THE BAD GUYS IN: raising princess

The Secret of Zoey Del Vicchio

It was a warm, sunny afternoon at Los Angeles High, and the outside cafeteria buzzed with chatter and laughter. Princess and her friends were sitting at their usual table under a cherry blossom tree, enjoying the breeze and their lunch. The sunlight caught the sparkle in Princess's outfit—a rose pink cropped cardigan with a hood layered over an orchid purple t-shirt dress patterned with strawberries and tiny white flowers. She wore black thigh-length tights and fur-lined dark plum boots, her pink hair loose in its usual shoulder-length waves.

Claudine, Laura, and Kira were scattered around the table with their trays, chatting casually, when Zoey Del Vicchio joined them, bouncing up with her usual infectious energy.

"Hey, ladies!" Zoey beamed. Her metallic long-sleeve shirt shimmered in the sunlight, and her black tutu skirt swished as she plopped down next to Princess. Her black curly hair was tucked back with a glittery blue and purple headband, and her high-top Vans tapped happily under the table.

"You look like a disco rainbow exploded," Kira teased.

Zoey grinned. "That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me all day."

Princess laughed softly. "We're glad you joined us. You fit right in with our chaos."

As they passed around napkins and poked at their fries, conversation naturally shifted to relationships.

"So," Laura said, eyeing Zoey playfully, "you and Dexter seem pretty cozy these days."

Zoey's face lit up, practically glowing. "He's amazing. So sweet, so gentle. I still can't believe someone like him wants to be with me. We went to Burger King after rehearsal yesterday and just... talked. He even taught me a few new signs."

Claudine smirked. "Sparks are flying, huh?"

Zoey giggled and nodded. "Sparks, fireworks, the whole Fourth of July!"

Princess smiled, happy for her. But a thought nagged at her, something that had been on her mind for a while.

"Can I ask you something?" she said, softly but sincerely.

"Shoot."

Princess tilted her head. "If you're so happy now with Dexter... why were you with Bowser before? Everyone knew he was a player. Didn't seem like your type."

Zoey's smile faded. Her shoulders dropped slightly as she pushed a carrot stick around on her tray.

"That's... complicated," she murmured.

The girls quieted, giving her space.

Zoey took a breath, brushing a curl from her cheek. "The truth is... Bowser knew something about me. Something I never told anyone. And he threatened to tell the whole school if I didn't date him."

Kira blinked. "What kind of jerk does that?"

Princess leaned in gently. "Zoey, I don't mean to be nosy—but if it's something you want to share... we promise it stays with us. No judgment."

Zoey hesitated. Then she looked up, her dark eyes searching theirs. "I'm... I'm queer."

There was a beat of silence.

Then Claudine stood and leaned over the table, pulling Zoey into a hug. "Girl. That doesn't change a single thing."

Laura followed. "Yeah. We love you."

Kira added, "Honestly? You being your real self is the coolest thing ever."

Zoey blinked fast, her eyes glossy. "You guys really don't care?"

Princess shook her head with a warm smile. "There's nothing wrong with you, Zoey. You're brave for being honest. And we've got your back."

Zoey exhaled, a shaky little laugh escaping. "I feel like I can finally breathe."