It had been weeks since the confrontation with Esther at Pop's. Esther was still looming in town around her daughters. The Serpents were ready on standby in case they needed to chase Esther out of town, even though Zareah said it wasn't necessary, but maybe it was. Especially after she found out from Veronica that Esther was making friends with Hiram. Veronica knew her father better than anyone, and he was always up to know good.

Zareah was worried about the fact that her mother was making friends with Hiram. Whatever Esther was talking with Hiram about couldn't be good. Zareah knew that she had to get her mother out of town, but more than that she had to get custody of her sister. As long as her mother still legally had custody of her and her sister, they would never be safe. Cheryl took Seraphina home after school while Zareah met Veronica at Pop's to talk.

"So...what did you want to talk about, Z?"

"I need a lawyer." Zareah started, "I'm going to fight my mother for custody of my sister. Esther hasn't been any kind of mother since my father was killed six years ago."

Veronica gave a nod, "I think I can help with that. And I can testify as a character witness for you. I'm sure the others will too. You love your sister and you want what's best for her. And I can tell what's best for Sera is for her to stay with you."

"Thanks Veronica."

"Of course. I want the same thing that you want. What's best for Sera."

Zareah smiled, "Okay. Well I also had a business idea."

Veronica leaned forward, intrigued, "I'm listening."

"Well I was thinking that you and I could do it together." Zareah suggested, "My idea is to open a dance studio. Seraphina loves dance. Mostly though I just taught her myself, but she has taken classes before when I was able to find a studio that was cheap enough to afford, and she's been begging me again for real dance classes. She misses being in a class with friends. I think that other little girls and even little boys that would love to take dance classes."

Veronica was nodding, "I think that's a great idea. Definitely something I can get behind. I'll fund it. You can look for a place and find prospective students."

"I'm gonna raise some money and help with funding. I would feel bad if you were paying everything."

"Okay. If that's what you wish." Veronica agreed, knowing better than to fight with Zareah as she will lose the battle to Zareah's stubbornness.

Meanwhile at Thistlehouse Cheryl is at home with Seraphina, who is doing her homework. She used to only let Zareah help with and check her homework, but now she lets Cheryl too. It took a little bit of time, but Seraphina now loves Cheryl as much as she loves Zareah - her mama.

"Cece?" Seraphina called as she glanced up

"Yes, Petit Amor?"

"Can you talk to Mama about me taking dance classes? I've been asking her, but she keeps saying there isn't a dance studio. I think Mama can't afford it, and she doesn't want me to know."

Cheryl smiled at Seraphina's innocence as she shook her head, "No. That's not it. There really isn't a dance studio in Riverdale."

"Oh. That's okay then, Cece."

Seraphina returned to her homework, finishing it within an hour and then running off to play. She was playing just outside the barn when she heard footsteps approaching. She looked up thinking that it was Cheryl or Zareah, but it wasn't either of them. It was Esther, who Seraphina didn't really recognise anymore.

Seraphina furrowed her eyebrows, "Who are you?"

"Don't you remember me, baby?" Esther asked, "It's me. It's Mama."

Seraphina shook her head, "You're not my Mama. Zareah is."

"No, baby. Zareah's your sister. I'm Mama."

"I don't like you." Seraphina stumbled backwards, "You tried to hit me when I was little."

Esther sighed, catching her daughter and preventing her fall, "I'm so sorry about that. I was sick, but I'm better now."

Seraphina pulled away, turning around to run and then an arrow was shot as a warning in the direction of Esther.

"Get away from her! Or the next arrow goes in your heart." Cheryl roared

"Alright, alright I'm going." Esther surrendered

Seraphina cried when she reached Cheryl hugging her tightly.

Cheryl had already put her bow down, bending down to pick up Seraphina, holding her tightly.

"It's okay. She's gone. It's alright, Mon Petit Amor."

"Cece, I wanna stay with you and Mama." Seraphina cried, her arms wrapped around Cheryl's neck

Cheryl rubbed Seraphina's back, "I know. So does your Mama. She's gonna fight like hell to keep you, and I will too."

Hope you enjoy. Comments are greatly appreciated.

What would you like to see happen next?