Reina woke the next morning feeling refreshed, a rare lightness in her chest as the new day beckoned. After blinking the last traces of sleep from her eyes, she rose and made her way to the full-length mirror that stood sentinel in the corner of her room. It was a routine she couldn't seem to break—assessing the image that stared back at her, as if searching for answers hidden in her reflection.
Her blue eyes met her reflection, steady and familiar. They were the one part of her that felt immutable, a trait she couldn't—and wouldn't—change. Yet there was a new fire behind them, a confidence she hadn't fully embraced until now. But as her fingers traced the line of her jaw, a flicker of unease settled in her chest. The angles were softer now, her face reshaping itself into something closer to her vision. Yet the jawline remained a stubborn relic of her past, an anchor to the person she used to be.
Why, Reina? The thought came unbidden, sharp and accusing. Why did you hurt so many people?
Her hands dropped to her sides as the questions tumbled forward, relentless. How many lives did you ruin?
She closed her eyes, willing the questions to fade, but one refused to be silenced: How many lives did he ruin?
Reina continued to contemplate as she saw traces of another life. She couldn't help but wonder aloud in the face of that subtle but familiar image. Whether she liked it or not, Reina would have to once again face one of the people she hurt. In her eyes, she was facing the most important person she hurt. As she got dressed in yet another formal outfit, she realized the crossroads she was at: either come clean and potentially lose Carly or continue to lie and let herself believe she didn't need to say anything and allow the bond between herself and the other girl to continue to form.
Reina made her way to the kitchen and set to work making breakfast, choosing to distract herself with one of her favorite pastimes: cooking. A smile tugged at her lips as she gathered the ingredients to make a Mexican-style omelet, a favorite of both her and her mother. The familiar rhythm of whisking the eggs and slicing the vegetables grounded her, even as the weight of her thoughts lingered.
"Well, good morning," Mrs. Papperman's warm voice called as she entered the kitchen. "I knew I smelled one of your wonderful creations."
"That's the only real way to do it, from scratch," Reina replied, flashing her mother a smile as she flipped the omelet.
"Agreed." Mrs. Papperman chuckled as she set the kettle on the stove. Reina spared her a quick glance. Was she one of the ones I disappointed? Someone I... he... had hurt? My own mother?
The memory of that time came back unbidden: the day Mrs. Papperman announced she was taking a two-month cruise around the Arabian Peninsula. Nevel had been impossible, wreaking havoc at home while his mother was away. Reina remembered how she'd felt a mix of relief and resentment. Relieved because the chaos had stopped, even if only for a while, and resentful because her mother's absence had only deepened the void left by Nevel's behavior.
But did she leave to escape him, or was it to escape me? The thought pierced Reina's chest like an arrow.
Mrs. Papperman caught the shadow that crossed Reina's face and smiled warmly. "Everything alright, sweetie?"
Reina nodded quickly, pushing the questions aside. "Yeah, just... thinking about breakfast."
Mrs. Papperman raised an eyebrow but said nothing, focusing instead on the cup of tea she was preparing. She hadn't forgotten that trip or the reasons behind it, but now, with Reina's past as Nevel cast in a new light, the memory stirred questions of its own.
Reina took a deep breath, hesitating as she finally voiced the question that had been plaguing her. "Mom, can I ask you something? When you went on that cruise around the Arabian Peninsula... was it really just a vacation, or… did you need to get away from him? From me?"
Mrs. Papperman's hands paused mid-pour, the kettle stilling with a soft click. Her eyes met Reina's, a mixture of surprise and something unreadable flickering across her features. Reina's heart thumped painfully, waiting for an answer.
Mrs. Papperman's eyes softened, and she set the kettle down, stepping closer to Reina. There was a pause, heavy and pregnant with the things neither of them had said before.
"Reina," she began, her voice gentle and measured, "that trip... it was planned as a vacation, but it was more than that. It was a chance to catch my breath, to reclaim some sense of peace. Nevel... he had his moments of chaos, and it was hard, more than you know. But it wasn't just about him, or you, for that matter. It was about me. I needed time to figure out who I was, how I could be there for you both without feeling like I was drowning in all the noise."
Reina's chest tightened, the truth stinging as it settled in her heart. "I always wondered if I pushed you away," she said softly, looking down at the counter, fingers tracing a forgotten scratch in the wood. "If it was me, not just him."
Mrs. Papperman reached out, her fingers brushing Reina's cheek, lifting her gaze. "No, sweetie. You were never the reason. You were my reason to keep going, even when it was hard. And I know it wasn't always enough. But I've always been proud of who you are, who you're becoming."
Reina's eyes filled with unshed tears, the weight of her mother's words filling the void that had gnawed at her for so long. "I'm sorry for everything," she whispered, voice breaking.
Mrs. Papperman's smile was soft and reassuring. "There's nothing to be sorry for, Reina. We all have our pasts, and they shape us, yes, but they don't have to define us. What matters is who we are now and who we choose to be tomorrow."
Reina nodded, a warm rush of emotion threatening to spill over. For the first time, she felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, she could start to forgive herself—but would Carly forgive him... forgive me? This question hung pregnant in Reina's mind as she and her mother ate, and it lingered as she made her way to school. It was as if Carly had never left.
Carly, Sam, and Freddie strolled into the school, the morning buzz of lockers slamming and students chatting filling the air. Despite Carly meeting Reina, Freddie returning to his afternoon job, and Sam spending an inordinate amount of time texting a "special someone"—their routine slipped back into place with a familiar rhythm.
As they weaved through the hall, Sam finally pocketed her phone, breaking the comfortable silence with her trademark bluntness.
"So, Carls, when can we meet this Reina chick you've been going on about all morning?"
Carly blinked, caught off guard by Sam's question. "I—uh—well, maybe I'll see if I can find her," she said, craning her neck to look around. Her tone was light, but her stomach did a tiny flip. She wanted Reina to meet her friends, of course, but what if Sam's teasing went too far? What if Freddie…?
"She's seriously been talking about this girl all morning," Freddie chimed in, his tone teasing but with a curious undertone. "What's the deal, Carly? You meet a new bestie, or is it, like…..more than that?"
Carly flushed but forced a casual laugh. "Come on, it's not like that. I just think she's cool, okay? And, you know… new girl, first impressions, all that."
Sam smirked, nudging Carly with her elbow. "Sure, Carls. Cool. Totally just cool."
Rolling her eyes, Carly tried to keep her focus on the crowd, hoping to spot Reina's polished silhouette somewhere in the chaos. She couldn't deny she was excited—and maybe a little anxious—to see her again.
As they neared the main hallway, Carly slowed her pace, still scanning. "Well, if she's around, I'll introduce you guys. She's… hard to miss."
Freddie raised an eyebrow. "Hard to miss? What, is she seven feet tall or something?"
"No," Carly said with a soft laugh, "but you'll see what I mean."
The trio continued down the hallway, the anticipation humming quietly in Carly's chest. As Carly scanned the hallway, her heart skipped when she caught sight of Reina. The blonde was weaving through the crowd with the same deliberate grace Carly had noticed before. Her pink scarf fluttered gently as she moved, her posture poised yet slightly guarded. Carly couldn't help but smile—Reina's elegance seemed to stand out even in the chaos of Ridgeway's morning rush.
"Reina!" Carly called out, waving her arm high.
Reina's head turned, her blue eyes lighting up as they met Carly's. She began making her way over, but her confident stride faltered the moment she noticed Carly wasn't alone. Two unfamiliar faces stood beside her—one tall and lean, with a camera bag slung over his shoulder, and the other shorter but exuding a kind of magnetic intensity. Reina recognized her immediately: Sam Puckett.
Her pulse quickened, and for a brief moment, her polished exterior wavered. A flicker of memory surfaced—Nevel's memory. Sam's fists flying in a blur during their altercation during the exhibition fight with Shelby Marx, the sheer terror he'd felt as she loomed over him, ready to pummel him into next week. The old fear whispered in her mind, but Reina took a steadying breath and pushed it aside. That was then. You're not him anymore. You're you.
With renewed determination, Reina stepped forward, her smile once again in place, though her nerves hadn't entirely settled.
"Hey! Guys, this is Reina," Carly said with a beaming grin. "Reina, these are my best friends—Sam and Freddie."
Reina's lips parted to respond, but her gaze involuntarily darted to Sam. The recognition was immediate and undeniable. The blonde girl's appraising stare was sharp, almost predatory, and Reina couldn't help but flinch—just slightly—before smoothing her posture.
"It's nice to meet you both," she said, her voice calm and steady despite the faint tremor in her chest.
Freddie was the first to respond, his grin disarming and genuine as he extended a hand. "Good to meet you! Carly's been hyping you up all morning."
Reina accepted his handshake, relieved by his easygoing demeanor. "I hope I can live up to such high praise," she replied with a small smile. Her tone was light, but her mind was still buzzing. At least he seems friendly. That's one less thing to worry about.
Sam leaned casually against the lockers, arms crossed, her sharp gaze unwavering. "So, Reina… what's your deal? You cool, or are you one of those Jane Austen types who's gonna make us look bad?"
Carly groaned audibly. "Sam! Be nice!"
Reina hesitated for just a second before responding, forcing a soft chuckle. "I suppose that depends on your definition of 'cool,'" she said, her words measured. "But I promise, I'll try not to ruin your reputation, though I do find the writings of Jane Austen inspiring."
Sam's lips curled into a smirk, clearly amused. She jabbed Freddie lightly with her elbow. "Alright, Fredwart, she's cooler than you. Guess she's in."
Freddie rolled his eyes, a good-natured grin on his face. "And here I thought we were done with the nicknames, Count Samula."
Reina let herself relax, just a little. The banter between them was playful, almost comforting. She cast a quick glance at Carly, who looked at her with such warmth that the tension in her chest eased.
"Don't mind them," Carly said, shooting her friends a mock glare. "They're always like this. You'll get used to it."
Reina offered a soft smile, her voice warmer now. "I can see why Carly enjoys your company. You seem like… a lively group."
The bell rang, cutting their conversation short. Carly glanced at Reina apologetically, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "I'll catch you later? We've got to head to class."
"Of course," Reina replied, her smile softening. "It was lovely meeting you both."
As Reina turned to walk away, she couldn't help but feel Sam's eyes following her. She tried to shake the lingering unease, reminding herself that she wasn't the same person Sam had known. Not anymore.
Behind her, Sam smirked as she leaned closer to Carly. "Yup, you've got it bad," she teased, her voice low but full of mischief.
Carly's face turned scarlet. "Oh my gosh, shut up, Sam!" she hissed, swatting at her friend as Freddie chuckled.
Reina didn't hear their words, but she didn't need to. She could still feel Carly's warmth, like a quiet reassurance that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.
"Oh, Reina, wait up," Carly called out, causing the blonde to pause mid-step and turn back, her scarf swaying gently as she pivoted.
"Yes?" Reina asked, her fingers lightly grazing the charm bracelet on her wrist, a subtle motion Carly had started to notice when Reina seemed unsure.
"Today's the first meeting of the Ridgeway Rainbow Alliance," Carly said brightly. "I thought the four of us could check it out after school."
Reina blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she masked it with a soft smile. "That sounds… delightful," she said, though her chest tightened slightly. Would it be safe to share this part of herself so soon?
"Wait, Carly," Freddie interrupted, his brow furrowed slightly. "I'm not part of that community."
"Oh, come now, Freddie," Reina chimed in, her tone light and teasing as she leaned forward slightly. "Surely you can support your friends."
Freddie opened his mouth to reply, then hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, that's true. Allies are a thing, right?" he added with a half-smile.
"Exactly," Carly said, her grin widening.
Freddie nodded, looking more at ease. "Okay, I'm in."
Carly turned to Sam. "What about you?"
Sam scoffed, shoving her hands in her jacket pockets. "Oh, come on, Carls. You know I'm in. Just as long as it isn't some rainbow kumbayah fest or whatever."
Reina chuckled softly at Sam's comment, relaxing a bit more. "I'm sure it'll be far less… musical than that," she quipped, a playful glint in her eyes.
Sam's gaze lingered on her for a moment, her smirk softening. "Alright, Jane Austen. We'll see."
Carly beamed, clapping her hands together. "Great! After school, then."
As the group began to disperse, Reina felt a faint warmth spreading in her chest. Carly's invitation had been so casual, so welcoming, and yet it felt monumental to her. For so long, she'd stayed on the outskirts, careful not to draw too much attention unless she was behind a computer screen. Now, for the first time in years, she felt like she might truly belong.
While Carly recognized her feelings for Reina were growing, she knew that by the second day of school, the time for easing into routines was over. The teachers were diving into lectures, assignments were piling up, and introductions were a thing of the past. If she wanted to make the most of her senior year—and graduate with her class—she couldn't let herself get too distracted
Still, her thoughts kept drifting back to Reina: her polished voice, the way she carried herself like she belonged and yet seemed unsure at the same time. Carly shook her head and focused on the route to her first class, determined to push those thoughts aside for the time being. Lunch was only a few hours away—maybe then, she could afford to let her mind wander. Carly had come so close once to getting straight A's only to fall short at the last possible moment—not this time—she thought to herself. With this determination in mind, Carly's concentration carried her through the first three periods of the day.
*
The cafeteria hummed with its usual energy—students laughing, trays clattering, and the low buzz of conversations filling the space. Carly scanned the room, her eyes landing on Reina, who was sitting at a table near the window. Reina's lunch was neatly arranged in front of her: crackers, a small bowl of tapenade, and a thermos of soup that Carly assumed was homemade. There was a slight tension in Reina's posture, as if she were still considering whether to join the others.
Carly's smile softened. She knew Reina was still getting used to being part of this world, even if she'd met Sam and Freddie that morning. She walked over, balancing her own lunch tray.
"Hey, Reina," Carly said warmly as she approached.
Reina looked up, her expression shifting from thoughtful to slightly relieved. "Hey, Carly," she said, motioning to the empty seat across from her. "Join me?"
"Of course," Carly said, settling down and glancing at Reina's lunch. "Bringing your own lunch today? Looks delicious. Way fancier than cafeteria food."
Reina chuckled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I guess I'm just not a fan of mystery meat and soggy fries," she said, her tone light but carrying an undercurrent of something more. "Plus, I like having control over what I eat."
Carly nodded, picking up on the subtle hint. "I get that. I've always been a bit picky too," she said, her eyes softening as she met Reina's. "Hey, I know you met Sam and Freddie this morning. They seemed to like you. If you're up for it, you could join us at the table—I promise they're harmless.."
Reina's fingers fiddled with the edge of a cracker as she considered the offer. The morning had gone well enough, and Sam and Freddie had been polite, even welcoming—but it was still new territory for her. She didn't want to assume she'd already earned a spot at their table. "If you're sure," she said, her voice slightly hesitant.
"I am," Carly said with a reassuring nod. "Come on, let's go."
Reina stood up, balancing her lunch and feeling a flutter of nervousness settle in her stomach. As they walked toward the table where Sam and Freddie were waiting, Carly couldn't help but feel a little thrill. She was looking forward to seeing Reina interact more with her friends and hoped it would go well.
The table came into view, and Sam looked up, her eyes narrowing with mild curiosity as she noticed Reina. Freddie, on the other hand, flashed a grin and waved.
"Hey, look who's joining us!" Freddie said, patting the seat beside him.
Carly smiled, giving Reina a small, encouraging nod. "Hey, guys. Reina's joining us for lunch today," she said casually, the familiarity in her voice helping Reina's smile feel a little more genuine.
Sam's gaze shifted from Carly to Reina, her expression assessing. "Well, well, if it isn't the new girl Carly's been raving about," she said, smirking with a glint of amusement. "I guess your first run-in with us didn't scare you off."
Reina's smile was polite, but her eyes darted to Sam for a moment too long. Memories of Nevel's past encounters with Sam flickered in her mind, and she took a breath to steady herself. That was then. You're not him anymore. You're you.
"It's good to see you both again," Reina said, her voice calm but with a faint tremor. She glanced at Freddie, who gave her a warm, welcoming nod.
"Good to see you too," Freddie said with a grin. "You know Carly can't stop talking about you—it's like a broken record."
"You know, he's not wrong. It's always Reina this and Reina that," Sam mocked playfully with her best Carly impression.
Carly's cheeks flushed, but she smiled. "What can I say? I think she's pretty great."
Sam's smirk widened, a playful glint in her eye. "She'd better still be cool, or I'm gonna start charging her for hanging out with us."
"Oh no! Whatever shall I do?" Reina gasped, clutching her thermos like a damsel in distress. Her exaggerated tone drew a laugh from Carly, while Sam rolled her eyes with a grin.
Sam's eyes softened, and she shot Freddie a look that said, Not bad. "Alright, Fredwart, I think she's alright."
Freddie rolled his eyes but grinned. "Sam, seriously? Again with this?"
Carly let out a small sigh of relief. For a moment, Reina's smile brightened, and she glanced at Carly, her eyes meeting hers with a quiet thanks. As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Reina felt a quiet relief settling over her. The laughter and teasing had felt natural—something she hadn't experienced in years. Carly's warmth, steady and unwavering, made her feel that maybe, just maybe, she truly belonged.
Reina looked straight ahead as she navigated the day. Her classes seemed to flutter by as her sharp mind absorbed every detail, each lesson sinking in effortlessly. At the final bell, she made her way to Carly's locker to meet her and the others before heading to the Ridgeway Rainbow Alliance's first meeting.
"Hey, Rei!" Carly called out, her voice bright with excitement as she sidled up to the other girl.
Reina turned with a small smile, her cheeks warming at the nickname. "Hey," she replied softly, giving a small wave.
"'Sup?" Sam greeted with a playful smirk.
"Oh, I'm fine," Reina responded, glancing around curiously. "Where's Freddie?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Turns out Flakeward had to work," Sam teased, nudging Carly with an elbow.
"Oh, come on, Sam. You know he works at the Pear Store," Carly chided with a smile.
"Yeah, and we all remember how well that went the first time," Sam said, rolling her eyes with a mischievous grin.
"To be fair, we were younger back then," Carly murmured, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. She turned to Reina, eyes brightening. "Enough about that. Let's go to this meeting."
Reina's expression shifted, a small but genuine smile spreading across her face. "Yes, let's see what this club is all about," she said, her tone light and curious. The three girls made their way to the classroom mentioned on the flyer from the day prior. As they approached, Reina turned to Sam.
"Sam, would you please go on ahead I need to speak with Carly about something for a brief moment.
"Whatever," replied Sam as she walked into the door.
"What's up, Reina?" Carly asked softly, placing a supportive hand on the other girl's arm.
Reina hesitated, her gaze dropping for a moment before she met Carly's eyes again. Her heart pounded, each beat louder than the last, a drumbeat of anxiety that seemed to echo in her ears. She took a shaky breath, her hands fidgeting nervously at her sides.
"I… I'm transgender," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The words felt like they weighed a ton, pressing down on her chest. "I wasn't always Reina."
Carly blinked, the words settling over her. She placed a reassuring hand on Reina's arm, her touch firm yet gentle. Her eyes, warm and unwavering, locked with Reina's, grounding her in that moment. "Okay," Carly said softly, her tone even, filled with understanding.
Reina's breath caught, her eyes wide with uncertainty and hope mingling together. Her chest rose and fell erratically as she searched Carly's face for a reaction. "You're… okay with that?"
Carly's smile grew, warm and genuine, spreading across her features and reaching her eyes. "Of course, I am. Reina, you're amazing. Being you is what matters most to me."
Relief washed over Reina, flooding her veins with a warmth that pushed away the tightness in her chest. A soft, grateful smile replaced the tension that had tightened her face. "Thank you," she said, her voice trembling slightly, barely above a whisper.
Carly's hand gave her arm a playful squeeze, breaking the intensity with a touch of lightness. "Besides, I think Reina suits you perfectly," she added with a wink.
Reina blushed, her smile broadening and lighting up her face. The warmth spread through her, dispelling the last remnants of doubt. "Come on, let's get in there before Sam calls a search team," she urged, her giggle soft and light, breaking the tension and adding a note of relief.
Carly smiled and held the door open for Reina, mirroring the gesture from the day before at the Groovy Smoothie. The room was filled with a mixture of chatter and the subtle shuffling of chairs as students settled in. The walls were adorned with rainbow flags and posters promoting inclusivity, and the soft hum of fluorescent lights overhead added to the cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Once inside, Reina and Carly found a spot next to Sam, who was already scanning the room with an amused smirk. Before Sam could say anything, a student with short brown hair and an easy smile stood at the front of the room, calling the meeting to order.
"Hello, everyone. Welcome to the first meeting of the Ridgeway Rainbow Alliance for this year," Alex said, their voice confident and warm. "Before we get started, I'd like to do a quick icebreaker. Everyone, please share your name, preferred pronouns, and the reason you decided to come today. I'll go first. My name is Alex, I use they/them pronouns, and I've been a member since my freshman year. It started with me wanting to find people like me because I didn't understand much about being nonbinary, but now I want to help bring people together."
Alex sat down, looking to the person on their left, who shifted nervously and spoke up.
"Hi, I'm Maria, I use she/her pronouns, and I wanted to make friends outside of cyberspace. I've been kind of a recluse up until now." Maria's voice was soft, and her eyes fell to her shoes as she finished.
Reina's eyes widened, and she leaned closer to Carly, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I think I know her."
"Really?" Carly responded, curiosity sparking in her voice.
"Yes," Reina said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Her voice sounds like someone I've talked to on a transgender Discord server I'm a part of. I didn't expect to see her here."
Carly's eyes lit up with understanding. "That's amazing. Maybe this is exactly where you're meant to be," she said, squeezing Reina's arm lightly.
Reina's smile grew, and a warmth settled in her chest. "Yeah. Maybe."
One by one, the introductions circled the room until they reached Reina. She took a deep breath, her fingers brushing the charm bracelet on her wrist. This is it. Just be yourself. Reina stood, glancing briefly at Carly, who gave her an encouraging nod.
"Hello, I am Reina," she began, her voice steady despite her nerves. "My pronouns are she/her, and I've been homeschooled for the past four years so I could transition safely. I wanted to find a sense of community outside of Discord."
She caught Maria's eye as she spoke, offering a small, hopeful smile. Maria nodded back, her expression warm with recognition. Reina sat down with a quiet exhale, the weight in her chest lifting slightly. Carly's encouraging grin felt like a reward.
"Hey, I'm Carly," Carly began as she stood. A soft murmur rippled through the room as recognition dawned on a few faces. "Yes, I'm the host of iCarly. My pronouns are she/her. I've been studying abroad for four years, and during that time, I realized I was bisexual. Just a few days ago, I came out to my best friends, and they've been amazing. I'm here today because I want to keep building that sense of community. And honestly, if it weren't for this club's flyer, I never would have met my new friend Reina." She glanced at Reina, her smile warm and sincere.
Reina's heart quickened, warmth blooming in her chest as Carly's words settled over her. She couldn't help but smile back, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks. Carly's heart fluttered at Reina's smile, the warmth spreading through her chest. It wasn't just admiration anymore; it was something more electric, more personal. She pushed the thought aside for now, but the blush on her cheeks lingered.
Carly sat down, the room buzzing softly as the next introduction began. For Reina, the noise of the world dimmed, her thoughts centered on the quiet, growing bond between her and Carly.
"So, wait… Reina's…?" Sam started, her tone edged with curiosity, but Carly cut her off, her voice firm.
"Yes, she is. And, Sam, please keep your sass to yourself," Carly said firmly. Then, softer but no less certain, she added, "You both supported me when I came out, and now it's my turn. Reina's still my friend, and I still…" Carly trailed off, her cheeks flushing as she glanced toward Reina. Sam's face shifted to one of understanding. Carly was still her best friend, and while Reina being transgender caught her off guard it wasn't an issue; especially if Reina made Carly happy. Once the introductions were finished, Alex went on to explain that Frosh night was in two weeks. This was when all the clubs got together and displayed booths to attract new members especially from the freshman class. Carly, Sam and Reina volunteered to help out that night. Everyone spent the rest of the meeting helping design the decorations for the booth and as time went on, all three girls felt a sense of belonging as they interacted with Alex and the other members and slowly brought this vision to life.
The meeting had begun to wind down, with small groups forming to chat casually before everyone left. Reina lingered by the snacks table, pretending to sip her water while keeping one ear tuned to Maria's conversation.
"I was so nervous about coming here today," Maria said to Alex, her voice soft but earnest. "But then I remembered something I told someone on Discord once—'One small step is all it takes to bloom.' I figured I should take my own advice for a change." She let out a nervous laugh.
Reina's breath caught, her grip tightening on the cup in her hands. CyberBloom. The phrase clicked in her mind, and suddenly, Maria's voice felt unmistakably familiar.
Summoning her courage, Reina approached Maria as the room began to empty. "Excuse me, Maria?"
Maria turned, blinking in surprise. "Oh, hi. Reina, right?"
"Yes," Reina said with a tentative smile. She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I couldn't help but overhear what you said to Alex. About blooming. Does the username CyberBloom mean anything to you?"
Maria's cheeks turned pink. "That's my Discord username. Why?"
Reina felt her heart flutter. "I think we've talked before. I'm ReinStorm206."
Maria's eyes widened in recognition, and a smile broke across her face. "No way! Rainy? That's you? I've always wondered who you were offline." For Reina, the meeting was more than just finding community—it was finding threads from her past tying into her present. As she chatted with Maria, the realization that she wasn't alone made her chest feel lighter, her steps surer.
Reina laughed softly, the tension in her chest easing. "Yeah Bloom, It's me. I figured it was time for a fresh start, even with my username. ReinStorm felt… better than the old one."
Maria tilted her head curiously but didn't press further. "Well, it's a great name. I'm glad you're here."
Reina nodded, her smile widening. "Me too. It's good to meet you… in real life this time." Reina looked over to Carly and Sam, her nerves giving way to a spark of excitement. This meeting wasn't just about joining a club—it felt like reconnecting pieces of her life.
"Hey, Maria, there's someone I want you to meet," Reina said with a smile, gesturing for Maria to follow.
"Oh, who? Looks like you're already making friends, Rainy," Maria teased lightly, earning a soft laugh from Reina as they approached Carly and Sam.
"Carly, Sam, I want you to meet someone," Reina said, her tone carrying a mix of eagerness and pride. "This is Maria."
Carly's expression brightened with genuine curiosity. "Oh, hey Maria!"
Maria nodded, smiling warmly. "Yeah! Rainy and I knew each other on Discord before I even realized she went here."
"Rainy?" Sam echoed with a smirk. "That's a new one."
Carly's smile faltered, a subtle flicker of something unreadable crossing her face at the affectionate nickname. "It's nice to meet you, Maria," she said, her voice polite but just a touch strained.
Reina caught Carly's tone and tilted her head slightly, but before she could say anything, Carly spoke again, her concern softening her features. "Hey, Reina, does your mom know you're staying late this time?"
Reina blinked, then nodded quickly. "Oh, yes, she does this time. Thank you for checking."
Sam snorted. "Real mom energy there, Carls."
"Sam," Carly chided. "She got into some trouble yesterday with her actual mother, and I didn't want to see that happen again."
"Whatever, so, Maria, you sticking around or what, kid?" Sam added, her bluntness tempered by a grin.
Maria gave an apologetic smile, holding up her PearPhone. "I wish, but I've gotta get this thing to the Pear Store before it gives out completely."
Reina laughed softly. "Well, maybe next time."
"Yeah," Maria agreed, glancing at Carly and Sam. "It's nice to meet you both. And Rainy, I'll see you in the Discord server later?"
"Of course," Reina said with a soft smile, her voice carrying a quiet fondness.
"Reina watched Maria leave, a small smile lingering on her lips. It wasn't just a reconnection; it was a reminder of how far she'd come. Carly caught her gaze and nudged her gently, snapping her out of her thoughts."
Maria stood at the counter, shifting her weight from one foot to the other as Freddie worked on her Pear Phone. The store had a comfortable, low hum—people quietly talking or browsing, the soft chime of the doorbell as customers came and went. The late afternoon light cast warm beams through the large glass windows, adding a mellow glow to the space.
Freddie glanced up at her, a smile forming as he finished adjusting the phone. "All fixed. It was just a minor software glitch," he said, his voice light and reassuring.
Maria's eyes lit up with relief. "Oh, thank you so much! I thought I'd have to get a new one."
Freddie chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "Nah, we don't need to replace a phone just because it's being stubborn. I'm Freddie, by the way," he said, pointing to the name tag on his shirt.
Maria's eyes flitted to the name tag before meeting his gaze. "Freddie. Got it. I'm Maria, Maria Porter." She smiled, the tension in her shoulders starting to melt.
Freddie's smile grew wider, and a touch of curiosity entered his eyes. "Maria, huh? I don't think I've seen you around here before. Are you new to Ridgeway?"
"Not really, I just started attending the Rainbow Alliance meetings, but before that I was kind of a wallflower," Maria admitted, her voice soft but confident. "Now I'm trying to make friends and find my place, you know?"
Freddie's expression shifted, and he nodded. "That's great. Carly's mentioned that club a few times. I bet it's a good way to meet people."
"Yeah," Maria said, a touch of excitement creeping into her voice. "It's nice to feel connected. And I think I'm starting to find where I belong."
Freddie's eyes softened, the friendly glint in them growing warmer. "I'm glad you're here. We could all use a little more connection, right?"
Maria's heart skipped a beat at his kind words. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. "Yeah. Thank you, Freddie."
"No problem," he said, giving a small nod. "Take care of that phone, okay? And if it acts up again, you know where to find me."
Maria laughed, a genuine, easy sound. "I will. Thanks again."
As she walked away, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Freddie watching her with a thoughtful expression. It was the start of something unexpected, and Maria felt a flutter of hope.
"Maria, wait." Freddie called out.
"Hm?" Maria responded softly but curiously.
"I added a little something extra to your phone. Check your contacts. You don't have to use it, but it's there if you want it," Freddie explained.
Maria did just that, scrolling until she saw something that wasn't there before—wow, he gave me his number!