I'm No Prince

Clover's Confession

Clover stood from her desk. Today was the day. Finally, everything was ready, and Saturday had come. Her parents were home now.

Clover stepped into the hallway, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nerves. She needed to do this today. Kelsey had promised last night that she'd be here, but she also said that she didn't want their parents to focus on the two of them at once. Clover had talked Kelsey out of staying away from the conversation, though she understood why Kelsey thought it might be best. Kelsey didn't want their parents to think she had somehow influenced Andrew's decision to become Clover.

But Clover had reasoned with herself—Kelsey hadn't told her to do anything. Andrew had made every choice leading up to her becoming Clover on his own. If her parents refused to accept that, it was their problem. As daunting as it was to face their potential rejection, Clover wanted Kelsey by her side anyway.

As Clover walked into the kitchen, she was greeted by her parents' warm smiles and the inviting aroma of a freshly made breakfast. Breakfast was a family tradition on Saturdays—a time when everyone would gather. Mom and Dad were often away on business trips, so these moments were precious.

"Morning," Clover said, settling down next to Kelsey, who took her hand under the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Andrew!" Clover's mom exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "Kelsey was just telling us how much happier you've seemed this week. Look at you—on time and everything! What's made you so cheerful?"

Clover felt a swell of affection for her mom, who had worried so much over the past few years. If she could have, Mom would have cancelled every business trip just to be there for Andrew. But Andrew was gone, and now it was time to see if Mom would offer that same support to Clover. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to speak her truth.

"I have been happier this week, Mom," Clover began, her voice steady. "I've discovered something about myself, and I'm not scared anymore."

Kelsey squeezed her hand again, a silent promise of support. Clover continued, her heart pounding with a mix of hope and fear. "It all started a few weeks ago when I hung out with Harry and the others. I began asking myself questions I never thought I'd ask, like, 'Am I a prince? Do I even want to be a prince?'"

Her dad's brow furrowed in confusion. "What does that mean, son?"

"Well," Clover said, "I discovered something about myself last week. I don't want to be a prince. I don't even want to be a boy."

Her dad's eyes widened, and her mom paused mid-bite, her fork hovering in the air. Clover's breath hitched, and she squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for their reaction. Kelsey's comforting presence was her only anchor in this moment.

"What do you want to be, then?" Dad asked, his voice tinged with concern. "If you're not a boy anymore, does that mean you want to be...?"

"I'm Clover now, Dad," she replied softly, "a girl. I'm so much happier now. You should have seen how much fun it was to finally make my room reflect who I am. This is who I am now. Will you and Mom still love me, even though I'm not your son anymore?"

Mom and Dad exchanged a look of profound contemplation. The room fell silent, and Clover felt Kelsey's arms around her, offering comfort.

"Clover..." Mom said finally, her voice gentle. "I don't care that you're not my son anymore. That never mattered to me. What matters is that I have a wonderful daughter, and I'm overjoyed to have you."

Dad nodded, his expression softening. "We love you, Clover. We're your parents. If we can't support you, who can? It doesn't matter how you choose to identify or present yourself. We'll always love you for who you are. If that means having a son to be proud of, we'll love you as a son. But if it means having a daughter to care for, we'll love you as a daughter. No matter who you decide to be, we'll always love you."

Tears slid from Clover's eyes, she'd been so scared, yet, her parents still loved her. She stood, as if in a trance, and walked over to her parents. As they smiled at her, Clover wrapped her arms around them, pulling them close to her.

"I love you guys," she whispered.

"And we'll always love you too, Clover," Mom replied.

"I'm very proud to call you my daughter," Dad told her, then, as the hug ended, raised his voice, "now, I hear about a room being redecorated? Let's see it, then!"

Clover laughed, and locked eyes with Kelsey from across the table. Her sister grinned at her, and Clover felt a warmth well up from deep within herself. She had the best family in the world.