

"What?" I snapped.

"You were screaming. Are you ok?" she answered, sitting down on the edge of my bed.

"I'm fine," I lied. She looked at me and instead of making some mouthy remark just gave me a hug.

"Stop sucking up. It's pathetic," I told her.

"Bathroom's free," she told me as she let go. I grabbed some clean clothes and headed for the bathroom. As soon as I was in the shower I let the water beat on my back and shoulders. It felt good, soothing. I stayed in the shower until the water began to turn cold. I shut it off and pulled a towel around my body. As quickly as I could, I got dressed and dried my hair.

"Prudence, come on. You're going to b late," Grams yelled up the stairs at me. I just rolled my eyes as I grabbed my backpack. I appeared in the kitchen and grabbed an orange. I was about to walk out of the kitchen when Piper called my name.

"Prue," she called. I stopped, let out a small huff and turned to face her.

"Yes?" I replied as nicely as I could.

"Can I get a ride to school with you and Andy?" she asked.

"Why can't you take the bus?" I retorted.

"Because I don't want to take the bus," Piper answered.

"Fine," I grumbled and headed into the hallway. Grams looked to be wrapped up the morning paper as I passed her in the living room. As quickly and quietly as I could, I slipped out the front door and sat down on the front steps. I stared at the piece of fruit in my hands, rolling it between my fingers. I wasn't really hungry but I started to peel it anyways. I heard the front door open and close behind me but I didn't bother to look to see who it was. Piper sat down next to me.

"You look really bummed," she said, resting her elbows on her knees.

"I'm fine," I lied. She tended to believe my lies more than Phoebe did.

"You don't look like you're fine. You look sick," she informed me.

"Well I'm not," I shot at her. Suddenly my stomach started to churn. I tried to take deep breathes to make it stop but it wouldn't. Knowing Grams would have my head if I puked in the bushes I got up and sprinted to the downstairs bathroom. I flushed the toilet just as Piper knocked and walked in. She looked at me, challenging me to tell her that I was still fine.

"It must have been a bad orange," I said half-heartedly.

"It was not a bad orange, Prue. Something is wrong with you, ok. Just admit it," Piper challenged.

"Look, what do you want me to say to you?" I spat.

"I don't know. But I do know that something is bothering you. It has been for a few days now. I just want you to trust me enough to talk to me," Piper answered. I gave her a small smile.

"Thanks, sis," I murmured, giving her a hug just as a horn honked out front. We headed back outside and climbed into Andy's car.

"Hey, Piper," he greeted my sister.

"Hi, Andy. Thanks for giving me a lift," she said, giving him a smile.

"No problem," he answered.

"How are you doing today?" he whispered in my ear.

"Fine," I answered with a shrug. He didn't need to know about my little breakfast problem.

We got to school on time. We all parted ways and I headed to class. It was as boring as ever. Nothing seemed to interest me lately. I think I fell asleep in lit class but I couldn't really be sure. By the time lunch rolled around I was ready for the world's longest nap. I sat down at a table and just rested my head on my arms.

"Maybe you should go to the nurse," I heard Piper say., I looked up as she sat down.

"I don't need to go the nurse," I said, rubbing at my forehead. The headache from this morning was back.

"Prue, you can barely stay awake. Just go already," she told me.

"I'm telling you that I'm fine," I replied and started to stand up but the world started to swim in front of me. I clutched the table to steady myself and sat back down.

"Maybe you're right," I sighed. I think Piper would have smiled but she was too concerned.

"Come on, I'll walk you there " she offered. We slowly made our way down the hall to the nurse's office.

"Do you want me to stay with you?" she asked as I lay down on one of the beds.

"No...go to class. I'll be fine," I yawned.

I remember seeing her leave the room before I fell asleep. The next thing I knew a hand was shaking me. I slowly opened my eyes to see the nurse standing over me.

"School's over, dear. Your sister is waiting for you out in the hallway," she told me. I sat up and got my bearings. I dragged myself to my feet and found Piper waiting for me.

"How do you feel?" she asked as we headed for my locker before finding Andy.

"I feel like shit honestly," I answered as I fumbled with my locker combination.

Some ten minutes later we were in Andy's car on our way home. Andy pulled up in front of the Manor and we climbed out. I gave him a quick kiss on the lips before Piper and I headed inside.

"I think I'm going to crash," I told Piper. I started up the stairs but didn't make it far. Grams appeared from the kitchen.

"Where are you going?" she asked, clearly talking to me.

"Upstairs to take a nap," I answered. Couldn't I take a damn nap if I wanted to?

"Grams, she's not feeling very well," Piper informed her.

"Well the school called and told me you missed your afternoon classes," Grams continued.

"I was at the nurse. Christ," I grumbled.

To my surprise Grams didn't say anything more. She just let me go upstairs. I collapsed on my bed and blacked out. I don't know how long I ws asleep. What woke me was a loud crash and a scream. I knew that sound. There was a demon in the house. As fast as I could I bolted downstairs to find Phoebe with a large cut on her arm.

"Where's Piper?" I asked, helping my baby sister up.

"Sun room," Phoebe answered, starting towards that room. I grabbed her and made her stop.

"Stay here," I told her as I advanced on the demon. I was pretty sure he wouldn't see me. Boy was I wrong. Just as I was about to send the creep flying, the back of it's head became a face.

"Sneaking up on me, are you witch?" it hissed at me.

One arm went out towards Piper, sending her flying into the Grandfather clock. The glass shatter and she lay there, motionless. I tried to send the demon flying but I couldn't seem to concentrate. I flung my had at him but instead the chair went skittering backwards. The two-faced demon laughed and disappeared in a cloud of smoke. How could my powers not even work now? I let out a frustrated cry, sending several shards of glass flying across the room. At my cry both Phoebe and Grams walked in. Grams looked between me and Piper's motionless body. I waited for her to yell at me.

"Prudence, what did you do?" she gasped, pulling Piper to her. I stood there, unable to speak. I closed my eyes and turned my back. I couldn't bear to look at my sister. I let the tears slither down my cheeks. Without a word, Phoebe wrapped her arms around me and I just clung to her. In my mind I willed Piper to make a sound, a cough, a groan, anything. After an agonizingly long time she finally gave a small cough. That was enough for me.