The Time of Training

Part 1

FADE IN.

INT. HALLIWELL MANOR - KITCHEN - DAY - ESTABLISHING

(PIPER demolishes a blueberry muffin as PRUE, in a slinky gown and obviously nursing a hangover, lumbers into the kitchen.)

PIPER

I take it that the awards benefit went well.

PRUE

You could say that.

(beat)

You could also give me some coffee.

(Prue takes the offered mug, and keeps her hand out for a muffin.)

PRUE (continued)

They asked me to stick around after I finished shooting. I got a chance to meet our friendly neighborhood Congressman... and his nephew.

PIPER

Oh, you sound thrilled.

PRUE

Let's just say they wanted the company of a woman who was neither of their wives.

PIPER

(eyebrows raised)

You mean –

PRUE

Oh, yeah...

PIPER (almost dropping her cup)

Together?

PRUE

Oh, yeah.

PIPER  (wistfully)

I never get invited to those sorts of parties.

(Prue takes another heavy chug off her coffee mug.)

PIPER (continued)

Take it easy on that - it's not going anywhere.

PRUE

Speaking of parties, where's Phoebe?

PIPER

Upstairs, working on writing a new spell. She's been at it all night -

(The lights suddenly go dim - and Prue instantly sobers up.)

PRUE

I think she just finished it.

(Without warning, a bolt of lightning punches through the ceiling, cuts through the table and blows Prue's coffee mug straight to hell!

Another bolt arcs away from the back door and nearly nails Piper as it leaps to strike the kitchen faucets! A third bolt streams through the hallway towards Prue - and is suddenly frozen in place!)

PIPER

Let's go check on Phoebe.

PRUE

Yeah, let's do that.

INT. THE ATTIC - DAY

(Prue and Piper open the door to see PHOEBE holding up an ironing board like a shield - and lightning bolts hanging in the air inches away!)

PIPER

Love your home cooking, Phoebe.

(Phoebe gives off a little gasp of relief as she lowers the board.)