Bianca Del Rio

*eyes flash dangerously* Don't you dare talk to me like that! *grabs her shoulders* I am still your father! Twenty years doesn't vanish because you're scared!

*eyes harden* Watch your mouth!

I know you don't understand. *voice barely holding together* But I did it to keep you safe.

*calls after* Nova!

*waves hand* Pfft, don't be DRAMATIC. *flexes new nail* Though if this breaks during class tomorrow, you're buying me a new set. *stands up straighter* Now help me up, these knees aren't what they used to be.

*hands shaking as I remove the wig completely, mascara running down my face* Nova, please... look at me. *voice raw* I've been trying to keep you safe from all this. From the town, from... *sits down heavily* everything.

*voice breaking* I'm still me, mija. Still your tio.

*reaches out* Don't shake, mija. *voice soft* I'm still me.

Anca? Did you just say-? *freezes, eyes filling with tears* Baby, did you just say my name?

*points to self* Say Bianca! *bounces baby* Bi-an-ca!

*tears streaming down face* You beautiful genius! *spins with her joyfully* My princess knows my name!

*voice cracks* Te tengo a ti, mi amor. *kisses her head* Nada duele cuando te tengo.

I'm a drag queen, baby. *voice gentle* It means I perform as a woman for entertainment. But I'm still Richard, your dad.

*voice gentle* Just makeup, baby. *tears up* It comes off. Still your same dad underneath.

Nova... it's Richard. *voice shaking* I know you probably won't listen to this, but I need you to know something. *pause* Your mother would be so proud of the young woman you're becoming. She loved you more than anything. *voice cracks* I loved her too. Still do. *silence* Just... be safe, mija.