My mother approached me during the day, and at night my father spoke to me. It had been a long time since I felt this protected and loved by my family. Being the centre of attention at dinner was embarrassing, but necessary.

I told my parents and siblings about my relationship with Michelle. I also shared what had happened at the beginning of the month. Gabriel's help was valuable during this conversation.

I compared the current situation with the past. I realized I wasn't the modest princess any more. All this time, I needed some help as a family member.

We had a plan. Caleb and dad made calls to contacts. Joseph got advice in his room. Mom wrote an email to the director. Gabriel accompanied me to my room, he was still the one I trusted the most.

—How do you feel?— Gabriel asked, letting me lean against him on the bed. —Nervous… nervous…

I hug him in his arms like I used to do when we were young.

—Your humour isn't just for Michelle, right?

I stayed quiet. The question kept repeating in my mind. “If you can't save yourself, how will you save me?” she asked.

Gabriel stroked my hair, making sleep begin to take over.

—It is not necessary that you already know who you are, it is a journey that takes all of us a lifetime to discover. Do not give up something that is part of you because you do not let your entire being shine as it deserves.

…

The day of the gala arrived sooner than I thought.

Both the director and the ballet teacher began their roles. The boys were already arranged in the auditorium. The rest of the school also took their places.

Waiting at the entrance door, I saw Michelle and her family arrive. The director and prefect approached the gentlemen upon entering the school.

Being accused of mistreatment was not something they liked. To avoid a scandal, they agreed to follow management. Michelle was alone in the yard. I took her hand and led her to the auditorium.

—I'll leave it in your hands, girls— I mentioned to my colleagues, who took Michelle behind the curtain. The teacher was watching everything.

—Will you be okay with this one?— Curious, she asked, offering me the box with the outfit I would wear. I nodded.

—Did you finally decide on one?

—I'm a girl, but I'm also a boy. Both coexist within me.

The teacher smiled at me and left, ready to welcome the gala.

I went to the nearest bathroom to change. When I returned, the girls smiled at me. They indicated that she was waiting for me.

The gala began, I had as long as the numbers lasted to talk to Michelle.

Her friends performed incredible feats. They transformed her into the most stunning being on earth. If her parents failed to recognize this, they were losing out.

—You look good— she said with a blush.

— You're beautiful.

She allowed me to hug her, I told her everything that was happening outside the auditorium at that moment. Yet, fear lingered in her eyes, surprising her.

—I will not leave you alone, whatever you decide, I will be by your side.

—What happens… if, when I see them, I regret it?

—We get off the stage.

One of the girls noticed that only one number was missing.

She was nervous, if she did it, her whole life was about to change.

—Let's go— she exclaimed, taking my hand.

Applause accompanied us when we went on stage, my family was sitting in the fifth row. The director entered with Michelle's parents. The man looked upset when he saw her. However, he still took his seat.

—Just look at me— I repeated the phrase she had told me weeks ago.

The music began, although nervous, we both danced the piece that we knew so well. I still hated ballet, but if practising it allowed me to observe her up close, it was a price I couldn't afford to pay.

In the auditorium, it was she and me. The past, prejudice, and hatred disappeared when she danced freely.

Applause greeted us as we returned to the present, holding hands, we bowed to the audience. Seeing my parents cry, although embarrassing, was not a surprise.

It was not like seeing the same action in Michelle's parents.