Carly stood at the edge of the studio, her fingers nervously tapping against her phone. The air was thick with the weight of what she was about to say. She had spent three years in Italy—alone with her thoughts—and now, back in Seattle, there was one thing she couldn't keep to herself anymore.
Her friends. Her best friends, Sam and Freddie.
She had always known they'd support her, but this was different. This was something she'd only ever told her father about, being confused at first about those thoughts.
Carly took a deep breath, her hands trembling just slightly. She'd rehearsed this moment a thousand times in her head, but standing here now, the words felt like they might get stuck in her throat. Her gaze dropped to the floor for a moment before she steeled herself, forcing herself to look at Sam and Freddie.
"Guys," she said, her voice steadier than she felt. "Can I tell you something?"
Sam, who was munching on beef jerky, raised an eyebrow, her usual casual demeanor betraying a hint of concern. "Sure, Carls. What's up?"
Freddie paused mid-fidget with his camera, his expression softening. There was something about Carly's tone that made him put down the camera, sensing the gravity in her words. "Yeah, what's going on?"
Carly hesitated, trying to steady her breath. The words were so much bigger than she expected. "When I was in Italy… I learned something about myself. I'm bisexual."
There it was. Out in the open. But even as she said it, the silence that followed felt suffocating, heavy with the weight of the truth. Carly's heart thundered in her chest, and for a moment, she was afraid that her entire friendship with them might change—afraid of their judgment, of the gap that might form between them.
Sam blinked, as if she didn't quite register the gravity of the words. She chewed her jerky for a moment, looking at Carly with a confused frown. "That's it?"
Carly's stomach sank. She had imagined this moment a hundred different ways, but none of them had prepared her for Sam's blunt reaction. "What do you mean, 'that's it'?"
"I thought you were about to tell us you joined the mafia or something," Sam teased, a smirk forming despite herself. "You know, something dramatic."
Carly stared at Sam, her lips parting in disbelief before the tension finally cracked. A nervous laugh escaped her, but it came out shakier than she expected. "Sam, seriously?"
Freddie chuckled too, but there was a warmth in his eyes that eased Carly's nerves. "Honestly? I kind of figured something like this might be coming." He smiled gently. "But I'm glad you trust us enough to say it."
Carly's chest loosened, the weight she'd been carrying for so long finally starting to lift. She looked between Sam and Freddie, searching their faces for any hint of judgment. But what she found was understanding—compassion. And underneath it all, relief flooded through her like a warm rush.
"I just— I wasn't sure how you'd react," Carly admitted, feeling the nervousness leave her voice. "It's not exactly something I've ever said out loud before."
Sam, who had returned to her jerky with an exaggerated shrug, leaned in and grinned. "Next time we're in Italy, you better introduce us to some cute Italian girls."
Carly laughed, but it was real now, a genuine sound that filled the studio. "Where did that come from?"
Sam rolled her eyes, clearly not the least bit concerned about the topic. "What? You think I don't like girls too?"
Carly stared at her, blinking in disbelief. "Wait, really? You—?"
"Yup," Sam said, shrugging casually as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "You're not the only one, kid. Welcome to the club."
Freddie nodded, his smile warm. "We're glad you told us. It's important."
Carly could hardly believe it. This moment, the one she had imagined a million different ways, had turned out to be so much simpler than she had feared. Sam's teasing, Freddie's quiet support—it felt like she'd just shed an entire weight off her shoulders.
A chuckle escaped her, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Carly felt light.
But before she could say anything more, Sam clapped her hands together, breaking the quiet. "Alright, now that we've done the emotional stuff, let's get to the good part! iCarly time!"
Carly's heart was still racing, but now it was from something else. Something that wasn't fear, but excitement. The tension had evaporated, and she felt like herself again, with her friends beside her.
"Yeah," Carly said, smiling at her friends. "Let's do it."
She paused for a moment, and then the thought popped into her mind. "Wait, whatever happened with Nevel and his website, ? I don't think he's ever gone this long without trying to mess with iCarly."
Freddie looked thoughtful. "Funny thing. After you left, he and the website both just… disappeared. I'm not sure why though."
Sam scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Enough about that little nub, let's do this." She gestured for Carly to follow her into position.
Carly grinned. Whatever was going on with Nevel, it didn't matter. She had her own life to focus on now—and the people who mattered most were right here with her. She was finally ready to face whatever came next.
Carly navigated the bustling hallway of Ridgeway, her eyes scanning the familiar yet different faces. After years in Italy, everything felt like a mixture of nostalgia and novelty. She paused near the bulletin board, her gaze landing on a brightly colored flyer for the Ridgeway Rainbow Alliance.
"I didn't know Ridgeway had this…" Carly murmured to herself, stepping closer to inspect the flyer more closely. Almost as if on cue, a high voice beside her softly exclaimed.
"The school has an LGBT Alliance? How… delightful!" The surprised excitement in the voice caught Carly's attention, making her turn. A blonde girl stood next to her, also eyeing the flyer with wide eyes. The girl had a polished, refined appearance, her enthusiasm in stark contrast with her otherwise composed demeanor. She wore a smart pink dress, a black blazer, and a pink scarf to match.
"I know, right? I didn't expect Ridgeway to have this club either," Carly replied with a smile, a faint blush warming her cheeks.
"Indeed. This is a most welcome surprise…" the girl said, her voice soft but warm as she turned to face Carly. Carly felt a small twinge of recognition but couldn't place it. She found herself studying the girl more carefully, intrigued by her calm yet animated energy.
Carly extended her hand. "I'm Carly, by the way. Just got back from living abroad, so I'm kind of relearning this place."
The girl smiled and shook Carly's hand with a firm, gentle grip. For a moment, both girls felt a spark at the contact.
"Reina," the blonde responded with a soft smile. "It's my first time here, too—after… well, nevermind." She glanced at Carly as if an idea was forming in her mind. "Hold on… Could you be Carly Shay? As in iCarly, the web show?" Reina asked, her voice careful but curious.
Carly blinked, slightly taken aback. She hadn't expected this, but then again, iCarly had reached quite an audience.
"Guilty as charged," Carly said with a playful grin. "We just brought the show back recently. You've… heard of it?"
"Heard of it?" Reina said, the light in her eyes betraying her enthusiasm. "I must say, iCarly was… quite an inspiration. I recall one episode vividly—the one in which Sam audaciously ordered Chinese food during the webcast. Much to your exasperation, if I remember correctly."
Carly laughed, shaking her head. "Oh yeah, everything just ground to a screeching halt. That delivery guy, Chuck, had the personality of a block of wood. And what was worse? We were being watched by an internet critic whose approval we needed at the time."
Reina chuckled softly, the sound light but composed. "That, Miss. Shay, was precisely the charm of iCarly—the unpredictability. You and your friends were so unapologetically yourselves, regardless of the outcome."
"I guess we were, huh?" Carly said with a grin. "And hey, we're still just as unpredictable, so if you're curious…" She winked playfully, and they both shared a quiet laugh, the connection between them growing in subtle ways.
The bell rang, snapping them out of the moment. They exchanged a glance, neither of them quite ready for the conversation to end. Reina was the first to speak, her words careful but inviting.
"Perhaps we might attend the Alliance together sometime? If it's of interest to you."
Carly's smile softened. This is...unexpectedly nice, she thought, nodding. "I'd love that." Carly paused for a beat before she pulled out her phone. "Would you like to put your number in my phone? I'd like to keep in touch with you," Carly said softly as she held her phone out to the blonde.
"I would like that. Thank you," Reina intoned softly as she handed her phone to Carly, and they exchanged numbers before pocketing their respective phones.
They shared a few more words before parting, heading to their respective classes. For Carly, the rest of the day was a blur. Her mind kept drifting back to Reina—the conversation, the spark, the warmth that lingered. By the time she reached her locker, she was still thinking about it.
Inside, tucked in her locker, was a small folded note.
Hey Carly, it was great meeting you today! I'd love to grab something at the Groovy Smoothie later if you're free. Just, you know, no pressure if you're busy. Maybe we can talk more then?
- Reina
Carly's smile reached her eyes, and her cheeks were like two red tomatoes. Wow, she really left me a note! Keep it together, Shay, you barely know her, Carly thought to herself, rereading the note one more time before she pulled out her phone to eagerly text the blonde back.
Carly: Hey Reina! I just found your note in my locker—it made my day The Groovy Smoothie sounds perfect! What time were you thinking?
Carly had barely started walking when her phone chimed.
Reina: Are you free after the final bell, perhaps?
Carly smirked at this message as she composed her response.
Carly: Nope, sorry, I'm pretty sure I'm spending the afternoon with this cute girl I just met today ;)
Carly put her phone away, thinking that was the end of it, but suddenly it went off again.
Reina: Curse you, Carly Shay. You've just reduced me to a distracted giggling troll right in the middle of Mrs. Robinson's math class :-P
She's so cute, Carly thought to herself as she chuckled right in the middle of the hallway. It was a good thing she had a free period; otherwise, she'd be in a bit of trouble. Knowing what little she did about Reina, the blonde would probably have something to say if Carly had been skipping class.
After the final bell, Carly texted Spencer and Colonel Shay about her plans to meet Reina at the Groovy Smoothie. Both her father and brother were aware and supportive of her liking for girls, so from her father, she got a "stay safe and be smart" text. From Spencer, all she got back was an immature "ooooooh, Carly's got a girlfriend." Carly merely rolled her eyes in response.
Earlier that day, when she'd found the note Reina slipped into her locker, Carly had felt her heart skip a beat. Wow, she really left me a note! Keep it together, Shay, you barely know her. But despite her attempts to act casual, the note had made her smile like a schoolgirl—her cheeks were still pink from it. It wasn't long before she'd texted Reina back, already looking forward to seeing her again.
She had explained her plans to her friends earlier, so they weren't waiting for her. Carly walked toward the exit, thoughts of Reina dancing in her mind. The anticipation built as she reached the door. Then, just outside, she spotted her—Reina was standing there, waiting, her poise and grace attempting to mask a slight case of nerves and the sunlight reflected off her blonde hair as if she was wearing a halo. Carly could see the girl was nervous as she fidgeted with her charm bracelet to distract herself. As Carly approached, the air seemed to hum with a warmth that matched the presence of the young queen, her regal aura making Carly blush and feel as though she were melting. —Wow, she's even more beautiful than I remember! Carly thought to herself. Carly could detect Reina's nerves and looked forward to the opportunity to try and calm her down.
"Hey." Carly greeted softly. A soft assurance laced her voice in that one moment.
"Hello, Carly," chipred a nervous Reina with a soft smile—what does she see when she looks at me Reina wondered to herself.
"Are you ready to go?" asked Carly with some uncertainty, wondering if Reina may have changed her mind.
"yes, I am ready." Reina replied softly wringing her hands.
"Good!" Smiled Carly as she held out her arm for Reina to take.
Wow, she is making me really feel like royalty! — Reina thought to herself as she grabbed Carly's arm and let the dark-haired girl lead her to a red car.
"Your chariot awaits, Milady." Carly said with a fake posh accent as she opened the passenger door.
"Why thank you, Miss Shay." Reina replied, dialing up her own formal tone in an attempt to mask her nerves as she got in the car. Carly closed Reina's door and went around to the driver's side and got in. Once both girls were situated, Carly started the engine and they set off for the Groovy Smooothie. As Carly pulled away from the curb, the soft hum of the engine filled the quiet space between them. She cast a quick glance over at Reina, who was busy looking out the window, seemingly entranced by the passing scenery. Carly couldn't help but smile at the serene look on Reina's face, her own heart beating just a little faster.
"So… first day at Ridgeway," Carly began, glancing at Reina with a gentle curiosity. "How was it?"
Reina turned, a slight smile pulling at her lips. "Eventful, to say the least. I hadn't anticipated meeting such… intriguing people so soon." Her voice was calm, but her eyes sparkled as they met Carly's, a flicker of warmth lighting her gaze.
Carly laughed softly, feeling her cheeks flush. "Well, you make a pretty strong first impression too. I mean, you're just… you have this… presence, you know?"
Reina's smile grew slightly, her composure wavering in a way that made Carly's heart skip a beat. "You're too kind. I think it's you who brings that out in people, actually. You have this… charm that makes everyone around you want to be their best selves."
"Oh, stop it," Carly teased, feeling a mix of embarrassment and flattery. She adjusted her grip on the steering wheel, feeling Reina's gaze linger on her for a moment longer before turning back to the window. "So, I take it you haven't been to the Groovy Smoothie yet?"
"Not since… a long time ago." Reina replied, her voice tinged with something wistful. "I've heard it hasn't changed much?"
"Not at all," Carly said, laughing. "Same old Spencer-like quirks, wacky décor, and I think T-Bo still tries to sell you random food on a stick every time you walk in."
Reina's laughter was light, but Carly noticed the quick flicker of nostalgia in her expression. "Sounds wonderfully… consistent."
As they approached a red light, Carly glanced at Reina's hands, noticing the way she was absentmindedly twisting a charm bracelet around her wrist. The sight made Carly's chest tighten, touched by Reina's nervousness, even though she carried herself with such poise.
Carly tilted her head, trying to gently draw her out of her shell. "That bracelet is really pretty. Is it new?"
Reina looked down at the charm bracelet, her fingers brushing over it with a fondness that softened her expression. "Thank you. It was a gift… from my mother…as a coming out present, actually. I suppose it is my good luck charm," she murmured, almost to herself.
Carly smiled, her voice gentle. "Looks like it's working."
Reina's cheeks flushed, and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Maybe so. After all, it brought me to… unexpected company."
"Oh? And what exactly does that mean, Mis
s. Reina?" Carly teased, turning her gaze back to the road just as the light turned green.
Reina chuckled softly. "Only that I don't often find myself… looking forward to spending time with someone so much."
A small, comfortable silence settled over them, each girl processing the words that had just passed between them. Carly felt a flutter of nervous energy in her chest, and she could see Reina glancing over at her from time to time, her gaze warm but guarded.
As they neared the Groovy Smoothie, Carly decided to break the silence. "I'm just saying, you might want to watch out. T-Bo has a thing for offering newcomers random food on sticks or even pickle smoothies. I still don't understand why he thinks it's a good idea."
Reina feigned a look of horror, placing a hand delicately over her mouth. "A pickle smoothie? Truly, the creativity of this establishment must know no bounds." —although I would not disagree if the pickles were bread and buter pickles, Reina thought to herself, not letting Carly know of the little relic from her past, and the food on sticks weren't the worst idea if the world either.
Carly laughed, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. "It's something, alright. But hey, if you survive it, I'll know you're serious about hanging out with me."
"Then I shall accept this challenge with courage and fortitude," Reina replied with an exaggeratedly serious tone, straightening up in her seat as if preparing for battle.
They both dissolved into laughter, the comfortable warmth between them growing. Carly felt a kind of ease with Reina that was both thrilling and a little frightening, the way each moment felt slightly electric, like something was just waiting to unfold.
Carly pulled into the parking lot of the Groovy Smoothie, finding a spot near the entrance. She turned off the engine and looked at Reina, who was glancing at the colorful sign above the door with an amused smile.
"Alright, Reina," Carly said, her voice brimming with excitement. "Ready to face the legend that is T-Bo?"
Reina took a deep breath, feigning steely determination. "Ready as I'll ever be. Lead the way, Miss Say." The neon sign of the Groovy Smoothie flickered above them, casting a colorful glow on the sidewalk. Carly grinned as she held the door open for Reina, who paused for a moment, her lips curving into a soft smile.
"Ladies first," Carly teased, bowing slightly.
"Why, thank you, Miss. Shay," Reina replied with a playful lilt, her polished tone carrying an undercurrent of amusement. She stepped inside, taking in the bright, eclectic atmosphere of the smoothie shop.
The familiar scent of fruit and the hum of blenders greeted them. Carly's eyes scanned the room, spotting a couple of high schoolers she vaguely recognized from class. The place had barely changed, and stepping inside felt like slipping into a memory.
"Carly Shay!" T-Bo's voice boomed from behind the counter. He was balancing a skewer of tacos in one hand and waving enthusiastically with the other. "Look who finally decided to come back! Been to Italy, and you still came crawling back for a smoothie, huh?" Carly laughed, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Missed me, T-Bo?" "Of course! You used to live here," T-Bo replied, gesturing dramatically at the booth where she and her friends used to sit. "I mean, I was starting to think you'd ditched us for good. You want a stick of ham or maybe a nice skewer of spaghetti to celebrate your return?" Reina blinked, her brows furrowing slightly.
"A… skewer of spaghetti?" Carly placed a reassuring hand on Reina's arm, suppressing a giggle.
"Don't ask. Just… it's T-Bo." "And proud of it!" T-Bo grinned, clearly unfazed.
"So, what can I get you two?"
Carly turned to Reina, her smile softening. "What's your go-to smoothie flavor? Or do you trust me to pick something good?" Reina hesitated, her eyes flicking over the colorful menu, her fingers gently tracing the rim of her glass. There was a slight pause before she spoke, her voice a little softer than usual.
"I admit, I've never been to a place quite like this. Why don't you choose for me?" "Oh, you're in for a treat." Carly's eyes sparkled as she leaned closer to the counter.
"T-Bo, two Strawberries 'n' Cream, extra whipped cream."
"You got it," T-Bo said, spinning around to get to work. "On the house for you, Carly Shay. But only this once! Don't think I'm running a charity here!" Carly rolled her eyes but laughed.
"Thanks, T-Bo." As T-Bo busied himself with their smoothies, Carly led Reina to a booth near the window, the bright neon lights casting playful shadows on their faces. Carly slid in first, her elbow resting casually on the table.
"So," Carly began, her smile wide and curious, "you've never been to the Groovy Smoothie before? That's like… a rite of passage around here." Reina chuckled softly, brushing a strand of blonde hair over her shoulder.
"I suppose I've missed out. My family doesn't really frequent places like this." She hesitated for a moment, a slight uncertainty creeping into her voice. "We've always been… traditional, I suppose you could say."
"Traditional?" Carly tilted her head. "Like, the 'dinner at 8-sharp, multiple-forks-on-the-table' kind of traditional?" Reina laughed, the sound soft but genuine.
"Something like that. Though, I must confess, I'm much more adept with silverware than, say… a skewer of spaghetti." Carly grinned.
"Yeah, T-Bo's culinary experiments are… an acquired taste. But he's harmless, I promise."
"I shall take your word for it," Reina replied, her gaze drifting briefly to T-Bo, who was theatrically swirling whipped cream on their drinks.
"You seem to trust him, and… I trust you." The sincerity in Reina's voice made Carly pause. It wasn't just the words, but the quiet confidence with which she spoke. Reina's gaze was steady, but there was something in her eyes that made Carly's heart skip a beat. She couldn't quite place it. She smiled softly, trying to ignore the warm flutter in her chest.
"Well, you're in good hands, then." T-Bo sauntered over, balancing their drinks on a tray like a circus act.
"Two Strawberries 'n' Cream, whipped cream towers included!" He slid the glasses onto the table with a flourish. "Enjoy, ladies. And don't forget—no refunds if it's too good."
"Thanks, T-Bo," Carly said, shooting him an amused look before turning back to Reina. "Okay, moment of truth. First sip." Reina took the glass and examined it as though it were fine wine. "Here goes nothing." She took a tentative sip, her lips curving into a delighted smile as the flavor hit her.
"This… is extraordinary. Sweet and creamy, just perfect." Carly leaned back, looking pleased.
"Told you. Groovy Smoothie never disappoints. You're officially a local now." Reina tilted her glass toward Carly in a mock toast.
"To firsts, then. First smoothie, first club meeting to come… and perhaps, first real friend." Carly's smile softened, but she couldn't help but notice the slight hesitation in Reina's voice when she said "real friend." It was subtle, like Reina wasn't entirely sure what that meant yet. Carly raised an eyebrow, sensing the vulnerability in those words, but decided not to push. Instead, she smiled warmly and clinked her glass with Reina's.
"To firsts—and hopefully no spaghetti skewers in the future." Their glasses clinked gently, the sound almost lost in the lively hum of the shop. They sipped their smoothies in comfortable silence for a moment before Carly's curiosity got the better of her. "So, Reina… what brought you to Ridgeway this year? Senior year's kind of a weird time to transfer, isn't it?" Reina hesitated, her fingers tracing the edge of her glass again, a slight furrow in her brow as she seemed to collect her thoughts.
"It's… a complicated story. One I'm not certain is suitable for a smoothie shop." Carly nodded, sensing the shift in Reina's tone.
"That's cool. No rush. I'm just glad you're here now." Reina's lips curved into a small, grateful smile.
"As am I. Ridgeway has its charms. Chief among them is the company I'm keeping." Carly laughed, rolling her eyes.
"Smooth, Reina. Very smooth."
"I strive for excellence," Reina replied, her tone light but her eyes sincere. As the conversation turned to Carly's time in Italy and Reina's passion for cooking, Carly mentioned,
"When I was in Rome, there were these smoothie stands everywhere, but nothing like this. T-Bo is… one of a kind." Reina laughed softly.
"He certainly is." Time seemed to slip away, the neon lights painting their growing connection in hues of pink and orange. Suddenly, Reina's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her eyes widening slightly. "Oh no—it's my mother! She's been calling for the past twenty minutes!" Carly looked at her in surprise.
"Wait, you didn't tell her you were coming with me?" Reina bit her lip, glancing at the phone, her gaze briefly shifting away from Carly's. Her voice was quieter, tinged with something Carly couldn't quite place.
"I… no," she admitted, standing quickly as she gathered her things. "I may have neglected to mention the specifics of my plans." Carly chuckled softly, standing as well.
"Well, let's not keep her waiting, or she might ground you from leaving the house forever." Reina smiled, but Carly could see the nerves in her eyes, the way her hands shook just slightly as she tucked her phone into her bag.
"Perish the thought. Thank you for today, Carly. Truly."
"Anytime," Carly said warmly, her voice soft with the weight of something unspoken. "Do you want a ride home?" Carly asked, her concern slipping through. Reina hesitated for a fraction of a second too long, before shaking her head, her gaze dropping to the floor for a brief moment.
"No, thank you. I… I'll be fine." Carly watched her go, a faint crease forming between her brows. Something didn't feel right. Reina hadn't seemed upset, but Carly couldn't shake the feeling there was more going on. Her gut told her something was off—maybe Reina wasn't ready to open up yet, or maybe Carly had pushed too much.
"Well, I guess I'll find out when she's ready," Carly murmured to herself, sliding into the driver's seat. As she drove home, the taste of strawberries lingered, and so did the memory of Reina's smile. But the uncertainty stayed with her, a quiet whisper she couldn't ignore.
Carly burst into the Shay apartment that evening, her face lit up with a radiant smile. Spencer was sprawled across the couch, fiddling with a bizarre gadget that looked like it could either brew coffee or unleash a small tornado. Meanwhile, Colonel Shay sat at the kitchen table, flipping through a cookbook with the same intensity he brought to military strategy.
"Okay, you two!" Carly announced, practically bouncing on her feet. "I have so much to tell you!"
Spencer didn't even look up, muttering as he twisted a screwdriver. "Unless it's about why this thing keeps sparking, hold that thought."
"It's way better than your weird coffee-machine-tornado-whatever thing," Carly said, dropping her bag to the floor.
Colonel Shay glanced up from his book, smiling at her enthusiasm. "What's going on, Snugbug? You look like you just won the lottery."
Carly flopped onto the couch beside Spencer, practically glowing. "I just had the best time today. Remember Reina? The girl I told you about from school?"
That finally got Spencer's attention. He set the gadget aside, raising an eyebrow. "The one from your text? Huh. You must've had a good time—you're smiling like you just got free smoothies for life."
"She's amazing," Carly said, her voice almost dreamy. "We talked about everything—music, books, what it was like for me in Italy. She's so funny and smart. I don't know, I just really like being around her."
Colonel Shay closed the cookbook, his expression softening. "Sounds like she's someone pretty special."
Carly nodded enthusiastically. "She is. I mean, I think I might really like her."
Spencer leaned back, squinting at her as if studying a puzzle. "Wait a second…" He gestured at her with exaggerated suspicion. "Starry-eyed grin, dreamy voice, talking about her nonstop—are you into her?"
Carly's face flushed, but she laughed, playfully shoving his arm. "Shut up, Spence. I'm serious! I don't think I've ever felt like this about anyone before."
"Well," her dad said with a warm smile, "it's great to see you so happy."
"Yeah," Carly said softly. "It is."
Spencer crossed his arms, still grinning. "Okay, but does she like you back, or are you just out here crushing hard?"
"I don't know yet," Carly admitted, laughing. "But I think so. There were a couple of moments where… I don't know, it felt like we were totally in sync, you know?"
Spencer gave her a teasing nudge. "Look at you, all lovey-dovey."
Colonel Shay chuckled, closing his cookbook. "Alright, Snugbug, let's debrief: who is this Reina, what makes her special, and when do I get to meet her?"
"Dad!" Carly groaned, though she couldn't hide her smile. "It's not like that. Yet."
"Well, I hope you keep getting to know her. She sounds like someone worth spending time with," he added warmly.
"Thanks, Dad," Carly said, her smile widening. "I just… I wanted to share this with you both. I'm really excited about this."
Spencer slung an arm around her shoulders, giving her a sideways squeeze. "Well, for what it's worth, I'm rooting for you two. But if she breaks your heart, don't worry—I'll be here to awkwardly make jokes about it until you feel better."
"Thanks, I think?" Carly said, laughing.
Colonel Shay's voice was calm and steady as he added, "Just remember, Snugbug—no matter what happens, we're here for you."
She nodded, feeling the warmth of her family's support settle over her like a cozy blanket. "I know. Thanks, guys."
For a moment, the three of them sat together, the room quiet except for the hum of Spencer's gadget, which suddenly let out a puff of smoke.
Spencer waved a hand in front of his face. "Okay, yeah—this one might be an explosion waiting to happen. Carly, any chance Reina's into amateur inventors?"
Carly laughed, reaching into her bag for her phone. She tapped out a quick text to Sam and Freddie.
Carly: Hey, thanks for letting me navigate today on my own. It means a lot. You guys are the best.
Sam's reply was immediate
Sam:Don't get sappy on me, Shay. But you're welcome. We knew you had it in you.
Freddie chimed in a moment later
Freddie: Proud of you, Carly. Glad you had a good day."
Carly smiled at their responses, tucking her phone away as she leaned back into the couch. For the first time in a while, everything felt perfectly in place.
Meanwhile, Reina was in for quite the rude awakening when she got home.
"Reina Elizabeth Papperman, where have you been?" Mrs. Papperman asked in concern as she ran over to her daughter and placed her hands on the young woman's shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Mother. I ran into someone from my past, back when I was… the old me," Reina replied, hoping her mother would understand.
"Are you okay?" Mrs. Linda Papperman asked with concern.
"Yes, Mother," Reina replied, exasperated.
"I'm sorry. I just know that back in the past, you had many people whom you've had issues with," the older woman replied.
"I know, Mother, but this person just returned to town recently, which is why I stayed under the radar when I transitioned. I don't think she knows who I used to be," Reina explained.
"Well, don't keep me waiting. Who was it?" Mrs. Papperman asked excitedly.
"It was Carly Shay. I think she really likes the true me," Reina chirped.
"Do you think she will still feel that way if she learns about your past?"
"I can only hope so, and if things go how I would like, I will be able to tell her everything one day. Come what may, I will be ready for her reaction," Reina replied confidently.
"I love you very much, and I'm proud of you, Reina Elizabeth Papperman. I know you've tried so hard to reform and become the woman you have always seen yourself as," Mrs. Papperman praised, pulling her daughter in for a tight hug.
After dinner, Reina went up to her room, pulling out her planner to map out the next day.