December, 1991-

The holidays were quickly approaching. To fill in the days before Christmas Henry and Fiona spent their time at Christmas parties held by friends and enjoying their own company alone in their home. They were staying in New York during the month of December. But as it got closer to Christmas Fiona and Henry would be traveling up to New Orleans to see Cordelia for Christmas for the first time in a while. It was one of the very few times that Fiona decided to see her or was welcome to see her. Fiona as always was nervous to see her daughter and mother. She was nervous to go to New Orleans in general. Fiona always feels on edge and in a way intimidated when she sees not only her daughter, but Eileen and Myrtle as well. Every time Myrtle knew Fiona was in town she made it her mission to come by and either rub her and Cordelia's great relationship in her face or complain to her about how she is a horrible supreme. A horrible supreme is exactly what Fiona is, but in a way it always hurt.

Fiona tried numerous times to call off visiting for Christmas and fly Cordelia to New York, but both Eileen and Cordelia refused. New Orleans was all Cordelia knew. She had many friends from the academy that became her family, she had Eileen and Myrtle as well. She didn't want to leave them to spend a holiday with someone she barely knew. Henry was able to convince Fiona to just suck it up and book the tickets. Henry always enjoyed seeing Cordelia and he wanted Fiona to see her as well. Being Fiona's husband, he knew that there were times when she missed Delia like crazy.

December 20th-

"Fiona, are you ready? The taxi will be here in no time." Henry says. He stands at the door of the pent house with two large bags impatiently waiting for Fiona.

Fiona was in their bedroom sitting in the edge of the bed. She looked out the large glass window to find the city of New York still asleep. It was early in the morning. The sun was slowly rising and Fiona watched as it did. She didn't want to leave, she was scared as ever. This happens every time.

Henry called Fiona's name a few times before he gave in to go search for her.

There she was, in her favorite black attire. Her dress, not yet zipped, and her heels sitting next to her. He stands at the bedroom door and knocks on it with his knuckles.

Fiona sighs when she hears the knock. She slowly stands up but doesn't face Henry.

"Will you zip me?" She whispers

Henry nods and walks up to her. He zips her then kisses her neck.

She turns around and looks at her husband.

"I'm sorry, I just can't find myself able to leave." She whispers

"It will be fine. Cordelia will be happy to see you."

"No!" Fiona snaps

Henry stood their with a blank face.

"She is never excited to see me. Never ever ever!"

Henry sighs

"I don't want to go. We aren't leaving." She says sternly

"Don't do this, Fiona. You're going." Henry grabs her arm lighting trying to calm her down.

Unlike John, Henry was not afraid of Fiona. Henry and Fiona had a strong relationship and neither of them were the person that run the show in the relationship. Henry was stern with Fiona because he wanted her to go and be with her daughter.

He knew the story, he knew why Cordelia didn't live with Fiona. He only hoped for Fiona that one day she could have her daughter back.

"Now, please, let's go before we miss our flight." Henry says softly

Fiona takes a deep breath and nods.

//-//

The taxi driver took them to the airport and they had a quick trip over to New Orleans. The flight over was relaxing for Fiona. She was able to put her mind at ease as the trip was slowly driving her insane.

When they got to New Orleans Fiona and Henry walked out of the airport each other holding hands. Behind them was their bags.

They looked around until they saw Spalding standing outside of a black Mercedes. When Fiona saw him a small grin appeared on her face. She broke away from Henry to walk at a faster pace towards Spalding.

"Why hello, Spalding."

Spalding smiles then nods his head. Unable to speak He uses his facial expressions as much as possible.

When he sees Henry coming closer to the Mercedes he knocks on the window for the driver to pop the trunk. He does so and Spalding takes the bags.

"Why is Spalding here? Doesn't he work for the Academy?" Henry whispers as he opens the door for Fiona.

Fiona never thought about why Spalding was the one to pick them up. Usually one of Eileen's   drivers would.

Fiona widens her eyes and looks at Spalding then back at Henry.

Henry shrugs his shoulders. She steps in one foot at a time and slides over to make room for her husband.

Once they get in Spalding follows and hops into the front see.

"What is the occasion? My mother's driver is the one to usually pick us up." Fiona says

The driver answers "Miss Snow's orders, ma'am." The driver says

"Myrtle? You are taking me to Eileen Goode's home, correct?"

"No, ma'am. The Academy." He says as he puts the car into drive.

Fiona knew exactly what was happening. It was a trap. Myrtle was so desperate for Fiona to come to the academy and she finally got her way.

Fiona threw her head back and rolled her eyes. Henry could see she was in distress.

He reaches over and puts his hand on her lap. "Deep breaths, maybe she will be there."

//-//

The Mercedes slowly pulls into the driveway giving the young girls time to move out of the way as they play in the snow. Fiona looks around and sees how happy all of the young girls look. She didn't see why Myrtle always needed her.

All the girls had on the same attire, Fiona hoped to pick out her skinny brunette daughter out of the bunch but didn't seem to see her.

They leave their bags in the car and Henry guides Fiona to the front door. Their arms were locked together tight.

Before Spalding could open the door, Myrtle did. When she saw Fiona it was hard for Fiona to read Myrtle's face. They never liked each other so it was never a happy meeting when they saw each other.

"Myrtle" Fiona says

"Fiona, surprise surprise. I thought you would have sent that plane crashing."

Fiona laughs "don't be silly. Only if you were on it." Fiona huffs as she let's herself in. Henry smiles softly at Myrtle. He was never one to be rude.

Fiona walks around the coven. Myrtle and Henry follow. She looks the walls up and down, admires the furniture and the way everything was intact.

"You know, Myrtle, I never understood why you needed my assistance or money. This place looks just fine." Fiona turns to Myrtle and pulls out a cigarette.

"We don't smoke, Fiona. There are young children around."

Fiona stares Myrtle in the eyes and puts out the lighter.

"Why am I here?" She snaps

"Because-"

"Mommy!" The three of them hear a familiar voice coming from down the stairs. Myrtle was not able to finish her sentence because Delia's excitement seemed to interrupt her.

When Fiona saw Cordelia running down the long staircase she was shocked to see how much she had grown. She was wearing stockings that reached to her knees, a navy blue skirt, and long sleeve fleece polo. Her piggy tails bounced as she ran to her mother.

Cordelia finally reached her mother. She locked her arms around Fiona's legs and hugged them tight. Once again Fiona was shocked. Usually when she visited Cordelia wasn't this excited or lovey. It had only been a few months but Fiona was still shocked.

Fiona slightly bent down and hugged her daughter.

"You're here! You're here!" She yells

Fiona didn't say a word as she admired her beautiful little daughter. She caressed her cheek then kissed it.

Henry walked up to Cordelia and she greeted him.

"And Henry too!" She runs to him and hugs his legs. Henry lifts her up and holds her in the air. He always had a soft spot for children. He loved Delia.

"Hello" He says

"Delia, love, why aren't you with your grandmother?"

"Nana is not well. I'm staying with Auntie Myrtle until you come!" She smiles

Fiona looks at Myrtle and Myrtle takes Fiona aside while Delia distracts herself with Henry.

"Your mother is not able to take charge of all her new powers. They are sprouting quickly. She's staying with us so she can learn how to responsibly use them... unlike someone we know."

"They are showing, this soon?" She says

"Yes, Fiona. If you spent more time with her you would know. She has cried for you, Fiona. Now that she's older she needs her mother and you are never here." Myrtle snaps

"You aren't a mother, you don't know. You'll never be a mother so I think it's best you keep to yourself." Fiona hisses

"I am more of a mother to that sweet girl than you will ever be. She deserves better than you."

Before Fiona could say something back Myrtle turned to Delia and changed her mood.

"My sweet Cordelia, go gather your things to leave with your mother."

"I'll be right back!" Delia says as Henry sets her down.

Myrtle leaves the room so it's only the two of them.

Henry saw Fiona in distress so he took her hands. "What is wrong?"

"I want to get out of here. That Bitch is making me sound like a horrible mother! I've had enough."